2016 April Oak Cliff

Home decor by Global Views Dallas. (Photo by Danny Fulgencio)

Only in Oak Cliff

The weird murder and real estate fraud at 725 N. Winnetka gripped our neighborhood starting with an Oak Cliff Advocate story in October. The Dallas Police Department now says the man accused of fraudulently selling the home, which belonged to Ron Shumway, has admitted to killing Shumway and burying his body under cement in his own backyard. Christopher Brian Colbert is accused of posing as Shumway to sell the dead man’s house and then stealing $109,000 from his bank account using the dead man’s debit card. Police found evidence that Colbert had purchased bags of cement at Home Depot on Fort Worth Avenue. He told police he killed Shumway in self-defense. Police say Shumway’s hands and feet had been bound with neckties. U.S. Marshals arrested Colbert in Los Angeles in March, and he is awaiting extradition. (Photo by Danny Fulgencio)

HAPPY 25TH BIRTHDAY TO US

And many more

Most journalists start our careers hoping to “make a difference” in life.

It sounds kind of dopey when it’s written down, but it’s the truth. This is a job that doesn’t pay as much as many, and it’s a job that doesn’t have clear demarcations of success.

We just write stories, take pictures, sell advertising and design things as well as we can, and we hope you read them in print or online. And here in local journalism, since you’re not paying for our publications, we sell advertising to pay for what we do, and we hope all of that talk about “living local” means you’ll spend money with the neighborhood businesses that support our venture.

Without getting too sappy, all of that is what a few of us were thinking 25 years ago when we spent some cold, dark April nights between midnight and 4 a.m. delivering the first Advocates to homes in our first neighborhood.

We delivered them ourselves because we couldn’t afford to hire anyone, and we delivered them after midnight because we had other full-time jobs and because we weren’t sure how you would feel about waking up and finding a new publication lying in your yard.

Fortunately, most of you liked what you saw in that scruffy, 16-page publication, which was filled with local stories and photos we dug up and wrote ourselves.

This month marks our 25th year and 300th monthly issue, and these days, we’re not personally delivering our magazines anymore, although with that early training, we could do it if we had to. We like to

think our publications today look and read a whole lot better than the originals, thanks entirely to a dedicated group of journalists and designers and salespeople who are far better than we ever were at finding stories you want to read and telling those stories in a way that makes neighbors feel like friends.

We had seven advertisers in that first issue, and we took in just enough money to pay our printing bill. Today, we help several hundred local business people bring their message to you each month, and we know you’re patronizing these businesses because they tell us so.

DISTRIBUTION PH/214.560.4203

ADVERTISING PH/214.560.4203

office administrator: JUDY LILES

214.560.4203 / jliles@advocatemag.com

display sales manager: BRIAN BEAVERS

214.560.4201 / bbeavers@advocatemag.com

senior advertising consultant: AMY DURANT

214.560.4205 / adurant@advocatemag.com

senior advertising consultant: KRISTY GACONNIER

214.264.5887 / kgaconnier@advocatemag.com

advertising consultants

SALLY ACKERMAN

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NORA JONES

214.292.0962 / njones@advocatemag.com

FRANK McCLENDON

214.560.4215 / fmcclendon@advocatemag.com

GREG KINNEY

214.292.0485 / gkinney@advocatemag.com

MICHELE PAULDA

214.292.2053 / mpaulda@advocatemag.com

LOUISE GRECO-STEIN

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classified manager: PRIO BERGER

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marketing director: MICHELLE MEALS

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digital + social media director: EMILY WILLIAMS 469.916.7864 / ewilliams@advocatemag.com

EDITORIAL

publisher: CHRISTINA HUGHES BABB

It’s hard to sit here today and point to any one thing we’ve done during the past 25 years that achieves our original goal of “making a difference.” Hopefully, we’ve given you an opportunity to become involved in things that you otherwise wouldn’t have known about, and hopefully, we’ve introduced you to a bunch of neighbors and businesses you would never have otherwise met.

Those are small things, to be sure, but since most of us aren’t going to be elected president or win the Mega Millions lottery, it’s these small things in life that most impact our families and our lives anyway.

When 25 years of hyper-local journalism is boiled down to something so simple, it’s a wonder we’re still in business.

But we are, and unlike so many others in journalism these days, we’re growing.

And if you don’t mind, we’re going to just keep doing what we’ve been doing and worry about the final tally some day if we ever run out of stories to tell about neighbors we admire and local businesses we respect.

214.560.4204 / chughes@advocatemag.com

managing editor: EMILY CHARRIER

214.560.4200 / echarrier@advocatemag.com

editor-at-large: KERI MITCHELL

214.292.0487 / kmitchell@advocatemag.com

editors:

RACHEL STONE

214.292.0490 / rstone@advocatemag.com

BRITTANY NUNN

214.635.2122 / bnunn@advocatemag.com

ELIZABETH BARBEE

817.944.3125 / ebarbee@advocatemag.com

senior art director: JYNNETTE NEAL

214.560.4206 / jneal@advocatemag.com

designer: EMILY WILLIAMS

469.916.7864 / ewilliams@advocatemag.com

art director: CASEY BARKER

214.292.0493 / cbarkerl@advocatemag.com

designers: LARRY OLIVER, KRIS SCOTT

contributing editors: SALLY WAMRE

contributors: SAM GILLESPIE, ANGELA HUNT, LAUREN LAW, GEORGE MASON, KRISTEN MASSAD, BRENT McDOUGAL

photo editor: DANNY FULGENCIO

214.635.2121 / danny@advocatemag.com

contributing photographers: RASY RAN, KATHY TRAN

viewpoint. More than 200,000 people read Advocate publications each month. Advertising rates and guidelines are available upon request. Advocate publications are available free of charge throughout our neighborhoods, one copy per reader. Advocate was founded in 1991 by Jeff Siegel, Tom Zielinski and Rick Wamre.

It’s these small things in life that most impact our families and our lives anyway.

DIGITAL DIGEST

WHAT YOU’RE MISSING

Watch: Rare video of Tejano queen Selena

Body found in back yard belongs to missing homeowner

Is Chalk Hill Road haunted?

New Chalk Hill Trail will showcase hidden beauty of Oak Cliff

Want to buy this historic mansion in Oak Cliff?

THE DIALOGUE

Body found in back yard belongs to missing homeowner

“How does this affect the ownership of the house? Since the original sale was fraudulent are all the other transactions null and void? Is the escrow officer in any kind of trouble? What about the Notary Public? Are they the same person?”— Unanimous_User

“So there were four sales total, but only two of the sales transactions were listed in the MLS (I also checked records). What’s very odd and a bit suspicious is that the two sales transactions that weren’t listed in the MLS (and weren’t publicly listed for sale it would seem) were both purchased by professionals (one an agent, the other a broker) who both then instantly turned around and sold it, undoubtedly for a profit. The agent who bought it also represented both sides too when he sold it — that’s a sketchy dual agency relationship that most good, honest agents would avoid like the plague. A lot of this doesn’t quite seem on the up and up.”

—Jancey City Council to consider $11.25 million for Alamo Manhattan

“No [Tax Increment Funding] for these developers! Not fair that some of our smaller businesses are having to foot the bill for projects that will put them out of business or displace them.”

— Sandy Bates Emmons

“Nooo, don’t get rid of Sonic! Now where am I gonna go for my cherry limeade?”—Lakewoodhobo

WE’RE IN OAK CLIFF BECAUSE OAK CLIFF IS IN US.

Discs of glory

The former freestyle Frisbee champion in our midst

Moises Alfaro played baseball, basketball and football growing up in Oak Cliff, and he always had a Frisbee with him to throw around before and after practice.

That was the early ‘70s, the dawn of wild popularity for flying discs. And in 1976, when he was 23, a friend told him about a Frisbee competition in Corpus Christi.

So they took a road trip thinking it would be fun to kick around the beach. Alfaro entered the contest and won, becoming the first Texas state Frisbee champion.

He won because of his ability in an event where athletes throw the disc as far as they can and then sprint to catch it (his winning throw was 82 yards). But he’d never before seen freestyle Frisbee, where athletes perform Harlem Globetrotters-style tricks — behind the back, under the legs, keep the disc spinning while you do a somersault.

After that, he went home and practiced freestyle Frisbee five or six hours a day.

By this time Alfaro already had a wife and children, but Frisbee maker Wham-O paid his way to attend the world Frisbee championship at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., about a year after his win in Corpus.

He placed 19th out of about 100 athletes from around the world. After that, he returned to the world championships four more times, qualifying through points tournaments all over the country on his sponsor’s dime; he became known as “the Texas Lone Star” because he was always the only competitor from our state. He appeared several

times in Frisbee World magazine and in 1979, he organized the first Frisbee tournament in the Dallas area at Lake Ray Hubbard.

That same year, he won the second-annual Waterloo Disc Golf Classic in Austin, which is now in its 39th year. His photo ran on page one of the Austin American-Statesman: no shirt, short shorts, brown skin, straight black hair falling past the shoulders and soccer shoes. That was his pro Frisbee uniform.

Alfaro points to a photo of himself with his body contorted in a trick: “If I did that now, you’d have to call 911.”

Now 63, he’s like a godfather of freestyle Frisbee, which reached its peak in the ’70s and early ’80s but remains popular. In August, he’ll travel to the World Freestyle Championship in New York City, where he gets to be a judge and participate in a showcase of “old-school” freestyle moves.

“We always wanted a Frisbee golf course in Dallas,” he says.

Now there is one in Oak Cliff, the Roger W. Lytle Disc Golf Course at Founders Park, which opened this past winter. Since it opened, Alfaro says, he has played every day.

Alfaro now works part-time at Fed-Ex and his wife, Barbara, recently retired from a 40year career at Kroger. They have five grandchildren and have lived in the same Oak Cliff house for 30 years.

“That little piece of plastic took me all over,” Alfaro says. “It was fun.”

For decades now, Dave PerryMiller Real Estate agents have not only represented buyers and sellers seeking to deepen their family’s Oak Cliff roots, but have put down roots here as well.

If you’d like to leave your own legacy in Oak Cliff, call us today to learn more about our properties of distinction.

—Rachel Stone

A pie plate from Frisbie’s Pies is among the discs in Alfaro’s collection. Yale University students popularized the game of tossing the tins around, inventing a pastime. Pictured Left: Moises Alfaro spins a disc at Founders Park. He was a Frisbee champ in the 1970s and ‘80s. (Photo by Danny Fulgencio)

Out & About

Send events to editor@advocatemag.com

April 2016

April 1

Havana nights

Rosemont Early Childhood PTA (RECPTA) invites you to Cuba — well, sort of. For its annual auction benefitting arts education at local schools, the organization has chosen the theme “El Noche En Havana.” Arrive at 7:30 p.m. ready to sip cocktails, play dominoes and dance the night away. The Empire Room, 1225 N. Riverfront, recpta.org, $50 in advance or $60 at the door

THROUGH APRIL 15

Tax assistance

Taxes are due April 15. Need help? AARP Tax-Aide and the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program will be at North Oak Cliff Library on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Don’t forget to bring your W-2, a photo I.D., last year’s tax return and Social Security cards for all dependents.

North Oak Cliff Library, 302 W. Tenth, 214.670.7555, dallaslibrary. org, free

APRIL 2

Endangered Dallas

A few Oak Cliff landmarks, including the motor court motels on Fort Worth Avenue, are in danger of being torn down, according to Preservation Dallas. See other threatened buildings during this guided tour led by David Preziosi. Dallas Historical Society, 3939 Grand, 214.421.4500, dallashistory. org, $30-$40

APRIL 10

Earth Day

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of our neighborhood’s annual Earth Day celebration in the Demonstration Rose Garden at Lake Cliff Park. There’ll be a petting zoo, two stages worth of live entertainment, plenty of food and tons of plants. You can even adopt a pet, if you feel so inclined. The event begins at noon and ends at 5 p.m.

Lake Cliff Park, Colorado and Zang, oakcliffearthday.com, free

APRIL 10

Drum circle

Labyrinth Walk Coffee House, inside Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff, hosts its monthly jazz jam and drum circle at 5 p.m. Bring your own instruments and beer.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff, 3839 W. Kiest, 214.337.2429, labyrinthwalkcoffeehouse.com, free

APRIL 14

Sarah Jarosz

Perhaps you know her from “A Prairie Home Companion,” or maybe you’ve heard this multi-instrumentalist’s distinctive voice and songwriting on “Austin City Limits,” “Conan,” or “The Late Show with Craig Ferguson.” Wimberly native Sarah Jarosz brings her contemporary folk/Americana sound to the Kessler.

The Kessler Theater, 1230 W. Davis, thekessler.org, 214-272-8346, $22$24

APRIL 30

Kessler Krawl

Meet your neighbors during this cocktail party, inspired by a progressive dinner. Guests will travel between participating homes and sample drinks and appetizers from local restaurants. The fun begins at 7 p.m. 1005 N. Montclair, kesslerpark. org, $40-$50

April 9

Kessler Derby

Since its inception 11 years ago, the Kessler Derby has raised more than $430,000 for The Kessler School. This year, the races start at 6 p.m. Wear your cowboy cocktail attire.

Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, 1000 Lone Star Parkway, 214.942.2220, kesslerderby.com, tickets start at $115

Jean-Michel

Sakouhi worked at the Mansion on Turtle Creek from 1987-94, the heyday of that restaurant. Dean Fearing was chef and every celebrity and VIP who came to Dallas ate there. He served Queen Elizabeth when she visited in 1991.

After that, he ventured into restaurant ownership and has had a string of them including Le Paris Bistrot in Uptown and Tramontana in Preston Center. In Fort Worth, he had the Vault and a restaurant called Cowboy Burger.

“Can you imagine, a Frenchman owning a cowboy restaurant?” he says.

Now Sakouhi is in Oak Cliff with a wine bar and as French a menu as possible.

He hired chef Victor Garcia, who also helmed the kitchen at Le Paris Bistrot. Garcia is stellar with French cuisine, Sakouhi says. Menu favorites include the rack of lamb, scallops, mussels and the cheese and charcuterie boards. Garcia also makes the desserts, including a crème brulee adapted from

Sakouhi’s grandmother’s recipe, a flourless chocolate cake and an apple tart.

The restaurant, on West Davis at Edgefield, is possibly the oldest retail building in Oak Cliff west of Zang. It was built in 1912 and is enjoying a renaissance under new owner Kacy Jones. Sakouhi is from the French city of Dijon, which has buildings dating to the 12th century. “I loved Oak Cliff on first viewing,” he says. “I really like the old architecture. It reminds me of home.”

He recently poured a small patio in front of the restaurant. That took away three parking spaces, but two parallel spaces were added. They’re planning to add a valet stand and are working on a contract to park cars at the church on Edgefield at Seventh. Bouchon, which serves beer and has a wine list of 200-plus labels, also is getting a liquor license as soon as this month, and a cocktail menu is in the works. Once that happens, they likely will extend the hours to midnight on weekdays and 1 a.m. on Saturdays.

—Rachel Stone

BOUCHON 1314

1314 W. Davis

214.941.3000 bouchon1314.com

AMBIANCE: BISTRO

PRICE RANGE: $15-$35

HOURS: 5 P.M.-10 P.M. TUESDAY-SATURDAY, 5 P.M.-9 P.M. SUNDAY, CLOSED MONDAY

Beet salad with arugula, manchego and lemon-lime vinaigrete. (Photo by Kathy Tran)

| THREE MORE WINECENTRIC WATERING HOLES |

1 Wine Poste & Bar Anatomie

This wine shop and bar in the Bishop Arts District offers a wide selection of labels, plus events such as Wednesday pizza and wine night with discounted pizza from Bocce. Every Sunday, they offer sparkling wine tastings from noon-3 p.m.

246 W. Davis

214.272.3221

wineposte.com

2 Cibo Divino

At this Sylvan Thirty market and café, you can order a Neapolitan-style pizza or pasta dish, buy a bottle of wine at retail price and drink it there. That saves you the 50 percent markup of a typical restaurant. Cibo also now sells Paciugo gelato.

1868 Sylvan

214.653.2426

cibodivinomkt.com

3 Bishop Arts Winery

This tiny bar and restaurant on the corner of Tyler and Davis specializes in Texas wines and now offers a full menu of Italian food.

838 W. Davis

214.941.9463

Offering

FOOD · SERVICES

VOTE FOR THE BEST IN LOCAL CULTURE · EVENTS

BEST OF COMING SOON MAY 2016

TASTE OF SPRING: LEMON-LIME GRANITA

2016

Nothing is more refreshing on a warm April day than a frozen treat. Citrus granita is a semi frozen dessert made with water, sugar and the citrus juice of your choice to create a shaved ice that will cool you off throughout the warm months.

Lemon-lime granita

Serves 6

GROCERY LIST

3 cups water

1 cup sugar

6 mint leaves

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/4 cup lime juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon lime zest

1. In a small saucepan combine water, sugar and mint leaves.

2. Cook the simple syrup until sugar is dissolved and comes to a slight boil.

3. Turn the heat off and allow the simple

syrup to cool, then cover and refrigerate until chilled.

4. Once the simple syrup is chilled, remove mint leaves and stir in lemon juice, lime juice and zest, and pour into a 9-by-13 baking dish.

5. Place in the freezer for an hour and using a fork, stir up the mixture to create shaved ice.

6. Continue to freeze mixture and shave the ice every 30 minutes until fully frozen.

7. Once you are ready to serve, shave the ice with a fork into the bowl of your choice and garnish with fresh mint.

8. Enjoy!

Kristen Massad writes a monthly column about sweets and baked goods. The professional pastry chef graduated from the French Culinary Institute in New York City and owned Tart Bakery on Lovers Lane for eight years. She blogs about food and lifestyles at inkfoods.com.

BENEFITING BLUE RIBBON HEXTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

MID-CENTURY MODERN AND NEW MODERN HOMES

CIRCA1961

This Atomic-age Kiestwood home is a party planner’s dream house

STORY Rachel Stone • PHOTOGRAPHY Jeanine Michna-Bales

When Bill Robertson bought his mid-century modern house in Kiestwood 15 years ago, there were vines growing in the walls and raccoons in the attic.

“But the great thing about it was that it was untouched,” he says of the home’s architecture.

Robertson, who bought the home with his late partner, Dr. Brent Whitworth, is the second owner of the house, which was built in 1961. Renovations have been loyal to the original architecture. He kept and refinished the kitchen cabinets, and the atomic-age linoleum floors still stretch throughout the house, along with slate-tile flooring in the entryway.

Opposite page, top: Homeowner Bill Robertson removed a fountain in the home’s entryway and replaced it with sculptural glass that conveys the idea of water. Below: An addition, built by the original homeowner, offers a sunlit place for lounging. Robertson’s office, not pictured, also takes up one corner of this room.

h The o i ri i gi g nal f foottp p i ri t nt of t thhe h house h has ’ n t c chhang g d ed Plentty y ellse h has chhang g d ed, h however.

A fountain in the entryway had caused d mildew so it was re

A fountain in the entryway had caused mildew, so it was removed and replaced with glass art that flows like water.

Glass is a major theme of the house. Vetro Glass artist David Gappa designed the dining room table, which features Chihulyesque pieces inside a steel box, lighted from beneath, with a glass top. There is also glass artwork from Greg Hooper.

Glass doors run from corner to corner at the back of the house.

And then there is the showstopper.

Robertson’s house sits on 2.1 acres. When he bought the house, the backyard was so overgrown that it took seven years to clear.

Step outside the glass doors, and there is a huge stone patio and vast landscaped yard shaded by old trees. But there is so much more.

Robertson built a stone staircase that curves down the steep hill toward Five Mile Creek. There are tiered gardens that he and a team of landscapers created on the hill. It took almost 50 tons of stone to build it all.

Robertson is an event planner with his own business, Events By Bill, which produces high-end weddings and corporate events.

Opposite page: Black paint makes the artwork pop in a sunroom addition that also serves as the Robertson’s office. Above: A stone staircase, designed and laid mostly by Robertson himself, leads to a glamorous outdoor lounge area and makes for a

Oppo pp site pag pge: Bla Black pai p nt mak makes the art artwork pop in a a sun sunroom add addition tha that alslso serves as h the Rb Roberts ’ on’s ons ffi offi officece. Ab Abo Above: A sto stone sta d des d and li laid mos y y Robertson him f self, leads to a gla g morous outdoor g area and makes f for a backyard that’s like his own personal arboretum.

CIRCA1961

Op of ge is hi ca w th de w “I gl Gl

Opposite page, top: The lounge area at the end of the steps is the site of many neighborhood get-togethers and dinner parties. Robertson, who is a party planner, designed the patio and gazebo himself. Below: The house has its original kitchen cabinets, which have been refinished and topped with black granite countertops. The linoleum floors throughout the house also are original. Robertson designed the dining room table, which is lit from within, for a wedding at the Dallas Museum of Art. “I thought it would look great with all the Chihuly glass there,” he says. The bride decided against it, but Robertson had artist David Grappa at Vetro Glass make it for him.

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CIRCA1961

He’s not one to leave his work at the office; entertaining comes naturally to him.

At the bottom of the steps is another stone patio with a dramatic cedar gazebo overlooking a still-wild portion of the yard. Robertson hosts dinner parties and neighborhood gettogethers any time the weather is agreeable.

It’s like having a private arboretum.

Robertson’s house has been featured on the Old Oak Cliff Conservation League’s annual home tour. While it’s the envy of friends and neighbors, he keeps thinking about what’s next.

He’ll be adding more tiered gardens this spring. And he’s always mulling whether to put in a pond in the lowest part of the yard. The upper portion is plenty big enough to add a pool with a bathhouse, but it would be pricey, Robertson says.

“I have to consider whether I want to go without vacations for the next 10 years or so,” he says.

Robertson mixes comfortable and practical contemporary furniture with the mid-century modern pieces he’s collected over the years.

ON JEFFERSON BLVD.

Beauty school come-up

90-year-old cosmetology school educated thousands of Dallas hairstylists

Yolanda Mendez worked in food service at Presbyterian Hospital for years before learning to cut hair.

Her son, Alex, has autism and he hated haircuts. The experience overwhelmed him, and he would cry and

Story by Rachel Stone | Photos by Danny Fulgencio

Two hairdryers and a desk at Nielson’s Beauty School, where students can obtain a cosmetology license in 18 months.

ON JEFFERSON BLVD.

throw terrible tantrums. She had trouble finding any hair stylist willing to work with him.

So, like many thousands of Dallas women and men before her, she enrolled in cosmetology school at Neilson’s Beauty College at 416 W. Jefferson in 1995, figuring she would learn to cut her son’s hair and embark on a career as a hairstylist. But Mendez never left Nielson’s. Once she was licensed, she became an instructor there, and in 2002, she bought the place from its third owners, Betty Sue and Bob Birdwell.

Neilson’s originally opened in 1926 or 1929, sources vary on its exact origin story.

But for sure by 1938, its original owners, Lester and Lillian Neilson had renovated a space at 412 W. Jefferson, next door to the school’s current location. It had new equipment, space for 250 students and, notably, air conditioning.

The Neilsons were active in Oak Cliff society, members of the Oak Cliff Lion’s Club and the chamber of commerce. Lester Neil-

son was president of the Texas Association of Schools of Beauty Culture.

In 1951, they became real estate developers, constructing a $75,000 two-story building at 410-412 W. Jefferson. They signed a long-term lease to Babcock Bros. Auto Store,

traveled to national conferences every year and would bring to Dallas all the trending hairstyles. He often was described as “nationally known” in newspaper stories of the time.

In 1964, the Neilsons sold their school to two former Neiman Marcus hairdressers, E.C. Gunn and Marland Bobbitt.

They then sold it to the Birdwells in 1972. Neilson’s moved next door, to a former Goodyear tire shop, and Mendez now owns the school as well as the building.

Neilson’s is not just a school, it’s a working hair salon, where haircuts cost $5-$6 and a dye job is around $15.

which took the ground floor. Neilson’s occupied the second floor. That building, between El Padrino Café and the new Neilson’s, now houses BBVA Compass bank.

In the 1960s, the school’s vice president and style director was E. Henri, owner of Hollywood Beauty Salon at 1613 Elm. Henri

Consuelo Salinas of La Bajada has been coming to Neilson’s for about 35 years. When owner Yolanda Mendez was still a student at Neilson’s, she formulated the hair color that Salinas still uses.

In more than three decades of cut and color, Salinas says, she’s never had a complaint.

“The service is the same [as a salon], and

A Nielson’s Beauty School student washes the hair of a practice dummy. The school has been operating continually since the 1920s.

The service is the same as a salon, and sometimes it’s better because ... they are trying to do the best they can.

sometimes it’s better because they are students, and they’re trying to do the best they can,” she says.

Mendez’s daughter, Catalyna Mendez, manages the school. Neilson’s has provided them a comfortable life, and they get to witness other women pulling themselves up through education and careers.

Alex, now 26, still gets his haircut at Neilson’s, and so do many of the other members of his day habilitation program.

“We teach our students to deal with those clients,” Yolanda Mendez says. “They take longer. You have to be patient.”

Clockwise from top: Student Daisy Hernandez works on a client’s hair. Instructor Clarissa Haywood graduated from Nielson’s, and so did her daughter. Catalyna Mendez, left, manages the school, and her mother, owner Yolanda Mendez, is an instructor.

BUSINESS BUZZ

The lowdown on what’s up with neighborhood businesses

Carwash closes

Gator Wash carwash closed last month after its owners received a notice from Cienda Partners saying the lease would not be renewed. The closure was officially announced in a newsletter from City Councilman Scott Griggs who says some Oak Cliff residents “considered [Gator Wash] a neighborhood eyesore.” Cienda Partners is the same investment group that bought the 18-acre plot of land adjacent to Gator Wash a few years ago. The company also owns and plans to redevelop the site of the former Oak Farms Dairy and Burnett Field near East Jefferson and East Colorado.

Free job training

Airbus Helicopters, Inc will provide job training to 308 people thanks to a recent partnership with Mountain View College. Instruction will be focused on “business and warehouse logistics management, FAA regulations for avionics, hazardous material transportation and forklift operations,” says the statement. A $498,540 Skills Development Fund Grant from the Texas Workforce Commission facilitated the program.

Norma’s Café gives back

Norma’s Café, which opened its original location in Oak Cliff nearly 60 years ago, just announced its first Community Partner Award recipient, Wayne Walker. Walker is the executive director of the nonprofit OurCalling Inc., which “exists to glorify God by

leading homeless people to Christ and by making disciples on the streets,” according to the announcement. Norma’s Café granted Walker $1,000 and hopes to make the giving of the Community Partner Award an annual event. Nominations are currently open for 2017. Visit normascafe.com for details.

Comings and goings

Four Corners Brewery will soon move out of Trinity Groves and into a space on 1311 S. Ervay. Co-owners Greg Leftwich and George Esquivel told The Dallas Morning News they hope “to begin construction in May and move by year’s end, with production scheduled to begin at that location in early 2017. Until then they will continue to produce out of the West Dallas location.” The Zoomoz pop-up shop on Madison at Seventh closed in recently and a frozen yogurt shop is expected to move in. No word yet on the name of the business or the opening date, but we’ll keep you posted at oakcliff.advocatemag.com.

Norma’s Café

Four Corners Brewery

BAPTIST

CLIFF TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH / 125 Sunset Ave. / 214.942.8601

Serving Oak Cliff since 1899 / CliffTemple.org / English and Spanish

9:30 am Sunday School / 10:45 am & 5:00 pm Sunday Worship

GRACE TEMPLE BAPTIST MULTI-CULTURAL CHURCH

Sunday Worship: English Service 9:30 am / Spanish Service 11:00 am

831 W. Tenth St. / 214.948.7587 / gracetempledallas.org

CATHOLIC

UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS MINISTRY CONFERENCE / udallas.edu/udmc

Sept. 29 - Oct. 1, 2016 / Sponsored by Catholic Diocese of Dallas

Sessions on Faith, Scripture, & Ministry / Exhibitors / Music / Mass

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST

EAST DALLAS CHRISTIAN CHURCH / 629 N. Peak Street / 214.824.8185

Sunday School 9:30 am / Worship 8:30 am - Chapel

10:50 am - Sanctuary / Rev. Deborah Morgan-Stokes / edcc.org

OAK CLIFF CHRISTIAN CHURCH / Celebrating 125 Years

Fellowship 9:30 am / Sunday School 9:45 am / Worship 11:00 am

660 S. Zang / occch.org / 214.376.4375

METHODIST

GRACE UMC / Diverse, Inclusive, Missional

Sunday School for all ages, 9:30 am / Worship, 10:50 am

4105 Junius St. / 214.824.2533 / graceumcdallas.org

TYLER STREET CHURCH / Traditional Worship - 9:30 am / tsumc.org

Tyler Street En Vivo - 9:30 am / tylerstreetenvivo.org / 214.946.8106

Tyler Street Live - 11:30 am / tylerstreetlive.org / 927 W. 10th Street

DIFFERENT PATHS, SAME DESTINATION

I recently noticed a woman’s tattoo decorating all of her forearm, a colorful array of plants, birds and symbols. I asked her what it meant to her. She said that she didn’t know, just that it was a way of expressing what she believed. She said it represents her spiritual side. I commented on how beautiful it appeared. It obviously spoke to an important part of her identity. In other conversations, she’s told me that she’s not particularly religious. But clearly, there is a vital, deep spiritual side to her life.

Almost every week I meet people who describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious.”

By this, they mean that they believe in something beyond themselves. They acknowledge mystery and wonder. They often pray, but without understanding (or wanting to understand) what happens when they do. They value community. They think about the meaning of life. They connect with nature. The vast majority believe in a universal being or Spirit. They often recognize the importance of religious communities and the help given to the needy. But what about organized religion? Not interested.

While it’s troubling to many religious people that so many spiritual people don’t want a thing to do with church, I want to advocate a different position. We should celebrate when people are “spiritual but not religious.”

We should celebrate because we have much to learn from those who have marched out of the church into the fresh air of the world. It’s not always a choice for comfort, entertainment and wild living. Many reject wealth and the worship of gadgets to feed the hungry and teach in the inner city. They’re not rejecting God necessarily, just the easy answers that don’t sat-

religious’

isfy their soul search.

We should celebrate because the spiritual but not religious can remind us of what truly matters. They serve as a corrective to a church that has in many ways forgotten itself, choosing judgment, control, lack of creativity, and restriction rather than beauty, life, joy, and freedom.

Those who are spiritual but not religious relish the journey. Many religious people have their sights on the destination such that they don’t enjoy the ride.

Finally, we should celebrate because the spiritual but not religious are on a quest. While many people are truly lost, many others are searching in science, in art, in dialogue, in education. They’re decorating their bodies to give expression to what’s in their hearts. They’re setting up altars in the world. All great quests have strange turns, pitfalls and stunning vistas. Those who are spiritual but not religious relish the journey. Many religious people have their sights on the destination such that they don’t enjoy the ride.

Jesus rejected the easy answers, choosing to spend the majority of his time not in a house of worship, but out in the fields, by the lake, and engaging in conversation. He called people together who would worship Him “in Spirit and in truth.” He was attracted to those who felt rejected by the organized religion, and people flocked to his brand of holiness. He walked in such a way that being spiritual and being religious were one and the same.

We can learn from the ‘spiritual, but not

Brent McDougal is pastor of Cliff Temple Baptist Church. The Worship section is a regular feature underwritten by Advocate Publishing and by the neighborhood business people and churches listed on these pages. For information about helping support the Worship section, call 214.560.4202.

Education

Perri Carr, a science teacher at Bishop Dunne Catholic School, is one of 18 national finalists for the Shell Science Lab Challenge. As such, she won a $3,000 prize package for the school, which includes $2,000 in lab equipment, a $300 gift certificate to the National Science Teachers Association online store and two entry tickets to a national teaching conference. The Shell Science Lab Challenge recognizes teachers who find creative ways to deliver quality lab experiences with limited resources. Five grand prize winners will be chosen and each will win an educational package valued at $20,000.

People

Our neighbor David Marquis is known for many things — his stage presence, artistic pursuits, activism, the list goes on. After moving to Oak Cliff in 1993, he founded the Oak Cliff Nature Preserve, which is thought to be the first use of a conservation easement in Dallas zoning history. It’s more than just the 8-mile hike-and-bike trail. His development plans also included affordable senior housing, a library and an elementary school. Recently, Marquis celebrated his 65th birthday with an inspirational show at the Kessler Theater, featuring music by Denise Lee and Neeki Bey among others. “If you want to live in a better place you can do it,” he says. “It won’t be easy, but it can be done.”

Reggie Dupard, the college career coordinator at Texas Can Academy, was just inducted into the 2016 SMU Athletics Hall of Fame. According to the announcement, he “is known as one of the greats in SMU Football history. As a running back from 1982-85, Dupard helped the Mustangs clinch both an SWC Championship and a National Championship in 1982.” Upon graduation he spent five years playing professionally for the New England Patriots and Washington Redskins. In addition to working at Texas Can, Dupard volunteers with Fit and Faithful Living and The Boys & Girls Club.

Nonprofits

Oak Cliff Coalition for the Arts announced the directors of its 2016 Dallas Cinco de Mayo fest, to be held on Jefferson. Lourdes Manzo was named parade director; Sergio de Alva was appointed festival director; Christina Garcia Rodriguez will serve as marketing director; and JR Huerta will direct logistics and staging. Coalition founder Sylvana Alonzo will oversee their efforts.

HAVE AN ITEM TO BE FEATURED?

Please submit news items and/or photos concerning neighborhood residents, activities, honors and volunteer opportunities to editor@advocatemag.com. Our deadline is the first of the month prior to the month of publication.

Pre-K3 through Grade 8 4019 S. Hampton Rd. Dallas, TX 75224 214.331.5139 • www.saintspride.com

Lakehill Summer Camps

BISHOP DUNNE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Contact: Charleen Doan at 214.339.6561 ext. 4020 or admission@bdcs.org

A co-educational, college preparatory school serving students in grades 6-12. We provide a strong faith and valuebased education with high academic standards, encouraging all students to achieve their full potential. Our curriculum emphasizes individualized attention, and is constantly at the forefront of technology integration through the use of laptops, ebooks, and our Online Education Program. Additionally, we provide a full range of extracurricular activities ranging from athletics, to the arts, to clubs and service organizations.

LAKEHILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Leading to Success. 2720 Hillside Dr., Dallas 75214 / 214.826.2931 / lakehillprep.org Kindergarten through Grade 12 - Lakehill Preparatory School takes the word preparatory in its name very seriously. Throughout a student’s academic career, Lakehill builds an educational program that achieves its goal of enabling graduates to attend the finest, most rigorous universities of choice. Lakehill combines a robust, college-preparatory curriculum with opportunities for personal growth, individual enrichment, and community involvement. From kindergarten through high school, every Lakehill student is encouraged to strive, challenged to succeed, and inspired to excel.

ST. ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL

4019 S. Hampton Rd. Dallas 75224/ 214.331.5139 / www.saintspride.com

At St. Elizabeth of Hungary, our fundamental task is the education of the whole child -- combining learning with faith, Catholic doctrines and moral teachings. We introduce all PK3-8th Grade students to the integrated ways of STEM. This approach to education is designed to revolutionize the teaching of subject areas such as mathematics and science by incorporating technology and engineering into regular curriculum. Over the past 10 years, 95% of St. Elizabeth 8th graders were accepted to their first choice high school. Join us for an informational school tour and see for yourself how easy it is to become a Saint! Call 214.331.5139 for information.

to advertise call 214.560.4203

Academic excellence & Catholic spirit since 1958 Our mission at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic School is to serve God through our ministry of educational excellence and to develop the spiritual lives of our youth within the framework of the Gospel and the tradition of the Catholic Church.

Recognizing the real estate professionals who promote our neighborhood with the Advocate’s second annual Top 25 Realtors in Oak Cliff.

Real estate is typically a family’s most valuable asset, and it shapes the face of the entire neighborhood. That’s why we honor the Top 25, along with all Realtors working in Oak Cliff, with this special section, determined by the 2015 North Texas Real Estate Information System (NTREIS) reported volume for residential sales in Area 14 as of Jan. 14, 2016. Find out more about the list at Oakcliff.advocatemag.com/Top25Realtors.

BRIAN BLEEKER

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate Hewitt Habgood Group

JUANITA COUCH

Couch Realty

BRIAN DAVIS

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

GED DIPPREY

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

BILL FARRELL

Allie Beth Allman & Associates Mathews Nichols Group

CRYSTAL GONZALEZ

David Griffin & Company Realtors

GLORIA GONZALEZ

Value Properties Realty

DAVID GRIFFIN

David Griffin & Company Realtors

STEVE HABGOOD

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate Hewitt Habgood Group

KATHY HEWITT

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate Hewitt Habgood Group

CHRIS HICKMAN

Ebby’s Little White House HickmanWeber Group

TOMMY HILL

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

PAUL KIRKPATRICK

David Griffin & Company Realtors

ROBERT KIRKPATRICK

City Life Real Estate, LLC

ROBERT KUCHARSKI

David Griffin & Company Realtors

ROGER LOPEZ

Value Properties Realty

SUSAN MELNICK

Virginia Cook Realtors

MELISSA O’BRIEN

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate Hewitt Habgood Group

MELISSA OATES

Allie Beth Allman & Associates

DIANE SHERMAN

David Griffin & Company Realtors

AJA SHROLL

United Real Estate

RANDALL SIMPSON

Randall Simpson Real Estate

JENNI STOLARSKI

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

CLAYTON TOMPKINS

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

DORI WARNER

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

Senior Vice President, David Griffin & Company Realtors

Preservation Dallas Advanced Historic House Specialist

S. Winnetka Ave. $595,000

S. Rosemont Ave. $305,000

Finally, Bishop Arts' Own residential Real Estate Brokerage!

Joe Atkins Realty is here to serve the community!

Pop-up gallery

Exxir Group’s $42 million Bishop Arts development will feature a public art garden. Farrokh Nazerian, the owner of Exxir Group, hired Oak Cliff metal artist Manuel Sarmiento to design sculptures as well as unique metalwork signs, benches, trash cans, light fixtures and bike racks for the development. Nazerian opened a temporary art gallery in a warehouse on Zang at Seventh. Several local artists, including Carlyn Ray, Christopher Bingham, Meagan Cope, Ryan Rankin and Travis Haas are exhibiting their work in the space.

CLASSES/TUTORING/ LESSONS

CREATIVE ARTS CENTER More than 500 adult art classes/ workshops from metal to mosaic! www.creativeartscenter.org

MATH Shouldn’t Get In The Way Of Anyone’s Dreams. I Tutor Algebra To Calculus. Test Anxiety & ADHD Are My Specialties. Jonathan. 626-643-6700 holisiticmathtutoring.com

EMPLOYMENT

AVIATION GRADS Work with JetBlue, Boeing, Delta and Others. Start Here With Hands On Training For FAA Certification. Financial Aid If Qualified. Aviation Institute Of Maintenance. 866-453-6204

SERVICES FOR YOU

GLORIA’S FLOWERS The Finest Flowers for Any Occasion 214-339-9273 gloriasflowersdallas.com 3101 Davis St.

LEGAL SERVICES

A FREE CONSULTATION Wills/Probate/Guardianships. MaryGlennAttorney.com 214-802-6768

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

JAMES H. DOLAN, MA, L.P.C. Therapist, Executive Coach 214-629-6315. Individuals, couples & teens. LGBT PROPERTY TAX PROTEST laurenmedel.com. 972-773-9306 Mobile. SEO Friendly. Maintainable.

NEED A NEW WEBSITE? AdvocateWebDesign.com 214.292.2053

MAY DEADLINE APRIL 6

PET SERVICES

GREEN PET DELIVERS FREE TO OAK CLIFF All natural dog/ cat food, treats/supplies. 214-942-6042, greenpetdallas.com

In-Home Professional Care Customized to maintain your pet’s routine In-Home Pet Visits & Daily Walks “Best of Dallas” D Magazine Serving the Dallas area since 1994 Bonded & Insured www.societypetsitter.com 214-821-3900

BUY/SELL/TRADE

SHARE FRONT ROW Texas Rangers, Stars & Mavs seats. Tickets are available in sets of 10 games (sets of 2 or 4 tickets per game available). Participants randomly draw numbers prior to season to determine a draft order fair to everyone. Call 214-560-4212 or rwamre@advocatemag.com

AC & HEAT

Family Owned & Operated

Serving the Dallas area for over 30 years

We raise our kids here, too!

972-274-2157

www.CrestAirAndHeat.com

TACLB29169E

CABINETRY & FURNITURE

JD’S TREE SERVICE Mantels, Headboards, Kitchen Islands, Dining tables. Made from Local Trees. www.jdtreeservice.com 214-946-7138

CLEANING SERVICES

AFFORDABLE, PROFESSIONAL CLEANING

$100 off 1st clean for new weekly/bi-weekly clients. Staff trained by Nationally Certified Cleaning Tech. Chemical-free, Green, or Traditional Cleaning. WindsorMaidServices.com 214-381-MAID (6243)

CINDY’S HOUSE CLEANING 15 yrs exp. Resd/Com. Refs. Dependable. 214-490-0133

TWO SISTERS & A MOP

Move in/Out. Reliable/Dependable 20 Yrs Exp. 214-283-9732

twosistersamopmaidservice.com

WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM

Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

ANNA’S ELECTRIC Your Oak Cliff Electrician Since 1978. tecl25513. 214-943-4890

ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Master Electrician. TECL24948 anthonyselectricofdallas.com

50 Yrs. Electrical Exp. Insd. 214-328-1333

BRIGHT LIGHT ELECTRIC • 214-553-5333 TECL 31347 Lighting and Electrical Services

TH ELECTRIC Reasonable Rates. Licensed & Insured. Ted. E257 214-808-3658

Irrigation tip: Tim Green, LSI Lawn

“The

FLOORING & CARPETING

Willeford

hardwood

214-824-1166

GARAGE SERVICES

UNITED GARAGE DOORS AND GATES Res/Com. Locally Owned.214-826-8096

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Your Home Repair Specialists Drywall

HOME INSPECTION

CONCRETE/ MASONRY/PAVING

BRICK, BLOCK, Stone, Concrete, Stucco. Gonzalez Masonry. 214-395-1319

BRICK, STONEWORK, FLAGSTONE PATIOS Mortar Repair. Straighten Brick Mailboxes & Columns. Call Cirilo 214-298-7174

CONCRETE REPAIRS/REPOURS

Demo existing. Stamping and Staining Driveways/Patio/Walkways

Pattern/Color available Free Estimates 972-672-5359 (36 yrs.)

CONCRETE, Driveway Specialist Repairs, Replacement, Removal, References. Reasonable. Chris 214-770-5001

EXTERIOR CLEANING

G&G DEMOLITION Tear downs, Haul. Interior/Exterior. 214-808-8925

FENCING & DECKS

#1 COWBOY FENCE & IRON CO. Est. ‘91. 214-692-1991 www.cowboyfenceandiron.com

4 QUALITY FENCING Call Mike 214-507-9322 Specializing in Wood, New or Repair. FENCING & WOODWORK oldgatefence.com charliehookerswoodwork.com 214-766-6422

HANNAWOODWORKS.COM

Decks, Pergolas, Patio Covers. 214-435-9574

EST. 1991 #1

COWBOY

FENCE & IRON CO.

214.692.1991

SPECIALIZING IN Wood Fences &Auto Gates

cowboyfenceandiron.com

FLOORING & CARPETING

THE TEXAN FLOORING SERVICES Wood, Laminate. Remodel Showers, Bathrooms. thetexanflooringservices.com 214-680-0901

GLASS, WINDOWS & DOORS

EAST DALLAS WINDOW CLEANING Power Wash. Free Est. Dependable. Derek. 214-360-0120

ROCK GLASS CO Replace, repair: windows, mirrors, showers, screens. 214-837-7829

HANDYMAN SERVICES

A R&G HANDYMAN Electrical, Plumbing, Painting, Fencing, Roofing, Light Hauling. Ron or Gary 214-861-7569, 469-878-8044

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

HANDY DAN The Handyman. ToDo’s Done Right. handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

HANDYMAN SPECIALIST Residential/ Commercial. Large, small jobs, repair list, renovations. Refs. 214-489-0635

HOMETOWN HANDYMAN All phases of construction. No job too small 214-327-4606

HONEST, SKILLED SERVICE With a Smile. General Repairs/ Maintenance. 214-215-2582

HOUSE PAINTING

MANNY’S HOME PAINTING & REMODEL Int./Ext. Sheetrock. Manny 214-334-2160

RAMON’S INT/EXT PAINT Sheetrock, Repairs. 214-679-4513

KITCHEN/BATH/ TILE/GROUT

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS LLC

Complete Kitchen And Bath Remodels. Tile, Granite, Marble, Travertine, Slate. Insured. 214-563-5035 www.blake-construction.com

FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor. dallastileman.com 214-343-4645

STONE AGE COUNTER TOPS Granite, Marble, Tile, Kitchen/Bath Remodels. 972-276-9943.stoneage.dennis@verizon.net

TK REMODELING 972-533-2872

Complete Full Service Repairs, Remodeling, Restoration. Name It — We do it. Tommy. Insured. dallas.tkremodelingcontractors.com

System Repairs

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

A BETTER TREE MAN Trims, Removals, Insd. 12 Yrs Exp. Roberts Tree Service. 214-808-8925

DALLAS GROUNDSKEEPER Comprehensive services designed to meet your needs. 214-504-6788 dallasgroundskeeper.com

HOLMAN IRRIGATION

Sprinkler & Valve Repair/ Rebuild Older Systems. Lic. #1742. 214-398-8061

IRISH RAIN SPRINKLER SYSTEMS TXL#2738 Repair, Stonework & Drains 214-827-7446

LIGHT IT UP DALLAS

Your lighting specialists. 972-591-8383 Parties, Weddings, Patios, Landscape.

LSI LAWN SPRINKLERS “Making Water Work”

Irrigation system Service & Repair. Specializing In Older Copper Systems. LI #13715. 214-283-4673

ORTIZ LAWNCARE Complete Yard Care. Service by Felipe. Free Est. 214-215-3599

U R LAWN CARE Maintenance. Landscaping. Oak Cliff resident for over 15 years. uwereisch@yahoo.com 214-886-9202

YOUR TREES could look like a WORK OF ART, I Guarantee It.

APRIL SPECIAL

$200 OFF 4 man crew/4 hours

Call Mark Wittlich 214-332-3444

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

JD’s Tree Service

RESPONSIBLE TREE CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Firewood/Cooking Wood

Locally harvested wood!

Full service trimming & planting of native trees. 214.946.7138

MOVING

AM MOVING COMPANY Specialty Moving & Delivery.469-278-2304 ammovingcompany.com

PEST CONTROL

A BETTER EARTH PEST CONTROL

Keeping the environment, kids, pets in mind. Organic products avail. 972-564-2495

MCDANIEL PEST CONTROL

Prices Start at $85 + Tax For General Treatment.

Average Home-Interior/Exterior & Attached Garage. Quotes For Other Services. 214-328-2847. Lakewood Resident

PLUMBING

AC PLUMBING Repairs, Fixtures, Senior Discounts. Gary Campbell. 214-321-5943

ANDREWS PLUMBING • 214-354-8521 # M37740 Insured. Any plumbing issues. plumberiffic69@gmail.com

Sewers • Drains • Bonded 24 Hours/7 Days

*Joe Faz 469-346-1814 - Se Habla Español*

ADVOCATE PUBLISHING does not pre-screen, recommend or investigate the advertisements and/or Advertisers published in our magazines. As a result, Advocate Publishing is not responsible for your dealings with any Advertiser. Please ask each Advertiser that you contact to show you the necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform the work you are requesting. Advocate Publishing takes comments and/or complaints about Advertisers seriously, and we do not publish advertisements that we know are inaccurate, misleading and/or do not live up to the standards set by our publications. If you have a legitimate complaint or positive comment about an Advertiser, please contact us at 214-560-4203. Advocate Publishing recommends that you ask for and check references from each Advertiser that you contact, and we recommend that you obtain a written statement of work to be completed, and the price to be charged, prior to approving any work or providing an Advertiser with any deposit for work to be completed.

PLUMBING

ARRIAGA PLUMBING: General Plumbing Since the 80’s. Insured. Lic# M- 20754 214-321-0589, 214-738-7116, CC’s accepted.

M&S PLUMBING Quality Work & Prompt Service. Jerry. 214-235-2172. lic.#M-11523

NTX PLUMBING SPEC. LLLP 214-226-0913

Lic. M-40581 Res/Com. Repairs & Leak Location

214-328-7371

MetroFlowPlumbing.com

REMODELING

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS, LLC

Complete Remodeling, Kitchens, Baths, Additions. Hardie Siding & Replacement Windows. Build On Your Own Lot. Insured. www.blake-construction.com 214-563-5035

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor. dallastileman.com 214-343-4645

O’BRIEN GROUP INC. Remodeling Dallas For Over 17 Years www.ObrienGroupInc.com 214-341-1448

RENOVATE DALLAS renovatedallas.com 214-403-7247

REMODELING

Bob McDonald Company, Inc. BUILDERS/REMODELERS

30+ Yrs. in Business • Major Additions Complete Renovations • Kitchens/Baths

214-341-1155 bobmcdonaldco.net

ROOFING

2700

SKYLIGHTS

1 of the men is detained by police. The other runs but is found hiding in a nearby backyard.

Christian

CIRCUS QUEEN

Mary Alice Ward was a world-famous circus fat lady

COMMENT. Visit oakcliff.advocatemag.com/backstory to tell us what you think.

“Alice from Dallas” was a beauty pageant in the 1950s. It was a song by Moon Mullican in 1958. It was the name of a B-17 bomber during World War II and it’s also a children’s book that was published a couple of years ago.

But before that, and for decades, there was only one famous Alice from Dallas, and she was a big, big star. By some accounts, 650 pounds large.

Mary Alice Ward was born in 1893 in Wylie and moved to Dallas when she was about 15.

She was a patient at Parkland Hospital in 1913 when she was discovered by Doc Palmer of the Sells Floto Circus. The doctors at Parkland wanted Alice, then 20 years old and about 400 pounds, to lose 100 pounds. The flamboyant Palmer supposedly said, “You’re ruining the greatest fat woman that ever lived!”

That was the beginning of a globetrotting show business career for the Dallas girl with a pretty face and enormous waist.

She eventually went to work for Ringling Bros., and that’s where she met her husband, the tattooed man, Frank T. Julian. Julian was born in Italy in 1880 and was covered in tattoos of the American

presidents. According to a March 1955 profile by the great Frank X. Tolbert, the tattooed man was extremely proud of his famous wife.

“She was champion for 30 years,” he told Tolbert. “There’ll never be another fat woman like Alice.”

Although she was big (Ringling Bros. posters claimed her waist measured 6 feet), she was lithe. Alice could walk miles from the tent to the train keeping up with anyone, Julian said.

Their 1921 wedding made headlines nationwide. Olga the bearded lady was maid of honor, and 20-inch-tall Major Mite was best man. They lived the car-

ny’s dream.

Alice was sweet and motherly; all the circus sideshow people loved her, according to Tolbert’s profile. And Alice loved that life.

“I miss the crowds and music,” Alice told Tolbert. “I just flat miss the circus. So does Frank.”

She told Tolbert she was lonely, and she wished the circus would come to town. The day he visited the Julians’ home at 626 N. Jester, Alice had been painting woodwork inside the house. She’d dropped weight and was down to about 425 pounds. Frank, then 75, had suffered a stroke.

Mary Alice Ward at work as Alice from Dallas. Alice was born in Dallas and discovered by a circus promoter at 20.

The Julians wintered in Oak Cliff for decades, and they lived here for several years after their retirement from the circus.

Alice died of cancer at age 62 in November 1955. Frank moved to a conva-

lescent home in Dallas, where he died in December 1956. They’re buried at Restland Memorial Park.

It was a quiet end to the fantastic show-biz life of the original Alice from Dallas. — Rachel Stone

BULLETS OVER COOMBS CREEK

The Kessler Park gun range

One of our city’s toniest neighborhoods was home to an outdoor gun range for 16 years.

The Works Progress Administration built a police gun range near Coombs Creek, at Kessler Parkway and Junior Drive, in 1939.

The gun range, which civilians also could use for a fee, was not without incident. And not surprisingly, neighbors hated it.

In 1948, the city proposed building a fire drill tower on the site. Kessler Park neighbors successfully fought that proposal and seized the opportunity to complain about the gun range itself. They told City Council that the gun range was too noisy, it caused traffic and parking woes, and it resulted in the occasional stray bullet.

A stray bullet from the range caused tragedy in July 1952, when a security guard’s .38-caliber practice bullet hit a moving car on West Commerce and struck a 20-year-old U.S. Air Force member in the head. The victim, Glenn Mar-

chesi, had graduated the day before from medical technician school at Fort Sam Houston. His buddy applied pressure to a main artery, and doctors at what is now the Veterans Administration Hospital saved his life.

The guy who fired the bullet appeared before a grand jury, which declined to formally charge him, and that was the end of it.

Another accident happened at the gun range in June 1955, when an 18-year-old civilian, Jimmy George Mann, was shot. His 21-year-old companion, Billy John Wade, dropped a .22-caliber pistol, which hit the concrete, discharged and shot Mann in the throat. The younger man was taken to Methodist hospital and survived.

The gun range finally closed later in 1955 to make way for what is now Interstate 30.

The police gun range moved to land that Dallas Power and Light donated on Mountain Creek Parkway, where it remains today. —Rachel Stone

A publicity photo for Alice from Dallas lists her weight as 685, but that likely was an exaggeration.

ill I Live? I

t

1 in Liver Transplant Success

At Methodist Dallas Medical Center, our patients have the highest survival rate following liver transplant of any other hospital in the Dallas area. Statistics show we routinely care for the sickest patients in North Texas, while achieving exceptional outcomes.

t’s the number one ques

ion our patients ask after learning they need a liver transplant.