2012 May Oak Cliff

Rising stars

ONTHECOVER: Monica Martinez. Photo by Can Türkyilmaz

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PomP, circumstance and regret

The silly graduation moment with a serious impact

I remember two things about my high school graduation ceremony, which is one more than I remember about my college graduation.

Our high school commencement speaker was a guy none of us knew, and to this day, I can’t remember his name. I don’t remember what he said, either, which was par for the course back then since he was old and outof-touch, and I was young and wise.

But I recall the guy’s high-pitched cackle, registered over the rigged-up sound system on the football field, when a group of fellow grads went through with our preplanned “spontaneous” toss of mortarboards high into the air after the last of us crossed the stage.

The other thing I remember? My mortarboard, clutched in my hand the whole time, failing to join its compadres in the air.

I had been told of the celebration plan right before the ceremony, and I figured lots of classmates would participate. But I was concerned and spent too much time pondering the repercussions.

What if my mortarboard didn’t come straight down to me? What if a classmate trampled it in the inevitable scramble? What if I didn’t see that ultimate collectible again?

A decision of that magnitude just can’t be made on the spur of the moment, and something like a graduation mortarboard requires proper care.

So my mortarboard went from head to hand and back to head again, destined for what I assumed would someday be an honored place in my life and home.

I’m not sure why this relatively meaningless story came back to me this month, other than the story about high school grads overcoming difficult odds got me thinking (naturally) about myself.

These students were dealt a losing hand, but they haven’t let things such as AWOL parents, drug dependency or lack of money stop them from getting where they want to go.

There’s something to be said for figuring out what you want to do and then just doing it — no overthinking, no hand-wringing, no regrets.

That’s a two-part equation, though, with the first part difficult and the second part nearly impossible.

More than once, we’ve all been where these students stood, facing a crossroads and needing to make a decision about which leg of the multi-pronged road of life to take. And most often, most of us stick with the direction we’re already headed rather than taking the road seemingly less traveled, which often is the road we really want to take in the first place.

In fact, there have been precious few decisions I truly regret, while the decisions I regret most are the paths I didn’t take because I was afraid of taking a chance.

Luckily, there have been few of those, too, in large part thanks to the mortarboard incident. Immediately after the ceremony, I knew it would have been fun to take a chance, cut loose and do something with no real consequences.

But it was too late; I had missed the moment, and there was no do-over.

Graduation was the last time I saw that mortarboard. It’s probably in our house somewhere, but the cap itself means nothing to me now. What I could have done with it — what I should have done with it, though that’s something to regret.

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Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for the content of all advertisements printed, and therefore assume responsibility for any and all claims against the Advocate. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material. Opinions set forth in the Advocate are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s 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.

Properties as distinct

LOSTDALLAS

By the numbers

Reprinted with permission from “Lost Dallas” by Mark Doty. Available from the publisher online at arcadiapublishing.com or by calling 888.313.2665.

Last month on oakcliff.advocatemag. com, Rachel Stone wrote about the new book “Lost Dallas” by Dallas Historic Preservation officer Mark Doty, profiling some of the Oak Cliff structures lost to redevelopment or forces of nature.

1 Chapter in the book devoted to Oak Cliff

23

Photos of bygone Oak Cliff structures

1914

The year the Cliff Queen theater (pictured above) opened in the 600 block of East Jefferson; it closed in 1948 and was demolished in 1958

89 Facebook “likes” for Stone’s write-up

$21.99

Cost of the book, available at area bookstores from Arcadia Publishing

100

Percentage of Mark Doty’s earnings that he will donate to the City of Dallas Municipal Archives, which conserves official city documents

TO READ STONE’S WRITE-UP and view other images, visit oakcliff.advocatemag.com and search Lost Dallas.

Lausanne | $600,000

Cedar Hill | $399,000

preferred lender:

2531 W. 10th St.

2422 Sunset Dr.

3750 Kiest Knoll

Launch

community | events | food

Danny Fulgencio

flying the Oak Cliff flag

Enrique Ayala is a lifelong Oak Cliff resident, and he represents his ’hood everywhere he goes. Sometimes that’s North Dallas; sometimes it’s Machu Picchu. The 34-year-old is a backpacker who has traveled all over South America, and he wanted a way to show off his hometown wherever he went. So last year, his girlfriend’s mom helped him make an Oak Cliff flag. They borrowed the design from the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce logo, and they used white and green to symbolize peace. Ayala and his girlfriend, 26-year-old Christina Lomeli, took the flag with them on a trip to Colombia, Peru and Bolivia in January, and to Chiapas and Oaxaca, Mexico, in April. Backpackers traditionally collect patches from the places they visit and sew them onto their packs. Ayala used to do that, but he found that once the backpack wears out, the patch is wasted. That’s why the lower half of his flag is reserved for patches. Ayala and Lomeli have spent time in La Paz, for example, but they enjoy getting to know people in small towns and traveling to less-than touristy destinations, such as the Yungas Road in Bolivia. Formerly known as “the death road” because so many buses plunged off the mountain, it’s no longer open to vehicles. “Some places we go are so cool and interesting, but they’re so small, they don’t even have patches,” Ayala says. His goal is to travel to every country in South America, then hit the road in Asia and Australia. Once the flag fills up with patches, he plans to retire it and make a new one, always representing Oak Cliff. “The thing about Enrique,” Lomeli says, “he really loves Oak Cliff, and he really gets involved in the neighborhood. He can walk down the street and see people he knows.”

—Rachel Stone

Out & About

May 4–June 1

Tiny Spokes: The Oak Cliff Bike Experience

Inspired by the role bikes play in the Oak Cliff community, this art show focuses on works that use bicycles as the inspiration. The collection includes pieces from Andie Comini, Bryan Gooding, Cynthia M. Daniel, Duke M. Horn, Jess Peri and more. Oak Cliff Cultural Center, 223 W. Jefferson, 214.670.3777, dallasculture.org/ oakcliffculturalcenter, free

more local events or submit your own

OAKCLIFF.ADVOCATEMAG.COM/EVENTS

MAY 5

Oak Cliff Cinco de Mayo 2012

Presented by the Oak Cliff Coalition for the Arts, the 2012 parade and festival features floats, marching bands, dance performances, live music and more. The parade begins at 11 a.m. at Jefferson and Cumberland, and ends at 1000 W. Page. The 10 a.m.–2 p.m. festival will be held on the 600 block of West Jefferson.

Parade coordinator Sylvana Avila-Alonzo: 469-463-5322, free

MAY 6

Intro to metal working/Mother’s Day pendant

From 1–3 p.m. artist Larry Pile will teach students how to craft jewelry from a large copper disc and sterling silver sheet. Learning how to stamp, texture, pierce, patina and assemble, students will create a handmade Mother’s Day pendant for mom or grandma.

Oil and Cotton, 837 W. Seventh, 214.988.9189, oilandcotton.com, $65

MAY 8

Lions Club golf tournament

Stevens Park Golf Course hosts the 10th-annual Oak Cliff Lions Club charity golf tournament, which begins with breakfast at 7 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 8. The fundraiser also includes a silent auction and door prizes. The proceeds go to Lions charities, including Friends of Oak Cliff Parks and the Dallas Zoo.

1005 N. Montclair, 214.947.2921, $150 per person or $600 for a foursome

MAY 11

Rebirth Brass Band

The 2012 Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band started on the streets of New Orleans’ French Quarter. While maintaining the traditional sounds of a brass band, Rebirth incorporates modern music. Doors open 7 p.m. The Kessler, 1230 W. Davis, 214.272.8346, thekessler.org, $20–$30

MAY 10, 31

Barefoot at the Belmont

As part of the Belmont Hotel’s live music series, Centro-matic and South San Gabriel frontman Will Johnson will perform poolside May 10. Denton-based reggae artist and “America’s Got Talent” runner up Cas Haley will perform his funky, easygoing beats May 31. Doors open at 6 p.m. Belmont Hotel, 901 Fort Worth, 214.393.2300, belmontdallas.com, $15–$20

MAY 12

Diorama-O-Rama

The “third-ever” Diorama-O-Rama is a fundraiser for Café Momentum, organized by Oak Cliff-based volunteers. Participants are invited to create dioramas, which will be auctioned from 4-8 p.m. Two DJs will provide the tunes, and beverages and snacks will be available for purchase (cash only). To donate a diorama, email dioramadallas@gmail.com by May 4. Bolt Studios, 2408 Converse, diorama-o-rama.blogspot.com, $5

“A Working Relationship” by Nick McCoy

MAY 18

Paul Thorn CD release

Following a sold-out Kessler show in February, Paul Thorn will release his new CD, “What The Hell Is Goin’ On?”

A former professional boxer and son of a Pentecostal preacher, Thorn has a sound that combines rock, blues and gospel. Doors open 7 p.m.

The Kessler, 1230 W. Davis, 214.272.8346, thekessler.org, $17–$30

MAY 20

Brew Riot

The fourth-annual Brew Riot pits home brewers against one another for prizes and bragging rights. The beer festival, from 4-8 p.m. outside Eno’s, benefits Go Oak Cliff, a nonprofit that supports neighborhood schools.

Eno’s, 407 N. Bishop, 214.943.9200, brewriot.com

MAY 26

Laptop bag

From 2:30–4:20 p.m., learn how to make a laptop sleeve for your computer. Make and Made classes are geared to both crafters and craft novices.

Make and Made, 409 N. Zang, 214.941.0075, themakesite.com, $58

MAY 28

Running With Bonnie and Clyde

The Dallas Historical Society is offering a series of half-day city tours this spring including the “Running With Bonnie and Clyde” tour. From 9 a.m.–2 p.m., follow the path of legendary outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. The tour includes lunch.

Hall of State in Fair Park, 3939 Grand, 214.421.4500, dallashistory.org, $50

Dr. Marneni

Delicious Pizza

After a brief hiatus, Oak Cliff Pizza re-opened under new ownership and a slightly different name: David’s Oak Cliff Pizza. Neighborhood resident David Rodriguez had worked at the pizzeria for years and decided to buy it. But the no-frills, New York-style pizza hasn’t changed. “The menu has stayed the same,” Rodriguez says. “We make our sauce from scratch. It’s thin crust, but we can make it however you want.” Specialty pizzas include the traditional supreme, known here as the New York Village, and the more gourmet-style prosciutto pizza with fresh basil, tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Despite the small seating area, neighbors don’t seem to mind dining in large parties. The menu also features house-made pastas, salads and beautifully crafted calzones. —Emily Toman

DaviD’s Oak Cliff Pizza

1315 W. Davis 214.941.8080

oakcliffpizza.com

AMbiAncE: cAsuAL

PRicE RAngE: $9-$22

TiP: KiDs EAT fREE On sunDAys.

Left: Vegetarian pizza.

Opposite page: David Rodriguez tosses pizza dough.

Photos by Mark Davis

| MORE PIZZA SPOTS | 1 Bolsa

The flatbread can easily be split between two people or among a small group at $12-$14. Try the Twig & Branch with wild arugula, caprino royale chèvre cheese and oven-roasted grapes.

614 W. Davis

214.367.9367 bolsadallas.com

2 Nova

This gastro pub is varied, but the pizza is definitely a favorite. The fresh tomato comes with basil, buffalo mozzarella and balsamic.

1417 W. Davis

214.484.7123 novadallas.com

3 Eno’s Pizza Tavern

From the traditional to the unexpected, Eno’s holds its own. Try the Eno’s Original, which has a kick to it with garlic sport pepper, tomatoes, mushrooms and salami. The Local Pie features whatever’s local and in season.

407 N. Bishop

214.943.9200 enospizza.com

FOOD AND WINE ONLINE

Visit oakcliff.advocatemag.com/dining

ENCHILADERIA

BEE

Open Daily. Now serving breakfast Sat. & Sun 8am-11am: Egg Tacos, Burritos, Egg Dishes and more. Mon. & Tues Lunch only 11am - 3pm Wed - Sun. open till 9pm

Cafe Maya

Saturday and Sunday Brunch 11a-3p; Bottomless Mimosas $8. Vegetarian Menu Now Available. Open 7 days. New Hours: Open 3 pm Mon-Fri. / 11am Sat. & Sun.

June 14 - 17 Featured

The Texas Theatre

The Kessler Theatre

The Bishop Arts Theatre

The Belmont Hotel

The Dallas Zoo filmoakcliff.com

202 West Davis St. 214.941.1bee (1233) bestenchiladasever.com

1001 W. Jefferson Blvd. cafemayadallas.com 214.948.9900

MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA

The Oak Cliff Film Festival

try something new Handley Cellars Pinot Noir ($30) California

One of the most enjoyable things about wine is getting other people excited about it. Mother’s Day, whether for a gift or at dinner or brunch, presents a wonderful opportunity to do just that. Does Mom like sweet wine, but is tired of what she usually drinks? Does she like red wine, but is feeling adventurous and ready for something new?

Using these the guidelines — helping Mom branch out, but not foisting something on her she may not like — here are three wines that fit those criteria:

Gascon white wines like this deliver tremendous value. Look for some citrus fruit and less grapey-ness than similar wines from this part of France. It’s the kind of wine to keep around the house for the summer.

Moscato, a sweet white wine, is all the rage these days, but a lot of the wines aren’t much more than sweet and don’t taste much like moscato. The LangeTwins, though, is clean and fresh, with orange blossoms and lime.

This is among the best California pinot noirs I’ve tasted in years — authentic, peppery and not too much fruit or vanilla flavor from too much oak. A fine gift (even for Dad, next month).

JEFF SIEGEL’S WEEKLY WINE REVIEWS appear every Wednesday on oakcliff.advocatemag.com

Ask the wine guy

—Jeff Siegel

What are legs on a wine glass?

a re the streams of wine that run n the inside o f the glass a f ter you it. It’s not so much an indication a lity, which was once thought, as l cohol content of the wine — the noticea bl e t h e l egs, t h e h ig h er t h e

e nt

ASK THE WINE GUY taste@advocatemag.com

Jeff Siegel

with your wine

Grilled catfish with pecans and croutons

This is as quick and easy as fish dishes come, and tastes much more sophisticated that it seems. Pair this with any of the wines mentioned above. (Adapted from Jacques Pepin)

GROCERY LIST

1 c pecan halves

1 c fresh bread cubes, cut about the same size as the pecans

6 catfish fillets, about 6 oz each

4 garlic cloves, crushed

1 /4 c chopped fresh parsley

1/4 c water

salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large, non-stick skillet. When the oil is hot, add the pecans and bread cubes, and sauté for a couple of minutes until nicely browned on both sides. When done, remove to a plate.

2. Salt and pepper the fish on both sides. Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in the same skillet. When hot, add the fish and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on each side, or until just cooked in the center. Remove the catfish to a serving platter. Add the parsley and garlic to the drippings in the skillet and cook for 15 seconds, and then add the water. Stir all, and dissolve all the bits in the bottom of the pan.

3. Pour the pan sauce over the fish and then sprinkle with nuts and croutons. Serves six, takes about 15 minutes

Oddfellows

THE FUTURE IS

BRIGHT

These neighborhood high-school seniors are going far

Story by Rachel Stone | Photos by Can Türkyilmaz

THE STATE OF TEXAS HAS CUT EDUCATION SPENDING DRASTICALLY.

The Dallas school district has more failing schools than are rated Exemplary by the Texas Education Agency. And sometimes it seems like all the youth of America is going the way of TV’s “Jersey Shore.” That is, they’re narcissistic, promiscuous and disrespectful of themselves and others.

But all of America’s youth are not trashy reality-TV character wannabes. Some of them are great kids, even in the face of adversity.

The following stories showcase a few delightful neighborhood students who have overcome the odds to become successful, college-bound high-school seniors. They prove there is hope after all.

Girl Scouts, the premiere leadership organization for girls and the largest pipeline for female leadership in the world, is celebrating 100 years of Girl Scouting in 2012!

Meet us at the State Fair of Texas in 2012 for an amazing Girl Scout Centennial Exhibition at the Hall of State!

For more information visit: www.gsnetx.org

ElizabethCampos

From the ages of 8-18, Elizabeth Campos lived in foster homes throughout Texas. Some were group homes, some were private homes with foster parents. None of the experiences was horrific, Campos says, but she lived with virtual strangers in seven Texas towns over those 10 years, always just a little out of place.

Campos and her siblings entered the foster care system after her mom was deported to Mexico. She remarried and was never heard from again. Campos’s dad is serving a lengthy prison sentence for child abuse.

At first, Campos and her brother, who is two years younger, were together. But one day when she was about 9, a foster parent took her to get ice cream, and when they returned she learned her brother had been taken to live hundreds of miles away. It was devastating at the time.

“We were really close,” she says.

Happily, that brother now lives on a 20acre ranch south of Dallas, and Campos, who has “aged out” of foster care, lives with relatives near Sunset High School. She also has two older sisters, including one who has special needs and lives in a state hospital. A younger sister had a closed adoption.

There are about 25,000 children in foster care in Texas, and most of them change schools at least half a dozen times before 12th grade. Foster kids are less likely to graduate from high school, and fewer than 3 percent of the approximately 800,000 foster kids nationwide are expected graduate from college with a four-year degree.

Campos intends to be one of them. She says her last foster mom, Anne Butch, encouraged her to pursue education.

“I never wanted to go to college,” Campos says. “But she told me, ‘Don’t be a victim; do something to help yourself.’ ”

Jaslyn Greene of Advise Texas helped Campos with college financial aid applications and says she has a lot of determination.

“She knows college is her way out,” Greene says. “She knows there’s something better out there, and she just has to go and seek it.”

After Campos graduates from Sunset this month, she plans to attend El Centro and then transfer to a four-year university to study architecture or graphic design.

“I want to be able to take care of my sisters and brother,” she says.

JannetBarrera

Jannet Barrera says she isn’t growing into the adult her parents imagined.

She is the student-body president at Sunset High School. She volunteers at church and in local hospitals. She mentors underclassmen and racks up awards every school year. To top it off, she has a full academic scholarship to Texas A&M University.

In fact, her parents’ disapproval keeps the 18-year-old motivated.

“I wish my parents would come talk to my teachers or see my grades,” she says.

Barrera’s dad is from Mexico, and Barrera says he tries to push old-school values on her. He thinks it’s inappropriate for Barrera to take leadership roles at school, for example, because she is a v. Her parents don’t want her to go away to college.

“They think she’s trying to leave the family,” says Jaslyn Greene of Advise Texas, who helped Barrera with college applications.

“But no, she’s just trying to make life better for herself.”

The CEO of the nonprofit Education is Freedom offered Barrera a job on the spot after hearing her give a speech at a conference earlier this year. When we interviewed Barrera in March, she was hiding from her father the fact that she had accepted the job.

“He tells me, ‘You should just get married to a rich man, and he will take care of you,’ ” Barrera says.

But she wants to be a nurse. Her parents also unwittingly inspired that career goal. Barrera’s parents were admitted to hospitals several times when she was a kid, and she often was asked to translate for nurses who only spoke English.

“Sometimes we had really good nurses, and sometimes we had really rude nurses,” she says.

After college, she wants to work for Children’s Medical Center, where she currently volunteers.

“The cool part about Jannet is that she’s so humble,” says Theresa Sterling, who teaches criminal justice at Sunset.

“She’s gotten many awards on campus, and any time she is asked to be in the running for something, she cries and prays about it.”

KimberlyTorres

Kimberly Torres scrunches up the leg of her skinny jeans to reveal a gnarly pink scar on her right ankle.

For years, the 18-year-old was ashamed of this scar, and she has a habit of keeping it covered. Now it’s healed and fading, but the scar is a reminder of the worst day of her life.

Torres was 10 in 2004 and visiting family in Florida when, on their last day of vacation, she and her family were in a car accident. Torres’ mother was killed instantly. A few minutes later, her 4-yearold sister died, too. Torres’ aunt escaped the crash with bruises. Her grandmother, with whom Torres now lives, broke her hip.

Torres’s mangled ankle wasn’t healing properly after doctors in Florida treated it, and she had to have surgery on the day of the viewing for her sister and mother. Doctors let her attend the funeral the day after surgery but not the burial.

The leg took a long time to heal, she says. She was angry.

“For the first couple years, it was hard,” she says.

Now there are times when she feels like she has overcome the tragedy. She touches the scar, remembering how she once was so self-conscious about it.

“My dad said I should be grateful it’s been healing over time, and I survived,” she says.

Ana Ramirez of Education is Freedom helped Torres through the college application process and says the girl is always looking for ways to give back to the community.

Torres is in theater at Adamson High School and volunteers in the kitchen after service at her church, Blessed Sacrament. Her grandma works to support them both, and Torres is a good student. She is interested in Japanese and Korean language and culture, and she wants to study fashion. She’s been accepted to the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University, but she’s waiting on scholarship awards to see if she can pay for either school.

“If I don’t get scholarships, then I will go to El Centro for no more than two years,” she says. “Then I will transfer to Parsons or F.I.T. (Fashion Institute of Technology).”

MonicaMartinez

Monica Martinez has seen enough of single parenthood to know she doesn’t want to go there. Her parents divorced when she was 9, and her mom worked 12-hour shifts six days a week in a factory to provide for Monica and her three siblings.

Then her sister, who is six years older, became a teenage mom. Summertime for Monica meant staying home to care for her younger sister and nephew.

“I wasn’t allowed to do anything on the weekend because I had to take care of the kids,” she says.

Martinez is driven, and she naturally takes leadership roles, Ramirez says. She is an A student, and she says she’s always been competitive academically.

“I get mad at myself if I get a B,” she says.

The Adamson High School softball player has been accepted to the University of Texas and Texas A&M University. She wants to study sports business and become an agent. She hopes to be the first in her family to graduate from college.

“My mom lives paycheck to paycheck, and I don’t want to live like that,” she says. “She works a lot for not enough, and that’s what I don’t want to do.”

God and baSeball

The DBU Patriots keep the faith

Story byrachel Stone

PhotoS by Grant Meeks

One needn’t travel far to see world-class college sports in Oak Cliff. The Dallas Baptist University Patriots baseball team has been in the NCAA Division I for nine years. Last year, the team ended its season one game away from the College World Series. This team is more than a group of talented athletes, though. They’re also a bunch of guys serving Christ. All DBU sports teams take a mission trip every three years. In 2011, the baseball team spent several weeks in the Dominican Republic, teaching baseball clinics and spreading the word of God. “Our No. 1 goal isn’t always winning. Our No. 1 goal is to glorify God,” says junior second-baseman Austin Elkins. “It lets you not be so focused on results but how you go about your business, and ultimately, glorifying God with your actions.” >>

Reliant Kite Giveaways

Second Spin Rescue Disc Dogs

Sprint Cell Phone Recycling

Wildflower Planting

Kroger Kid’s Fun Zone, Bounce Houses, Clowns and Face Painting Storm School: CBS 11 Chief Meteorologist Larry Mowry

Parking for a fee at Riverfront Blvd. and Commerce St., (111 W. Commerce St.) festival area in the Dallas Floodway

Free Dallas Wind Symphony Concert at 5 p.m.

narrows your pool of who you could recruit, but we’ve also seen that those are the guys who can develop the best,” Heefner says. “They have to have the character as well as the talent.” Baseball players are known for having inflated egos, but Heefner teaches his players to have humility. “To us, humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking more of others,” he says. “That’s a huge thing that’s helped. Thinking about your teammate and not being solely focused on yourself.”

Left: DBU assistant baseball coach Jim Blair and head coach Dan Heefner recruit players based on their athletic ability as well as their character. “It definitely

Above: Shortstop Joel Hutter fields batting practice. Below: Teammates K.J. Alexander and Patrick Hicks watch batting practice.

TAKE ME OUTTOTHE BALLGAME

The DBU Patriots have four home games in May:

Wednesday, May 2, 6:30 p.m. vs. University of Texas at Arlington Saturday, May 5, 1 p.m. vs. University of Evansville

Tuesday, May 8, 3 p.m. vs. Texas Tech University

Tuesday, May 15, 4 p.m. vs. Oklahoma State University

They play at Patriot Field, on the DBU campus, 3000 Mountain Creek Parkway. Tickets cost $7 and can be purchased at the box office on game days. dbupatriots.com

Top: DBU baseball players say their team spirit is part of what makes them so competetive. “If we can get 1 percent better every day, that’s how we can bypass people who don’t necessarily work as hard or don’t do the little things right,” says catcher Duncan McAlpine, far right. “Whether it’s in the weight room, nutrition, getting enough sleep or staying away from the party scene. That’s what allows us to compete with anyone in the country.” The players often describe each other as brothers. “The coaches are more than just on the baseball field,” says shortstop Joel Hutter, second from left. “They treat you like people. They care about you and your family. It makes playing here so much more special than anywhere else.” Coaches teach the players to improve by 1 percent every day, and teammates push each other toward personal and team goals.”This is a great place to get better as a baseball player and as a person,” says pitcher Michael Smith, far left. “After four years, my favorite thing to do is come to the field and be with these guys.” Clockwise from above: Freshman catcher K.J. Alexander, second baseman Austin Elkins and outfielder Boomer Collins.

The days of kids staying home all summer watching “Days of Our Lives” and eating popsicles are over. Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean students should stop learning. You don’t have send your kid to a camp far away. Here are details for some of the summer camps available in our neighborhood.

for the well-rounded kid

BISHOP DUNNE

Dates: June 11-15, June 18-22 and June 25-29

Location: 3900 Rugged

For ages: 2-18

Tuition: $140-$260 per week

Sign up: bdhs.org

Bishop Dunne offers weeklong halfday camps, including enrichment programs, dance, arts and crafts, creative writing, understanding the stock market, math, cooking, science and more. Sports camps include volleyball for girls in grades 5-12 and speed and agility training for boys and girls in grades 5-9. There are also toddler camps for 2- to 3-year-olds.

for the nature lover

TRINITYRIVER AUDUBON CENTER

Dates: June 11-15

Location: 8525 Garland Rd. and 6500 Great Trinity Forest Way

For ages: 8-12

Tuition: $225-$250

Sign up: dallasarboretum.org

The Dallas Arboretum’s Lone Star Overnight Adventure Camp explores the life and times of Texas pioneers while studying native plants and animals. The weeklong camp culminates in an overnight trip to the Trinity River Audubon Center.

DALLAS ZOO

Dates: June-August

Location: 650 South R L Thornton Freeway

For ages: 3-14

Tuition: $40-$265

Sign up: dallaszoo.com

The Dallas Zoo offers one-day camps in July and August for kids in preK to third grade. They cost $45, or $40 for members. Topics for those camps include predators, koalas and what zoo animals eat. Weeklong camps are available for 3-year-olds up to eighth-graders. Camps for little ones include “Animal ABCs.” Second- and third-graders can enroll in “Wild About Art” or “Survival Safari.” Middle-school kids can take photography or a class that explores the wildlife of Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center in Cedar Hill. Weeklong camps range from $135$265. Camps are from 9 a.m.-noon and 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; childcare before and after is available for additional fees. There are also camps at the Children’s Aquarium as well as junior camp counselor programs.

for the artsy kid

OIL & COTTON

Dates: June-August

Location: 837 W. Seventh

For ages: 3-18

Tuition: $40-$150

Sign up: oilandcotton.com

Oil & Cotton offers one-day art classes for ages 3-12, plus fourday and weeklong classes for kids of every age group. Subjects include bookbinding, yoga, music, theater, jewelry making, gardening, printmaking, manga and more. Oil & Cotton also is collaborating with the Writer’s Garret to offer a ’zine class for students 8-18.

MAKE

Dates: July 9-13

Location: 409 N. Zang

For ages: 7-18

Tuition: $35-$340

Sign up: makeitindiegenius.com

“Project Make” is a weeklong camp in which students learn the basics of sewing and design and complete five projects over the week. There are sessions for 7-12 year olds and 8-18 year olds. Make also offers occasional one-day sewing classes for children. Check the schedule for those $35 classes.

for the thespian

TECOTHEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS

Dates: June 4-July 26

Location: Bishop Arts Theater Center, 215 S. Tyler

For ages: 6-12

Tuition: $600

Sign up: tecotheater.org

TeCo accepts 50 students each year to its eight-week Summer Cultural Enrichment Camp. Participants learn stage performance as well as business skills, including how to prepare a headshot and résumé, selecting the right monologue and how to audition. Other activities include visual arts, dance, music appreciation and theater techniques. The camp is from 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and it culminates with productions on July 27 and 28. Tuition includes breakfast, lunch and snacks.

JUNIOR PLAYERS

Dates: June 11-22 and July 9-20

Location: Kiest Park Recreation Center, 3080 S. Hampton, and Hampton-Illinois Branch Library, 2951 South Hampton

For ages: 7-14

Tuition: Free

Sign up: juniorplayers.org, 214.670.7793

Our neighborhood rec center offers a two-week theater camp, and classes are limited to 25 on a first-come, first-served basis. Instruction includes performing and theater arts. Classes culminate in the Festival of Plays, uniting rec centers all over Dallas.

—Rachel Stone

Danny Fulgencio

Mavericks at the zoo

Dallas Mavericks player Delonte West and former Mavs player Lamar Odom visited the Dallas Zoo with 30 elementary school students who have been selected as Mavs Academic All Stars for outstanding grades and classroom performance.

Design on Davis

Davis Street Mercantile, a new furniture store and design studio, opened in March. It is the work of husband-and-wife Joe Ramirez and Amy Thomasson Ramirez . She is an interior designer, and he is a real estate broker with a talent for refurbishing vintage furniture. They started designing furniture together about two years ago. The Oak Cliff residents bought the two-story building at 443 W. Davis in October. They leased one of two upstairs studios to Nikki Cotten Photography , which also celebrated its grand opening recently.

BBULLETIN BOARD

Classes/TuToring/ lessons

THE WHOLE TRUTH & Nothing But The Truth. Everything You Want To Know About The Bible But Are Afraid To Ask. Join Us For A Chronological Study. Wednesdays @ 7pm in 2012. Jefferson Blvd Church Of Christ. 214-339-3191 Or Church@jeffersonblvd.org

TUTORING All Subjects. Elem-middle School. Algebra 1, Dmath. Your Home. 25 + Yrs. Dr. J. 214-535-6594. vsjams@att.net

employmenT

AIRLINE CAREERS Begin Here. Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA Approved. Training. Financial Aid, if qualified. Housing available. Job placement assistance. AIM 866-453-6204

PART-TIME TEACHER Toddlers–3 years. Park Cities Baptist Mother’s Day Out. Early childhood degree or certification preferred. Shannon McGee 214-860-1520 or skmcgee@pcbc.org

Business opporTuniTies

I’M LOOKING FOR A BILINGUAL BUSINESS PARTNER for expansion of 55-yr.-old start-up co. BJ Ellis 214-226-9875

serviCes for you

CONFUSED? FRUSTRATED? Let A Seasoned Pro Be The Interface Between You & That Pesky Computer. Hardware & Software Installation, Troubleshooting, Training. $60/hr. 1 hr min. Dan 214-660-3733 or stykidan@sbcglobal.net

professional serviCes

peTs Metro Paws Animal Hospital is coming soon to Oak Cliff! (next door to the Belmont Hotel) 214.887.1400 Visit our website or Lakewood location today. dallasmetropaws.com

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

Flash

Graphic

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TOP

Bryan’s House, a nonprofit providing services to special-needs children and children affected by HIV and AIDS, is moving to Oak Cliff. The nonprofit is taking the former Springhill Montessori School building at 802 S. Beckley. The school is moving to Fort Worth Avenue. Bryan’s House, established in 1988 as a safe haven for babies and children dying of AIDS, previously had one location on Forest Lane. Now they will provide services from the location on Beckley and a second location in West Dallas. The nonprofit has plans to open multiple locations in Dallas in the future.

The city’s Office of Cultural Affairs has $50,000 to spend on murals for four retaining walls at the Oak Cliff end of the Jefferson Viaduct, near the Oak Farms plant. The city is calling for “submission of qualifications from professional artists and/or artist teams to work with the City of Dallas and the community to create a largescale mural for the concrete retaining walls.” The murals should relate to Oak Cliff, “taking inspiration from the people, landmarks and overall creative spirit” of Oak Cliff. The call for submissions states the city “is particularly interested” in artists who have a connection to Oak Cliff. Email submissions to oakcliffmuralproject@gmail.com. For questions, contact Kendall Ferguson at 214.670.5639 or kendall.ferguson@ dallascityhall.com.

people

Attorney Chad A. West of Oak Cliff runs a practice focused on serious injury litigation and criminal defense. He has been recognized with honors by the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers (DAYL), Super Lawyers and the Dallas Voice. The DAYL has announced that West has been recognized by the bar organization as the Outstanding Young Lawyer for 2012. The Awards Committee honors one attorney each year from its 2,500 members who exemplifies professional proficiency, service to the profession and service to the community. Nominees must have been 36 years old or younger.

politics

Jason Roberts, Domingo Garcia, Carlos Quintanilla and Chrysta Castañeda of Oak Cliff, and Steve Salazar of West Dallas have filed to run for U.S. Congress in the newly created District 33. They will compete with six candidates from Tarrant County and one from North Dallas in the Democratic primary May 29. Two Republicans

Charles King of Cedar Hill and Chuck Bradley of Fort Worth — have filed to run for the seat, which is favored for a Democratic win in the November general election. The new district includes parts of Oak Cliff, Cockrell Hill, Grand Prairie, Fort Worth and Irving, plus a stretch of Dallas east of Interstate 35 to Interstate 635.

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.

AC & HeAt

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING Repair, Service, Replacement. Honest & Affordable. JB Maintenance. 214-404-1457 LIC# TACLB 17612E

QUALITY 1 ENERGY SYSTEMS

A/C & Heat Sales & Service since 1989. TACLA010760E Q1es.com 214-348-9588

WINDOW AC TUNE UP Repair, Cleaning, Etc. Buy/Sell 214-321-5943

BLUE RIBBON

Heating & Air Conditioning

214-823-8888

CArpentry & remodeling

New Creation GROUP

214-766-2677

www.newcreationgroup.com

CleAning ServiCeS

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

214.526.8533

Installation & Repair

QuigleyAC.com

#TACLA23686E

CArpentry & remodeling

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS, LLC

Complete Remodeling, Kitchens, Baths, Additions. Hardie Siding & Replacement Windows. Radiant Barrier, Insulation. Bonded & Insured. www.blake-construction.com 214-563-5035

BO HANDYMAN Kitchens, baths, doors, cabinets, custom carpentry, drywall & painting 214-437-9730

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

HANDY DAN “The Handyman” To Do’s Done Right! www.handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

KEN’S RESIDENTIAL REMODELING 214-886-8927. kenscontracting.com

O’BRIEN GROUP INC. Professional Home Remodel. Shannon O’Brien. 214-341-1448 www.obriengroupinc.com

PREVIEW CONSTRUCTION INC.

HardiPlank 50 Yr. Cement Siding, Energy Star Windows. Kitchens-Baths-Additions & More. 214-348-3836. See Photo Gallery at: www.previewconstruction.com

THE CLIENT’S CONTRACTOR www.CuttingEdgeRenovationsLLC.com

Residential Renovations by John Gilley

by John Gilley

Renovations · New Construction FREE CONSULTATION

Kitchens · Baths · Whole Home 214.336.2228

edinburghcustomhomes.com

oakcliff.advocatemag.com MAY2012

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.

CREATIVE METAL SOLUTIONS LLC

Automatic Gates, Fence, Stairs, Stair/Balcony Railings, Wine Cellar Gates. 214-325-4985

#1

★EST. 1991

COWBOY

FENCE & IRON CO.

214.692.1991

SPECIALIZING IN Wood Fences &Auto Gates

cowboyfenceandiron.com

"You Know Us"

Locally owned and operated since 1980

www.northlakefence.com

214-349-9132

CLEAN FREAKS Since 2005. Free Estimates. DallasCleanFreaks.com Call Today! 214-821-8888

WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM

Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134

ComputerS & eleCtroniCS

IQUEUE MEDIA COMPANY 214-478-8644 TV Installation, Computer Repair, Security.

eleCtriCAl ServiCeS

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

ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Master Electrician. TECL24948 anthonyselectricofdallas.com Family Owned/Operated. Insd. 214-328-1333

LAKEWOOD ELECTRICAL Local. Insured. Lic. #227509 Call Rylan 214-434-8735

Flooring & CArpeting

CUTTING EDGE FLOORING Hardwoods, Carpet, Tile. New/Repair. 972-822-7501

STAINED & SCORED CONCRETE FLOORS

New/Remodel. Res/Com. Int/Ext. Refin. 15 Yrs. TheConcreteStudio.com 214-320-2018

WORLEY TILE & FLOORING

Custom Marble Install. 214-779-3842

Willeford

hardwood floors Superior Quality: Installation Refinishing Repair • Cleaning & Waxing Old World Hand Scrape 214-824-1166

gArAge doorS

GARAGE DOOR & SPRING REPAIR

972-672-0848 TexasGaragePros.com 20% off with “Advocate Magazine”

HAndymAn ServiCeS

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

A+ HANDYMAN KARL Home Repairs, Remodels & Restoration. 214-699-8093

BO HANDYMAN Kitchens, baths, doors, cabinets, custom carpentry, drywall & painting 214-437-9730

HANDY DAN “The Handyman” To Do’s Done Right. www.handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

HouSe pAinting

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS, LLC

Complete Painting Interior/Exterior, Stain Etc. Custom Finishes, Custom Texture, Custom Trim www.blake-construction.com

Fully Bonded & Insured. 214-563-5035

inSulAtion/ rAdiAnt BArrier

LANDMARK ENERGY SOLUTIONS

214-395-9148. Radiant Barrier, Insulation. Free Quotes. Member BBB

interior deSign

CUSTOM DRAPERY Window Treatments, Blinds & etc. Linda. 214-212-8058 dblinda86@msn.com

HAND CARVED STONE fireplaces, fine art, architectural stone & restoration. DavisCornell.com 214-693-1795

kitCHen/BAtH/ tile/grout

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS LLC

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

HANDY DAN “The Handyman” Remodels Done Right. handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

STONE AGE COUNTER TOPS

Granite, Marble, Tile, Kitchen/Bath Remodels. CJ-972-276-9943 cjrocksthehouse1@verizon.net

glASS, WindoWS & doorS

LANDMARK ENERGY SOLUTIONS

TECL20502

’07, ’08, ’09, ’10, ’11 CONSUMERS CHOICE AWARDS Making Homes Safer One Call at a Time 972-926-7007

arrowelectric.net

Phones Answered 24/7

214-395-9148. Specializing In Replacement Windows/Doors. Member BBB premium quality custom shower doors & enclosures 214-530-5483 showerdoordallas.com

• Tubs, Tiles or Sinks

• Cultured Marble

• Kitchen Countertops

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

ADVANCED TREE SERVICE

Quality Tree Trimming & Removal. 214-455-2095

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

Castro’s Tree Service

Jeff Castro

214-337-7097

214-725-1171

jridefree@aol.com

Tree Shaping, Cutting and Removal

JD’s Tree Service

RESPONSIBLE TREE CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Locally harvested wood!

LOCKSMITHS & SECURITY

CHIEF SECURITY & SAFE Expert & Quality Locksmith & Safe Service. 10% Off. 214-827-7535

PEST CONTROL

A BETTER EARTH PEST CONTROL Keeping the environment, kids, pets in mind. Organic products avail. 972-564-2495

PLUMBING

# M37740 Insured. Any plumbing issues. 24 Hours/7 Days. plumberiffic@yahoo.com

*Joe Faz 214-794-7566 - Se Habla Español*

ASTRO PLUMBING #M36580 Insured. Any & All Plumbing Problems. 214-566-9737 Mike REPAIRS, Fixtures, General Plumbing, Senior Discounts. Campbell Plumbing. 214-321-5943

Firewood/Cooking Wood Full service trimming & planting of native trees.

214.946.7138

FOLLOW US

POOLS

SKYLIGHTS

Installing Since 1995

LEAFCHASER’S POOL SERVICE ROOFING & GUTTERS

Parts and Service. Chemicals and Repairs.

Jonathan Mossman FREE ESTIMATES 214-729-3311

A+ BBB RATED ROOFING CO. Ehlers Roofing. New/Repairs. 214-699-8093. Est. 1960

Allstate Homecraft Roofing

Roofing & Remodel Additions Licensed/Insured

Over 1,000 Satisfied Customers in the Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Preston Hollow, Park Cities Areas – M ETAL S PECIALIST –Free Estimates 214-824-0767 allstatehomecraft.com

Commercial & Residential Replacement, Repair & New Installation

Glass – Acrylic – Tubular Skylights

972-263-6033

www.skylightsolutions.com

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.

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BUSINESS BUZZ

The lowdown on what’s up with neighborhood businesses

Send business news tips to LIVELOCAL@ADVOCATEMAG.COM

Left Bank renamed Boulevardier

The owners of Veritas and Restaurant Ava have renamed their planned Bishop Arts restaurant. Boulevardier is the new name for a French/American bistro in the space formerly occupied by Decanter and Cafe Madrid. The owners originally announced the restaurant would be called Left Bank.

Mesa celebrates one-year anniversary

The hottest new restaurant to hit Jefferson Boulevard has made it one year. Mesa celebrates its first anniversary Friday, May 11. Mesa also is constructing a patio behind the restaurant, which is expected to open in time for the celebration. Owner Raul Reyes says he is scouting locations and has plans to open a second Mesa by the end of the year.

Sync Yoga changes ownership

The yoga studio replaced Tranquilo in the Bishop ArtsDistrict and has changed ownership. Sync Yoga & Wellbeing offers more than 30 yoga classes per week in a variety of styles. The studio also offers pre- and post-natal yoga, baby and me classes, and yoga for children and families.

National Burger Day at Tillman’s Roadhouse

In celebration of National Burger Day, Tillman’s Roadhouse’s chef Cody Brandt is serving the “Belly Buster” May 29–31. The burger includes a beef patty, pork belly, aged cheddar, baby arugula, local tomatoes, roasted red pepper aioli and a butter-toasted challah bun. The feast is served with truffled goat cheese tater tots and housemade horseradish pickles.

More business bits

1 Bryan’s House, a nonprofit providing services to special-needs children and children affected by HIV and AIDS, has moved to the former Springhill Montessori School building on S. Beckley. 2 East Dallasbased Paperbacks Plus is opening a new store in Oak Cliff this month under the name LuckyDogBooks. Hours for the used bookstore will be 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon–7 p.m. Sunday.

GET IN CONTACT

Mesa

118 W. JEFFERSON

214.941.4246

MESADALLAS.COM

Sync Yoga & Welbeing

611N. BISHOP

SYNCDALLAS.COM

Tillman’s Roadhouse

324 W. SEVENTH

214.942.0988

TILLMANSROADHOUSE.COM

Bryan’s House

802S. BECKLEY

214.559.3946

BRYANSHOUSE.ORG

Lucky Dog Books

633 W. DAVIS

214.941.2665

LUCKYDOGBOOKS.COM

SunSet’S bragging rightS

A long-lost trophy exemplifies the high school’s athletic prowess

Alumni from Dallas’ six original high schools — Adamson, Sunset, Woodrow Wilson, North Dallas, Forest Avenue and Crozier Tech — gathered at the Old Red Museum on March 10 for the unveiling of the refurbished Sanger Trophy. In its new display case, the trophy sparkled and rotated and, well, was lookin’ pretty good for an almost 85-year old prize.

Never heard of the award? You aren’t alone. Neither had I.

Beginning in 1929, the Sanger Bros. Department Store awarded the trophy each year to the Dallas high school that displayed the highest achievement in athletics. Because the Bison took the title more than anyone else (12 wins), after the store commenced the award in 1954, Sunset was given the cup permanently. But that’s not where the story ends.

In 1979, during renovations at Sunset, the ornate silver award was stored in a lofty classroom cabinet, hidden and forgotten for decades. Amazingly, in 2001, a teacher cleaning the space discovered the lost standard and delivered it to then principal Sylvia Lopez. Lopez knew to contact alumnus Don Martin (Sunset ’52) who two years earlier had shared his desire to locate the missing award. After gathering contributions from other SHS grads to restore the trophy, Martin was serendipitously contacted by a Sunset ’67 grad who had salvaged the trophy’s missing “cap” during the 1979 reno, when she was a teacher at the school.

The Old Red Museum accepted the restored cup in 2006. But the prized award found itself again stored away, as the building was being renovated. Then in 2011, when the museum offered Martin a used display case, a committee (formed from all six of the high school alumni groups) raised funds to retrofit and re-design the case and then coordinate the unveiling event.

Hearing all the heartwarming stories and accolades, and learning about the notable alumni from these vintage institutions, was pure magic. Aaron Spelling (yes, that’s Tori’s dad) graduated from Forest Avenue, as did Stanley Marcus. Sir Colin Brady (North Dal-

las ’61) expressed that the two most meaningful honors of his life were to be knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and to be a North Dallas alum. Johnny Ruiz, president of the Adamson Alumni Association, read a letter from former Speaker of the House Jim Wright (Adamson ’39) who sent an eloquent statement about his alma matter and the event. Then, Sunset alumni president Jerry Boyd spoke of such Bison athletic greats as

Eddie Southern, Jerry Mayes, Bettye Mims Danoff, Don January and Jerry Rhome — making it easy to see why the Bison took the tile so often.

Two of the morning’s concluding statements came from Woodrow Wilson alumni president Paul Dalton and Sunset alumnus Bill Melton. Dalton shared about Woodrow (what all real Dallasites call the school) being the only public high school in the nation

Top: The Sanger Trophy was hidden and forgotten at Sunset High School for decades, but now is on display at the Old Red Museum. Bottom: Jerry Rhome, Lee Smith, Bill Melton and Eddie Southern are four of the Sunset Bison alumni who attended the trophy unveiling.

to have produced two Heisman Trophy winners (Davey O’Brien and Tim Brown). Certainly impressive. But Melton (Sunset ’58) — not one to let any school north of the Trinity outdo any Oak Cliff school — shared the following:

When I was a Sophomore at Sunset, our principal, Mr. C.C. Miller, made very certain that we all knew that there were two things to strive for: the Sanger Trophy for athletics and the Linz Award for academics. Fortunately, Sunset won both awards during my time there.

We are proud for Woodrow Wilson as the only public high school in the United States to have two Heisman Trophy winners. Congratulations!

However, I am going to throw down to you this morning

It just may be that with Jerry Mays, serving as captain of the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl I and winning Super Bowl IV; with Jerry Rhome winning Super Bowl XXII, as a coach with the Washington Redskins; and with me announcing at Super Bowls VI, VIII and IX, Sunset High School is the only high school [in the nation] to have three former students participate in the Super Bowl?

Regardless, it’s a great thing for Sunset and for Dallas.

I agree. Let’s hear it for Dallas, and … the Bison!

YOUR STORIES

Longtime Cliffites recount memories and reconnect on oakcliff.advocatemag. com/backstory. Last month, Kokel sparked conversation with her article on the churches along Tenth Street.

“I was a member of Grace Temple as a teen, and then when I married my sweetheart, we eventually joined Cliff Temple. One of our greatest blessings was having the joy of being in Jerry and Martha Gilmore’s class. Best teachers we have ever had, and we have had a bunch! Terry was raised Lutheran, and what a hurtle that was for him to go to a Baptist church ... much less join one!”

—Lynda Welch Kokel

“As a member of Cliff Temple Baptist Churchsince 1950, I have seen many changes come and go on Tenth Street and in our own home church.However, our congregation at Cliff Temple has never been more committed to ministering to the Oak Cliff community.Our focus may have changed over the past 100 years, but our commitment and enthusiasmare keeping us a vital church for today and the future.”

—Frances George Phillips

Gayla Brooks Kokel can date her neighborhood heritage back to 1918, when her father was born in what was then called Eagle Ford. She was born at Methodist Hospital and graduated from Kimball High School. Kokel is one of three co-authors of the recently published book, “Images of America: Oak Cliff”, and writes a monthly history column for the Oak Cliff Advocate Send her feedback and ideas to gkokel@advocatemag.com.

When Kathleen and her husband became pregnant later in life, serious complications developed. e couple instinctively reached out to Methodist Dallas Medical Center, where specialists in high-risk pregnancy expertly addressed her condition and helped her deliver a healthy, beautiful baby girl. She valued the extraordinary care of her doctors and nurses, the assurance of a level III NICU and other technological capabilities close at hand, and the family-centered amenities in a room with a view. e couple remained con dent that Methodist had thought of everything so she and her husband could expect the very best.

When her pregnancy took an unexpected turn, Kathleen turned to us.