Water skiing champs

Two of the world’s best junior water skiers happen to live in our neighborhood. Hillcrest Forest residents Grace and Ryan Warner, 14 and 11, have been skiing with their parents since before they can remember and naturally became competitive. “It’s much easier when you start out young,” says their mom, Suzanne Warner, but she never pushed them in the sport. “We only wanted to do it as much as they wanted to do it.” By the time they reached ages 9 and 12, USA Water Ski had ranked them no. 1 in their age groups. In November 2010, Grace’s team took the gold medal at the Pan American Water Skiing Championship in San Bernardo, Chile. “It’s really different than any other sport,” says Grace, a freshman at The Hockaday School. Skiers compete in three categories: slalom, which is like downhill skiing but instead of hitting flags, they must hit the buoys in the water; trick, which involves stunts such as 360s; and jump, in which skiers fly off a 5- to 6-foot ramp and try for the longest distance (the record is 240 feet). Ryan, who attends St. Marks, took first place overall in his age group the past two years at regionals and headed to nationals in West Palm Beach, Fla., in August. Grace placed second overall at regionals, but she had a back injury, she says, which is the only reason she didn’t easily take first. Grace and Ryan practice most weekends at the family’s lake house about two hours from the city. Practice often involves cook-outs and family get-togethers, which makes it a little less stressful. “They can be outdoors and enjoy the world God gave us,” Warner says. The kids aren’t sure where the sport will take them, but Grace is sure she can’t water ski for a living. “Even the top pro water skiers have to have other jobs,” she says. It will be a while before Grace and Ryan decide on careers. After all, they’re only 14 and 11, and they’ve got competitions to win.

—Emily Toman

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How It Works

Tackling city-related maintenance issues in our neighborhoods

GOTA QUESTION? Email launch@advocatemag.com

Sidewalks

A few sidewalks in our neighborhoods are in such bad shape that it’s not uncommon to see people walking or pushing strollers on the street instead. Fortunately, residents on Meadowcreek will see a complete reconstruction of their sidewalks as part of the Complete Streets program included in the proposed 2012 bond program. Everyone else will have to do it the hard way.

Q: MY SIDEWALK IS IN DISREPAIR. HOW DO I WORK WITH THE CITY TO FIX IT?

A: You can take advantage of one of two programs, but either way, it will cost you.

The city has two programs for sidewalk repair. One is the 50/50 costshare in which the homeowner and the city split the cost of the repair, which takes at least eight months, says Maryruth Valenzuela with the Public Works department. The homeowner calls the Public Works department at 214.948.4287 to be added to the list. After two months, the resident receives an estimate and has three months to pay it. Then, a contractor comes out to do the repair. The second option is the fast-fix program in which the homeowner pays the full cost of the repair, and it’s done in 30 days. If you need a quick fix just to alleviate any safety concerns, the city will lay asphalt on problem areas of the sidewalk for free. Call 214.671.0932.

—Emily Toman

Minime

From India with love, the PINK CHICKEN Masala collection is now available. The gorgeous, delicate and intricate prints are a must have for your miniMe’s fall wardrobe! 6719 Snider Plaza minimedallas.com 214.346.5401

Matthew Trent Jewelry

Gone Fishin’! Plaza at Preston Center 214.871.9170 MatthewTrent.com

The Hospitality Sweet

Now open in the London Café inside Timothy Oulton at Potter Square. 4500 N. Central Expressway. 214.534.2241 thehospitalitysweet.com

Painting With A Twist

Calling All Top Dogs and Cool Cats!! Attendees create paintings with a featured piece of art, Perfect for Private Parties 5202 Lovers Ln. 214.350.9911 paintingwithatwist.com

POLK-A-DOT BAKERY

September 22, westies and breakfast 9-12; wine social and fundraiser 5-9. Proceeds + 20% of sales benefit the Westie Rescue of North Texas. 15615 polkadotbakery.co

Diamonds N Designs

Loose Diamonds since 1983. We Custom Design your Jewelry. Designer & Gemologists on staff. Mention this Ad & get a FREE Jewelry Inspection and Cleaning. By Appointment call 972.490.0133 diamondsndesigns.net

La Mariposa Imports

Discover a stylish selection of home decor with a distinct South of the Border flair! 2813 N. Henderson Ave. 214.826.0069 lamariposaimports.com

Advocate Ornament

The Advocate Foundation’s limited-edition, numbered, and hand-painted ornament; perfect gift for the new home owner or Dallas transplant. Sales benefit neighborhood organizations. 214.292.0486 foundation.advocatemag.com

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