Online at katytrailweekly.com January 1 - 7, 2016 Downtown • Uptown • Turtle Creek • Oak Lawn • Arts, Design and Medical Districts • Park Cities • Preston Hollow
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Crime Watch page 2
Candy's Dirt page 6
Movie Trailer page 9
Katy Trail Weekly
Vol. 2, No. 44
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Neighborhood News
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Community Calendar and Live Music Guide
COMMUNIT Y NEWS
Start the year with a bargain
Photo courtesy of Dallas Arboretum
To kick off the New Year and encourage people to enjoy the outdoor gardens, the Dallas Arboretum is offering $5 admission beginning Jan. 4 through 31 for non-members. Members receive complimentary admission year round. This offer is only available when purchased at the gate. More info at dallasarboretum.org. — Juliette Coulter
DALLAS’ BEST LIVE MUSIC GUIDE — page 7
Top musical comes to town
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Arts and Entertainment
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katytrailweekly.com
DALLAS COUNTY
December tornadoes cause devastation
By Eric Aasen/KERA News and Jason Evans/DF-R
Saturday, Dec. 26 North Texas tornadoes caused more than $1 billion in damages. That’s according to preliminary figures released by the Insurance Council of Texas. Ten tornadoes killed 11 people Saturday night. Garland and Rowlett were hardest hit, but tornadoes also ripped through several other parts of North Texas, including rural parts of Collin County and Glenn Heights on the Dallas-Ellis County line. Eight people, including a 1-year-old, died in Garland. Three people died in Collin County — two in Copeville and one, an infant, in Blue Ridge. A 65 member task force (including 28 members from Dallas Fire and Rescue) was activated to assist in the search efforts focused around an area in Garland, just South of Interstate 30. Together with Garland’s police and fire departments, along with their Power and
Photo by Stephanie Kou/KERA News
A Garland front yard is an example of the aftermath of Dec. 26 horrific storms. Light and Public Works Departments, the team was able to clear a significant number of structures, not including those cleared through the efforts of
Regional Urban Search and Rescue and Mutual Aid responses in Rowlett, Glenn Heights, Sunnyvale and other Garland locations.
DOWNTOWN
Needy benefit from generosity of others
By Christopher Connelly/ KERA News
Photo by Joan Marcus
Anthony Rapp and Jackie Burns in a scene from "IF/THEN." “IF/THEN,” named the “Best Musical of the Year” by New York Magazine, will perform a limited one-week Dallas engagement Jan. 27 through 31 at the Winspear Opera House in the Dallas Arts District. Tickets begin at $30 and can be purchased online at attpac.org or by phone at 214-880-0202. — Cindy Evans
Middle East film up north
Photo courtesy of Geo Films
Shaz Kahn stars in the highly acclaimed foreign film "Moor." The Texas premiere of “Moor,” created and directed by Pakistani filmmaker Jami, will be shown on Jan. 17 at 5 p.m. at the Angelika Theater & Café in Plano. The film — which is among the movies from 81 nations in consideration for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards — is a story about the power of women in the Pakistani culture. A panel moderated by James N. Falk, president and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, begins the presentation. For tickets see moordallas.bpt.me. — Gail Host In This Issue Of K aty Tr ail Weekly Along the Green Trail........................................................ 2 Classifieds......................................................................... 11 Community Calendar ....................................................... 4 Dotty Griffith .................................................................. 10 Fitness .............................................................................. 3 Hammer and Nails ............................................................ 6 House Call ......................................................................... 2 Life on the Trail.................................................................. 7 Mull It Over ....................................................................... 3 Notes from the Editor ....................................................... 2 Restaurant Directory ...................................................... 11 Scene Around Town........................................................... 8 Trail to Good Health ......................................................... 5 Travel ............................................................................ 11 William "Bubba" Flint....................................................... 2 Find us at facebook.com/KTWeekly
4240 Prescott Ave. #7D | $725,000 | Ani Nosnik | 972.896.5432
Newman works in marketing at Samsung putting on large events 2015 was a good year for and trainings. He runs Matthew Newman. The Dallas a photography business entrepreneur decided to give and a lawn care compaback recently by hosting a ny on the side, as well as catered lunch for the resia nonprofit dedicated to dents of Tent City, a sprawling increasing composting. homeless encampment under Just a year ago, though, the I-45 freeway in downtown he was on the financial Dallas. edge. Last December, Newman is a planner: he he was raking leaves for showed up at Hickory Street a customer, wondering under the freeway with a bindhow he’d figure it all out. er full of notes and arrange“The repo man was ments, and a strict timeline for calling to repo my car,” how he wanted the day to go. Photos by Christopher Connelly/KERA News Newman said. “I didn’t But just before lunch things Hundreds at Tent City enjoy food provided by more fortunate. even have much money were off track. The food wasn’t to even go purchase ready and his volunteers were trash bags to finish the job. So it was a very tough time.” restless. This year, his job went from freelance to full time and his side “Just bear with me, I’ve got another gentleman donating businesses are doing well. “I’ve been truly blessed, Newman said. food and I want to make sure he’s set up,” Newman said to the see GENEROSITY on page 7 40 or so volunteers who arrived early to help set up.
EDUCATION
Serving community with more than entertainment
By Shari Goldstein Stern shari@katytrailweekly.com
A high quality theater, with a mission to serve the community, does more than entertain. It also educates, and the Dallas Theater Center (DTC) does both. Through its classes, DTC offers children, teens and adults opportunities to learn about theater, sharpen their craft and explore new ones. The Winter/Spring 2016 season schedule was recently announced, and it appears to be an ambitious one. Members of DTC’s Brierley Resident Acting Company (BRAC) will teach the classes for those wanting to engage in believable character development, scene study, playwriting and other related subjects. All classes will be held at the Wyly Theatre of the AT&T Performing Arts Center, 2400 Flora St. For theatrically-aspiring grownups, Adult Acting I will explore the craft of acting, while helping students build an acting vocabulary. Classes will be Mondays, Feb. 8 through Mar. 14, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Adult Acting II, which requires
completion of the first adult acting class or a private audition, explores the art in more depth, for students who are serious about continuing to develop their skills. Those classes are also Mondays, Feb. 8 through Mar. 14, 6-7:30 p.m. On Mondays, Feb. 8 through Mar. 14, 6-7:30 p.m. Adult Acting: Scene Study will be offered. After completing Photo by Karen Almond Adult Acting I and II or a private DTC’s Brierley Resident Acting Company will teach audition, students will draw on classes for children, teens and adults throughout the shared vocabulary discovspring 2016. ered in the introductory classes. New in 2016, DTC’s Meadows School of the Arts/SMU, and Playwright-in-residence and BRAC is the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation member Will Power will take adults on a Playwright-in-Residence with the Dallas six-week journey into Adult Playwriting. Theater Center. Those classes will meet on Tuesdays, Jan. BRAC’s Alex Organ will be teaching the 26 through Mar. 1, 6-7:30 p.m. Power is new Adult Acting Shakespeare. Classes will an award-winning playwright and perbe Mondays, Mar. 21 through Apr. 25, 6-7:30 former, whose credits include “Stagger p.m. In addition to his role in DTC’s unique Lee” at the Dallas Theater Center and production of “Les Misérables,” he appeared many international theaters and tours. see SERVING on page 8 Power is currently on the faculty of The
3401 Lee Parkway #2403 | $2,649,000 | Ani Nosnik | 972.896.5432
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alliebeth.com
KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM
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HOUSE CALL
JANUARY 1 - 7, 2016
NOTES FROM THE EDITOR
Anxiety very common in Americans By Dr. Kimberly Washington
to be activated in patients with anxiety disorders. The most common symptoms of anxiety disorders include Anxiety disorders are emotional symptoms such extremely common in the as feelings of apprehension, United States. According feeling tense or restless, irritato the Anxiety and bility, anticipating the worse, Depression Association inability to relax, difficulty of America, it is the most concentrating. There are also common psychiatric illphysical symptoms includness affecting children ing muscle aches and tension, and adults. Roughly 40 million Americans suffer Dr. Washington lightheadedness, frequent urination, hot flashes, palpitafrom one type of anxiety tions or fast heartbeat, headdisorder or another, howaches and fatigue. ever only a fraction of this number have There are two avenues of treatment been diagnosed and are being treated for of anxiety disorders and they are exthese disorders. Interestingly enough, it tremely effective. One is psychotherapy is one of the more easily treatable psyor cognitive behavioral therapy. With chiatric disorders. the help of the psychiatrist, the patient There are several types of anxiety disorders, the most common types being is taught different ways of thinking and panic disorders (panic attacks), phobias, behaving or reacting to the things they generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and encounter that may trigger such fear and anxiety. This is usually a lengthy social anxiety disorder. Panic Disorder process constituting multiple visits but is relatively easy to diagnose. It is a provides amazing results for the patient. sudden onset of overwhelming terror. Medication is another option, which can Phobias are also a type of anxiety disorder in which there is a fear of something be combined with psychotherapy. These or certain environments. There are pho- medications are usually anti-anxiety medications or anti-depressants. They bias to nearly everything, which results in irrational fear of those objects or loca- do have side effects, which may make it less desirable than psychotherapy. tions. Generalized anxiety disorder is Additionally, it’s a pill that you must a bit harder to identify because it tends remember to take as prescribed, which is to have a more prolonged development oftentimes hard for patients to do reliably. with less obvious symptoms. Social Lastly, many people have reservaanxiety disorder is related to intense fear tions when it comes to seeing a psychiawhen one is in an environment where trist. This should not be. Psychiatrists he or she could be socially humiliated. have a very important role to play in the People who suffer from this usually respond in a panic attack when forced into medical community as psychiatric disorders are common and can devastate these environments. you life. I choose to think about it this There is no identifiable cause on a way — if you have back pain, and you molecular level for anxiety disorders. knew there was someone you could see Based on what is known in the mediwho could fix it, wouldn’t you go? cal community at this time, the cause is Dr. Kimberly Washington, a genlikely environmental. However, there is eral surgeon at Highlander Surgical quite a bit of research being done on the brain to learn more about the centers that Associates in Arlington, maintains an interest in health education and advocacy. control fear and what cause these centers
washington.k@att.net
What is a ‘Zaxby’ doing in Dallas?
By David Mullen
now is the Nespresso ad featuring George Clooney and Danny DeVito. Clooney oozes charm Spent most of the holiday with a bit of a smirk. I sat by him break pondering about what “a at a Mavericks game once. He Zaxby” is and why we have a is charisma personified … Hey, bowl named after one in Dallas Watson the Computer, since you … It is a little disconcerting when know it all, how about coming you spend a night at up with a solution the Hyatt Regency to the ISIS Crisis? Embarcadero in San Maybe we will send Francisco during the Ken Jennings over holidays and find out there with “Boots that a couple days on the Ground.” (If I later hackers have never hear that term breached the credit again, it will be too card information soon) … Every year I of Hyatt customers shake my head about David Mullen this sports sponsor… What a difference a day makes. ship. The Goodyear Christmas Day, I am in the backCotton Bowl is played in a domed yard of a friend’s house in East stadium and their company icon Dallas enjoying weather in the is a blimp. Just doesn’t add up to '80s. The next day, I am trying me … I visited two of my favorite to find out if my other friends cities like I was a tourist during survived the horrific weather the holidays: San Francisco and events in Garland and Rowlett. Dallas. Here is what I learned in Mother Nature can be cruel. And San Francisco: the Irish Coffee at tornadoes never seem to miss a the Buena Vista on Fisherman’s trailer park … If you suffer from Wharf is a staggering $10; the “affluenza,” but more importuTadich Grill is still the best lunch nately are an 18-year old with a place in America; the SFPD are drinking problem, the worst place very nice when they mistakenly you can go to is Puerto Vallarta, finger a gentleman (me) for makMexico. Trust me. Thectequila ing an erroneous 911 call; and that popper” is no way to get your the Great Highway on the Pacific life back on track. And what was Ocean is eroding into the water, so his mother thinking? What a sad the San Francisco Zoo is going to state of affairs for Ethan Couch, expand across the former highway who was lucky to be serving 10 and develop a costal education years probation for intoxication and conservation center. Here is manslaughter. He just can’t seem what I witnessed in San Francisco: to figure it out … Why do so three different men talking to many local plumbing, pest control themselves; an older gentleman and electrician companies feel running in shorts and knee-high compelled to feature children in black socks; gas is at least $1.30 a their advertising? Give me that gallon more than in Dallas; and a Milestone Electric guy with the 4-year-old girl on a packed BART big grin in a flash … I think the train sang “The Final Countdown” funniest commercial on TV right at the top of her lungs for 10 stops. david@katytrailweekly.com
In Dallas, as I visited Mockingbird Station, Fair Park, the Cotton Bowl and the Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl, I learned: if you are seeking people on a Saturday morning, go to Trinity Hall. You will find dozens of rowdy soccer fans eating breakfast and drinking pints; DART is a clean, safe and efficient way to get to Fair Park; Peter Tarantino is in the kitchen at Eight Bells Alehouse on Exposition Avenue where they serve breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning; Fair Park is still grossly underutilized; and the poor, old Cotton Bowl is sad when it is less than one quarter full … Despite a major image blemish for the industry in 2015, the Dallas Safari Club will hold its 2016 Convention and Expo from Jan. 7 to 10 at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. Tickets are $30 … Twin births are at an alltime high with 1 in every 29 births a pair. I guess I should be thankful that the woman who mothered “The Final Countdown” singer on BART only had one child … Growing up our Saturday afternoon’s included rushing home from playing outside to watch ABC’s “Wide World of Sports.” One might see Muhammad Ali fight, wrist-wrestling championships from Petaluma, Calif. or hopefully the Harlem Globetrotters. Meadowlark Lemon was the centerpiece of the team with his half-court hook shot, free throw attempt with a rubber band attached to the ball so it would come back to him and his constant banter with the audience. Wilt Chamberlain said he was the greatest basketball player of all time. Lemon died Sunday at 83. “Sweet Georgia Brown” is being played in heaven.
ALONG THE GREEN TRAIL
Start environmental commitments now By Naima Montacer
Collectively, as a world now, we have a goal of reducing our impact on our planet ...
@naimajeannette
Dallas residents, here are the top five commitments to make for the environment in 2016. I chose these based on simplicity, easy access to resources here in Dallas, and each tip can be done by a beNaima Montacer ginner and extended out for the experts. Collectively, as a world now, we have a goal of reducing our impact on our planet and limiting the CO2 released into the atmosphere and it starts with small change. 5. Recycle. Don’t have a blue bin? Contact the city and get one. Live in an apartment? Utilize one of the city drop off locations. Go in on the errand with a few neighbors and increase the recycling done at your apartment — maybe the landlords will catch on. Already recycle? Step up your game and start recycling more products such as Styrofoam, binders, light bulbs, batteries, carpet and more at our local comprehensive recycling center, Recycle Revolution (recyclerevolutiondallas.com) located in the Design District. And to the readers who argue recycling wastes more water rinsing your containers than throwing them away, recycling actually saves water. Harvesting and processing virgin materials uses more water than recycling. Clean off recyclables and use minimal water to rinse, but don’t stop recycling. 4. Consider no meat at least one day per week. I know, the travesty, especially in big beef Texas! But one day is not the end of the world. Sixty three percent of global fish stocks are now considered overfished and many fish farm practices are far from sustainable and environmentally friendly. Agricultural meat (chicken, pork, beef, etc) causes pollution to air and water, requires large amounts of water for processing and is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Total meat consumption is on the rise; cutting out just one day can have a great impact on our environment. To put it in perspective, earthday.org states, “if the entire U.S. did not eat meat or cheese for just one day a week, it would be the equivalent of not driving 91 billion miles — or taking 7.6 million cars off the road.” If you are already practicing one day a week of no meat, try two or more. Choose grass fed organic meats and sustainable seafood (Seafood Watch app). 3. One day a week less driving. Another big Texas auto travesty. But small decisions reap big benefits. Can you get to work by train, or carpool with a coworker, telecommute from home, or ride your bike once a week? If these aren’t options for see START on page 7 OUR MISSION
Katy Trail Weekly is a community-friendly newspaper designed to inform and entertain the people in many diverse demographics who live and/or work in these neighborhoods. Much like the Katy Trail itself, Katy Trail Weekly is designed to help bring together the neighborhoods of Downtown, Uptown, Cedar Springs/Oak Lawn, the Design District, the Medical District and the Park Cities, as well as others. The newspaper is placed in local businesses, and other locations, for free pick-up by their patrons. We support this publication by providing ad space to local businesses who want an effective and affordable way to reach the Katy Trail area readers we attract and serve. We welcome participation in the paper through story and picture submissions, and we hope that you will join us in making this paper the best it can be. Co-founders Nancy Black Rex Cumming David Mullen Andy Simpson Publisher
Rex Cumming
Editor in Chief David Mullen Managing Director
Nancy Black
Graphic Design Amy Moore Bronwen Roberts Photographer Can Turkyilmaz Accounts Cindi Cox Manager
Distribution Andy Simpson Manager Copy Editors Jessica Voss Rosa Marinero Pat Sanchez
Dotty Griffith Donald Hohman Beth Leermakers Megan Lyons Naima Montacer Sara Newberry Stephan Sardone Editorial William "Bubba" Flint Mary Spencer Cartoonist Shari Stern Wayne Swearingen Online Editor Bronwen Roberts Stephanie Beidler Teotia Society Editor Sally Blanton Kim Washington Advertising Sales Susie Denardo Distribution Lynsey Boyle Becky Bridges Thomas Combs Billy Griffin Writers Gregory Clift Benjamin Smedley Turner Cavender Lorenzo Ramirez Chic DiCiccio Paul Redic Candace Evans Nicole Reed
Katy Trail Weekly (214) 27-TRAIL (87245) P.O. Box 601685 • Dallas, TX 75360 info@katytrailweekly.com • katytrailweekly.com
© 2016 Trail Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Katy Trail Weekly is published weekly and distributed for free. Views expressed in Katy Trail Weekly are not necessarily the opinion of Katy Trail Weekly, its staff or advertisers. Katy Trail Weekly does not knowingly accept false or misleading editorial content or advertising.
William "Bubba" Flint — Special Contributor
K ATY TR AIL WEEKLY'S CRIME WATCH Dec. 24 – 12:32 p.m. 2800 Block, Hawthorne Ave. (75219) Criminal Mischief: The suspect shot BBs through the complainant’s window. Dec. 25 – 3:48 a.m. 5000 Block, N Hall St. (75235) Aggravated Robbery of an Individual: An unknown suspect pointed a pistol at the complainant and demanded property. Dec. 25 – 8:10 a.m. 5000 Block, Mission Ave. (75206) Criminal Mischief: An unknown suspect smashed the complainant’s window with a rock. Dec. 25 – 1:20 p.m. 100 Block, Fitzhugh Ave. (75226) Aggravated Assault of an Individual: The suspect stabbed the complainant three times with a knife. Dec. 25 – 3:41 p.m. 4100 Block, Prescott Ave. (75219) Burglary of a Motor Vehicle: An unknown suspect broke into
the complainant’s vehicle and stole a weapon. Dec. 26 – 2:39 a.m. 2500 Block, Wycliff Ave. (75219) Aggravated Assault of a Security Officer: The suspect stabbed the complainant in the left arm with an ice pick. Dec. 26 – 9:35 a.m. 8300 Block, N. Stemmons Fwy. (75247) Robbery of a Business: An unknown suspect pointed an unknown weapon at the complainant and stole property. Dec. 26 – 9:43 p.m. 4200 Block, Capitol Ave. (75204) Aggravated Robbery of an Individual: The suspect robbed the complainant at gunpoint. Dec. 26 – 11:01 p.m. 5400 Block, Cedar Springs Rd. (75235) Burglary of a Residence: An unknown suspect entered the complainant’s residence and stole property. Dec. 27 – 11:56 a.m. 3600 Block, McKinney Ave.
(75204) Theft: An unknown suspect grabbed the complainant’s gold chain from their neck and fled. Dec. 28 – 7:35 a.m. 2400 Block, N. Henderson Ave. (75206) Burglary of a Business: Three unknown suspects pried open the front door and stole property. Dec. 28 – 7:52 a.m. 3100 Block, Hood St. (75219) Burglary of a Business: An unknown suspect broke into the building and stole property. Dec. 28 – 11:17 a.m. 3800 Block, Cedar Springs Rd. (75219) Criminal Mischief: An unknown suspect broke the complainant’s car door and attempted to steal the vehicle. Dec. 28 – 4:03 p.m. 3100 Block, McKinney Ave. (75204) Burglary of a Motor Vehicle: The suspect smashed the complainant’s front driver window and stole property.
JANUARY 1 - 7, 2016
KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM
MULL IT OVER
Resolutions include less bowling
have had a great season with young scorers and an improved defense. But questions remain as to they have enough goaltending to move on throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs when the real hockey begins. Dallas Mavericks: Get some rest. The Mavericks have certainly overachieved so far in the 2015-16 NBA regular season, but it is bound to catch up with them. Dirk Nowitzki is playing too many minutes. Coach Rick Carlisle seems to be looking for the right combination off of the bench to spell the starters. It would be a shame to see this fine season become a “one and done” playoff run because of tired bodies. SMU Basketball. Learn from your offcourt mistakes. Being kept out of the post season because of NCAA violations, this fine SMU basketball team deserves better. SMU must stay clean because the NCAA is watching every move. SMU Football. Learn from your on-field mistakes. The SMU football season produced a nasty 2-10 record and home games were played in an empty Gerald J. Ford Stadium. But coach Photo by David Mullen Chad Morris — one year on the job — is a good The Cotton Bowl was less than one quarter full for the motivator and should be a good recruiter. The Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl on Dec. 26. team must put last season behind them. There is nowhere to go but up. By David Mullen FC Dallas. Build awareness. Dallas loves a windavid@katytrailweekly.com ner. And local sports fans have one in the FC Dallas, coming off of a nice playoff run. They have a nice Entering 2016, most area teams would like to website. They play in a great stadium up the road (or need to) put 2015 behind them and look ahead in Frisco. The team still is not always on the sports to the coming year with few exceptions. Some need overhauls; others just a resolution or two to help them radar. The 2016 season begins with great anticipation on March 6. create a memorable 2016. Let’s look at some possible Dallas Wings. Convince metroplex fans that resolutions for the coming year. they should care. The WNBA comes to the area Dallas Cowboys: Hire personnel people. for the first time as the former Tulsa Shock moved Starting the year with such promise after being to College Center Park at the University of Dallas at thwarted in January by a play that raised speculation Arlington. The season begins on May 16. The Dallas among NFL rule makers as to what actually is a catch Wings promise a fast paced game with players like or not, the fall season was miserable to the Dallas Cowboys and their fans. They were exposed as ill pre- Skylar Diggins and Odyssey Jones. The team will try to compete for the area’s already stretched sports dollar. pared when the enormous amount of injuries hit the And a New Year’s resolution that is more relevant club and the proper back-up talent was nowhere to be today than ever: found. With the 2016 NFL Draft setting up to be very NCAA Football bowl committees. Lose weight. lean in star power, the Cowboys must excel at finding Scanning the Cotton Bowl on Friday, Dec. 26 and players to fill the team’s lack of depth. That is not the seeing an announced crowd of slightly more than strength of Cowboys GM Jerry Jones. Texas Rangers: Get stronger up the middle. The 20,000, it became increasingly evident that there Rangers surprised as the AL West champions in 2015. are just entirely too many post-season college bowl And they should be better on the mound in 2016. But games. Teams with just five wins are being selected for bowls, although the criterion is a minimum of they need to find an everyday catcher, defensive relisix wins. They were being chosen because there were ability from shortstop Elvis Andrus and second basenot enough six win teams to fill the 41 bowl games. man Rougned Odor and another stellar year from surprise centerfielder Delino DeShields to compete in Orlando has three bowl games. Bowl game sponsors include Zaxby’s, Taxslayer and Quick Lane. Fans want an improved division this year. quality, not quantity and are already beginning to lose Dallas Stars: Stop the leaks. Winning in the interest. regular season is one thing, and the Stars to date
PAGE 3
FITNESS
New Year can bring new you! By Turner Cavender
to your new self, but don’t wait that long. Start today with some preLove ‘em or hate ‘em, tests. Once a day, find a way to implement your New Year’s resolutions new lifestyle into your are a good thing. If you routine. That may mean struggle to believe that, skipping dessert one it’s probably because of night. Or a history of maybe it’s failed resoluletting your tions. This year, spouse have however, you the remote owe it to yourcontrol. self to become Then again, the new person it could be you want to be. chewing Not in order to Turner Cavender on a carimpress other rot instead people. You’re of going for a cigarette going to do it to remind break when stressed. yourself that yes, you Whatever it is, scoring can do whatever you put these small victories lets your mind to—you can you know that you can become a better person. indeed become the new Ready to get started person in the New Year on the road to a new that you desire. you? Keep reading to Expect success. find out what you’ve There’s a reason New got to do this the year Year’s resolutions are the to make the new you punch line for countless happen! jokes. There are people, Talk about it. After however, who beat the a few years of failed odds and stick with their resolutions, you may want to keep your plans a resolutions. This time around, you’re going to secret. But don’t! If your be one of them. Not befamily and friends don’t cause you’re better than know what your goals other people who can’t are, you won’t have their keep from overeating. support in your journey. They may scoff or snigger And not because you’re smarter than people who when they find out you don’t read a book every have big plans for the coming year, but don’t let month (like you’re planthem get you down. Most ning to do this year). The reason you’re going to likely, they’re jealous. So succeed is because you whether you want to be want it, and nothing is more committed to your going to stop you. When gym routine, eat better, you expect success and or be more patient with realize it is possible— your kids, don’t keep your resolution for a new which it is—you’re prepared to do what it takes you to yourself! Start with pre-tests. to find that success. Now go for it! Next Monday may be Go for the right when you’ve decided to goals. Before you set really begin committing Turner@dallasfbbc.com
a resolution for a new you in the New Year, take stock of your life to determine what would give you the best bang for your resolution buck. Already spending more time than you’d like away from the family? Maybe you should resolve to work your way into a position at work that requires less travel. Thinking you need to lose more weight when all your friends think you’re exceptionally thin? Maybe you should work on adding muscle to your frame instead. Only when you have the right goals can your new you be the best you. Have some fun. Sometimes, creating a new you can be tiring. After all, you’ve spent a lifetime creating the old you, and your old self will not leave without a fight. When your lifestyle changes feel like too much and you’re drooling for ice cream, jonesing for a smoke, or itching to ignore your family and stare at your phone, turn your focus to something fun. Grab a funny movie, go on a hike, hang out with friends—just do something you enjoy! When you’re done, your head will be cleared, and you’ll again be ready to shed the old you in favor of the new you in the New Year! Turner Cavender, CPT is owner of Dallas Fit Body Boot Camp and world renown online personal trainer at Cavendercoaching.com. “Remember J.A.M.O.D.I., Just a matter of doing it.”
KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM
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JANUARY 1 - 7, 2016
Katy Trail Weekly
calendar artandseek.org
Have a submission for Picture of the Week? Let us know what’s going on in our community: info@katytrailweekly.com
Contact us at info@katytrailweekly.com with your Community Calendar Event. Jan. 1
2010 Flora St. Dallas, 75201 214-979-6430
Crow Collection of Asian Art – Clear your mind before the work day with a group meditation in the tranquil environment of the Crow Collection galleries. Listen to guided meditation recordings from some of today's leading meditation teachers, including Sharon Salzberg, among others. 8:30 a.m.
Jan. 1 – 3
2201 N. Field St. Dallas, 75201 214-428-5555
Perot Museum of Nature and Science – “Walking with Dinosaurs: Prehistoric Planet 3D” is an immersive 3D experience – the characters are animated throughout against real backgrounds. It’s the most authentic dinosaur experience ever to be seen on the giant screen. $6 per person with museum admission.
Jan. 2
2001 Flora St. Dallas, 75201 214-242-5100
Nasher Sculpture Center – Bring out your children’s artistic talents and broaden their understanding and appreciation of the world. Target First Saturdays are designed especially for children in preschool to elementary school and feature a lineup of activities that encourage creative thought through a monthly “Big Idea.” This month, the theme is part/whole and children will work on shape trains in their art project. 10 a.m. FREE!
Jan. 7
1515 Young St. Dallas, 75201 214-670-1643
Jonsson Central Library – The Dallas Public Library's Fine Arts Division hosts an open mic night on the first and third Thursdays of every month. Held on the fourth floor in the Shirley Philipson Pollock Performance Space. 5:30 p.m. FREE!
Jan. 7 – Jan. 10
2301 Flora St. Dallas, 75201 214-670-3600
Meyerson Symphony Center – Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents “Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No 3.” Respected, even feared by many pianists, Rachmaninoff's personal favorite promises an incomparable evening of blazing technique and powerful emotions – including Pictures at an Exhibition. Long Yu conducts Kirill Gerstein, piano Qigang Chen The Five Elements, Mussorgsky-Ravel Pictures at an Exhibition Intermission; Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3. Starting at $49.
Jan. 9
1515 Young St. Dallas, 75201 214-670-1671
Jonsson Central Library – “Do You Want To Build A Snowman?” Join us to make many kinds of snowmen, and play some snowmen games. Held in Children’s Center on the second floor. 2 p.m. FREE!
Jan. 9
3630 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas, 75219 214-520-7789
Sammons Center for the Arts – Dallas Swing Dance Society presents “Swing on a String Dance.” The night beings with an hour-long newcomer lesson at 8 p.m. No experience, partner or special shoes required. The social dance begins at 9 p.m. and ends at midnight. Held every Saturday.
Fri 1/1
Picture of the Week
Happy New Year – 2016 Betsy Ross, b. 1752 “Country Joe” McDonald, b. 1942 Paul Thomas Anderson, b. 1970 1863 – Pres. Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
A DART bus stop sits between two parking meters across from the Dallas Farmers Market. Send us a photo on Facebook and it may be featured here!
Photo by David Mullen
Sat 1/2
Isaac Asimov, b. 1920 Roger Miller, b. 1936 Cuba Gooding, Jr., b. 1968 Taye Diggs, b. 1971 Kate Bosworth, b. 1983 1890 – Alice Sanger became 1st female White House staffer.
Sun 1/3
Victor Borge, b. 1909 Stephen Stills, b. 1945 Mel Gibson, b. 1956 Danica McKellar, b. 1975 1983 – Tony Dorsett (Dallas Cowboys) made longest run from scrimmage in NFL history… 99 yards.
Mon 1/4
Sir Isaac Newton, b. 1643 Louis Braille, b. 1809 Dyan Cannon, b. 1937 Julia Ormond, b. 1965 Deana Carter, b. 1966 1936 – 1st pop music hit chart published by Billboard.
Donors and volunteers
Tue 1/5
Robert Duvall, b. 1930 Diane Keaton, b. 1946 Marilyn Manson, b. 1969 January Jones, b. 1978 1925 – Nellie Taylor Ross of Wyoming becomes 1st female governor.
Wed 1/6
Joan of Arc, b. 1412 Danny Thomas, b. 1912 E. L. Doctorow, b. 1931 Syd Barrett, b. 1946 John Singleton, b. 1968 1759 – George Washington married Martha Custis.
Thu 1/7
Albert Bierstadt, b. 1830 Chas. Addams, b. 1912 Katie Couric, b. 1957 Nicholas Cage, b. 1964 1782 – 1st commercial bank opened in U. S.: The Bank of North America in Philadelphia.
show love and care in Dallas
NEW FRIENDS NEW LIFE
Nonprofit restores and empowers formerly trafficked girls and sexually exploited women and their children.
By Sally Blanton
sallyblanton455@gmail.com Each week, Katy Trail Weekly will feature a charity that is doing remarkable work in Dallas, a city known for philanthropy and generosity.
QW hat is your mission or highest
purpose? New Friends New Life provides access to education, job training, interim financial assistance, mental health and spiritual support, New Friends New Life helps women and their children overcome backgrounds of abuse, addiction, poverty and limited opportunities.
A
Q How many clients are served each year?
A A bout 1,200.
QW hat percentage amount actually reach-
es those in need? Eighty-eight percent program services, 7 percent general and administration and 8 percent fundraising.
A
QW hat are your critical needs now, besides money donations?
A Critical needs include volunteers and
professionals offering education, legal, medical and job assistance.
QW hat is your major fundraiser?
assessing talents and gifts and matching those to needs.
Q T ell us the name of a volunteer who always goes beyond the call of duty?
A Nancy Ann Hunt, 2015-16 Board Chair. QW hat is difficult about your job?
A Transformation is not easy. Many times
the chaos and abuse they’ve known since early childhood feels more comfortable than healing and wellness. Watching the caterpillar struggle out of its cocoon is difficult and challenging but necessary to the strength required to live a new life.
QW hat is rewarding about your job?
A At New Friends New Life, we talk about
“second chances.” For many of the trafficked girls we serve that have known nothing but trauma, and we wonder when they got their first chances. The most rewarding part of my work is working as a community to provide those chances for healing, transformation and hope. (And big hugs from the precious kiddos in our program feel pretty good, too.)
Q I n a short paragraph please tell how a specific person or family was helped.
A O ur annual WINGS Luncheon. This year A Brianna was in kindergarten when she it is on April 14 at the Hilton Anatole, chaired by the Honorable Jeanne Johnson Phillips.
QW hat is your facility like?
A O ur Resource Center is a haven for those in need. It is professional and feminine. The computer lab, counseling center, classroom and children’s playroom are inviting areas to come and begin the stabilizing and restoring journey.
QW hat sort of volunteer
started experiencing episodes of violent sexual abuse from her father. When he was incarcerated for his sex crimes, Brianna moved in with her mother, a drug addict with a series of boyfriends who continued the cycle of abuse. After her experience of abuse and recovery, Brianna wants to get this message out about at-risk and sex-trafficked girls. “We are not bad. We went through certain things to make us who we are, and we just need help to get back on the right track.”
jobs are available?
A Y ou name it … we’ve got it! Our volunteer coordinator is wonderful at
Our thanks to Katie Pedigo, executive director, for answering the questions this week.
KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ACROSS 1. Sugar amts. 5. Mars explorer 10. Masked superhero 16. Elvis' "Don't Be —"
21. Oodles (2 wds.) 22. Basketball venue 23. Guarantee 24. Hair rinse 25. Santa —, Calif.
26. Encircles 27. Gives way 28. Have being 29. They may get traded 31. Bronze or Iron
33. Jockey, often 35. Vt. neighbor 36. "Dave" actor 37. Dust devil 40. Get — of that junk!
41. Wk. day 42. Maple syrup base 45. 911 responder 46. Score big 48. Formal vote 50. Least taxing 52. Cavort 54. Quick snack 55. Fashion magazine 57. Beauty pack 58. R2D2 or C-3PO 59. Fill the hold 60. Diet 62. Jaunty lid 66. Troubles, to Hamlet 67. Monarchs 69. Not genuine 71. Letter encl. 72. Firefly larvae 74. Yahoo! rival 76. Physicist — Bohr 78. — take forever! 79. Huron neighbor 80. Castle features 83. Said to be 85. Broncos great 88. Port near Hong Kong 89. Door or gate 90. 1960s foursome 93. Tastes 95. Now, to Caesar 97. Canine command 98. Tugs hard 100. Wind dir. 101. Keeps a low profile (2 wds.) 106. Psyche's beloved 108. Harangue 110. Unnerves 112. Globetrot 113. Units of force 115. Carpet thickness 116. Buys at auction
PAGE 5 117. Chase the puck 118. Faint 120. Gloating 122. Johanson's fossil girl 123. Engine part 124. Congenial 128. Biol. or astron. 129. Summer in Cannes 130. A fistful of dollars 131. Grad. class 132. High spirits 133. Strong soap 135. Batter ingredients 137. Wined and dined 139. Beak of a bird 140. Hull parts 142. Common abbr. 144. Ran a store 148. Chilling 150. Limited 153. Flee to the JP 155. "Primal Fear" star 156. Without warmth 157. Complete reversals (hyph.) 158. D.C. consumer advocate 159. Taverns 160. Hibachi sites 161. Envoy 162. Anagram for north 163. Cubbyhole DOWN 1. Scarlett's mansion 2. Piggy-bank feature 3. Lavish 4. Hunt down 5. Joplin genre 6. China's place 7. Chapter and — 8. Wrap up 9. Tabula — 10. Sang to the moon
TRAIL TO GOOD HEALTH
can be fun, effective and pain-free. Using this gradual approach will help you soNow is the time when lidify your habits and never many people feel too overstart thinking whelmed, and about what they the results add up are going to acto great change! complish for their Sustaining one health in 2016. new habit each While I generweek is far more ally discourage impactful than traditional New committing to Years’ Resolutions 52 habits at the Megan Lyons beginning of the (because the concept leads to a year and giving mentality of short-term, often them all up by Feb. 1 as most unrealistic goals, rather than resolution setters do. long-term, sustainable habit If you’re looking for changes), January is exciting simple swaps to make, how for me as a health professionabout one of these: al. Enthusiasm for improving • Swap soda for sparkling health and wellness abounds, water. Today, the average and that’s a good thing! American gets 46 perWhile you are thinking cent of her added sugar about improving your health from sugar-sweetened and wellness, I encourage soft drinks. There are 65 you to be realistic. Instead of grams of sugar (over 16 setting yourself up for disapteaspoons!) in a 32-ounce pointment by trying to be fast-food cup of soda, “perfect” all year, going on and cup sizes seem to be a strict diet or juice cleanse, ever-expanding. So, if or going from no exercise to you regularly consume trying to hit the gym 7 days soda, this is a great place per week, why not commit to to start. Try swapping one simple swap each week? out one soda a day for tea Simply swapping an exist(black, green or herbal all ing habit for a healthier habit have great health benefits), megan@thelyonsshare.org
no-sugar-added sparkling water, or water infused with fresh fruit. Once you have successfully traded one soda a day, trade another one every week until you have weaned yourself off of soda altogether. • Swap a bag of chips for a bag of veggies. I’ve written before about my #1 secret for fitting veggies into a busy day. A veggie pack is simply a Tupperware container or Ziploc baggie full of raw vegetables to snack on. I like snap peas, mini cucumbers, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper strips, celery, or jicama, but feel free to be creative. I make seven veggie packs on Sundays, so they’re ready to consume each day of the week. I have no excuse for not grabbing one as I run out the door! • Swap your morning commute or a drive to an errand for a walk or bike ride. If you are fortunate to live within a mile of your office as I do, I strongly encourage you to walk or bike ride a few times per week. Being outside has great
YOUR STARS THIS WEEK By Stella Wilder
The coming week will offer several opportunities for self-discovery and growth — though they may not be of the sort that is easily recognized, nor may it be all that easy for everyone to take advantage of them as they arise. The best possible week will be enjoyed by those who are in some way primed for the possibilities that it holds. Those who have already been preparing for what will come — even unconsciously, without knowing what is in store — will come away the victors. Yet even those who are unprepared, who find it more difficult to spot the opportunities that arise, can come out ahead, provided they remain flexible and willing. Indeed, willingness itself may prove to be the single most important trait right now. Some may find themselves looking ahead to a time that will bring difficulty of an emotional sort — and this can prove quite daunting. To get moving may be difficult for those who see nothing but challenges and more challenges looming ahead. It's time to steel your courage, not shrink with fear! CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 6) The technical support you were expecting may not materialize, leaving you to solve a problem the old-fashioned way. (Jan. 7-Jan. 19) – You may find that someone is forcing your hand, compelling you to reach out to another for counsel and hands-on assistance.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 3) You may be seeing things through a distorted lens during the first part of the week, leading you to a false but temporary conclusion. (Feb. 4-Feb. 18) – Those around you are willing to give you the support you need, but they're not likely to whitewash the truth. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 5) Others may be sympathetic to your plight, but they can't solve the problem for you. You must dig deep and be creative. (March 6-March 20) – You cannot compel another to trust you, but you can trust that he or she will complete a job as promised. It's a matter of faith. ARIES (March 21-April 4) You know just where you belong, but you may not know how to get there. You'll spot a sign or two in your travels. (April 5-April 19) – Keep your eyes open for any indication that things are looking up, and that your odds are improving. TAURUS (April 20-May 5) You can generate more income, perhaps — but not immediately. It's time to think more economically; someone else may show you the way. (May 6-May 20) – You don't need anyone to step in and do
things for you, but you do need a little advice — and maybe a pep talk. GEMINI (May 21-June 6) Someone who knows you very well is likely to be quite understanding and sympathetic toward your current situation. You can reveal all. (June 7-June 20) – You may discover that the due dates you've been working toward are sooner than expected. Pick up the pace! CANCER (June 21-July 7) You may have to make a promise or two that will leave you beholden to someone, but a key personal problem is likely to be solved. (July 8-July 22) – Others may not understand the situation you are in, but the advice they give can be used to sort through key issues. LEO (July 23-Aug. 7) You know how to do more than you realize. You're likely to stumble upon an opportunity to demonstrate this to yourself and others. (Aug. 8-Aug. 22) – Someone who is usually quite unwilling to offer praise may seek you out and offer it — and it's something you may long remember. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 7) You may think that you have all the time in the world, but this is not
86. Skeptical 87. Prairie schooner 91. Wolf, say 92. Save a coupon 93. Choir selections 94. Miner's trough 95. Makes after taxes 96. — Enterprise 99. Mr. Kristofferson 102. A famous 500 103. Horned animals 104. Croc cousin 105. Shaman's findings 107. Family car 109. Tied 111. Just touch 114. Close kin 117. Front of an LP (2 wds.) 119. Mme.'s daughter 121. Band's booking 122. Perchance 123. Design 124. Epic by Virgil 125. Take to the cleaners 126. Silk or wool 127. Good-looker 130. Tearjerker 134. Privileged few 136. Migratory flocks 137. Tolkien hobbit 138. Begin eating (2 wds.) 140. Janitor's need 141. Like a bug in a rug 143. Pocket money 145. Lantern-jawed host 146. Cube-maker Rubik 147. Hotel lobby focus 149. Type 151. CD, maybe 152. Big-bang letters 154. — -di-dah
OFF THE MARK
Make one simple healthy swap By Megan Lyons
11. Just — — thought! 12. Half a fly 13. Ponder 14. Inner fire 15. Tabloids "monster" 16. "Moonstruck" star 17. Oedipus — 18. One of a kind 19. Happens next 20. Most current 30. Go to the polls 32. Kind of pool 34. Red-waxed cheese 38. Go blond 39. Cheers 41. Ocean's motions 42. Bit of holly 43. On — — (hot) 44. Cellist — Casals 46. Most spacious 47. Route for Ben-Hur 49. UFO pilots 51. Hoagie 53. Piece of cake! (2 wds.) 54. Liniment 56. Sewing kit 59. Decoy 61. Kassel's river 63. Singer Bonnie — 64. Organic compound 65. Lingerie item 67. Vive le —! 68. Cheesecake brand (2 wds.) 69. Like a kilt 70. Flamenco shout 73. With dry humor 75. Fierce whales 77. Blow a paycheck 81. Ms. Thurman 82. Familiar digit 84. Opens the wine 85. Waned
stress-relieving benefits, and the movement adds up more than you expect. If you cannot walk or ride to work, try walking to the grocery store or to run your next errand. If you regularly call a friend or family member after work, turn it into a walking call. If you get drinks with a friend at happy hour, how about a walk down the Katy Trail? Do what you can to swap a regular activity for one with a bit more heartpumping movement! If you want to learn more about more healthy swaps you can make to maximize your health in 2016, I’m hosting a workshop on Jan. 20 at True Foods Kitchen in Preston Center. The $15 charge is fully applied to cover the cost of a healthy lunch. Please visit bit. ly/10healthyswaps to register before we reach capacity. Megan Lyons is a Certified Holistic Health Coach and Running Coach at The Lyons’ Share Wellness. To learn how you can improve your own health, contact her at 214-803-1298, or visit her website, thelyonsshare.org/ health-coaching. Copyright 2015 United Feature Syndicate, Inc. the case. This week you must use every moment as efficiently as possible. (Sept. 8-Sept. 22) – You have quite a support structure all around you. All you have to do is take advantage of it, and ask for what you need! LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 7) Morning hours can be your most productive throughout this busy week. Be sure that others are not waiting on you to finish their own work. (Oct. 8-Oct. 22) – You'll be gravitating toward someone who shares more than your outlook. Together you can accomplish something quite remarkable. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 7) If it appears too good to be true, then it probably is. You'll want to be dealing in reality, not fantasy! (Nov. 8-Nov. 21) – You may discover that someone with whom you've carried on a long-term feud is ready, like you, to call it quits and make things better all around. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 7) What you have in mind may not be immediately possible, but it's a goal worth working toward. Lay the groundwork. (Dec. 8-Dec. 21) – You can turn the mediocre into something special, and others are sure to come back for more when the time arrives.
● Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 through 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) without repeating.
● The numbers within the heavily 1-3-16
outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners.
● Freebies: Fill in single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner. KenKen® is a registered trademark of Nextoy, LLC. ©2016 KenKen Puzzle LLC. All rights reserved. Dist. by Universal Uclick for UFS. www.kenken.com
JANUARY 1 - 7, 2016
KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM
PAGE 6
JANUARY 1 - 7, 2016
By Candy Evans
there are many protections in place for consumers.” “Fly-by-night” contracI cannot lie: tors often appear 2015 was not the in communities best year for me, right after a dipersonally, though saster and further I know it kicked victimize those arse in real estate affected by swinand may, just may, dling them out of go on record as our their precious and biggest year ever in limited resources Dallas Real Estate. by promising As we speak, I am inexpensive and Candace Evans quick repair work. working on my 2015 Real Estate As such, the Dallas Wrap over on CandysDirt. BA urges storm victims to com, which you should get beware of contractors — and in your mailbox every day. we have posted some of their But for some of our friends in TRICKS on CandysDirt. Rowlett, Garland, Ovilla, Blue It was downright Tahitian Ridge and Copeville, the year weather pre-Christmas is really ending in shambles. when Hanne Sagalowsky Please do consider a donation and I tootled around in this to the Red Cross or a legiti4,556-square-foot beauty in mate GoFundMe for specific the heart of Uptown — 70 families who may need extra degrees and the sun was shinhelp right about now. And ing! It is probably one of the when it comes to rebuildmost unique properties in the ing, don’t let an unscrupulous area, and a downsizing Park contracted rip you off! In the Cities/Preston Hollow/Plano wake of last weekend’s severe (The Three P’s) family would weather, the Dallas Builders feel more than at home here. I Association offers guidance mean, it’s an estate without the aimed at preventing storm pesky property. 2806 Thomas victims from incurring furAve. is really, truly a home ther damage from unscrupuwith all the bells and whistles lous contractors. we Baby Boomers want and “Losses due to fraud are are not willing to part with. one of the untold costs associFor example, there is a ated with disasters,” Dallas BA large dining room. All this Executive Officer Phil Crone talk we hear of the formal said. “It is only a matter of dining room going away — I time before fly-by-night conused mine four times this tractors make their way here holiday season and loved it. from out of state. Fortunately, You? I put my granddaughter’s
Candace@CandysDirt.com
Photos courtesy of Ebby Halliday
This townhome is located at 2806 Thomas Ave. in Uptown and is listed for $1,495,000. Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair up to the table, gave her a gold spoon, and the heirloom mini-wine glasses my mother gave us. (Filled with water, of course.) A large dining room is just a necessity when you have family holiday dinners or entertain! That’s why I don’t buy this “get rid of the dining room” business — that’s fine for the ranch or second home, but not the main home. And if you want to be space resourceful, line the walls with bookshelves and make it double as a library, a la Robert Edsel. 2806 Thomas Ave. takes it a few hundred steps further. There is a 5,000-bottle-capacity wine cellar right off the dining room that is a tempcontrolled walk-in and large enough for seating! Come to think of it, that might have been a great “safe room” for Saturday’s tornadoes! Yes, this is a townhome. But it’s not just “wired” for an elevator — the darn thing is already there, taking you up from the first floor to the third AND when you pack your bags to leave, put those pups in the elevator and send them down to the driver — no more killing your back bumbling down the stairs with luggage. Walk into the first floor,
HAMMER AND NAILS
ground floor. This is the front door foyer entrance, and the front door has a charming iron gate protecting a little porch our dog would love to sit on and watch everyone go by — because this is Uptown, and everyone is out walking! This floor has a small living room, the aforementioned foyer, a bedroom with full bath and an attached office. The owners have smartly added a Murphy bed in here for another guest room. There is a charming courtyard where we soaked up sun. This floor has that attached full bath (attached to the bedroom) AND a powder room for when you come in from the garage! About that garage, mama mia! I have seldom seen such nice garages in zero lot line homes, even in Plano! It is a spotless three car with FULL COUNTER SPACE AND A SINK. There are huge storage closets. Let me say this: unless you are a complete hoarder, you would no longer need that off-site storage place for Christmas decor. Load it up in the elevator and decorate, or load it back down to the garage. The staircase or elevator takes you to the second floor, home of the formal living room, the kitchen with bells
and whistles, and the formal dining room. Yes, there is a breakfast bar in the kitchen, as well as enough room for a cozy table. Don’t forget the wine cellar off the dining with room for more casual dining, like super casual after a couple of bottles! There are two roomy balconies, including one off the stately dining room. Take the secondary staircase, front staircase or the elevator to the third floor with the master, two bedrooms, Jack and Jill bath, and a little library/study nook in the hall by the front staircase. Let me tell you about the master bedroom. It is huge, has a fireplace, the balcony off of it has been enclosed as a conservatory with electricity and water for plants, and the master bath has a sunken jacuzzi jetted tub for two. Maybe three. (Oh!) The shower is oversized and across from the tub in case you want to water-hop for some reason. There are dual vanities and a huge walk-in closet. There is an extra closet off the master, too. Down the hall is the laundry room with counter and storage space galore and a sink, the two other bedrooms, and that quaint hallway that for some reason reminded me
of my grandmothers’ house. This home was custom built in 1998, and is an excellent example of what happens when you build thoughtfully with an eye to design and amenities any year, any age. There is not an inch of skimp in this house, and it shows. It basically simulates a French estate on a zero lot line with just enough dirt for some gardens. In fact, the owner is a gourmet cook who utilizes the figs from the mature fig tree by the back door. I really like that you pull into a regular three car garage, not a basement somewhere, and share nothing more than one wall with neighbors. No HOAs, no committees, no rules! The interiors are light and bright for a town home, you have outside spaces for when it gets warm again, and a charming street right in front of you with more foot traffic than cars. It is truly a Parisian townhome in the heart of Dallas … listed with Ebby’s Hanne Sagalowsky for $1,495,000. CandysDirt.com is the only blog in Dallas for the truly Real-Estate obsessed! Named by National Association of Real Estate Editors as the BEST Real Estate Blog in the country.
ART RESTORATION
Remodeling trends for 2016 By Stephan Sardone
Turning your master bath into a Stephan@sardoneconstruction.com spa-like escape is trending for the home remodeling industry in 2016. Even with a small bathroom, you As we move into the new year, can achieve your relaxing getaway many people are deciding to update with plants, earth tone the look of their tiles, or wood plank walls. homes with more You might consider a than just a fresh new style bathtub and coat of paint. The modern shower to comtheme of 2016 is plete the transformation. bringing the famAnd don't forget to add ily closer together spa music and candles to in the home! keep the stress away! Here are Backyards and garsome of the indens. Whether you have dustry trends to a small yard, or a propconsider: Spacious Stephan Sardone erty where acreage is no object, you can enhance kitchens. Let’s your lawn and garden in a number face it; it’s the room that gets the of ways. Think about adding a patio most use. That’s why homeowners or a simple deck, beefing up your are deciding to tear down walls and landscaping, or creating a garden create a transitional kitchen, bringthat brings beauty and wildlife into ing flow from one room to another. This way, the chef in the family does your backyard. The backyard is a not feel disconnected from everyone great place to spend time with your family outdoors and having fun! else in the living room while cookMoving forward in 2016. ing. The feel of a transitional kitchen Trendy renovations can definitely opens up the room and brings evpay off in the end—if you approach eryone in together. them wisely and with realistic exIf you are not ready to make pectations. With a little planning, major changes to the kitchen, an you can strike that perfect balance easy way to update the look and between your personal tastes and feel is with new countertops and what will appeal to potential buyers backsplashes. These are the details — and then reap the rewards when that really bring a kitchen to life. Surfaces of metal and stone — either it’s time to sell. Stephan Sardone is owner of natural or man-made continue to be Sardone Construction and has been popular. Many homeowners want a helping people improve their life by cleaner look, with solid colors and a remodeling their home around their variety of textures. Bathrooms that look like spas. life.
Thoughts on repairing holiday treasures By Laura Pate
brownmountain@swbell.net As an art restorer and conservator, I have the wonderful opportunity to work with many beautiful things on a daily basis. Our clients bring in paintings, ceramics, antique mirrors and furniture and family heirlooms of all kinds. Many of these treasures possess considerable market value; others have value only to their owners. Quite often these items that possess sentimental value seem to arrive at our studio before specific holidays. Holidays like Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving call for a specific type of décor around the house. So as the holiday approaches, items are pulled out after a year in the basement or attic or in the back of a closet. To the surprise and dismay of their owners, once these items are unwrapped they are often damaged. For instance, in the weeks before Easter, we will receive crosses and crucifixes, even Faberge Eggs that have been chipped or broken. Before Thanksgiving, we will be asked to repair a broken wine goblet or turkey platter or gravy boat. The weeks before Christmas are the busiest times in our studio for a number of reasons. First, after clients pull out Christmas decorations, they find them broken due to improper packing or storage. This month alone we have repaired three broken
Professional - Experienced - Trusted
Randy Elms, MBA REAltoR® (214) 649-2987 randallelms@yahoo.com
Photos courtesy of Laura Pate
Art restoration is not exclusively for paintings. nutcrackers, two nativity scenes, five angels, a number of glass Christmas tree ornaments and several reindeer, all with a Christmas deadline. Holidays are a time when people surprise loved ones Laura Pate with family heirlooms repaired or restored. It fills me with great joy knowing that I am contributing to someone’s happy holiday. Recently, we repaired a snowman music box that was broken into fifteen pieces. Its owner was in tears when it fell off the mantle. When the pieces went missing, she supposed her husband had thrown them away. However,
he brought the pieces to us. I wish I could see her face when she unwraps the gift that once belonged to her grandmother. When the holiday festivities are over, it is time to once again carefully pack away our holiday items and family treasures. To make sure they are safe from damage, it is important to wrap them in acid-free tissue paper and store them in a temperaturecontrolled environment, which basically means never in basements or attics. But if damage or breakage does happen to your porcelain reindeer or nativity set, it would give us great pleasure to make them whole again. Laura Pate is the owner of Brown Mountain Art Restoration at 2809 N. Henderson Ave. and can be reached at 214-824-3205.
KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM
JANUARY 1 - 7, 2016
LIFE ON THE TRAIL
Pay attention to first few months By Dr. Beth Leermakers bethleermakersphd.com
This year, instead of making a New Year’s resolution that you probably won’t keep, think about what needs attention in your life. Do you want to focus on your health, career, family or some other area of your life? What needs attention in the next two to three months: Check the two to three most important
□ Reduce stress □ De-clutter □ Self-care □ “Me” time □ Fun/play/laughter □ Relationships □ Work/career □ Work/life balance □ Health □ Physical activity □ Eating/weight □ Sleep/rest □ Spirituality □ Other: ______________
areas so you don’t feel overwhelmed by focusing on too many. After you select the general categories, identify your top five priorities for the next few months. Be very specific. The quality of my diet needs attention, so two of my specific priorities are to eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables per day and to limit myself to one “sugar unit” (my own measurement) per day. When setting your specific goals, be sure they are realistic and don’t require perfection. Avoid goals that involve doing something every day (perfectionistic) or that include the word “never.” A goal to “never eat chocolate” is perfectionistic and may be unrealistic. You want to set yourself up to succeed. A better goal would be to “exercise at least five days per week” or to “limit
myself to one small piece of chocolate per day, no more than five days per week.” After you’ve identified your priorities for the next few months, the next Dr. Beth Leermakers step is to determine what you’ll need to say no to, to allow you to say yes to your priorities. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Therefore, if you’re going to add a new behavior (such as working out or getting an extra hour of sleep), something else will have to give. Where will you find that extra hour? If you could say “no” to someone (including yourself) or something, knowing there would be absolutely no hard feelings or negative consequences … • Who or what would you say “no” to? (e.g., too many last-minute requests to baby-sit the grand-kids) • What project or responsibility would you give up? (e.g., a committee you no longer enjoy) • What relationship would you end, or change significantly? • Is there a date or standing meeting you might break? • What activity or behavior would you stop or limit? (e.g., TV or Facebook) List five things, people or activities you’d like to say no to so you have enough time and energy to devote to your top priorities. To limit myself to one sugar unit per day over the holidays, I asked my mother not to buy two big pies for our family of three. Just say no to apple and pumpkin pies. Then I said no to a slice of pumpkin pie when I’d already had two small chocolate cookies that afternoon. In 2016, say no so you can say yes to what’s most important to you. Happy New Year! Dr. Beth Leermakers is a clinical psychologist who specializes in stress management and wellbeing seminars, retreats and coaching. Contact her at 214-923-3766. Her monthly e-newsletter can be found at bethleermakersphd.com.
PAGE 7
Live Music Guide Shows & Concerts This Week: Thu, 12/31 - Thu, 1/7
Saturday, January 2
January
Sunday, January 3
Monday, January 4
Tuesday, January 5
Clubs • Restaurants Thursday, December 31 A food tent was set up near Tent City in downtown Dallas. GENEROSITY cont'd from page 1 “When I have the means to give, then I give. Then I give.” Christmas music played out of a speaker as lunch was served. Long folding tables with plastic white table cloths are decorated with candles and pine cones. Volunteers hand out turkey, ham, green beans and macaroni and cheese. There are donated clothes and blankets and toys that’ll be handed out after lunch. Behind this festive scene is the sobering backdrop of Tent City. It’s four blocks of tents clustered in the gravel and dust. Cars speeding overhead provide a constant din. Gilbert Hernandez wound up here a year ago after he moved from Houston and couldn’t find work. He has decades of construction experience, he says, but two felony convictions from when he was younger
make it hard to get hired. “I’m walking straight, I’m not on probation or parole or nothing, I’m doing very well,” Hernandez said. “It’s just a matter of time before somebody will open the door for me and give me the opportunity to get back on my feet and get off the streets” Not everyone living in Tent City is jobless. Curtis landed a job last week with a moving company. The 56-year-old — who didn’t want to give his last name — said older folks like him cluster together for safety and community. “You’ve just got funny people walking around here; you’ve got to watch out for perverts and stuff. But that’s alright,” he says. “People mind their own business. Over here we’re like a family.” By his calculations, Curtis could be out of here in just a few weeks. By then, he says, he should be able to save enough
START cont'd from page 2 you, plan your errands ahead to save time, money and fuel. Plan to go to your farthest errand and then work your way back all in the same trip. Shorter trips taken from a cold start use twice as much fuel as the same distance covered when the engine is warm. And remember, idling over 10 seconds is a waste — no need to let your car warm up for over 30 seconds even on the coldest of Dallas days. 2. Smarter grocery decisions. You don’t have to buy every organic product in the store, but choose a few this year and make the commitment. Here’s my top three (within a top five) grocery store decisions to execute in 2016. 3 - Buy free range organic eggs. Eggs are most sustainable bought from a local farmer or at a farmers market, but if you must buy at the store, choose high environmental quality. 2 - All natural no sulfates or palm oil dish
to get an apartment. Candace Moffitt came down to Tent City to help out with the Christmas Eve lunch. “Hey, love,” she calls out to people as she makes the rounds, “You know there’s food up there?” She’s been homeless herself, lived out of her car for a bit in college but she’s in a good place now, so she makes it part of her life to help out by handing out blankets and sandwiches and working with Tent City residents at least once a month. “It’s like there’s more days to the year than Christmas and Thanksgiving. There are more good people down here than there are bad people,” Moffit said. She said there’s plenty of food in Tent City today, but worries what people will eat next week. So she hopes the generosity and holiday spirit can last beyond the season.
detergent and soaps. 1 - Ditch the paper towels and upgrade to 100 percent recycled toilet paper. There’s nothing a paper towel does that an actual reusable towel can’t do. 1. Vote. Without getting uber political in a year that will be a political nightmare, choose candidates that are making an effort to place the environment as a top priority. Yes, the big presidential race is happening this year, but we will also have local decisions to make that will have a big impact on our Dallas community. Take the time to research the candidates and make an informed decision. One vote is your voice. Add some of these environmental commitments to your New Year's resolutions and keep an eye on this Along the Green Trail section all year to stay motivated! Naima Montacer is a freelance writer and conservationist. View more at her website EnviroAdventures.com.
Wednesday, January 6
Friday, January 1 Happy New Year!
Thursday, January 7
Whenever you go to one of these clubs, tell them, "I found you in Katy Trail Weekly."
KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM
PAGE 8
JANUARY 1 - 7, 2016
Scene Around Town
By Sally Blanton
sallyblanton455@gmail.com
Society Editor
SPCA
DSOL Holiday Party
Event for Fur Ball Committee Matthew Trent
Symphony Debutantes Home of Lisa and Kenny Troutt
Lowrie Reniger, Alexandra Henry, and Peyton Porter
President Melissa Lewis, Karina Woolley, Ball Chair Nancy Labadie
Lindsey Elliott, Loring Dalton
Curtain Call Kick Off
Texas Art Auction
Dallas Summer Musicals Bistro 21
Chairs Suzanne and David Palmlund
“501 Forum”
Michelle Anderson, April Bosworth
20th Annual Preview David Dike Gallery
Michael and Wendy Jenkins, Holly and Brad Reeves
PCHPS Kick Off
Dinner by Chef John Coleman Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society Home of Suzanne and Michael Grishman Home of Amy and Malone Mitchell
Suzanne Bock Grishman, Dedie Leahey, Lynn Dealey, Pat Holder, Sally Blanton
Karen Greenberg, Sandra Fite, Phyllis Comu
Home Tour Chair Venise Stuart, Chair Doris Jacobs, President Cynthia Baired
Children’s Cancer Fund
Breakfast with Roger Staubach Home of Lisa and Clay Cooley
Dr. Karen McClard, Lisa Cooley, Roger Staubach, Giora Barker, Brittney Bannon
Director Anne Kelly, Alexandra Irwin, Sarah Castillo
Chess Team
Great Season with 3 First Place Wins Alcuin School
Alcuin Chess Team member, Walter Sorensen, Head of School
EAST DALLAS
Life changing occasions launch on White Rock Lake shores
By Shari Goldstein Stern
anniversary celebration in 2011. The FB currently has almost 20 approved caterers, with choices ranging from Mexican food to pizza, and Italian to burgers. Both StClairs are part owners of One90 Meats in White Rock, so naturally they wanted their business, which is not yet on the approved vendor list, to cater their special day. They paid the FB an additional fee for that and, Kalenna remarked, “The FB staff worked with the catering team smoothly to make our wedding guests happy.” According to the StClairs’ professional event planner, Elisabeth Landry, “I have never had more wedding guests ask me ‘When is dinner served?’ White Rock’s One90 catered the best BBQ style wedding dinner I have ever planned.” Landry worked with Carla Rea, FB’s reservation coordinator, to create a seamless event for about 150 guests. The 5,100-squarefoot building’s capacity is 200. Rea’s reputation among brides and planners is impeccable,
engaging couples to utilize the FB. She is also known to enforce stringent requirements, including safety precautions. The bride and planner agreed that, when you have your affair at the FB, you are leasing the building itself, and you’re on your own for everything else, including furniture! The StClair ceremony was held inside the building, with cocktails following on the covered patio, while the staff transformed the hall for the seated dinner. “Many of my clients’ childhood memories involve White Rock Lake, like the StClairs,” Landry added. “These couples cherish the idea that they can start their married life at that same place.” The historic building, constructed in 1911 by the City of Dallas Engineering Department, reflects a renaissance revival, or “urban industrial” architectural style of the early 1900s. That’s evidenced in exposed, corbelled brick, with terra cotta details, original iron trusses and a lot of windows with breathtaking views of White Rock Lake. It was originally built in response to an increased population and extended droughts in the early 1900s. It began filtering water in 1913 on the shore of the 1,800-acre White Rock Lake. After sitting dormant for decades, the restoration of the Filter Building is one example of “adaptive reuse” — a term referring to the process of reusing an old site or building for a purpose other than that for which it was built or designed. By reusing an existing structure, the energy required to create new spaces is lessened, as is the material waste that comes from destroying old sites and rebuilding using
new materials. Besides receiving recognition for its adaptive reuse by the American Institute of Architects and Preservation Dallas, the Filter Building was recorded as a Texas Historic Landmark in 1989. Today, the facility is operated by the non-profit White Rock Boathouse, Inc. As of Christmas, 2015, the FB’s website reflected more than 50 bookings through spring 2016, averaging more than 10 affairs each month. Leake reported: “Aesthetically, we saved and restored a nice 1911 industrial building, of which few are left in Dallas. Socially and at the same time, it is serving its purpose in spades.” The net revenue from FB events subsidizes the community outreach middle, high school and adaptive rowing programs, with crew programs available at reasonable fees. “Financial aid has been provided to [about] 35 percent of the rowing participants,” he added. “Financially, it exceeds our expectations,” he said. “We contribute 10 percent of FB gross to the city, the White Rock Lake Beautification Trust, and that has run about $25K a year since 2010 when we came up to speed with reservations.” Leake added, “When you lease The Filter Building for a special event, you help finance the public high school rowing programs and the lake’s crew team, in addition to the scholarship awards.” For information about the Filter Building and to inquire about planning an event, visit thefilterbuilding.com. To look into WRL’s rowing programs, visit whiterockrowing.org.
will be Mondays, Apr. 4 through May 9, 6-7:30 p.m. for professionals only. Level I Teen Acting offers training for students interested in the basics of actor development, under the guidance of DTC’s professional teaching artists. During the six-week actor training program, students will be introduced to ensemble building and basic acting technique. Classes will meet Saturdays, Jan. 23 through Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-noon. Level II Teen Acting will include advanced training for 13- to 17-year-old aspiring actors, who will spend six weeks immersed in their core acting curriculum, modeled on the “Practical Aesthetics” acting model. Saturdays, Jan. 23 through Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-noon. Their instructor will be BRAC’s Christie Vela, whose DTC credits include “A Christmas Carol;” “Les Misérables;” “Sherlock Holmes: The Final
Adventure”; and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” She is also a member of Dallas’ Kitchen Dog Theater Company. Musical Theater for 13- to 17-year-olds will help strengthen students’ musical theater skills, with a six-week, intensive workshop led by company member Jeremy Allen Dumont. Preparing students to advance their musical theater career, Dumont, a native Texan, graduated from American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York. He joined the International tour of “West Side Story” in 2005 and did two other tours of the same production in 2007, and again in 2010, for which he toured well over a dozen countries. Since Dumont moved back from New York to Dallas in 2009, he has garnered credits including roles at Lyric Stage, Theatre Three, Uptown Players, Dallas Theater Center and Garland Summer Musicals.
Also a choreographer, he has taught workshops and choreographed for various schools and school districts, including Plano, Carroll and Ft. Worth ISDs and the University of North Texas, to name a few. He teaches dance at Park Cities Dance in Highland Park. During Spring Break, Mar. 14 - 18, three levels of classes will be available to area school students, culminating in a show for family and friends on DTC’s main stage. Level I, for ages 7 to 10 will train in acting and movement at 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Level II will train students ages 11 to 14 (middle school) in acting movement and playwriting. Level III is designed for ages 15 to 17 (high school), and will train in acting, movement, playwriting and design from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For pricing, other details and to register, write classes@dallastheatercenter.org.
shari@katytrailweekly.com
When Kalenna Masters was planning her wedding to Kyle StClair, she considered a few venues around town before choosing the Filter Building on White Rock Lake’s southwest shore. Her end result — besides becoming Mrs. Kyle StClair — was, as she put it, “For [a wedding] in the heart of East Dallas that represents White Rock Lake and everything great about this neighborhood, it’s an ideal venue.” It was a success for the Filter Building and the happy couple. The Nov. 28, 2015 ceremony was one of hundreds performed since “the old” Filter Building (FB) was restored in 2008. The restoration was made possible entirely through private contributions acquired through a fundraising campaign, steered by the crew of John Mullen, co-founder of rowing in Dallas and on White Rock Lake and Sam Leake, Chairman of White Rock Boat House, Inc. Mullen and Anne Mullen annually award The John Mullen and The Anne Mullen White Rock Boathouse, Inc. Scholarship Awards. Along with those hundreds of vows exchanged in the unique facility each year, other celebrations have rocked the site like meetings and parties. According to Kateri Cale, co-artistic director of Echo Theatre: “The Housing Crisis Center used [the FB] for a fundraiser in August of 2010, and Echo Theatre performed at another fundraiser for the building. It’s a great choice of venue.” The building was the central point of White Rock Lake’s 100th SERVING cont'd from page 1 in “The Fortress of Solitude;” “Fly by Night” and “A Christmas Carol,” to name a few. Organ’s local credits also include his work at Second Thought Theatre (“Red Light Winter”); Undermain Theater (“Profanity”); Lyric Stage (“The Most Happy Fella”); Theatre Three (“The Farnsworth Invention”); WaterTower Theatre (“Putting it Together”) and Trinity Shakespeare (“Festival; Shakespeare Dallas”). His film and television credits include “Law & Order: SVU” and “Second Guessing Grandma.” Organ is the Artistic Director of Second Thought Theatre where he directed “A Behanding in Spokane” and “Cock.” The artist earned an MFA from Yale Drama. Also new, Adult Musical Theater will provide training for professional actors to strengthen their musical theater skills. Classes
Photo courtesy of White Rock Boat House, Inc.
The Filter Building on White Rock Lake.
JANUARY 1 - 7, 2016
KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM
PAGE 9
MOVIE TRAILER
Aping characters fun part of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’
Photos courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
J.J. Abrams has brought new heroes, heroines and villains to the latest installment in the wildly and worldly popular “Star Wars” series.
By Chic DiCiccio @Chiccywood
It’s said that imitation is the highest form of flattery. In the case of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, it’s not a bad idea to mimic essentially every character, twist and turn, and overall fun times of “Star Wars: A New Hope.” That isn’t to say that “The Force Awakens” is a great movie. It is very good and not remotely close to the wretched prequels that crushed the childhood of nearly every man and woman born between 1960 and 1980. Thankfully, director J.J. Abrams ditched the digital cameras and left out all the eyerolling space politics that bogged down the last George Lucas-directed entries. Instead, Abrams and his co-screenwriters Lawrence Kasdan and Michael Arndt shoot for what made the fascinating original trilogy great: highly likable heroes and calculating, evil villains. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill reprising the movie hero Holy Trinity of Han Solo, Princess Leia (now General Organa), and Luke Skywalker. It’s also a brilliant move to make the entire movie a game of “Where in the Universe is Luke Skywalker?” as everyone, heroes and villains alike, are on the hunt for the 30-yearsexiled Jedi Knight. That search begins with The Resistance’s Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac, highly underused)
and his retrieval of a map that allegedly leads to Luke’s location. Shortly after retrieving the map, Poe is captured by the First Order, who are the remnants of the defeated Empire, but he hides the map in his trusty droid companion, BB-8. BB-8 (who is probably the coolest movie robot of all time) runs off and is discovered by Rey (Daisy Ridley), a loner with her eyes to the sky, hoping to find her family and leave her desert-ridden planet. In the meantime, Poe meets Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), a mystery man with one of the most obvious secrets ever to appear in a movie. Kylo Ren is a big fan of the Dark Side of The Force, wields an exceptionally cool red lightsaber, and is generally very unpleasant. Poe avoids an undesirable fate when he is rescued by a disgruntled Stormtrooper that he then names Finn (John Boyega). They escape a Star Destroyer and flee back to the planet to retrieve BB-8 and the Jedi Celebrity Homes Map. Naturally, these characters all come together in such entertaining ways that any suspicion of unnatural coincidence is thrown out the window. It would ruin the majority of
“The Force Awakens” to explain the story any further, but don’t fret, Han Solo and his loyal sidekick, Chewbacca, show up soon enough. If all of this sounds familiar, it’s because it is. Abrams and Co. have essentially pilfered different plot points from the original trilogy, made some tweaks, and repackaged them with new characters. Nostalgia overload takes over, especially when the Millennium Falcon takes flight, and overrides any familiarity. Abrams is working with perfect casting as every single actor, both old and young, fit their roles like a glove. Harrison Ford goes a bit too heavy on the zippy one liners, but his sneer and smirk make it feel like no time has passed since “Return of the Jedi.” The interaction between he and Carrie Fisher’s now-General Leia are slightly hammy, but so bittersweet and loaded with old school romance that what they are saying to each other barely matters. In an odd turn of events, “The Force Awakens” starts to get bumpy when the older characters begin popping up. It’s a testament to Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Adam Driver, who are better in their parts than anyone could
No longer do characters look like they are walking around in a cartoon.
even have imagined. Driver conveys so much conflict at all times that you simultaneously pity and fear him. Boyega gets loads of unexpectedly funny moments, mostly while lying about how he, you know, is actually a stormtrooper. His hero turn is worthy of a huge movie no-no: cheering in a theater. “The Force Awakens” will make all these youngsters household names. However, it will make Daisy Ridley a star. She’s tough, adorable, and always believable. Whether she rejects a lightsaber or wields it, it all makes sense and is due to her performance and some truly fantastic character building. The best choice in making “The Force Awakens” are the practical effects. No longer do characters look like they are walking around in a cartoon. The Millennium Falcon interior looks real because it is. The landscapes, which vary from snow to forest to desert, are all gorgeously captured and set this space opera in as much reality as possible. Sure, there are a handful of things to pick apart in “The Force Awakens,” such as how Ridley’s Rey sure knows how to fight with a lightsaber after having it for thirty seconds, but don’t let it ruin your initial fun. Wait to pick it apart for a few weeks at least, maybe after you’ve seen it three or four times. Actually, it wouldn’t be surprising that most of you reading this have already done just that.
KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM
PAGE 10
JANUARY 1 - 7, 2016
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Gabriela & Sofia's offers tasty Tex-Mex, fair service By Sara Newberry My husband could eat Tex-Mex or Mexican food for every meal. While I would need some breaks for Chinese food and fried chicken, I’m not far off. Lucky for us, we live in a place where those restaurants seem to pop up every week. The latest addition is Gabriela & Sofia’s, in the shopping center located at Meadow and Central Expressway. We visited a few times recently, once when the dining room was nearly empty and twice when it was nearly full. I only mention this because the difference in our experience was noticeable. The experience when we were one of a few tables was fine; nothing went necessarily wrong. But the service and food were not at the same level as the visits when they were busy. Again, nothing was bad, it just wasn’t as good. We began one meal with Queso Loco, which contains
ground beef and guacamole. It was standard, but nothing spectacular. It seems like every local Tex-Mex restaurant had a version of Matt’s Bob Armstrong dip on its menu, but none come close to the original. We shared the Mixed Grill, which was very similar to standard fajitas for two. It was okay — everything was well cooked if a little bland — but there was nothing about it that was remarkable. It was a second visit that turned everything around. The restaurant was relatively packed, in contrast to the more sleepy vibe during the first visit, and everything else seemed more on point. The Chef’s Dinner included a combination plate with a brisket taco, a brisket enchilada, and a pork tamale. The brisket in the enchilada and taco was smoky and tender, and both were generously filled. Poblano and onion rajas on the taco were sweet and spicy and accentuated the brisket’s
flavor. A pork tamale was also tasty, but was overpowered by the ranchera sauce covering it and the enchilada. Speaking of enchiladas, the enchiladas de mole were also spot-on. The mole was just sweet enough, with mole’s underlying bitterness and slight heat adding dimension. The chicken filling was generous and well seasoned. We began a third visit with tableside guacamole, which, apart from needing a splash more lime juice, was essentially perfect. We didn’t think we’d finish the huge serving, but it was so tasty that we managed to polish it off. The flautas were the most substantial version I’ve had. They were generous and more filling than flautas usually are. The chicken filling was well seasoned, and the tortilla shells were crisp. I’ll have a hard time ordering anything else in the future. A poblano relleno was unusual in that the pepper was grilled instead of fried, rendering the dish somewhat less rich. The beef fajitas in the filling were tender and smoky from the grill. The pepper was a little undercooked, but on the whole the dish was a success. I asked my server which dessert she liked best; I would
Photo by Sara Newberry
Chicken flautas. have chosen the flan, but she suggested the Tres Leches Cake. We went along with that and were pleasantly surprised. Perfectly moist and not too sweet, it was the best restaurant version of the dish I’ve had. Service ranges from attentive and helpful to
tentative and unsure. All of our servers were friendly and made us feel welcome. Gabriela & Sofia’s may be one of many Tex-Mex restaurants in the area, but it is on the top end of the list. With more consistent quality and service, they will definitely stay there.
GABRIELA & SOFIA’S 10455 N. Central Expressway, Suite 117 214-647-1033 gabriela-sofias.com Sunday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
DOTTY'S TRUE TEXAS CUISINE
Now pitching … Ruby ‘Red’ Margarita By Dotty Griffith
dottykgriffith@gmail.com The recipe for this beautiful grapefruit margarita is one of the enticing cocktails in “The Enchilada Queen Cookbook,” now in production for fall 2016 publication. The first cookbook by the real life Enchilada Queen, Sylvia Casares, a Houston chef and restaurant owner, draws on recipes from her three locations of Sylvia Enchilada Kitchen, as well as her family’s Rio Grande cuisine. A native of Brownsville, Sylvia Casares’ authentic recipes deliver nuanced flavors and authentic techniques that will make you rethink what you think you know about Tex-Mex. As her coauthor, I’ve learned a great deal about the nuances of one of America’s favorite cooking styles. The following is an excerpt from the book. From “The Enchilada Queen Cookbook” (St. Martin’s Press, fall 2016) Ruby Red Margarita My dad looked after a big ruby red grapefruit tree in the back of our house. He also had an orange tree but it was the grapefruit that flourished. Our backyard grapefruit tree produced so much fruit that we had plenty to give away to neighbors. For me, grapefruit
Dotty Griffith means bounty and sharing. Like all varieties of grapefruit, the ruby red, a Texas-bred hybrid that thrives in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, delivers plenty of vitamins C and A. Combining good nutrition Ruby Red Margarita. with a fun cocktail equals a win-win. margarita or cocktail glass The ruby red also with kosher salt or sugar. Set delivers a bonus in that it is a aside to fill with ice, if desired, good source of the nutrient and mixed drink. lycopene, the substance that 2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice gives the ruby red its distinccubes. Pour tequila, grapetive color. Lycopene does more fruit and lime juices, Triple than make ruby red grapefruit Sec and agave nectar over beautiful, however. It is a robust ice. Cover and shake to blend antioxidant, making ruby red well. grapefruit juice healthful as well 3. Strain and serve up (without as lovely. ice) or on the rocks (over ice) in chilled glass, rimmed with By the glass: salt or sugar, if desired. 2 ounces silver tequila 4. Garnish with lime slices, if 2 ounces fresh ruby red grapedesired. fruit juice Makes 1 cocktail. 1 ounce fresh lime juice 1/2 ounce Triple Sec By the pitcher: 1/2 ounce agave nectar 12 ounces silver tequila, chilled Optional garnishes: Kosher salt or granulated sugar, lime slice(s) 12 ounces fresh ruby red grapefruit juice, chilled 1. If desired, rim a chilled
Photo by Rick Turner Photography
6 ounces fresh lime juice, chilled 3 ounces Triple Sec 3 ounces agave nectar Optional garnishes: Kosher salt or granulated sugar, lime slice(s) 1. If desired, rim 6 chilled margarita or cocktail glasses with kosher salt or sugar. Set aside to fill with ice, if desired, and mixed drinks. 2. In a 1-gallon container or pitcher with a lid, combine tequila, grapefruit and lime juices, Triple Sec and agave nectar. Stir (or shake) well and serve up (without ice) or on the rocks (over ice) in chilled glasses, rimmed with salt or sugar, if desired. 3. Garnish with lime slices, if desired. Makes 6 cocktails.
WORSHIP DIRECTORY
To place ad call 214-27-TRAIL
Oak Lawn United Methodist Church 3014 Oak Lawn Ave., 75219 ……………. 214-521-5197 Sunday Worship: 9 and 11 am; 10 am Discipleship Hour; Noon each Wed. Brown Bag Communion, Dr. Anna Hosemann-Butler, Senior Pastor www.olumc.org Park Cities Presbyterian Church (PCA) 4124 Oak Lawn Ave., 75219……………...…. 214-224-2500 Sunday Worship and Classes: 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 am, Wednesday Vespers with Communion: 5:30 pm www.pcpc.org
KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM
JANUARY 1 - 7, 2016
PAGE 11
Our Favorite Restaurants
TRAVEL
Tips on using cell phone abroad By Michael Wald
wald.world@yahoo.com
SOLUTION TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE
One of the most difficult things while traveling abroad is staying in touch with folks at home. Here’s some guidance on how best to do it. The key is preparation. I like to be able to receive and place calls for emergency purposes, such as when my bank declines my credit card overseas. I also like to be able to access the internet, which requires cell phone data connectivity or a Wi-Fi connection. Before you ever step out of town, check your wireless company’s coverage and cost where you are going. Some companies work automatically by connecting to the local wireless company where you are going. The problem is that often the cost is high. But if you are only making a few calls, that may not be a concern for you. If you want to make a lot of calls, the best way to do this is to buy a local SIM card for your phone. To do this, you need a GSM phone, the type used in most foreign locations.
CLASSIFIEDS Personal/Individual • Up to 5 lines for 2 weeks - Only $19 Business • Listings & Display Ads - Call for Rates
HANDY-MAN SERVICE FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor www.dallastileman.com Kitchens, Bathrooms, Floors Any tile any where 214-343-4645
HEALTH AND FITNESS Want to lose weight, increase energy, resolve digestive issues, or learn how to ‘eat clean’? Personalized health and wellness coaching with The Lyons’ Share Wellness is for you! 214-969-0024
HELP WANTED Write for Katy Trail Weekly! Contact info@katytrailweekly.com Work from home!! Katy Trail Weekly Base plus commission. Ad Sales & Client Service Part-time or Full-time We will train you. If you have good sales exper. that's great, too! Send your resume to: susie@whiterocklake weekly.com
Some carriers, notably Verizon and Sprint, use a different technology — CDMA — meaning this won’t work with their phones. If you can use one, a foreign SIM card will give you a new, temporary, foreign telephone number, meaning that people won’t be able to call you (they won’t have your phone number, and it’s not so easy to dial a foreign number) until you call them first. Alternatively, you can send an e-mail alerting your contacts how to reach you (more about e-mail later). Usually the best place to buy a SIM card of this sort is at the airport. Michael Wald Airport vendors usually speak English and will install the card for you. They can assist with getting a plan that allows the right amount of talk time for the best price. Note that some cell phone carriers lock their phones meaning a foreign SIM card won’t work. You can get your phone unlocked by asking, but it takes a few days, and the information may be communicated over e-mail. So you cannot wait until the last minute to handle this detail. And
you may need e-mail access. If your phone is locked or does not use GSM technology, your best bet may be to
buy a cheap foreign phone to use while away. Even if you get the technology to work for you, there are still practical problems. On a foreign wireless network, for example, messages such as “the number you have reached has been disconnected,” will not be in English. And if your call drops, don’t even think about getting credit. If you are using a foreign SIM card, it will typically come with a limited amount of data. You should buy enough for your entire trip because there will be a language barrier in increasing the data allocation. The next issue is data. Many hotels, restaurants, libraries, airports and universities offer a wireless connection. Still, these internet connections may be slow. A faster cellular internet connection that you can “tether” to your
computer may be better. If you don’t understand this, you should get information before your trip. Text messaging is frequently a better option than calling for quick communication. It’s also more reliable. As a matter of personal safety, you should know how to enable texting just in case of an emergency. The Mobal International SIM card offers a lifetime phone number that you can give your contacts before you leave. Then you can also forward your local cellular number to your international number before you leave. Warning: forwarding may incur charges, depending on your cellular plan. If confidential communication from abroad is important, consider a neat device called HooToo. It creates a secure, very local sub-network. The key: plan ahead. Michael Wald is a travel specialist with special expertise in Panama adventure travel. He blogs about travel and other musings at untroddenla.com.
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Preston Center ∙ 214.369.6000
KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM
Highland Park ∙ 214.526.6600
InTown ∙ 214.303.1133 An Ebby Halliday Company
Information based on MLS data from 1.1.15 to 9.30.15
JANUARY 1 - 7, 2016
Park Cities ∙ 214.522.3838
Lakewood ∙ 214.522.3838