Happy February!
“Love Local” is the theme for our February Issuewhen you think about what that actually means there are a myriad of directions the mind might go. Love of family, friends, business acquaintances, associates from work- life and schoollife and kids’-activities-life, exercise-life, country-life… and on and on and on. This month be sure take a moment to pour into those you love, no matter what the level of connection. Kind words, a thoughtful comment or even perhaps a card, and of course be sure not to forget the most celebrated Valentine’s Day festivities. Let Love be your theme for the month as well!
Love of Country is one of our features as we share the coming opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum. I plea with you to dig into these pages as our neighboring city of Arlington, Texas is the home of the soon to open 100,000 square foot museum. Located north of Globe Life Field and Choctaw Stadium, this will be the United States’ central institution preserving the stories of the country’s 3,519 recipients of the highest military decoration for valor in combat. Historically, President Abraham Lincoln established the Medal of Honor in 1861. Earned through every major conflict in the nation’s history since the Civil War, the Medal of Honor commemorates soldiers who were willing to risk their view to protect their country. Opening Day is March 25, 2025 - also known as National Medal of Honor Day. The DFW area is honored to be the home to this most dignified celebration of honor and courage - representing Love of Country for the entire nation.
We wish you all a wonderful Love Month!
1 Peter 2:17 - Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God.
LINDA LIVINGSTON, PUBLISHER @PARKCITIESLIFESTYLE
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Linda Livingston | linda.livingston@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kristi Harvey | kristi.harvey@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Mark Hanna | mark.hanna@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
David Muscari, Kelsey J Vanderschoot, Lauren Stone
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Kayla Enright
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
North
At
1: Caitlin Wilson in front of her home in the Armstong Bradfield Preschool Association Home Tour 2: Patrick Means and Laura Harris-Means at the Crystal Charity Ball 3: 2025 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Debutantes Event with Dixey Arterburn, Barbara Averitt, Ginger Sager, Nikki Beneke
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES FEBRUARY
HOLA HP is proud to help students excel academically and grow personally
Hola HP is a premier tutoring company dedicated to empowering students from pre-K through high school and beyond. We offer personalized learning experiences through small group and private tutoring sessions tailored to each student’s needs. Our services include comprehensive support in all subjects, expert ACT/SAT preparation, and engaging enrichment classes that spark creativity and confidence. At Hola, we believe education is about more than grades—it’s about fostering a love for learning, building lifelong skills, and unlocking each student’s potential. holahp.com
Symphony of Chefs
Symphony of Chefs is an evening of culinary composition benefiting KidLinks and the ultimate chef-driven dinner experience! This event takes place on Monday, February 24th at 6PM at Astoria in Irving. Funds raised from this event support KidLinks's mission to provide healing, hope, and happiness to children with special challenges through music therapy programs, therapeutic music entertainment, and online music media. For more information, visit kidlinks.org/soc
Photography by Danny Campbell
Thursday,
February ,
Are a Boutique Anti-Aging Medical Spa.
We offer non surgical aesthetics services such as Wrinkle Relaxers, Fillers, Facials, PDO Threads, Sculptra, Exosomes, Male Enhancement, Microneedling with PRP, and more. We only carry Emer Skincare and Hydrinity and medical grade skincare lines such as ZO Skin Health.
We Love What We Do
Our first step is just to listen - to really listen - to your concerns and take the time to reassure you that you can take baby steps. You are going to look natural. You are going to feel confident in your decisions. We are going to respect your budget, and we will move at your pace. We believe in prevention and corrective aesthetics and we pride ourselves on helping our clients achieve their individual goals.
Ronald McDonald House of Dallas Rock the House Event
Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD) is pivoting from its annual gala to a reimagined “music centric” spring event – ROCK THE HOUSE on February 20, 2025 at The Echo Lounge and Music Hall – that will raise vital funds to further RMHD’s mission of providing essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare. The event is chaired by Lindy Berkley, Amy McEvoy, and Laura Petka. classy.org/event/rock-the-house/ e648895
Demascus Air has over 70 years of Combined Experience
At Damascus Air, we’re more than a business—we’re family. With over business monthly CONTINUED
70 years of combined experience, we’re dedicated to serving others with purpose and heart. This journey is about more than air conditioning; it’s about building relationships and walking through life together. Thank you for trusting us to care for your home and allowing us to be part of your lives. We’re excited to see how we can continue to grow and serve together!
Armstrong Auction Achieves a Record Year
In the fall, the Armstrong PTA hosted the “Palm Beach Yacht Club” Auction for over 350 parents and staff members and raised a net total of over $630,400. The money will be used to fund staff bonuses, and crucial operational and educational needs at the school. The co-chairs were Natalie Lesikar, Laura Price and Samantha Wortley. This year’s fabulous event will be sailing into the record books.
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Day Spa
Hiatus Spa + Retreat hiatusspa.com | 214.352.4111
Resurrect Skin MD resurrectskinmd.com | 219.258.3117
Enlighten MD enlightenmd.com | 214.964.0860
AYA Medical Spas ayaskincare.com | 469.778.4005
House of Preservation houseofpreservation.com | 469.571.3740
Restaurants
Jack & Harry’s thejackandharrys.com | 972.432.4217
Al Biernat’s albiernats.com | 214.219.2201
il Bracco ilbraccorestaurant.com | 214.361.0100
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Sadelle’s sadelles.com/location/dallas | 469.290.6009
Carbone carbonedallas.com | 469.290.6009
Florist
Dr. Delphinium Design & Events drdelphinium.com | 214.522.9911
Apples to Zinnias applestozinnias.com | 214.361.2200
Nicholson - Hardie nicholson-hardie.com | 214.357.4348
Avant- Garden avantgarden.com | 214.559.3432
Sunshine Flowers sunshineflowersandgreenhouse.com | 214.526.6637
Wine Bar
Trova Wine & Market trovawine.com | 469.930.0069
Coupes coupesdallas.com | 214.434.1347
55Seventy dallas.55seventy.com | 469.828.1498
The Alcove alcovewine.com | 214.871.2200
Put Noire Urban Wineries purnoire.com | 469.899.0375
Bakery
JD's Chippery jdschippery.com | 214.363.2038
J. Rae's jraesdfw.com
Sugar and Sage sugarandsagebakery.com | 469.759.6697
Unrefined Bakery unrefinedbakery.com
Sprinkles Cupcakes sprinkles.com | 214.369.0004
GIRL POWER
North Texas welcomes the new women’s professional soccer team, Dallas Trinity FC.
ARTICLE BY DAVID MUSCARI
Dallas-Fort Worth has long been considered a center for soccer. Indoor and outdoor, the sport found its place through youth teams, top-notch high school and college programs, recreational leagues for adults and more.
“We have more youth soccer players in North Texas than anywhere in the world. There is clearly the demand.” - Dori Neil Araiza
Over the years professional soccer teams have also peppered the region, including the Dallas Tornado, Dallas Sidekicks, Dallas Burn, and, of course, FC Dallas. Founded by legendary sports magnate Lamar Hunt, FC Dallas is now led by his sons Dan and Clark (Clark also runs the Kansas City Chiefs). The team is based north of Dallas in Frisco, along with the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Stars, and plays home games at Toyota Stadium. The FC Dallas complex is also home to the outstanding National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Lately, the landscape has changed. Welcome Dallas Trinity FC, the city’s first women’s professional team to reside in the Cotton Bowl. It’s a refreshing change of pace for a market historically
dominated by the Cowboys, Stars and Mavericks.
Last May the team unveiled its logo to the press, a zippy new version of Pegasus, the fiery winged horse that stands tall within the city’s skyline.
Dallas Sports Commission president Monica Paul applauded the city’s involvement. “The future of soccer shines brightly in Dallas,” she said. “The decision to make the Cotton Bowl Stadium home to a USL Super League franchise underscores the city’s commitment to sports as a catalyst in its potential to unite communities, inspire youth and captivate fans of all ages,” she said.
The Cotton Bowl, which can seat over 90,000, represents the world’s largest venue to serve as a full-time home to a women’s pro sports team.
CONTINUED >
Dallasite Jim Neil is well-known as CEO of Churchill Capital Company, a local real estate investment firm. His children – two sons and two daughters – grew up in Preston Hollow, all playing soccer in one form or another. Neil’s purchase of the Dallas Trinity FC franchise was designed as a family affair. Neil’s daughter, Dori Neil Araiza is the team founder and principal, and all of the Neil children have important roles in the franchise.
Araiza recognizes that Dallas is a definitive sports city. “You’ve got every sport you just don’t have women’s soccer.” And she seems well aware of the various headwinds when it comes to starting a new team.
While the Dallas Wings continue to search for firm footing in the WNBA, Dallas Trinity FC got off to a solid start last August. The 2024-2025 season started with back-to-back tie scores against Tampa Bay Sun FC and DC Power FC, followed by a pair of wins against Lexington SC in Dallas, and in New York against Brooklyn FC.
“We’re trying to give ourselves a leg to stand on and show the city that we’re worth it,” she says. “We’re playing at the highest level that exists for women’s soccer.”
Araiza sees a unique void that Trinity FC can fill, as well as various opportunities. “We have more youth soccer players in North Texas than anywhere in the world,” she says. “There is clearly the demand.”
As for the other local sports teams, have they reached out to welcome Trinity to the fold? “Yes,” says Araiza. “Some, more than others. However, we are all in this together, and I think the teams recognize that when one does well, we all do well.
“Dallas is a sports city … you’ve got every sport you just don’t have women’s soccer.”
- Dori Neil Araiza
And everyone has been new at something at some point.”
But spirits are high among players, coaches and staff, as well as in terms of growing a loyal fan base. “We’re trying to be strategic in how we are selling tickets, where we’re seating people, and how we generate longevity,” says Araiza. “When people come, they come back … so we hope that our fan base will continue to grow.”
This month the team plays a pair of home games on February 15 against Tampa Bay Sun FC, and then on February 22 versus Spokane Zephyr.
Trinity FC’s impressive lineup of talent consists of athletes from some top notch college programs, including SMU, Texas, Northwestern, LSU, North Carolina, Notre Dame, and Virginia.
Several players are from North Texas, and a number logged time with international professional teams. Dallas Trinity FC coach, Pauline MacDonald has a solid reputation within the sport, and played for Scotland’s national team. “Our general manager, Chris Petrucelli, used to coach at SMU,” says Araiza.
As with most professional sports teams, winning cures all. Araiza seems well aware. “So far, I think the press has been fair,” she says. “It is a lot easier to get good press when you do well. And we’re playing well. I think that those things go hand in hand.”
In the case of Dallas Trinity FC, the march is just beginning. And it should be exciting to watch the journey unfold.
SUBTLE and PERMANENT ACCESSORIES
ARTICLE BY KELSEY J VANDERSCHOOT
Longtime friends Shannon Brosseau and Bethany Malone always loved jewelry, but they stopped wearing many of their favorite pieces because their young daughters would always ask to borrow them, and that meant the two moms risked losing their necklaces, bracelets, rings, and more. So, when Brosseau and her daughter came across a permanent jewelry pop up while vacationing in Florida, lightning struck. The two moms decided to launch a Dallas branch of the company that Brosseau experienced, the Spark Collection, in August 2023. “The companies that were here in Dallas didn’t have the same feminine charm that the Spark Collection has, and so we just started asking questions, and it was a great fit,” Malone says.
- BETHANY MALONE
“IT'S MORE OF ‘WHAT CAN I WEAR THAT WILL live WITH ME WHILE I GET FACIALS, GO TO THE BEACH, RUN AROUND WITH MY KIDS, AND SWEAT’…
Our product STANDS THE TEST OF ALL OF THAT.”
Now, Brosseau and Malone provide the Spark Collection’s elevated permanent jewelry experience at pop-up events and private parties throughout the Park Cities. They offer eight 14-karat yellow gold chains and three white gold chains. “Most companies offer plated or dipped—which is a great product—but for women our age, we’re ready to make an investment in jewelry,” Malone says. Each of the chains can be made into a permanent necklace, bracelet, anklet, or ring.
Once they’ve selected a chain and jewelry piece, event attendees can decide if they’d like to add one of the Spark Collection’s six charms, including some with diamonds. “Those are stunners,” Malone says, “It’s a high-quality diamond, and so is our gold.” She adds that many customers choose a commemorative or meaningful charm for their first experience then add more with the passing of anniversaries or new celebrations.
Brosseau or Malone then attach any charms and weld the customer’s jewelry closed—there is no clasp, so it cannot be removed without being cut. “It becomes more of an experience, rather than fun costume jewelry,” Malone says. “It’s more of ‘What can I wear that will live with me while I get facials, go to the beach, run around with my kids, and sweat’… Our product stands the test of all of that.” The whole process can be as quick as five to ten
“FOR US, IT’S MORE important TO develop A RELATIONSHIP.”
- SHANNON
BROSSEAU
minutes, but Malone and Brosseau prefer to share in their customers’ memorable moments and educate them about wearing and caring for their new jewelry purchase. “For us, it’s more important to develop a relationship,” Brosseau says.
Though the Spark Collection has been well-received in Park Cities, Malone and Brosseau have no plans to open a brickand-mortar location. For now, their goals are to extend their pop-up presence into the Dallas suburbs and to host more corporate events. “[We want] to just be better with what we are given right now,” Brosseau says.
Bethany
and Family
Malone
Shannon Brosseau and Family
A TRIBUTE TO HEROISM
March 2025
LED BY PRESIDENT AND CEO CHRIS CASSIDY, THE NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR MUSEUM OPENS ON MARCH 25TH IN ARLINGTON.
ARTICLE BY LAUREN STONE
On March 25th, the National Medal of Honor Museum officially opens in Arlington, Texas—a groundbreaking tribute to the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of the nation’s most decorated service members. Celebrating the recipients’
The Medal of Honor Museum Opens in
“The museum is about inspiring people to be courageous, make tough decisions and be the best version of themselves, using Medal of Honor stories as the example.”
courage while inspiring future generations to embody the values of service, sacrifice and heroism, the state-of-the-art museum is poised to become a powerful landmark.
Spearheaded by U.S. Navy veteran, former NASA astronaut and current President and CEO Chris Cassidy, the museum offers an immersive experience that brings to life the remarkable stories of the 3,500 recipients of the Medal of Honor. For Cassidy, the museum’s opening is a personal milestone. “I assumed there was already a building focused on telling these Medal of Honor stories, and there wasn’t,” he shares. “It’s rewarding to be part of the team delivering this museum and the stories to the country.”
Through honoring military heroes, the museum aims to motivate visitors to find courage in their own lives. “Whether it’s a tough relationship or just getting through final exams, the museum is about inspiring people to be courageous, make tough decisions and be the best version of themselves, using Medal of Honor stories as the example.”
While the Medal is awarded for acts of valor beyond the call of duty, Cassidy stresses that recipients are “normal citizens of our country.” To showcase the human side of these heroes, the museum will highlight their lives before, during and after their service, showing that they are citizens, like any of us.
To further engage visitors, the museum features displays such as interactive screens and even virtual
conversations with Medal of Honor recipients. “We filmed five recipients and asked them almost 1000 questions,” Cassidy says. “An AI algorithm will stitch together answers to any question a visitor asks, so you’re having a conversation in real time with an avatar of the recipient.” Another standout feature is a flight simulator that places visitors in decision-making scenarios that mirror those faced by helicopter pilots in combat.
The museum also includes the Leadership Institute, which offers educational programs aimed at building character in young people. One such program, “Moments That Matter,” focuses on teaching middle school students about courage, integrity and commitment. Cassidy hopes to expand these programs statewide in coming years, inspiring students to serve others in whatever capacity they can.
To kick off the museum’s opening, a “Mission to Inspire” event will take place on March 22nd, featuring a 25-minute fireworks and drone show, live music and interactive displays that’s all free to the public. “It’s going to be a lot of fun, and a great way to introduce the museum to the country,” Cassidy says.
The Medal of Honor Museum is more than just a place to learn about military history—it’s a celebration of the spirit of service that defines America. By honoring these heroes, the museum invites all of us to serve our communities and our nation.
Table for Two
ARTICLE BY KELSEY J VANDERSCHOOT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAYLA ENRIGHT
ENJOY A NOTEWORTHY NEW ORLEANS-INSPIRED LUNCH THIS VALENTINE’S DAY AT JACK & HARRY’S IN SNIDER PLAZA.
It’s that time of year again: Time to scour the city’s best restaurants via phone and OpenTable to see which, if any, still have reservations available for Valentine’s Day dinner. What if there was a way for you and your special someone to access the high-quality food and restaurant ambiance that Dallas is known for, without planning months in advance? Making the simple switch from a romantic evening to a memorable midday meal can ease the chaos of finding the perfect table for two.
A relatively new option among V-day lunch locales, Jack & Harry’s in Snider Plaza combines Southern charm with Frenchinfused recipes. The New Orleans-style chophouse by Vandelay Hospitality—the minds behind Hudson House, Drake’s Hollywood, and more—opened its doors in March 2024 inside a 5,000-square-foot space that dates back to 1945. Inside, equestrian artwork and antique furniture meets brick and cherry wood paneling.
A lunchtime meal at Jack & Harry’s provides access to the venue’s lunch special—a sandwich with a cup of Rue Street Gumbo and a House Salad—in addition to the full dinner menu, which centers around owner Hunter Pond’s love of dry-aged steaks. Start with the Smoked Trout Dip, which is served with crackers and hot sauce, and/or the Crab & Avocado Maison—a refreshing mix made with fresh herbs, remoulade, tomato, and aged balsamic. Though the steaks here are the centerpiece, the seafood dishes are not to be missed!
For the main dishes, choose from several mouthwatering sandwiches. The USDA Prime French Dip is a must-order, made with shaved rosemary prime rib, horseradish cream, and au jus. For those who would prefer a fish option instead, choose the Broiled Gulf Red Fish served with Café de Paris and French rice. If you’re feeling extra festive, toast to your special day over Bourbon Street-inspired cocktails, such as the Fleur de Lis, a floral cucumber gin martini.
FEBRUARY 1ST - 9TH
The Dallas Open
The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco | Check website for times
Increasing its status from an ATP 250 to an ATP 500 event, some of the world’s top professional tennis players will compete for millions in prize money. DallasOpen.com
FEBRUARY 6TH - 9TH
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
Dallas Symphony | Thurs – Fri 7:30 PM, Sun 3 PM
No other symphony has such instant recognition. rising from four opening chords, it follows a euphoric path from tragedy to triumph, from darkness into the light, while uplifting spirits on the journey. DallasSymphony.org
FEBRUARY 7TH
CASAblanca Casino Party
The Hall on Dragon (Design District)
Philanthropic young professionals gather for an evening of casino games, cocktails, delicious appetizers, and fun, all in support of Dallas CASA and its mission to protect children, restore childhoods and help victims of abuse and neglect achieve their full potential. DallasCASA.org
FEBRUARY 7TH - 15TH
Orpheus and Eurydice
Winspear Opera House | Check website for times
A new production of the classic myth of unwavering love, celebrates the transcendent power of music set to Gluck's unforgettable 1762 score. ATTpac.org
FEBRUARY 15TH
DSOL Presentation Ball
Meyerson Symphony Center | 6:30 PM
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League is scheduled to present over 40 lovely debutantes at its annual ball. First held in 1987 the event is the largest fundraiser for the DSOL Dallas, raising millions to date for the award-winning Dallas Symphony Orchestra. DallasSymphonyLeague.com
FEBRUARY 16TH
Harlem Globetrotters
American Airlines Center | 3:30 PM
The Globetrotters will be deploying their signature razzle dazzle against their hapless, overmatched opponents the Washington Generals, and you won’t want to miss out on the fun.
FEBRUARY 17TH
HPISD Professional Development Day
No classes
FEBRUARY 20TH - 23RD
North Texas Auto Show
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center | Check website for times
The 2025 version of the best thing on four-wheels is back for a yearly peek at cool new car models, SUVs and more from various manufacturers, all under one roof. NorthTexasAutoShow.com
FEBRUARY 21ST - 23RD
Let’s Groove Tonight
Meyerson Symphony Center | Fri – Sat 7:30 PM, Sun 3 PM
Pops conductor Jeff Tyzik dives into Motown and the Philly Sound with Broadway star Chester Gregory (“Motown: The Musical”) and a pair vocal powerhouses, Ashley Jayy and Brik Liam, singing timeless favorites. DallasSymphony.org
FEBRUARY 22ND - APRIL 13TH
Dallas Blooms
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden | Check website for times
Fodor’s Travel named it among the nation’s best spring floral festivals with an artful array of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, pansies, poppies, and the garden’s collection of 3,000 azaleas. DallasArboretum.org
FEBRUARY 25TH - MARCH 2ND
Hadestown, Broadway Dallas
Fair Park Music Hall | Check website for times
Where a song can change your fate … the winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album, the haunting theatrical experience grabs you and never lets go. BroadwayDallas.org
FEBRUARY 28TH - MARCH 2ND
North Texas Irish Festival
Fair Park
Recognized around the world for the authentic Irish and Celtic performers that attend each year, the event hosts top international talents. NTIF.org
