Southlake, TX November 2024 by City Lifestyle

LIFE + CULTURE

NORTH TEXAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION HELPS INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES MAKE AN IMPACT THROUGH CHARITABLE GIVING

November reminds us to be thankful

Take a deep breath - can you smell the turkey cooking? November brings with it so much food, family time, great weather, and the beginning of the holiday season.

While some people fill the family table with delicious, homemade dishes representing traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation, others make time for travel, going on cruises, ski trips or other holiday vacations - while some choose to spend their time volunteering at food banks or community shelters.

Of course, there's also the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving home game to enjoy, where Southlake's own Chef Scott McKinnon will serve as the Celebrity Game Day Chef. You may remember from our last issue that Chef Scott was featured on Fox television’s MasterChef cooking challenge with the renowned Gordon Ramsay.

In short, however you plan to spend Thanksgiving and the relaxed, extended weekend that it brings, we hope you'll enjoy it to the fullest.

This issue is all about "thankful," and we're so thankful for you, our readers, advertisers, friends and supporters within the community. We appreciate you every day of the year!

We have much to share for November, with a very inspiring story about a church mission trip where local youngsters spent part of their summer helping to repair homes for others. The White's Chapel Methodist Church Student Ministry group visited Little Rock, Arkansas, this year, working hard in hot, humid weather to bring assistance and joy to others in a moving experience for both the students and those they assisted.

Another story this issue talks about the lasting gifts that North Texas donors can coordinate through the North Texas Community Foundation (NTCF), a local organization that drives meaningful change through charitable investment. Donors live all across the Metroplex, including the Southlake and Westlake communities, working with NTCF to share their gifts with different causes both local and far.

You'll also read about the incredible journey of survival and victory that BYM Cleaning owner Tina Marie Molinar has to share. We think you'll be deeply moved by Tina Marie's very personal story.

Friends are what this community is all about, and we're pleased this month to also highlight the Southlake Newcomers Club, a women's group all about meeting new neighbors and making new friends. The group celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, with a rich history to look back on and more good times to look forward to. If you haven't met the members of SNC yet, we highly encourage you to meet this wonderful, welcoming group!

November 2024

PUBLISHER

Jon Calvin | jon.calvin@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Mandy Calvin | mandy.calvin@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sally Crocker | sally.crocker@citylifestyle.com

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

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city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Southlake Chamber Relationship Networking Group, led by Robert Tyson Group, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. 2: Cheers to the many Southlake Oktoberfest volunteers who helped make the event so enjoyable! 3: Texas Capital recently opened a new, full-service, digital-forward financial center at 1538 East Southlake Boulevard. 4: Congratulations to Origin Bank, the Southlake Chamber of Commerce August Member of the Month. 5: Recent grand opening for Pierce, a new luxury body piercing and jewelry studio in Southlake. 6: “Canine Companions” brought a sweet, furry guest to City Council for National Service Dog Month. 7: The recent Pacific Table ribbon cutting featured delicious samples, tasty drinks and live music. pacifictable.com/southlake

SOUTHLAKE

Creative Elements

ELEGANT HOME REMODELING

Thinking about making some changes in your home? Dreaming about a new kitchen or bathroom you saw on Pinterest or Houzz? Whether it is changing your current look for more modern, clean lines, updating the traditional to more transitional,or simply making your space more functional, Creative Elements is ready to make your next step a reality

business monthly

Fiji Airways announces direct service between Fiji and Dallas

Fiji Airways recently announced that the first ever non-stop flights between Nadi, Fiji and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport will begin December 2024. The inaugural flight is scheduled for December 10, with special introductory fares now available for purchase at fijiairways. com . Dallas will be Fiji Airways' 24th international direct destination and will be the fifth North American port served by the airline, along with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu and Vancouver.

Photography: Adobe Stock Photo

Rodeo tickets for the 2025 Fort Worth Stock Show now on sale

Online tickets can now be purchased for the 2025 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo! The 2025 Stock Show runs from Jan. 17 - Feb. 8. For the full calendar of events, visitfwssr.com/ events . Fort Worth is gearing up to "Go Go, Rodeo!"

Photography: Adobe Stock Photo

Renowned Chicago original Rosebud Steakhouse coming to Southlake

Creative Hospitality Concepts Restaurant Group has announced the upcoming arrival of the renowned Chicago original Rosebud Steakhouse to District 114 at Southlake's Kimball Park development. The expected opening is early 2025. Rosebud Steakhouse is a well-known Chicago tradition, with a blend of classic techniques and modern culinary expertise. From the careful selection of USDA prime beef to the meticulous preparation of each dish, Rosebud’s dedication to excellence ensures every guest enjoys a meal that delights.

Photography: Rosebud Steakhouse

Helping hands, hearts

Communities helping each other:

Southlake students and leaders head out of state to repair homes for Arkansas residents.

ARTICLE BY SALLY CROCKER PHOTOGRAPHY BY WHITE’S CHAPEL METHODIST CHURCH, STUDENT MINISTRY GROUP

Volunteers and leaders with Little Rock homeowner Marie (center).

This summer, nearly 370 people – including 250 Southlake-area high school students –traveled with the White’s Chapel Methodist Church Student Ministry on a one-week trip to repair homes for people in Little Rock, Arkansas. Not all the kids were church members; friends came along as well. Everyone was welcome, said Floyd Joseph, co-director of the Student Ministry group with his wife, Michelle. Floyd and Michelle have been organizing these trips since 2011. The groups have also visited cities in Oklahoma, Missouri and Louisiana. For three years, the ministry has worked with an Arkansas-based charity that

has more requests than it can manage alone. This is where White’s Chapel steps in. Both boys and girls attend these trips. Most are from Southlake Carroll High School, although others from around the Metroplex join in too. This year, a former exchange student from Spain returned to be part of the program. 21 groups worked on 20 different sites. Some built wheelchair ramps. Some installed siding on houses. Some groups repaired and painted fencing, while others demolished and rebuilt decks that had been virtually unusable before. Some groups rebuilt steps, and others

installed roofing shingles. When there was extra time, the kids helped with lawn work and other projects.

A LEARNING, BONDING EXPERIENCE

Mission leader Jared Smith - a skilled handyman with an engineering degree from Texas A&M University - oversees the work they do, Floyd said. Jared recruits adult group leaders with a construction background to oversee the sites. These leaders arrive early, devise a plan, develop a materials list and order of operations, so they’re ready to teach students when the busses pull up.

CONTINUED >

L-R Grady Hall, Will Walters, David Hill on location to help with home projects.

L-R Weston Clark, Sam Erickson, Nate Gilette.

Student Graham Steffer.

“It’s hard, hot, sweaty work, but so rewarding. There’s reflection time at the end of each day, and it’s great to see how proud the kids are of what they’ve accomplished for others,” Floyd said. “The experience leaves a lasting impression on the kids.”

Will Walters, Sam Erickson and Graham Steffer are longtime friends who were part of the same work group, led by Will’s dad, Scott, and grandfather, Jim. Sam is a high school freshman who’s been part of these trips for three years. He says this is one of his favorite weeks of the year. Graham is a sophomore who’s been on the last two trips. He says it feels great to accomplish something that helps other people. Will is a sophomore who’s participated for three years. He likes the

feeling of community that these trips build, and being able to do “good, honest work.”

All three said that the faith aspect of the trip helped them feel closer to God.

The boys’ workgroup replaced a fence for Marie, a Little Rock homeowner who applied for help through her church. She never dreamed she might be selected for a home repair project. In addition to the fence, she also asked for a porch handrail, since her 75-year-old mother and 90-year-old grandmother needed an easier way to visit. Various groups worked on different aspects of the repairs, and Marie said there was “such a sense of joy and fun” among the boys as they worked.

“They took care of everything like it was their own home, even down to the cleanup. They brought their own tent, lunches and music. It was like a family reunion, with neighbors stopping by to say hello and watch the progress,” she said. “The kids all had the best attitudes, and I felt so blessed and grateful to have been chosen for this mission.”

Marie lives alone and finds it hard to get repairs done on her own.

“It’s so good to see these youngsters put themselves in someone else’s shoes and to experience communities coming together like this,” she said.

“The week was so memorable. The teams came together to make my dreams come true.”

Will Walters gets to work.

Workin!

Sam Erickson; Weston Clark on the right.

APN IS CHANGING THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS LANDSCAPE

in DALLAS-FORT WORTH

Home to several Fortune 500 companies, The DallasFort Worth metroplex is no stranger to cutting-edge innovation. Now, Colorado-based brand All Points North is bringing something new to DFW to help locals find total, sustainable health in mind and body.

With core behavioral health services from All Points North, neurotechnology and integrative psychiatry from Plus by APN, and mind-body group classes and personal training from 9x Fitness, All Points North (APN) Dallas-Fort Worth is a sanctuary of healing and recovery, dedicated to transforming the lives of those battling addiction, trauma, and mental health issues. This stateof-the-art facility combines luxurious accommodations with cutting-edge treatment modalities, making it a premier destination for comprehensive care.

Each APN Dallas-Fort Worth client receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs. The facility offers a range of services, including medically supervised detox, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, and innovative therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS), stellate ganglion blocks, and ketamine-assisted therapy.

APN’s multifaceted approach addresses not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes of addiction and mental health disorders, paving the way for longterm healing.

The dedicated care team at APN Dallas-Fort Worth understands that achieving optimal health requires a comprehensive approach. There’s no silver bullet, and there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment. Total health requires a custom approach for the mind and the body. By offering so many mental health services under one roof, APN Dallas-Fort Worth makes it easy for the local community to prioritize health and well-being.

Schedule a free consultation at apn.com/southlake

The North Texas Community Foundation team.

NORTH TEXAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION HELPS INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES MAKE AN IMPACT THROUGH CHARITABLE GIVING

ARTICLE BY SALLY CROCKER PHOTOGRAPHY BY NORTH TEXAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Nancy Froman, Sue Sumner, Stephanie Brentlinger and Patrick Newman at Fort Worth Botanic Gardens.

The late Don and Linda Bowden, founders of The Bowden Events Center in Keller, were an entrepreneurial couple who gave back to the community in so many ways. With a desire to focus on a greater sense of meaning and purpose, the Bowdens wanted to use their success to help others.

In addition to his many achievements over the years, Don started Dos Gringos and Mercado Juarez restaurants and, after seeking a better guacamole to serve his diners, he invented the Wholly Guacamole food brand that is so popular today.

With so much to give, the Bowdens wanted to help others not just during their lifetime but well beyond. They connected with the North Texas Community Foundation (NTCF), an organization that drives meaningful change through charitable investment.

NTCF helps donors meet community needs by providing tax-efficient strategies to support the causes they care about most. Serving a network of more than 300 generous individuals, families and businesses, the foundation creates custom

Nolan Catholic High School is one of the beneficiaries of the Ella C. McFadden Endowment Fund.

“GIVE A GIFT TODAY. GIVE A GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING FOR THE FUTURE.”

giving strategies to fulfill each donor’s unique charitable goals. Not only does NTCF cultivate trusted relationships with community partners to better serve its donors, the foundation also helps donors leave a lasting legacy for their selected causes and charities.

Last year, NTCF and its donors granted $39 million to 1,230 nonprofit organizations across 11 North Texas counties. Donors support a range of causes—from animal welfare, children’s charities and the arts to housing, education and beyond. The organization works with philanthropists, foundations, corporations and nonprofits in North Texas, supporting donors

and fostering meaningful connections between donors and their passions. In addition to awarding grants, North Texas Community Foundation supports special initiatives that address local challenges and encourage smart philanthropy.

“At the core of everything we do is a network of generous individuals, families and businesses intent on shaping the future of North Texas for good, forever,” says Rose Bradshaw, president and CEO. “It’s amazing to see how motivated these people are to give to others.”

Another local philanthropist, Mrs. Ella C. McFadden, chose to leave a significant portion of her estate to form an endowment

benefitting Tarrant County nonprofit agencies for years to come. Almost 60 years after her passing, Mrs. McFadden’s gift continues impacting the work of the local nonprofits she contributed to during her lifetime. Each year, a pre-established percentage of her trust is distributed to 13 permanently-selected charities.

About 80% of referrals come to NTCF from individuals’ and families’ investment advisors or tax planners. In addition to the charitable funds that NTCF stewards, the foundation also manages a variety of competitive grant cycles, powered by the generosity of donors. Donors live all across the Metroplex, including the Southlake and Westlake communities.

While most donations benefit North Texas charities, donors also come together for causes outside the local community as needed. Through NTCF, they have raised $4 million to help rebuild Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. Donors helped the hurricane victims of Hawaii, and one Westlake-area donor has provided support to elderly families in Japan since the devastating 2011 tsunami swept away towns, homes and livelihoods.

Through the North Texas Community Foundation, so many of our friends, neighbors and local business associates are helping to build a better future for others.

For more information on the North Texas Community Foundation and how you can make an impact through planned gifts to the charitable organizations that most touch your heart, visit northtexascf.org .

The Petronis family.

Debra and Vernell Sturns at Communities in Schools.

St. Jude Dream Home Showplace at Carillon Development

79 single-family custom homes built by Southlake’s premier builders

Each custom-built home offers unparalleled luxury features in a community designed for active lifestyles in a harmonious landscape

Perfect blend of luxurious elegance and convivence

Walking distance to a vibrant mix of shops, entertainment, and restaurants

The perfect balance of luxury and lifestyle

John Webb Founder Heritage Custom Homes

Jon Atwood Atwood Custom Homes Founder

Travis Franks Jody Alumbaugh Willow Tree Founders

Nick Smith Kensington Homes Founder

Paul Moss Founder Kyle Moss Beckett Graham Luxury Homes

North Texas Gives Here

Janis and Chris White at the Humane Society of North Texas

GIVING FEELS GOOD

ARTICLE BY SALLY CROCKER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADOBE STOCK PHOTOS

THANKFUL FOR OUR OWN GIFTS, GIVING BACK TO OTHERS

The holidays are a time for giving thanks, especially during November. As families gather around the Thanksgiving table to count their blessings, there are many ways you can positively touch the lives of others this season.

One charitable organization being supported through the Dream Homes Showplace Community, supported by five luxury home builders in Southlake’s Carillon Parc development (Atwood Custom Homes, Beckett Graham Luxury Homes, Heritage Homes, Kensington Custom Homes and Willow Tree Custom Homes), is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. St. Jude is dedicated to treating kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases, providing cutting-edge treatments at no cost to families thanks to the support of so many across the country. For more information on how you can help, visit stjude.org .

There are so many other organizations here in North Texas that help those in need, including 6 Stones, a catalyst of hope dedicated to transforming lives, homes and communities (6stones.org); Angels Attic Upscale Resale (angelsatticresale.com) in Grapevine Town Center, helping those in need both locally and worldwide; Ally’s Wish (allyswish.org) and Christ’s Haven for Children (christshaven.org). All are doing so much good for others.

Kids Matter International is an agency helping children through programs that empower them and enhance their lives. Donations of $100 help buy $300 in new clothes and shoes for a child through the Around the Block program. $25 buys 15 books for the organization’s Ramp Up Reading program. With the support of volunteers, corporations and individuals, Kids Matter helps make life brighter for children in need. kidsmatterinternational.org

Organizations like United Way of Tarrant County (unitedwaytarrant.org), Catholic Charities of Fort Worth (catholiccharitiesfortworth.org), CASA of Tarrant County (speakupforachild.org), Tarrant Area Food Bank (tafb.org), A Wish with Wings (awww. org), Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County (mealsonwheels.org), the Women’s Center (womenscentertc.org), Center for Transforming Lives (transforminglives.org), Toys for Tots (fort-worth-tx.toysfortots.org) and more all help make our community stronger and healthier.

Love animals? The SPCA of Texas (spca. org) provides resources, fostering programs, volunteer opportunities and efforts to fight animal cruelty.

Giving feels good and helps so many. In the words of Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

(Note: there are many other great charities in need of assistance; not all are included here due to space requirements.)

Southlake Newcomers Club CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

SOUTHLAKE NEWCOMERS CLUB EMBRACES FRIENDSHIP, FUN AND TOGETHERNESS, WHILE HELPING SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY THROUGH CHARITABLE GIFTS

Nancy Bogart signs up for special events at the 2023 New Members' Coffee.

2017 Christmas Pajama Party. This event is still an annual highlight. First holiday home tour.

The gift of friendship is priceless, and that’s exactly what the Southlake Newcomers Club (SNC) has been offering to women in the community for the last 30 years.

This year, SNC celebrates its “pearl anniversary.” The pearl anniversary is a symbol of unity and growth, among other positives.

Since the beginning, SNC has served as a social club for women of all ages, both longtime and new residents, in and around the Southlake area. SNC provides opportunities for fun, friendship and community service.

The organization’s Southlake Newcomers Club Charitable Foundation (SNCCF) finds ways to give back to the community, contributing to local charities and providing annual scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

Eight students received scholarships this year, to study engineering at Texas A&M University; nursing at Abilene Christian, Tarrant County College, Texas State University and the University of Arkansas; health and exercise science at the University of Oklahoma; business/ marketing at the University of Arkansas; and biomedical engineering at the University of Texas.

30 years ago, an ad was placed in a local newspaper seeking residents who might be interested in forming a women’s club, and 21 women responded. The group’s initial special interest groups were Antiques, Bridge, Lunch Bunch, Bunco, Crafts and Garden Club. By 1995 the club had grown to 200 members, and today, SNC offers 26 special interest groups in the categories of Arts & Leisure, Fitness, Food and Beverage, and Games. Spouses take part in

monthly Saturday Night Cocktails and two annual socials.

SNC incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1996. The club was initially fundraising-focused with an annual holiday home tour benefitting the medical needs of Southlake Elementary School children. This event was hosted until 2006. Major fundraisers were held for the next 10 years, and the club decided to focus instead on internal fundraising beginning in 2019.

“All women are invited to join us in the fun and in building a stronger community,” said Jill Powell, current SNC president. “We’re all about friend-raising. SNC’s engaging and caring members make our club truly special. Whether you’re new to the area or have a change in life, SNC is a great way to connect with a wonderful community of friends.”

Fun and friendship at the Pearl Anniversary party.

Ann Making and Faye Townsend at the 2023 New Members' Coffee.

Lynn Flaherty, Cindy Mann and Deb Dreger at the 2023 New Members' Coffee.

Bunco.

Initial board members of the Southlake Newcomers Club.

SNC Board at the Pearl Anniversary event.

Enjoying a good time at the SNC Pearl Anniversary celebration.

Cocktails & Camaraderie kickoff event in 2023.

25th anniversary party in 2019, with past and what would become future presidents.

AN ELEVATED EXPERIENCE

ARTICLE BY SALLY CROCKER PHOTOGRAPHY BY GIGI JAMES

GIGI JAMES BRINGS HIGH-END FASHION AND CONSULTATION TO SOUTHLAKE

FASHION FORWARD | STYLE + BEAUTY

The lovely Ingrid DeGuiceis of GiGi James.

Ingrid DeGuiceis has worked in the fashion business for 20 years, for exclusive retailers like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and women’s specialty stores. She’s served in management and as a buyer and stylist. She has close relationships with some of the most chic vendors and fashion distributors – so when these friends and associates suggested that she should open her own high-end boutique, Ingrid and her husband were intrigued.

They decided to make the leap, and in June 2024, the posh GiGi James boutique was introduced to Southlake. Ingrid’s husband, a retired military veteran with a 30-year career in law enforcement, knew how great Ingrid would be at this new fashion venture and came out of retirement to help. GiGi James, named for their two college-age children,

The boutique is located in Park Village at 1141 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 510.

A visit to GiGi James is an elevated experience.

The beautifully-designed boutique.

became a true labor of love for the couple and gave them an opportunity to bring an exclusive shopping experience to Southlake, where fashionistas previously had to travel to Dallas for the most in-vogue looks.

GiGi James offers brands and designs unique to the Southlake area.

The salon carries the exclusive La Fuori brand, known for its stunning gowns, dresses, skirts, coats and other elevated designer wear. The line often features exquisite hand beading, and each collection is personally handcrafted by female artisans from around the world.

The boutique also offers fashions from the celebrated Jason Wu Designer Collection.

Additionally, GiGi James features perfumes, sunglasses, jewelry, shoes and gift items for both women and men. For the holidays, beautiful pajamas and lounge sets will be in stock, as well as new and exciting holiday wear for all occasions. Shoppers can also find Gigi James’ own label in the store.

When you enter, you’ll be treated to a oneof-a-kind experience with the undivided attention of your stylist or shopping assistant, who is always prepared to serve you a cocktail or glass of champagne as you consider your choices.

GiGi James’ staff help shoppers through the whole process, getting to know them and their needs, whether the goal is to add something new and different to their wardrobe, plan for a special event or trip, or have a style consultation.

The store is open Mondays-Saturdays, and while appointments aren’t necessary, shoppers can call ahead to reserve a time if they choose.

The store hosts weekly Friday happy hours from 5-7 p.m. with music, drinks, snacks and a chance to browse and get acquainted.

“Bring your friends and come get to know us,” Ingrid says.

GiGi James also hosts different designer trunk shows – to sign up for emails and invitations, visit gigijames.shop

A fashionable selection to choose from.

Every

Around the Block Clothing Program

a festive pairing

The age-old question, “What wine goes with turkey?” is answered.

ARTICLE BY MARY ABEL

It’s a question heard every year about this time: “What are the best wines to serve with Thanksgiving dinner?” “In my early days in the wine business, the answer was pretty cut and dried because it was all based on the assumption that you had a turkey that came out of the oven that was dry, and so you’re almost guaranteed to need something with a little bit of sweetness to it to help balance that out,” James Lewis says. James is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years. “I’d recommend a sweet or off-dry Riesling or Gewü rztraminer. Something that will help with that dry meat that you’re about to choke down.”

But now, with all the ways people are preparing the big bird, he says that conversation has become a lot more interesting and fun.

“People are frying turkeys, which come out really moist and delicious. They’re smoking turkeys and they’re doing them on the grill,” James says. “Now, when I’m asked that question, I always ask how the turkey is going to be cooked because any given preparation is going to call for something a little bit different.

“If you’re deep frying it, it’s going to come out very moist with a fair bit of fat, so you need something that’s going to cut through that. So you can go with a dry white, you can do a dry Riesling, or you could try a French Chardonnay, which typically doesn’t have that big, rich mouthfeel that California Chardonnay would have. It’s crisper and cleaner with high acidity.”

For those who prefer red wines, James says that a fried or smoked turkey can handle something a bit bolder and full-bodied. “Try something like a Pinot Noir. It’s not at all heavyhanded. When I’m talking about red wines, and

I talk about heavy-handed or big—Cabernet is big and full-bodied. I call it the linebacker of the wine world. Then you’ve got Pinot Noir, which is more about balance and elegance. So, if Cabernet is a linebacker, Pinot Noir would be the ballerina. They’re both athletes, but with different approaches to athletics, so they have different approaches to your palate. Cabernet is big, dry, and highly tannic, so you might serve a Cabernet or Malbec if you’re having a steak for Thanksgiving, but you wouldn’t want to do that with a turkey.

“With a turkey,” James continues, “you want something that’s going to have a little more acidity, less tannins, and medium body; not that big mouth-filling richness. You can do a Beaujolais or an old-world Italian Sangiovese, which tends to be a very food-friendly wine.”

Somewhere in between might be a soft, flirty rosé. And rosé wine seems to be having a moment. “Rosé was always thought of as a summer wine, but people are now drinking it year-round. It’s an excellent choice to go with turkey.”

What about bubbles? “I almost hesitate to answer that because it’s kind of the easy answer. You can drink Champagne or sparkling with anything because of that really bright acidity. Especially if you have a fried bird, a Prosecco or sparkling wine is going to cut right through that fattiness and balance it out really nicely.”

If you’re hosting a tableful of friends and family this year, James says it’s easy to bring together a collection of wines that will please the crowd. “If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”

“If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”

What if I’m serving ham this year?

“Lots of people have ham for Thanksgiving, right? It’s very traditional to pair ham and Pinot. But again, you can get creative. You can do a Grenache, you can do a Beaujolais…really, any of those medium-bodied reds will be delicious.”

What about dessert?

How much should I spend on a bottle of wine?

“If you’re having pumpkin pie for dessert, I would go with something like a tawny port. The spiciness of the pie combined with that kind of nuttiness and caramel notes of a tawny port? Lovely. And it would work with an apple pie as well.”

“That’s kind of an impossible question to answer because wine is so incredibly subjective. That said, I’m a firm believer that there is an absolute ocean of delicious wine in that $15–$25 retail price point. If you go to your wine shop and tell them you’re looking for a nice off-dry Riesling for around $20, they should be able to find you something that’ll work really well. There’s no reason to break the bank.”

James Lewis is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years, and he and his wife, Nancie own Crush Wine Bar in Castle Rock Colorado.

SURVIVAL AND VICTORY

Tina Marie Molinar of BYM Cleaning shares her very personal story

ARTICLE BY SALLY CROCKER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BYM CLEANING COMPANY

Tina Marie Molinar, owner of BYM Cleaning Company, understands struggle, and through her home, construction and office cleaning service, she’s made it her mission to help other women get back on their feet from devastating personal situations.

Left page: Mother and daughter are uniquely connected through their unbreakable bonds.

This page, top: Tina Marie Molinar.

Bottom: Cleaning crew at Medical City Hospital Frisco.

A Chicago native raised in a loving, hardworking family, Tina Marie had a successful career when she moved to Texas with her husband and three children. She never imagined that she would one day be living with no electricity or water, no means of support, a car in repossession and the emotional scars of a domestic violence relationship that she’d kept hidden for a painfully long time. She was saved from homelessness by a Richland Hills church friend, who engaged Tina Marie in a conversation that changed her life.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline says that over one in three women (35.6%) has experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime. Abuse doesn’t have to be physical – it can be emotional or psychological, and there’s often reluctance to speak out about what’s happening behind closed doors. While Tina Marie felt broken, with seemingly no options for rebuilding her life, the church stepped in with healing resources. During church camp, she received a message from a friend asking if she knew of a housecleaning company. She responded without hesitation, and this is how her cleaning service began.

BYM stands for “Bless Your Mess” Cleaning Company, recognizing that many women have situations in their lives that need a blessing, Tina Marie says.

“Many of the women I met through church were going through their own struggles. Some were battling cancer or addiction, caring for special needs children or working their way through other challenges,” she notes.

“It became clear that I wanted my cleaning company to partner with women’s shelters and help other women rebuild their lives, just as I was rebuilding mine,” she says.

With no money for childcare, Tina Marie found that cleaning houses gave her the flexibility, with permission from the homeowners, to bring her daughter along. At ages 6 and 7, young Sofia was

Top: In the warehouse with supplies.

Bottom: On site at a construction project in progress.

helping her mom and learning the value of work and persistence. On her first cleaning job, preparing a home for a move-out, Tina Marie made $480 and felt like she was rich. Her first stop was Aldi, where she bought bacon and milk.

As more work came in, Tina Marie began employing women she knew from food bank lines and church assistance centers, women who also needed a chance to get back on their feet. She partnered with different shelters, offering gas money or Uber fares to help these women get started, and provided the cleaning supplies. Along the way, she also employed teachers who were seeking extra money between school seasons, and connected with moms trying to keep up with the bills while caring for a husband or other family member with a debilitating illness. Helping these women in their lives gave Tina Marie the encouragement to keep going with hers.

Since Tina Marie had studied psychology and business in college and had previous professional experience working in the mental health field, she leveraged her healthcare connections for jobs cleaning hospitals and medical office buildings at night.

Her business grew rapidly. In the first year, BYM went from cleaning one home to over 100. Calls doubled by the second year. Expansion into commercial cleaning came in the third year, for places like Walmart, Target, the Dallas Stars, Texas Health Resources, Lifetime Fitness and others. BYM opened in 2016, and while the COVID pandemic could have really shut things down, the number of offices and gyms calling for COVID cleans was amazing.

BYM is based in Grapevine and serves the DFW Metroplex, Austin, San Antonio, Houston and other Texas cities ( BYMcleaningco.com , phone 817-312-6914).

Tina Marie has big goals for the future and hopes to share her story more widely, to let women know that no matter what the circumstances, there is help out there and “a way to rise.”

“I dedicate my company, and all my hard work, to my daughter Sofia Marie and the women of this community,” she says. “I hope to inspire people, knowing that I made it to other side and they can too.”

William Ramirez President & CEO, TX Lic # 2947120

William Ramirez is the President and founder of American Life Investment's. William has been helping families, businesses, and individuals for over 20 years to protect and maximize their retirement/investment portfolio with no market risk.

He’s now living with his beautiful wife and adorable two year old daughter here in Texas.

Ask for a Free consultation to learn about A Tax Free, No Market Risk, Guaranteed Lifetime Income Investment, which most of the Wall Street banks, Billionaires like Warren Buffet have been using for many years.

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events

NOW THROUGH MARCH 23RD

Amon Carter Museum of American Art 'Cowboy' Exhibit

3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth

Cowboy reexamines the popular mythologies surrounding the image and concept of the cowboy. Through the work of 28 artists, which includes Asian American, Black, Indigenous and Latino perspectives, the exhibition explores a wide array of themes. Cowboy, organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Denver, brings together more than 60 cutting-edge contemporary artworks, including new commissions.

NOW THROUGH MARCH 23RD

Arlington Art Museum presents costumes from the Walt Disney Archives

1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX

The Arlington Museum of Art is the first to concurrently present Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume and All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives. One ticket includes admission to see both exhibitions. These exhibits present more than 300 stunning pieces direct from the Walt Disney Archives spanning over 65 years. arlingtonmuseum.org.

NOVEMBER 2ND

Plano Food + Wine Festival

Legacy West, 5908 Headquarters Dr., Plano | 12:00 PM

The 7th annual Plano Food+Wine Festival will take place at Legacy West, featuring over 100 award-winning wines, food from local restaurants, culinary demos from local chefs, and many local boutiques and shops! Visit https://www.planofoodandwinefestival.com/ for tickets and more information.

NOVEMBER 2ND - 3RD

Japanese

Festival at the Fort Worth

3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth

Botanic Garden

Explore Japanese arts and culture in the splendor of the lovely Fort Worth Botanic Garden, with extensive support from the Fort Worth Japanese Society. Fall is also the time to marvel at the breathtaking colors of the garden’s leaves. Fall colors start in November, peak around Thanksgiving and last through the first weeks of December.

NOVEMBER 10TH - FEBRUARY 9TH

New exhibition opens at Kimbell Art Museum

3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth

"Dutch Art in a Global Age: Masterpieces from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston" brings together paintings by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Gerrit Dou, Jacob van Ruisdael, Maria Schalcken and other celebrated artists, with four Dutch paintings from the Kimbell’s permanent collection, and prints, maps and stunning decorative objects in silver, porcelain, glass and more from the seventeenth and first half of the eighteenth centuries. kimbellart.org/dutch-art-global-age

NOVEMBER 11TH

Compelling stories and passionate acting from the heart of Texas

Dallas Museum of Art, Horchow Auditorium, 1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas | 7:30 PM

Enjoy an evening of stars on stage reading short stories by Texas-connected authors. Previous participating actors from the Lone Star State have included Luke Wilson, Matthew McConaughey, Marcia Gay Harden, Blythe Danner and more. Visit dma.org.ALL to see the full lineup of Texas stars for this event. Ticket prices are $35 to the public; $30 for DMA members/educators; students $10.

NOVEMBER 15TH - JANUARY 5TH

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ ICE! Package

Gaylord Texan Hotel, Grapevine

It's the most wonderful time of the year at the Gaylord Texan Hotel. Experience ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™, the Gaylord Texan's signature holiday event, and a visit to the resort's 4.5 acres of garden atriums magnificently decorated for the holidays. Visit christmasatgaylordtexan.marriott.com/ice for more details and tickets.

NOVEMBER 17TH

Brunch at the Museum

Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas | 11:00 AM

"Meet Me at the Museum," presented by D Magazine, is a series including three different ways to engage all your senses at one of the most iconic locations in Dallas. Enjoy mimosas and Monet at the new BRUNCH AT THE MUSEUM with chef-inspired culinary stations, a complimentary mimosa on arrival, entertainment, access to select exhibitions and more!

NOVEMBER 21ST

Mariah Carey's 2024 Christmas Tour

American Airlines Center, Dallas

Mariah Carey, the iconic "Queen of Christmas," brings her highly-anticipated Christmas extravaganza to Dallas on Nov. 21. This tour is part of the 30th anniversary of her legendary album "Merry Christmas" and its record-shattering single "All I Want For Christmas Is You." The show will feature timeless holiday classics, fan-favorite chart-toppers and an unforgettable, festive experience. Visit LiveNation. com or Ticketmaster.com for info.

NOVEMBER 22ND - JANUARY 5TH

The incredible Lightscape returns to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden!

3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth

With an even longer trail, 20+ all-new illuminated installations, revamped pricing, and over one million holiday lights, the 2024 Lightscape, an international sellout sensation, returns to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden for its third consecutive year. Produced by Sony Music, Fort Worth is the only Texas city hosting a Lightscape in 2024. This spectacular show runs Nov. 22-Jan. 5. fwbg.org/lightscape

NOVEMBER 24TH

Fort Worth Parade of Lights kicks off holiday season

Downtown Fort Worth | 6:00 PM

The GM Financial Parade of Lights will brighten downtown Fort Worth for its 42nd year at 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, marking the City of Fort Worth’s official kickoff to the holiday season. This largest illuminated parade in the state will conclude with a special appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus on a specially-designed, LED-lit, grand finale float. fortworthparadeoflights.org

BEGINS NOVEMBER 29TH

Santa's North Pole Express

Downtown Grapevine train station

Santa's North Pole Express is open throughout the holiday season to delight visitors to Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas®. Dates run Nov. 29-Dec. 30. Santa will be busy traveling December 24, 25 and 26, so the trains won't run those days. For times and details, visit grapevinetexasusa.com/christmas-capital-of-texas/north-pole-express/dates-times