Park Cities People April 2025

FREEDOM FROM LIMITS AND NUTS IN COOKIE DECOR COURSE

Normal rules don’t apply when you’re on spring break, or when you’re dealing with frosting. If you don’t feel like decorating a tulip, turn your cookie upside down and it becomes a ghost. Red, yellow, and green daisies may not exist in nature, but they can in baking. And if you smudge, get ready to celebrate by eating your mistakes.

“You can do whatever you want,” said Prince Lang, a third grader at Bradfield Elementary, as he placed skittles on flower-shaped cookies at the University Park Public Library.

Cookie enthusiasts gathered on the library’s third floor on March 7, the first day of spring break in Highland Park ISD, to learn about decorating from the experts at patisserie and coffee bar Sugar & Sage Bakery on Lovers Lane.

Bakers Lynn Mai and Maggie Chappell demonstrated frosting techniques for participants in the cookie decorating class, then put them to work following their directions — or not. The bakers told the young, and older, cookie artists that they had free range.

“As a child, I wanted to be super creative and let whatever ideas I had come out,” Mai said. “And I think that this is a really fun way to do that, with no restrictions.”

Ten-year-old Emilie McCallan, who came to the class with her grandmother Linda Gardner, turned one cookie into a striped Easter Egg, and decorated another

half green and half purple for the characters Elphaba and Glinda in the movie Wicked

But the decorations didn’t stop Emilie from eating her art. “It’s irresistible,” she said.

These cookies tasted even sweeter because they, like all baked goods at Sugar & Sage, were nut-free.

Mother and daughter duo Alison and Ashley Sage Weinstein created the bakery as a space where Ashley, who is severely allergic to nuts, could enjoy being with friends without having to worry about her allergy, Chappell explained.

As the parent of a child with a nut allergy, I know that good nut-free cookie decorating classes aren’t just hard to find; they’re virtually nonexistent. I registered my children for Sugar & Sage’s class as soon as I could access the UP Parks and Recreation

Department’s registration page.

The program was part of a new series from the department. It plans to offer courses on the first Friday of every month for now, though it may expand that selection in the fall, said recreation/aquatics coordinator Robert Coleman.

The courses are part of an effort to use the city’s facilities as well as possible to meet the community’s needs, he explained. And no one left this class in need of more sugar, white chocolate, or sprinkles.

Hyer Elementary fourth-grader Charlie Underwood ate his first cookie shortly after he finished decorating it. He liked making designs on the baked goods, he said, but his favorite part was “knowing you can eat them after.”

SARAH HODGES

FROM LEFT: Ten-year-old Emilie McCallan with the cookie she had decorated to look like an Easter egg. Bradfield Elementary third-grader Prince Lang with his cookie, which he had dipped in white chocolate. SARAH HODGES

Crime Reports Feb. 10 - March 9

Feb. 10

A looter broke into a locked 2023 GMC pickup at about 5:57 p.m. on  Preston Road, and stole a backpack, Dell laptop, suitcase, clothing, makeup, hairbrush, and personal hygiene products.

Feb. 11

A craven criminal broke into a car in the New York Sub parking lot on Asbury Avenue and stole a hiking backpack and MacBook Pro.

Feb. 12

A porch pirate’s character took a hit after they stole packages containing the book Understanding the Golf Swing, and the Body Pod from a home on  Stanford Avenue at about 3:56 p.m.

Feb. 13

The distracted driver of a 2016 Acura MDX struck two parked cars and damaged the curb in the  4500 block of Belclaire Avenue at about 11:05 p.m. while she was sending a text message on her phone.

Feb. 14

A Valentine’s Day villain stole 14 items of jewelry from a home on  Colgate Avenue before 3:02 p.m., including a Tahitian Pearl necklace, Tiffany & Co. 18k Gold Lapis earrings, South Sea Pearl earrings, and 18k Rose Gold Mother of Pearl earrings.

Feb. 15

A hungry hustler stole food and a beverage from Hillstone in the  8300 block of Preston Road at about 4:58 p.m.

Feb. 16

A brazen burglar stole three swimsuits, a Lego set, and magnifying eyeglasses used to perform surgery from a 2018 Toyota RAV4 before 11:40 p.m. in the 3100 block of Drexel Drive.

Feb. 17

A vain villain stole 65 cosmetics products from CVS in  Snider Plaza at about 6:31 p.m.

Feb. 18

Reported at 5:51 p.m.: A fraudster stole

$164 from Kuby’s in Snider Plaza.

Feb. 19

A burglar broke into a Subaru Outback on  University Boulevard at about 12:37 p.m. and stole a Ruger .38 Special revolver, and a Taurus Deputy .45 Colt revolver.

Feb. 20

How easy was it for a thief to steal a folding knife, Shadow Systems 9mm handgun, and accessories including a handgun sighting, SureFire Weapon Light, 9mm handgun magazines, 9mm ammunition, and a case from a Genesis GV80 on  Lovers Lane at about 12:40 p.m.? The car was left unlocked.

Two thieves clad in pink sweatsuits stole a GMC Sierra 1500 from the  4900 block of Abbott Avenue at about 11:41 a.m.

Feb. 21

An opportunistic crook stole two iPads, a kindle, AirPods, a passport, uniforms, luggage, clothing, make up, food, cash, a Federal Aviation Administration badge, a Known Crewmember badge, a Southwest Airlines badge, a crew badge, and a driver’s license from an unlocked Lincoln Aviator in  The Plaza at Preston Center  at about 7:05 p.m.

Feb. 23

A 31-year-old was arrested for not having a valid driver’s license and failing to dim their lights appropriately at about 12:21 a.m. at the intersection of Mockingbird Lane and Fairfield Avenue.

Feb. 24

Reported at 2:30 p.m.: A fraudster made a $1,968.13 purchase at an Apple Store in Orlando and withdrew $5,477.50 with the debit card of a resident of the  4400 block of South Versailles Avenue.

Feb. 25

A porch pirate stole packages containing dog food and pink pajamas at about 2:32 p.m. from a home on  Amherst Avenue.

Feb. 26

A mischief maker broke the driver’s side

window of a 2017 Chevrolet Corvette in the 3700 block of Normandy Avenue before 8:24 a.m., but did not take anything.

Feb. 27

Thieves stole two locked GMC Sierras before 7:31 a.m., one from an unspecified location, and the other from a driveway on Rosedale Avenue.

Feb. 28

A bag bandit stole a purse and credit card from a locked 2021 GMC Yukon in a parking lot on Mockingbird Lane at about 4:10 p.m.

March 1

A 43-year-old woman was arrested after a traffic stop at about 2:23 a.m. on Durham Street for unauthorized possession of three catalytic converters, unlicensed use of a criminal instrument, and on a warrant.

March 3

A poor parker hit a 2015 Lexus RX 350 in the Whole Foods parking lot in the 4100 block of Lomo Alto Drive before 6:05 p.m., and did not leave information.

March 4

Don’t know how porch pirates sleep at night? One may be resting on the set of white bed sheets in a package stolen from Marquette Street at about 1:55 p.m.

March 5

A crook broke into a 2018 Toyota 4Runner on  Mockingbird Lane  before 5:43 p.m. and stole a Shadow Systems firearm and OSEE computer monitor.

March 6

A thief cruised off in an unlocked Land Rover containing clothes and cosmetics at about 6:59 p.m. on Villanova Drive.

March 8

Reported at 11:22 a.m.: A burglar stole tools and equipment from a building in The Plaza at Preston Center.

March 9

A package pilferer stole a delivery containing Nora Fleming decorative platter pieces from a porch in the  3200 block of Cornell Avenue at about 9:27 a.m.

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Downtown Store’s Fate Prompts Neiman Marcus Reminiscing

Editor’s note: At press time, Saks Global still planned to close the downtown Neiman Marcus store though Dallas leaders were working to change the company’s mind.

Recent area hubbub and lamenting over the passing of the venerable downtown Neiman Marcus flagship store and its chic, sleek Zodiac Room restaurant has prompted me to reflect upon the local icon and my personal connection to it.

At various times since the 1990s, both my parents and I lived a scant two blocks away.

From 2003-2005, I worked as a freelancer in the art department there — one of the few “regular” jobs I ever had that I actually liked. But, of course, the fond memories go much further back.

In my later days working in the art department, I perilously hung Christmas garlands on the roof, spent sweltering summer days digging through rugs in the storage room down the street, hot-glued feather butterflies around $30,000 dresses in holiday window displays, and laughed with a team of people who would become lifelong friends. I even met the woman who would become my 13-year girlfriend there. I was there for the May 2005 Neiman Marcus Group leveraged buyout, when question marks hung over so many heads.

– LOVERS LANE 5850 East Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75206

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TRADITION – PRESTONWOOD 15250 Prestonwood Blvd., Dallas, TX 75248

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The location at Main and Ervay streets opened in September of 1914, though Neiman’s had been downtown since 1907.

“All of those days browsing, dreaming, eating, and shopping — both window and otherwise — are lost to ethers of luminous memory – a vision for many of the perfect store.”

My memories of visiting the store stretch back into the early 1980s, when the city was experiencing a bit of a renaissance with the international popularity of the TV show Dallas

I recall Fortnights with exotic décor and Shar Pei puppies, glamorous trunk shows, and In Circle parties during which my parents would consume all the free hors d’oeuvres and wine politely possible.

The Epicure Shop offered, among many other delicacies, tastes of Texas to the world via the Red River brand of salsas, tortilla chips, et al. There were fashion shows, in-store art exhibits, and the Christmas catalog, which my mother always pored over with a chuckle, eyeing its outlandish His-and-Hers gifts, including pairs of airplanes and live tigers.

The Zodiac Room restaurant opened in 1953, giving shoppers a place to cool their heels and grab a bite without having to leave the store. It quickly became a place to see and be seen, a watering hole for elite shoppers and socialites. I wonder if it wasn’t the inspiration for the bohemian club of the same name in the film Bell, Book and Candle (1957). Though its mid-century astrological décor had been wiped away years ago, The Zodiac’s popovers with strawberry butter/demitasse of chicken broth combo and NM chicken salad were always classy and comforting mainstays. Even in her final years, my mother was a regular — sometimes daily — visitor to the store. For her it was a ritual, a whiff of the luxury she so longed for. Though more of a window-shopper then, she was known to many employees, dragging her chihuahua in tow, still using her little, cream-colored 1970s-era Neiman’s credit card. Sadly, we aren’t likely to see a department store the likes of Neiman Marcus again. All of those days browsing, dreaming, eating, and shopping — both window and otherwise — are lost to ethers of luminous memory – a vision for many of the perfect store.

Josh Hickman, a Park Cities artist and author of such humorous novels as “I Am Luney: The Untold Story of The World’s Naughtiest Man,” is a frequent contributor to People Newspapers. Visit joshhickmanbooks.com.

JOSH HICKMAN

Preston Hollow financial advisor and shopper Sharon Killion and writer Josh Hickman dine again at the Zodiac while they still can. COURTESY PHOTO

SPRING INTO ACTION

Meet Your Candidates for Place 4, HPISD Board of Trustees

Jon Altschuler Michael Denton, Jr.

Occupation: Founder and owner of commercial real estate firm Altschuler and Company.

Connections to HPISD: Father of four Scots or future Scots: two HP graduates, an HPHS junior, and an eighth grader.

Experiences That Prepared Him for Board Service: Member of SMU’s athletics board and chair of SMU’s liberal arts college board; board member at the Fort Worth Education Partnership; past Bible study leader, youth sports coach, Y guide tribe leader, Bradfield Dads Club president, and board member of the Highland Park Education Foundation.

1. Why are you running for the Board of Trustees?

I am running to win a seat, and in doing so I will force the issue of teacher pay and expand the board’s perspective. We will chop a lot of wood together.

Our community is best represented when we have a wide range of viewpoints on the board. My wife and I moved here, and I will be offering a perspective this board tends to miss but which is often shared within the broader community.

ELECTION INFORMATION

Election day is Saturday, May 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early voting runs from April 22 to April 29.

Below are excerpts from candidate questionnaires Jon Altschuler and Michael Denton, Jr. submitted to People Newspapers. Answers have been edited for brevity and clarity. Visit www.peoplenewspapers.com to read additional responses.

CompiledbySarahHodges

this interview requires no cooperation from the governor.

“Declining sales” in the form of declining enrollment strikes me as a significant challenge. High home prices, high interest rates, and property tax caps will continue to make it harder for young families with children to move here. And the 2015 bond delivered us a ton of excess real estate we now service and maintain. As capable as he is, I wouldn’t expect the superintendent to solve this challenge. We need to lean in and get creative at the board level and lean on all residents who want to think about these challenges.

Our state’s economic and cultural success is resulting in massive increases in applications to our elite state schools. We must see around the corner that admission to top schools is going to become even more challenging and prepare our students accordingly.

4. What do you think HPISD’s budget priorities should be? Are there areas where you would make cuts?

“Our teachers should be the best paid, and we can start doing this right now using the resources we already have.”

Jon Altschuler

Accepting year after year that our teachers shall be underpaid is a board and foundation blind spot. Our teachers should be the best paid, and we can start doing this right now using the resources we already have.

2. What will your priorities be if elected?

Set our teacher pay at the very top of market via budget tightening and more creative use of the Foundation’s Tartan Fund, improve our budget transparency such that we all understand the choices we are making between operational overhead and other areas, reduce the amount of school instruction and homework taking place on district-issued screens, and improve our college admissions results into elite state schools and top national universities.

3. What are the greatest challenges facing HPISD, and what do you see as the board’s role in addressing these challenges?

I think lamenting the attack on public education happening in Austin is a waste of HPISD time. Doing so surrenders our own agency to execute what is under our control in HPISD. Everything I have described in

Occupation: Energy Operations/Investments, Beef Cattle Production/Sales, Restaurant Operations.

Connections to HPISD: 1989 graduate of Highland Park High School, father of three Scots: one HP graduate, an HPHS senior, and a sophomore.

Foundation, and other district volunteer groups to perpetuate the successful legacy of serving our community with their time, talent, and treasure.

· Ensure continued academic rigor and reliance on time-tested, classic methods of teaching by ensuring a focus on and a direct, explicit approach to the fundamentals of education — reading, writing, arithmetic, science, and civics.

· Continue to evaluate the extent and use of technology in instruction across all grade levels.

· Encourage open and direct communication with parents, teachers, and the broader Park Cities community.

Support fiscal responsibility and accountability making the very best use of the financial resources with which the district has been entrusted.

3. What are the greatest challenges facing HPISD, and what do you see as the board’s role in addressing these challenges?

For one, you won’t see me suggesting we need to borrow more money to spend on school buildings. In fact, I published an Alternative Plan to downsize the 2015 bond, and what I have learned from the last two bond exercises is to interrogate projections that we are provided.

And buildings don’t teach our children, teachers do. Our highest priority should be getting teacher pay right and now. “Right” means the best and “now” means now. We should identify existing spending that limits this, and we should work more closely with HPEF to fund salaries to the best in North Texas. We are sitting on an existing endowment of $50 - 60 million, plus or minus. If we utilize $4 million of that next year to give 400 teachers a $10,000 per year raise, we would leap past all districts in offering the best pay. And when our donor base sees we are serious about addressing teacher pay, we will open the private-fundraising floodgates like we never have seen before.

5. When you complete your board service, which achievements do you hope to be remembered for?

I don’t really worry about how I am remembered or about legacy. I want to do my best and look out for others. But I do hope I have a full funeral that’s really funny.

Lord

knows I have provided my friends with

plenty

of material.

Experiences That Prepare Him for Board Service: Lead for Tomorrow Endowment co-founder and committee member; Highland Park Education Foundation (HPEF) finance committee member; HPEF board member; member of the HPISD Safety and Security Committee; Campus Leadership Council – Bradfield Elementary; past president of HPEF, Mad for Plaid co-chair, member of HPEF executive and planning committees, president of the Park Cities Dads Club, Inc., and the Bradfield Dads Club, chairman of the HPISD 2024 Bond Community Advisory Committee and the Scots4Scots PAC, member of the HPISD Boundary Rezoning Committee, HPISD Building Design Committee, and HPISD 100 Years – Legacy Event Committee.

“I will continue to push for best practices in instruction, a focus on the fundamentals of education and financial stewardship, and a #ScotsFindAWay attitude.” Michael Denton, Jr.

HPISD needs to right-size its teacher and staff levels commensurate to student population, continue to address the recruitment and retention of the highest quality teachers and educators, and increase teacher compensation competitively in the marketplace. Additionally, HPISD should maintain the highest level of campus security through continued collaboration with the security committee, the Town of Highland Park, the City of University Park, SMU, and other stakeholders across our community. Lastly, the board should continue to encourage close relationships with our PTAs, PTOs, Dads Clubs, HPEF, and other district volunteer groups, ensuring we align our efforts to maximize impact and improve efficiency.

4. What do you think HPISD’s budget priorities should be? Are there areas where you would make cuts?

1. Why are you running for the Board of Trustees?

Over the years, I have had the honor of serving our district in many capacities, which has prepared me to better understand the needs, challenges, and responsibilities of our district while serving as a trustee. With a readiness to continue to serve our community through hard work, listening to all opinions, and working collaboratively with fellow trustees and our administration, together we can ensure that HPISD remains the best public school district in the state. While HPISD stands apart, there is always room to identify areas for improvement, and I will continue to push for best practices in instruction, a focus on the fundamentals of education and financial stewardship, and a #ScotsFindAWay attitude.

2. What will your priorities be if elected?

Address and continue to work on the recruitment and retention of the highest quality teachers by providing premier compensation in the marketplace while right-sizing staffing levels commensurate with student population.

· Continue to work alongside our PTAs, PTOs, Dads Clubs, HP Education

A key priority will be continuing to address the recruitment and retention of the highest quality educators by providing premier compensation in the marketplace while right-sizing staffing levels commensurate with student population. My goal is for HPISD to continue engaging the best educators available along with first-class facilities, encouraging the development of our incredible population of students so that they are ready to “launch” upon graduation. Further alignment amongst all our contributors to the budget is an important objective.

5. When you complete your board service, which achievements do you hope to be remembered for?

I hope to be remembered for the tangible difference I made in strengthening our district for the here-and-now as well as preparing for generations of future Scots, and for having served with kindness, empathy, dedication, and persistence. I also hope people will remember the personal connections I made with others — whether it’s the administration, parents, staff, or community members. In humble service to our community, I hope to be remembered as a servant leader who always placed others first and served our district and community well.

MICHAEL DENTON JR CAMPAIGN

MATTHEW SHELLEY

Parking Pains

UP City Council tables paid proposals for Snider Plaza, nearby streets

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

The University Park City Council voted unanimously on March 4 to table a controversial proposal to implement paid parking in most Snider Plaza spaces and on some nearby streets.

The council made its decision after more than two hours of at times heated discussion with residents, business owners, and members of the volunteer Snider Plaza employee parking task force, who recommended a $3 hourly fee to park.

“Why would I go to Snider Plaza now, if I’m going to have to pay for parking or use a goofy app?”

Randee Parr Hefflefinger

Task force member Dallas Cothrum called paid parking the best of the available bad choices, but one that would solve the problem of where employees who work in

the Plaza should put their cars.

Parking in the Plaza is an issue almost as old as the shopping center itself. If employees park in the Plaza’s surface lot, they create a shortage of spaces for customers. And other parking spots that don’t clog up neighborhood streets come at an additional cost.

University Park has spent about $262,000 since 2021 to subsidize employee parking in the Hilltop Plaza parking garage during con-

struction in Snider Plaza. But the city plans to stop paying for parking when work in the Plaza wraps up later this year, city manager Robbie Corder said during the meeting.

Task force members suggested that, once construction is complete, University Park implement paid parking in Snider Plaza for 18 months on a trial basis. The program’s revenue would be used to fund employee parking in offsite locations, and to pay for a parking management

company that would monitor parking and enforce restrictions.

But paid parking was a tough sell for some residents, who said they wouldn’t pay to park, and for business owners, who said they’ve suffered during Snider Plaza’s construction and would experience additional strain.

“Why would I go to Snider Plaza now, if I’m going to have to pay for parking or use a goofy app?” asked Randee Parr Hef -

flefinger, a resident for more than 40 years who described herself as a big supporter of Snider Plaza. “I don’t want to pay for parking. I don’t know anyone in University Park who I’ve talked to — because I’ve talked about this a lot with all my friends and neighbors — who want to pay for parking.”

Business owner Copper Dallas called a trial period for paid parking offensive to merchants who have been hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and construction projects.

“Eighteen months of hurting small businesses, considering the years we’ve gone through, is significant,” she said. “No one in there is a chain. Everyone in there is a small business, and we need the traffic of pedestrians.”

Council member Phillip Philbin suggested that University Park pause its consideration of paid parking. He said the city should see whether sales tax revenues increase after Snider Plaza improvements are completed, if paid parking comes to comparable nearby shopping centers, or if the city or businesses can find other solutions to the center’s parking crunch.

Council member Melissa Rieman moved at the end of the discussion to table the proposal for continued study and future consideration.

Snider Plaza merchants say their businesses have struggled during construction. SARAH HODGES

ManeGait aims to raise an addition $2.5

‘HAPPY’ MOMENTS, SNEAKY THERAPY HAPPEN ON A HORSE HP

grad with Down Syndrome shines on ManeGait Show Team

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

In her daily life, Highland Park High School graduate Sara “Happy” Waterman deals with the challenges caused by Down Syndrome. But on a horse, she’s a champion.

Happy has won seven belt buckles for being the top rider in her division at the Chisholm Challenge, a horse show for equestrians with disabilities held annually in Fort Worth. Happy’s riding skills have also earned her about 30 medals in the Special Olympics Equestrian Games.

Happy, who got her nickname while a student at HPHS, competes as a member of the Show Team at ManeGait therapeutic horsemanship center in Collin County. At ManeGait, she’s known for her need for speed, good posture, and desire to canter on her longtime horse, Scooter.

“In the United States, everybody’s in

sports. Everybody’s so competitive, and this is her chance to be just like everybody else,” said Happy’s mom, Kelly.

Happy started equine therapy shortly before she turned 2. She wasn’t walking at the time, and didn’t have the muscle tone to sit in a saddle, but she quickly gained strength and took her first steps shortly after she began therapy.

Happy, now 29, has ridden almost continuously since. She took a break several years ago due to catatonia caused by Autoimmune Encephalitis, which causes the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack the brain.

“That’s why I think it’s so amazing. She loves coming here because she’s learning how to ride, and improve, and compete, and she’s getting the benefits of all those therapies.”

“This is her chance to be just like everybody else.” Kelly Waterman

Happy’s instructor at ManeGait took it slow for one lesson after she recovered, but Happy immediately bounced back.

“It’s her passion,” Kelly said in February during Happy’s weekly lesson at ManeGait.

“We sneak the therapy in,” added ManeGait executive director Patricia Nelson with a laugh. Happy begins each session at MainGate with 30 minutes of exercises that help her focus and build cognitive skills through the center’s GaitWay to the Brain program.

Then, Happy heads to the arena to trot, do exercises, and weave through obstacles on Scooter, who she called her favorite thing about horseback riding. Riding itself, she said, is “awesome.”

Equine therapy is an experience that Happy is lucky to have, and one that

ManeGait is working to bring to more Dallas area riders.

The center currently offers services to 150 children and adults each week, but upwards of 400 individuals with disabilities are on its waitlist, and some wait five to seven years to participate, Nelson said.

ManeGait aims to complete a $12.1 million expansion by early 2026 that will enable it to add services and double the number of people it serves. At the project’s conclusion, ManeGait will become one of the largest equine therapy centers in the country.

ManeGait may be changing, but Happy’s experience won’t; Kelly plans to continue making the trip from University Park to the therapeutic horsemanship center for as long as she can.

“This is her sport. She competes. She’s in shows,” Kelly said. “She’s getting all this therapy all bundled up in a one-hour ride. And I just think it’s brilliant.”

Greenlight Drama: Honk Twice if You Want Patience And Want it Now!

I live on a busy street corner. Throughout the day and night, I am rattled by a cacophony of honking horns.

I think this auditory manifestation of impatience in Dallas rivals New York City where, by the way, it is illegal to honk your horn unless you are in imminent danger.

DON DAFOE

We have all had the experience when the idiot — that is the driver in front of us — does not blast away at the nanosecond the light turns green. We grumble, “That’s a nanosecond I’ll never get back.”

The occulo-pedal reflex may be slowed due to the driver’s eyes cast down on a cell phone, daydreaming, or an attitude too relaxed for modern life.

What is the customary response? Lay on the horn and swerve around them with a scowl. Often a polite toot will do nicely. In that case, the response of the sluggish driver in front may be an appreciative nod and acceleration to make up for your lost 2 seconds.

The roused passive-aggressive drivers in front will pull out extra slowly. That’s on them and their ulcer. When I’m the idiot in front, and I look up from my phone and realize the driver behind me is cutting me some slack by simply idling there (or, perhaps, also

watching YouTube), I give them a little wave in the rearview mirror. I think about how patient that person must be and how they will outlive those of us who are always in a rush. If the car behind me beeps then zips past me in a cloud of exhaust, I say to my passenger, “He must have emergency neurosurgery to do.”

“I’m that guy behind the lethargic driver in front who mutters, ‘C’mon, man, that light don’t get any greener. I’ve got things to do.’”

As a doctor myself, I know that, if indeed, there is a true emergency at the hospital, the smart thing to do is follow all the traffic rules. If you are stopped for speeding or you crash your car, the patient who is in extremis will suffer too.

Time pressure is a curse. I, for one, have it bad. I make “to do“ lists and go about my day checking them off ASAP. Some days I’m foiled at every turn, and other days I go to bed satisfied only to awaken to another list.

I’m that guy behind the lethargic driver in front who mutters, “C’mon, man, that light don’t get any greener. I’ve got things to do.”

Einstein made a famous quote about time and relativity.

“When one sits with a pretty girl for two hours, it feels like only a minute has passed, but when one puts their finger on a hot stove for a minute, it feels like two hours have passed.” (Albert, you rascal, you had more complex equations going on under that wild hairdo of yours.)

The point? Time is elastic. It elongates when you slow down.

Seinfeld joked that old people who typically drive with glacial speed should drive fast because they have limited time left. Maybe, they know about the elongation of time.

I found a quote from a book titled Time Warped by Claudia Hammond: it is “strangely empowering to think that the very phenomenon depicted as the unforgiving dictator of life is something we might be able to shape.”

So, Dallasites, give the prolonged horn honks a rest. It’s neighborly and you might live longer. Take slow, deep breaths in and out.

On the other hand, if you’re in the poll position and the light turns green, for God’s sake, gently press down on the gas pedal and go.

Dr. Don Dafoe, a transplant surgeon, has lived in Highland Park for an elongated year and a half.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Sara “Happy” Waterman and Scooter compete at a ManeGait show. Equestrians Brianna Nelson and Sara “Happy” Waterman at the Chisholm Challenge. Sara “Happy” Waterman receives a belt buckle at an Austin horse show. Sara “Happy” Waterman at Special Olympics in May 2015. MANEGAIT, KELLY WATERMAN, AND BOB WATERMAN

‘Park Cities People’ Applauds

The winners of this year’s HP Arts awards, who are working to enrich the lives of students both inside and outside the classroom. HP Arts, which is supported by La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas, funds and encourages arts enrichment and arts education at every grade level in all eight HPISD schools.

Legendary R ESULTS

• Sheri Rosen is the winner of the HP Arts Advocate award, which recognizes a member of the community who champions the arts. Rosen was invaluable during her time on the HP Arts board, serving for two years as its treasurer. She was instrumental in starting booster clubs for both Raider Drama and HP Scots Theatre. Rosen committed herself to HP’s band and theater booster clubs while her children were in school, and she has continued to make herself available to HP Arts and both programs since their graduation.

KYLE CREWS 214-538-1310

SANDERS AVREA 214-458-1964 ANI NOSNIK 972-896-5432

TREY BOUNDS 214-883-4600 ROBIN BROCK WEBSTER 214-543-8963

MARY ALICE GARRISON 214-543-7075 MORIAH LOVETT MCRAE 501-563-0234

CARLA JOHNSON 405-229-6976 MOLLY MASSEY 214-263-8216

URBANTEAMDALLAS.COM

SELLING AND LISTING Urban

• James Jenkins, digital media and broadcasting teacher at Highland Park Middle School, is the recipient of the Arts in Education award, which recognizes a teacher not in the fine arts who is using the arts to enrich their students’ education. Jenkins inspires students by blending technical skills with artistic storytelling and design. By producing HPMS’ weekly broadcast, Jenkins’ students reach the entire school community and gain experience in visual composition, sound design, and narrative, all approached with an artistic lens. Jenkins’ dedication to integrating art into technology has had a lasting impact on students and colleagues, and has cultivated an appreciation for the arts across HPMS.

• Hannah Crowley, music teacher at Boone Elementary School, has been honored as Fine Arts Teacher of the Year. The Fine Arts Teacher of the Year is recognized for their creativity and innovation, their work guiding all students — regardless of ability — to achieve, and their leadership and excellence in teaching. Crowley received a staggering number of nominations for the award. Parents said that she makes personal connections with each of her students, even singing their names as they walk through the doors of the music room. She makes students feel seen, valued and cared for, and brings joy to her campus. Crowley’s class is the highlight of the week for many students, and a place where they feel successful while falling in love with music.

— Compiled by Sarah

Hodges

| 1747 Leonard St #1401 $3,995,000 LISTED BY ANI NOSNIK & SANDERS AVREA Our team specializes in listing and selling luxury homes in urban neighborhoods. A legacy of finding the perfect high-rise neighborhood for people wanting to downsize or the ambiance of Uptown/Downtown/Turtle Creek. We’re here for you.

PHOTOS: COURTESY HP ARTS

‘It’s

Okay To Not Be Okay’ Highland Park High junior spreads hope with unique, on-trend bracelets

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Noemi Tsai felt isolated when she was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder and depression. Now, she’s determined to make sure other teens know that they’re not alone.

“So often, people are told to keep it to themselves,” she said. “At first, it was hard for me to share too with other people.”

Tsai, a 17-year-old junior who lives in University Park, has been in and out of treatment for mental health issues for the past three years. At her lowest points, she attempt ed suicide multiple times.

She credits the support of her family and friends, along with therapy, and a stay in the residential program at the McLean Hospital in Massachusetts, for her recovery.

WEAR YOUR SUPPORT:

Visit beadinghope.my.canva.site to spruce up your style and show your support for mental health awareness. Bracelets range in price from $8 to $10, and 25% of every purchase is donated to the International OCD Foundation.

get better. This isn’t the end to my story,” Tsai explained.

Tsai hopes that sharing her experiences will help others find connections and support. She’s raising awareness of mental health with her Girl Scout Gold Award project and the on-trend bracelets she sells through her project, Beading Hope.

Beading, Tsai explained, became a way for her to find peace during her journey through treatment. Her bestselling bracelets feature words of encouragement, such as “hope,” “shine,” or “warrior.” Each comes with a card

containing a positive affirmation. Tsai’s newest bracelet features small, teal glass beads and a ribbon for OCD awareness. A portion of every bracelet purchase is donated to the International OCD Foundation, which Tsai turned to for resources and community after her diagnosis four years ago.

Some of the remaining funds help finance Tsai’s Girl Scout Gold Award project. As part of the project, Tsai co-chaired the 2023 Dallas One Million Steps for

OCD Walk. She also is planning a book display in April at the University Park Public Library, giving bracelet-making kits to Girl Scout troops, and distributing free teal and purple wristbands for OCD and depression awareness.

“Your story isn’t over yet” is written on one side of the bracelets. Hidden inside the bracelets is the phrase, “It’s okay to not be okay.”

“It’s been a good reminder for me that I have future. There’s hope for things to

Tsai, who is on leave from Highland Park High School for an unrelated medical issue, has spoken about her experiences with young people struggling with OCD and medical professionals. She will be a speaker at the International OCD Foundation’s Conference in Chicago this summer.

In February, she shared her story at a meeting at the Highland Park ISD board of trustees, which rarely has public comments from students. She told board members that she once drew a picture on a quiz that showed how hopeless she was feeling.

“Crying, I handed it to my teacher,” Tsai said. “But unfortunately, no one noticed or followed up with me and asked how they might help.”

Tsai suggested ways the district could improve its mental health supports for students. She said after the meeting that she hopes things can change.

“If there are more supports for students, and more of a sense that I can reach out for help, it would help people feel less alone,” she said, “and not have to go through the experiences that I’ve gone through.”

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Noemi Tsai wears her OCD and depression awareness wristbands. Tsai’s bracelets are colored teal for OCD awareness and purple for depression awareness. SARAH HODGES

Sports

DISCIPLINE FUELS UNDERDOG TRIUMPH FOR ELAHMADI

Dual-sport star wins HP’s first state wrestling title since 2019

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

Perhaps the most difficult sacrifice of Highland Park wrestler Amin Elah madi’s state championship season came before his first match even started.

Elahmadi was a starting defensive lineman on the HP football team that finished as the Class 5A Division I state runner-up in late December, when he weighed 240 pounds.

With his first bout on the mat just two weeks later, the senior had to drop more than 20 pounds — over the holidays, no less.

“It was the most brutal shift I’ve had to go through,” Elahmadi said. “With my friends and family all eating. I had to stay strict with my diet.”

The culinary discipline paid off two months later, when Elahmadi pulled two up sets in the 215-pound weight class during the 5A state tournament in Cypress to become the first gold medalist for the Scots since threetime champion Aidan Conner in 2019.

“He told me three weeks before the state tournament that he was gonna win it,” said HP head coach Tim Marzuola. “He has a real persistence about him. He had all the attributes of being a state champion.”

During his four years with the program, Elahmadi was accustomed to peaking late in the season. Coming from football, he joined the squad more than a month into the season, and competed in about half as many matches as some of his teammates during the regular season.

He qualified for his first state tournament by placing fourth in District 9 and third in the Region III tournament — hardly a typi-

cal championship resume.

However, arguably the top two foes in his weight class, Anna’s Cash Williams and Winnsboro’s Anthony Fulmer, were both in the same district. Elahmadi came close to beating both of them, and just needed a rematch.

He took down Williams in overtime in the state semifinals and had eight hours to prepare for a final showdown against Fulmer, who boasted a 39-1 match record.

“He had all the attributes of being a state champion.”

Tim Marzuola

With the score tied in the closing seconds and another overtime looming, Elahamadi took a risk by hitting one of his favorite moves, scoring the decisive point to pull out a dramatic 6-5 victory.

“This was my last shot. I didn’t have to reserve anything. I gave it my all,” Elahmadi said. “Being the underdog helped a lot. That was the best feeling.”

Along the way, he became the lowest seed to triumph in any weight class at this year’s state tournament and the first HP football player to claim a wrestling championship since Stephen Dieb in 2013.

“I always wanted to be a state champ, but I never really imagined myself as one,” he said. “Winning was great, but I also beat two guys who beat me earlier in the season. It proved to me I could come back.”

Wherever, Whenever: Joiner Can Play Anywhere on the Field Lady Scots senior a lineup mainstay even without a permanent position

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

Highland Park softball coach

Michael Pullen doesn’t always know where he’s going to put Kate Joiner in the field — he just knows he has to put her somewhere.

The Highland Park senior’s versatility and skill at multiple positions has made her invaluable for the Lady Scots over the past four years, including two as a varsity captain.

“The more positions you can play, the better off you are. It gives me more opportunities to play you,” Pullen said. “She’s a very unselfish player. She’s such a smart and athletic kid and has a great work ethic.”

Joiner transitioned into softball from soccer prior to middle school and found a home at catcher when her select team, HP Bombers, didn’t have one. By the time she joined the Lady Scots a few years later, however, Audrey Schedler was entrenched behind the plate, leading Joiner to third base.

“The plan was for her to play

third base in her sophomore year and junior year, and then senior year, I didn’t know what we were going to do,” Pullen said. “Her natural ability and softball IQ allows her to play so many different positions. She’s probably got the best arm on the team.”

Schedler wound up missing last

season with a knee injury, accelerating Joiner’s timeline. After a standout season at catcher last year, she’s splitting time with Lili Rodriguez while moving around to third base, first base, shortstop, outfield, and wherever else she might be needed.

“It’s nice to be that player he knows he can trust because he can

put me anywhere,” Joiner said.

Meanwhile, as the most experienced player on this year’s team, Joiner has embraced her role as a mentor to some of her younger teammates. She credits some of the lessons learned from past captains along the way.

“Now I’m the senior,” Joiner said.

“It’s fun getting to see the girls where I was in their position four years ago.”

“Her natural ability and softball IQ allows her to play so many different positions.”

Michael Pullen

Pullen said the other part of what makes Joiner indispensable is her good eye in the batter’s box and ability to put the ball in play. Although her low stance cuts down on her power; Joiner has averaged more than 40 hits per season for HP.

“She bats in the [No. 3 spot] for a reason. It’s not because of power, it’s because of consistency,” Pullen said. “She doesn’t strike out and she sure doesn’t walk. If it’s a strike, it’s Kate’s pitch. It doesn’t matter where it is. She’s going to hit it.”

Amin Elahmadi won four straight matches over two days in his first appearance at the 5A state wrestling tournament in late February. CHRIS MCGATHEY

Kate Joiner plays almost every position on the softball field for Highland Park CHRIS MCGATHEY

Greene Aims to Paint Next Chapter in HP’s Championship Legacy

Senior also serves as a mentor to younger gymnasts through coaching, judging

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

Ryder Greene just needs to look at the back wall of the Hegi Family Gymnastics Training Center, where he spends most afternoons, for motivation.

That’s where a giant mural reminds him of Highland Park’s past gymnastics standouts — state champions such as Peter Hegi, Meyer Williams, and Clay Staunton.

Greene wants to join them atop the podium at the Texas High School Gymnastics Coaches Association state meet this spring in Fort Worth.

“He’s a great ambassador for gymnastics.”

Mark Sherman

As of the end of the regular season, the senior is in the top three in the statewide boys allaround standings and sits in the top 10 in five of six events.

“It feels right that I want to attempt to carry on that torch,”

Greene said. “I always looked up to the high school guys who were teaching me at the time.”

Claiming an all-around title would begin with Greene posting top scores in his favorite

events, floor exercise and vault. He’s confident in that, but has been focused on his weaker disciplines, such as pommel horse and horizontal bar, which are equally important.

Greene’s affinity for gymnastics began at a young age. After his mother noticed him doing flips on the diving board and trampoline, she encouraged him to tag along with his sister to an

HP summer gymnastics camp.

“It took off from there and I developed a passion for it,” Greene said. “I really love this sport. Sticking a dismount is one of my favorite things.”

What especially appeals to Greene, however, is the unique team aspect of high school gymnastics. The Scots were runner-up in the state during his freshman year, and have finished in the top four both years since then.

He takes his role as a threeyear captain seriously, especially as he battles nagging back and knee injuries looking for his final chance at a state title.

“There’s an opportunity for us to go to state as a team. That’s my primary goal,” Greene said. “I really want to make sure this is left in a good place after I’m gone.”

When his competition days are over, Greene hopes to remain involved in gymnastics as a coach or judge. He’s already gained experience in both while helping with HP’s youth programs.

“He’s a great teacher,” said HP head coach Mark Sherman. “He’s very well-liked and easy to get along with. He cares about the team. He’s a great ambassador for gymnastics.”

Ryder Greene hopes to be Highland Park’s next boys all-around champion at the state gymnastics meet in April. MELISSA MACATEE

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Home & Business

CITY’S FIRST HEALTH FOODS STORE CELEBRATES 75 YEARS

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Vitamin pills were a new technology when Highland Park registered nurse Ester Fuqua started selling them in Snider Plaza more than 75 years ago.

That view has changed. But much about Plaza Health Foods hasn’t.

The first vitamin shop and organic café in Dallas is still owned and operated by the Fuqua family. Now, it’s Ester’s grandson Max who’s behind the register dispensing vitamin supplements, along with reliable information and sound health advice that customers can’t buy online.

Ester was trying out a novel idea when she put vitamins on a shelf near the cakes and pies that she and her husband sold in their shop.

“If someone comes in asking for a fad product, I’d rather have them not buy anything.” Max Fuqua

Today, the problem isn’t shortage — it’s surplus. The global market for vitamins and supplements is projected to be worth more than $250 billion by 2032, according to Feb. 17, 2025 Fortune Business Insights

But since vitamins are categorized as food by the FDA, manufacturers don’t

need to show that their products are safe and effective before stocking them on shelves.

Even though it’s not required, all Plaza Health Foods labeled products are made in an FDA approved and inspected lab from third-party-tested raw materials that originate in the United States or Europe. After manufacturing, products are tested again by an independent laboratory for potency and purity before being sent to the Snider Plaza store.

“If you’re going to supplement, you

need to look for good quality supplements that are tested, that are pure,” Max said. “If someone comes in asking for a fad product, I’d rather have them not buy anything.”

A steady stream of customers stopped by Plaza Health Foods one Wednesday morning, some looking for specific products and others for advice.

Customer Patricia Headley said a trip to Plaza Health Foods is always on the agenda when she visits Dallas from Italy.

“I find their products to be truly beneficial,”

FIND MORE

Customers can find Plaza Health Foods at 6722 Snider Plaza in University Park, or online at plazahealthfoods.com. The store sells vitamin supplements, healthy foods, snacks, jewelry, and toys, along with all-natural frozen yogurt that contains five probiotics and is made with Ester Fuqua’s secret recipe. Plaza Health Foods is giving free frozen yogurt to the public in April and May to celebrate its 75th anniversary.

she explained. “The proof is in the pudding.”

Max, who is a certified nutritionist, has a lifetime of experience in health. He had a crib in the store as a baby. Once he got old enough, he was paid $2 an hour to do everything from cleaning the store and fixing the frozen yogurt machines to ordering products and sweeping the sidewalk.

One of Max’s early jobs was making carrot juice, which involved grinding the carrots and pressing out the juice.

“You could not get that out of your fingers. I mean, it was just everywhere,” said Max, who was then a student at Armstrong Elementary. “I remember my principal specifically asking me, ‘Why are your fingers orange?’”

Max’s son, Daniel, had his own crib in the store as a baby. Today, the fourth grader at University Park Elementary is becoming an expert in selling vitamins and managing the store himself.

And Max says the future looks bright, both for Plaza Health Foods and Snider Plaza.

“I’m excited about what we’re going to do, and what the city’s going to do and what the shopping center’s going to do,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to the next 25 years.”

SMU Classmates Found Thread Counseling Group Private Practice

By John Holt Special Contributor

Ahou Line and Kristina McCook met nearly a decade ago while sitting beside each other in their first graduate school class, Lifespan Development, at SMU.

“We just struck up a friendship,” McCook said.

That friendship bloomed into a professional partnership. In January 2024, the two moms with a like-minded mission co-founded Thread Counseling Group.

Line, who now has her doctorate, entered SMU’s program following a stint with Teach For America (TFA), where she taught middle school language arts teachers before becoming director of learning and development.

“I think there was a piece of me that was like, “I absolutely love teaching, but I am finding how much more I enjoy supporting the social-emotional needs of my students, and I wonder if I could find a career that allowed me to do more of that.’” the Persian American explained.

McCook, who had worked in human resources before becom-

ing a stay-at-home mom, decided to pursue a new career after seeing the struggles her two children (now ages 21 and 18) faced.

“Some of these were very typical challenges that kids go through,” McCook said. “I really wanted to understand it from a developmental perspective, and I wanted to know how to respond to ensure they felt supported.”

The possibility of opening a

shared practice percolated as Line and McCook earned their clinical hours at SMU’s Center for Family Counseling and supervised other graduate students.

McCook recalled their conversations. “Wouldn’t it be so fun to work together?’”

That “fun” followed serious conversations about long-term vision and working through such details as finding a space, building a web-

site, acquiring clients, and branding themselves.

McCook came to the new venture from another private practice while Line had been training graduate students at the University of North Texas.

“(Kristina) is the best therapist I have ever worked with,” Line said. “She is so practical and so meticulous and intentional. I feel like she grounds me in so many ways.”

469-360-8001 threadcounseling.com

McCook echoed similar praise for Line.

“(Ahou’s) a spectacular clinician,” McCook said. “I very much trust her. She’s so supportive of me if I have a challenge, and I love her as a friend.”

Line came up with the Thread name.

Line describes Thread as more than a name.

“Thread represents the connection between us and our clients,” Line said. “When we work with children, we always consider how parents are involved in the process. When we work with parents and adults, we recognize that they don’t exist in a vacuum and there are so many other ‘threads’ that help us understand them holistically.”

John Holt is a public relations professional and content writer for Good Shepherd Episcopal School.

FROM LEFT: Dr. Ahou Line and Kristina McCook presented a program on childhood anxiety to 35 parents at Good Shepherd Episcopal School. JOHN HOLT

Plaza Bakery Health Breads in 1950, shortly after Ester Fuqua started selling vitamins. FROM LEFT: Max Fuqua at the register at Plaza Health Foods. Max and Daniel Fuqua at Plaza Health Foods. COURTESY FUQUA FAMILY/ SARAH HODGES

Designer’s Cultural Surroundings Becomes a Family Business

Paula Wenstrom sees buildings, especially libraries, as ‘organic footprints’

By Josh Hickman

Special Contributor

Preston Hollow designer Paula Wenstrom’s mission to renovate and reimagine public spaces and workspaces has become a family affair.

For 33 years her company Cultural Surroundings has been updating and reworking commercial spaces, home interiors, and home offices, though she has branched out more recently into new companies with her sons, Montgomery and Gavin McKenzie, both Highland Park High School graduates.

An urgent installation in south Texas necessitated Montgomery’s assistance, which led to him working with his mother daily to build the business. Talented in computer graphics, Gavin’s part-time work rendering products for the website during college led to full-time work in the companies.

“My Unique Office is Montgomery’s,” Paula explained. “My Unique Closet, working with the same Portuguese manufacturer, is also more geared to e-commerce, where you can create your own desk or closet system via drag-and-drop. It will launch later this year.”

Wenstrom moved to Texas with an interior design degree from the University of Illinois. Working retail, she found herself taking the reins of a library furniture business during its dissolution. Cultural Surroundings was born out of the company’s turnaround.

“I was 24 and female, which was very abnormal,” she recalled.

Her design and renovation work includes public libraries in Dallas, Flower Mound, Farmer’s Branch, Grand Prairie, Garland, Arlington, Fort Worth, and the lauded new Frisco library.

Past and current private school library projects include Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, St. Mark’s School of Texas, and Ursuline Academy.

“In the U.S., we have so few public venues that are just open for people to go have the third space, as it’s called, for people to get

Service is Our Style

“We

culturalsurroundings.com myuniqueoffice.com

outside of their home and go someplace and work, be on their computer, do a project, or just sit and think,” Paula noted. “Libraries are very much that now.”

Even some coffee brands – once viewed as similar places – have redesigned to be less comfortable so they can move people through, she added.

“To me, buildings have a very organic footprint,” she said. “If you sit in them or think of them as an empty space, there are very natural energy spots where it seems to make sense people would want to be. That’s how I lay out space. We mix a lot of contemporary with traditional space. We renovated several Carnegie libraries that have beautiful interior details that are very old. We mixed more contemporary furniture with that turn-of-the-century detailing. So, it’s very eclectic.”

Paula is planning her new brick-andmortar business and wants to make it homey with “an old-world European café and retail space—no internet, no TVs, no loud music.”

“It will be a place where you can congregate and actually have a conversation,” she said. “It is lifestyle in the way I want to promote people taking a moment to be good to themselves and getting to know the people they’re sitting across from.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: An office at Ursuline Academy includes these dark lounge chairs reminiscent of the design style of Charles and Ray Eames. The Frisco Public Library includes this children’s reading cubby.FROM LEFT: Gavin McKenzie, Paula Wenstrom, and Montgomery McKenzie with dog Marvin. COURTESY CULTURAL SURROUNDINGS, JOSH HICKMAN

Comings and Goings

NOW OPEN

Banner House at T Bar M

6060 Dilbeck Lane

The social and athletic club combines state-of-the-art sports facilities and elevated hospitality with curated cultural and social experiences.

Foxtrot Market

6565 Hillcrest Ave.

The favorite coffee spot and market has reopened its Snider Plaza location after closing unexpectedly last spring.

Nespresso

NorthPark Center

The international chain that features its own collection of coffee, espresso makers, and accessories for home brewing has reopened a newly-renovated store in its original location.

OrangeTwist

Mockingbird Station

The leading med spa brand offers a range of non-invasive treatments to help clients look and feel their best.

Rash Decisions Dermatology

8222 Douglas Ave., Suite 890

The patient-centered dermatology care center that has broken free from insurance constraints features unhurried visits, immediate access to Dr. Sharon Marchand, and transparent pricing.

Rodeo Cold

3826 Ross Ave.

The throwback 1980s Texas dive bar that features a patio, stage, gaming yard, and oneof-a-kind programming offers guests daytime and evening amusement, along with unique bites and beverages.

COMING

ASI Gymnastics and ASI

Ninja

The Shops at Park Lane

The gymnastics facility and first-ever standalone ASI Ninja gym will celebrate grand opening events in April. ASI Ninja is a fast-paced program that combines gymnastics with parkour, tricking, and ninja skills. ASI gymnastics specializes in circuit-based instruction, guiding students

through key apparatuses. ASI programs cater to all skill levels, from preschool through advanced training.

JD’s Chippery

Preston Royal Village

The family owned and operated Snider Plaza staple will bring its fresh-baked cookies and muffins, cookie cakes, lemon ade, limeade, and custom-mixed fountain drinks to Preston Royal Village this spring.

Miu Miu

Highland Park Village

Its two-story boutique will be divided into zones and include a pool table, racing simulator, and authentic cinema room.

Trina Turk

The Plaza at Preston Center

The contemporary fashion boutique focusing on women’s ready-to-wear and accessories, swimwear, eyewear, a Mr. Turk menswear collection, and residential goods will move its only Dallas location from the West Village to 8300 Preston Road this spring.

CLOSED

The luxury fashion brand will offer its unforgettable, playful, and refined designs at its first Texas storefront starting in fall 2025.

POP MART

Galleria Dallas

The market-leading character-based entertainment company and global champion of designer toy culture is slated to open on level 3.

Richard Mille

Highland Park Village

The renowned Swiss luxury watchmaker will open its first Texas store in the spring

Custom Meats

4333 Lovers Lane

The butcher shop near Drip Coffee Co and Petco has closed.

Cristina’s Garden Center

4617 W. Lovers Lane

The family owned and operated garden center that advertised quality plants at great prices has closed.

—

MAY 3 & 4

SATURDAY: 10A - 7P

SUNDAY: 10A - 5P

Featured Artist: Elissa Brown

Compiled by Sarah Hodges

Nespresso COURTESY NORTHPARK CENTER

T Bar M COMMUNE (DESIGNER) AND MARC SZABO STUDIOS (RENDERER)

Rodeo Cold COURTESY RODEO COLD

Miu Miu COURTESY MIU MIU

5 Steps to a Charming Child’s Bedroom

Designing a room for your child can be a great opportunity to show your creativity, but it also presents some unique challenges.

Children’s rooms should express the child’s interests while also blending with the rest of the house. If you’re having trouble finding the right balance, consider these suggestions.

1. Use multi-purpose furniture

For a growing child, it’s important to decorate with flexibility in mind. A crib that can convert to a youth bed is a smart choice. It’s not a bad idea to add a small desk, either. Your child will appreciate having a place to draw, and later, the workspace can be updated to a teen work desk.

2. Plan ahead for lighting

Lighting is important in every room, but a child’s room should be especially well-lit. You can fill the room with light using a pendant light or a cute chandelier that completes the room’s theme. A reading

light beside the bed or a favorite chair is a must.

3. Weigh your flooring options While carpet is comfortable and absorbs noise, it’s also harder to clean in case of messes. Hardwood is easy to clean but doesn’t insulate noise or soften falls. A good compromise is hardwood flooring with plush rugs. Don’t forget to put a pad underneath the rug to prevent slippage.

“While your dinosaur-obsessed toddler may love to see dinosaurs throughout the room, he or she might outgrow the phase.”

4. Approach theming in a balanced way

While your dinosaur-obsessed toddler may love to see dinosaurs throughout the room, he or she might outgrow the phase. A suggested middle ground might be to use simple and flexible furnishings while placing a few themed accents around the room.

5. Choose paint color carefully It’s tempting to paint the room in pink or blue, but gender-neutral colors like green and yellow are becoming more popular as well. Also, keep in mind that color has a psychological effect and can be either calming or energizing. Try painting the walls in a light wall color and reserving stronger colors for the accessories and furnishings. By choosing timeless furnishings and colors, and a few personal touches to express your child’s interests, you can create a beautiful room your child will always remember fondly. Margaret Chambers, a registered interior designer (RID) and American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) member, leads Chambers Interiors and Associates. Her colleague Caitlin Crowley helped edit this column. Visit chambersinteriors.com/blog for more design advice.

Real Talk: Melissa Gerstle

Melissa Gerstle has spent almost two decades designing gardens and award-winning outdoor spaces for her studio, Melissa Gerstle Design.

Now with her newly opened Plein Air Atelier luxury outdoor furnishings showroom in the Dallas Design District, the Park Cities woman aims to help other designers benefit from her research into innovative new outdoor brands and materials.

“One of my passions has been selecting furnishings for the outdoor spaces we design,” she said.

“My goal is to see more interior designers welcoming these options while supporting the design community.”

She held an open house in February for the new showroom designed by Jean Liu Design. The space at 1205 Slocum Street, Suite 100, is open by appointment and also serves as the headquarters for Gerstle’s design team.

If you could go back in time and give yourself any advice, what would it be?

I would have studied landscape architecture earlier in my career, but I’m grateful for the path I’ve followed.

What is the best thing about working in design?

It allows me to always think creatively which really fuels my soul.

What are the most exciting trends in outdoor decor?

Gerstle champions outdoor furniture that looks like it belongs inside.

“People are amazed that it is exterior furniture since it is just as beautiful,” she said. “This allows people to have truly seamless interior-exterior living spaces by using our specific pieces.”

How did you get into home design?

I started by apprenticing under a gifted landscape architect named Rosa Finsley, while earning my master’s degree in landscape architecture. After I started my own practice, my clients began asking me to not only design their landscapes but to also decorate their outdoor spaces. That ignited my passion for becoming an “interior designer” for the exterior spaces my studio designed.

We stay away from trends and focus on creating timeless spaces. But one thing I’ve always liked to do is to avoid matching furniture sets and instead mixing and matching pieces from different furniture lines for our outdoor designs. This isn’t really a new concept, but it is new for outdoor spaces, and it’s one we embrace at my showroom, Plein Air Atelier. I believe more designers will utilize this design strategy as we display sophisticated ways to do it.

Which are your favorites?

Among our favorite items are water features, fire features, and plant containers. For fire features, we are carrying a cool fire pit that offers a stylish storage place for the firewood logs. Made in Belgium, we love the moróro pieces because they are unique, and we are the exclusive representative for the brand in the U.S.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I speak fluent Spanish with a Castilian accent. Most people think I’m from Spain when I speak to them in Spanish.

– Compiled by William Taylor

Unit

7B at The Residences at The Stoneleigh is a rare gem in Dallas’ luxury high-rise scene. Designed by Gonzalo Bueno, this sophisticated three-bedroom home offers an expansive, open floor plan with direct elevator access. The chef’s kitchen features Gaggenau appliances, Eggersmann cabinets, and a stunning Carbono Leather Quartzite island with seating for four. A chic bar with wine storage complements the adjacent lounge area. The living room’s sliding doors vanish into the walls, seamlessly extending the space to a wraparound terrace with breathtaking skyline views. The lavish primary suite includes a private terrace, while two additional ensuite bedrooms provide comfort and privacy. Offered furnished with an acceptable offer, this residence includes three parking spaces and resort-style amenities such as concierge, valet, a fitness center, pool, theater, and more. Experience unparalleled elegance at The Residences at The Stoneleigh!

MARGARET CHAMBERS

Mixing in a few antiques, especially family heirlooms, can make a child’s room feel timeless.

This little girl’s room includes an antique rug, needlepoint bench, charming bed, and a vintage panel with shelves for displaying keepsakes. In this charming but sophisticated nursery, a child can go from the crib to the daybed, which also provides a place for a parent to rest when not wanting to leave a sick baby alone.

PIASSICK WITH DESIGN BY MARGARET CHAMBERS

Melissa Gerstle STEPEHEN KARLISCH

You’re just a number.

That’s what it’s feeling like with the others. Brokerages are getting bigger. Their methods are getting standardized. Every house gets the same 1-2-3 selling plan. All the boxes are getting checked — but at what price? We are the contrarians. And we have been for 65 years and counting. That’s right. Since 1960, we’ve treated our sellers and buyers like the people, thinkers and feelers that they are. It’s radical, isn’t it? You are not a commodity at Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. You are a client — deserving of the best advisors, guidance, care and coddling. We perform minor miracles every day, one property at a time. And each of those properties gets its own strategy, based on our unique exposure opportunities and our agents’ intuition, not a predetermined and phased plan that starts by keeping a listing hush-hush within a brokerage for quite some time. (Those in-house schemes keep a listing from someone else, too: the majority of eager buyers.) Yes, we match real people with real homes, using real instincts and real intellect. Even better, those caring, coddling advisors are backed not only by a local management team who supports them in every way but also by special tech tools crafted to streamline the most important thing — their time. So that they can spend more of it on you. Radical, indeed. The big-box brokerages are getting bigger. We’re the boutique brokerage and always have been. (The boutique that sold $2.4 billion just last year alone. Ahem.) But the only statistic that really counts with us is 23,725 and climbing. That’s how many days we’ve been open, doing our thing for the great people of North Texas. And just as it has always been with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, you’re not a number. You’re a neighbor.

Lisa Besserer / 214-543-2940 / lbesserer@briggsfreeman.com

3711 Lexington Avenue / Price upon request Highland Park / 1 acre

Ralph Randall / 214-533-8355 / rrandall@briggsfreeman.com

10764 Villager Road #A / $395,000

Judy Sessions / 214-354-5556 / jsessions@briggsfreeman.com

Colony /

Vicki Foster / 214-642-8966 / vfoster@briggsfreeman.com 4921 Blaynes View / $1,199,500

Shelle Carrig / 469-443-8765 / scarrig@briggsfreeman.com

Matt Wilkerson / 214-471-2996 / mwilkerson@briggsfreeman.com

views LeeLee Gioia / 214-616-1791 / lgioia@briggsfreeman.com 4052 Druid Lane / $7,795,000 University Park

3928 Marquette Street / Listed for $6,995,000

Park

Diane DuVall / 214-725-1451 / dduvall@briggsfreeman.com

5643 Vickery Boulevard / $1,699,000 Vickery Place / Lower Greenville Jennifer Shindler / 214-215-5181 / jshindler@briggsfreeman.com 4016 Travis Street #B / $1,000,000 Uptown Dallas

5636 Southwestern Blvd / Listed for $1,450,000

Ann Shaw / 214-532-4824 / ashaw@briggsfreeman.com

5706 Deloache Avenue / Listed for $2,350,000

Michael Wong / 214-263-1853 / mwong@briggsfreeman.com

Clair Storey / 214-507-1388 / cestorey@briggsfreeman.com Carol Storey / 214-707-1142 / cstorey@briggsfreeman.com 3624 Potomac Avenue / Listed for $2,195,000 Highland Park

5025 Wateka Drive / $3,690,000 Bird Streets Rachel Finkbohner / 251-751-4909 / r nkbohner@briggsfreeman.com

The Highland Park ISD Fourth and Fifth Grade Honor Choir will perform with middle and high school ensembles during a choral concert at 7 p.m. March 26 in Highland Park High School’s Palmer Auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets are free.

LEARNING, FUN BLEND IN HARMONY FOR HPISD HONOR CHOIR

Revived program draws fourth and fifth grade singers

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Young singers are finding their voices in Highland Park ISD’s Fourth and Fifth Grade Honor Choir, which returned this year for the first time since 2017.

Choir membership was open to all district fourth and fifth graders who wanted to join. Some of the group’s approximately 50 members may already play instruments or sing in choirs with competitive auditions, while others signed up to be with their friends, said HPISD Director of Fine Arts Natalie Walker.

Both reasons are good ones to sing along. There’s a place in the choir and in the district’s fine arts programs for everyone, including those who may not be outstanding performers.

“We’ve got the kid that just kind of wants to sing, and may not have the God given talent voice, but loves music,” Walker explained. “And we have a place

for that kid, too. They’re just as much a part of our ensemble.”

Rehearsals combine joyful singing with games, and are led by Walker, head choir director at MIS/HPMS Julia Durbin Nyoka, and assistant choir director at MIS/HPMS Alex Reichert. Associate Choir Director Neal Patel provides support for the group.

“They give me energy back,” Durbin said of choir members, who she described as excited and focused. “I find that I am a more energetic teacher in front of them, because they respond so well.”

being discontinued due to staffing changes and construction at Highland Park High School.

Walker explained that she was able to restart the program thanks to the district’s support for the fine arts, and she was motivated to do so in part by encouragement from Honor Choir alums.

“I think that there are so many things about the arts that allow people to experience a broader perspective of school, and of themselves.”

Natalie Walker

After the Honor Choir began in 2007, it kept students singing for a decade before

Renee Jiang Takes Her Flute Playing Skills to Historic U.S. Stage

HPHS senior Grace Martin, a member of the Honor Choir in 2017, said she still remembers when an older student bought her a reward from the vending machine because she’d done a good job.

“I looked up to the older kids so much,” she said. “Getting that feedback and that connection with them just stuck out in my mind as such an amazing thing.”

By John Holt Special Contributor

Martin and other former Honor Choir students said memories of their time in the choir encouraged them to continue their studies of music. Walker said she hopes that message also resonates with today’s young choir members.

Fewer students are pursuing the fine arts in HPISD, a decline that Walker said may be due to competing time commitments, and to the fact that most arts classes don’t give students the same grade point bump as advanced placement courses.

But the commitments, she said, are manageable, and students focused only on grades on paper miss the larger benefits of the fine arts. By participating in music, students engage both sides of their brain, build academic ability, and can be driven to succeed in school.

“You’ve got another adult in your life who’s rooting for you. You’ve got a circle of friends that is cheering you on,” Walker said. “I think that there are so many things about the arts that allow people to experience a broader perspective of school, and of themselves.”

Why wait until adulthood before performing at Carnegie Hall?

Good Shepherd Episcopal School fourth grader Renee Jiang earned her way to the historic New York City venue with a remarkable year of flute competition wins in 2024.

In January 2024, she won first place in the Winds Elementary Sonata Division of the Symphonic Festival Competition organized by the Dallas Music Teachers Association.

Four months later, she competed in the Texas Flute Society

Competition and received the highest honors, earning both the “Beginner Outstanding Soloist” and “Beginner Honor Ensemble” awards.

Over the summer, she took home first place in the Elementary Division of the Claire Johnson Flute Soloist Competition and won first place in the “Golden Classical Music Awards” International Competition.

She closed out the calendar year in December by performing at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall.

John Holt is a public relations professional and content writer for Good Shepherd Episcopal School.

SARAH HODGES

Recruit and retain the best teachers

Support fiscal responsibility

Maintain high academic standards

Empower our district volunteers

Balance technology use in classrooms

Encourage open communication

MichaelDenton4HPISD.com

Highland Park Education Foundation (“HPEF”)

Lead for Tomorrow

Endowment Co-Founder

Past President

Mad For Plaid Co-Chair

Park Cities Dads Club –District-Wide President

Bradfield Dads Club –President

HPISD Safety and Security Committee

HPISD 2024 Bond Community Advisory Committee Chairman

Scots4Scots PAC Chairman

HPISD Boundary Rezoning Committee

HPISD Building Design Committee

HPISD 100 Years Legacy Event Committee

HPHS Senior Renovates High School Sensory Room

Piper Heath hopes to return to campus someday as a special ed teacher

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

The sensory room at Highland Park High School is getting a major upgrade this spring thanks to the generosity of the community and the hard work of HPHS senior Piper Heath.

Heath has raised $50,000 to renovate the room, which gives students with intellectual disabilities an area to get their energy out, calm down, and refocus between activities. The room also serves as a space for peer tutoring and music therapy, and it can be used by all students who need time to recharge.

“It’s huge for the community.”

Equipment has been added to the sensory room piece by piece over the years, said HPHS principal Kevin Hunt. But the needs of students have changed and some of the furnishings have become worn or outdated. This year, the room was due for a refresh.

“Piper saw that need, brought it to our attention, led the

Dallas

Schools

charge on getting it all organized, and planned, and budgeted, and everything,” he said.

“And all we had to do was just say, ‘Yeah, do it.’”

Heath, who uses the room daily as a peer tutor, began working on the renovation in September. She gained ideas from a similar space at Highland Park United Methodist Church, where she volunteers with special needs chil-

Find

dren, and from students with intellectual disabilities who told her what additions they would like.

Heath’s efforts were supported by the David M. Crowley Foundation, the Highland Park High School Parent Teacher Association, the Park Cities Learning Difference Association, the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee, and community donors.

The result of her work will be

Commonality in

a room that’s transformed to better meet the needs of students with intellectual disabilities.

Heath has moved some older equipment that students weren’t using, like a tic-tac-toe board, a foosball table, and oversized beanbags, out of the room to benefit other programs.

In their place, she plans to add sensory equipment including a wall-mounted interactive

Differences

touchscreen, fiber optic lights, a projector, a platform swing, and 80-inch-tall bubble tubes.

Heath has already given the room a fresh coating of light blue paint, replaced the ceiling tiles to create a three-dimensional look, and installed color-changing LED lights.

The families of special needs students said the project, which Heath will complete before the end of the school year, will greatly benefits those it serves.

“It’s huge for the community,” said Shannon Dalton, the mother of a special needs high schooler. “It exponentially improves all of the lives of the families who are affected by a family member that learns differently and has different sensory needs.”

Cathy Amos said her son was excited about the renovation. “It’s not a bunch of administrative people saying, ‘Oh, I think this is going to be cool for the kids,’” she said. “They’ve all had some input of what they think is really cool.”

Heath hopes to one day return to Highland Park as a special needs educator herself. But she has a more immediate goal in mind for the room.

“I want kids to feel welcome and calm, so that they can have a better learning environment,” she said.

Eagles and Dragons Club unites neurodiverse and neurotypical students

By Isabella Castillo People Newspapers

Imagine walking into a room where differences don’t create division but instead build unity.

For the Eagles and Dragons Club, an after-school organization fostering friendships between neurodiverse and neurotypical students on campus a short distance from each other on Midway Road, it’s a reality.

The club connects high schoolers from The Episcopal School of Dallas (ESD), a college prep school, and Oak Hill Academy (OHA), a K-12 school for students with learning differences.

Founded by ESD freshman Luke Crowhurst and co-led by ninth grade class president Zach Fish the club aims to provide a welcoming space for socializing, teamwork, and mutual support.

Luke’s sister, Lana, who was diagnosed with autism, has attended OHA for six years. Alongside her, Luke began attending Oak Hill’s summer programs and building friendships with the students and teachers there.

“I thought it would be a really good idea to start a club where ESD kids can gain perspective on the different lifestyle of [neurodivergent students] and also provide Oak Hill students with the opportunity to build stronger social interaction skills,” Luke said.

Club members participate in sports, ice cream socials, movie nights, scavenger hunts, and gift exchanges. ESD students also open doors in the carpool line on Friday mornings at OHA, welcoming students with friendly smiles.

“The kids at Oakhill are our friends,” Zach said.

ESD Latin teacher Anne Fahrenholz serves as and club moderator.

“It’s wonderful to see students that would not typically be considered in the same social circles get together and be so happy,” Fahrenholz said.

ESD student Kate Lewis has been participating since the club’s early beginnings in September of 2024. Kate’s brother has a

condition known as Hemifacial Microsomia and attended Oak Hill through his graduation in May 2024.

“The way you treat other people matters, and the way you talk to other people matters,” Kate said.

Brit Smart, executive director at Oak Hill Academy, sees the club as a breath of fresh air in a society that’s so quick to impose boundaries.

“These (ESD) kids are graduating soon,

and they’re going to enter a society… filled with neurodivergent people,” Smart said. “This [club] is making an impact on helping inform society of the types of people that exist, and the challenges people face.”

Gil Drori-Lipin, a ninth-grade student at Oak Hill, finds joy in the social aspect of the club.

“I met some friends and did some fun activities together and ate pizza with them,” Gil said. “We talked about our likes and stuff. It was really cool.”

“The way you treat other people matters, and the way you talk to other people matters.” Kate Lewis

Ellie Tsao, an Oak Hill senior, was eager to join the blossoming community.

“When I first heard about the club, I was super excited because I wanted to meet new friends and I got to meet a lot of new kids that go to ESD [that I] can hang out with,” Ellie said.

Oak Hill junior Sawyer Hearn also was among the first to join.

“Getting to socialize with other people from other schools broadens the perspective of our community,” Sawyer said. “[The club] also gets us to communicate our feelings and interests with each other.”

Shannon Dalton Piper Heath and Highland Park High School Principal Kevin Hunt with “Before” and “After” images of the sensory room. SARAH HODGES

Students in the Eagles and Dragons club engage in a game of basketball at Oak Hill Academy. The Club meets in the ESD Commons for a night of activities and pizza. COURTESY OF OAKHILL ACADEMY, EAGLES AND DRAGONS CLUB

LEFT TO RIGHT: Alexandra Billmyre, Austin Holmes, Amy Ford, Ryan Nordhaus*, Rob McAngus*+†, George Parker*, Jim Mueller*•+†, Charlie Hodges*•+†, Abby M. Foster*+, Shane Landers, Kim Meaders, Ravi Mohan, and Maddison Clark

Camps

THE FIDDLER IN THE DIALYSIS ROOM

Doctor a dedicated fixture at Kidney Foundation’s summer camp

By William Taylor william.taylor@peoplenewspapers.com

Relatively few summer campers get serenaded by a fiddle-playing pediatric nephrologist.

Then again, most don’t have to interrupt their fun camp activities with a stint on the dialysis machine.

“I play the violin for several reasons,” Dr. Raymond Quigley said. “The kids enjoy many of the songs. I think it also helps the staff enjoy their time there. The dialysis nurses work hard to provide care for the kids. It also helps me to relax.”

Quigley has been coming to Camp Reynal since its beginning in 1992 – initially as one of several nephrologists who would rotate there every one to two days – and has served as camp medical director since 2006.

“The kids enjoy most anything that I play,” he said. “Some of the younger kids enjoy songs like ‘Old MacDonald’ because they can sing along. In the afternoon, I often play some quiet type of songs, and the older kids will usually take a long nap.”

Last year, KidneyTexas Inc. honored Quigley with the Everson Walls Legacy

AT A GLANCE

Camp Reynal hosts 100 children each summer at fully accessible campgrounds with air-conditioned cabins, volunteer cabin counselors, and on-site medical professionals. Learn more at campreynal.org.

Award, which was named after the retired Dallas Cowboy who gave a kidney to teammate Ron Springs.

The National Kidney Foundation camp, one of the few in the United States providing on-site dialysis, operates six days each summer at Camp John Marc’s state-of-theart therapeutic facility near Meridian, Texas.

“Days at camp are filled with swim -

other specialists to care for campers with renal and urology diseases.

“When you go to the camp and see how much the kids enjoy themselves, you realize that this is a very important part of their life,” said Quigley, a Children’s Health physician and professor of pediatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

ming, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, arts and crafts, photography, dance, singing, sports and games, and other fun activities,” added Amanda Crowley-Rios, senior director of programs for the foundation.

Children’s Medical Center Dallas (Children’s Health), Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth, and The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio provide doctors, nurses, and

Sun, Fun, and Growth: The Magic of

A good overnight summer camp experience can be one of the most impactful events in a child’s life. Children can step away from the pressures of everyday routines, explore new activities, and grow as individuals.

Think about the following:

1. Increased independence and responsibility

Living away from parents fosters a sense of independence, as children learn to take care of themselves and make decisions on their own, in a supportive environment.

Simple tasks like managing time, keeping track of personal

belongings, and following camp schedules help them develop a greater sense of responsibility.

2. Enhanced social skills and friendships

One of the most rewarding aspects of summer camp is the opportunity to meet and interact with peers from diverse backgrounds.

Through team-based activities, cabin living, and shared experiences, children build communication skills, learn to collaborate, and develop empathy.

Camp helps children overcome social anxiety by creating a supportive environment where they can make new friends. The bonds formed at camp often last beyond the summer, creating lasting friendships and social connections.

Many come from families who couldn’t otherwise afford summer camp, he added. “In addition, children who are on dialysis cannot go to any camp. They must find a camp with the specialized equipment as well as personnel that can provide these services.”

Crowley-Rios noted that corpo -

rate, individual, and foundation donors have enabled Camp Reynal to provide more than 1,500 children since 1992 with a “nurturing setting for peer interactions, adventure, and new challenges.”

“Also, I have come to realize that the kids can finally see that they are not alone,”  Quigley said. “There are many other kids just like them with the same medical problems. I have heard many of them say that they finally realize that they are not the only kids with these issues. I think having a place where they can openly discuss their issues is good for them.”

Summer Camp Adventures

3. Growth in confidence and self-esteem

Summer camp exposes children to new experiences that challenge them to step outside their comfort zones. Whether it’s trying a new sport, learning to swim, or participating in a talent show, camp encourages kids to take risks in a safe and supportive environment.

Overcoming these challenges leads to a sense of accomplishment, boosting their self-confidence and self-esteem. Children bring this found confidence home with them which extends into school.

4. Appreciation for nature and outdoor activities

In today’s digital age, many children spend a significant amount of time indoors.

Summer camp provides an opportunity for children to connect with nature, whether it’s through hiking, swimming, camping, or other outdoor activities.

These experiences foster a sense of wonder for the natural world and encourage a more active and healthier lifestyle. Time spent outdoors also promotes mindfulness and reduces stress, contributing to a sense of calm and mental well-being.

5. Development of problem-solving and leadership skills

Camps often offer structured activities designed to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Through group projects, team sports, and role-playing activities, children learn how to tackle chal-

lenges, collaborate with others, and take initiative.

Leadership opportunities arise naturally, whether it’s leading a group during a challenge or assisting younger campers, helping them develop valuable life skills that can benefit them in school and beyond.

By giving children the freedom to explore, grow, and connect with others, summer camp plays a pivotal role in shaping well-rounded, resilient, and confident individuals who are ready to face the world.

Reach Helene Abrams with Tips on Trips and Camps, a free advisory service that helps parents find enriching summer overnight experiences for their children, ages 7-18, at 214-6939259 or Helene@TipsonTripsandCamps.com.

HELENE ABRAMS

FROM LEFT: Scott Murray, Everson Walls, and Dr. Raymond Quigley at a 2024 KidneyTexas Inc. fundraiser. Dr. Raymond Quigley entertains dialysis patients and Camp Reynal staff with his violin.

ROB WYTHE/WYTHE PORTRAIT STUDIO ADN SHARON ADAMS

Discover the Sport That Will Change Your Life

This summer, join Dallas United Crew (DUC) and Learn to Row! Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, looking for a fresh start, or entirely new

Good Shepherd Episcopal School Summer Program provides students ages 1-year-old through 8th grade the opportunity to build independence and confidence, while taking risks and trying unique and fun activities in a safe and nurturing environment! With over 200 diverse camp offerings in traditional day camp, STEM, art, sports, music, and dance, there is something for everyone to find their passion! Dive into a summer of adventure at GSES’s Summer Program. The program runs from May 27 through August 1.

Address: 11110 Midway Rd., Dallas, TX 75229

Phone number: 214-357-1610

Email: summer@gsesdallas.org Website: https://www.gsesdallas.org/summer

to sports, DUC opens its doors to all experience levels—no prior knowledge required.

Why choose DUC? Because we’re more than a team—we’re a community. Hundreds of athletes across the DFW Metroplex call DUC their second home. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of hard work, discipline, and physical fitness while offering a unique chance to compete and travel nationally.

Rowing is one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, and DUC has helped over 100 students secure collegiate rowing opportunities—unlocking a pathway to scholarships and lifelong success.

Head over to our website at dallasunitedcrew. org and learn more about programs.

Spots are limited this summer—don’t miss your chance!

ensuring that campers of all experience levels can enjoy the experience. Plus, they’ll make new friends while participating in exciting games and challenges on and off the water.

Spaces are limited, so don’t wait to secure your child’s spot. Join us for an action-packed adventure they’ll never forget!

Visit our website at dallasunitedcrew.org and learn more about this exciting opportunity. Let’s make this summer one to remember with Dallas United Crew!

DALLAS UNITED CREW

DALLAS UNITED CREW

GOOD SHEPHERD EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Love of Dance Extends Beyond the Studio for Two High Schoolers

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb claudia.carson-habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

From the moment Chloe Kim and Valentina Boltchi first crisscrossed their pointe shoe ribbons, the friends shared an indelible love of dance.

Chloe, a junior at Ursuline Academy, and Valentina, a junior at the Episcopal School of Dallas, competed in all styles of dance, including ballet, contemporary, modern, and jazz, training together at The Dallas Conservatory.

As the dancers continued to perfect their craft, they realized the positive effect dance had on their physical and psychological growth, inspiring them to create Rhythm of Hope, an organization focused on sharing the love of dance with younger generations.

“Over the years, as we have grown in age and experience, Valentina and I have both developed a fondness for teaching dance. Dance has instilled confidence, work ethic, and determination in us,” Chloe said.

It wasn’t, however, until the friends stepped off the dance floor and into the classroom that their outreach program took on a beat of its own, Valentina said.

The dance duo discovered a lack of opportunity for much of the community’s youth interested in pursuing dance and realized how little access existed beyond the elite — and often pricey — academies of the area’s affluent neighborhoods.

Through Rhythm of Hope, the dance instructors introduced programs to teach skills, encourage movement, and instill confidence in the community’s underserved youth — their dedication to sharing more than a pirouette accelerated by a resounding interest from youngsters in the community.

“We believe that dance provides exceptional experiences and joy that all children should be able to experience, regardless of their socio-economic status,” Chloe said.

In a short time, the organization has grown to include much more than the teaching of a skill, Valentina explained. Through

their outreach, the girls have sought to encourage a love of the arts by forming partnerships with local organizations and hosting community events and fundraisers.

A clothing drive coordinated by the two resulted in the donation of more than 60 items of dance clothes and accessories to be distributed throughout Dallas, and proceeds from their Nutcracker Pointe Shoe fundraiser benefitted dance enrichment opportunities for local youth dance groups.

During Tutu Tuesdays, Chloe and Valentina have shared lessons on ballerinas whose displays of strength, determination, and resilience have inspired them, including their favorite prima ballerinas, Anna Pavlova and Misty Copeland.

The high schoolers’ biweekly dance class at Wesley Rankin Community Center and Heart House continue to inspire young dancers, and a dance camp hosted at the Walnut Hill Leadership Academy proved a big success.

“Our winter dance camp at Walnut Hill was absolutely amazing,” Valentina

said. “We specifically worked with them on ballet technique using the barre, pirouettes (spinning motions), and leaps across the floor. The kids came in with so much joy and excitement every day — they loved learning new skills and had the biggest smiles on their faces when performing.”

As Chloe and Valentina work to instill a love of dance in young students, they insist no prior dance experience is needed to join the fun.

“We watched the confidence of [camp participants] flourish and grow as they experienced the joy of dance, and we’re so proud of each dancer’s growth,” Valentina said.

Despite attending different high schools, the two friends credit their mutual love of dance for pushing them to look beyond the confines of a neighborhood, school, or friend group. They are encouraged by the growing momentum of their dance movement.

“We have a bright future planned for ROH and have goals to expand further outside of the DFW area,” Valentina said.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Rhythm of Hope founders Chloe Kim and Valentina Boltchi. The high schoolers instruct students in dance at the Walnut Hill Leadership Academy winter camp. Fundraisers including the Nutcracker Pointe Shoe event benefit community youth dance programs. Girls and boys participate in the Rhythm of Hope program. VALENTINA BOLTCHI, CHLOE KIM

PAINT HUES REFLECT DALLAS ARTIST’S COLORFUL JOURNEY

‘Aha moment’ prompts musician’s passion for brushstrokes

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb claudia.carson-habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

JD Miller wanted to be a rockstar. That was until he laid eyes on the hue French Altamarine Blue.

The painter recalled the moment he first stroked the vibrant color onto the canvas.

“The clouds parted, the sun came out, the cherubs and the birds were singing,” said Miller, describing the initial brushstroke as his “aha moment.”

“From that very moment, I knew that I had finally found my true voice,” he said, racing home from his day job at CBS Radio to paint every night, seven days a week, for two years straight.

Taking a different approach than he had done with his musical aspirations, Miller dove into learning from the Masters.

“I devoured everything I could,” he said, describing reading 10 to 20 art books a month.

“When I thought I wanted to be a rockstar, I had this idea that I needed to

keep my vision pure, I never studied or took lessons, and I realized later that was a big mistake,” he said. “Had I known, I would have studied the Masters so I could stand on their shoulders.”

An introduction to his mentor, the then 85-year-old Liz Richardson, who had spent her life studying the principles of art, showed the budding artist why it’s no accident that certain art pieces become revered museum pieces.

With a conviction that art should be representative of life, Miller’s reflectionist philosophy has been the cornerstone to guiding his painting for 25 years. The artist said that he’s always seen color, and as a musician attempted to translate his visions of color into sound.

“Art, like people is meant to connect,” Miller said, reflecting on his deep-rooted musical beginnings that later channeled his philosophy of radiating positive energy through light and sound onto a canvas.

In 2008, JD Miller and Dallas restauranteur Phil Romano (founder of Macaroni

Grill, Fuddruckers, and EatZi’s) opened the Samuel Lynne Galleries, named after Romano’s son and Miller’s daughter.

Miller also co-owns galleries in Houston, Chicago, and Whitefish, Mont. As a featured artist on American Airlines’ Apollo: Art in the Sky channel, his work is seen on thousands of flights each day.

The live presentation of his annual Valentine’s Day floral arrangement marked its 10th anniversary at the Samuel Lynne Galleries. The sold-out event has been the go-to spot for February 14th dates for a decade.

Miller hopes the beholder of his abstract pieces draws individualized meaning from his art, conveying he rarely scraps a canvas, but instead keeps adding to and changing the piece.

“The clouds parted, the sun came out, the cherubs and the birds were singing.”

JD Miller

The packed house of newbie art enthusiasts mingling with seasoned collectors sat transfixed by the artist’s strokes.

The piece took 72 minutes to complete and was then auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Painter’s block isn’t something Miller experiences. And the artist isn’t sitting around watching his paint dry.

“Unlike acrylic, which forms plastic when it dries, oil is organic. While acrylic and watercolors dry by paint evaporating, oil dries by absorbing, breathing in oxygen,” said Miller.

“Hundreds of years from now, somewhere deep inside of the thick inclusions of oil paint on a reflectionist canvas will remain undried,” said Miller, the analogy to life’s undying connectivity evident in both his musings and his paintbrush.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: It was a full house at Samuel Lynne Galleries for the Valentine’s Day event. JD Miller paints a floral piece live. Patrons browse the galleries’ vast array of artwork. Miller mixes his signature paint colors. A young raffle winner begins her art collection with a work from the reflectionist artist. CHASE HALL PHOTOGRAPHY

A Ritual Returns: Tea for You at The Mansion on Turtle Creek

Perhaps we can thank Julian Fellowes for reintroducing the ritual of afternoon tea to modern audiences through his many books and movies depicting the exclusive afternoon pick-me-up often set in librarious spaces of elegant homes.

KERSTEN RETTIG

“Afternoon tea is not only for affluent Caucasians as it’s been romantically depicted in the media; it’s an inclusive, analog experience that still inspires discussion and connection.”

Oftentimes, Fellowes’ dramatic depictions include family attendance mandates and agendas for discussion of topics such as plans for upcoming balls or fiefdom gossip. Historically accurate depictions of afternoon tea portray hostesses in looser-fitting gowns, without corsets, to allow them to more comfortably chow down.

Afternoon tea became part of the

American vernacular in the mid 1800’s, with hostesses relying on the service of others, whether paid or enslaved, to create the intricate spread. Over time, the ceremony became less popular and few places, save for antique mall cafés and grand hotels, even offered it.

Fortunately, formal afternoon tea is back in vogue. Though other local hotels and restaurants have offered the service, The Mansion on Turtle Creek’s newly introduced Heritage Afternoon Tea reflects most closely a tea I enjoyed last year at The Manor House in the Cotswolds.

Set in the historic library of The Mansion,

Love Your Week Week

AT A GLANCE

guests can choose from a traditional or plant-based menu, each of which offers the de rigueur combination of savory sandwiches, scones, and sweet cakes.

cream on the scone first, then top with jam. In Ireland, however, the jam goes down first and then it’s topped with the cream.

In Texas, it’s permissible to dip the scone in the cream and jam as if you’re eating chips and queso. Just kidding, don’t do that.

Standouts on the Heritage sweets menu are the strawberry roulade cake and the opera torte, two technically challenging pastries to make, especially in bite-sized dimensions.

Tea is obviously central to the entire experience, and The Mansion offers 10 varieties of white, green, black, oolong, and infusions. Servers are knowledgeable and can suggest options. Champagne and cocktails are also offered during tea service.

Queries for where groups can gather for “High Tea” spike during the holidays, but really what they seek is Afternoon Tea. The difference is timing. Afternoon Tea is earlier in the day and includes lighter bites. High Tea traditionally begins in the late afternoon and includes meatier, heavier food.

The Heritage menu’s savory sandos are egg mayonnaise, curried chicken, English cucumber, and smoked salmon. The plant-based menu is equally compelling, with roasted beets, English cucumber, avocado and tomato jam, and leek tartine.

Each menu comes with two scones per person, black currant and orange, along with traditional accoutrements, clotted cream and jam.

In England, it’s customary to put the

With 650 volunteer spots in one week, there’s room for everyone to get involved:

• Serve meals at the Second Chance Café

• Help neighbors shop for groceries at the Food Pantry

• Work on courtyard beautification projects at The Stewpot’s new campus

• Help with Streetside Showers to provide showers for neighbors on the street

• Bring the family to an all-ages volunteer event on Saturday, April 12 from 9:30 a.m. to noon!

The Mansion’s tea service runs from noon until 2:30 p.m. on weekends only, and on a recent visit, the library was filled with a happy, diverse group of guests. Afternoon tea is not only for affluent Caucasians as it’s been romantically depicted in the media; it’s an inclusive, analog experience that still inspires discussion and connection.

Kersten Rettig, a freelance writer with leadership experience in the food and travel industries, lives in the Park Cities, where she is known as “the restaurant sherpa” for her recommendations. Follow her on Instagram @KerstenEats.

Afternoon tea at The Mansion costs $85 per adult and $45 for children.

The Mansion now serves afternoon tea on weekends. COURTESY OF THE MANSION ON TURTLE CREEK

Easter Bunny Adores These One-Egg Buttery Cookies

I’m sure the Easter Bunny is absolutely appalled by today’s egg prices. These enduring symbols of spring and rebirth are a centerpiece of Easter celebrations, from egg hunts to Easter brunch.

Every year on Easter Saturday, my husband, Randy, and I spend a quiet evening dyeing hard cooked eggs. While I adore solid pastels, Randy takes a different approach. He dips one half of an egg in the dye with utmost patience to achieve his desired shade, sets it aside until the dye has set, then dips the other half in a different color, sometimes with a

Easter Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2/3 cup sugar

1 egg yolk

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

Directions:

band of white in the middle.

Easter celebrations in our home also include something sweet — a cake, braided yeast bread drizzled with icing, meringue nests filled with fruit, or cookies.

Mindful of egg prices but unwilling to abandon my passion for Easter dessert, this year I’ve created Easter butter cookies that require only one egg yolk (Just be sure to save the egg white for scrambled eggs or meringue kisses).

To make meringue kisses, preheat the oven to 225 degrees. Whip the egg white at high speed with a pinch of cream of tartar and one-third cup of sugar until stiff peaks form. Add one-fourth teaspoon of vanilla, mix well, and transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.

Pipe kisses onto a cookie sheet, bake one hour, then turn off the oven and allow them to dry 3 hours with the oven door closed. If desired, add a drop of pink food coloring to the

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl,

meringue during whipping.

Easter butter cookies are a festive holiday dessert when the cost of a dozen eggs is a major investment. Pretty-as-a-picture and so light and tender they almost melt in your mouth, their buttery flavor is enhanced by buttercream swirls.

Bake and frost several days ahead and store in airtight containers.

Arranged on a platter covered with Easter grass and adorned with an Easter bunny, these springtime cookies create an irresistible, whimsical centerpiece for your dining table.

Happy Easter!

Christy Rost is a cookbook author, host of Celebrating Home cooking videos, and longtime Park Cities and Preston Hollow resident. Her ‘At Home with Christy Rost’ cooking series for Eat This TV Network airs on AmazonFire, AppleTV+, Roku, Samsung TV, and YouTube. Please visit christyrost.com for details and recipes.

stir together flour, baking powder, and salt; set it aside. In the large bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 8 minutes. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and beat well.

Gradually stir flour mixture into the creamed mixture with a large spoon until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. If the dough appears dry, stir in 2 teaspoons of water. Flour hands, form teaspoons of dough into small balls, and place them on ungreased cookie sheets. Dip a finger into the flour and press in the center of each cookie to form an indentation. Cookies will spread during baking. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until bottom edges are

barely brown. Cool 1 minute, then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Pipe a swirl of buttercream frosting into the center of each.

Yield: 3 dozen 2-inch cookies

Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients:

2 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 2 ½ cups sifted confectioners’ sugar

Dash of salt

2 to 3 tablespoons milk

½ teaspoon vanilla

Assorted food dyes

Directions:

In the large bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter with 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, salt, and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. Gradually add remaining confectioners’ sugar and milk to form a smooth, somewhat stiff frosting. Divide the frosting into small bowls, tint each as desired, and transfer to piping bags fitted with star tips. Pipe a generous swirl of frosting into the center of each cookie and set them aside until the frosting hardens. Store cookies up to 5 days in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer.

What are my options for senior living? What if my parents have different needs? What if those needs change? At Belmont Village, we know that each family is unique and that choosing the right senior living option matters. Our experienced advisors will help you ask the questions you need to get the answers your family deserves. We’re here to help. Just ask. BelmontVillage.com/JustAsk 214-306-7687

CHRISTY ROST

CHRISTY ROST

Party Hopping

Editor’s note: So many great celebrations, so little space in print. Enjoy this roundup of recently submitted photographs and visit peoplenewspapers.com for more social scene coverage including our Society Digital Magazines.

JAN. 14

Chi Omega Christmas Market Check Presentation, Make-A-Wish North Texas headquarters in Addison. Nancy Woodall, Erin Fischer, Debbie Lang, and Karen Hunt. GEORGE FIALA

FEB. 2

Headington Companies’ VIP after-party celebration for & Juliet-Teal North American tour, Forty Five Ten at Mirador. Teal Wicks, Tim Headington, Rachel Webb, and Corey Mach. CHASE HALL

JAN. 27

Soup’s On Luncheon and Art Sale benefiting The Stewpot, Thompson Dallas. Philip and Isabell Higginbotham with Buddy Jordan.

ROB WYTHE

JAN. 30

“Aerials” photography exhibition opening, The Frontiers of Flight Museum. Bennie Davis, Jeremy Lock, Abigail Erickson-Torres, and Brien Aho. CELESTE CASS

FEB. 7 Lone Star Monarchs Luncheon in observances of the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women National Wear Red Day, Dallas Country Club. Jeanne Lewis, Kelly Harris, Dr. Carla Russo, Debbie Murray, and Regina Bruce. DANNY CAMPBELL

JAN. 26

YMCA Feel the Beat Free the Feet Dance Party, Moody Family YMCA Gymnasium. Marisa Schroeder, Elena Davis, Sally Crawford, Christine DuFresne, Melissa Kovics, and Haley March. COURTESY MOODY FAMILY YMCA

FEB. 24

Symphony of Chefs benefiting KidLinks, Astoria Event Venue. Dana Blaugrund with Scott and Alex Peters, Dee and Russ Ray, Lisa and Stuart Sides, and Laura and Bob Raymond.

TAMYTHA CAMERON

NOV. 9

Preservation Park Cities Education Meeting, home of Cheryl and Sam Chantillis. Lisa Henderson, Hillary Littlejohn, and Katie Walters.

ROB WYTHE/WYTHE PORTRAIT STUDIO

DEC. 15

Bryans House Holiday Party, Scottish Rite for Children. Miriam Richard, Kunthear Mam-Douglas, and Rosangela Zurawel. COURTESY PHOTO

DEC. 11

KidneyTexas Inc. check presentation, the home of Jolie and Bart Humphrey. Patty Jo Turner, Terri Bumgarner, Natalie Taylor, Suzette Derrick, and Dyann Skelton.

ROB WYTHE/WYTHE PORTRAIT STUDIO

DEC 8

Dallas Historical Society’s Cocoa with Santa, home of Helen and John Carona. Calvert Collins-Bratton with Evelyn, Vivienne, Cecilia, and Vince Bratton. THOMAS GARZA

Save the Dates

March

27 – Food & Wine Festival

2025, Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden, dallasarboretum.org.

28 – Community Partners of Dallas (CPD) Chick Lit Luncheon, Hilton Anatole Dallas, cpdtx.org.

April

1 – Dallas Service Forum Luncheon featuring Sheree J. Wilson, Northwood Club, dallasserviceforum.org.

2 – Azalea Luncheon benefiting the Turtle Creek Association, The Joule Hotel, turtlecreekassociation.org.

4 – AWARE Affair Gala, Gilley’s Dallas, awaredallas.org.

10 — Park Cities Learning Difference Association Pool and Garden Party, at a Park Cities home, pclda.org/pool-and-garden-party

11 – Children’s Cancer Fund Gala, Hilton Anatole Dallas, chil-

drenscancerfund.com/gala.

11-12 – Autism Speaks Empower Summit and Challenge Program, Ruthe Jackson Center (day one) and Levitt Pavilion (day two), autismspeaks.org.

15 – Center for Vi tal Longevity Public Lecture: Declining Financial Capacity in Cognitive Aging and Dementia, Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center at UT Dallas, cvl.utdallas.edu.

26 – Dallas Cotillion Club’s Havana Nights! Gala benefitting Genesis Women’s Shelter, Drey Hotel, dallascotillionclub.org.

May 1 – SPARK! Dallas 10th anniversary SPARKtacular, at a Dallas home, sparkdallas.org/sparktacular.

2 – Centerstage 41: Take A Bow benefiting Dallas Theater Center, Fashion Industry Gallery (F.I.G.), dallastheatercenter.org/gala.

6 – The Jewell of Dallas Gala benefiting the White Rock Lake Foundation, Hall of State at Fair Park, whiterocklakefoundation.org.

7 – TACA (The Arts Community Alliance) Silver Cup Awards Luncheon, Omni Dallas Hotel, taca-arts.org.

8 – Texas Women’s Foundation’s Leadership Forum and Awards Celebration, Omni Dallas Hotel, txwfleadership.org.

17 – Dallas Bike Ride, beginning at Young and South Ervay streets, dallasbikeride.com.

22 – Paws Cause 2025, SPCA of Texas Dallas Animal Care Center, spca.org/pawscause.

1 – White Rock Lake Foundation Golf Tournament, Stevens Park Golf Course, whiterocklakefoundation.org.

Dallas Theater Center Gala 2024 TAMYTHA CAMERON

Gracie Hunt with Amairy Velazquez COURTESY CHILDREN’S CANCER FUND Dallas Bike Ride COURTESY DBR

Autism Speaks Empower Summit COURTESY AUTISM SPEAKS

MAX NYGAARD

Max Nygaard, the Vice-Chairman of Ronald Reagan’s campaign in Texas, passed away into the loving arms of his savior, Jesus Christ, while holding his wife’s hand, at the age of 90. Max will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and many acquaintances. His balanced nature was such that he was equally comfortable talking to a roughneck on a drilling rig or the President of the United States. His quick wit, loyalty, and tremendous sense of optimism brought joy to all he knew.Max was born on September 27th, 1934, in Haynesville, Louisiana to Lois Marie McClurkin and Marinus Jensen Nygaard. The son of a Danish immigrant, he studied to be a concert violinist at the Juilliard School of Music and the Kings Conservatory in Copenhagen. He came to Dallas in search of a music degree from Southern Methodist University. While in school, he served in the Air National Guard where he broke his finger and sadly ended his violin career. He later attended the University of Texas Law School in Austin where he met his bride of 65 years, Shirley Walters. After marrying Shirley, they moved to Dallas where he worked for The Travelers Insurance Company, Mercantile National Bank, and eventually as an independent petroleum operator where he garnered most of his personal success. Then, in the late 1970’s Max

gathered early banking and energy supporters for Ronald Reagan’s Presidential campaign. The initial headquarters for the campaign was located in Max’s home. It was during this time that he forged a lifelong relationship with the Presidential family. After winning in 1980, Max served as an advisor to the President and authored multiple white papers, most notably those for the revitalization of the Chrysler Corporation, which he delivered to Ronald Reagan at Blair House the night of his Inaugural. Outside of politics, Max served as President of Dallas Civic Music and The Dallas Symphony Music Board. He was a sponsor for 500 Inc. and served on the Board for the Dallas Council on World Affairs. Max also enjoyed serving the City of University Park on the City Finance Committee and as Vice President of Southwest Higher Education Authority and President of Texas Higher Education Authority. On a personal level, his family and the Church of the Incarnation were of utmost importance to him. He played an active role being “Papa” to his grandsons and he also loved gardening at his home on Hunters Glen. He was proud of his memberships in the Society of the Cincinnatus and the Military Order of the World Wars. Max is survived by his wife Shirley, his daughter and son in law, Alicia and Nace Formagus, Jr., his grandsons Lee William McNutt and Thomas Max Nygaard McNutt, as well as their families and six great-grandchildren. Honorary Pall Bearers are Michael Reagan, Cameron Reagan, Bishop John M. Marshall, William Murchison, Dr. Lige Rushing, Joe Sullivan, and Addison Wilson. His memorial service will be at The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation on Thursday April 3rd at 10am, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Church of the Incarnation.

Cake Lady Finds Baking Therapeutic

Social media drives mother’s culinary business

By Josh Hickman Special Contributor

Adva Dahan, known on social media as Park Cities Cake Lady, has become a quiet sensation in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow for her spectacular baked goods.

“I like to create, to build,” the University Park single mom of three HPISD girls said of her home-kitchen business. “I don’t know if you can call it an art, but it’s therapeutic.”

Adva, who is degreed in business, economics, and industrial engineering, describes herself as an “everything-homemade kind of freak.”

She’s excited about her growing reputation but remains humble in her self-taught culinary artistry.

“I used to bake for my family’s and friends’ birthdays, events but never tried to sell them,” she said.

Now she lives for her customers’ reactions.

“The fact they cut it up and taste it and say, ‘Oh, my god, it was good.’ This is the most rewarding thing,” Adva said.

On social media she long ago surpassed the 5K friend limit on Facebook.

“I don’t upload everything, but I try to keep up,” she said. “I was overwhelmed by the fact people wanted to follow, wanted to be in-

3711 Lexington Avenue

International Realty; price available upon request

Exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance define this majestic Tudor-style manor

International Realty; price

The symbol of an era, the setting for a

SOCIAL MEDIA

FB: @Park.Cities.Cake.Lady IG: @park_cities_cake_lady

“It’s exciting, people trusting you with desserts, a wedding cake, and a groom’s cake for two hundred people,” Adva said.

volved. I have a lot of followers on Instagram. My daughters make fun of my TikTok videos.”

The keys to her business, she said, are quality, fresh, good tasting products — “That’s what makes people come back” — and continually creating new offerings. “You want to be inventive and give people new things. People like to be unique these days.”

“I think I invented the white velvet,” she says of one of her favorite creations, “a really moist vanilla cake with a filling of cold cheesecake.”

A recent milestone: an order for a wedding next summer.

in the heart of Old Highland Park. The final project designed by the late, great classicist Cole Smith of Smith, Ekblad & Associates, 3711 Lexington Avenue is a piece of Dallas architecture history. The home, completed in 2012, was built by Cole Smith Jr. of Crowbar Constructors, with interiors by Sherry Hayslip Smith. Thoughtfully designed to emphasize its lush surroundings, the home features expansive views of the greenbelt and scenic trails along neighboring Hackberry Creek.

Sited on a 1-acre corner lot, this four-story residence offers five bedrooms, seven full baths and six half-baths across 20,485 square feet. Anchoring the house is a two-story great

available upon request

Perched high above the vibrant Dallas Arts District, the Gallery Penthouse at HALL Arts Residences is more than a home: It is the backdrop for a life well-lived. With its harmonious balance between strong architecture and quiet, inviting spaces, the full-floor penthouse on level 26 has been meticulously designed by nationally renowned Abeyta Tibbs Architecture. Within its 7,688 square feet, the residence offers four bedrooms, four full baths, two half baths, thoughtful luxuries and effortless elegance. For those who value both privacy and grandeur, the Gallery Penthouse offers

future — Dallas’ most legendary and luxurious estate is ready for its next chapter. Since 1938, this prestigious Preston Hollow property has hosted dignitaries, political leaders and cultural icons like Coco Chanel, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, President Ronald Reagan and actor Jimmy Stewart. Designed by Swiss architect Maurice Fatio for Italian count Pio Crespi, this palatial French-style chateau is an exquisite composition of marble, gilt, hand-carved woods, graceful proportions and precision. At more than 27,000 square feet, the main home comprises 10 bedrooms, 12 full baths, five half baths, 11 fireplaces, six living areas, five dining areas, a ballroom/salon,

Her first Facebook customer ordered her now-famous fresh fruit cake tart and liked it so much, she kept ordering them for any and every occasion.

“Sometimes it overwhelms me,” she says of the positive reactions. “A lot of people like it that much. It’s my signature cake.”

Adva also bakes dairy-free and gluten-free, using almond flour and other alternative ingredients.

With customers now coming from Plano and Frisco, she was offered a bakery to rent by a follower and shopping center owner, but she declined.

“I always try to stay humble. This is all new to me,” she says, noting her middle daughter is still her biggest critic. “If she approves, I know I’m safe.”

room with walnut-paneled walls, built-in bookcases, alcoves, hidden pocket doors, intricate crown moldings and a coffered ceiling. The dramatic great room opens onto a screened porch, which overlooks the adjacent creek and park. The double-island kitchen features marble countertops, double ovens, a Wolf gas range, a Miele steamer and a double Sub-Zero refrigerator-freezer. The basement level houses a catering kitchen, pub and playroom. Other highlights include multiple living and dining rooms, seven fireplaces, a commercial-grade elevator, a conservatory, a butler’s pantry, a heated indoor pool, a six-car garage and a four-car porte cochere.

spaces for both. The library, just off the foyer, is a haven for quiet contemplation, in a setting that speaks to your refined taste. The formal living room, meanwhile, stands as the heart of the residence, offering expansive panoramic views of the Dallas skyline, a grand fireplace and a unique bronze floor pinstripe. The kitchen is its own masterpiece, with the finest in German design. Gaggenau appliances and sleek Bulthaup cabinetry ensure that every culinary endeavor is executed to the highest standards. In the primary bedroom suite, complete with a private terrace, wake up each morning to sprawling views of the city stretching out beneath you like a work of art.

conservatory, study, Art Deco bar, paneled library, gourmet kitchen, glass elevator, media room, safe room, gym and two wine rooms. The 3,000-square-foot primary suite includes a bedroom, two baths, two dressing areas and an expansive outdoor terrace. Enhancements by noted architect Peter Marino include a stately 3,347-squarefoot guesthouse and a 4,836-square-foot entertainment pavilion with a 19-seat theatre. The grounds feature a swimming pool and spa, tennis and bocce ball courts, gardens, greenhouses, walking trails, a creek and a helipad. The estate is 15.68 acres in all, including three platted lots on its north side, at 1.22, 1.22 and 1.3 acres each.

From her University Park kitchen, Adva Dahan bakes with enthusiasm and decorates with style. COURTESY PHOTOS

BRIGGS FREEMAN

3711 Lexington Avenue in Highland Park, represented by Ralph Randall of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s

BRIGGS FREEMAN Gallery Penthouse at HALL Arts Residences

1747 Leonard Street #2601 in Dallas, represented by Cindi Caudle and Kyle Richards of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s

BRIGGS FREEMAN

5619 Walnut Hill Lane in Dallas, represented by Pogir and Diane DuVall of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $64,000,000

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Sleek, contemporary homes available in Dallas

Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents are marketing some of the most notable Dallas homes showcasing modern and contemporary design.

Contemporary architecture continues to captivate people with its serene yet fashionable flair.

Many buyers are drawn to the way contemporary design prioritizes natural light, open floor plans and impeccable materials to create sophisticated homes that effortlessly foster connection.

If a one-of-a-kind contemporary in Dallas is what you seek, working with the experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates is a no-brainer. The firm represents some of the city’s most exceptional design gems, including these residences now on the market.

Architect Richard Drummond Davis blended French-inspired elegance and contemporary beauty when designing 5414 Edlen Drive. Built in 2021 with top craftsmanship by Colby Craig Homes, the 13,000-square-foot haven inspires awe with its glamorous aesthetic and amenities.

Tour 4703 Bluffview Blvd., where new construction fuses the stone and wood materials of Texas regional style with the clean, modern sensibilities of today. The 11,279-square-foot masterpiece welcomes you with a private courtyard featuring thoughtful landscaping and Zen water features.

For architecture aficionados and movie buffs, 4130 Cochran Chapel Road in Bluffview might be the ultimate find. Architect Guy Courtney, who designs hotels and restaurants worldwide, devised this unique property using 6,000 square feet of glass and 71,000 pounds of steel.

EHC Summit 2025 to Take Place at Winspear Opera House

Internationally renowned speaker Sylvie di Giusto is shown at the 2024 EHC Summit.

The Ebby Halliday Companies will once again host its industry-leading, annual EHC Summit at the stunning Winspear Opera House in downtown Dallas.

The exclusive, agent-only event takes place in September and brings together professionals from Ebby Halliday Realtors, Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate, and Williams Trew for a day of inspiration, learning, and networking. It’s anticipated that more than 1,000 agents from the three brands will take advantage of this free opportunity to hear from an impressive lineup of nationally renowned speakers.

Last year’s keynote address was delivered by internationally renowned speaker Sylvie di Giusto, who captivated the audience with her talk, “You Have Seven Seconds, Make Them Count.” Di Giusto’s insights into personal branding and first impressions resonated with agents, inspiring them to elevate their approach to every client interaction.

“This exclusive in-house event at a world-class arts venue will once again deliver on its promise to be an inspiring day, and our agents will walk away more empowered and more connected than ever,” says Betsy Cameron, president of the Ebby Halliday Companies. “We are committed to the development of each of our agents and to providing them with what they need to prosper in a competitive marketplace.”

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

How to get top dollar for your home in 2025

Getting the best offer for your home requires a strategy tailored to your home, according to the top agents at Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

Getting the best offer for your home requires deep market knowledge and a strategy tailored to your home. Here, top-producing Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents offer some guidance on how to get top dollar for your home in 2025.

“Buyers are using a great deal of discretion, so homes need to be in the best condition possible to sell quickly. This includes staging, paint, repairs, landscaping and great photos.”

“Getting your home prepped for market takes a customized marketing plan. Preparation, pricing and promotion are three key elements in getting top dollar in 2025.”

“Planned Preparation + Proper Pricing = Perfect Presentation: the formula for obtaining top dollar in every market. Perfect presentation is the key to creating an instant connection with buyers.”

“Today’s buyers want move-in ready homes. To maximize interest, it is critical to create a strong online presence by enhancing curb appeal and making updates that reflect the local market trends.”

“Choose an agent who uses the high-level photos, drone and videos; staging; and a strategic marketing and social media presence that will reach buyers beyond DFW.”

Connect with an Allie Beth Allman & Associates agent at https://www.alliebeth.com/roster/Agent to buy or sell a home this year.

DAVE PERRY-MILLER

REAL ESTATE

Charming & Spacious in the Heart of UP Fairway

This beautiful 5-bedroom home at 3728 Stanford Avenue (3728stanford.daveperrymiller. com) offers timeless elegance and modern comfort in a prime location. Priced at $3,249,000, it is listed by the Bruner Parker Group.

A wide front porch with deep seating welcomes friends and neighbors, while the thoughtfully designed floor plan features formal living/dining, a study with French doors, and a chef’s kitchen with SubZero, Viking and Bosch appliances. The breakfast area and casual family room with fireplace open to a covered patio with fireplace and turfed backyard.

Upstairs, the serene primary suite boasts a tray ceiling, spa-like bath, and two walk-in closets. Three additional bedrooms, a game room, and a laundry room complete the second floor. The third floor offers a private guest suite with full bath, and cedar closets. With walkability to schools, parks, and the UP Pool, this is an exceptional find.

To schedule a showing, contact Cindy Bruner at 214.675.0834 | cindybruner@dpmre.com or Bo Parker at 214.924.6445 | bo@dpmre.com.

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate (dpmre.com) is a division of the Ebby Halliday Companies, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, specializing in Preston Hollow, Park Cities, North Dallas, Lakewood, East Dallas, Uptown, Kessler Park, and Farm & Ranch properties.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

New Preston Hollow offerings exude next-level

luxury

The seasoned agents at Allie Beth Allman & Associates are always helping buyers and sellers reach their goals in Preston Hollow. Here are four exciting opportunities they recently brought to market.

Tucked behind gates, an exquisite estate of the highest caliber is for sale at 5100 Park Lane. The property spans 2 acres and boasts a French Renaissance-inspired manor with more than 19,000 square feet of living space.

Another traditional beauty ideal for living large can be found at 9520 Hathaway St. While it was designed by Richard Drummond Davis and built in 2004, the timeless masterpiece has been renovated over the past five years and boasts splendid touches.

Interior designer Jordan Madison, architect Janson Lute and the skilled builders at Shaddock Custom are making something magnificent at 6031 Lupton Drive, set for completion this fall. The contemporary home will measure just over 7,000 square feet.

If you want something fresh but move-in-ready now, tour 6515 Glendora Ave. Built in 2024, the fashionforward residence packs a punch with its clean lines, show-stopping finishes and suave open spaces.

Find the right Preston Hollow property with the help of an Allie Beth Allman & Associates expert. Call to connect with an expert agent: https://www.alliebeth. com/roster/Agents

Homes in beautiful Preston Hollow

Preston Hollow has some of Texas’ most exceptional homes, designed by some of the nation’s noted architects and builders. And this neighborhood is the epitome of convenient, a mere eight miles north of downtown.

Trust the experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates, a top luxury home brokerage in Preston Hollow, to show you extraordinary homes here, including one of these four.

The five-bedroom home at 6706 Orchid Lane is perfect for daily living or sophisticated entertaining. From the well-equipped kitchen, step through a 12-foot collapsible, glass paneled door to fabulous outdoor living space with a kitchen, pool, spa and firepit.

If you want new construction, see the fivebedroom home at 5808 Brookstown Drive. With a brick and white-stucco exterior, the home has great drive-up appeal. Inside, find white oak flooring under tall ceilings.

Be only the second owner of a modern masterpiece that sits on a hill above a creek. A rare find at 7244 Brookshire Drive has many upgrades, including a standing-seam metal roof and two new bedrooms and a living room upstairs.

Nearby in Midway Hollow is a custom-built, modern farmhouse at 4052 Park Lane. A grand entryway welcomes guests, leading to a wellequipped kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances.

ALLIE

BETH

ALLMAN

Superb properties to discover in the Park Cities

Allie Beth Allman & Associates continues to lead in the sale of homes in the Park Cities, according to Multiple Listing Service data.

If the Park Cities is calling you, it’s the right time to find your dream home there. Magnificent new offerings await with the seasoned agents of Allie Beth Allman & Associates, who consistently lead in home sales in this sought-after Dallas area.

Discover timeless sophistication in a Hal Thomsondesigned masterpiece at 4226 Arcady Ave., located in the prestigious French Streets. With five bedrooms, six baths, two half-baths, and three meticulously designed levels, this residence combines historic craftsmanship with modern luxury.

If you adore traditional style in University Park, be sure to check out 4135 Windsor Parkway. As you stroll up the front walkway, you can’t help but feel at home thanks to the manicured landscaping and delightful blue shutters.

Nearby at 4321 Stanford Ave., a newer creation is ready for its close-up. Hudson Homes brought the custom University Park residence to life in 2018 and outfitted it with captivating finishes.

Seeking a true new construction? At 4028 Lovers Lane, which was just completed last year, the home spans more than 5,000 square feet and holds five bedrooms. Here, East Coast meets West Coast design with white oak floors, Denali quartzite counters and statement-making bathroom tiles.

THE PERRY-MILLER STREIFF GROUP Santa Barbara- Inspired Home in Armstrong Elementary

4912 Abbott is currently being offered for $4,495,000

Set in the prestigious town of Highland Park, this Santa Barbara-inspired residence is designed for ultimate entertaining on a generous 50 x 247 lot. Positioned along the scenic Katy Trail, it offers easy access to nearby restaurants, shops, and parks.

This timeless home is perfect for family living or individuals seeking a comfortable and versatile space to call home, with unique architectural details, including a grand two-story office with an integrated library and exquisite millwork throughout. The chef’s kitchen is outfitted with commercial-grade appliances, dual refrigerator and freezer, a walk-in pantry, coffee bar, and a spacious island.

The main residence includes an elevator-ready layout, a serene primary retreat with rustic vaulted beamed ceilings, dual walk-in closets, and dual vanities in the spa-like bath, along with three additional ensuite bedrooms. A versatile gym space, which could easily be transformed back into a media or playroom, features a hidden door leading to the remarkable two-story library. Outdoor living is elevated with a stunning entertainment space, including a full kitchen, pool, spa, tanning deck, putting green, and fire pit. A rare four-car garage boasts an epoxy floor, ample storage, and a pool bath. Above the garage, a 1,125 sq ft guest house with a full kitchen and two ensuite bedrooms provides an ideal setup for multi-generational living.

Contact Valerie Dillon (214.755.3036) or more information or to set up a private showing. Visit DPMFineHomes.com to learn more.

Finding the perfect Preston Hollow home requires a guide such as the expert agents at Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Find your perfect home in Preston Hollow with the help of an Allie Beth Allman & Associates agent.

EBBY HALLIDAY