GRATITUDE
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PEYTON BONO
THE FENCING IS DOWN, AND IT’S TIME FOR FUN AT LAKESIDE PARK
Improvements are complete, the fencing is down, and Lakeside Park has officially reopened to the public for the first time in two years.
The park has been closed to picnics, fishing, and other fun since July 2022, first due to reconstruction of Lakeside Drive, then for renovations to the park itself. Park improvements include tree replacements, better grading and drainage, new wayfinding and wildlife signage, the addition of ADA ramps and sidewalk connections, and enhancements to seating areas, lighting, and landscaping.
Highland Park celebrated Lakeside’s reopening in a ceremony on July 12 with ice cream, lemonade, and color-changing rubber
ducks. Six feathered ducklings and their mother waddled through the grass nearby.
“The park is now fully reopened for our residents and our visitors to again enjoy, and we hope everyone will do so,” Mayor Pro Tem Don Snell said. He thanked residents for their patience with the construction and town staff for its work on the renovations.
“This is our first time to be on the property since they took the fence down,” said Highland Park resident Tammy McClary. “We’re excited.” The ADA ramps are a welcome improvement, she said, and will be helpful to those who struggle with steps during photo shoots.
The ceremony was followed by a celebratory story time led by the Highland Park Library’s youth services librarian Victoria Rice. Enthusiastic preschoolers sang songs, made animal sounds, and read several books about parks and being outside.
Anne Adelaja joined the fun with her 7-month-old daughter, Sijuade. Adelaja said she thinks she’ll come to the park two or three times a week now that it’s open. “It’s really hot now, and the trees give some shade,” she said. “That’s a plus.”
Closer to noon, Suzie Curnes and her daughters, Bridget, 11, and Evie, 9, enjoyed sandwiches and watermelon on a picnic blanket in the shade. Curnes said she’s been waiting for the park to reopen, and is glad that it has. What are her plans now that the fencing is down?
“Just this,” she said. “Sitting and picnicking, just having a different view.”
Potential Boundary Adjustment
Members of a Dallas City Council committee were skeptical of University Park’s application to annex Boone Elementary and Northway Christian Church at a June meeting, but still voted to move forward with negotiations.
Parents in favor of annexation have said the move would be mutually beneficial to Dallas, Northway Christian, and Boone Elementary by improving student safety and Boone’s ability to fundraise, and by relieving the city of Dallas of the responsibility for addressing street and other infrastructure needs.
But members of the Dallas City Council’s Quality of Life, Arts, and Culture Committee questioned whether the move would be advantageous to their city. They expressed concern about losing the property’s future revenue if it should return to a taxable use, and asked whether Dallas and University Park could come to an agreement without the need for a boundary adjustment.
ParkCitiesPeople
After negotiations, the issue will either move to the Dallas City Council or return to committee.
SARAH HODGES
SARAH HODGES
Suzie Curnes and her daughters Bridget, 11, and Evie, 9, enjoyed a picnic lunch at the newly-reopened Lakeside Park.
Crime Reports June 10-July 6
June 10
OnStar and the Highland Park Police Department teamed up to recover a 2024 Chevrolet Suburban that was stolen before 6 a.m. from the 3600 block of Drexel Drive
June 11
A shirtless thief swiped a pair of black wedge style shoes from the front porch of an apartment in the 4700 block of Abbott Avenue at about 11:28 p.m. The shoe-stealer appeared to be the same person who had taken a pair of Nikes from the porch between June 2 and 3.
June 12
A dirty thief stole two Gain products, one Downy product, and another item before 8:38 p.m. from CVS in Snider Plaza
June 13
How easy was it for a thief to steal a credit card and money from a 2024 Mercedes-Benz on Preston Road before 4:45 p.m.? The car was left unlocked.
June 14
Reported at 4:25 p.m. in the 4800 block of Lemmon Avenue: A burglar broke the window of a 2021 Volkswagen Passat and stole $1,000 and a Wells Fargo checkbook less than an hour after the car’s driver had withdrawn the money from the bank.
June 15
Reported at 7:29 a.m.: Officers found two gloves at a home on Grassmere Lane, where a burglar had stolen a Prada bag, Louis Vuitton wallet, Louis Vuitton tote bag, debit and credit cards, and $500.
June 16
A greedy thief stole a package containing canned dog food from the porch of a home in the 4400 block of Livingston Avenue at 5:52 a.m.
June 17
What do Best Buy and a 2022 Land Rover parked on Preston Road have in common? They were both unlocked before 7:04 p.m. and attracted “customers” looking for electronics. But no one paid for the laptop bag, laptop, iPhone, and glasses taken from the Land Rover.
June 18
A troublemaker left cracks that looked like they could have been made by a hammer on the window of a 2024 Ford F-150 in the 5200 block of Auburndale Avenue before 6 p.m., but did not succeed in entering the truck.
June 19
Reported at 8:52 a.m.: A Cadillac CTS stolen from the 3500 block of St Johns Drive was recovered by Dallas police.
June 20
Jose Gonzales, a 52-year-old man from Dallas, was arrested at 3:20 a.m. on Preston Road and charged with possession of a controlled substance less than one gram, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He later apparently attempted to commit suicide while in custody at the University Park Police Department jail. He was pronounced dead at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas early on July 1.
June 21
A burglar stole a laptop and laptop bag before 4 p.m. from a locked Range Rover parked in a shopping mall on Northwest Parkway
June 22
Reported at 9:34 a.m.: It may be hot outside, but it was no sweat for a burglar to steal a wallet, credit card, gift card, and driver’s license from a 2020 Chevrolet on Granada Avenue. The car was left unlocked.
June 23
Burglars smashed glass on the back door of Nothing Bundt Cakes in The Shops of Highland Park and broke into the store before 4:22 a.m. There was no money in the cash register, and neither currency nor cakes were taken.
June 24
A brazen burglar broke the driver’s side window of a 2021 Mazda SUV in the 4200 block of Oak Lawn Avenue before 10 p.m. and stole a Lululemon crossbody bag, a Dell laptop, a makeup bag containing makeup, and a computer bag.
June 26
Reported at 8:58 p.m.: The careless driver of an orange semi-truck drove through a
Get ready for a
resident’s yard, damaging her sod, landscaping, and stone edging, while trying to turn at the intersection of Belfort Place and Roland Avenue. The driver did not stop or leave information, but was caught on video.
June 27
A thief helped themselves to a crossbody bag, wallet, cash, miscellaneous personal items, iPhone 15, driver’s license, and credit and debit cards left in an unlocked car on Hillcrest Avenue before 4:55 p.m.
June 28
A diaper bandit stole a package containing a box of Pull Ups from a porch in the 4800 block of Abbott Avenue before 11:08 p.m.
June 30
A thief may be guilty of both vanity and shoplifting after stealing makeup from CVS in Snider Plaza before 3:23 p.m.
July 1
Reported at 5:51 p.m.: A fraudster impersonating Carter Tolleson emailed an intern at Tolleson Private Bank in the 5500 block of Preston Road asking for $600 worth of eBay gift cards for a company event.
July 2
Reported at 10:03 p.m.: A confused worker started servicing the wrong Generac generator in the 3700 block of Euclid Avenue and broke a piece. His company agreed to have the generator repaired and to cover the bill.
July 3
An unsteady forklift tried to lift too much lumber before 11:06 a.m. The forklift and the lumber tipped forward onto the street, damaging a decorative light post in the 4600 block of Fairfax Avenue
July 5
A project site plunderer entered a construction site on Caruth Boulevard before 9:33 a.m. and stole a spray rig, palm sanders, hoses, and cords.
July 6
The reckless driver of an Audi hit a 2023 Land Rover SE in Highland Park Village before 8:30 p.m., then sped off without leaving information.
STRONG MARKET this
Summer!
What Does It Take to Get a Next Day Appointment at DPS?
A computer and about two minutes of your time with this new website
By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com
When Preston Hollow mom Lisa Hardy debuted her TX FastPass website for scheduling appointments at the Texas Department of Public Safety, people at first thought it might be a scam.
After all, it can take a month or more to schedule an in-person driver’s license appointment at a Dallas area DPS office. Families have been known to take road trips to Granbury or Paris to find a not-too-distant date for a teen to get a learner’s permit.
But with Hardy’s website, which was developed by her husband Sean and his business partner Mike McCane, users can find a next-day appointment in North Texas within minutes. TX FastPass charges a flat $19.99 fee. Once scheduled, an appointment can be canceled and rescheduled for free as many times as a user would like.
Hardy, who has a degree in marketing from Texas Tech University and a passion for helping people, said she knows that scheduling with DPS can be “kind of daunting and overwhelming.” Her message to worried users: “Don’t stress, we’ve got this.”
The creation of TX FastPass stemmed from the Hardys’ own DPS scheduling crisis. Their 15-year-old daughter, Shelby, had broken down in tears because they had to cancel the teen’s learner’s permit appointment.
First, Hardy tried calling DPS, but no one picked up. Next, she drove to the Carrollton Mega Center Driver License Office. Staff
told her that the office didn’t take walk-ins, and appointments could only be made online. But she might get lucky and snag a same-day appointment or cancellation if she visited the website at just the right time.
“The things we do for our kids,” Hardy said. “I sat there, and I refreshed, and refreshed, and refreshed, for a few hours on and off.”
Hardy was still refreshing when Sean, a software developer, overheard her frustration.
With Merrill, the bull always has
That weekend, he got to work on a program that would check the department’s website and automatically book an appointment when one became available.
The following Monday, Shelby went to DPS and got her learner’s permit. Hardy shared the website with Shelby’s friends at Ursuline Academy and her son Jack’s friends at Jesuit Dallas. It took a month or two before the program became so popular that
MAKE IT SNAPPY
Visit txfastpass.com to use TX FastPass to book a DPS appointment. Users who need extra help can also call Lisa Hardy at 817-825-6513 or email her at lisa@txfastpass.com. Hardy advises arriving 15 to 20 minutes early for your DPS appointment and being sure that you have the required documentation.
she realized she could turn the website into a business, and several months of additional work to make that happen.
Since TX FastPass became available to the public in March, it has helped more than 400 people make appointments with DPS. Hardy encourages people to call her if they need extra help. “I’m a hand holder from start to finish,” she said.
Park Cities mom Nicole Brewer recently used TX FastPass to get a learner’s permit appointment for her daughter, who turned 15 in the spring. When Brewer visited the DPS webpage in early June, the first Dallas area appointment she could get was in October. But then she hopped on the TX FastPass website.
“We got an appointment for the very next day,” she said. “It was great.”
The TX FastPass system is one that Hardy hopes will improve efficiency at DPS, where she said more than a quarter of appointments are no-shows.
“It can be stressful, and it can be overwhelming, navigating the DPS,” she said. “I just love to help people, and guide them, and encourage them.”
Left to Right: Jason Gabriele, Senior Business Manager; Carol Anderson, Senior Wealth Planner; Tim Wilson, Wealth Management Advisor; Tommy McBride, Wealth Management Advisor; Luke McBride, Financial Advisor; Katherine Meredith, Wealth Management Specialist.
Lisa Hardy (right) with her daughter Shelby, who used the website that would become TX FastPass to schedule an appointment for her learner’s permit. SEAN HARDY
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Schools
EVERYDAY ETIQUETTE
Good manners always the right accessory, whether in suits or sneakers
By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com
Leave the white gloves and ball gowns at home when you go to Emily Smith’s etiquette classes.
“I want to make sure to teach children that excellent manners are appropriate when they have on a soccer uniform, not just a sports coat.”
Emily Smith
She isn’t trying to teach students how to dine “once a year in a very formal setting, if you happen to be at lunch with the queen of England.”
These are “everyday etiquette” classes. The focus is on skills youngsters should use daily, such as how to make a good first impression, receive a gift graciously, and be helpful. Showing kindness and respect, Smith said, is never out of place.
writes, and speaks on the subject, and appeared on an episode of The Bachelor to teach
On a recent Saturday afternoon, the 4to 8-year-olds in Smith’s “Making Manners Fun for the Little Ones” course played a game to practice eye contact and rehearsed how to meet a new teacher and be courteous to crossing guards.
They tackled dilemmas such as what to do when a friend at school has been playing with a toy they want (Ask nicely, “Please can I play with that toy with you?”), and how to respond when accidentally bumping into someone (Look at them, say “excuse me,” then keep going.)
“I think if (etiquette) is taught, it’s an easy concept to grasp on to,” Smith said. If they’re asked to show respect, “children are happy to do it.”
Smith has been using a two-hour workshop format this summer so families can squeeze in lessons between trips out of town. But school year classes will typically be an hour long and continue once weekly for three consecutive weeks.
Smith plans to offer classes on topics such as “The Art of Conversation,” as well as a backto-school “First Impressions” crash course. Other classes include “The Perfect Gentlemen,” for boys, and “Goodness and Grace” for girls.
Her aim is that students bring their good manners into the classroom and the community. “My hope and prayer is that it’s just something that explodes and snowballs,” she said, “and we just become a community with excel lent behaved kids that have excellent manners.”
Emily Smith teaches “Making Manners Fun for the Little Ones” in her University Park home. SARAH HODGES
Miss Park Cities’ and Dallas’ Teens
Pageant
competitors from HPHS, Hockaday value service opportunities
By Aadhya Yanamadala People Newspapers
Beneath the glittering tiaras and elegantly cut dresses — worn for less than a week during the Miss Texas’ Teen Pageant — lies a year’s worth of hard work.
Lily Roberts and Savannah Wilson, respectively, represent Dallas and the Park Cities in the Miss America’s Teen Organization.
Roberts, a Hockaday School student who lives in Preston Hollow, began competing in pageants when she was younger and, growing to love the community, decided to compete for the Miss Dallas title once she was old enough.
the types of questions they may face live onstage and practice answering them before the pageant. They also have a more rehearsed portion of the competition where they tell the judges and audience about themselves.
“The pageant really wants to put an emphasis on the stories and personalities of the girls competing,” Roberts said.
Apart from the stage, title holders engage in community service to better the lives of those around them.
“Simply going out to my community and getting involved is the most fulfilling part of this.”
Savannah Wilson
Wilson, a Highland Park High School student, began pageants later in her life after learning that the Miss America organization is one of the nation’s biggest providers of scholarships for females.
“I come from a family that is still paying off student loan debt,” Wilson said. “So, I thought that this would be a way that would help me achieve my goal of attending the University of Alabama at a much cheaper rate.”
The girls first had to compete for their city titles before participating in the state pageant in late June. Pageant training includes preparing for on-stage components and serving the communities the teens represent.
On stage, the girls must participate in a group dance with the other competitors, perform a talent, and answer interview questions.
Wilson performed a contemporary dance routine, while Roberts switched from tap dance to playing the piano.
The participants often have an idea of
Wilson focuses on the problem of underage drinking, titling her initiative “Think Before You Drink.”
She decided to center her community service around this topic after a group of friends tried to peer pressure her into consuming alcohol. She uses her story to connect with other students and teach them to overcome peer pressure like she did. Wilson also works with the nonprofit Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Roberts’ community service initiative, titled “Stronger Together It Starts with You,” aims to encourage students to volunteer and help those around them. She’s spoken to schools, dance classes, the Boy Scouts, and other aspiring pageant girls about the importance of giving back to their communities.
“One thing I like to emphasize is that you don’t have to spend five hours volunteering every day,” Roberts said. “Sometimes, it only takes five minutes to make a difference.”
Wilson was named second runner-up at the Texas pageant, but both teens said they love competing regardless of the awards.
“Simply going out to my community and getting involved is the most fulfilling part of this,” Wilson said.
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Savannah Wilson danced and Lily Roberts played the piano during the talent portion of the Miss Texas’ Teen Pageant. BLUDOOR STUDIOS
ERIN MATHEWS
Who Painted That Crosswalk? How About a Swimmer from SMU University’s internship program prepares athletes for post-graduation transition
By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com
SMU swimmers are making waves outside the pool this summer as interns for the city of University Park.
Four members of the Mustang men’s and women’s swim teams are working at the city through SMU’s Life After Ball program, which aims to assist athletes with their post-graduation transition from sports to the professional world.
“My work ethic from being an athlete at SMU has been work as hard as you can, and then ask questions when you need to. So, I feel like that has been helping them out a lot too.”
Rob McCall
The Life After Ball program was limited to football when it began at SMU in 2018. It expanded in 2022 to include other sports. This summer, 47 student-athletes have Life After Ball internships in fields including finance, law, sports, engineering, technology,
marketing, and commercial real estate, said Lisa Rawlins, SMU’s associate athletic director for student-athlete success.
The swimmers interning with the city of UP have done everything from providing an extra set of hands during busy times at the library, to examining the salaries of city employees and shadowing road-safety workers. Their hours at the city, they said, have flown by compared to the monotony of swimming laps in the pool.
“When you’re swimming two hours at a high intensity, time just doesn’t go,” Rob McCall, an intern with UP’s Human Resources Department, said. “But working here, it’s such a nice experience. … You’re like, ‘Oh,
that’s it?’ And then you get excited to come back for the next day.”
McCall recently took time off to compete in the backstroke at the Olympic Trials in Indianapolis. He and UP’s other interns said the time management skills that have earned them accolades in the pool have also served them well at the city.
“My work ethic from being an athlete at SMU has been work as hard as you can, and then ask questions when you need to,” McCall said. “So, I feel like that has been helping them out a lot, too.”
McCall’s teammate, electrical engineering student Mark Van Eybergen, is interning
with the city’s Public Works Department. He’s shadowed employees inspecting new construction and taking meter readings, researched fire codes and parking problems, and even helped paint a crosswalk.
As an intern in the marketing and communications department, incoming junior Kirsten Schlortt helped plan details of UP’s participation in the Park Cities Fourth of July parade, as well as assisted in designing a safety course for young e-bikers.
“I really appreciate how much faith they have in me. And I’m working really hard at doing that,” she said. “But that really shocked me, the amount of freedom.”
Schlortt said the internship, and especially her work after a major storm hit the city on May 28, has taught her how to better communicate with others. “Kindness is key,” she said. “Staying calm in a situation and just reassuring everybody is super-amazing. And I think I’m definitely going to take that away in my future career.”
UP’s partnership with Life After Ball has been a great experience that has “brought fresh perspectives” to the city, Community Information Officer Paige Ruedy said.
It’s also given the students an inside look at what it takes to make a city function. Eybergen said he’s been impressed by both “the insane amount of work that goes into the background of the city,” and by how UP’s staff treats each other along the way.
“Everybody is super nice, super hardworking, and they all just get along very well. They’re all friends,” he said. “It’s cool to see that.”
Interns Kirsten Schlortt and Rob McCall model University Park’s Centennial Celebration hats and shirts.
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Sports
RUTLEDGE SHOWS ELITE POTENTIAL AT OLYMPIC TRIALS
Former Scots sprinter finds new gear during breakthrough season
By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers
The 20 seconds he spent running in the lane next to Noah Lyles at the U.S. Olympic Trials hardly gave John Rutledge enough time to think about the bigger picture.
Rutledge didn’t qualify for the Paris Olympics in the 200 meters alongside the two-time defending world champion, but the experienced proved that he belonged.
“It was a pretty cool deal,” Rutledge said. “It showed me that I can compete with the fastest in the country. It did open my eyes.”
Going into his sophomore season at the University of Texas, the former Highland Park standout didn’t even have the Olympic trials on his radar.
But his coaches mentioned it as an option. When Rutledge achieved a new personal best with a qualifying time of 20.28 seconds at the NCAA West Preliminaries on May 24 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, it became a reality.
“My coaches instilled a lot of
confidence in me and told me how high my potential really was,” Rutledge said. “I was surprised, but at the same time I was kind of expecting it.”
Rutledge came into the
Olympic trials without a prestigious track pedigree or experience on the international stage. Yet he still advanced to the semifinal heats, placing 10th overall and narrowly missing the final.
He said he was not intimidated by the surroundings or his fellow sprinters.
“I’m not a person who looks at the other runners in my heat beforehand,” he said. “I just show
up and run my race.”
Rutledge was a third-generation football captain at HP, although both his grandfather and father were linemen, while he was a speedy receiver. He capped his senior year by taking a silver medal in the 200 at the Class 5A state track meet, breaking a 58-year-old school record in the event.
Rutledge flourished after turning his attention full-time to sprinting. Last season with the Longhorns, Rutledge became a valuable utility option to score points in distances ranging from 60 to 400 meters. Texas had two relays place in the top six at the NCAA championships, and Rutledge was on both of them. He emerged from the weeklong experience in Oregon knowing that he can go even faster. Could the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles be a realistic goal?
“I commit basically every day of my life to it,” Rutledge said. “It’s showed me that I do have a lot of talent in this sport. Who knows how far I can take it?”
Hawaiian Opener, New Classification Highlight New HP Volleyball Season
By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers
Highland Park has plenty of business to handle on its volleyball schedule, but the Lady Scots will make time for a little extra fun, too.
They will open their campaign at the Ann Kang Invitational tournament in Honolulu, Hawaii, with a week’s worth of team bonding, community service projects, sightseeing — and plenty of matches against topnotch competition.
Tournament organizers offered HP a place in this year’s event on Aug. 15-17, and head coach Michael Dearman predictably received an enthusiastic response when he presented the idea to players and parents, who raised the funds to make the trip happen.
“It’s a special opportunity,” Dearman said. “If you handle it right, it’s a great way to get the season started, having your team spend so much time together. The competition is really good. The California and Hawaii teams play a different style of volleyball that will be very challenging.”
When they return, the Lady Scots will be back in Class 5A for the first time since 2021, looking for a deep playoff run that eluded them during the past two seasons at the 6A level.
The chance for postseason success is enhanced by a new UIL rule that will divide playoff teams into two separate brackets in
each classification — similar to football — in other sports such as volleyball. That means double the number of state champions.
“I think that’s long overdue. Texas is so big, and we have so many great teams in the state,” Dearman said. “We’ve been doing it in football for years. It totally makes sense. We’re excited about that.”
HP finds itself in a challenging new District 12-5A alignment that includes Frisco ISD powerhouses Reedy, Lone Star, and Wakeland.
The Lady Scots should have the depth
and experience to compete for another district title, led by fourth-year starters Alex Richter and Bella Ocampo. Starting libero Gigi Whann also is back, as is key contributor Brooklyn Bailey.
Joining those returnees are a pair of promising freshmen in 6-foot-3 hitter Sarah Floyd — already a heralded college recruit — and Taylor Toomay, a granddaughter of former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Pat Toomay.
When you add in Caroline Cannon and Talia Lardner, five of the projected
top six players in the front row for HP are at least 6 feet tall.
“The core looks great,” said Dearman, whose team finished with a 31-12 overall record last season. “We’re very optimistic.”
Former Highland Park sprinter John Rutledge competed alongside world champion Noah Lyles in the 200 meters at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon. TEXAS TRACK & FIELD
Alex Richter will return for her fourth year as a starter at the net for Highland Park this season. CHRIS MCGATHEY
SMOOTH MOVES
Luxury companies offer ‘white glove’ care, storage options
By Josh Hickman Special Contributor
With Texas recognized at No. 2 (behind Florida) for wealthy new residents, business in the luxury moving business is on the rise.
What was once a rare perk for the ultra-rich has become a commonplace bustling business in North Texas.
“We do quite a bit of work in Preston Hollow, the Park Cities, and the Turtle Creek area,” said Ashley Tamburin of Element Moving & Storage. “This includes white-glove packing, unpacking, custom crating, installation, storage, debris removal. A lot of our guys have been with us for upward of five to 10 years, which is unheard of.
jobs. We’ve moved an enormous concrete purse sculpture. The guys have seen everything under the sun.”
The company’s storage facility offers temperature-controlled units for furs, art, and wine.
“We’ve moved a massive telephone booth, a sword collection, a lot of taxidermy — stuffed alligators, rhinos.” Klein Navin
It’s cliché, but we feel like a family. We also take care of donations. We really try to be a helping hand to people in need.”
The company has operated for 14 years.
“We’ve kept a steady flow all year,” she added, as opposed to the usual seasonal ebbs and flows, “more large, higher-end
“We’re not the cheapest, but we’ve never touted that we are,” Tamburin said. “We try to be competitive, but we don’t cut corners. It’s a kind of a crazy, wild west business. We really try to do things logically, walk the customer through it, do a lot of educating. I think that helps us being local. We have to look our customers in the face. Our weight is more on the repeat client. That’s one of the big differences between white-glove moving companies versus lower-end.”
Since 1978, Delivery Limited has been providing luxury moving in the area for generations of customers.
“Our extensive training is something that sets us apart,” said Klein Navin, director of scheduling. “We don’t let our guys in the field for a month. From receiving and inspection of items domestically and inter-
Editor’s note: Find here the latest available (as of press time) real estate market statistics for Dallas, Highland Park, and University Park from the North Texas Real Estate Information Systems Inc. The Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University prepares the monthly Multiple Listing Service (MLS) reports but leaves out municipalities when they don’t hit a 10-sale threshold for single-family homes. Highland Park and University Park met that threshold in May. We would prefer more comprehensive and timely data but believe these market snapshots still provide a helpful look at where the industry is heading.
nationally with climate-controlled storage to full packing, delivery, and installation services of furniture, art, chandeliers, lighting. You name it, we can do it.”
With 155,000 square feet of storage and 24/7 on-site security, the company is bonded and insured up to $1 million per truck. Some moves are booked years in advance, considering many customers are waiting for houses to be built in the area.
“We have customers who worked with us 45 years ago, and now we’re working with their grandkids,” he noted.
“From COVID on, the number of California-to-Texas jobs has probably tripled,” Navin added.
With the moves, come memorable unusual items.
“We’ve moved a massive telephone booth, a sword collection, a lot of taxidermy — stuffed alligators, rhinos,” he said, chuckling. “We’re never going to be the cheapest. If you want quality work, you’re going to have to pay a premium price for it. People understand that.”
Companies like Element Moving & Storage offer a range of services including packing, unpacking, custom crating, installation, storage, debris removal, and managing donations. ASHLEY TAMBURIN
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Henderson Bay 37
Step-by-Step Guide to Designing Masculine Spaces
Real Talk: Greg Grainger
Growing up, Greg Grainger dreamed of becoming an architect.
“My mother kept a floor plan of a house I ‘designed’ when I was in elementary school,” the president of Younger Partners Property Services said. “Funny, the kitchen seemed to be the place from which all other rooms emanated.”
However, he began his studies at the School of Architecture at Texas Tech University in the early ’80s — a tumultuous time for real estate — and listened to those who suggested he choose a different career path.
my 30+ year career in managing commercial real estate properties,” Grainger said.
What is the best thing about working in real estate?
When you think of “masculine spaces,” the stereotypical man cave probably comes to mind: dark walls, sports memorabilia, movie posters, a big TV, and a couch that’s seen better days.
MARGARET CHAMBERS
But there’s no reason that men should get the short end of the stick in home design.
Whether you’re a bachelor looking to give your pad a facelift, a wife who’s making sure to include your husband in the design process, or just someone who loves moody, gentlemanly spaces, this design guide is for you.
Step 1: Choose your color palette
Most masculine rooms will feature one of the following color schemes: black-and-white, warm neutrals, or dark, rich colors. While
deep reds, blues, greens, browns, and grays are great choices, avoid painting the walls black, which puts the “cave” in “man cave!”
Step 2: Select furniture
In masculine rooms, everything is a little more massive in scale. The patterns are bigger and the furniture is beefier. Although the room can be either traditional or contemporary, either way, you should select furniture with boxy silhouettes and little ornamentation. No masculine space is truly complete without at least one leather piece of furniture.
Step 3: Add texture
Designing a masculine room is a great opportunity to play with contrasting textures. Rough textures such as unfinished wood, brick, concrete, and stone bring masculinity to mind, but so do smooth textures such as metal, leather, and lacquer. To prevent the room from feeling cold and uncomfortable, add fabrics such
as mohair, wool, tweed, and cashmere. All these materials are traditionally associated with menswear.
Step 4: Pick the right accessories
A masculine room doesn’t necessarily need to be minimalist. To add character to the room, try incorporating accessories such as vintage books, pottery, or small male busts of famous leaders. Art or photography prints will introduce a touch of sophistication. There are many ways to convey masculinity, just as there are many different ways to be a man. The ideal masculine space conveys strength, sophistication, and warmth — qualities that anyone with great taste can appreciate.
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.
“So, I switched to the business finance degree program and still ended up in real estate,” he said. “Unlike abstract investments like stocks and bonds, real estate seems more tangible in that you can see and touch what you own.”
Younger Partners Property Services recently won property management and leasing assignments for two more nearby properties, boosting the company’s retail and industrial portfolio to more than 50 properties.
The five-story, 66,814-squarefoot Park Cities Tower, built in 1986, is ideally located in University Park at the corner of Lovers Lane and Preston Road.
Hillcrest Oaks, a two-building, 183,967-square-foot office park offering an on-site conference center and café, complimentary 24/7 fitness center, security card access, and covered parking, is at 6600 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway.
“I consider myself lucky in that I can use both aspects of what I enjoyed, architecture and finance, in
Designed by renowned Dallas architect Hal Thomson, this three-story Traditional was built in 1926 and has been thoughtfully updated for today’s discerning buyer. The home features a classic center-hall layout, with six bedrooms, six full baths and two half baths spanning 9,039 square feet. In addition to an en suite bath — which you’ll find in all six bedrooms — the primary suite includes a sitting room and a fireplace. The center-island kitchen boasts a scullery,
Real estate is tangible. You can walk on it, touch it and improve it in many ways. Developed properties require constant attention to ensure they are not allowed to go to waste. In managing real estate, you get to be an architect/designer, business/finance person, construction coordinator, public/employee/tenant/vendor relations person, as well as the janitor, mechanic, plumber, and electrician. Each hour can be different, and you might be required to wear all hats in a single day. That excites me because there is rarely a dull moment.
What is your outlook on the Dallas market?
Each asset type and class will behave differently in this cycle. Office is continuing its evolution to reflect remote work, while retail is working through a tight labor market and inflationary pressures. Consumers are tightening their belts after robust post-pandemic spending, which will translate to reduced demand for products and services. The balance in our market is new residents continued purchasing, offsetting the reduced spending of current residents. Well-located, well-capitalized, well-amenitized, well-maintained, and newer properties will continue to outperform other properties.
– Compiled by William Taylor
a walk-in pantry, a built-in wine cooler and bar seating, with an adjoining breakfast room and informal living area. The home’s formal spaces include dining, living, and sitting rooms. The charming sunroom opens onto a small patio, which overlooks a meticulously landscaped yard, resort-style pool, and oversized double-decker porch. This Highland Park home is represented by Caroline Summers and Bradley Huff of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty for $13,900,000.
COURTESY BRIGGS FREEMAN SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
COURTESY
The stained black wood paneling gives this study masculine sophistication, while the furniture (which is more on the feminine side) brings balance to the space. MICHAEL HUNTER WITH DESIGN BY MARGARET CHAMBERS
LEFT TO RIGHT: Alexandra Lambring Billmyre, Austin Holmes, Amy T. Ford, Ryan Nordhaus*, Rob McAngus*+, George Parker*, Jim Mueller*+†^, Charlie Hodges (Of Counsel)*+†^, Abby Foster*+, Shane Landers, Kim Meaders, Ravi Mohan, Maddison Clark and Jason Naumann
Comings and Goings
NOW OPEN
The Pilates Space
6025 Berkshire Lane
The private, boutique Pilates studio offers private instruction from certified and highly trained instructors.
Alive and Well
The Terminal at Katy Trail
The wellness center provides holistic care and offers services such as functional medicine, IV therapies, holistic therapies, traditional and medical spa services, and a compounding pharmacy.
Down to Play
6464 E. Northwest Highway, Suite 138
The new indoor playground spans more than 5,200 square feet, and attractions include a 3,500-squarefoot playground with climbing, sliding, ziplining, and more. The toddler area includes climbing and sliding elements, a ball pit, and a ball maze, and the baby area contains toys that encourage rocking, spinning, and exploration.
MOVED
Kent Rathbun’s Curbside BBQ
Klyde Warren Park
After a stint parked along the Katy Trail, the restaurateur’s food truck is serving food downtown Thursdays through Sundays beginning at 8 a.m.
COMING
Netflix House Galleria Dallas
The permanent entertainment venue is slated to open in fall 2025 and will allow guests to enjoy regularly updated immersive experiences relating to Netflix shows as well as retail therapy and unique food and drink offerings. It will be located in the anchor space on the northwest side of the shopping center.
Highland Park Village
Various Stores
• KHAITE is slated to open at 100 Highland Park Village, Suite 104, this fall. The brand was founded in 2016 by creative director Catherine Holstein and is known for polished pieces distinguished by exceptional materials and women’s ready-to-wear, footwear, handbags, and accessories.
• Chloé will open its first store in fall 2024 at 8 Highland Park Village. It will be the brand’s first standalone retail location in Texas and will carry luxury ready-towear, jewelry, shoes, handbags, eyewear, and beauty while embracing the founder’s vision of free-spirited femininity and effortlessness.
— Compiled by Maria Lawson
$1,699,000
Netflix House COURTESY
Kent Rathbun’s Curbside BBQ COURTESY
Down to Play KAYLA ENRIGHT
RISE SCHOOL THROWS A BIRTHDAY “PAWTY” FOR A SUPERSTAR
By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com
Students at the Ashford Rise School of Dallas put on their party hats in July to celebrate a staff member known for her floppy ears, wet nose, and waggy tail.
Facility Dog Francesca — called “Franny” by Rise preschoolers — marked her third birthday with a popsicle “pawty,” photos, homemade cards, plenty of hugs and kisses, and a special cupcake-shaped cookie.
“Her presence has profoundly enriched the lives of our students, staff, and families in ways that are difficult to articulate.”
Katie Enriquez
Francesca’s treats typically are limited to kibble, so she quickly made the cookie disappear. But she’s left a lasting impression on the Rise School and its students, who range in age from 6 months to 6 years and include both children with disabilities and traditional learners.
“Francesca’s impact on our students cannot be overstated,” curriculum coordinator and Francesca’s
handler Katie Enriquez said. “Their affection for her is evident in their willingness to go above and beyond to engage with her.”
Francesca, a cross between a golden retriever and labrador retriever, joined the staff of the Rise School as its first Facility Dog in May 2023. She arrives at the Moody YMCA each morning with her tail wagging and starts the day
by greeting staff in the hallway and students as they arrive in carpool.
Francesca shadows Rise’s occupational or physical therapist three days a week. On other days, she is on call to assist as needed.
Beading exercises can be challenging, but they become fun when Franny holds the string as the children thread beads. Franny uses her “tug” command and a rope
to help the preschoolers develop their balance on obstacle courses. She dons a Velcro vest covered with vocabulary words to help the children build both language skills and their hand muscles. When the children practice getting dressed, Franny gets to play dress-up, too.
Franny’s favorite command is probably the multipurpose “push,” Enriquez said. She can use it to
close drawers, roll dice, or press buttons that play recordings. She also gives Rise students a nudge in the right direction when they need some extra help.
“Whenever they’re having a hard time, Franny’s there to help them calm,” Enriquez said. “Whenever there’s a difficult task, Franny can encourage them to keep going.”
Francesca ends her days at home with Enriquez, where she can relax if she’s been busy, or burn off energy with Enriquez’s two boys if she’s not ready for downtime yet.
Francesca came to the Rise School from Canine Companions, a nonprofit that provides service and facility dogs at nocharge to individuals with disabilities, and professionals working in healthcare, education, and criminal justice.
She was born in California, and lived with a volunteer puppy raiser until she was ready for professional training at about 18 months old. Enriquez was matched with Francesca about a year and a half after applying for a facility dog.
Enriquez, who has been part of the Rise community for 15 years, said she struggles to recall what the school was like before Franny became part of it.
“Her presence has profoundly enriched the lives of our students, staff, and families in ways that are difficult to articulate,” Enriquez said. “We are immensely grateful for Fran and the positive impact she continues to have on our school community.”
In the Navy, Applewhite Takes Highland Park Values to the Skies
By Rick Burke Special Contributor
U.S. Navy Ensign Madison Applewhite credits her hometown Highland Park for teaching her the values she uses now to learn the skills aviators need to fly missions around the world.
“Growing up, I learned to always give 110% and that someone is always watching, so you need to be your best at all times to not close any doors,” Applewhite said.
“I would like to thank my parents, Dr. A.J. and Blanca Applewhite, and my siblings, Andrew, Isabel and Chris, who always supported me in my journey and have been there for me,” she said. “They give me a reason to keep working hard to make them proud.”
The 2019 Highland Park High School graduate joined the Navy a year ago after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy.
“I joined the Navy for the opportunities and to continue pursuing a standard of excellence that is followed in the Navy,” Applewhite said.
Today, she serves as a student pilot assigned to Training Air Wing Four
fleet,” Applewhite said.
After graduation, pilots continue their training on a specific aircraft, such as the Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter attack jet, the F-35 Lightning strike fighter jet, or the SH-60 Seahawk helicopter.
“Growing up, I learned to always give 110% and that someone is always watching, so you need to be your best at all times to not close any doors.” Ensign Madison Applewhite
“Serving in the Navy has been rewarding and fulfilling in so many ways,” Applewhite said. “Hearing my friends and family be proud of me pushes me to continue excelling. However, it’s the other people and little girls I met that look up to me that means the most.”
(TRAWING 4) at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi.
clockwise: Rise School students celebrated Francesca’s third birthday with a popsicle party on July 2. Rise students made cards for Francesca in celebration of her third birthday. Facility Dog Francesca helps Rise students develop their fine and gross motor skills.
COURTESY ASHFORD RISE SCHOOL OF DALLAS AND SARAH HODGES
‘Park Cities People’ Applauds
• Cotty Hillman , a member of Highland Park High School’s class of 2010, whose children’s board book, Under His Wings, will be released in mid-August. The story is adapted from Psalm 91. It is about a wren who experiences God’s presence, depicted as a hawk, while exploring a world of wonder, dangers, and unknowns. Hillman will hold a book-launch at Logos Bookstore in Snider Plaza at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 17.
Legendary R ESULTS
• Alex Bell , who was recently selected as University Park’s 2024 Citizen of the Year. Bell, a founding partner of the law firm Ziegler Gardner Bell, has served on University Park’s Public Safety Committee, Centennial Master Plan Steering Committee, and Centennial Celebration Planning and Action Committee. He has chaired the church council for University Park United Methodist Church and is president of Connecting Point of Park Cities, an organization that provides an inclusive day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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• Juvencio Martinez , who recently retired from University Park’s Infrastructure Maintenance Department. In more than 26 years of dedicated service to the city, Martinez only took four weeks of sick time.
• Clark Hunt , a leading voice in international sports, who recently was selected as winner of the 2024 H. Neil Mallon Award. The World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth presents the award annually to an individual who has been key to maintaining the region’s international focus and profile. Hunt joined the Kansas City Chiefs in 2005 as chairman, and has also served as chair of the NFL’s International Committee. — Compiled by Sarah
Hodges
‘There’s Nothing More Urgent Than Freedom’ SMU alumna works to support incarcerated mid-
By Maria Lawson maria.lawson@peoplenewspapers.com
Motivated by her mother’s incarceration, Brittany Barnett started nonprofit Girls Embracing Mothers about 10 years ago to use her experience to empower others in similar situations.
“That nonprofit is to empower young girls with mothers in prison to step and dream their biggest dreams and fulfill their highest potential,” the SMU Dedman School of Law alumna said.
The nonprofit partners with women’s prisons in Texas for girls to visit their moms every month and hosts healing justice sessions, empowerment workshops, and an annual summer camp.
She’s also behind the Buried Alive Project and the Manifest Freedom Foundation.
She co-founded the Buried Alive Project in 2017 with two of her clients, Sharanda Jones and Corey Jacobs, who were serving life sentences under outdated federal drug laws. The trio’s nonprofit works to free people who are serving unjust drug sentences by providing pro bono legal representation.
They’ve so far helped free 62 people.
“There’s no parole in the federal
“This work was literally life saving for dozens of people and their families.”
Brittany Barnett
system, so life is life,” Barnett said.
“This work was literally life saving for dozens of people and their families.”
Through that work, she met brilliant incarcerated people and realized “we rescue them from prison to restore them to poverty.”
Barnett remembered her clients talking about their aspirations.
“From there, I launched the Manifest Freedom Foundation,
where we work to empower entrepreneurs and creatives who have been impacted by the criminal legal system by providing them with capital, access to resources, and a community of people,” she said.
The Manifest Freedom Foundation has provided $560,000 in grants. She helped Jones fund her food truck, Fed Up, through this initiative. Other investments have included funding films and book projects.
DART has prioritized safety by recently deploying transit security officers systemwide. Learn more about how DART is helping to keep the public safe by visiting DART.org.
Barnett left corporate law in 2016 to devote herself to nonprofit work, but still utilizes what she learned on the job.
“I’m just always pondering my highest and best use as a human on this Earth, and I’m understanding that highest and best use evolves over time,” Barnett said. “Where I’m at now in the evolution is bringing my corporate skills and merging them
MORE TO COME
Barnett’s second book, And Then She Freed Herself, is in progress and follows her personal liberation journey that demonstrates how healing oneself can heal the collective.
with my passion to transform unjust systems and really wanting to help people with economic empowerment.”
Barnett was 22 years old when her mom went to prison.
“I can’t imagine being 9 or 10 and my mom going to prison,” she said. “It’s devastating to have any loved one incarcerated, but I can say from firsthand experience that it’s a primal wound when it’s your mom.”
Barnett’s memoir, A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom, follows her journey growing up in rural east Texas and her mom’s drug addiction that led to her incarceration.
“I said, ‘If I’m going to write this book, I have to do it and tell the story in all of its authenticity,’ so I wrote the book to tell the truth … about the injustice that bleeds through the American legal system,” she said.
Barnett believes “there’s nothing more urgent than freedom.”
McKINLEY BUILT HOMES
Brittany Barnett was named an SMU Distinguished Alumni in 2023. Her memoir was selected as an NAACP Image Award nominee and an LA Times Book Prize finalist. COURTESY BRITTANY BARNETT
PATRIOTIC HIGH-WHEELER HANGS UP HIS HELMET AFTER 49 YEARS OF PARK CITIES PARADES
By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com
In 1975, Jim Whorton paid $375 to buy an ugly, black high-wheel bike from a store in Longview.
When he got home, Whorton had to explain to his wife, who thought initially that the purchase was “kind of loony,” that he’d gotten a good deal. In the almost five decades since, Whorton’s investment has “turned out to be a great plus.”
The former Marine with a love of patriotism, freedom, and America has participated in 49 Park Cities Fourth of July parades. For all but three of those years, he has ridden the antique penny farthing he bought in 1975, which is about 5 feet tall with a 48-inch front wheel and no brakes.
But Whorton is now “up in the 80s,” has had a knee and hip replaced, and is looking at options for his other knee. 2024 was his last year of rolling in circles through the streets on two wheels. Next year, paradegoers will see him in a four-
wheeled vehicle, and he’s “going to wave like Queen Elizabeth used to.”
“I love fans and they seem like they really appreciate you doing this,” he said. “It gives me energy. That’s the reason I hate to give it up, but I know I should.”
Members of Whorton’s family followed him this year to help at the start and finish. But Whorton has otherwise changed very little about his parade routine.
He wears the same uniform that he adopted around 2000 — blue pants, a long-sleeved shirt adorned with the stars and stripes, and kneehigh socks. In a concession to safety, he has replaced his straw hat with a helmet. Children sprayed him with silly string that got caught in his axle one year, causing him to go off the front of the bike.
Whorton remembers another close call when he reached the top of the hill on Beverly Drive and all the bearings in his front wheel started falling out. His mother, a patriot and natural-born comedian, wrote a story about how “Jimmy Lost His
Bearings” in memory of the event.
For more than two decades, Whorton has handed out commemorative pens to police officers and others who come close enough to his high-wheeler. This year, he distributed about 200 of the mementos, along with candy.
Some of Whorton’s favorite memories include when the Marine Band participated in the parade, and when he distributed candy to the staff of the television show Dallas, who joined the parade on horseback.
Whorton said that his love of people, along with his patriotism, has kept him going over the years. In addition to riding his high-wheeler, he works at the State Fair of Texas, served for decades as leader of Scout Troop 70, and is a world-traveler and avid hiker who climbed the Matterhorn in Switzerland.
“It just makes me proud to see these people out there waving their flags,” he said. “If the world is filled up with those kinds of people, we’re going to make it fine. We really are.”
PARADE WINNERS
BEST FLOAT: Bubba’s Cooks Country GRAND PRIZE BIKE DECORATIONS: Reese Gould
OTHER BIKE WINNERS:
Girls 8 and Under
First Place - Jones Robertson
Second Place Annabelle McKenzie
Girls 9 and Over
First Place - Catherine Roy
Second Place Harper Zielke
Boys 8 and Under
First Place (Tie)Walt and Wyatt Robertson
Boys 9 and Over
First Place - Philipp Kormilitsiu
Second Place A.J. Hainsfurther
Family Group
First Place - Jonathan Webb Family: Jonathan, Cassie, Lilly, Abby, and Molly
July 4th photos, pages 30-35, by Chris McGathey, Emma Saldivar, and John Anderson.
Jim Whorton’s photo albums document 49 years of parade high wheeling. The commemorative pens that Jim Whorton has given out over the years. He plans to distribute a gold-colored pen in 2025, when he will ride in his 50th parade. COURTESY JIM WHORTON AND SARAH HODGES
PLANNING YOUR PARTY
You can find Camp Crafty’s craft menu online at campcraftyparties. com. Clients may also pick their own crafts for the Camp Crafty team to implement.
CAMP CRAFTY HOSTS ART PARTIES, SUMMER CAMP Started in 2019 by Lilly Watson for partygoers to make memorable keepsakes
By Maria Lawson maria.lawson@peoplenewspapers.com
Lilly Watson aims to make the arts and crafts experience one that’s just a phone call away.
She does so through Camp Crafty, her mobile party company that brings art experiences to birthday celebrations, bachelorette craft nights, and other events.
Watson also hosts a weeklong Camp Crafty experience out of her Preston Hollow home. This year, 15 campers ages 6 to 10 attended the annual affair from June 10 to 14.
parties with her then-5-year-old daughter.
“I was really taken by how beautiful everything is now and how intentional,” Watson said. “I felt like something that was missing was a tactile activity that created a keepsake.”
She recalls hiring a mobile zoo or face-painting contractors to come to her home for birthday parties but realized there weren’t comparable options for crafts.
“We focus at camp on social-emotional growth through hands-on crafting.” Lilly Watson
Watson started Camp Crafty parties in 2019 after attending neighborhood birthday
“We want to call someone and trust them with our vision and let them take care of the details, so I felt like there was a little something missing in the marketplace,” she said.
Watson decided to use her art education and marketing/special event background to become the solution.
“We hear so often, especially from people in my generation, that they’re not creative,” Watson said. “That’s just our favorite challenge.”
The Camp Crafty team, consisting of 12 camp directors who host the parties, aims to help guests create “keepsake-quality” crafts. Camp Crafty also has a contract to provide all birthday party projects at the Perot Museum.
“The main focus when I’m picking a craft is, ‘Is this something that is going to survive all the trips to the donation center and become something that’s really a keepsake for the family?’” Watson said.
The weeklong summer camp started last year and had a 70% return rate this summer.
“We focus at camp on social-emotional growth through hands-on crafting,” Watson said.
Projects during the week included cyanotype photogram art, adopting and stuffing plush owls, and making kites, trucker hats, and succulent planters.
Camp days start with a “free create” opportunity before completing a social-emotional worksheet covering topics including friendship and goal setting. Campers then gather for circle time to discuss their worksheets, stretch, and do the Cupid Shuffle before diving into craft time.
Watson’s interest in crafting started at a young age when her mom had a craft room in the back of their home: “She was a ‘your idea is a great idea’ kind of mom, so that really was great for me.”
Watson’s goals for the brand include ensuring her clients are loving parties, keeping her camp directors busy with events, and working with a supplier to create a product line.
“As I think about what’s coming next in the world with artificial intelligence, the No. 1 thing that they’re not able to replicate is creative intelligence,” Watson said. “This is a way for me with these kids … to be wild, make bold choices, (and) be very encouraged.”
CLOCKWISE: Lilly Watson poses in front of a table of campers working on crafts. A camper poses while looking at drying cyanotype photogram bags. Camp Crafty kids gather around to watch a cyanotype photogram develop. Kids stuff plush owls and decorate carrying boxes. JOHN ANDERSON
Utah’s Mountain Magic This Park City area wins gold for ease of travel
By Diana Oates Special Contributor
Everyone in Dallas goes to Colorado. It’s true. And for good reason. It’s beautiful and a literal breath of fresh air when the summer temperatures tempt even the most loyal Texan to pack up and head out of town for good.
And while we are surely fond of the Centennial State, there are other options that offer a similar set up, sans crowds.
This is where Park City, Utah, enters
the chat. It’s easy to get to, stunning, and provides a bit more of a melting pot when it comes to who’ll you’ll rub elbows with on the mountain.
A recent trip left me in awe of the ease associated with flying there at 9 a.m. and being on the mountain having a late lunch. In a world where time is money, this trip left me feeling rich.
How to get there: Getting to Salt Lake City has never been easier with nonstop options on both American and Southwest Airlines. Once you land, a quick Uber or
chain. The property has an impressive children’s camp, 35,000-square-foot spa and is ski in ski out for those who want to partake in winter recreation. Ski here to find your boots warmed to an ideal 88 degrees each day waiting for you to take on the pristine powder. Ahh, it’s the little things that make it so luxurious.
“In a world where time is money, this trip left me feeling rich.”
Where to eat and drink: Grab a drink at No Name Saloon for the people watching and then head to Riverhorse on Main for live music in a sophisticated atmosphere with great food amazing service. Need a casual option that is delicious to boot? Don’t sleep on Five5eeds located in an otherwise easily skipped over shopping center. Not only does it offer delicious coffee, but the burger and fries and fresh chopped salads were some of the best bites of the trip.
rental car ride will have you sitting pretty amongst the flora and fauna of Utah within the hour. For Dallasites, the flight clocks in at less than 3 hours.
Where to stay: There are options for all budgets in the Park City area; however, the most luxurious choice is Montage Deer Valley. Situated on the side of a mountain on the coveted Empire Pass and offering an impressive 1 million square feet of resort to its guests, Montage Deer Valley has literally and figuratively set itself at the top of the hotel food
What to do: In the summer, fly fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and scenic hiking are the most popular options for outdoor recreation. This area offers a plethora of snow-fueled activities including skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. This area is so well suited for winter sports that you might recall it being the host of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Make sure to take the family to Utah Olympic Park for ziplining, alpine sliding, and rock climbing. You might even get lucky like we did and catch some future Olympians taking reps on the practice tracks and ski jumps.
Alcohol Free in Dally Shows SMU Alum’s Sobriety Strategy
Katie Butler hosts events, shares social media content to form community
By Maria Lawson maria.lawson@peoplenewspapers.com
Katie Butler started her social media presence, “Alcohol Free in Dally,” on TikTok and Instagram after 15 months of sobriety.
She’s been alcohol free since October 2021, and started the pages Jan. 1, 2023, as her New Year’s resolution.
When she told others about her sobriety, she learned most were also interested in the lifestyle but didn’t know how to approach it.
“If we just talked about it, this thing might not seem so taboo,” the SMU alumna said.
She also hosts events at local boutique fitness studios — such as Barry’s, Coast Cycle, Class Studios, Wesley Wellness, and CorePower Yoga.
The events began at Coast Cycle at the start of the year with a “Dry January” class. A former fitness instructor and avid group fitness attendee, Butler’s past colleagues reached out about also collaborating for events.
“Fortunately, alcohol-free options and exercise go hand-inhand,” she said. “It’s already a space, typically, where alcohol isn’t present.”
The events start with an exercise
class followed by an alcohol-free happy hour. Butler has brand partnerships with some of her favorite non-alcoholic beverage brands, such as Cali Sober, Recess Zero, Proof, and Athletic Brewing, which provide the drinks.
“Ultimately, the goal is just showing as many people that there are great non-alcoholic options out there,” Butler said. “That takes the pressure off knowing what to order, navigating a
new relationship with alcohol.”
She became sober almost three years ago to get out of a cycle of alcohol-induced anxiety, describing it as “mental gymnastics.”
“There are people whose brains don’t react well with alcohol,” she said. “For me, alcohol made it really difficult to regulate my emotions and be a good friend, daughter, and sibling.”
Initially her sobriety was meant to be a break from alcohol
to feel better, but it turned into a challenge to see how long she could keep it going.
Butler said the hardest parts were the first six weeks, then the first social gatherings, bachelorette parties, weddings, etc.
“Once you get over those series of firsts, it becomes infinitely easier, but you’ve got to have a game plan going into those experiences,” she said.
She aims to bring a sense of
community to those entering sobriety to help them know what to order, how to prepare, and what mental space to be in.
“There are opportunities and ways to live a very social (and) outgoing life without alcohol,” Butler said.
She encourages those going alcohol free to prepare tactically and emotionally.
“Being realistic about the obstacles coming your way, the feelings coming your way, and making a game plan,” she said.
She says when giving up alcohol, people can expect to face things they were able to ignore when drinking: “That’s not always fun.”
“Dallas is a place where a lot of people think all we can do is eat and drink, and I’ve found you can do all of the eating and social stuff still without the drinking,” Butler said.
The Montage Deer Valley offers guests an impressive 1 million square feet of resort to enjoy and is less than an hour from the Salty Lake City airport. BETTIE GRACE MINER
KATIE’S ALCOHOL-FREE FAVS
Katie Butler’s social media strategy is to talk to the camera like it’s her friend. COURTESY KATIE BUTLER
Local Artist Inspired by Son’s Health Challenges Uses Talents to Give Back
Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com
The year 2018 was full of surprises for Laura Petka. First came the happy news that she was pregnant and expecting twins. The next surprise was less welcome — one of the babies wouldn’t be born healthy.
When Petka’s identical twin sons arrived early two days before Christmas, baby Hayes was whisked off to surgery to correct his jejunal atresia, a rare, potentially life-threatening condition in which an infant’s small intestine fails to completely form before birth.
Hayes’ first surgery was unsuccessful, and so were the several that followed. By 7 months old, Hayes was feeble.
young patients with intestinal diseases.
The day after Helmrath accepted Hayes’ case, Petka flew with the baby to Cincinnati, leaving her husband and three other children behind in Dallas. Helmrath’s team began stabilizing Hayes so that he would be prepared for surgery and told Petka there was no reason for the family to be separated. They could all stay next to the hospital in the Ronald McDonald House.
Petka wasn’t familiar with the house, and at first hesitated to go. When she walked in, she was “just in awe.”
“What’s at the center of your world? When I think about it for myself, it’s our family, my faith, school, education, this neighborhood, everything.”
When doctors suggested making another attempt to repair Hayes’ intestine, the Petka family began looking for alternatives and found Dr. Michael Helmrath, a pediatric surgeon at Cincinnati Children’s dedicated to helping
Laura Petka
“It was just a gorgeous facility,” she said, “and the people were so kind and loving.”
Petka’s husband, Matt, and three other children were able to join her in Cincinnati in a two-bedroom apartment.
The Ronald McDonald House provided them with toys, blankets, and meals, even when they returned late at night after spending a long day with Hayes at the hospital. While Petka’s other young children participated in
scheduled activities, she and her husband focused on Hayes’ health.
Hayes recovered under Dr. Helmrath’s care. He had his last surgery a week before his first birthday and is now a thriving 5-year-old ready to start kindergarten in the fall.
“He’s healthy now, and it’s such a blessing to have our family the way God intended it to be, all together here,” Petka said.
Petka has dedicated herself to sharing her good fortune with other families whose children have medical challenges. She is now on the board of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas and a member of its Fund Development Committee. In 2023, she cochaired the Dallas House’s annual gala. That year, the gala raised $650,000, shattering its previous fundraising record.
Petka, a local artist, has also drawn on the ever-oscillating emotions of her life to inspire her professional work. Her studio showcases dynamic paintings with bold textures and vibrant colors. A painting that looks almost black in her studio transforms to shades of blue in natural light. A smooth, bright red painting has a square of roughly painted orange at its core.
“What’s at the center of your world? When I think about it for myself, it’s our family, my faith, school, education, this neighborhood, everything,” she said. “But when you put all that together in a life, it’s
all kind of crazy, and it’s like living in rapids, living out on the ocean with all the waves.”
This April, Petka brought her talent as an artist and dedication to the Ronald McDonald House together to create a painting that would be auctioned at the House’s gala. The House hoped the painting could be sold for $5,000. Petka’s piece, which featured hearts drawn by Ronald McDonald House children, raised $10,000.
Petka helped the children paint the piece, titled Hearts of Love, on a large-scale canvas, and the line of aspiring young artists often stretched out the door of the activity room.
“Some were in wheelchairs. Some had brain tumors. Some had heart issues. Some couldn’t walk. Some couldn’t move their hands themselves, so I held their hand to help them paint,” she said. “But it was so cool to see how meaningful it was to them.”
TO LEARN MORE
Laura Petka’s paintings are bold, dynamic, textured, and, best of all, affordable. The cost of Petka’s paintings varies based on size and ranges from $1,000 to $6,000. Visit laurapetkaart.com to learn more about her work.
To support Ronald McDonald House, which has focused on caring for families around the world for 50 years, visit rmhc.org.
CLOCKWISE: Laura Petka displays one of her favorite paintings, Midnight Blues. The painting’s colors shift in various lights. Laura Petka stands with two of the children who helped complete her piece, titled HeartsofLove, for Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. Laura Petka’s paintings hang in her University Park home and studio. SARAH HODGES, KRISTIN KILLGO, AND LAURA PETKA FINE ART
recent gatherings and visit peoplenewspapers.com for more on these and other events. — Compiled by Maria Lawson
SMU Moves Fraternity, Sorority Recruitment to Fall
By Maria Lawson maria.lawson@peoplenewspapers.com
SMU has moved its fraternity and sorority recruitment from spring to fall in hopes of improving the student experience and retention.
This change applies to all four councils: Panhellenic, Interfraternity, National Pan-Hellenic, and Multicultural Greek.
The university has had work groups examine the timing of recruitment and how it affects student experiences in the academic, social, and mental health realms. The most recent of these conversations was last fall.
“They reviewed all of those data points, particularly focusing on that fall semester student experience and retention data for the institution,” SMU director of fraternity and sorority life Ashley Fitzpatrick said. “Once looking at all of those key points, leadership unanimously agreed that it was time for us to try something new (and) that deferred recruitment wasn’t really meeting the expectations that we had hoped it would.”
After recruitment, the university will assess to see how the new timeline impacts students’ experiences.
“Deferred recruitment is more of a minority in terms of the number of institutions that do it nationally, so we’re one of the first to make this leap to fall instead of moving forward,” Fitzpatrick said. “We’re very curious about what the data will show.”
“Students were engaging in those informal (recruitment) conversations as soon as they got on campus,” Fitzpatrick said.
The change will affect the four fraternity and sorority councils differently.
Panhellenic and the Interfraternity Council are holding two recruitments in 2024 — their former spring recruitments and the new fall one — due to the transition.
“They’ve been preparing all spring, working through trainings and logistics, prepping their members to come back and kick it into gear right away,” Fitzpatrick said.
For the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Multicultural Greek Council, member intake is on a chapter basis: “For many of their organizations, they also require a higher hour completion requirement to be able to join, so for some of them, this change won’t really have the same impact as it will for Panhellenic and IFC as they might continue to recruit in later semesters,” Fitzpatrick said.
The university is hosting Zoom information sessions this summer to give insight into what the fall process will look like.
“We know there are a lot of questions about this process and the why, and we encourage anyone interested to visit our website,” Fitzpatrick said. “We have an entire page dedicated to the move to fall recruitment and intake.”
MORE INFO
Visit smu.edu/studentaffairs/ fraternityandsororitylife/fallrecruitment for a full recruitment schedule and to read the frequently asked questions.
Fitzpatrick said that statistics show that a deferred recruitment process tends to support academic achievement by allowing students to connect with the university and other organizations first. However, that wasn’t the case at SMU.
Editor’s note: So many great celebrations, so little space in print. Enjoy this roundup of photographs of
MAY 21
Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Fashion Notes Kickoff Party, Caitlin Wilson Design. Caitlin Wilson, Madelaine Lam, and Whitney Cameron. THOMAS GARZA
MAY 16
Live Like Luke Coffee Fundraiser, Al Biernat’s Oak Lawn. Babe Laufenberg and Dirk Nowitzki. JAMES SMITH
MAY 15 Retina Foundation Visionary Luncheon, Meyerson Symphony Center. Bill Voss, Jennifer Voss, Danielle Bilibio, and Dr. Mark Pennesi. KRISTINA BOWMAN
MAY 9
The Family Place ReuNight, Hôtel Swexan. James and Kristin Hallam with Annie and Erik Miller. TAMYTHA CAMERON
MAY 5
International Society Cinco de Mayo Celebration, home of Barbara Crow. Sharman Vesecky, Princess Igwe-Icho, Barbara Crow, and Wiktor Marcinkiewicz. COURTESY
MAY 2
Friends of the Katy Trail Major Donor Party, The Terminal at the Katy Trail. Kaleta Blaffer Johnson, Katherine Seale, and Paul Ridley. KRISTINA BOWMAN
APRIL 29
Family Compass North Star Luncheon, Dallas Country Club. Neva Cochran and Ona Foster. TAMYTHA CAMERON
DONALD JOSEPH HOFF
Donald Joseph Hoff, son-in-law of Thomas and Susan Stanzel of Highland Park, was a loving son, husband, and father. Don entered eternal life during the early morning hours of Saturday, June 15, 2024, following a period of illness. Born in Kansas City, Kansas, on April 16, 1960, to Albert Alphonsus Hoff and wife, Elizabeth Josephine O’Connor, he had three younger siblings, Maureen Elizabeth, Dennis Albert, and Michael Thomas, who died the day following his birth. Growing up in Kansas City, Don graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School, where he played football, tennis, and soccer. He went on to graduate from Kansas University with double majors in Accounting and Computer Science.
well into his forties and enjoyed golf for many years. He followed the local sports teams, as well as the basketball team of his beloved alma mater.
Upon graduating college, Don passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam and began a successful career in Dallas, Texas. Through his career he served in roles spanning auditing, reporting, and financial operations for a varied range of organizations, from KPMG to small start-up firms. Don would go on to join SRS Real Estate Partners, where he would complete the second half of his professional years and finish his career as Vice President of Financial Reporting and Planning. He was active for many years in Financial Executives International (FEI). Don experienced fulfillment not only in performing the duties of his profession, but also in working alongside his SRS colleagues whom he regarded highly.
An avid and lifelong athlete, Don continued to play in recreational soccer leagues
Committed as he was to his professional life, what Don treasured most was his family. After marrying Kathryn Rose Stanzel (Rose), on October 3, 1987, in Dallas, they were blessed by three sons, Michael Thomas, Peter Christopher, and Nicholas Augustine. A devoted father, Don took an active role in their homeschool education, especially in the subjects of math and personal finance. Family dinners in the Hoff family were a consistent priority. Don was active in his sons’ extracurricular activities, notably youth sports and Boy Scout camping trips. Spending time with fmaily was one of life’s greatest joys for him. Most recently, he had
daughters-in-law, Eden, wife of Nicholas, and Hailee, wife of Peter.
Don was a devout Catholic. He had a strong love for the holy rosary and for the First Saturday devotion. A parishioner of Christ the King Catholic Church for over thirty years, Don served in leadership and mentor roles, which included Bible Studies, the Parish Council, the Right of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), and the Dallas chapter of the Young Catholic Professionals (YCP).
His faith was reflected in his support of Pro-Life organizations including Vitae Foundation, Bloom Pregnancy Help Center, White Rose Women’s Center, and the Bishops Pro-Life Committee; as well as Catholic Media outlets including Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), Relevant Radio, and Ave Maria Radio. He also supported the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land, as well as the Sisters of Carmel of Port Tobacco, the first Carmelite monastery in the United States, in which his maternal aunt has served multiple tenures as Mother Superior. Don gave generously of his own body as a lifetime fifty-gallon blood donor.
Don was an exemplary Christian gentleman: thoughtful, kind, and welcoming to everyone he met or knew. His considerate and selfless disposition, together with his always playful sense of humor, is a cherished legacy to his family.
Don was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Josephine (Betty Jo) O’Connor; his brother, Michael Thomas; and his miscarried daughter, Anna Kathryn. He is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years, Kathryn Rose Stanzel (Rose). In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Michael Thomas Hoff; Peter Christopher Hoff and wife, Hailee; and
and their unborn son due in October. He is also survived by his father, Albert Alphonsus Hoff and wife, Carolyn, of Kansas City; sister, Maureen, and husband, Tavenner Cornelius Lupton, III, of Dallas, their children, Andrew Tavenner, and Rachael Carolyn; brother, Dennis Albert Hoff, wife, Kellie, and son, Adam Christopher, of Kansas City. Other family members include parents-in-law, Thomas Alfred and Susan Stanzel, brotherin-law, Richard Cary Stanzel, wife, Shelley, and son, Chappell; brother-in-law, Paul Heller Stanzel, wife, Marian, their children, Victoria (Hudson), Mark (Holly), and Catherine; brother-in-law, Michael Andrew Stanzel, wife, Tiffany, and children, Emily Claire, Michael “Andrew”, Ella Marie, Lily Anne, and Thomas; sister-in-law, Rachel, and husband, Christopher Bailey Trowbridge, and their daughters, Catherine Cecilia (Coco), Vivian Vail, and Jacquelyn (Jackie) Rose; his maternal aunt, Mother Virginia Marie O’Connor; and many cousins.
Vigil Service with Rosary was held Tuesday, July 2nd at 6:00 p.m. at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas 75225.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, July 3rd, 11:00 a.m., at Christ the King Catholic Church, 8017 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas 75225.
To leave condolences, please visit www. sparkman-hillcrest.org.
If desired, memorials may be made to: Vitae Foundation (vitaefoundation.org), University of Dallas, Sisters of Carmel of Port Tobacco (carmelofporttobacco.com), The Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land (ffhl.org), Bloom Pregnancy Help Center (bloomphc.org), or The White Rose Wom-
The Flavors of Provence?
There’s an Appetizer For That
tugal, and Morocco.
While North Texas teachers and students are preparing to return to the classroom, I’m preparing to teach culinary classes in September and October to passengers on three back-to-back Mediterranean cruises as a celebrity chef onboard Atlas Ocean Voyages.
Our first voyage begins in Nice, France, and continues to Saint-Raphael, Toulon, and Marseilles before cruising to Spain. The flavors and dishes typical of Provence revolve around rich sources of seafood and an abundance of olives, tomatoes, truffles, figs, cheese, and wine.
Ingredients:
was served al fresco, after which we were invited to walk among the olive trees. Naïve, I plucked a ripe black olive from a tree and popped it into my mouth only to discover it was incredibly bitter. I quickly learned that olives take on their final flavor only after harvest and processing.
“It’s easy in our pizza culture to overdo the cheese, so I urge restraint when making the tartines.”
Our excursion also included a stop at a busy outdoor market where booths displayed fish, meats, cheese, bread, pastries, grapes, olives, stone fruit, fresh and dried tomatoes, and lavender. Wanting to capture the fresh flavors of Provence for my upcoming voyage using tomatoes currently available in North Texas’ farmers markets, I created Tomato Tartine Provencal.
Tartine is the French word for sliced bread spread with butter, but a dish so basic cries out for embellishments.
½ loaf artisan country bread
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for garnish
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
2 large ripe tomatoes, rinsed
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons Herbes de Provence
2 tablespoons fresh basil, rinsed, dried, and chopped
Directions:
Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Slice the bread into ½-inch thick slices, transfer them to the cookie sheet, and brush the top of each slice with olive oil. Preheat the broiler and, when it is hot, toast the slices until they are golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Watch the toasts carefully so they don’t burn. Remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool.
The toasts are garnished with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and a slice of ripe tomato seasoned with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, herbes de Provence, and a bit more cheese. The tartines are baked just until the tomatoes soften, then are drizzled with olive oil and receive a final garnish of chopped fresh basil before serving.
It’s easy in our pizza culture to overdo the cheese, so I urge restraint when making the tartines.
The Parmigiano-Reggiano is only one of many delicate layers of flavor, so each may be savored.
As an app or a light lunch, Tomato Tartine Provencal exemplifies the cuisine of Provence — fresh, local ingredients combined by those passionate about food to allow the flavors to shine.
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.
Shortly before serving, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Slice tomatoes crosswise into ¼-inch thick slices and drain them on paper towels for two minutes. Sprinkle the toast with grated cheese and top each with a tomato slice. Season the tomatoes with salt, pepper, herbes de Provence, and a light garnish of additional grated cheese. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until the tomatoes have softened, remove the tartines from the oven, and lightly drizzle each tomato with olive oil. Garnish with chopped basil and serve immediately.
MARKETPLACE
To place your ad in People Newspapers, please call us at 214-523-5239, fax to 214-594-5779, or email to classified@peoplenewspapers.com. All ads will Park Cities People and Preston Hollow People and online. Pre-payment is required on all ads. Deadline for our next edition is Monday, Aug 5, 2024. People Newspapers reserves the right to edit or reject ads. We assume no liability for errors or omissions in advertisements and no responsibility beyond the cost of the ad. We are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion.
two-bath home is ready for you! Move-in, remodel, or rebuild- there are many options for the new owner. Situated in a tranquil setting, this home benefits from neighbors on just one side.
Diana McDowell (682) 554-3740 diana.mcdowell@kw.com 2813 S Hulen St #150 Fort Worth, Texas 76109
CHRISTY ROST
CHRISTY ROST AND PIXABAY
TOMATO TARTINE PROVENCAL
ALLIE BETH ALLMAN
Summer means it’s time to relax in your lake getaway
Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents have a variety of homes available along Texas’ beautiful lakes. Connect with an agent for details.
Make memories this summer and leave a legacy for your family with a home on the shores of Cedar Creek Lake.
Here are several lake homes to consider from the experts lake at Allie Beth Allman & Associates.
Nestled on nearly an acre within the beautiful Long Cove development, 4510 Long Cove Drive spans 8,950 square feet with an expansive open floor plan boasts wide, breathtaking views of the lake.
Two homes in the gated Long Cove Resort community offer access a lakeside club with boat valet and both chip and putt golf.
The home at 14700 Kiawah Way features a firstfloor primary suite and second-floor bunkroom. Nearby, a new, five-bedroom at 12092 Lighthouse Lane East showcases stunning views of the lake.
Meanwhile, there’s a spot for your new home on the shoreline closest to Dallas. These two acres on a private peninsula have 320 feet of shoreline and a private dock. Split the property or create a family compound at 212 Brentwood Drive.
And, on a half-acre lot in the Enchanted Oaks development, is the four-bedroom home at 284 Enchanted Drive – both fully furnished and including a boat and a Sea-Doo.
Ebby Halliday Realtors offers its clients and agents professional, highly effective marketing and advertising across a spectrum of media that is unmatched by competitors. In fact, Ebby Halliday Realtors was named the No. 1 Large Brokerage in America for Brand and Property Advertising by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World in 2023.
“At Ebby Halliday, marketing and advertising is professionally developed and managed in-house by an industry-leading team of marketers,” says Steve Smith, Vice President of Marketing for the Ebby Halliday Companies. “Our focus, each and every day, is achieving optimal results for our valued clients and agents.
“Properties listed with Ebby Halliday Realtors enjoy exceptionally high visibility through professional marketing, advertising and promotional activities that provide proven results,” Smith says. “Our marketing and advertising efforts are complemented by the mostadmired sales force in Texas. The bottom line is Ebby Halliday clients benefit from a combination of marketing and sales experience that is unmatched in our market.”
For more information or to get started working with an agent who will put you and your real estate needs first, visit ebby.com.
Indulge in custom-bespoke living within The Bluffs at Cochran Chapel, an intimate gated community, boasting just twelve homes in the heart of Bluff Hollow. Teaming up with the renowned Mark Molthan of Platinum Custom Homes, seize the exceptional chance to craft your vision of an ideal home on one of the final expansive lots available within the community. The envisioned design above showcases 4 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms and sprawls just over 5,000 square feet of meticulously crafted space. Alternatively, unlock the potential to fashion a truly singular residence, tailored precisely to your desires. For further insights, please call Ani Nosnik at (972) 986-5432.
ALLIE BETH ALLMAN
Exquisite homes for sale in desirable Highland Park
Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents sell more homes in Highland Park than any other brokerage, according to Multiple Listing Service data.
Highland Park—with its great schools, scenic beauty, and high-end restaurant and retail scene—will always be a draw in Dallas.
If you’re interested in buying in this prestigious and inviting area, discover some exquisite gems that Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents represent right now.
On a quiet Highland Park street, there’s a property for sale with exciting possibilities. The 3,800-squarefoot home sitting at 3811 Normandy Ave. was built in 1936 and holds plenty of charm and character. You can remodel or start from scratch and build a larger, custom home on the generous, oversized lot.
Set right on the Dallas Country Club golf course and coming with a putting green of its own, 3818 Shenandoah St. is a rare find. Its exceptional location and grand design will always stand out on the market.
Greeting you with a brick exterior, 3919 Gillon Ave. is a timeless example of traditional Highland Park style. Sophistication and comfort balance beautifully as the spaces unfold with warm woodwork and ample oversized windows.
Francophiles must check out 4444 Arcady Ave., where an arched entry gate, enchanting brick facade and fairytale front door set a dreamy tone when you arrive at the 6,129-square-foot beauty.
Park Cities neighborhoods lure families
Find a new home with the help of the Park Cities sales
For a family, it’s hard to beat living in the Park Cities. The homes are designed for families, and the Highland Park school district, which serves University Park and Highland Park, is ranked as one of the best in Texas.
Allie Beth Allman & Associates consistently leads in the sale of Park Cities homes, and its experts can help you find the perfect home for your family in these popular neighborhoods.
Don’t miss the five-bedroom, Mediterranean-style home at 4012 Colgate Ave., which has an open floor plan in more than 6,000 square feet of living space.
The large primary suite has a private balcony and a luxurious bath and oversized closet. The back patio also a fireplace next to a pool with a spa.
Love to entertain friends and family? The custom-built, five-bedroom home at 3844 Greenbrier Drive in the heart of University Park has been updated with a sophisticated blend of contemporary and traditional features.
In the five-bedroom home at 3329 Purdue Ave. is a kitchen with white marble that will impress your guests. Prepare elegant dinners using the double oven and warming drawer. It also has a walk-in pantry and butler’s pantry to make serving a breeze.
THE
PERRY-MILLER STREIFF GROUP
Perry-Miller Streiff Group Ranks No. 1, Again
The pinnacle of success in Dallas luxury real estate is being named to the No. 1 spot by RealTrends + Tom Ferry “The Thousand”. The Perry-Miller Streiff Group of Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate reached that pinnacle in 2021, 2022, 2023, and with the release of 2024’s rankings will stay there once again. They are also ranked the No. 3 medium-sized team in Texas.
Ryan Streiff, lead associate of the eight-person team, attributes the accomplishment to their collective experience and a deep understanding of the luxury lifestyle and mindset behind it. “Each of our members is highly knowledgeable, highly connected and highly effective,” Streiff said, “and that has proven to be what differentiates us from other local teams. We’re so grateful for our clients’ trust, which has helped us become the go-to resource in Dallas’ most-established neighborhoods.”
While the past few years have changed many things about the real estate industry, the Perry-Miller Streiff Group continues to adapt to ensure their sellers are still receiving the best possible exposure for their listings. Almost ½ of the team’s sold properties have traded off market in 2024, which is one of the many reasons having an agent in the know is the true secret to either selling or grabbing these exclusives homes for yourself.
The Perry-Miller Streiff Group delivers what others promise: Results. Highly-experienced associates, a sincere focus on clientele, and a collaborative leadership combine to deliver a first-class experience and record setting results. Visit DPMFineHomes.com to learn more or to see their current listings.
ALLIE BETH ALLMAN
With new listings, it’s a great time to call the Park Cities home
Allie Beth Allman & Associates leads in the sale of homes in Highland Park and University Park, according to Multiple Listing Service statistics.
If you’re looking for a home in the premier neighborhoods of the Park Cities, ask the experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates for help in buying your dream home there.
Multiple Listing Service data ranks the Allman firm as the top brokerage serving the Park Cities.
At 2925 Purdue Ave., the five-bedroom home, with a downstairs primary suite, is a timeless property. The backyard oasis has a pool and spa, plus a screened porch, a cabana bath and quarters.
The large home at 3516 Wentwood Drive in the heart of University Park is on a rare double lot that spans almost a half-acre. It has five or six bedrooms in more than 8,600 square feet of living space and features a primary suite with two closets.
The five-bedroom home at 3915 Euclid Ave. offers an exceptional design with a primary suite that offers a sitting area and two baths. There is a guest suite downstairs and three bedrooms upstairs, along with a game room and office.
The three-story home at 4385 San Carlos St. has four bedrooms in University Park. Within walking distance of the popular shops and restaurants at Highland Park Village, the home has a Frenchinspired interior that include many updates.
Location, Amenities Top List of Home’s Highlights
Discover the perfect blend of classic French charm and modern sophistication at 4219 Edmondson Avenue (4219edmondson.daveperrymiller.com).
Listed by Courtney Jubinsky for $4,875,000, this transitional home was extensively updated under the expert design directive of William S. Briggs, Architect. It features 4 bedrooms and 5.1 baths and enjoys a prime location within walking distance to Highland Park Village, Dallas Country Club, and Bradfield Elementary.
The first floor welcomes you with a gracious foyer, formal living areas, a large family room that opens to a stunning kitchen and breakfast area, and a cozy den with beamed ceiling offering picture-perfect views of the outdoor living spaces and serene pool with fountains.
Upstairs, the primary suite with an expansive bath, three ensuite bedrooms, a study, and a laundry room provide ample space and comfort. The property is complete with a 2-car detached garage adorned with gas lanterns and a motorized iron gate for added privacy.
For more information, contact Jubinsky at 214-684-2575 or courtney@dpmre.com.
Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate (dpmre.com) is a division of the Ebby Halliday Companies, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, with five locations that specialize in Preston Hollow, Park Cities, North Dallas, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Uptown, Kessler Park and Farm & Ranch properties.
ALLIE BETH ALLMAN Summer means it’s time to relax in your lake getaway
Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents have a variety of homes available along Texas’ beautiful lakes. Connect with an agent for details.
Make memories this summer and leave a legacy for your family with a home on the shores of Cedar Creek Lake.
Here are several lake homes to consider from the experts lake at Allie Beth Allman & Associates.
Nestled on nearly an acre within the beautiful Long Cove development, 4510 Long Cove Drive spans 8,950 square feet with an expansive open floor plan boasts wide, breathtaking views of the lake.
Two homes in the gated Long Cove Resort community offer access a lakeside club with boat valet and both chip and putt golf.
The home at 14700 Kiawah Way features a firstfloor primary suite and second-floor bunkroom. Nearby, a new, five-bedroom at 12092 Lighthouse Lane East showcases stunning views of the lake. Meanwhile, there’s a spot for your new home on the shoreline closest to Dallas. These two acres on a private peninsula have 320 feet of shoreline and a private dock. Split the property or create a family compound at 212 Brentwood Drive. And, on a half-acre lot in the Enchanted Oaks development, is the four-bedroom home at 284 Enchanted Drive – both fully furnished and including a boat and a Sea-Doo.
ALLIE BETH ALLMAN
leaders at Allie Beth Allman & Associates.
EBBY HALLIDAY
ALLIE BETH ALLMAN URBAN
9103 Bluff Hollow Court Lot for Sale
Listed by Ani Nosnik at $1,300,000
