Park Cities People February 2025

NO FLUORIDE, NO PROBLEM

Park Cities residents don’t need to rush out for Waterpiks if President Donald Trump removes fluoride from drinking water.

Fluoride isn’t added to Park Cities water, according to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And it apparently never has been.

Fluoridation was debated in the late 1960s. But the issue died after two anti-fluoride members were elected to the Park Cities Water District Board, based on a search of Dallas Morning News articles.

Today, Highland Park and University Park are the only municipalities in Dallas County where drinking water does not contain synthetic fluoride, according to the CDC. (Park Cities water does contain naturally occurring fluoride, but the amount is less than the 0.7 milligrams per liter recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services.)

Fluoride proponents say the mineral helps prevent tooth decay, but Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s pick for health and human services secretary, has called it an “industrial waste” and claimed that it’s associated with health problems.

He’s said on X that the Trump White House will advise that fluoride be removed from the nation’s public water supplies.

Health concerns about fluoride aren’t new. They were an issue for opponents of fluoridation when the question came before the Park Cities town councils in 1967.

Anti-fluoridation advocates argued that the additive “should not be forced on everybody by a governing body” when it was already available in toothpaste and some foods, according to a Sept. 12, 1967, Dallas Morning News article.

The contentious January 1968 election for spots on the Water District Board brought out more than 650 voters, which was “an unusually large number for a water district election,” according to the Morning News. The vote was roughly 2-to-1 in favor of the candidates opposed to fluoridation.

In the wake of their loss, fluoridation

advocates called for a public referendum on the issue, but newspaper articles are silent on whether one was ever held.

While its impact on health may be up for debate, general manager of the Dallas County Park Cities Municipal Utility District Hector Ortiz said that, as a water operator, he doesn’t miss fluoride. The chemicals used to fluoridate water systems are acidic and harmful to employees if systems fail and they’re exposed.

“From an operations standpoint, it is not something we like to deal with,” he said. “We’ve got plenty of other chemicals we deal with around here, and fluoride is just one of those that’s just really been controversial, I think ever since it was implemented.”

SARAH HODGES

Crime Reports Dec. 9 - Jan. 12

Dec. 9

A sneaky thief stole the tail lamps and damaged the truck bed cover of a 2020 Ford F-150 before 6:45 a.m. in the 4400 block of Fairfax Avenue.

Dec. 10

A firearm-loving fiend stole a Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm handgun, a Christensen Arms CA9 9mm handgun, a Microsoft Surface Laptop, a briefcase, and a wallet at about 2:58 p.m. from an unlocked 2023 Genesis GV80 on Lovers Lane.

Dec. 11

How easy was it for a thief to steal a leather case, two backpacks, two laptops, a kindle, shoes, Soundcore headphones, a computer monitor, and a Mercedes-Benz key fob at about 7:39 p.m. from a 2024 Toyota on Northwest Parkway ? The car was left unlocked.

Dec. 12

A shady thief stole Oakley sunglasses, Ray-Ban sunglasses, and a multi-tool from an unlocked 2017 GMC Yukon Denali on Hanover Street at about 2:56 a.m.

Dec. 13

A burglar broke a window before 6:43 p.m. to enter the concession stand at the Highland Park Pool. But the stand was out of season, and there was apparently nothing to steal.

Dec. 14

A greedy globetrotter stole a passport, global entry card, MacBook Pro, clothes, and a Yeti backpack from an unlocked Ford Raptor at about 7:59 p.m. in The Plaza at Preston Center.

Dec. 16

A thief may have a dirty conscience and clean laundry after stealing Tide Liquid Detergent, Tide Detergent Pods and paper towels from CVS on Preston Road at about 5:47 p.m.

Dec. 17

A scoundrel stole an HP Laptop, $1,800, and gift cards to Target and The Capital Grille from a 2022 Land Rover parked near Hillstone on Preston Road at about 5:07 p.m.

Dec. 18

How do you turn a blue Ford Bronco into an ATM? Leave it unlocked with money inside at about 3:17 p.m. in the 4400 block of Emerson Avenue.

Dec. 19

A poor parker did not leave information after swiping a 2008 Infiniti G37 in the Whole Foods parking lot in the 4100 block of Lomo Alto Drive before 9:10 p.m.

Dec. 21

An auto thief stole a locked 2011 Chevy Suburban at about 3:16 a.m. on Centenary Drive.

Dec. 23

A classy criminal stole high heels and a cashmere sweater at about 6:32 p.m. from a 2023 Audi in front of Luminary Lifestyle in The Plaza at Preston Center.

Dec. 24

A cold-hearted criminal stole a jacket from a 2019 Land Rover Range Rover at about 12:59 p.m. in The Plaza at Preston Center.

Dec. 25

A rotten robber struck CVS on Mockingbird Lane bef ore 7:19 p.m., stealing Dawn Ultra dish soap, Lysol disinfectant spray, Tide Pods laundry detergent, and other products.

Dec. 26

A burglar broke into a GMC Sierra in The Plaza at Preston Center at about 5:15 p.m. and stole a backpack, workout gear, two Ruger AR-10s, a Sig Sauer AR10, and a Smith & Wesson AR-15.

Dec. 27

A greedy thief stole a bracelet from a locked 2023 Cadillac Escalade on Preston Road at about 5:15 p.m.

Dec. 28

Reported at 3:44 p.m.: Armed robbers stole two money bags and a firearm from a cashin-transit employee leaving CVS on Preston Road before fleeing in a dark gray Jeep.

Dec. 29

A corrupt card player stole Pokémon cards from a specialty store in Snider

Plaza at about 4:08 p.m.

Dec. 31

The reckless roadster who hit a 2018 Ford F-150 before 8:35 p.m. in the 3500 block of Beverly Drive drove off without a side mirror.

Jan. 1

A porch pirate stole a FedEx envelope containing documents, a box with clothing worth $50, and another box containing three designer swimsuits worth a total of $2,500, at about 6:20 a.m. from a home in the 3800 block of Miramar Avenue.

Jan. 2

An Uber driver delivered an iPhone that had been left in her vehicle to the Highland Park Department of Public Safety at 4700 Drexel Drive at about 7:41 p.m.

Jan. 3

A thief stole two Hilti hammers, a drill, a flashlight, batteries, and multiple other tools at about 4:55 p.m. from an unlocked Ford F-350 on Bryn Mawr Drive.

Jan. 4

A license plate larcenist stole the plate of a trailer parked in the 3700 block of Normandy Avenue before 10:46 a.m.

Jan. 8

The driver of a Land Rover who swerved to avoid a collision with another vehicle hit a stop sign at the intersection of Edmondson Avenue and Douglas Avenue at about 4:17 p.m.

Jan. 11

A decadent delinquent stole between $150,000 and $300,000 worth of items from a 2020 Audi S7 in The Plaza at Preston Center at about 3:05 p.m., including an Audemars Piguet rose gold watch, a tennis bracelet, a MacBook Pro, Apple AirPods, Apple headphones, Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses, an iPad, a gun safe, and a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol.

Jan. 12

A thief may have a beautiful complexion and stained soul after stealing L’Oréal, Maybelline, Hero Cosmetics, and Starface products from CVS on Preston Road at about 3:51 p.m.

more crimes, visit peoplenewspapers.com/ category/crime/

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Remember the Alamo, and the Fighting Words of William B. Travis

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

The 157 men under William B. Travis’ command were surrounded by thousands of Mexican soldiers at the Alamo when he penned one of the most memorable letters in American history.

independence, resilience, and liberty.”

The first plaque from the Alamo Letter Society was dedicated at the Ellis County Historic Courthouse on Feb. 23, 2024. On Feb. 24 — 188 years to the day after the letter was written — a second plaque was dedicated at the Rockwall Courthouse.

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He pleaded for aid, but wrote that even if his call was neglected, he was determined to fight with honor until the battle reached one of only two possible outcomes — “Victory or Death.”

A plaque of the 220-word letter caught Hockaday student Slone McNutt’s eye during her family’s visit to the Alamo in Jan. 2023. Slone had studied Travis’ words in school, but seeing them on paper didn’t compare to the impact of the 203-pound bronze memorial.

“The Alamo Letter represents everything we hold dear as Texans and Americans: the courage to stand up for our rights, and the willingness to pay the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of freedom and independence,” said Judge Todd Little, who oversaw Ellis County’s effort to install the plaque as Alamo Letter Society County Chair. “I hope all generations continue to revere the story of our fellow Texans at the Alamo.”

“This letter really captures what it is to be a Texan … It really encapsulates independence, resilience, and liberty.”

Slone McNutt

Why, she asked her father, weren’t there similar plaques all over Texas? People shouldn’t have to visit the Alamo to view a tangible connection to their history.

Slone’s father, Bill McNutt, was “astounded at the power and simplicity of her idea.”

Together with fellow University Park resident Rosser Newton and Sgt. Maj. of the Army (Ret) John Vick, who is district director for state Sen. Bob Hall, the McNutts founded the nonprofit Alamo Letter Society. The Society’s goal is to place a replica of the bronze plaque with Travis’ “Victory or Death” letter in all 254 Texas courthouses.

“These soldiers could have very easily given up and gone home. But no, they wanted to stay there to defend the Alamo,” Slone explained. “This letter really captures what it is to be a Texan … It really encapsulates

Since those first two installations, the Alamo Letter Society has dedicated 14 more plaques. It has 31 additional dedications planned in 2025. Connecting with supporters across the state, Slone said, has been her favorite part of the effort.

“It has inspired me to see that my idea, just a schoolgirl’s idea, is coming true,” she said. “There is definitely a lot of interest in this, and we’re hoping to get this done as soon as we can.”

The Society has dedicated its efforts to José Antonio Navarro and Juan Seguín, leading Tejanos in the Texas fight for independence. It also honors supporters with the Captain Albert Martin Alamo Award. Martin rode through the Mexican army to deliver Travis’ letter, then returned to die defending the Alamo.

“As times are progressing, of course we need to change,” Slone said. “But these are the ideals, and this is what it means to be a Texan. And we need to remember this.”

HOW TO HELP Visit alamoletter.com to learn more about the Alamo Letter Society.

FROM LEFT: Bill McNutt, Rosser Newton, Slone McNutt, Senator Bob Hall, and Lorne Liechty at the Rockwall Courthouse dedication. SUSANA MCNUTT

WHEN LIFE AND THE HEART ARE STRUGGLING.

Move Over, Energizer. SMU Researchers Create Cheaper, Longer Lasting Batteries

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Lithium-sulfur batteries are cheaper, lighter, more powerful, and more sustainable than the lithium-ion batteries used to power cellphones, tablets, and electric vehicles. So why aren’t we using lithium-sulfur batteries instead?

The answer is that they don’t work well for very long. The same sulfur that makes these batteries inexpensive and lightweight is also the source of their crucial flaw — over multiple charges and discharges, it causes the batteries to degrade.

But SMU mechanical engineer Donghai Wang and his research team have found a way to make the batteries last longer, while still delivering 1.5 to two times as much energy as lithium-ion batteries.

terminal. Lithium-sulfur batteries pair a sulfur-containing positive terminal with a negative terminal containing lithium. But when the lithium binds with the sulfur, molecules drift into the substance between the terminals, and the sulfur begins to destroy the battery.

It’s taken Wang and his team more than two years to develop a “hybrid polymer network cathode,” a project he began at Penn State and continued to further develop at SMU when he joined the faculty in 2024.

The team has seen its lithium-sulfur batteries discharge and recharge without degrading as many as 1,000 times depending on the conditions, said Wang, who is the Brown Foundation Chair of Mechanical Engineering and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at SMU.

The group’s research was recently published in the journal Nature

Sustainability. And the SMU researchers are working to make their high-performance batteries even more efficient. One day, lithium-sulfur batteries could be used in drones or heavy-duty vehicles. And passengers could even fly in large, battery-powered commercial airliners.

“That is our dream,” Wang said.

“That we can have this technology to make it happen.”

Wang has spent more than a decade tackling the problem of how to make lithium-sulfur batteries last longer.

All batteries, including lithium-ion and lithium-sulfur batteries, have a positive and a negative

The “hybrid polymer network cathode” has multiple tethers that capture the sulfur before it’s able to bind with the lithium. Because the sulfur stays in the cathode’s framework, it can’t damage the battery.

“This breakthrough could lead to more durable, long-lasting batteries,” Wang said.

Donghai Wang. COURTESY SMU AND UNSPLASH.COM

HILL MEN LOVE DIGGING FOR DINOSAURS

Father’s fossil hunting hobby preserves memories with sons

By Josh Hickman Special Contributor

University Park attorney David Hill’s childhood interest in dinosaurs has led to a surviving family tradition of paleontology, archeology, and plenty of together time digging in dirt.

Digging around the creek behind his childhood home, at Lake Lewisville, and on Boys Scouts campouts, David was a born fossil collector.

“For me, what’s always been fascinating is this evidence of past life, past versions of the earth, where we fit in that story,” David recalled.

Learning of the Dallas Paleontological society during a trip to the zoo with his then-toddler son,

Wyatt, he joined.

“We started going on field trips and on weekend expeditions on our own,” he said, recounting their jaunts to riverbeds and rock quarries. “A lot of the fossils we’ve found over the years are, to me, like memory stones.

“Everyone has a story,” David said. “If we find something really important, we’ll donate it. We’ve donated pieces to SMU, the Perot Museum, and the Heard Museum.”

Donations include a large display of prehistoric turtles to the Perot which were excavated in 2007, when the museum was in its infancy as was Hill’s youngest son, Brady, who observed the dig in a diaper.

But the museum didn’t have a

line item in their budget for the fossils, explaining to Hill that if he could raise the funds, they would be happy to display them.

“It’s like having a scrapbook made of rock.” David Hill

A Bradfield Boy Scouts leader at the time, he contacted a Scouts mother for fundraising advice. Her grandfather happened to be Bill Clements, and she had just been made president of his foundation which hadn’t yet donated to any cause.

“My grandfather was really into Scouts and really into fossils,” Hill recalls her saying as she swooped in to save the day. “I know he would really like this. Who do I write the check to?’”

Brady followed in his brother’s and father’s footsteps, helping David excavate a Perot-donated Triassic crocodile-like phytosaur in Arizona, among countless other digs.

“One thing I’ve learned as a parent is you can’t impose your passion on your kids,” Hill acknowledged, noting that, while his boys loved the adventure of the digs, Wyatt went on to study political science (now working on his doctoral degree at The University of Dallas), while Brady steered into archeology.

Entranced by petroglyphs David had shown him as a boy, Brady graduated from Highland Park High School, earned a degree in archeology at Durham University in England, and is working on his master’s at Cambridge.

“He’s dug in Iraq, Egypt, Israel, Nepal,” added David, who has been creating paleontology-inspired artwork since the boys left home. Colorful, whimsical images combine themes of time, extinction, and biology as well as of love and loss.

“It’s a way of holding on to their childhood, the experiences we’ve had together,” he said of his fossils, though he still digs on weekends. “It’s like having a scrapbook made of rock.”

President Carter Remembered for SMU Visit, Efforts To Make the World Better

Leaders at SMU joined the chorus of tributes to the 39th president as the nation mourned the passing of the United States’ longest living chief executive.

James Earl Carter Jr. – better known as President Jimmy Carter – died on Dec. 29 at the age of 100.

“President Carter dignified the office,” noted former President George W. Bush in a statement released by his presidential center on the SMU campus. “And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.”

Leaders at SMU recalled a visit where Carter inspired those on campus.

Two days before the 1976 Texas presidential primary, candidate Carter spoke at SMU’s McFarlin Auditorium to a crowd of 2,400, his third campaign event of the day.

Carter entered to the song “This Is My Country” where, according to the Dallas Morning News, “the crowd almost came out of the double balconies.”

Less than two miles away at NorthPark Center, then President Gerald Ford also greeted the largest crowd of his two Texas tours. Both men would go on to win their party’s

which took place on May 1, 1976.

During his speech, Carter talked about fairness, honesty, and compassion in government. He appealed to what he called the “independence and pride of Texas.”

CLOCKWISE: David, Wyatt, and Brady at the excavation of the turtles they were involved in finding and donating to Perot Museum. Wyatt excavating a dinosaur near Terlingua, Texas. Brady digging a dinosaur for the Perot Museum in 2024. Painting by David Hill. COURTESY DAVID HILL

nomination in the Texas primary,

Carter was the last Democratic presidential candidate to claim Texas, winning with little more than 51 percent of the vote.

– Compiled by William Taylor

FROM LEFT: Former President Jimmy Carter visits the White House. Jimmy Carter speaks at SMU in 1976 while campaigning for the Democratic nomination to the presidency. ERIC DRAPER/COURTESY GEORGE W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM AND COURTESY SMU

‘Park Cities People’ Applauds

• Rabel McNutt , a student at The Hockaday School, whose petition to inscribe “In God We Trust” on the wall of the University Park City Council Chamber was approved by the council. The council recognized McNutt for her initiative with a Certificate of Appreciation at its Jan. 7 meeting.

• McCulloch Intermediate School , which was recently recognized as a School of Distinction by the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), an honor given to just 17 schools around the country. The award celebrates schools educating students between the ages of 10 and 15 for their commitment to excellence and AMLE best practices, which include cultivating high expectations, and encouraging students to take responsibility for their own learning and contribute to the world around them.

• Jay Hartzell , the president of The University of Texas at Austin, who will leave the state’s flagship public institution to become the 11th president of SMU. Hartzell, who was recruited by SMU for its head post, will begin in his new role on June 1.

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• McCulloch Intermediate School sixth-grader Reese Miller who won Highland Park ISD’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report cover design contest. Miller’s artwork, titled “Pretty Financial Report Cover,” includes drawings of the Belles, Cheer, Football, Baseball, and other programs. Miller’s artwork can be viewed by visiting the Financial Transparency page on HPISD’s website and clicking on “2023-24 ACFR.”

— Compiled by Sarah Hodges

Stop Making Such a Racket University Park aims

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

For players, pickleball can be super fun. But for some bystanders, the whack of ball against paddle can get super annoying.

The pop of a pickleball can be heard from hundreds of feet away. Although the sound only lasts for a fraction of a second, it has the same pitch as the sirens on emergency vehicles, a tone that can be especially grating to listeners, explained Dale Van Scoyk, own er of Pickleball Sound Mitigation Con sulting LLC, a certified pickleball referee, and an ambassador for USA Pickleball.

“It so happens that pickleball has that same frequency that gets your attention,” he said. “But it’s not a continuous sound, it’s an impulse.”

USA Pickleball has acknowledged that pickleball can be disruptive, and it is working to make America’s fastest-grow ing sport quieter. Now, so is the city of University Park.

In November, the City Council voted to install a sound baffling system on the north and east sides of the pickleball courts in Williams Park. The city made that addition, as well as planned to remove the court backboards, after receiving noise complaints from several nearby homes.

Before the vote, the city explored other ways of lowering the volume at Williams Park’s courts.

Staff considered the installation of an

additional fountain in the park’s pond. But the fountain alone, director of parks and recreation Sean Johnson explained, would cost the city about $35,000. Plus it would require perpetual maintenance and expensive electrical upgrades.

The council also discussed requiring players to use quieter, generation two pickleball equipment. With help from the city’s Youth Advisory Committee, UP completed a sound study that compared the volume of noise made by generation one and generation two pickleball paddles and balls.

There was decrease in sound when generation two balls and paddles were used, the study found.

But at an October meeting, staff and a parks advisory committee member said that enforcement of a ball and paddle requirement would be a tall order, in part due to the difficulty of distinguishing second from first generation equipment.

Pickleball players on the courts at Williams Park this fall were surprised that residents had complained about noise. A sound baffling system would be fine, they said, so

long as it didn’t interfere with play. But a requirement to switch paddles would likely encounter resistance.

“It’s just a strange ask,” said player Patrick Woodstock, who remarked that there were not homes close to the courts. “If there was a home that was right there, and they were like ‘I have an infant that’s trying to sleep,’ I’d be like alright, I understand.”

“It so happens that pickleball has that same frequency that gets your attention.”

Dale Van Scoyk

The cost of purchasing and shipping the new sound baffling system is $29,442, according to information presented at the council’s Nov. 5 meeting. City staff will install and be able to reposition the system, Johnson said.

The products approved for purchase by the city — the SLN/CR Lightweight Sound Baffling System and its accessories — feature sound absorbing material. The system is designed to withstand the elements and last for several years, according to the SLN/CR webpage.

The system has received positive reviews from other communities, Johnson told the council.

The city of University Park plans to install a noise reduction system for the pickleball courts at Williams Park.

in partnership with

The Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center Dallas, in partnership with NorthPark Center, is grateful to the generous sponsors and community for their incredible commitment and support of A Season of Giving

Since its inception in 2018, this holiday campaign has brought joy to thousands of patients and families served by Children’s HealthSM through beloved events, movie nights and Santa visits. We are thrilled to announce that we have raised over $1 million to support the Children’s Health mission to make life better for children.

NorthPark Center Santa Visits

NorthPark Center’s Santa provided over 3,600 Santa visits to families in the community from November 29 through December 24. He also brightened the hallways at Children’s Health for hundreds of patients who spent the holidays at the hospital with personal visits and storytime with Santa at Seacrest Studios.

Breakfast with Santa Spectacular

The 34th annual Breakfast with Santa Spectacular presented by NorthPark Center hosted more than 700 guests to kick-o the holiday season. Festivities included photos with NorthPark Santa, holiday performances and carolers, face painting, balloon artists, special character appearances, live reindeer, crafts, activities and so much more! A special thanks goes to our chairs, Katy Brooks, Stacy Hicks, Jessica Rugg and Ashley Smetko.

Movies with a Mission

In partnership with AMC NorthPark 15, the 4th annual Movies with a Mission is a platform for young philanthropists to make a di erence in the lives of children. Founded by Ella Kate Nayfa and Barrett Gibbins, the duo was able help raise funds to benefit Children’s Health through an advance screening of the much anticipated movie Wicked.

Thank you to our generous sponsors

Candy Cane Lane

Cholla Petroleum, Inc.

Sugar Plum Fairy

The Brooks and Finney Family

The Stephen M. and Carol A. Cassiani Family Foundation

The Hopper Family

LABORA

Peppermint Swirl

Ann and Frank Adams

The Stephen M. and Carol A. Cassiani Family Foundation

Bela and Chase Cooley

The Emanuelson Family

Stacy and Mack Hicks

The Ili Family

Ann and John Jones

Nicolette and Miles Lamont

Marion and Cadell Liedtke

The Loehr Family

Malloy, Evans and Lucas Families

Neiman Marcus

The Novak Family

Jen and John Sanders

The Sewell Family and Sewell Automotive Companies

Colleen Walter

Special Characters at Breakfast with Santa Spectacular

Breakfast with Santa Spectacular Co-Chairs Stacy Hicks, Ashley Smetko, Jessica Rugg and Katy Brooks

Visits with Santa at NorthPark Center

Movies with a Mission Co-Founders Barrett Gibbins and Ella Kate Nayfa

Storytime with Santa at Children’s Health Seacrest Studios

Park Cities Sends Support to Los Angeles Wildfire Victims

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

“It’s like a Chick-fil-A drive through,” Ellen Kershaw said of the traffic in the alley behind her house. “It’s non-stop.”

But these customers weren’t waiting to pick up an order. They were lining up to donate much-needed supplies to victims of California’s devastating wildfires.

its warehouse of sweatshirts, shirts, and hoodies. One neighbor raised funds to purchase 150 Bibles. A high-end Dallas boutique contributed brand-new dresses. A children’s boutique donated 15 boxes of clothes still with their tags. And hundreds of friends, both new and old, sent Amazon packages, or drove up to give what they could.

“Texas is sending our support, and our love, to Los Angeles.”

Ellen Kershaw

Kershaw and her sister Ann Higginbottom announced on Monday, Jan. 13, that the Kershaw family was collecting supplies to send to Los Angeles. By Friday, they had enough donations to fill a 53-foot semi-truck.

A T-shirt printing company cleared out

Letter to the Editor

DART building bridges

I am writing in response to Sarah Hodges’ article,  Rolling Through the Park Cities on Bus 237 (December issue, Page 2), which thoughtfully highlighted the experiences and perspectives of public transportation in Highland Park and University Park.

At Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), we appreciate such insights, as they provide a valuable opportunity to engage with the communities we serve and explore how we can enhance our services. DART board members have also made it a priority to champion the needs of their respective cities.

Highland Park and University Park are key partners in our mission to provide accessible and efficient transit solutions for all of North Texas.

While the article focused on Bus 237, DART also offers a variety of

“It has been a picture of what this community does for one another, which is rally,” Kershaw said. “They get the call, and everybody jumps on board.”

The afternoon of Jan. 17, so many volunteers flocked to the vacant home where Kershaw and Higginbottom were storing supplies that the gathering could have been mistaken for a block party.

Each type of donation had its own location. Toilet paper was in the middle of the back yard, and strollers were stacked up next to the fence. Spots on the home’s garage wall were labeled “Games,” “Towels,” and “School Supplies.”

Neighborhood moms, some who had been helping all week, meticulously organized the donations, with the goal of making it possible to immediately distribute them to families in need. Children put tiny Jesus figurines in every box.

“I hope that they feel loved and know that they’re not alone,” said Katie Zeller, who was sorting clothing by size. “They’ve lost so much, and I just hope that they know that there’s people supporting them.”

Hyer Elementary fourth-grader Ashley Hunt helped carry boxes nearby. “I felt so bad for them after the fire,” she said. “So, I thought it would just be good to help.”

Kershaw said she expected the supplies, which were loaded onto the truck on Jan. 18, to reach Los Angeles on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Once the donations arrived, they would be distributed to fire victims through long-time partners of Kershaw’s Challenge, the nonprofit founded in 2011 by Ellen and Clayton Kershaw, a Major League Baseball pitcher who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Kershaws call Los Angeles home during the baseball season, and plan to fly to LA soon to support their immediate relief efforts. Kershaw’s Challenge will also continue to look for more ways to assist in the rebuilding process. But for now, Higginbottom and Kershaw said they were overwhelmed by the heart of a community that came together for a larger goal.

“This is our way of being able to love them from afar,” Kershaw said. “Texas is sending our support, and our love, to Los Angeles.”

services to these communities, including Light Rail Transit (LRT), the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) connecting Tarrant County, the Dallas Streetcar, GoLink on-demand service, and Paratransit for residents with specific mobility needs.

In fiscal year 2023, these services supported 15,977 ridership

opportunities for University Park and 44,702 for Highland Park. In 2024, as the region grew, these numbers increased to 47,400 for University Park and 17,500 for Highland Park.

Our goal at DART is to build stronger relationships with all our member cities by ensuring they understand and benefit from the

breadth of services we provide.

Public transportation is essential for reducing road congestion, managing environmental emissions, and creating sustainable connections that strengthen our regional economy.

With the average cost of vehicle ownership in 2024 exceeding $10,000 annually, DART’s services offer residents an opportunity to

save thousands of dollars each year while enjoying convenient and reliable transit options.

We are grateful to Mrs. Hodges for taking the time to explore and share her experiences with Bus 237. Her article highlights areas where we can continue to improve and better meet the needs of Park Cities residents.

We invite the residents of Highland Park and University Park to experience our services and provide feedback on how we can make them even more accessible and beneficial for their communities.

Thank you, Park Cities People, for the opportunity to share DART’s ongoing efforts and dedication to the Park Cities. We look forward to working together to ensure that our transit system supports the unique needs of your readers and the broader community.

Warm regards, Jasmyn

Carter Director of Public Relations. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

CLOCKWISE: Volunteers load supplies onto the semi-truck bound for Los Angeles. Girls sign a poster for Los Angeles fire victims. Fourth-grader Meg Langley helps sort supplies. Fourth-graders Madison Hunt and Luna Spradling help organize supplies. SARAH HODGES/COURTESY

BLACK SWAN SERIES TOUTS BENEFITS OF PRESERVATION

Designer guides renovations for historically significant homes

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb Claudia.Carson-Habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

Photographs documenting an ugly duckling transformation guided by Hillary Littlejohn left many guests surprised the “before” photos came from the same home they were touring.

The graduate of SMU and The New School’s Parsons School of Design in New York opened her namesake design studio in 2005 and recently partnered with Holly Davis of Allie Beth Allman & Associates for the inaugural presentation of The Black Swan Series: Buying, Selling, Updating an Ugly Duckling.

including the revamped, fully equipped kitchen.

The space featured Bianco Carrera countertops, Waterworks faucets and hardware, Hector lighting, and an adjacent breakfast room with double doors opening to an outdoor courtyard, complete with lemon trees, perfectly pruned shrubs, and a gurgling stone fountain.

“Renovating an entire house is easier than a single room.” Hillary Littlejohn

The late 2024 event highlighted the overhauled 4036 McFarlin Blvd. residence, where visitors explored their favorite rooms,

The University Park property, built in 1929, had retained its sound bones and old school charm, but needed more than a few coats of paint to bring it up to date.

Littlejohn, with her old soul personality and dedication to preserving the important residences, was undaunted.

Even the green carpet proved only a temporary eyesore in her vision for the property.

Small components make grand results possible, she said, explaining her resolve to handle the details and make the renovating an

Real Estate Market Snapshots

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 (MSL) reports but leaves out municipalities when they don’t hit a 10-sale threshold for single-family homes. University Park last met that threshold in October, Highland Park in September. We would prefer more comprehensive and timely data but believe these market snapshots still provide a helpful look at where the industry is heading.

uncomplicated process for the homeowner.

“I believe there is a lack of information about how to go about preserving old homes,” Littlejohn said. “Most builders will encourage homeowners to demolition as there are less contingencies, and a new build is often more lucrative for them than a thoughtful renovation.”

She wants homeowners to consider the benefits of preserving a home and feel confident in taking the leap into realizing their vision.

The client should be in control of the project and feel encouraged to bring a range of ideas to design meetings, while the designer provides transparency and acts as an adviser, “so the process does not become a discordant rumble, an orchestra without a conductor,” Littlejohn said.

“Clients don’t often know how much things cost — the price of a Porsche Targa maybe, but the price of a luxury kitchen gives people sticker shock,” she said.

The designer finds inspiration tucked deep in the bones of historically significant residences but often encounters homeown-

ers reluctant to peel back the layers and take on what she calls an “aesthetically ugly duckling,” even one structurally sound.

Littlejohn hopes to alter that frame of thought and persuade hesitant homeowners to dive in.

“Renovating an entire house is easier than a single room,” she said. “I know that sounds surprising, but a full house renovation has the benefits of the designer being able to create a lifestyle, outlining cohesive spaces that relate to one another.”

At a recent Preservation Park Cities meeting at the Belclaire Avenue home of Cheryl and Sam Chantilis, Littlejohn realized she’d be preaching to the choir but shared her signature optimism and candor with the group.

“Black Swan homes are often rare but extraordinary,” the designer said as she focused on proactive solutions to changing the mindset of homebuyers.

“There are a limited number of Hal Thompson homes — he is never going to design another,” Littlejohn said. “And these beauties should not be destroyed.”

CLOCKWISE: Outdoor courtyard renovated. Entryway and staircase renovated. Entryway and staircase before renovation. Back porch renovated. Outdoor courtyard before renovation. STEPHEN KARLISCH FOR HLS DESIGN

Home.

What a year! 2024 was record breaking for the Meredith Ferrell Group, and it’s all thanks to YOU—our incredible clients, friends, and family! We’re so grateful for your trust and excited for the year ahead. We believe 2025 will be another impactful year for the Dallas real estate market and we are ready for it!

We love what we do and with our experience and proven results, we’re ready to help you find the perfect home for the new year!

Meredith Ferrell | meredith.ferrell@compass.com | 214.868.1177 | mferrellhomes

Brenda Ray | brenda.ray@compass.com | 214.864.9070 | brendaraydallas

Mackenzie Harper | mackenzie.harper@compass.com | 573.289.5553 | mackenzie.compass Catherine McGuire | catherine.mcguire@compass.com | 512.771.1510 | cmguire.compass of MFG 2024 Listings Received Multiple Offers

of Buy-side Deals Faced Multiple Offers

RECORD BREAKING YEAR! $80M+ In Sales Chandler Browning | chandler.browning@compass.com | 818.813.4003 | chandlerbrowning.compass

Off Market Sales

Five Interior Design Trends for 2025

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home and bring it up-to-date.

If you’re redecorating this year and want your rooms to look as current as possible, consider incorporating some of these design elements.

Here are five trends that designers are featuring in our projects this year.

1. High-lacquer walls and cabinets

Lacquered walls add a lot of drama to a room. Dark colors, especially, make the room feel moody and mysterious. Greens and blues seem to be the most popular paint colors for lacquered walls right now. If you want something more subtle, choose a soft pastel or off-white instead.

2. Wallpapered ceilings

Wallpaper has been making a comeback for several years now, and the trend will continue in 2025. Since most homeowners ignore their ceiling, a wallpapered ceiling is very memorable. If you’re only wallpapering your ceiling, paint the rest of your walls in a solid, complementary color.

3. Textured rugs

In my projects, I like to use sisal rugs or rugs made of wool carpet that have been cut to size. Rugs with tufted details, high-pile rugs, or rugs with raised patterns are all great ways to add more texture to the room. Subdued, neutral colors like cream, gray, and beige work especially well on textured rugs.

4. Wide-plank wood floors

Most new houses these days have wood floors with at least 5-inch wood planks, instead of narrow strips of wood. In a big house, you might see a herringbone pattern wood floor used in a study or a dining room for variety. As far as wood color goes, I’m starting to see people move away from gray and towards warmer browns or blonds.

5. An element of surprise

Adding an element of surprise to a room introduces tension and keeps your space from being too matchymatchy. Some people will create surprise by installing an unusual light fixture or mixing in contemporary art and lamps with traditional furnishings. Your hobbies and collections can be a source of inspiration here, especially art pieces collected from your travels.

Although I stay abreast of the latest trends, I always try to design homes for my clients that are timeless enough to look beautiful for decades. You should only follow a trend if it’s something you genuinely enjoy. When you design a home personalized to you, you’ll love it for a long time, no matter how design trends change.

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.

CLOCKWISE: In this dining room, a dark terracotta paint visually brought the 9-foot ceiling down. Installing a light-patterned wallpaper “lifted” the ceiling and added interest without being too distracting. This bathroom features a herringbone pattern on the floor. Many people think that you can’t put wood floors in a bathroom, but you can. You just need to protect the floors from water by using multiple coats of high-quality polyurethane. This rare and hard to come by Syrian table, inlaid with mother-of-pearl, adds sparkle and surprise to this formal living room and makes a great conversation piece. MICHAEL HUNTER AND NATHAN SCHRODER WITH DESIGN BY MARGARET CHAMBERS

MARGARET CHAMBERS

Historic Houses and Contemporary Art: Embrace The Love Affair

As an artist, I was particularly interested in the topic of last fall’s Preservation Park Cities Distinguished Speaker Luncheon: Living with Art.

And I was specifically eager to hear the speaker’s take on age-old arguments about the aesthetic appropriateness of contemporary art in historic homes, which are happily still manifest in the Park Cities, though their numbers decrease with each passing year.

Personally, I find the stylistic juxtaposition intriguing and attractive if it’s accomplished in a thoughtful and tasteful way.

In my midcentury Turtle Creek condominium, I’m happy to mix the primitive with the modern — Luba and Bantu masks and Maori carvings interspersed with my own colorful and modernist landscapes and portraits on the matte white walls and in the built-in bookshelves.

Though my artwork and architecture might encompass a narrower span of time than a 1920s house and 2020s paintings, I think the contrast reveals my eclectic taste in a cozily ironic and

hopefully sophisticated way.

The panelist at the Dallas Country Club advocated similar views.

“When we bring a work of art into our home, we are bringing a conversation,” said Thomas Feulmer, curator of The Warehouse Dallas. “We are putting our values and our curiosities — the things that we are and the things that we hope to be — up on the wall. It should not be the anesthesia for your home. It should add a kind of life, a kind of conversation, and a kind of complexity.”

Robyn Siegal, advisor at CCS

Fine Art, suggested decorating with whatever speaks to your soul.

“I think collecting should come first and foremost from a place of love,” Siegal said. “You should never ever collect anything that you don’t love, because over time you’re going to like it even less.”

Ashley Avrea Cathey, founder and principal of Avrea & Company, says contemporary art “works 100%” in a traditional home.

“It’s the best juxtaposition,” Cathey said. “It really evokes so much more meaning, because it’s so unexpected. It can be so lonely and

boring without a story, and contemporary art is the perfect solution.”

Siegal suggested layering on periods. “Make it authentic, whatever that is to you. It doesn’t have to be an expensive piece of art on expensive wallpaper, but it can be. It’s whatever feels right.”

Feulmer offered, “I think it’s a more authentic way to live. We are engaged with contemporary society, contemporary ideas, the contemporary world. Your home should reflect that you have some engagement with that.”

Siegal compared art selection to

dating. “It’s so personality-driven, and there is no formula. It can be a lifelong relationship.”

“Let it be a slow, evolving process,” Feulmer added. “Old houses love contemporary art. It’s the most dynamic thing on the planet to see art that is in dialogue and not subservient to an architecture.”

To me, there’s nothing more pleasing to the eye and soul than an unexpected burst of bright modern color, texture, or shape popping up around the corner of a lovingly-preserved Park Cities home, happily reminding one of the present day.

Discover

JOSH HICKMAN

FROM LEFT: Luncheon speakers Ashley Avrea Cathey, Thomas Feulmer, and Robyn Siegel with moderator Joyce Goss at the Dallas Country Club. Primitive masks and carvings mix with a Dallas artist’s colorful and modernist landscapes and portraits on the matte white walls of his midcentury Turtle Creek condominium. ROB WYTHE/WYTHE PORTRAIT STUDIO AND JOSH HICKMAN

Comings and Goings

NOW OPEN

Aroma360

Galleria Dallas

The company backed by Shark Tank’s Daymond John offers a variety of scent diffusers, candles, reed diffusers, room sprays, and other products to transform homes and businesses. It is open on level 2 near Abercrombie & Fitch.

Berkley’s Market

2822 McKinney Ave.

The locally-owned neighborhood destination for gourmet goods, premium prepared foods, fine wines, craft beers, and specialty coffee has opened a 4,100-square-foot Uptown location.

Claremont Neighborhood Grill

4343 W. Northwest Hwy.

The restaurant is serving up appetizers, mains, grilled specialties, soups, salads, and sides in the space formerly occupied by Suze.

Dior Boutique

Highland Park Village

and has donated over $15 million through the glassybaby foundation.

• British luxury womenswear label ME + EM has brought its mix of British craftsmanship and American design sensibility to level one between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.

The boutique’s four salons, each devoted to one of Dior’s product categories, offer clients merchandise including handbags, shoes, sunglasses, scarves, small leather goods, jewelry, timepieces, and ready-to-wear.

Highland Park Emergency Room

5150 Lemmon Ave., No. 108

The free-standing, full-service emergency room performs most procedures available at a traditional ER and aims to treat patients like family. A related location, the Preston Hollow Emergency Room, is open at 8007 Walnut Hill Lane.

NorthPark Center

Various Stores

• French perfumer and pioneer of luxurious scent experiences Diptyque has opened its only Dallas boutique on level one between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.

• Glassybaby has brought its hand-blown glass, which is made in America with color and light, to level one near Nordstrom. Glassybaby gives back a portion of every sale,

• Prada , the iconic, luxury fashion house founded in Milan in 1913, has opened on level one between Neiman Marcus and Dillard’s.

Studs

4416 Lovers Lane

The studio offers piercings, as well as an assortment of affordable, ontrend earrings made of quality materials that won’t irritate sensitive ears.

CLOSED

Crisp & Green

6565 Hillcrest Ave., Suite 140

• Wilson is offering its latest collection of sportswear, footwear, equipment, and accessories, as well as services including racket stringing and equipment rental, on level one between Macy’s and Dillard’s.

Oishii

11700 Preston Road, Suite 650

The restaurant featuring Pan-Asian cuisine and sushi has opened in the space formerly occupied by Pei Wei.

Pure Glow

5319 E. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 130

The airbrush tanning studio has brought its health-conscious, luxury sunless tanning experience to the Dallas market with the opening of its store in Mockingbird Station.

The fast, casual restaurant offering made-from-scratch salads, grain bowls, and smoothies has closed its Snider Plaza location.

La Madeleine

NorthPark Center

Diners said au revoir to the French bakery and café on Dec. 31.

Mai Le Nails

4504 Lovers Lane

The nail salon that offered services including manicures and pedicures has permanently closed.

Sur la Table

4525 Cole Ave., Suite 190

The one-stop kitchen store for home chefs and food lovers closed its doors on Jan. 25.

Trova Wine + Market

4004 Villanova St.

The neighborhood wine bar and bistro popped its last cork in The Plaza at Preston Center on Jan. 18.

— Compiled by Sarah Hodges and Claudia Carson-Habeeb

Pure Glow COURTESY PURE GLOW

Prada COURTESY NORTHPARK CENTER

Berkley’s Market COURTESY BERKLEY’S MARKET

CONFIDENCE GROWS, SO DOES PRODUCTION FOR VERSATILE HP GUARD

In his third season on the varsity team, Ariyo has become a valuable all-around leader

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

For Jacob Ariyo, three years’ worth of varsity basketball

has been about steady progress, from gaining confidence to expanding roles to — a priority for any player — that elusive first in-game dunk.

The latter milestone for the Highland Park senior came during a December game against Frisco Wakeland, when his slam set off a bench celebration. But that opportunity arose from Ariyo’s ability to embrace the small stuff.

“It’s hard to take him off the court.”

David

Piehler

“He’s a true all-around player for us,” said HP head coach David Piehler. “Even though he might not be our leading scorer most of the time, he contributes in other ways that are just as important. He’s allowed other players to take shots, but he does all the other things.”

Spending an entire season riding the bench is rough for anyone. That’s where Ariyo found himself as a sophomore, as one of the youngest players on one of HP’s best teams in recent memory.

Last year, he was named a team captain almost by default, as one of only two returnees with any court time at the varsity level.

“They didn’t choose me. They were kind of stuck with me,” Ariyo said. “It helped grow my con -

fidence to be chosen as a leader. I’ve tried to be a good example.”

Along the way, he earned a spot in the starting lineup as a junior and became a valuable contributor on both offense and defense. He even scored the game-winning points in a

matchup with rival Jesuit Dallas.

“It was always my dream to be a really good basketball player, but sophomore year kind of humbled me a little bit,” he said. “My junior year, I focused a lot more on defense, just to make sure I was more valuable to the team.”

This season, Ariyo has flourished as a secondary scoring option on an experienced team that includes Henry Beckett, Colin Noble, Caden Cantrell, and other familiar faces.

“Every year, I’ve noticed the game slows down a lot more,” said Ariyo, who also is a standout high jumper for HP during the track and field season. “That’s made it easier to score. I understand my role and I’m able to perform that.”

When Ariyo was younger, his parents were averse to television or screens, so he passed the time dribbling and shooting in the driveway. Now he’s maximizing that passion during a final season that he hopes will end with a lengthy playoff run.

“He’s steady. He’s one of our best defenders. His confidence has grown and it’s showing,” Piehler said. “It’s hard to take him off the court.”

Underwater Boss: How Angelina Huang Outkicks Her Backstroke Rivals

Two-time state qualifier broke school record in November, will swim at Rice next year

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

It’s almost like a superpower, the way Angelina Huang propels herself underwater, springing off the walls during a backstroke race.

Highland Park swimming coach Jason Pullano witnessed it most memorably during a meet this season in Mansfield, when Huang was trailing by about a half-body length entering the final turn of a 100-meter race. By the time she emerged at the surface, she was a half-body length in front.

“She’s the best kicker I’ve seen in Texas. Her ability to use her underwater dolphin-kicking ability is second to none,” Pullano said. “It has nothing to do with biomechanics. She’s a hard worker and a great kicker.”

Huang has become one of the best backstroke swimmers in program history for the Blue Wave, aiming for her third consecutive appearance at the UIL state meet this season — and first at the Class 5A level.

The senior narrowly missed the podium after a fourth-place finish in the 6A classification a year ago but hopes that experience will pay off as she seeks gold to close out her HP career.

“I kind of zone out and ignore everything

else,” she said. “This year I’m going to try and take the pressure off and remember that it’s just a meet. I’m trying to place well and hopefully podium.”

Huang, whose older sister swam the freestyle for HP, swims in multiple events, but has been specializing in backstroke since she

fell in love with the discipline years ago.

In November, she broke the HP school record with a time of 55.07 seconds while winning the girls 100 backstroke at the TISCA North Zone meet in Frisco. The time also qualified as a meet record.

The following months, she established

new personal bests in the 100 and 200 distances (55 seconds flat and 2 minutes flat, respectively) at the prestigious Winter Junior Nationals meet in Austin.

Huang also shined last summer at the USA Swimming Futures Championship in Minnesota in her first major test in a longcourse meet, where the 50-meter pool is double the length of the usual high-school competition.

“I’m trying to place well and hopefully podium.” Angelina Huang

Huang has signed to swim next season at Rice University. But first, she will look to continue her legacy at HP, both in and out of the pool.

“Angelina does a great job leading by example. She’s always bought into the philosophy of what we’re doing,” Pullano said. “I’ve never been more confident than I am for her this championship season.”

Highland Park guard Jacob Ariyo is a lockdown defender and the most experienced player on the team. CHRIS MCGATHEY

HP senior Angelina Huang is seeking her third appearance at the UIL state meet in February. CHRIS MCGATHEY

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

Realignment might have dropped Highland Park to Class 5A in softball, but it still didn’t do the Lady Scots many favors.

Despite a challenging district, however, HP head coach Michael Pullen is upbeat about a potential return to postseason contention this spring.

“I’m way more optimistic than I was a couple of years ago,” Pullen said about the difference in classification. “I’m pretty confident about our team right now.”

Pullen’s positivity stems in part from the return of right-handed pitcher Cecilia Knutson, a first-team all-district selection a year ago as a sophomore.

Knutson participated in high-level tournaments with her select team during the offseason and raised the velocity on her pitches.

HP will have other options in the circle, too, most notably freshman Emma Hyde, a lanky right-hander who will likely share innings and compete for the starting role.

“It’s a really good battle but a healthy battle between the two of them,” Pullen said. “Having both of them is really going to be good for us.”

Having additional arms adds depth and guards against fatigue as the season progresses. Returning outfielder Ava Marsh will be in the pitching mix, as well.

“They get along and push each other,” Pullen said. “We’ve had multiple pitchers in the past, but it’s never been like this.

We’ve got two legitimate No. 1 (pitchers).”

Kathryn Joiner, a four-year starter at catcher and third base, will be a fixture in the middle of the batting order along with Knutson and outfielder Anna Higgins. Other key returnees include Taylor Gilliam and Shannon Hart, who will shift from center field to shortstop.

Also expected to contribute as infielders for HP this season are Lily Kruger, Audrey Teeples, and sophomore Sophia Price. Pullen likes the mix of youth and experience in the lineup, even if it lacks slugging prowess.

“The pop is there, but it will just look a

little different without some of the big power we’re used to,” Pullen said. “We’re relying on pitching and defense, taking care of ground balls and trying not to give up anything big.”

The new-look District 12-5A is noteworthy for the inclusion of three Frisco ISD programs — Lone Star, Wakeland, and Reedy — which are all perennial powerhouses.

HP narrowly missed the playoffs last season, and hasn’t advanced past the first round of postseason play since 2019.

Yet with four spots up for grabs, HP likes its chances: “I think we’ll surprise some people in this district,” Pullen said.

* — District 12-5A game

Junior pitcher Cecilia Knutson looks to lead Highland Park back to the softball playoffs. CHRIS MCGATHEY

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

Schools

ROBERT WEISS TELLS HIS STORIES THROUGH ART, TEACHING

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb Claudia.Carson-Habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

Robert “Bobby” Weiss explores life through art and encourages his students to do the same.

“I teach because I love teaching,” the studio art and film teacher said. “I am here to help my students find their individuality and to nurture their creative spirit.”

The upper school fine arts instructor has been with The Hockaday School since 2022, with a previous eight-year tenure at the Episcopal School of Dallas.

With a last name apropos of his beyondhis-years persona, the painter, filmmaker, sculptor, music video director, theater scenic designer, and art historian’s curriculum vitae boasts too many pages to recite.

Anyone who’s been to an exhibit of the artist’s work or has attended a screening of his films knows diving into Weiss’s world is an immersive trip worth taking. And the artist is worth meeting — his storytelling ability another impressive aspect of his multidimensional talents.

After attending Booker T. Washington High School for Performing and Visual Arts, Weiss’s encounter with contemporary figurative painter Jerome Witkin during his time at Syracuse University set about a deep friendship between mentor and mentee, inspiring the young artist to pursue teaching alongside his artistic endeavors.

“As fate would have it, I met my idol on the one-year anniversary of him losing his son,” Weiss recalled. “He took me under his wing, and his faith in my work inspired me to pay forward what he so graciously gave me.”

And the film instructor has done just that; Weiss’s students have continued their studies at the University of Texas, University of Southern California, and New York University film schools.

Screenings of Weiss’s documentary, Song of the Cicada, have left audiences spellbound. The full-length film offers a look at life and death through the eyes of Dale Carter, a mortician whose stranger-than-death life experiences play out on screen.

Meeting with the high school educator, it’s hard to associate him with anything even mildly macabre, but through his craftful documentation of Carter, Weiss takes viewers on an exploration of the human psyche.

“Death has to be viewed through a filter,” conveyed the mortician in Weiss’s film. “Like a camera has a filter, a lens; that filter is what we use to make that loved one look beautiful again,” he said.

Whether with a sketch pad, a paint brush, or a camera lens, Weiss weaves the intricacies of his complex characters into his work.

“I tell a story through my art, blending experiences with my deep appreciation of art history,” he said. “And with each piece, regardless of genre, I convey a part of who I am.”

Pausing to reflect on how he utilizes art

to challenge his students’ perspectives, Weiss said, “Inevitably, we are all the characters we write, and our story is never fully written; I want to help people explore their hopes and fears while they become the protagonist in their own story.”

The artist, who clearly delights in the wearing of many hats, recently created the scenic paintings for Dallas’s Ochre House Theater’s Daddy’s Rabbits and Patti and Theo

“Doing scenic painting has been something I always wanted to do. My sister was a Broadway stage manager for many years, and we went to see a lot of shows together. Painting sets at Ochre House Theater has been a great departure from painting on a canvas and, considering that a lot of my paintings are interior spaces, it comes very natural to me; it has not only loosened up my hand, but also my mind to try new things,” he said.

Weiss is represented by Dallas’s Ro2 Art Gallery in the Tin District, and his paintings can be experienced in ongoing solo and group curatorial exhibitions. The script for his third film, in which Dale Carter will again appear, is near completion; the filmmaker assures fans that the movie won’t take a decade to film as did the last one.

The artist, adjusting the brim of one of his many hats, spoke about his latest movie project with excitement, maintaining that he carries a deep sense of gratitude alongside his eager foresight.

“I’m always striving to reach my personal

best, and because of the revolutionary artists who helped pave my path, I am compelled to bring that full circle guidance to the creative minds that come to me for tutelage,” he said.

CHECK IT OUT

Song of the Cicada, the winner of the 2022 London Independent Film Awards and the 2023 Atlanta Docufest, also won Best Feature Documentary at the 2023 Burbank International Film Festival, Best Feature Film at the 2022 Toronto Documentary Feature & Short Film Festival, the 2022 Audience Award at the Austin Film Festival, Best Documentary at the 2022 Lone Star Film Festival, and has received Official Selection honors at film festivals across the globe. The Texas Theatre will host the film’s Dallas premiere at 8 p.m. on March 21.

CLOCKWISE: Robert Weiss paints a 50-by-75-inch piece. Weiss in his studio. Dale Carter in His Parlor || Acrylic on Linen || c.2017. ROBERT WEISS AND VONDA KLIMASZEWSI

Digitarium Takes Audiences on a Walk Through the Woods Robert Frost poetry, classic cello music combine for fulldome performance

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Viewers in HP’s Digitarium at Pierce Planetarium took a walk in the woods with poet Robert Frost this December thanks to a combination of visual imagery and the music of internationally acclaimed cellist SaiSai Ding.

“It was almost a magical experience. The combination of the music pieces chosen and the imagery was just very powerful.”

David Fahnle

During the first of SaiSai’s two pieces, winter images projected onto the Digitarium’s fulldome helped viewers appreciate the “lovely, dark and deep woods” described in Frost’s ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.’ The second piece featured panoramas of Baroque ceilings from Tobias Wiethoff, the head of technology and production at Planetarium Bochum in Germany.

“It was almost a magical experience,” said David Fahnle, HPISD deaf/hard of hearing teacher. “The combination of the music pieces chosen and the imagery was just very powerful.”

Though Frost’s poem is familiar to most, the Digitarium ventured into new territory to convey its message to audiences of community members and students.

Digitarium curator Glenys Quick, together with Moody Advanced Professional

Studies students Ashley Schumacher and Julia Kerr, used the Stable Diffusion AI platform and Adobe programs to craft images for projection onto the fulldome.

One of their challenges: It’s not yet reliably possible to create fulldome images through AI. Instead, the team used specific, detailed prompts to design hundreds of circular images before selecting those to be used during SaiSai’s performance.

“There’s definitely a lot of time spent not just finessing the prompts, but also selecting the images, because you really need to scan every little detail,” Schumacher said.

companied by images that Wiethoff shared with the Digitarium without a fee. Wiethoff also contributed some winter images featured in the performance.

“I was just so astounded by the generosity of the planetarium community as a whole,” Quick said. “They are so generous with their offers of what they can give us, how they can help.”

“The human conscience is so easily able to pick up on the tiniest things that are off. If a deer has paws, which happened to me once, you’re immediately going to see that, even if it’s just a very small part of the image.”

While the audience joined in Frost’s travels, SaiSai performed Bach’s “Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major,” the most difficult of the composer’s cello suites. It is intended for a five-stringed cello, as opposed to the standard four-stringed, SaiSai explained.

SaiSai’s second piece, the rarely-performed “Toccata Capricciosa, Op. 36” by Hungarian composer Miklós Rózsa, was ac-

Though SaiSai has performed at venues including the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and Carnegie Hall, he said that HP’s Digitarium stands out among performance centers around the globe.

“This hall is probably one of the really top-notch halls,” he said. “The sound is great in here because it’s a dome, so the sound is surrounded, and it gets pulled up about 10 meters. And very few halls can do that.”

The concert was presented by the Moody Innovation Institute, the Moody Advanced Professional Studies Program, and the Digitarium at Pierce Planetarium. It was sponsored by the Moody Foundation, the Moody Advanced Professional Studies Program, La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas, and HP Arts.

Math and Science Learning Takes Flight for MIS and HPMS Robotics Students

By Sarah Hodges

sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Math and science learning doesn’t just happen on paper at McCulloch Intermediate School and Highland Park Middle School.

It’s rolling off the page for fifth and sixth graders on the school’s robotics team, who are building their problem-solving and teamwork skills along with their automatons. Geometry has taken flight for seventh and eighth grade team members, who are programming and controlling new Robolink drones.

“In my mind, math is a verb. It’s not just sitting in a room and doing problems. This is math in action. This is science in action,” said math teacher Tim Caffee, who co-sponsors the team with engineering teacher James Sciandra. “And the kids learn it so much better than they ever would just watching a lecture or doing some problems.”

Caffee coaches the team’s fifth and sixth graders, who use Lego-like VEX IQ pieces to build their robots. The students put their

creations to the test this fall in a classroom Tug-A-War competition.

Sixth-grader Barrett Brown and teammates Hayden Ernst and Nikko Numajiri won first place in the Tug-A-War by adding strength and weight to their robot.

Brown explained that he wanted to join the robotics team because he enjoys engineering. The skills he’s learning could also help him in a future career.

“In my mind, math is a verb. It’s not just sitting in a room doing problems. This is math in action. This is science in action.”

Tim Caffee

“There’s a lot of jobs that include intelligence and building,” he said. Places on the MIS robotics team, Caffee said, have been in high demand. All 20 spots for fifth and sixth graders are full, and there is a waitlist of interested students.

For the first time this year, seventh and eighth grade robotics team members are learning with aerial drones. The middle school robotics team began using drones

in part to prepare students for success at the high school, Caffee and Sciandra explained.

“When they go to the high school, the goal is that they can use all of what they’ve used in fifth through eighth and apply that to the high school level, where they can build the drones, program them for the competition, and it encompasses everything they’ve learned” Sciandra said.

Seventh-and eighth-grade pilots have honed their skills by flying their drones around the edges of triangles, squares, circles, and octagons. In the future, the students will take on aerial obstacle courses that challenge them to fly in the shape of figure 8s and through gates, as well as to complete other tasks.

Along with how to maneuver the drones, Sciandra, who is a licensed pilot and certified flight instructor, has taught students the rules they need to know to fly drones safely outside.

Sciandra said that success on the robotics team takes teamwork, communication, a strong work ethic, and persistence.

“Understanding that it’s okay to fail, that’s really hard for them sometimes, I think, because of how our society right now is a lot of instant gratification, or just instant results,” he said.

The robotics program and its equipment has been funded by La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas, PC Tag, HP Arts, the PTA, and HPISD STEAM.

Robotics students James Elmore, Conrad Ferguson, and Hayden Ernst. COURTESY HPISD, TIM CAFFEE

LEFT TO RIGHT: Cellist SaiSai Ding performs in HP’s Digitarium at the Pierce Planetarium. FROM LEFT: Highland Park High School junior Julia Kerr, Digitarium curator Glenys Quick, and senior Ashley Schumacher created digital images projected during the performance. ELAINE BARDON AND SARAH HODGES

Tooting One’s Own Horn Is Welcomed

Park Cities School

of Music programs

designed for aspiring instrumentalists of all ages

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb Claudia.Carson-Habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

Eva Brandys believes music should be a part of our lives from start to finish.

“Music has the ability to spark joy, boost confidence, and build new connections,” said the founder of Park Cities School of Music, located at Inwood Road and Lovers Lane.

“An early introduction can provide a lifetime of love for it; strumming strings, blowing horns, and tapping drums is all it takes to fall in love with an instrument,” she said.

Brandys began her musical journey at age 8 in communist Poland. The pianist’s early music education was defined by discipline, and yet, despite the rigorous daily piano practice and pressure to perform with precision, she developed a deep appreciation and love for music.

After immigrating to the U.S., Brandys earned a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from Dallas Baptist University and a master’s degree in music education and piano pedagogy from SMU.

By 2009, Brandys was teaching private piano lessons to more than 100 students in Highland Park and Preston Hollow. She opened the first of her three Dallas area music schools in 2010.

The classically-trained pianist described how children’s brains can absorb musical skills like sponges. “Introducing music early can enhance cognitive development, emotional growth, and motor skills,” she said, “And music fosters creativity, focus, and

confidence while laying the foundation for lifelong learning and emotional expression.”

With lessons in piano, guitar (acoustic, electric, bass), harp, cello, violin, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, ukulele, tuba, trombone, French horn, drums, voice, composition, music theory, and musical theater, the Instrument Explorers’ Program at the Park Cities School of Music doesn’t lack in options for youngsters interested in exploring music.

And, in an effort to combine skill development with fun activities, Brandys created

Highlander Band Students Earn Spots on All State Ensembles

Six Highlander Band students have been selected to perform in All-State ensembles, the highest honor a Texas music student can receive.

The students were chosen through an audition process that began this fall with more than 70,000 high schoolers from around the state. Only about 1,800 of the highest-ranking musicians were named to Texas Music Educators Association ensembles sponsored by the band, orchestra or vocal divisions.

The students will attend clinics and perform in concerts during the annual Texas Music Educators Association convention in February in San Antonio.

The All-State band students are:

• Carson Critcher: Tuba

• Ian Hyde: Clarinet

• Lucy Zeng: Flute

• Luke Bowden: Tenor Saxophone

• Reuben Obel: Alto Saxophone

• Sam Stobaugh: Bassoon

— Compiled by Sarah Hodges

music engagement enhancing well-being at any age. “While my approach has always exposed young people to the power of music, anyone at any age can benefit. For adults, music becomes both a creative outlet and a mental workout, fostering emotional health, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall quality of life,” she said.

the  Instrument Explorers  series for children, the engaging material sustaining the attention of even her youngest students.

“I love music class. I get to play fun songs and learn cool things. The music bug bit me and every day I want to learn a new song on the piano,” said 7-year-old Chloe.

Brandys enjoys watching young students discover their musical talents, but emphasized the impact music can have on all ages.

“It’s absolutely never too late to start learning music,” she said, citing studies of

Brandys recently introduced a music therapy program, led by board-certified therapists, to her curriculum. The program integrates music while addressing physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. The sessions focus on relaxation, emotional expression, communication, and stress reduction, with activities such as rhythm exercises, singing, and instrument playing improving motor coordination, self-awareness, and cognitive function.

Brandys has witnessed the impact music therapy sessions can have on social, emotional, motor, and communication skills, and offers them on both an individualized and group basis.

“Learning an instrument has brought joy back into my days and has given me a new sense of purpose and accomplishment,” said Brandys’ student Chelsea Abbott, a mother of two.

Brandys continues to incorporate new approaches to music into her personal and professional realms and is proud of the influence her programs have on music explorers of all ages.

“Music changed my life and has had the most profound influence on me; I feel compelled to share its life-altering impact with anyone in my community who is willing to experience it,” she said.

Boone Elementary second-and fourth-grade Girl Scouts brought some cheer to children in need this holiday season.

During their holiday parties, they filled more than 50 stockings with essentials, games, and treats for children at Family Gateway, which provides shelter and services to families affected by homelessness.

The Girl Scouts also purchased toys for children of all ages to help stock Family Gateway’s store, where families could choose holiday gifts for their children.

—

Compiled by Sarah Hodges

TOP: Boone Elementary second-grade Girl Scout Troop 4213. BOTTOM: Fourth-grade Girl Scouts stuffing stockings for children at Family Gateway. MOLLY NICHOLSON

Carson Critcher COURTESY HIGHLANDER BAND

Ian Hyde

Lucy Zeng

Luke Bowden

Reuben Obel

Sam Stobaugh

CLOCKWISE: Young adults receive flute and violin instruction on an individual and group basis. PCSM Founder Eva Brandys provides cello instruction. PCSM’s Young Explorers students are exposed to a wide range of instruments including the French horn, saxophone, cello, and harp. PCSM

FOR THE ULTIMATE ANTIQUES MEETUP, SWAP IN ROUND TOP TRAVEL

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb Claudia.Carson-Habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

Texas roots run deep, but with hot days far outnumbering cool ones, there aren’t many Dallasites that’ll give up the opportunity to head to the lake or beach. But jump at a chance to drive to the middle of nowhere, across a corn field or two…or 10, to end up in a dusty barn?

If the invitation sounds less than appealing, no one faults you, but if you take a look into the many offerings of the Round Top Antique Fair, you’ll likely be enticed to join a fellow adventurer for an unforgettable weekend of treasure hunting.

“This place has allowed the beautiful things to keep telling their stories.”

Sheila Dunn

Round Top sits off State Highway 237 — blink and you’ll miss the exit into town. Twice a year, the town of Round Top showcases more than 80 venues and 4,000 dealers along the 11-mile stretch of farmland. But don’t let the peeling red paint of the barn siding fool you, the show boasts a treasure trove of rare finds, with the opening day’s line up at the front gates resembling a coordinated stampede.

Since its founding in 1997, the Marburger Farm Antique Show has been a go-to

source for the discerning antique-lover and the eclectic vintage shopper. In the last few years, it’s also been added to the not-to-bemissed weekend jaunts for those ready to dig their boot heels in and get a little dusty in the Big Red Barn.

The Texas weather cooperated perfectly for October’s show. With stalls filled to the rafters with rare, sought-after furnishings, art, and antiques, a Murano glass ashtray caught the eye of one collector, while a set of iron gates salvaged from an Italian

villa proudly displayed a SOLD tag only an hour into the ringing of the opening bell.

Preston Hollow design assistant Brianna Moore headed straight to her favorite tent at sprinter speed.

“I already spotted a piece I can’t live without,” she said, admitting she’d already done a brisk walk-through of her favorite tent during the kickoff tailgate event, which offers early access before the general public opening triangle is rung at 9 a.m. sharp.

The original Round Top Antiques

WANT TO GO?

The five-day event returns to Round Top March 25-29. The town anticipates over 100,000 visitors, which is about 99,000 more than the entire population of the town. Visit roundtopmarburger.com and roundtoptexasantiques.com.

Fair debuted more than 50 years ago and is known simply as “The Show” to veterans such as Sheila Dunn, who has frequented the venue for many years.

“This place has allowed the beautiful things to keep telling their stories. The thrill of the hunt is as alive in me today as it was 30 years ago,” she said.

A lot has changed on the Round Top Fair scene since then, including the fashions, accommodations, and curated experiences. Owner of Hostie Vacation Rentals, Lindsey Pleasant, offers personalized agendas with options for luxury transportation, concierge service, and access to local craftspeople. Lodging choices include the charming ‘Round the Round cottage, designed by HGTV’s Leanne Ford and Grace Mitchell.

“Whether you’re looking for transportation on board an executive class Sprinter van, a local charcuterie class or winery tour, or a custom hat making experience, we’ve got you covered,” said Pleasant.

Not up for the eight-hour round-trip drive to Round Top? No problem. Pleasant can arrange helicopter transfer to a secluded hideaway where you can kick off your boots and kick back on an Adirondack chair by the outdoor firepit or take a dip in the pool before heading out to do some treasure hunting.

Not All Feb. 14 Occasions Prove Worthy of Dinner Reservations

With January’s demise, we can happily forget we didn’t quite meet our New Year’s workout and dietary resolutions and deny ever committing to do Dry January.

Next up: February a short-butsweet 28-day period that includes the potential for ice storms, winter sunburns, a Fat Stock Show (rude name after failing aforementioned dietary goals), romance, and a handful of unique National Days of Celebration.

This year, Valentine’s Day is on a Friday, which means restaurants are going to be slammed, and, if you’re not quick about it, you might find yourself at home with a pot of chili

mac and a bitter wife.

Before I jump into my recommendations for romantic dining in Dallas, I want to shed light on other holidays that are frequently overlooked due to sharing the date with Cupid.

“Valentine’s Day shares the spotlight with National Impotence Day. I’ve got nothing to add on that one.”

First, there’s Pet Theft Awareness Day. A downer, yes, but my own Westie was stolen back in 2015 and,

I’m just saying, the threat is real.

On a brighter note, it’s Library Lovers Day and all libraries deserve love these days.

It’s also Cream-Filled Chocolates Day and Chocolate Secrets has a creamy ancho chili-filled chocolate among its creative offerings.

Some folks wait all year for National Bonobo Day and, lucky for them, the Fort Worth Zoo houses several and will host an event in their honor. Bonobos are known as the “hippie apes” who like to make love, not war. Very romantic.

Last but not least, Valentine’s Day shares the spotlight with National Impotence Day. I’ve got nothing to add on that one.

Dallas has some obvious choices for romantic dinners. Carbone’s oldschool glamour and doting service is always impressive. Georgie’s vermillion velvet banquets and white table-

cloths set a romantic tone for couples who appreciate fine cuisine prepared by the exceptionally talented team led by RJ Yoakum. Tei-An’s quiet luxury and superb sashimi, soba, and other fine Japanese cuisine is quite romantic. To really impress, order the Krug Feature, tuna tartare with golden Russian caviar and a glass of Krug Grande cuvee.

For unique options, visit The Mitchell, a downtown cocktail lounge that serves excellent food as well, including oysters and caviar. It’s edgy and romantic at once. Uptown’s Bowen House is a gorgeous cocktail lounge and restaurant where you can sip creative cocktails such as Bhakta The Future while noshing on housemade chips with crème fraiche and caviar. Ayahuasca Cantina in Oak Cliff is a sexy, exotic Mexican cocktail lounge with elevated Central Mexico-inspired food.

If you prefer a low-key night in with your Valentine, consider ordering whatever Lucia is offering for its “Dinner to Go” special. Sometimes it’s a rich pasta dish, others it’s a glorious salumi board. No matter what, it’s going to be delicious.

Grilling steaks at home can also be romantic, especially when you bring home premium meat from Evan’s Meat Market.

If the weather is nice, order a charcuterie board from Scardello cheese shop, grab your favorite beverages and have a picnic at a nearby park.

Whatever you celebrate this month, enjoy!

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

KERSTEN RETTIG

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Round Top’s iconic barns and tents are filled with antiques and unique finds. Hostie Vacation Rentals offers curated experiences including private transportation. Hostie lodging options include a three-bedroom home with a dreamy bathroom retreat designed by HGTV’s Leanne Ford and Grace Mitchell. The bi-annual fair ushers in stylish western wear with canine companions taking part in the fun. CLAUDIA CARSON-HABEEB AND HOSTIE VACATION RENTALS

Teton Village Vantage Point Puts Skiers in Perfect Position for Powder

By Diana Oates Special Contributor

It’s an annual debate for Park Cities people each spring break — to ski or sunbathe? That is the question.

For the family that feels ski school and hot cocoa is more their speed, I ask them why not Wyoming? With a three-hour nonstop flight out of DFW Airport and endless options for year-round recreation, this epic outdoor destination should truly top everyone’s wanderlust list.

For ski-in, ski-out accommodations for families, the private retreats collection at the Four Seasons Resort & Residences

Jackson Hole is second to none. As families expand and kids grow, having space on vacation to spread out and relax becomes the true luxury. Offering two-to five-bedroom residences, these private spaces allow you to unplug and re-enter the après ski scene exactly when you want to. The full kitchens, washer/dryers, and living rooms are a gamechanger for feeling at home on the road.

Speaking of skiing, it is essential to equip your group with the amenities to make the most of your time on the slopes. The Four Seasons ski concierge helps with everything from rentals to instruction and will even store and dry your boots overnight.

The Kids Ranch operated by Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers ski lessons for children and teens ages 3 to 17.

Not into skiing or snowboarding but enjoy the thrill of the winter season all-the-same?

Consider having the property schedule a sleigh ride or head over to Teton Village to ice skate on the Village Commons.

And while most of the activities are on the mountain during a ski trip, we are Dallasites, after all, and love to eat fabulous food and sip delicious drinks while we explore new parts of the country.

I was pleasantly surprised with the culinary offerings during my stay at Four Seasons

Resort and Residences Jackson Hole with multiple meals in the cozy Handle Bar pub right on property. The Westbank Grill served sophisticated steakhouse classics in a laid-back yet luxurious atmosphere. There is even a speakeasy called 80 Proof for craft cocktails in a resort guests-only environment. Other can’t miss cuisine in the Teton Village area includes Corsa for Italian and Teton Thai.

Pro tip: Order your Teton Thai to go and take it back to your private residence-style room for a perfect movie by the fire night post skiing. It’s tough to talk up a trip to Jackson Hole without also

reminding travelers to spend a couple hours wandering the charming downtown square.

Whether you are snapping a family photo at the iconic elk antler entrance or climbing up on a saddle for a local beer and live show at the Million Dollar Cowboy, there is something for everyone to check off their downtown to-do list here. Think fresh baked pastries and strong coffee at Persephone Bakery in the morning, shopping for boots and hats galore, and for dinner treating yourself to the iconic Snake River Grill.

However you spend your time in this town, I can guarantee it won’t be your last visit.

Musings on Travels, Tastes, and Valentine’s Day Apple Tarts

Travel adventures filled my 2024 –some close to home and others overseas.

From Tyler, Texas, and Billings, North Dakota, to Nice, Barcelona, Tangier, Gran Canaria, and Paris, every visit introduced me to new flavors, gastronomic traditions, and mouthwatering dishes.

Scores of photographs captured at every opportunity now provide a catalog of my epicurean discoveries. East Texas barbecue, Marseille’s fresh markets, Barcelona’s paella and roasted lamb hip, the fragrant spice markets of Tangier, and in Paris – decadent pastries, chocolates of every shape and size, colorful macaron, and gorgeous wines tantalized my palate.

This year promises to be similar. This spring I’ll take my first transatlantic cruise from Miami to Lisbon with stops in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Azores.

In early summer, we’ll be back in Colorado gathering with friends while grilling or cooking over a live fire, and in August a New York film crew arrives to film another season of

Ingredients:

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

1 firm apple, peeled and cored (I used Cosmic Crisp)

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed

1 ½ teaspoons Saigon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom

1 teaspoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and

At Home with Christy Rost. I’ll rejoin Atlas Ocean Voyages in October as a guest chef when we cruise from Dublin to Lisbon – a voyage that’s certain to result in recipe inspiration.

line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured pastry cloth or counter to a 12” X 9” rectangle, taking care to seal the folds in the pastry. Place a 6-inch round cake pan or bowl on half the pastry, cut around the pan with a sharp knife, and repeat on the other half of the pastry to form two circles. Transfer the circles to the baking sheet and chill while preparing the apple filling. Gently fold the remaining puff pastry, wrap well, and freeze for appetizers or other use.

Slice the apple into 1/8-inch thin slices and place them in a medium bowl. In a small

sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.

Pour over the apples, add lemon juice, and gently toss with a rubber spatula until the apples are well coated.

Remove the pastry from the refrigerator, brush with melted butter, and using your fingers, roll the edge inward to form a rim around both tarts. Arrange apple slices in a spiral inside the tart, overlapping the slices. Apples will form a peak in the center which will drop as the tart bakes. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until the apples soften and the pastry browns and puffs. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Yield: 2 individual tarts

Before boarding the ship, Randy and I will explore and taste our way through Ireland to sample its rich culinary traditions and today’s epicurean trends. Always searching for stunning, but easy recipe ideas to share with my readers and TV audience, I’m looking forward to stops in France and Spain before we dock in Lisbon.

This month’s Valentine dessert was inspired by my visit to France for a Paris Fashion Trip.

French apple tarts are melt-inthe-mouth, personal-size pastries served warm from the oven with or

without a scoop of ice cream. Thinly sliced apples accented with cinnamon sugar, nutmeg, and cardamom are cradled in puff pastry, then baked shortly before serving for an impressive, yet easy grande finale to a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends.

“Always searching for stunning, but easy recipe ideas to share with my readers and TV audience, I’m looking forward to stops in France and Spain before we dock in Lisbon.”

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

CHRISTY ROST

CHRISTY ROST

CLOCKWISE: The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole is located in Teton Village just outside of the city center and offers a seamless ski in and ski out situation. After a long day of skiing, having room to relax in residence-style accommodations makes all the difference and is truly what turns a family trip into a vacation for all. The National Elk Refuge is home to a local herd of bison during the winter months which makes exciting encounters with the area’s amazing animal-life possible all year long. COURTESY FOUR

Lessons From The ‘Old Judge’

How annoying. I had to take a day off and pull my 11-year-old son out of school to go to municipal court, again. He rode his electric bike through a stop sign, turning right on a quiet residential street and didn’t notice the police car. The officer gave him a scolding and a ticket.

Why couldn’t it be a warning?

“You’ll have two misdemeanors on your record,” I kidded my son. “You’re a thug at 11 years of age.”

My son’s first misdemeanor was riding on the sidewalk. Worried that a distracted driver might hit him on the road, I’m the one who told him to ride there.

My son would face the same judge: a reserved gent with freckles of the elderly and rheumy blue eyes, dressed in a large, black robe.

As a surgeon, I have a degree of enmity toward lawyers due to frivolous malpractice suits.

rand, stopped to say hello to a friend on a bicycle going the other way. The friend had acquired “doubles,” duplicate baseball cards, and proposed a trade. They would meet up later to determine a fair exchange.

“That was the last time I saw him,” the judge dropped the bomb. “My parents wouldn’t allow me to go to the funeral.”

My eyes began to mist over.

The judge leaned back in his giant chair and looked despondent. “So, hug your dad extra tight tonight.”

I composed myself enough to look at the judge. “I lost a friend like that too.”

When I was 10 years old, I made a new friend down the block. One evening, our doorbell rang. I answered it.

I told my boy to address the judge as “your Honor” and tell him, “I learned my lesson.”

My son would be ordered to attend e-bike safety class. I’d pay the $246 fine, and we’d be on our way, I figured.

Speaking slowly in a Texas drawl, the judge asked my son if he knew the meaning of a stop sign and said, “I want to tell you a story.”

Oh boy, do we have to hear a story? It’s probably the same one he tells every kid.

The judge began to draw a street intersection and recalled an incident from when he was my son’s age.

He and his mother, in the car on an er -

MThe man at the door was wideeyed, breathless, and sweaty.

“Is the doc here?”

“My dad is probably at the hospital,” I told the man.

“My boy was hit by a car,” the man said and ran off into the night.

At the hospital, they wheeled in a dead child, his body covered with a white sheet. Seeing the blond hair sticking out, Dad at first thought it was me.

I remember lying in bed after hearing my friend was gone.

The judge leaned forward and locked eyes with my son. “Be careful. Bicycles are dangerous.”

My opinion of the old judge reversed. He was everything a public servant should be. He put his heart and soul into his work.

He cared about us.

Dr. Don Dafoe, a transplant surgeon, has lived in Highland Park for a year and a half and hopes Municipal Court Judge James Paul Barklow doesn’t mind being called old.

DE COSSIO-HARRISON

r. and Mrs. Carlos Gonzalez de Cossio of Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico, are delighted to announce the engagement of their daughter, Mariana Gonzalez de Cossio, to Augustus Bedford Harrison, son of Drs. Clanton and Selby Harrison of Dallas, Texas.

Mariana is a graduate of Cumbres Irapuato High School (Class of 2016) and earned a degree in Food Process Engineering from Monterrey Institute of Technology in 2020. She completed her master’s degree in Food Science and Technology at Texas A&M University in 2024. Mariana will be working as a food scientist in Kansas City, Kansas.

Augustus graduated from Trinity Christian School (Class of 2015) and received a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Science and Product Development from Johnson & Wales University in 2020. He earned his master’s degree in Food Science from Texas A&M University in 2024. Augustus works as a food scientist with

Effective March 1:

DART is simplifying its fare structure to provide riders with clearer options while maintaining quality service.

To learn more, visit DART.org/FareUpdates

Ultrasource LLC in Kansas City, Kansas. The couple will exchange vows in August 2025 in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

DON DAFOE

With new e-bike regulations in effect, McCulloch Intermediate School fifth grader Donald Dafoe Jr. is switching to a traditional bicycle. COURTESY DON DAFOE

All Hands on Deck at Armstrong Auction

Armstrong Elementary parents, students, and staff members charted a course for success during the school’s annual auction on Nov. 8.

The “Palm Beach Yacht Club” themed event netted over $630,400, a record-breaking amount that allowed the PTA to double the holiday bonuses received by staff in December.

Auction co-chairs Natalie Lesikar, Laura Price, and Samantha Wortley captained the school’s efforts with leadership from vice president of development Andrea Cheek. They united Armstrong by preparing for and hosting a party that made every child, parent and staff member feel that they were a part of something special.

350 guests attended the sailboat soirée at the Dallas Country Club, which was decorated for the evening with striped cabanas, palm-leaf arches, floral covered tête-à-têtes, and regency rattan. Thanks to the support of parents and community sponsors, all proceeds from ticket sales and the auction went directly to the school.

When Armstrong PTA president Kate Boatright announced that all money donated during the auction’s annual paddle raise would be used for teacher bonuses, the 20 staff in attendance were called to the dance floor and a painting donated by Michelle and Rob Joyner, and painted by Rob, was brought out. The painting, together with the names of paddle raise donors, will be displayed in the school’s front office.

– Compiled by Sarah Hodges

Armstrong staff with the Joyner painting.

Alessandro and Brittaney Mungioli. Laura Price, Andrea Cheek, Natalie Lesikar, Kate Boatright, Samantha Wortley, and Lara Francis.

Heather and Bill ten Broeke.

Natalie Lesikar, Laura Price, and Samantha Wortley.

Toasting a successful voyage on the “Palm Beach Yacht Club.”

MARILYN WHEELER WAGGONER

Marilyn Wheeler Waggoner joined her Heavenly Father on Friday, December 13th, 2024. A memorial service will be planned in early 2025 at First Presbyterian Church in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Born on March 26th, 1936, Marilyn was the daughter of Louise and Luther Wheeler. Unfortunately, Marilyn lost both of her parents by the age of ten. She was raised by her sister, Barbara Wheeler Cullum. Marilyn responded to these early hardships with a resilience that she carried through her lifetime. She was a graduate of Wichita Falls High School and attended the University of Texas in their Plan II program. She was also a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.

Marilyn and Thomas “Tommy” Jefferson Waggoner, III, fell in love on a high school trip to Italy and were married 6/23/1956. She was a devoted wife and mother to her three children. She was a founding member of the Junior League of Wichita Falls, an organization close to her heart.

In 1969, Marilyn and Tommy moved their family to Dallas, Texas. In the 1970’s Marilyn opened a gift shop, “The Tulip Tree,” in Highland Park Village with a friend and her sister-in-law. The gift shop was a success and remained the place for gift buying for 15+ years. In 1995, Marilyn and Tommy moved to Barton Creek Lakeside in Spicewood, Texas, before deciding that the Rocky Mountains in Montana were calling. In 2002 they moved to Bigfork, MT and spent 13 wonderful years enjoying Big Sky Country. In 2015 they moved back to Wichita Falls to be closer to family and friends. After losing her husband in 2017, Marilyn took a leap of faith

and moved to central Oregon in 2022 to enjoy the mountains of the Pacific Northwest with her daughter.

Marilyn had lifelong friends from Wichita Falls of 80+ years that added much joy to her life – “The Falls Girls.” Some of Marilyn’s favorite things included summers at Possum Kingdom Lake, watching the Dallas Cowboys (preferably when they were winning which often seems like a distant memory), rooting for the Texas Longhorns football team, traveling all over the world, spending time with her dogs, volunteering, watching Dateline (Lester Holt’s #1 fan), playing competitive bridge or any games with friends and family. She loved greasy TexMex food (think cheese enchiladas covered with queso and chopped onions), Dr Pepper, and vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce and THREE cherries (not 2 or 4 – had to be 3).

Marilyn was always up for any adventure –anything to not be “dull and boring” and be surrounded by the people that she loved. She enjoyed countless hours sitting on the back porch in Oregon admiring nature and keeping an eye on resident birds.

Marilyn is survived by her three children and granddaughter: Thomas “Jeff” Jefferson Waggoner, IV, of Wichita Falls, TX, Jill Waggoner of Enid, OK and Amy Waggoner (partner Amie Tacka) of Bend, OR and Jamie Waggoner (fiancé Oliver Birt) of Asheville, NC. She is also survived by her brother-in-law John Stephens Waggoner and wife Elizabeth “Betsy” Denman Waggoner as well as sister-in-law Judy Waggoner Lambert. She also had many loving and caring nieces and nephews who doted on her and brought much joy to her life.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Waggoner, daughterin-law Kimberly Cogdell, sister Barbara Wheeler Cullum and her husband James Anderson “Old Sport” Cullum, brother-inlaw Richard “Dick” Moore Waggoner and his wife Lucia Hartgrove Waggoner.

Marilyn was the epitome of grace and beauty, but also had the most infectious laugh that would bring a smile to your face. But more importantly, she was kind, funny and quick to find humor in any situation. She was the eternal optimist and is greatly missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to her loving caregivers: Hope Hernandez, Pam and John Calkins, Jen Latham and all of the caregivers from Partners in Care – particularly her hospice case manager, Keri S. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Partners in Care at www.partnersbend.org or The American Heart Association.

GENELLE HOFFMANN DAHLBERG

Genelle Hoffmann Dahlberg of Dallas, Texas passed away on December 4th, 2024, at the age of eightyfour. Born on October 11th, 1940, in Houston, Texas, Genelle was an incredible woman full of kindness, love and complete dedication to her family and friends.

Growing up, Genelle was always involved with music while helping her mother, Elsie, care for her baby brother, Harvey. Her father, Woodrow, a railroad Engineer, traveled a lot so she assisted her mother at home with Harvey during her youth. She and her high school musical friends formed a band called The Rythmettes, for whom she sang and played the snare drum (we still have it!) At one point during her young musical career, she shared the stage with Kenny Rogers! We were privileged to hear her tell that special story many times, with her beautiful smile and caring brown eyes so lovingly gazing upon us!

Genelle attended the University of Houston studying nursing and radiology then became an orthopedic Assistant at Herman Hospital. A few years later, she was hired as an Administrative Assistant and Interior Design Support for the large Architectural Engineering firm, CRS, Inc. One day, while working at CRS, she bumped into a man coming around the corner and the papers she was holding were flung to the ground. He helped her pick them up, they smiled, and they both went on their way. That man, Walter Dahlberg, would eventually become her loving husband of 56 years.

Her career continued to blossom, as she passed the Series 7 exam, she then became a Certified Stockbroker for the firm of Dempsey Tegler, L.P.

After their marriage in 1968, Genelle and Walter moved to Dallas in 1970 so he could pursue a career in Landscape Architecture. They would soon have a son and daughter, and raise their family in Forest Hills, before moving to University Park in 1981. The family will never forget her beautiful voice singing lullabies like “Send in the Clowns” and “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window” while the children were little and, as they grew up, singing to Chicago, Air Supply, Bee Gees, Hall & Oats, Josh Groban and, at Christmas time, “A Muppet Family Christmas.” She was always up for “a bubbly” and always was graceful if the answer was “no.”

Genelle was involved in numerous volunteer organizations including Save Open Spaces, ASLA and St. John’s Episcopal School. In addition, she thoroughly enjoyed serving as a docent for Old City Park in Dallas.

She is preceded in death by her father, Woodrow Hoffmann of La Grange, Texas and her mother, Elsie Prasifka Hoffmann of Park, Texas. She is survived by her loving husband, Walter Dahlberg, of Dallas, Texas, her son and daughter-in law, Scott and Suzanne, her daughter and son-in law, Whitney and Mitch Myers, and her brother, Harvey, and her sister-in-law, Connie. She has four adoring grandchildren, Beau Dahlberg, Sadie Dahlberg, Brooke Myers and Hunter Myers, who call her “Gigi” and cherished her love and warmth for them dearly. Her home was deemed the “Gigi Dahlberg Day Care Center and The Land of Yes,” as she cared for each of her four grandchildren many, many days as they were babies and adolescents.

The family would like to thank all the kind and caring nurses and staff at Brookdale White Rock Memory Care Facility. It was their dedication to their work and special care that comforted Genelle and our family during these past few difficult years.

There will be a private, family ceremony to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her honor to Alzheimer’s Association alz.org or to Christ the King Catholic Church.

HP Seniors Hit the Jackpot at Casino Party

Members of Highland Park High School’s class of 2025 doubled down on memories and fun during the annual Senior Boys Casino Party on Jan. 12 at Gilley’s Dallas.

The event featured casino games, a DJ, TV screens for watching football, dancing, raffle prizes, and more.

The event for the entire HP senior class was hosted by 141 boys in traditional Texas tuxedos. The party was co-chaired by Kara Swanson and Cary Smith, and their sons, Charlie and Paxton.

– Compiled by Sarah Hodges

Claire Finger, Kate Moran, Annie McGuire, Mary Lawrence Cordon, and Audrey Metcalf

Duncan Zielke, Wilson Elmore, Blake Goodnight, and Benton Owens Harry Alt, Reece Tiffany, Walker Thrash, and Nick Sherwood

Paxton Smith, Charlie Swanson, and Brown Wheeler

Back Row: Georgeann Huthnance, Josephine Cherry, and Georgia Jones Front Row: Chloe Konen, Emery Beichler, Mary Jane Roberts, Maggie Steves, and Parker Addison

Stockton Pettit, Wilson Gill, Jackson Whitaker, Clifton Smart, and Connor Obel

Emmeline McNeil, Charlie Swanson, and Gray McInnis

SPECIAL ADVERTISING CONTENT

DAVE PERRY-MILLER REAL ESTATE

Sophisticated Living in University Park

Experience the best of Park Cities living with this rare, one-owner, three-story condo at 4524 Emerson Ave. #2 (4524emerson.daveperrymiller.com) near Highland Park High School. Offering 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, and a coveted location with proximity to Germany Park, Lovers Lane, Highland Park Village, and more, this home combines luxury with convenience. Listed by Jane Gordon for $950,000.

The private first-floor bedroom with an en-suite bath doubles as a serene retreat or a productive home office. The second floor is designed for entertaining, featuring a stylish kitchen with white cabinets, granite countertops, a breakfast bar, and stainless steel appliances. The kitchen opens to a spacious dining and living area with a cozy fireplace, while the covered balcony provides an outdoor haven year-round.

The third floor offers ultimate privacy with a primary suite and two additional bedrooms connected by a full bath. Gleaming hardwood floors, a spacious two-car garage, and ample storage complete the package.

To schedule a showing, contact Jane at 214-4787099 or janegordon@dpmre.com.

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

THE PERRY-MILLER STREIFF GROUP

Own

the Full 8th Floor at Prestigious 8181 Douglas

8181 Douglas #800 is currently being offered for $3,799,000.

Experience the pinnacle of high-rise living with this extraordinary opportunity to own the entire 8th floor of the prestigious 8181 Douglas building, located in the heart of Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD).

This sprawling, 7,125-square-foot residence, serviced by a private interior elevator accessing all floors, boasts breathtaking 360-degree views framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the open floor plan with natural light perfect for entertaining. The home features three bedrooms and three bathrooms, including a generously sized primary wing with floor-to-ceiling windows and dual luxurious baths, each with its own unique color palette.

The unit offers two living areas, two dining areas with a dual-sided fish tank flanking the formal dining space, a full bar and a wine room, all designed for seamless entertaining.

Additional conveniences include six reserved parking spaces and two private storage units.

Building amenities redefine luxury with 24-hour 7-days a week concierge services, state-of-theart security, an outdoor pool and living area with dining and grill stations, a large fitness center with a sauna, and an exclusive guest suite for visitors.

The residence is more than a home, “it’s a lifestyle of unparalleled luxury, privacy, and convenience in one of Dallas’ most sought-after locations.”

Contact Valerie Dillon at 214.755.3036 or valeriedillon@dpmre.com for more information or to set up a private showing. Visit DPMFineHomes. com to learn more.

EBBY HALLIDAY

UTD Partnership Blossoms

Ebby Halliday Companies Senior Vice President of Brokerage Malinda Howell recently spoke to students in UTD’s management program.

Students at The University of Texas at Dallas’ Naveen Jindal School of Management recently put the finishing touches on their Capstone Senior Projects. The projects provide opportunities for business students to test their knowledge of what they have learned in the classroom and apply it in industry settings.

During the Fall semester, UTD students collaborated with the Ebby Halliday Companies Marketing team, learning how to solve real-world business issues faced in the daily operations of a team that serves the marketing needs of one of America’s largest and most-admired real estateservices companies.

“I greatly enjoyed working with students from UTD,” says Steve Smith, Vice President of Marketing for the Ebby Halliday Companies. “In frequent collaboration sessions, these talented students came prepared to share their researchsupported feedback and offer realistic solutions to business challenges.”

As part of their commitment to the Capstone program, companies provide timely feedback to project teams, hold regular meetings, and provide necessary guidance as projects progress.

In addition to partnering with UTD’s Naveen Jindal School of Management for semester-long Capstone projects, the Ebby Halliday Companies are proud to annually financially support several deserving UTD students in their educational endeavors via the Ebby Halliday Scholarship program.

ALLIE BETH

Host a gathering in a modern home

Find a modern home with the help of an Allie Beth Allman & Associates expert.

With expansive windows that invite natural light, a modern home provides the perfect backdrop for a party.

The clean lines and open spaces create a festive canvas. A modular layout offers endless possibilities for transforming the space, adding seasonal touches to any property.

An expert with Allie Beth Allman & Associates can show you a host of possibilities among modern properties available in DFW.

At 3501 University Blvd., modern meets meticulous craftsmanship in this seven-bedroom, 7.2 bath home in University Park. With 6,669 square feet, the property features a secluded primary suite, with a balcony overlooking the beautiful back yard.

The entertaining space includes a formal dining room, a gourmet kitchen that flows seamlessly into a family room, along with a built-in wine cooler, butler’s pantry and wet bar.

A modern oasis exists at 9630 Inwood Road in Preston Hollow. The property is surrounded by lush landscaping, offering privacy amid elegance. Soaring ceilings define the renovated interior, along with a stunning 90-year-old burning bush mahogany crotch wood fireplace surround in the grand living room, and sleek European style kitchen cabinetry with top-ofthe-line appliances.

Find the ideal home with the help of an Allie Beth Allman & Associates real estate expert. Connect with an agent: https://www.alliebeth.com/roster/Agents

1747 Leonard St #1401

3 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 3,838 SF

$3,995,000

Listed by: Ani Nosnik & Sanders Avrea

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN Brokerage touts significant home sales in University Park for 2024

Trust the leaders in selling homes in University Park, Allie Beth Allman & Associates, to sell your home this spring market.

If you must sell your home in University Park, your next call should be to the experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates, who are the leader in home sales in the Park Cities.

Here are six significant sales from the Allie Beth Allman & Associates team in 2024. The expert agents can provide a plan to sell your home for top dollar.

You might have marveled at the beautiful, Southern-style home at 3825 Potomac Ave. It has a spacious foyer that leads to formal living and a wellness room. A guest house has a full bath and a new gym.

The five-bedroom home at 3116 Caruth Blvd. was designed by SHM Architects. The 7,300-square-foot home has tall ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. A game room is on the mezzanine level.

Home shoppers loved the five-bedroom home at 3612 Centenary Ave. The home features a study with butternut paneling and leather ceiling. Its kitchen has four ovens, ready for the grandest parties.

The transitional-style, four-bedroom home at 3844 Greenbrier Drive sold in the fairway. The home has a large foyer and formal living and dining rooms to host dinner parties. The beautiful European bar features antique brick and a 1000-bottle wine chiller.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Notable Highland Park homes sell in 2024

Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents have led in the sale of Highland Park homes for numerous years, according to data from the Multiple Listing Service.

While the Dallas market naturally experiences changes, one thing has remained true for some years: Allie Beth Allman & Associates continues to lead in Highland Park sales.

The luxury brokerage’s expert agents know this neighborhood inside and out, and they proved their skill once again in 2024.

With unmatched numbers and an expansive reach with buyers nationwide, Allie Beth Allman & Associates is the clear choice for discerning homeowners looking to sell their properties. Here’s a look at some significant Highland Park sales agents executed seamlessly in 2024.

At 4000 Gillon Ave., the lucky new owners gained a stately masterpiece inside and out. Adorned with all the bells and whistles—including an elevator, an entertainer’s dream backyard, and spacious formals for elegant hosting.

A new construction at 4408 Lorraine Ave. also changed hands. The heart of the home is a light-filled open space holding the main living area, dining area and gourmet kitchen. From there, you’re just steps away from the covered veranda, and heated pool and spa.

Allie Beth Allman & Associates represented the sellers and brought the buyer for 4352 Fairfax Ave. The home attracted its new stewards with perks like a downstairs primary suite and C-shaped floor with beautiful views of the serene backyard.

Experience unparalleled luxury and breathtaking views in this exceptional 3-bedroom residence at Hall Arts Residences, nestled in the heart of Dallas’ vibrant Arts District. This sophisticated home is defined by its refined design and high-end finishes, featuring soaring 11’ floorto-ceiling windows, a Bulthaup kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, an Eggersmann custom closet, and Dornbracht fixtures throughout. Lutron shades add an extra touch of convenience and style, completing this one-of-a-kind living experience. Enjoy a comprehensive suite of amenities, including 247 valet service, on-site concierge, a resortinspired pool and spa, a state-of-the-art fitness studio, and a pet-friendly dog park with grooming facilities. For outdoor enthusiasts and entertainers, there’s a putting green, multiple indoor and outdoor kitchens with grilling areas, and numerous spaces for hosting guests. This is a truly exceptional address offering a lifestyle of elegance, convenience, and comfort.

for the holidays

Plan gatherings for years to come in one of these homes offered by Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents.

Whether you are looking for a modern or traditional style home, the experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates can help you find a beautiful new residence in a great neighborhood that will open a path to your new adventure.

Consider one of these spectacular homes, now available through an Allie Beth Allman & Associates agent. The French-transitional-style home at 5414 Edlen Drive has six bedrooms and sits on an acre of land in Preston Hollow. Inside, delight at the 25-foot foyer and floating staircase. Or relax in front of a hand-carved marble fireplace.

Your guests will enjoy a drinking glass of something special from the 2,000-bottle wine vault or kicking back in the dramatic speakeasy beside a luxurious bar. Outside is a covered patio with remote-controlled shades beside a pool and spa.

If you prefer a newly constructed home, tour the fivebedroom home at 3936 Amherst Ave. The home has an open floor plan with eight baths and a kitchen that is equipped with high-end appliances and opens to a breakfast room.

Find the right home with the help of an Allie Beth Allman & Associates real estate expert. Connect with an expert agent: https://www.alliebeth.com/roster/Agents

6 tips for preparing your home to sell

time to get your home ready to sell.

Here are some helpful tips from the agents at Allie Beth Allman & Associates to prepare your home to sell. Be sure to get in touch with the leading brokerage soon so an agent can help you list your home strategically.

1. Declutter and de-personalize your spaces. Tuck away distracting items such as family portraits, sentimental knickknacks, or bold artwork.

2. Make the little fixes. Small jobs done now can pay off huge later, since buyers will love that your home is wellmaintained. Remember that buyers want move-in-ready.

3. Consider repainting inside and out. A new coat on the front door can instantly increase first impressions and painted interiors exude palpable freshness.

4. Put love into your landscaping. Hire a service to groom the grounds or brighten up your front yard with flowers, organic grasses or elegant bushes.

5. Make your spaces sparkling clean. Bring in professionals to deep clean everything from carpets to windows, so there isn’t an odor or stain to be found.

6. Lastly, start working with an agent you trust now. The agents at Allie Beth Allman & Associates can assess your home and give you a tailored plan to get your property in selling shape for the spring market.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN Choose bountiful living

ALLMAN

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Spring market will come early this year, according to the luxury real estate experts with Allie Beth Allman & Associates. Now is the

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN URBAN