STORMS, MOSQUITOES, NEIGHBORLINESS
Cancel that trip to the tropics! You’re already there.
According to the National Weather Service, Dallas Love Field recorded 9.72 inches of rain in May. The wettest city in the United States, Hilo, Hawaii, still beat us with 9.75 inches, but we came close!
An additional 2.65 inches of rain — more than half of last year’s total for the entire month — was measured at Love Field in the first four days of June, with more wet weather still in the forecast.
The Park Cities can’t claim to have experienced a tropical cyclone, but wind gusts on the morning of May 28 at Love Field topped 70 miles per hour, according to Weather Underground.
The Park Cities had a long list of repairs in the wake of the May 28 storm. In Highland Park, work included removal of downed trees, tree stumps, and damaged limbs, replacement of damaged streetlights, and repairs to a walkway railing in Lakeside Park and construction fencing adjacent to the park, according to DPS public information officer Lance Koppa.
University Park waived its fee for storm debris collection through June 7, then extended the waiver until June 14. Highland Park closed a section of Drexel Drive to place dumpsters closer to debris and expedite cleanup, Koppa said.
As if the power outages, flooding, and uprooted trees weren’t enough, the wet weather
has also meant more mosquitos. According to the OFF! Mosquito Forecast, levels of the disease carrying insect in Dallas were expected to fluctuate between high and severe in the second half of June.
But the worst weather brought out the best in neighbors in University Park and Highland Park.
During the extended power outage following the May 28 storm, residents with electricity opened their homes to overnight guests and their fridges to food that would have otherwise spoiled. Neighbors helped clear debris, and hosted children whose homes were in the dark.
HPHS upcoming junior Jesse Luna, who is an offensive lineman and throws the discus for the track and field team, helped neighbors move fallen parts of trees after the storm.
Hola HP owner Katherine Herron opened her Snider Plaza business to those in need of a place to work or study. And when the Preston
Road Church of Christ’s annual block party was rained out, the church invited the community to share the food it had planned to serve at the event.
As for the area’s uninvited insect guests, Highland Park and University Park will both provide residents with free mosquito dunks and conduct property inspections at resident request.
In Highland Park, mosquito dunks are available at customer service in town hall, 4700 Drexel Drive. The Parks Department will respond to and treat larger areas of stagnant water as needed, Koppa said.
University Park offers mosquito dunks and a limited supply of insect repellant spray during business hours at city hall, 3800 University Blvd.
More information about mosquito prevention is available on the University Park and Highland Park websites.
Crime Reports May 13-June 9
May 13
A reckless driver drove off after hitting an Infiniti QX50 before 11:32 p.m. on Amherst Street
May 14
Reported at 2:16 p.m.: An offender failed to leave information after damaging the front left quarter panel and shattering the left headlight of a BMW X3 in the 3600 block of Shenandoah Avenue between Feb. 26 and Feb. 27.
May 15
A bitter pedestrian was out for revenge after a driver honked to let him know he had the right-of-way to cross the street in the 4200 block of Oaklawn Avenue before 11:35 a.m. The pedestrian allegedly kicked the honker’s vehicle, leaving a dent.
May 17
A larcenist with a taste for luxury goods stole a long list of items worth between $2,500 and $30,000 from a specialty store in Snider Plaza before 4:40 p.m., including cash, tote bags, a three-strand pearl necklace, makeup products, L. Bartlett sunglasses, an iPad, and prescription medications.
May 18
Reported at 8:55 a.m.: A would-be thief broke two windows and rummaged through an Audi SUV parked in the 5000 block of Holland Avenue but did not appear to have taken anything.
May 19
The drunk driver of a Ford F150 struck six parked vehicles before officers arrested him at 11:23 p.m. in the 3200 block of Rankin Avenue
May 20
Reported at 5:49 p.m.: A garbage bag full of items left by a man who stormed off after being told he couldn’t just leave property at the Highland Park Department of Public Safety without talking to an officer was placed in a property locker for safekeeping.
May 22
A brazen burglar stole a purse, $200 cash, a brown and black cheetah print wallet, and credit cards from a car parked on Hillcrest
Avenue before 8:29 p.m.
May 23
Two women took L’Oreal’s “because you’re worth it” slogan too literally before 12:20 p.m. They may have been worth it, but they couldn’t pay for it. They shoplifted 30 L’Oreal, Olay, and CVS brand facial products, along with a SIMA Sonic Dermaplaning device, from CVS on Preston Road
May 24
Here’s how to turn a GMC into an ATM in the 3700 block of Purdue Street: Someone left it unlocked with cash inside. A crook made a withdrawal before 10:48 a.m.
May 25
Reported at 11:28 p.m.: Officers responded to a minor crash on Villanova Drive, then arrested one driver for driving while intoxicated.
May 26
A thief stole an Able slingback purse, Able wallet, driver’s license, keys, credit and debit cards, and $25 cash from a Lexus on University Boulevard
May 27
Officers responded to a report of assault at The Lumen in the 6100 block of Hillcrest Avenue at 6:29 p.m., but the victim refused to cooperate in the investigation.
May 29
A thief found easy pickings on the sidewalk outside a home on Marquette Street
Reported stolen at 12:46 p.m.: a vacuum, curtains, a wooden custom bench, a large vanity 3-foot mirror, and copper-bottom cookware.
May 30
A backyard bandit stole a black folding Pedego electric bike before 1:35 p.m. from the garage of a residence on Villanova Drive
May 31
How easy was it for a thief to get into a Lexus GX parked on Northwest Highway and steal a wallet, cash, five credit cards, photographs, a driver’s license, and a Target gift card? Reported at 7:45 p.m.: The Lexus was left unlocked.
Get ready for a
June 1
A woman lost control of her Porsche Cayenne in the rain and crashed into the bridge at 4000 Armstrong Avenue before 3:20 p.m.
June 2
Reported at 12:49 p.m.: A brazen burglar stole a Chevrolet Silverado and the Beretta 9 mm pistol in it from the 4200 block of Westway Avenue
June 3
Around 2:41 p.m., a man reported that a burglar damaged his company trailer door and stole a chainsaw, two saws, a grinder, and two drills, collectively worth about $3,825. The construction site, located in the 3400 block of Lindenwood Avenue, was gated and locked at the time of the offense.
June 4
Around 8:38 p.m., a reportedly homeless person with long toenails entered Chip’s Old Fashioned Hamburger without shoes and shattered the glass door when asked to leave. No video of the incident is available.
June 5
How easy was it for a burglar to steal a woman’s tote bag, laptop, wallet, credit and debit cards, driver’s license, cash, and makeup bag from her car parked on Northwest Parkway around 4:29 p.m.? The vehicle was left unlocked.
June 6
Reported around 9:05 a.m.: Two vehicles on Normandy Avenue had food thrown on them overnight — flour and egg on the front of a 2022 Alfa Romeo STE and egg on the right side and front of a 2024 Lexus RX3.
June 7
A public drunk was arrested around 5:38 a.m. at the intersection of Armstrong Parkway and Preston Road
June 9
A fraudster scammed a woman in the 3500 block of Princeton Avenue around 5:20 p.m. by asking her for $400 in exchange for four tickets to a Noah Kahan concert but never sending the tickets.
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Chris Murzin Foundation Bridges the Gap Between Tech and Law Enforcement
By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com
It took a police detective months of combing through video to identify the car whose occupant shot and killed Chris Murzin in 2021. But with the right software, the search could have been completed in a day.
“That could have helped,” Chris’ widow Christina Murzin said, “to get it out that day instead of three, four months later when (people’s) memories maybe aren’t as clear, or (they) have moved on.”
On Feb. 11, 2021, Chris was gunned down in an apparent road rage incident in broad daylight on I-20. The father of three had been known for his community leadership, advocacy for the special needs community, and devotion to his family. He had been named University Park’s citizen of the year in 2008.
After Chris’ death, Christina put up billboards, handed out flyers, increased the reward through crime stoppers, hired private investigators, and sought legal assistance. Despite her work and the diligent efforts of law enforcement, Chris’ murder remains unsolved.
But through her investigation, Christina brought together a team of experts and learned about technology that she knew could help other families in her situation. In the summer of 2023, she founded the
501(c)(3) nonprofit The Chris Murzin Foundation to bridge the gap between law enforcement and hi-tech companies whose software and data could be used to solve homicides.
Dallas police, Christina said, solve about 70% of homicides each year.
That’s better than the national clearance rate, which was 52.3% in 2022, according to the Pew Research Center. But almost one-third of Dallas homicide cases still go unsolved, and the total number of unsolved cases compounds every year.
“Unsolved homicide doesn’t just affect the victims. It affects the
communities,” Christina said. “The person that killed Chris is still out there, and what’s stopping him from getting agitated on the highway and shooting another person? If you can get away with murder once, what’s stopping you from doing it again?”
Local law enforcement doesn’t have the knowledge, finances, or time to navigate the rapidly evolving hi-tech landscape, Christina said. And families dealing with homicide are in the dark as well.
“There’s not a ‘What to Do When Your Loved One Is Murdered for Dummies’ book,” Christina
said. “There’s no book. There are no guidelines. There are no suggestions. We’re trying to be a resource for families also.”
The foundation hosted its first #tech4truth conference in February, which brought together data broker and software companies and law enforcement agencies, including the Dallas Police Department, FBI, University Park Police Department, and the Dallas District Attorney’s Office.
The foundation has also organized fundraisers, including Pickleball for a Purpose at Williams Park in May. Next on the foundation’s
AT A GLANCE
Visit 4Chris.org to learn more about The Chris Murzin Foundation or follow the foundation on Facebook or Instagram @thechrismurzinfoundation.
Save the date for the foundation’s Mahjong for a Mission fundraiser from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 24 at the Dallas Country Club.
agenda is a Mahjong for a Mission event at the Dallas Country Club in September. Chris’ daughter, Caroline, is spearheading the foundation’s events in Austin, where she recently finished her junior year at the University of Texas.
The foundation’s goal, Caroline said, is to expand and work on cases nationwide. Fundraising is vital because of the expense of hi-tech tools and cost of investigations, which can stretch into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
If this had happened to a member of Chris’ family, Caroline said, her father would have been going door-todoor trying to find out anything he could. “Now that he’s gone, we have to step up and take that place and hopefully help other people as well.”
“I think he’d be proud of us for trying something new to help others,” Christina said. “He would want something good to come out of his death.”
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UP’s Newest Councilmember Aims to Continue City’s Long-Term Success
By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com
It’s a bit intimidating, University Park’s newest City Council member Melissa Rieman said, to serve with a group of community leaders who have made such “amazing decisions” in the past.
“I want us to make really smart decisions, so that at the 200year anniversary celebration, people look back and say (University Park) is a really wellrun city.”
Melissa Rieman
“There’s been a lot of really good people who have sat on City Council before me,” said Rieman, who was sworn in as a councilmember in May. “I want that to continue.”
Rieman moved to University Park in 2002 from Atlanta when
her oldest child was 1 year old. While residents were very welcoming, Rieman worried about being an outsider in a city with so many multigenerational families. She became involved in the community both to support causes she cared about and to get to know her neighbors.
Rieman has since built an impressive resume of service with HPISD schools, the Friends of
the University Park Public Library, and the University Park community. In 2022, she was named University Park’s citizen of the year.
Her volunteer work has included serving as 2022 La Fiesta Chair, serving as president of the Friends of the University Park Public Library, and starting the Raider Challenge fundraiser at HPISD’s middle and intermediate schools, as well as the Scots Challenge at
the high school. Rieman’s involvement with the city began with a year of service on the parks advisory committee. She then served as the leader of one of the city’s two centennial celebration committees. When UP Mayor Tommy Stewart asked whether Rieman had considered running for City Council, she spent several weeks thinking about it before making a decision.
“I think a lot of people run for a political office because they think something’s wrong, and they think, ‘I’m going to fix that,’ or they get mad about something,” she said. “I think historically the City Council has made amazing decisions that have really benefitted the city decades later.”
Rieman said she hopes to continue the city’s track record of positive decision-making. She described herself as “action-oriented,” and “kind of anti-kick-thecan-down-the-road.”
“I’m not good actually at just sitting,” she said. “I should probably take up meditation maybe for 10 minutes a day.”
Rieman said she is excited about the enhancements to the newly renamed Centennial Park, which she would like to see brought to fruition as economically as possible. Other major projects facing the city include improvements to storm drainage, construction in Snider Plaza, and work on the Miracle Mile.
Rieman said she’d like to hear from the people she represents and aims to ensure she makes the best decisions for the city in the long-term.
“I want us to make really smart decisions,” she said, “so that at the 200-year anniversary celebration, people look back and say (University Park) is a really well-run city.”
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5/6.3
YOUNG BIKERS BRING THE BLING TO PARK CITIES FOURTH OF JULY PARADE
By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com
Organizers hope that young bikers will add some patriotic pizazz to this year’s “Red, White, and You!” themed Park Cities Fourth of July Parade.
Prizes will be given for the best-decorated bikes in six categories, including for boys and girls divided by age, and for the
best-decorated parent-child group of bikers. Winners will be announced at the gazebo at Centennial Park, which was formerly known as Goar Park. Riders of bikes with the best bedazzlements will receive prizes, July Fourth Parade co-chair Jill Jordan said. Impatient youngsters do not need to wait for the end of the parade to join the fun. Patriotic pedalers will meet starting at 8 a.m.
Former Mayor Honored in
on Thursday, July 4, at the Moody Family YMCA, 6000 Preston Road. Cookie-loving bikers who want to be considered for this year’s prizes — JD’s Chippery gift certificates — should arrive no later than 8:45 a.m. Bikers will join the parade as it passes by the YMCA.
Other parade participants will begin meeting at Highland Park Town Hall to line up at 7:30 a.m. No preregistration is required for most
participants. Exceptions are unusual entrants and those who require a special position in the lineup, such as antique cars or horseback riders. Those participants can email parkcitiesparade@gmail.com to preregister.
The parade will return to Lakeside Drive this year after being rerouted in 2023 due to construction. In addition to the bike decorating contest, participants can take part in a float-decorating contest.
There is no fee to join the parade, but the Rotary Club of Park Cities is hopeful that participants will make donations to the North Texas Food Bank. The club has raised sufficient funds through the parade for more than 1.5 million donated meals over the past several years, and aims to hit 2 million meals in 2025, Jordan said. Visit parkcitiesrotary.org for more information about the July Fourth parade.
Park Cities Fourth of July Parade Grand marshal added to resume of lawyer, volunteer, and business leader
By Maria Lawson maria.lawson@peoplenewspapers.com
Joel Williams III will ride in the Park Cities Fourth of July Parade for the 13th time this year.
The first 12 times were during his terms on the Highland Park Town Council and as mayor, and this time it’s as the ultimate honoree: parade grand marshal.
“I’ve been the recipient of candy for years and years and years,” the 50-plus-year Park Cities resident said. “I’ve been picking up candy for (my) kids, for my kids’ friends, and for my grandkids. For 12 years, I got to throw candy.”
He describes the parade as “the finest event in the Park Cities every year.”
“It is an opportunity for the town of Highland Park and city of University Park to work together in a collaborative manner with the Rotary Club,” Williams said.
Williams has been a leader in the Dallas financial business community for more than 50 years and founded the Bristol Group investment company.
His passion also lies in improving life for children and families. Efforts include starting Texas Stampede and Passion for Children’s, both of which support the Children’s Health System.
“Joel Williams’ devotion to hard work and service has enhanced the lives of many,” says a proclamation read by HP Mayor Will C. Beecherl during the Rotary Club luncheon honoring Williams. “Therefore, we are proud to honor Joel T. Williams III for his profound and lasting contribution to our community.”
Beecherl previously served under Williams, when Williams was mayor and
Beecherl was a council member.
“Mr. Williams more than fulfilled his civic duty by faithfully serving the town of Highland Park for 26 years including as Highland Park’s distinguished mayor from 2012-2018,” Beecherl said.
Williams, an SMU Dedman School of Law alumnus, has shared his knowledge and skills with organizations such as Goodwill Industries, Boy Scouts, Salesmanship Club
of Dallas, and others.
His tenure as mayor included the development of a five-year capital improvement plan and overseeing the refurbishment of Highland Park Town Hall.
“I love working with people,” he said, noting that he’s an introvert with an extroverted side. “I miss the chance to work with so many of my friends in trying to help ensure that the community we call home remains special.”
And he got his footing quickly — two weeks after he was sworn in, he was asked to declare a state of emergency to allow area ground spraying for West Nile mosquitos in 2012.
“One of the most interesting things about being mayor is … you have an opportunity to learn a lot about a lot of different things,” Williams said. “You meet a lot of great people; you meet more of your residents than you already know.”
His advice for people considering running for public office: love your community, acknowledge that community quality is a collective responsibility, and have enough free time to devote to it.
“You come in and do the very best job you can, serve out your term, and then get out of the way and let someone else step up,” Williams said.
‘Park Cities People’ Applauds
• Dallas-based ceramic installation artist Du Chau who won the 2024 Moss/Chumley North Texas Artist Award. The award is given annually to a North Texas artist who has exhibited professionally for at least 10 years and established a proven track record as a community advocate for the visual arts.
Legendary R ESULTS
• Members of the Mind Masters Destination Imagination Team, Brady Thibodeau, Callum Sinclair, Anna Burdett, Lorelei Parma, Violet Rockow, Hunter McCombs, and James Yen, who imagined their way to an eighthplace finish in Destination Imagination’s Global Finals. The Park Cities fifth graders competed against teams from around the country, Mexico, Poland, Turkey, and Guatemala in the competition’s fine arts challenge from May 22 to 25.
• The cast, crew, and directors of HPHS’ production of Into the Woods who won a Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Award for Outstanding Crew & Technical Execution. The awards support excellence in high school musical theater in North Texas. Students and educators were recognized in May at a ceremony modeled after the Tony Awards.
• Mizzen+Main CEO Ryan Kent who was named an En trepreneur of The Year 2024 Southwest Award finalist by Ernst & Young. The award recognizes business leaders for their ingenuity, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit. Kent was one of 47 regional entrepreneurs selected as finalists by an independent panel of judges.
— Compiled by Sarah Hodges
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Downtown Dallas Festival Needs Even More Joy Highland Park couple backs growth of Texas-sized ancient Indian culture celebration
By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com
For one day each spring, visitors to downtown Dallas are transported to South Asia as dancers lead a colorful chariot through the streets of downtown Dallas.
Thousands feast on free vegetarian cuisine, immerse themselves in Indian culture, and enjoy an evening concert.
It’s the Festival of Joy, and it has been observed annually in India, for more than 3,000 years.
Dallas’ celebration is a little younger. The city’s Festival of Joy in Klyde Warren Park returned for its fifth year this spring and owes its origin in part to the leadership of Highland Park couple Atul and Ritika Vohra.
“This is about trying to genuinely raise the awareness of a different lifestyle,” Atul said. “And also, there’s some Texan pride. We said, ‘Why would we be less than New York or LA or London?’ Everything’s bigger in Texas. We want this to be the biggest and best in time.”
The Vohras, who are part of the Krishna Consciousness Movement, explained that for the faithful, the day is a spiritual event. For everyone else, it’s a chance to immerse themselves in mindful living, as well as to sample Indian food, culture and music. Contributing to the Festival of Joy, Atul said, is the couple’s way of “making Dallas rich,” and was inspired by the work of families such as the Perots.
“These are the people that grew in the city, benefited from the city, and then gave back,” Atul said. “We’re not in a position to
do anywhere near what they’ve done. But I think we can help in a little way, and we’re trying to do that.”
The Vohras, world travelers who lived in India, Greece, and Hungary before moving to Highland Park in 1997, now consider themselves “passionately Texan.”
When they came to Highland Park, Atul
said, they may have been the first or second Indian family in the neighborhood.
Today, the Vohras are proud of how Dallas has blossomed. Years after their daughters left Armstrong Elementary, they’ve chosen to stay in Highland Park. “We love the neighborhood. We love the city, and we are trying to give back to the city,” Atul said.
Dallas’ Festival of Joy began in the streets around the Radha Kalachandji Temple in East Dallas. Seven years ago, the Vohras and other community leaders helped bring the celebration to downtown Dallas.
“The future goal is that really Dallas adopts us as a spring tradition,” Atul said. “It’s something that happens every spring, and everyone is looking forward to it.”
This year’s festival was made possible by the efforts of about 435 volunteers. The event was presented by Dallas’ longest-serving vegetarian restaurant, Kalachandji’s.
“We said, ‘Why would we be less than New York or LA or London?’ Everything’s bigger in Texas.”
Atul Vohra
Future additions could include a serious discussion with a leading thinker, a drone show, and a strengthened connection with the sport of cricket.
“I think in today’s world, people are lost,” Ritika said. “They need that moral, ethical, sustainability, compass, and I think it just hasn’t occurred to them that there is an alternative way of doing things.”
Masters at The Library: Girl Scout Earns Gold Award with Little Artists Program
By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com
The University Park Public Library has long been one of Miranda McParlin’s favorite places.
The HPHS upcoming sophomore began helping out at the library while in elementary school. She knew that she wanted to earn Girl Scouting’s highest honors — the Silver and Gold Awards — by continuing her contributions.
McParlin attained her Silver Award in 2021 by creating a children’s book recommendation board. The board, she explained, helped both the librarians and those who wanted to volunteer remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For almost three years, McParlin has visited the board each month to change the theme and recommended books. This June and July, the board has a F!RE UP S’MORE READING theme, complete with book reviews that look like marshmallows topped with chocolatey construction paper.
McParlin’s Gold Award project, Little Artists, originated through a discussion with former library director Sharon Perry Martin and youth services librarian Zoe Williams. At each Little Artist workshop, McParlin reads a book about a featured artist, then guides attendees in a project inspired by the artist’s work.
McParlin offered the program
for the first time in 2023 at the library and K.B. Polk Recreation Center. Last summer’s projects focused on the work of Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Andy Warhol, and Vincent van Gogh.
When McParlin was invited back to the library and K.B. Polk this summer, she decided to feature four new artists: Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Yayoi Kusama.
On the morning of June 4, young artists listened to a story
about Picasso’s life, then got busy crafting with small rolling pins and playdoh. “‘Everything you can imagine is real,’” McParlin said, quoting Picasso. She added, “It doesn’t have to be normal.”
McParlin showed the young creators an example of Picasso-inspired Play-Doh faces, but the little artists came up with a variety of imaginative pottery. Almost 3-year-old Barron Kerr made a dinosaur out of blue, yellow, and red Play-Doh, complete with a long, red tail.
Jumpstarting the young artist’s creativity, McParlin said, is her primary goal.
“I hope that they can learn to think outside the box and not follow a specific order that was given to them,” she said. “I just want them to do whatever they would like.”
McParlin’s hundreds of hours of service have earned her three President’s Volunteer Service Awards, including two gold awards and a silver award. She has also received
JOIN THE FUN
the Bronze Scot Service Award from HPHS.
McParlin credited staff at the library and K.B. Polk with supporting her project, along with her Girl Scout Gold Advisor, volunteers, and the leaders of her Girl Scout Troop. McParlin joined the troop at University Park Elementary as a Brownie, but it dwindled after the COVID-19 pandemic and she is now the only active member.
McParlin said the support of her mother, Randi, has been key to her project’s success. “My mom has been at every single session that we’ve done, and she has definitely helped with everything,” McParlin said. “She has been really supportive through this project.”
McParlin hopes the program continues and loves how much people have appreciated Little Artists.
“I love meeting all of the people, but my favorite part is when those people return, including the volunteers,” she said. “I recognized a few of the people in this room today. And they told me that since they loved it last year, they wanted to come back again this summer.”
Home & Business
MIDWAY HOLLOW MOM CREATES DIAPER VENDING MACHINE
Find help for messy baby emergencies at Love Field, Ford Stadium, DFW Airport
By Maria Lawson maria.lawson@peoplenewspapers.com
Erin England, when her daughter was younger, would often find herself “up the creek with no paddle.”
But in her case, the creek was a dirty diaper and the paddle she needed was a fresh one and wipes.
“I had that experience too many times to count,” the Midway Hollow resident said. “I’m embarrassed by it, but I really just became frustrated by the lack of options to buy diapers in public.”
She looked at the tampon machine on the wall and thought, “Of all the things I can buy from a vending machine, wouldn’t it be great if I could just buy a diaper?”
“I really just became frustrated by the lack of options to buy diapers in public.” Erin England
That’s when she had the idea for Diaper Concierge, a wall-mounted diaper vending
Comings and Goings
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Chído Taco Lounge
Preston Hollow Village
machine with locations at Love Field, SMU’s Ford Stadium, and DFW Airport. In Frisco, find the machines at KidZania and Comerica Center.
The machines offer wet wipes, hand sanitizers, pacifiers, onesies, ready-made formula, and, of
The restaurant, which started in Frisco in 2021 and boasts of one-of-a-kind craft tacos and margaritas, opened its second location in late May.
H&M Home
Galleria Dallas
The home goods version of the popular clothing company opened with 27,000 square feet next to H&M. This is the first H&M Home in Texas and the 10th in the U.S.
NorthPark Center
Various stores
• Marine Layer is open on level one between Nordstrom and Macy’s.
• ETRO opened on level one between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.
• TravisMathew is located on level one near Macy’s.
• Reformation opened May 25 on level one between Macy’s and Dillard’s.
To learn more about Diaper Concierge or for partnership opportunities visit diaperconcierge.com.
course, diapers.
England handles all business efforts from packaging and vacuum sealing inventory to refilling machines, while making time to run her law practice by day.
The machines are inside restrooms at the airports and on a
wall outside the restroom at other locations.
“We want to be as close to the action, if you will,” England said. “It needs to be right where parents will need it.”
The brand piloted at Love Field Airport.
“Once that was off the ground and we could tell it was successful … we reached out to DFW Airport, so that was our second location,” England said.
She prioritizes customer feedback and keeping an eye on demand to ensure her inventory meets parents’ needs.
Diaper Concierge is expanding to have locations at Houston Hobby and Austin-Bergstrom airports, and England is in talks with Universal Studios to move into its new Frisco location once open.
England hopes to expand to more locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area then eventually go nationwide.
“There are a lot of other venues that it makes sense for, that we know parents want to see a vending machine,” she said, also noting she wants to be the on-the-go solution for busy parents everywhere.
opened June 1 on level two between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.
Lela Rose
Highland Park Village
The designer ready-to-wear and bridal attire brand has temporarily moved across Center Court to 69 Highland Park Village as its store undergoes a redesign. It’s slated to move back to its renovated location in September.
MADISON
Design District
The luxury home, gifts, and accessories shop left Highland Park Village to open a new storefront at 114 Express St.
Stoneleigh P
4218 Lemmon Ave.
After 51 years on Maple Avenue, the restaurant now has a new address with a larger bar and an optimal playoff-watching environment.
CLOSING
Suze
4343 W. Northwest Highway
The beloved Preston Hollow restaurant, which first opened in March of 1998, will serve its last meal on June 28.
— Compiled by Maria Lawson
Four Steps for Creating a Glamourous Feminine Space
Real Talk: Mary Kathryn Reese
Mary Kathryn Reese and her late partner, Jennifer Sherrill, knew they needed career changes after rushing home to adopt their first son, Jarod.
“When the adoption agency called, I was in our New York office getting ready to board a plane later that day to London,” Reese recalled. “Jennifer was on a business trip in Vancouver.”
Reese traveled often as a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Sherrill had a similarly demanding career as a consultant for Deloitte.
found a resurgence. It’s not only for the “luxury” market anymore. There are fantastic patterns that are affordable, and we are installing these in kitchens, bathrooms, offices, dining rooms, essentially everywhere. Lastly, function and storage are crucial trends. We design fabulous spaces for clients who have “stuff” that needs a home and to be in the right spot at the right time which requires planning and attention to detail.
What is your outlook on the Dallas market?
Ideally, most of the rooms in your home should be a balance of both masculine and feminine design traits. There are certain situations, however, where a strongly feminine room is desirable: a young girl’s bedroom; an adult woman’s dressing room; a guest or primary bedroom; or an entertaining space for the lady of the house and her friends, to give some examples. Below, you’ll find my step-by-step breakdown for designing rooms with a feminine touch.
MARGARET CHAMBERS
Step 1: Pick Your Paint Color and Patterns
While dark walls are a popular choice for masculine rooms, in a feminine room, you’ll usually want to go for “light and bright.” Appropriate neutrals include beige, dove grey, cream, and white. Pastels such as pink, peach, soft yellow, mint
green, lavender, or aqua are also options for those who prefer color. As far as patterns go, florals and damasks are classically feminine. To avoid your room ending up with a grandmotherly vibe, pair these patterns with unusual color combinations.
Step 2: Choose a Style of Furniture
You don’t have to be an antique collector to design the perfect feminine space, but I would suggest adding in a few antiques for warmth and character. While most of the furniture in your feminine room should have curved silhouettes, break things up with at least a couple of pieces with straight lines.
Step 3: Mix in Different Textures
As with any room, your feminine room should have a variety of textures. Soft fabrics, such as velvet, silk, satin, and chenille will give your room a luxurious feel, but make sure to contrast them with other textures, especially smooth materials
such as metal, glass, and lacquer.
Final Step: Find the Perfect Accessories
To create a glamourous look, add crystal, Lucite, mirrors, porcelain, or marble. Fresh flowers and decorative throw pillows will also introduce a touch of femininity to any room. For your chandelier (because you’ll definitely want a chandelier in a feminine space), scrolled or crystal chandeliers would be suitable choices in a traditional setting. For contemporary, look for something simpler, such as a drum-shade chandelier.
Regardless of their design goals, anyone who is drawn to environments that are calm, comforting, and elegant can benefit from studying the elements of feminine design. 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.
“With global commitments at work and an infant to care for at home, work/life balance became a huge challenge and we knew we had to make a change,” Reese said.
A friend’s request for help with a home project led them in 2004 to purchase the remodeling company that would become Kitchen Design Concepts, where Reese is now CEO.
“Jennifer brought a natural talent for remodeling, and I have a love for cooking,” Reese said.
“Both of us brought business acumen which was key in helping clients design their dream spaces.”
The company recently opened a new 5,000-square-foot studio at 150 Payne St. in the design district.
What are your favorite kitchen trends?
My favorite kitchen trend is that clients are moving away from white and gray kitchens. Personally, I’ve always loved natural wood and colors. For example, my current home has awesome walnut island cabinets complemented with a lovely green accent and some warm white to tie it all together.
Additionally, wallpaper has
The supply chain challenges that have affected many industries are continuing to ease, allowing business operations to return to a more normal state.
Energy efficiency, wellness, and a connection to the outdoors are becoming increasingly important to Dallas clients. Homeowners are showing a growing interest in sustainability, with many inquiring about alternative energy sources and electric car charging stations. This shift indicates a positive trend towards more environmentally conscious living, which I anticipate will continue to grow.
Inflation has undoubtedly impacted the market, with some clients opting to finance fewer projects and preferring to pay cash instead of taking out larger loans.
Can you give us a fun fact about yourself?
I’ve had the privilege of appearing on a cooking segment for Good Morning Texas and thoroughly enjoyed testing recipes for America’s Test Kitchen
– Compiled by William Taylor
Nestled in the heart of University Park, this custom, 5,920-square-foot all stone home with Ludowici tile roof sits on a corner lot, offering an ideal blend of elegance and comfort. Upon entering, the formal living and dining areas welcome you, while the study with builtins provides a versatile space for work. The chef’s kitchen, recently remodeled to perfection, features a large island, double oven, and stone-outlined gas cooktop, all seamlessly flowing into the breakfast room and oversized den with a vaulted ceiling and fireplace.The second floor hosts three en-suite bedrooms, office, and an oversized primary suite offering a tranquil haven with a fireplace, double vanity bathroom, and two large walk-in closets. The third floor presents an expansive bedroom with en suite bath. Outside, the landscaped backyard beckons with a covered stone patio, built-in grill, a lush grassy area and rare three-car garage plus Porte Cochere. Contact The Rhodes Group today at 214-520-4422 or info@TheRhodesGroup.com to see this home, conveniently located within walking distance to parks, shops, and dining in Preston Center.
GILBERT AIMS TO BRING STABILITY TO HPISD ATHLETICS
District opts for administrative familiarity over coaching experience
By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers
After overseeing his fourth Highland Park High School graduation ceremony, Jeremy Gilbert returned to campus to clean out the principal’s office. But he didn’t have to move far.
Gilbert acknowledges he’s not a traditional choice to lead the Highland Park ISD athletic department. He doesn’t have coaching experience or a sports pedigree.
“I acknowledge that this is a unique path.”
Jeremy Gilbert
Yet he brings 16 years of experience within the district to his new job as athletic director. He’s been an administrator at multiple levels. And perhaps most of all, he brings a sense of stability and familiarity within the district and the community.
“When I announced his name to our football team, they all
cheered because of his relationships with our players,” said longtime HP football coach Randy Allen. “As a principal, he’s been at as many athletic events as he can.”
Gilbert replaces Lonnie Jordan, who left this spring for Plano ISD after being with HP for one year. That followed a similar tenure for Rodney Webb, who returned to
When he met with HPISD superintendent Dr. Mike Rockwood this spring about envisioning what they wanted in the ideal candidate amid the recent turnover, Gilbert’s own name came up.
“This is a unique opportunity for me — both in my professional path and seeing the role that athletics
plays in the lives of my kids,” Gilbert said. “I’ve been a fixture at pretty much all of the games in all of the sports. Seeing that there had been so much transition, I thought, why don’t we take a known commodity?”
Gilbert had never been an administrator at the high school level when he was promoted to HPHS principal in 2020. So, he’s not afraid
of trying new things — in this case, managing coaches without having been one himself.
“In some ways, that will be an area where I’ll have to earn credibility with my coaches,” Gilbert said. “That part doesn’t scare me, because I acknowledge that this is a unique path.”
That’s why his first priorities as the new AD are learning and networking. He already knows all of the coaches within the district, but will meet with them to learn indepth about their programs. And he’s also reaching out to fellow athletic directors about the nuances of the role.
Gilbert understands the HP traditions, students, coaches, and community organizations. He wants to build on those relationships and partnerships to enhance the athletic experience for everybody.
“I’m not going to make wholesale changes and shake things up. Highland Park Athletics is high functioning. I’m going to do my part to support it,” Gilbert said. “I have a lot of energy and I’m very positive. I just want to bring that enthusiasm for the role that we get to play in the lives of these kids.”
Spring Progress Yields Diverse Quarterback Options for Scots
By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers
Some questions were answered during Highland Park’s three weeks of spring football drills, but one significant issue remains unresolved: Who will play quarterback for the Scots next season?
There are four candidates legitimately battling for the starting spot, and HP head coach Randy Allen expects the competition to continue into August, perhaps until the week leading up to the Aug. 29 season opener at Rockwall-Heath.
“It’s still very competitive,” Allen said. “We’re evaluating our quarterbacks every time we go out to practice or a scrimmage. But that’s a good thing.”
Incoming seniors Sam Montgomery and Anderson Jackson, along with junior Chuck Smith and sophomore Buck Randall, have played for HP at the subvarsity levels. And each of them brings different skills to a potential varsity promotion.
“They all have good experience in our system. It’s finding out what each quarterback’s strengths are,” Allen said. “Every quarterback is only as good as his protection and his running game. The defense has been putting a lot of pressure and getting a lot of sacks and even some interceptions.”
Allen has tried to test the quarterbacks in a variety of live-action situations and has taken a more active role in play-calling during spring intrasquad scrimmages.
“We always have a lot of good quarterbacks and people understand that about our program,” Allen said. “All you can do is keep objective statistics and use your gut feeling and my 50 years of experience coaching high school football to make a final decision.”
Allen said he’s been pleased with the offseason progress especially on defense, where the Scots will feature five returning starters led by all-district linebackers Jack Morse and Anders Corn.
“As far as commitment, leadership, and enthusiasm, it’s been great,” Allen said. “Our defense has looked strong. Offensively, we’re still a work in progress.”
HP should benefit from three experienced
HP 2024 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Date Opponent
Aug. 29 at Rockwall-Heath
Sept. 6 Lovejoy
Sept. 13 Jesuit Dallas^
Sept. 20 Cherry Creek (Colorado)
Sept. 27 Tyler*
Oct. 4 at Red Oak*
Oct. 18 Joshua*
Oct. 25 at Cleburne*
Nov. 1 Burleson Centennial*
Nov. 8 at Midlothian*
Note: All games start at 7 p.m. * — District 7-5A Div. I game ^ — at SMU’s Ford Stadium
returnees along the offensive line along with a talented group of receivers. Running back James Lancaster should be fully recovered after a knee injury.
The Scots will begin fall practice on Aug. 12 and will travel to Plano East for a scrimmage on Aug. 22 in preparation for a return to Class 5A Division I after spending the past two seasons in the 6A classification.
“There are good teams in every division. The worst thing to think is that it’s going to be easier,” Allen said. “Our district may be as strong this coming year as it was the last two years in 6A. The difference will be in the playoffs.”
Schools
CONGRATULATIONS, HPHS CLASS OF 2024
By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com
Highland Park High School celebrated the graduation of 550 students on May 24 at SMU’s Moody Coliseum.
The class of 2024 includes 12 National Merit Finalists, 30 National Merit Commended Students, 11 National Hispanic Scholars, seven National Indigenous Scholars, and three National African Scholars.
HPHS students have performed impressively in academics, athletics, and the arts. But speakers at this year’s graduation praised the high school as much for its kindness and commitment to service as for its academic and athletic achievements.
“At Highland Park, we strive not only to better ourselves as athletes, scholars, and leaders, but also to better our community as well,” 2024 senior class secretary Owen Hillesheim said.
Class of 2024 valedictorian Benjamin Martin, who graduated with a GPA of 4.782 and plans to attend Princeton University, advised graduates to be kind to themselves and others, and to “take some time to think and (not) be too hard on yourself for not knowing everything.”
“I am very hopeful for us all. I believe in our capabilities,” he said. “And if you’re worried that times are uncertain and people are fallible, I just want to let you know that we’ve literally always been.”
HPHS Principal Jeremy Gilbert spoke about the story that he’s shared with this year’s graduates. He was almost a quarter of the class’ principal during their years at Hyer Elementary. He was their principal again at Highland Park Middle School, when the class ended its time in the Raider building early due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gilbert told the graduates that in May 2020, “I was provided with the chance of a lifetime to continue to serve as your principal. But this time, it was at Highland Park High School. And now I do realize that probably some of you were excited, while others of you might have said, ‘Really, this guy again?’ Regardless of what camp you were in, I could not be more proud of you and all that the class of 2024 has accomplished in our time together.”
Gilbert, who will leave Highland Park High School to serve as HPISD’s new athletic director, reassured graduates that he will not be following them to college.
Class of 2024 salutatorian Luke Ting, who had a GPA of 4.755 and plans to attend Princeton University, was praised in an introduction by HPHS teacher of the year Wenzen Chuang.
“I want to tell you about his humility and his kindness,” Chuang said. “In spite of all of his academic achievements, in spite of all that he’s done, you’ve never heard Luke brag on himself. He’s never trumpeted his own horn.”
The winners of the Blanket Award were Anna Kate Albritton and Harris Sands. Albritton and Sands, who were recognized at the May 23 Senior Honors Day Assembly, jointly accumulated more than 900 hours of community service and were involved in upwards of 20 different activities. Despite typically spending almost three hours every day on extracurricular activities, they maintained an average GPA of 4.25.
Near the end of the May 24 ceremony, past and present HPHS graduates stood in honor of head athletic trainer Jay Harris, who retired this year. Harris has announced graduates’ names as they walk across the stage since 1997.
Don’t Wake Him Too Early
First-grade dreams provide plot for fifth grader’s
By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com
When first-grader William Phillips started talking about a dream he’d had, his mother thought it would be a short conversation.
But 40,000 words and four years later, William has turned the dream’s plot into a book series whose first volume ranked in the top 20 in a book series whose first volume landed on some Amazon.com best-seller lists. William, who just finished fifth grade, published a second volume in The Magic Island Chronicles in May, and he is working on a third.
“He has a very vivid imagination, and it’s always interesting to hear,” William’s mother, Elizabeth, said. “But when he kept saying, ‘No, type it out. I want you to write this out,’ and kept pushing for that, and we sat down and finally did it, I realized, wow, he’s really got a gift.”
William started by dictating his story to his father, but that didn’t work out because his dad couldn’t write quickly enough. (“He has a weird combination of cursive and print,” William said, “which I’m inheriting, which is bad.”) So, William moved on to his mother.
“You can’t get ideas from couches. Nobody can.” William Phillips
WHAT’S NEXT?
Keep up with new developments in the world of The Magic Island Chronicles by visiting magicpublishingco.com or following @magicislandchronicles on Instagram.
William can find other inspiration almost anywhere. (“Not couches,” he said. “You can’t get ideas from couches. Nobody can.”)
William has thought up details to add to his books while playing basketball, looking out the window on car trips, or thinking of “random words” and scrambling the letters. Naming rights to one character were sold at a charity auction, where naming a character in William’s book went for a higher price than the rights to a John Grisham character had the prior year.
William hopes to release the third book in his series, War Rages On, in the fall. Readers who want a sneak peek can check out a copy in Stephanie Johnson’s third-grade classroom at Providence where, William’s brother Brooks told him, “People have been fighting over them all year, trying to see what happens next.”
William wanted to share his story with friends at Providence Christian School, so his mom took his manuscript to FedEx and
made about 10 copies. Those went fast. She printed more, which quickly disappeared as well. Readers started asking William about what would happen next.
In fourth grade, William decided to get serious about having his book published. His mom contacted Janis Dworkis, a book development professional she’d heard of through the Park Cities Facebook group.
Dworkis helped William revise his books, which have seen multiple versions over the years. The first volume in the series, Magic Island, was released in the fall, and the second, Cloud Kingdom, came out in May.
While most of The Magic Island Chronicles plot came to William in his dream, he had to decide on the series’ conclusion himself since his dad woke him up before the dream ended.
William said he might take a break from writing books after he finishes the series’ fourth installment, which could be released in 2025.
Long term, William aims to be president. For now, he enjoys building with Legos, shooting basketballs, and playing video games, “except I’m going to try to lay off on those since they fry your brain.”
What’s been his favorite part of the books’ success so far? “The popularity,” William said. “I’ve never been popular before, so I like that.”
When your care gets complicated, you want a team that’s seen it all. Take it from Rebecca, whose scoliosis pain resurfaced after a surgery decades earlier. Thanks to innovations in spine procedures and a skilled medical team, she gave her surgeon the go-ahead to replace her previous hardware so she could regain a pain-free life. No matter what you need, find a fix at 833.46.BUMCD
TRAVEL DESTINATION SAN ANTONIO: GIRLS’ TRIPS ARE GOOD FOR THE SOUL
Idon’t know who needs to hear this, but you don’t need to wear matching shirts to have a great girls’ trip. Nor do you have to be celebrating an impending marriage or birthday. You can and should plan a girls’ trip because it’s medically proven that fun and friendships are good for your body and soul. Even better when you visit a place that demonstrably values women by providing programming and experiences created by women, for women.
I recently took a girls’ trip to La Cantera Resort and Spa in San Antonio and found the camaraderie, resort programming, and spa services infused me with a peaceful energy and fond memories.
Each of us was in a different life phase; one friend was two months away from having her first child, two had children graduating from high school, and one has an adult daughter who hasn’t quite found her path yet. Different stages of life, different needs and wants, but we all found what we weren’t so obviously looking for on our trip.
Topaz, the adults-only infinity pool overlooking the gorgeous Hill Country, was the setting for hours of girl talk,
safe sunbathing, meals, champagne in the Veuve Clicquot Cabana, and a unique experience called “Float Away With Me.”
After a glorious dinner on the terrace of Sweetfire Kitchen, we trekked down to Topaz, still in our dinner clothes, and placed ourselves two-by-two on giant floating mattresses. As the sun set, we were led on a journey of total relaxation by a woman playing Tibetan sound bowls. An hour later, Texas stars poked through the night sky, and we were guided off the floats, completely dry and relaxed. The evening concluded with a nightcap of herbal tea in a pool cabana. Glorious.
Women & Whiskey.
“We pledged to return and even admitted the resort would be just as fun with our husbands.”
La Cantera’s Spa is luxurious and secluded, offering a fitness center, pool, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, a salt room, and, of course, facials, massages, and other spa treatments. I opted for an OTO CBD massage, which was expertly done and relaxing, leaving my skin soft and not overly fragrant as with some massage oils.
For groups, I suggest staying in the gorgeous Villas that include use of a golf cart. Guest rooms are spacious and nice. Floor by floor renovations started this summer and will conclude by February.
SENIOR LIVING
Weighing Options for Long-Term Care
Selecting a nursing home or other long-term care facility for your loved one is a vital decision in your family’s life. Fortunately, information is your ally and will help you narrow the list of options, regardless of whether you need assisted living or a nursing home. Let’s look at some primary ways to get vital information on these types of facilities.
It’s never too early to start
First off, it’s never too early to research your options, regardless of your loved one’s health. It may surprise you to learn that 70% of older adults will need long-term care during their lives. The more planning ahead you can do, the less stressful the decisions will be if the need for long-term care arises.
Talk to people
Most importantly, if your loved one can express their wishes, include them in the process. Talk to your loved one’s physician, who may have important information about health considerations. Next, poll friends, neighbors, and people at work and church about their experiences with different facilities.
Contact the ombudsman program
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is state and federally mandated to advocate for the quality of life and care for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Ombudsmen are independent, so the help and information are unbiased, confidential, and free of charge.
Ombudsmen cannot recommend a facility, but their information can help you narrow the list of options based on an individual’s needs. Ombudsmen can also provide information about complaints at specific facilities, help you access the state’s most recent licensing inspection report, and provide materials to guide you through the selection process.
Visit facilities (and not just once)
La Cantera’s general manager, Camila Federico, has invested in women and wellness and created “Women &,” a speaker series in which a subject matter expert presents on matters of mental health, art, fashion, and other women-centric topics. Our session’s speaker was Joan Childs, an author and licensed therapist who specializes in Inner Child Work and couple’s therapy. It was an impressive program. For something lighter, La Cantera also hosts
After three full days, we went back to our realities, refreshed and connected. We pledged to return and even admitted the resort would be just as fun with our husbands. There’s plenty for them and kids of all ages to do there, too, without ever leaving the magical Hill Country resort.
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.
Once you narrow the list to a few facilities, visit each one. Go more than once, arrive unannounced, and go at different times of the day and week. Don’t base your decision on the niceness or newness of the facility, which does not necessarily correlate with quality care. Notice the facility’s staffing level. Talk with residents and their families. Be observant and engage your senses. What information do you glean when you see staff interacting with the residents?
Suzanna Sulfstede, a Texas’ Licensed Master Social Worker, has served as the managing local ombudsman for the Dallas County program at The Senior Source for 19 years. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and a master’s in social work from the University of Texas in Arlington. Contact The Senior Source at theseniorsource.org or 2148235700.
ParkCities 4th of JulyParad
Thursday, July 4, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.
Line up begins at HP Town Hall at 7:30 a.m.
‘Tis the season for hometown parades, backyard picnics, ice cold lemonade, grilled hot dogs and burgers, and everything red, white, and blue.
My husband and I are celebrating the Fourth of July in our Colorado home again this year. American flags line our driveway and adorn large flower-filled planters on the front
steps. Red, white, and blue bunting hangs from the front veranda railing, and stars-and-stripes pillows brighten the blue and white cushions on our porch furniture.
As in the Park Cities and other small towns across America, the town of Breckenridge, Colorado, will host its annual Fourth of July parade.
There’s something heartwarming about community parades where neighbors and friends design, build, and ride on the floats, firefighters spray kids with water as shiny fire engines pass by, high school bands play the patriotic music we love, everyone is decked out in red, white, and blue, and the American flag waves proudly
from every corner.
After the parade, the fun will continue at our home with a star-spangled celebration for friends and neighbors. I’ll set up long tables draped in red linens on the front veranda where guests can enjoy the mountain views. Stars and stripes placemats, white dinnerware, red glassware, flag napkins, and casual floral arrangements will adorn the tables.
Randy will fire up the grill for lemon chicken and ribs so tender the meat all but falls off the bone, and our guests, who are all great cooks, will bring their favorite side dishes for all to enjoy.
STAR-SPANGLED CUPCAKES
Ingredients:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 eggs
1 ¼ cups flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
¾ teaspoon vanilla
8 teaspoons seedless raspberry or strawberry jam
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line two cupcake pans with 16 paper liners. In the large bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter, sugar, and lemon zest until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 8 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually beat the flour mixture, alternately with the milk, into the creamed mixture to create a thick batter. Add lemon juice and vanilla and beat well.
Spoon batter to a depth of ½-inch into each cupcake liner and top with ½ teaspoon raspberry jam. Spoon the
For dessert, star-spangled cupcakes provide an All-American finale that is sure to delight guests. These light, diminutive lemon cakes hold a secret center of raspberry jam and are capped with a swirl of fluffy whipped cream buttercream and a flourish of red, white, and blue sprinkles. The cupcakes may be made one day ahead and lightly covered with foil until ready to serve. Avoid us-
remaining batter over the jam to fill the liners 2/3 full, gently spreading the batter to completely cover the jam. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Remove the pans from the oven and transfer the cupcakes from the pans to a wire rack while they’re still hot so they don’t become soggy. Cool completely, frost with a swirl of Fluffy Whipped Cream Buttercream, and garnish with red, white, and blue sprinkles.
Yield: 16 cupcakes
FLUFFY
WHIPPED CREAM BUTTERCREAM
Ingredients:
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
5 cups confectioners’ sugar
Dash of salt
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
Directions:
In the large bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and salt. Add confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, alternately with the cream, until the frosting is thick and fluffy. Add vanilla and beat well.
Yield: Frosting for 16 cupcakes
ing plastic wrap as it will stick to the frosting. Happy Fourth of July! 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. Please visit christyrost.com for details and recipes.
True Forever Homes Need Futureproofing Dallas developer focuses on making houses suitable for aging in place
By Daniel Lalley Special Contributor
When his father in-law became confined to an assisted living facility, local real estate developer Robert Bruner had a wake-up call. Having seen firsthand the detrimental effects of not being able to use your own home, Bruner wondered if there was any alternative to the liabilities of old age and the limitations of compromised mobility.
He wondered if there was a way to add longevity to the livability of homes and create spaces people could enjoy long after reaching old age.
“When my father-in-law took a bad fall a couple of years ago, things went downhill for him,” Bruner said. “He broke his hip and suddenly his home was unusable for his day-today needs. He had to move into a nursing home, which separated him from his wife. She couldn’t drive too much, and it was just a tragic way to spend the latter part of his life. This is really what gave me the idea to change the way we think about our homes.”
Unfortunately, accessibility is often overlooked when purchasing a home. Many homebuyers, swept up in sleek design preferences or immersed in interest rate drama, may disregard the future practicality of their impending purchase. Sure, this may make no immediate difference, but as they inevitably age, their home could become more of a hurdle than a haven.
Recognizing this, Bruner, who was
working in commercial real estate development, decided to pivot his business priorities. Eventually, he and Margie began developing “Forever Homes” to help residents transition into their golden years without giving up their homes for assisted living facilities or retirement communities.
“If you want to be able to age gracefully in your own home, you must realize what all is needed and make sure certain features are built in,” he said. “Things like level garages, elevators, and curbless showers are
FOREVER HOME QUESTIONS?
Contact Robert Bruner at rbruner@dunavantcompanies.com to learn more about your options for customizing a future-proof home.
all necessary for those with mobility issues. They’re almost impossible to retrofit after the home is built.”
The Bruners ensure all the homes they’re currently developing are equipped with components that will not only make things easier today but will also allow homeowners to make modifications when the time comes. For instance, they add special studs for shower rails without installing them until they’re needed.
In just a few years, the Bruners have
developed several custom forever homes. They hope that creating these properties will help residents avoid scenarios where someone is forced into a retirement or assisted living community.
“It’s one of the things many don’t necessarily consider when purchasing a home,” he said. “However, now that we’re able to offer these options, we feel interest will increase as buyers consider the long-term advantages of buying a home and being able to use it for the rest of their lives.”
Cognitive decline can steal the past, but it doesn’t have to steal the future. Pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline, Circle of Friends® is a unique, evidence-based program for building brain fitness. It was developed by Belmont Village in collaboration with the nation’s top universities and healthcare institutions — and it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem.
Gray Loneliness: It’s Real
As we age, we begin to experience a lot of losses. Our children may have moved away. Our social circles become smaller as spouses, friends, and family pass away. We may be losing the ability to drive or remain as independent as we once were.
All these factors can contribute to less social interaction and potential health issues.
While someone may choose to be alone to recharge, center, or reflect, gray loneliness is different. An older adult may feel undervalued or even forgotten.
Socialization and the sense of belonging are basic human needs, and chronic social isolation and loneliness can be associated with long-term health problems as well.
Here are a few ways to combat gray loneliness or intervene as necessary:
• Put it on the daily agenda – Set time daily to reach out to a family member or friend to make a connection — a phone call, letter, email, or text.
• Renew a hobby or find a new one –Now could be the time to warm up those vocal cords and join a church or community choir, join a book group, take a class, dust off your wood carving tools and put them to work, or explore an activity you didn’t
have time to try but now do.
• Set new goals – Do you want to take a trip? Visit friends or family? Exercise? Perhaps you want to learn a new language or finish a degree you didn’t get to complete in your youth. Check off each goal as you knock them off your list and plan a mini celebration.
• Volunteer – Volunteering not only benefits the community but also builds relationships and helps you feel connected to people and your community. Whether it’s reading to kindergarteners, helping in a hospital, museum, or YMCA, or working on committees to plan events, your helping hands could be a blessing to an organization.
• Adopt a pet – A furry companion can help fill in the loneliness gap and give you a sense of purpose. If you are unsure about the long-term commitment, you also may consider fostering an animal or volunteering at the local animal shelter.
• Consider joining a retirement community – You can eliminate the home maintenance responsibilities and take advantage of all the options to have an engaging social life, make new friends, and be a part of a community.
Martha Bonilla is a senior living counselor at CC Young Senior Living. Visit ccyoung.org or call 2142584000.
DAVE PERRY-MILLER REAL ESTATE
Low Maintenance Living in Prime Location
Discover the epitome of luxury living in the desirable Maple District corridor with this newly constructed single-family residence, listed by Ana Martin for $1,050,000. With easy access to the Tollway and I-35, 4120 Entrada Way (4120entrada. dpmre.com) is just minutes away from the Medical District plus Uptown and Downtown Dallas, home
Uncompromised Care, Unparalleled Hospitality With over 25 years of service in the Texas, Belmont Village Senior Living is a trusted choice for seniors and their families. Belmont Village Turtle Creek offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care with the added support of aroundthe-clock nursing, medication management, onsite therapy, and award-winning programming. Rigorous health and safety standards and programming adapted for social distancing have meant that residents continue to thrive. Residents stay fit in a heated pool and fitness center, are active in engaging programs and enjoy dining with neighbors. Every Belmont Village community is licensed to the highest level throughout, making it ideal for couples, and its specially trained staff works to find the right blend of care to support any lifestyle. Schedule a tour with Belmont Village today at 214-306-7687 to learn more. belmontvillage.com/turtlecreek
to the city’s finest dining and entertainment.
This exquisite three-bedroom, 3.1-bath home boasts a spacious third-level rooftop terrace offering breathtaking views of the Dallas skyline. Inside, the open living plan is adorned with luxurious finishes, including custom paintgrade cabinets, quartz countertops, a designer backsplash, stainless-steel Samsung appliances, and a 36-inch cooktop.
Each bedroom features an ensuite bath. Additional highlights include 8-foot Masonite interior doors, 11-foot ceilings, engineered wood flooring, a 2-car garage, plus pre-wiring for an elevator, cameras, and a surround sound system. The floor plan includes a mother-in-law suite on the first floor and an office with a built-in desk.
For more information, contact Martin at 818636-6550 or anamartin@dpmre.com.
Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate (dpmre.com) is a division of the Ebby Halliday Companies, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, with five locations that specialize in Preston Hollow, Park Cities, North Dallas, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Uptown, Kessler Park and Farm & Ranch properties.
9103 Bluff Hollow Court
Lot for Sale
Listed by Ani Nosnik at $1,300,000
Indulge in custom-bespoke living within The Bluffs at Cochran Chapel, an intimate gated community, boasting just twelve homes in the heart of Bluff Hollow. Teaming up with the renowned Mark Molthan of Platinum Custom Homes, seize the exceptional chance to craft your vision of an ideal home on one of the final expansive lots available within the community. The envisioned design above showcases 4 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms and sprawls just over 5,000 square feet of meticulously crafted space. Alternatively, unlock the potential to fashion a truly singular residence, tailored precisely to your desires. For further insights, please call Ani Nosnik at (972) 986-5432.
Protect Your Investment: Hire a Buyer’s Agent
When purchasing a home, it’s more important than ever to align yourself with a trusted real estate agent who can provide professional guidance and support.
Your Ebby Halliday Buyer’s Agent will analyze market trends, evaluate property values, and identify suitable listings based on your preferences and budget. Your Buyer’s Agent may also provide access to off-market properties through relationships with Listing Agents, ensuring you receive information about current and future listings before they hit the market.
Your Buyer’s Agent will offer insights into neighborhoods, schools, and local amenities, helping you make informed decisions. Additionally, they’ll provide access to a network of trusted professionals, including lenders, inspectors, and contractors.
Your Ebby Buyer’s Agent will negotiate on your behalf to secure the best deal, whether it involves purchase price, contract terms, or contingencies, aiming to protect your interests and maximize investment.
Your Buyer’s Agent will handle paperwork, schedule inspections, and coordinate with other professionals involved in the transaction, ensuring a smooth and efficient process from start to finish.
You can count on your Ebby Halliday Buyer’s Agent to be with you every step of the way. To find the perfect agent for your real estate needs, visit ebby.com.
EBBY HALLIDAY
Lake Forest Home Features
Lengthy Amenities List
Nestled amidst the lush landscape of the Lake Forest gated community lies 7040 Hill Forest Drive (7040hillforest.ebby.com), a stately French traditional home. The 6-bedroom, 7-bath residence with elevator is listed for $4,300,000 by Margot Tschantz and backs to a creek and greenspace.
During a 2022 renovation, hardwood flooring and carpet were replaced and the interior painted. Outstanding custom finishes are evident throughout. Light-filled spacious rooms offer incredible views of the back patio area and bountiful gardens.
Examples of exquisite amenities throughout the 10,000+ square foot home include: a carved staircase in the inviting entry hall; a service pantry and wet bar adjacent to the spacious dining room; a coffered ceiling and fireplace in the distinguished library; and a Juliet balcony overlooking the great room with beamed ceiling, ample shelves and storage.
Enjoy scenic views from the ornate hallway as you pass the impressive office to the primary suite, where you’ll find a sitting area with fireplace. The luxurious primary bath features dual sinks and water closet, triple walk-in closet, sauna, adjoining exercise room.
The open island kitchen, fully equipped theater room and finished basement with another ensuite bedroom, are also noteworthy.
To schedule a showing, contact Margot Tschantz at 972-743-2891 or mtschantz@ebby.com.
THE PERRY-MILLER STREIFF GROUP
Landmark Home Backing to the Dallas Country Club
3824 Shenandoah is currently being offered for $6,995,000.
Stunning Highland Park circa 1926 landmark home impeccably remodeled behind walls and expanded circa 2013-2014. 3824 Shenandoah is set on a 180 ft deep lot that backs to the Dallas Country Club. Thus, offering privacy and views from the 640 sqft remodeled full quarters over 3-car garage.
Mahogany doors open to a light-filled entry with a custom brass and steel stairwell. Handsome wainscoting adorns the entry and flanking formals with Morning Glory crown molding and original stained-glass windows.
Three spacious living areas are on the first level, including study overlooking a private courtyard. A vaulted family room with arched custom bronze steel doors leads to Pennsylvania blue stone terrace and pool with separate kitchen and bath. Gourmet kitchen with custom Egg & Dart cabinetry opens to a breakfast room.
One bedroom is downstairs and four en suite bedrooms upstairs, accessible by elevator. Spalike primary suite with walk-in closets and bath adorned in Thassos and Statuary marbles and Waterworks fixtures.
Contact Karen Fry (214.288.1391) or Ryan Streiff (469.371.3008) for more information or to set up a private showing. Visit DPMFineHomes.com to learn more.
ALLIE BETH ALLMAN
Summertime suits these Preston Hollow homes
A swimming pool and cool, grassy yard can help make the most of summertime in Preston Hollow. This home at 6436 Meadow Road is being marketing by Allie Beth Allman & Associates.
Summer is here. And if you live in Preston Hollow, so is the fun.
Let the experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates find you the perfect home in the neighborhood. It might be one of these spectacular homes.
Elizabeth Wisdom and Alex Perry can show you a six-bedroom home on a large lot at 6466 Lakehurst Ave. Its open kitchen and family room are perfect for daily living and entertaining guests. Enjoy the summer in this backyard with a covered cabana and grill.
At the four-bedroom masterpiece at 6436 Meadow, every corner exudes elegance and sophistication, from its hewn beams and vaulted ceilings to the herringbone wood flooring. Outside, the pool is ready for a refreshing dip.
Priced under the appraised value and neighborhood comps, 6230 Stichter Ave. has fabulous, modern accents in its floor-to-ceiling iron and wood accordion doors. The outdoor oasis is not to be missed.
Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents continue to sell more homes at the luxury level – considered $3 million and higher – in Dallas County and across DFW, according to Multiple Listing Service Statistics. Connect with an expert agent: https:// www.alliebeth.com/roster/Agents
ALLIE BETH ALLMAN
Bluffview neighborhood offers great location, intriguing homes
For convenient, stylish living, choose a Bluffview home now available from Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents.
Bluffview is one of Dallas’ most convenient neighborhoods, only six miles from downtown and close to Love Field Airport. It is highly walkable and has easy access to the DART rail line.
This sought-after neighborhood has some fabulous new homes and wonderful remodeled residences that appeal to newcomers and Dallas residents alike.
Let the experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates show you homes now on the market in this fascinating neighborhood and help you find the perfect home for your lifestyle.
Check out the newly built, California-style home at 8422 Craighill Ave., perfect for a large family, featuring five bedrooms. The home has vaulted ceilings and eight-foot doors. The kitchen features luxury appliances and a secret, walk-in pantry.
There are also two lots for building in the gated community The Bluffs of Cochran Chapel. With only 12 homes, this exclusive community is designed by Mark Molthan Custom Homes as part of his Platinum Series.
The lot at 9103 Bluff Hollow Court or 9111 Bluff Hollow Court, already have plans designed for a beautiful home.
Find the right home in Bluffview with the help of an Allie Beth Allman & Associates real estate expert. Connect with an expert agent: https:// www.alliebeth.com/roster/Agents
ALLIE BETH ALLMAN
Extraordinary estates for sale in Dallas
Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents lead in the sale of homes priced at $1 million and above in DFW, according to the Multiple Listing Service.
Exploring the Park Cities and Preston Hollow, there’s no shortage of exquisite homes to fall in love with. That’s why eager buyers need to keep alert. You never know when your favorite address may hit the market.
Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents are experts in these luxury neighborhoods and always have exceptional properties to show. These are some refined residences they currently represent; reach out to see more.
Spanning almost 1.5 acres in Old Preston Hollow, 9520 Hathaway St. is a dream for those who crave a resort-like lifestyle.
Award-winning architect Richard Drummond Davis designed the estate, which boasts 16,000 square feet of show-stopping interiors. Amenities abound inside. from the incredible, three-story, refrigerated wine room to the suave home theatre to the stylish gourmet kitchen.
Located at 6625 Golf Drive, the 5,137-square-foot is a must-see for any buyer with an appreciation for modern design. Architecture firm Oglesby Greene created the glassy beauty, which is defined by its luscious open spaces, soaring high ceilings, and thoughtful connection to nature throughout.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party in the home’s glass-box great room or waking up in one of its four bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, verdant green views foster a constant sense of peace.
ALLIE BETH ALLMAN You’ll find room to roam at these three estates
agents lead in sales of homes at the estate level in Dallas, according to Multiple Listing Service data.
For buyers who are enamored by beautiful grounds and timeless interiors, some spectacular estates are available right now from Allie Beth Allman & Associates.
If you’re interested in calling Preston Hollow home, 5619 Walnut Hill Lane is an exceptional address to consider.
Whether you’re waking up in the 3,000-squarefoot primary suite, indulging in wellness in the sensory deprivation float tank, or taking off from the lawn’s heliport, life is endlessly luxurious here.
Another premium Preston Hollow offering harkens to an English countryside retreat yet sitting in the heart of Dallas, at 10540 Lennox Lane. The regal residence is full of picturesque spots from the property’s two ponds to its stately interiors with rich woodwork.
When you’re not hosting glamorous parties across its 4.6 acres or within the 17,102-squarefoot home, you can unwind on the two-hole regulation golf course.
For true Anglophiles, an English Tudor is available at 10331 Strait Lane. The custom-built stone stunner sits on two acres and showcases a meticulous attention to detail.
Opulent amenities and crisp, transitional finishes impress as you tour the 27,316-squarefoot residence with a total of seven bedrooms. The lower level is a haven for fun, with a movie theater, wine storage, and full bar.
For a family, it’s hard to beat living in the Park Cities. The homes are designed for families, and the Highland Park school district, which serves University Park and Highland Park, is ranked as one of the best in Texas.
Allie Beth Allman & Associates consistently leads in the sale of Park Cities homes, and its experts can help you find the perfect home for your family in these popular neighborhoods.
Don’t miss the five-bedroom, Mediterranean-style home at 4012 Colgate Ave., which has an open floor plan in more than 6,000 square feet of living space.
The large primary suite has a private balcony and a luxurious bath and oversized closet. The back patio also a fireplace next to a pool with a spa.
Love to entertain friends and family? The custombuilt, five-bedroom home at 3844 Greenbrier Drive in the heart of University Park has been updated with a sophisticated blend of contemporary and traditional features.
In the five-bedroom home at 3329 Purdue Ave. is a kitchen with white marble that will impress your guests. Prepare elegant dinners using the double oven and warming drawer. It also has a walk-in pantry and butler’s pantry to make serving a breeze.