LADY SCOTS WIN STATE SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP 28
MAY 2017 I Vol. 37, No. 5 I parkcitiespeople.com I @pcpeople I 214-739-2244
Heightened Security Yields Mixed Results at NorthPark SHOPPERS MAY FEEL SAFER, BUT CRIME PERSISTS
COMMUNITY Eagle Scout project saves HP thousands of dollars 14
Chris Beattie
Special Contributor Strolling around NorthPark Center, it’s obvious safety has become a top priority: security officers pacing outside stores, escorts zooming shoppers to and from their vehicles, and – perhaps most telling – lots of smiling faces. But a greater emphasis on security hasn’t translated to fewer crimes inside the mall, and has led to mixed results directly outside of it, according to police reports. In early 2016, following a string of parking lot robberies, including one in broad daylight, NorthPark visitors asked for more security at the upscale shopping mall located off North Central Expressway. More than 1,000 people signed an online petition calling for parking lot escorts and confirmation that the mall’s security cameras were operational. Petition organizer Heather LeClair met with NorthPark staff to discuss the potential security upgrades. “I truly felt as though they really heard the concerns of the community,” LeClair stated in a follow-up post on Change.org, the site on which the petition was formed.
R E A L E S T A T E Q U A R T E R LY
Despite high-end lull, housing sales picking up in Park Cities 38
SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS
• Additional police onsite • Courtesy shuttles • Improved surveillance system • Security bike patrols • More parking garage cameras
CAMPS Hill Country camps offer fun opportunities 33
LAURA BUCKMAN
NorthPark Center, prompted by 2016 incidents and a petition from shoppers, is employing more security measures, including courtesy parking lot shuttles.
“I was very pleased to hear they have been working on enhanced security initiatives for some time, and they were grateful for a forum in which to share them.” Some of those initiatives included a courtesy shuttle with a concierge escort at the mall’s four main entrances; an increased Dallas
M O T H E R ’ S D AY
Floral themes top this year’s best gifts for mom 47
Police Department (DPD) presence; an enhanced surveillance system, including additional cameras in the parking garages; security bike patrols; and new signage with security contact information for customers to report concerns. “These efforts have been met with positive feedback
CONTINUED ON 12
S C H O O LS First ladies discuss ‘Role Without a Rulebook’ 22
ELECTIONS
Five candidates vie for two Highland Park School Board seats 8
2 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM
CONTENTS FROM THE EDITOR
Happiest Mother’s Day About a year and a half ago, my wife and I decided to take our kids to the State Fair. The temperature was pushing 90 that day, and both of our little ones were still wearing diapers. That wasn’t one of our best parenting decisions. Three meltdowns, two corny dogs, and one warm beer later, we were mercifully back in the car as the screaming monsters slowly succumbed to sleep. Traffic had never seemed so relaxing. My phone rang as we inched towards the interstate. It was my mom. Shock is the only way I can describe hearing the words “breast cancer.” I was a zombie, willing the vehicle home as my thoughts raced between childhood memories and figuring out what to do next. Just two weeks before, we’d trekked up to the Oklahoma casinos. Mom was feeling lucky and decided to risk quarter slots. We never imagined the danger that was already lurking inside. It’s hard for me to recall the events that came next. That’s probably because I don’t want to think about them. Mom’s cancer was HER2-positive, one of the more aggressive forms. A second scan showed that it had already spread to her lymph nodes. The months that followed included insurance battles, multiple surgeries, emergency hospital stays, and days when it seemed things wouldn’t end well.
JOSHUA BAETHGE But my mom has always been a pillar of strength. And though she may be older now, she proved that being strong has nothing to do with age or physical ability. Her fight during the darkest of times will forever inspire me. This March, she was officially declared cancer free. Many margaritas were consumed to mark the occasion. Throughout this ordeal, one of my mom’s biggest fears was dying before her grandkids could remember her. Today, my kiddos are busy making memories with their “Grandmommy” all the time. That alone makes this my happiest Mother’s Day. Joshua Baethge Editor editor@peoplenewspapers.com
EDITOR’S NOTE The Cherry Blueberry Tart recipe included with Christy Rost’s April column ran incomplete in print editions. For the full recipe, visit parkcitiespeople.com/author/ christy-rost.
POLICE ...............................................................4 NEWS................................................................... 8 COMMUNITY................................................. 14 SCHOOLS .........................................................22 SPORTS.............................................................28 CAMPS...............................................................32
BUSINESS.........................................................35 REAL ESTATE QUARTERLY...................... 37 MOTHER’S DAY.............................................47 SOCIETY............................................... INSERT LIVING WELL.................................................49 CLASSIFIEDS.................................................. 51
Publisher: Patricia Martin EDITORIAL
A DV E R T I S I N G
O P E R AT I O N S
Editor Joshua Baethge
Senior Account Executives Kim Hurmis Kate Martin
Business Manager Alma Ritter
Assistant Editor William Taylor Digital Editor & Marketing Manager Lorelei Day Production Manager Craig Tuggle
Account Executives John G. Jones Rebecca Young
Distribution Manager Don Hancock
Intern Madeline Woods
Production Assistant Imani Chet Lytle Copy Editor Annie Wiles Intern Hannah Kirkpatrick
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Park Cities People is published monthly by CITY NEWSPAPERS LP, an affiliate of D Magazine Partners LP, 750 N. Saint Paul St., Suite 2100, Dallas, TX 75201. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. No reproduction without permission. Submissions to the editor may be sent via e-mail to editor@peoplenewspapers.com. Correspondence must include writer’s name and contact number. Main phone number, 214-739-2244
4 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM SIGN UP FOR OUR CRIME NEWSLETTER:
POLICE S KU L D U G G E RY of the MONTH
FAK E DO U G H TAK E S TH E CAKE S
Two $50 bills used to purchase four cakes at 4:30 p.m. March 30 from Nothing Bundt Cakes on Oak Lawn Avenue turned out to be nothing but fakes.
parkcitiespeople.com/ policereport
Crime Report: March 13-April 8 H I G H L A N D PA R K March 14 Arrested: two youths in a stolen Toyota 4Runner at 4 a.m. on Grandview Drive in Dallas. The SUV had been left unlocked with keys in the ignition at its owners’ house in the 3500 block of Lindenwood Avenue. March 18 Reported at 2 p.m.: a resident of an apartment in the 4700 block of Abbott Avenue was bitten at 6:30 a.m. March 9 by a black and brown dog belonging to a neighbor. The neighbor described the pet as an abused recuse dog that is being trained to control its aggressive nature. March 19 Taken: a $40 black backpack
left on the sidewalk in the 4500 block of Abbott Avenue between 4 and 5 p.m. It contained a $3,500 black Sony digital camera, a $500 black Olympus digital camera and $1,000 in camera chargers and cables. March 20 Shot: a French door. The small caliber bullet shattered most of the glass, leaving a hole in the trim and providing entry to a home in the 4300 block of Arcady Avenue between 11:45 a.m. and 1:20 p.m. Taken: $100,000 in jewelry and other items. March 31 The $7,881 picked up by cashing a check around 1:30 p.m. at a Preston Road bank didn’t last long. With-
in 10 minutes of returning to a construction site in the 4300 block of Overhill Drive, the Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck the money was left in had a broken window, and the envelope with the money was gone. Officers are working to determine whether the pickup was followed from the nearby bank. April 3 An Irving woman didn’t buy the Volkswagen and so wants her $2,000 back. She went to police for help on April 3. Her story: During a Dec. 31 meet up at Christian Dior in Highland Park Village, where she worked at the time, she gave the cash to a “friend,” a Frisco man who was arranging the purchase. After his me-
chanic looked at the car, the deal didn’t go through. Damaged: an 8-foot gate which witnesses say was struck at 5:13 p.m. April 3 by a black Chevrolet Tahoe. The SUV created 2-inch ruts in the fairway at the Dallas Country Club and left the scene. Officers are investigating a 17-year-old Highland Park boy. April 4 A heated group text got physical about 11:30 p.m. in front of a home in the 3600 block of Crescent Avenue. The home’s resident said he was knocked unconscious by a Dallas man, who drove over after the exchange by text and punched him in the face.
U N I V E R S I T Y PA R K
1.7M+ YouTube views for viral surveillance video of workers chasing a maroon Buick at 5 p.m. March 17 as a man got away with a $1,200 concrete saw taken from a construction site in the 4200 block of McFarlin Boulevard. Police don’t recommend riding on the getaway car’s hood.
WANT TO READ MORE CRIMES? SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKY POLICE REPORT E-NEWSLETTER parkcitiespeople.com/ policereport
March 15 Arrested: two men, ages 35 and 30, who are accused in the theft of two Graco Magnum paint sprayers, each worth $700, from a 2000 Plymouth van parked in the 4000 block of Colgate Avenue before 12:21 p.m. March 19 At 11 p.m. March 19, officers responded to an alarm at the Osgood O’Neil Salon on Lovers Lane and arrested a 33-year-old man. Recovered items: a $700 Apple iPad, a $1,000 card reader, and a $100 Apple card reader. March 21 Stolen: Cigarettes after prying or forcing open the door to a Shell Gas Station on Lovers Lane between before 4:52 a.m. March 23 Taken: A gray 2016 GMC
Yukon Denali from the garage of a home in the 3700 block of Greenbrier Drive between 10:15 a.m. and 2:12 p.m. The $70,000 SUV was recovered in Garland, but contents of the vehicle, a $500 Apple iPad, a $1,000 purse, $800 in other property, plus a credit card and identification, were gone. Stolen: A $200 tool bag from the driveway of a home in the 3400 block of Purdue Street where a technician was working on the air conditioning unit around 2:30 p.m. March 27 Unlocked: a 2011 Jeep parked in front of a home in the 3200 block of Stanford Avenue between 7 p.m. March 26 and 7:30 a.m. March 27. Taken: $200 Herschel gym bag, $100 diaper bag, $120 Ray-Ban sun-
glasses, a $100 Macy’s gift card, a $130 Al Biernats gift card, $120 Filson gift card, $350 Brooks Brothers gift card, $50 in $2 bills and an $80 car charger. Stolen: a 2007 red Audi left unlocked with the engine running around 4:10 p.m. in a parking lot at Park Cities Village. March 28 Arrested: a man and woman, both 32, who are accused of shoplifting $71.92 in Dove soap and $8.99 in Head & Shoulders shampoo at 2:48 p.m. from a CVS pharmacy and fleeing on foot toward Mockingbird Station. Stolen: $7,525 in jewelry, including a $5,000 Rolex watch, between 9:30 a.m. and 3:50 p.m. from a home in the 3800 block of Caruth Boulevard. The
owner thinks a contractor may have taken the items from her closet. March 30 Stolen: an unlocked 2012 silver Rolls-Royce Ghost valued at $200,000 between 9 p.m. March 29 and 8 a.m. March 30 at a home in the 4100 block of Southwestern Boulevard. April 4 Stolen: a $35,000 black GMC Yukon Denali along with a $250 jacket, a $1,250 laptop computer, and $450 in other property between 6 and 7:15 p.m. at Preston Center Plaza. April 8 A taxi driver said a rider attacked her instead of paying $10.85 fare upon arrival in the 6700 block of Hillcrest Avenue at 3:10 p.m.
8 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM FOR MORE NEWS:
NEWS
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HPISD ELECTIONS 2017 On May 6, Park Cities voters will go to the polls and choose two new school board trustees. Early voting begins April 24. Read more of our candidate interviews at parkcitiespeople.com.
PLACE 6 CANDIDATES:
PLACE 7 CANDIDATES:
Meg Bakich Public Education Advocate
Stacy Kelly Lt. Col. (Retired) U.S. Air Force Reserve, independent healthcare consultant, adjunct lecturer at SMU
Chris Murzin Regional Sales Manager, Total Artificial Heart manufacturer
Marla Sewall Real Estate
Tom Sharpe Finance, Operations
Why are you running for a seat on the school board? I am seeking to focus on three key areas: 1) to preserve our educational traditions, 2) to protect our district’s independence, and 3) to advance our academic excellence that has served our students so well for the past 100 years.
Why are you running for a seat on the school board? I believe education is foundational to a successful, meaningful life, and that each HPISD student has unique potential to excel. I believe this is best done by valuing and working with all students, parents, and educators to build upon our 100+ year tradition of excellence, grounded in local control of our district.
Why are you running for a seat on the school board? To positively impact the lives of our children and inspire them to achieve their goals, and to bring back civility, respect, and transparency with all discussions dealing with matters that affect our kids.
Why are you running for a seat on the school board? Initially, I wasn’t planning on running. I was involved in the Understanding Diversity group, and I wanted to have a voice at the school board. They are taking us seriously, but I wanted to keep the issues moving forward. I feel I have a unique perspective to add to the board, and I want to bridge the divisiveness that I have seen in our schools.
Why are you running for a seat on the school board? I’m not running for a certain platform or agenda. I grew up in the community and benefitted from growing up here. I love the community and think the school district is a huge part of it. My education prepared me well. Most of my career has been in finance and then a broader role in management. I think Highland Park has been great for a long time. I recognize there’s a need and feel that my background can be helpful.
What is the biggest challenge that the district faces today? I am for fiscal responsibility and I believe in smart spending. As we all are aware we recently passed a $361.4 million bond. We recently learned that again our enrollment continues to drop as it has been for the last four years. Once the fifth elementary school is built we will have close to 800 empty elementary school seats. I believe it is prudent to routinely review how and where the bond money is spent before moving forward so we can best serve the needs of the students, teachers and community.
What is the biggest challenge that the district faces today? I’ve met with 170+ people from different perspectives to discuss HPISD. Repeatedly, and regardless of perspective, I’ve heard that communications and transparency are our biggest challenges. I have a proven track record of communicating transparently and effectively in both my professional military and HPISD volunteer roles, engaging with people on all sides of many issues to get to effective solutions. This exceptional commitment to transparency and openness is driven by my integrity and profound sense of duty to serve all.
What is the biggest challenge that the district faces today? While curriculum and budget are always important to keep vigilant about, the biggest challenge we face is the health and wellness of our children, from substance abuse brought on by peer pressure and challenges related to such a competitive environment. We’ve got to do a better job. How will you handle the elementary school redistricting process? Openly, honestly, and fairly, by communicating the process based on demographics of where children are living at the time of redistricting.
What is the biggest challenge that the district faces today? I want to make sure that all of the kids who leave here are prepared. I want them to be critical thinkers and not just take things at face value. Learners of the future need to be able to analyze different sides of the issues, and then make decisions and be problem solvers How will you handle the elementary school redistricting process? Transparency is key. Anything that is done needs to be transparent. The decisions that are made need to be ones that are best for the entire district.
What is the biggest challenge that the district faces today? I believe that there is some divisiveness that’s counter productive and not healthy. Let’s figure out what we do agree on. Let’s have an adult conversation about what we don’t’ agree on. Let’s make sure that we each understand as opposed to the need to win the argument. How will you handle the elementary school redistricting process? I want kids and families to be zoned to the school that’s most convenient to them.
12 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM
N EW S
HP Prioritizes Homes, Safety
Council talks taxes, utilities, road improvements
By William Taylor
People Newspapers A decades-old town preamble emphasizes the importance of home, and in the eyes of Highland Park Town Council members, so do priorities set by their predecessors in 2013. “I like, personally, the idea of protecting the home,” Mayor Joel T. Williams III said. “We are a residential community.” While adoption of a new city budget and tax rate won’t come until Sept. 11, work on the budget is underway. With public meetings on budget matters scattered over the next several months, the council, prompted by the mayor, recently reviewed, but didn’t change, priorities set four years ago. “I think this is a case of if it ain’t broke, don’t do anything,” council member David Dowler concluded. Council members see in the 2013 priorities an emphasis on fiscally conservative governance as well as preservation of characteristics that draw people to the town such as schools, heritage, and quality services. “Quality services include safety,” council member Eric Gambrell said. “You’ve got to knock that out of the park.” A thorough discussion of town taxes awaits preliminary taxable assessed values from the Dallas County Appraisal District in mid-May. Williams
C O U R T E SY LT. L A N C E KO P PA
Newly promoted officers (from left) Sgt. Jacob Mowrey, Lt. Ryan Pursley, and Capt. Greg Reynolds stand with Chief Rick Pyle at a Highland Park Town Council meeting. anticipates a 4-percent increase in property values — likely not enough to prompt talk of reducing the town’s 22 cent per $100 valuation tax rate. “If we want to lower taxes, it’s going to come out of CIP,” the mayor said in reference to the Capital Improvement Program. The program, funded with 6 cents of the tax rate, allows the town to save for road improvements and other major projects. The fund allowed the town to pay for a new Town Hall building without borrowing funds, but street work was ne-
CONTINUED FROM 1 from our customers, who appreciate the extra steps to provide a superior shopping experience,” said Kristen Gibbins, NorthPark’s executive director of marketing. NorthPark has a dedicated staff of full-time and part-time security personnel, on- and off-duty police officers, undercover officers, and managers-on-duty “to assist with any needs that may arise in a typical shopping day,” Gibbins explained. “While most of their time is spent helping customers navigate the shopping center or locate their vehicles on the expansive property, they are trained and ready to assist in the case of a security issue.” Indeed, there’s at least a sense that NorthPark shoppers and their belongings are safer nowadays. “We come here all the time,” said Maria Cortez, a Dallas resident and mother of three young children. “I feel
COUNCIL PRIORITIES • Maintain respect for the town’s rich history and heritage • Support the Highland Park Independent School District • Provide quality town services • Continue the town’s financial stability
TOWN PREAMBLE A haven for home and fireside. Undisturbed by conflict of commercial and political interests. The function of government in Highland Park is protection of the home. Citizens who cherish their homes will vigilantly preserve their heritage of self-government.
“ WE C O ME H ER E A LL T H E T IME . I FE E L C O MP L ET ELY SA F E B R IN G IN G MY K I D S H ER E . ALWAYS H AV E . ” MA R IA C ORT E Z completely safe bringing my kids here. Always have.” Along with droves of others, Cortez spent a recent Sunday afternoon buying her kids’ summer wardrobes. Long lines at the food court and inside nearly every store showed that plenty of area residents feel safe shopping at
NorthPark. Retailers? Perhaps not as much. DPD records show that shopping-related crimes inside the mall actually increased in 2016 within NorthPark stores. Shoplifting increased by about 25 percent this past year, with more than 110 reported incidents in 2016 compared to just more than 80 incidents in 2015. Many of the in-mall thefts occurred at Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, which together also reported 15 and 19 cases of embezzlement in 2015 and 2016, respectively, according to DPD records. “I haven’t noticed any real increase [in crime] recently,” said J. Ruiz, a DPD officer who works as security at NorthPark. Personal thefts – those reported by individual shoppers – stayed relatively constant between 2015 and 2016, with about 50 incidents reported in the past two years.
glected and needs to be tackled now, the mayor said. “At some point it just gets to be embarrassing.” The town is looking for ways to address drainage issues at Wycliff Avenue along Turtle Creek and is researching options for improving the Preston Road/Armstrong Avenue/Oak Lawn Avenue/Lakeside Drive intersections. Other street projects are in the works. “I think it will be past our time on council when we might have the luxury of looking at lowering taxes,” council member John McKnight said. While the tax rate is unlikely to change, residents will face increased charges for trash and recycling service from provider Republic Services. Beginning in October, residential alley service will increase by $2.89 a month, recycling 47 cents, and pack out service — where trash haulers come onto the property to retrieve the trash — $5.92. Republic sought the 18 percent rate increase to cover rising costs, including replacement of trucks used to serve Highland Park. Unrelated to town budget discussions, Oncor Electric Delivery Company is proposing to hike rates by about $6.68 per month for residential consumers using 1,000 kilowatt hours. The council voted April 10 to suspend that rate request for 90 days to allow for negotiations.
“Crimes of opportunity can happen anywhere, which is why we encourage our customers to remain vigilant and to not leave valuables in their vehicles, especially in plain sight,” Gibbins said. Enhanced security outside the mall seems to be working. The number of reported vehicle thefts dipped from more than 20 in 2015 to fewer than 10 this past year. Criminal mischief and vandalism at the mall were also down in 2016, according to DPD records. While no assaults were reported at NorthPark in 2015, five cases were reported last year. There were also four more reported burglaries at the shopping center in 2016 than the previous year, police records show. The reports did not specify whether these particular crimes occurred inside or outside the mall. “NorthPark Center remains one of the safest shopping destinations in the United States, despite being one of the busiest,” Gibbins said.
14 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM FOR MORE COMMUNITY NEWS:
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BOOK FOR THE AGES
Local author completes long-awaited novel By Joshua Baethge
People Newspapers
K E LS E Y K R U Z I C H
Shirley Boudreau poses for a photo with Jeanne Skartsiaris.
Author Jean Skartsiaris knows a little about perseverance. For the past 20 years, she’s been slowly but steadily working on the novel she always wanted to write. During that time, she raised a family in University Park, wrote two young adult books, and started a career as a sonographer at Texas Health Presbyterian. This past December, her efforts finally paid off with the release of Dance Like You Mean It. The humorous story involves a family woman who is worn down by the routines and obligations of life as a working mother and wife. The protagonist, Cassie, finds her creative outlet by writing a steamy romance novel. Trouble is, she’s too shy to take credit for her work, lest the com-
munity look down on her. “I knew it would be a good book if I could figure out how to write it,” Skartsiaris said. In the late 1990s, Skartsiaris was watching the television news magazine 20/20 with her mother. The episode that evening involved a punk rock singer who was also a mom. “She had spiked her hair, she’d put duck tape on her nipples and she screamed into a microphone,” Skartsiaris recalled. “And she was making a ton of money.” Her mom, who raised four children on her own, took one look at the spectacle and said, “If I only knew that’s all I had to do to raise you kids.” Skartsiaris’ mom died a short time later in 1998. However, her one-off comment sparked the idea of a novel about a mom writing a risqué book. There was only one problem: at the time, Skart-
siaris was a photographer working for a legal office. She had never written a book, and had no idea where to begin. “I didn’t know how to write,” she said “It was kind of a hot mess.” Eventually, she joined the Writer’s Path program as SMU in the early 2000s. The program helps aspiring writers edit their work. The best students are given the opportunity to travel to New York and present their work to publishers. In 2002, Skartsiaris got her chance. “They told me the story was great but the writing terrible.” Seemingly at a dead end, she put the book away for a few years before taking another stab at it. However, instead of continuing her manuscript, she began writing a book called Surviving Life,
CONTINUED ON 15
Eagle to the Rescue Scout project saves HP thousands By Joshua Baethge
People Newspapers State and federal storm water mandates passed in December 2016 left Highland Park officials scrambling for a solution. The new guidelines, which are intended to keep the water supply safe, require additional measures to prevent contaminants from entering local storm drains. All area runoff flows into Turtle Creek or Hackberry Creek and eventually into the Trinity River. Signs advising residents not to blow yard clippings into the drains needed to be installed at hundreds of locations across town. “We just didn’t have the manpower to do it,” Highland Park engineer assistant David Ferguson said. A former Eagle Scout himself, Ferguson asked local Boy Scouts for help. Lucky for him, one Scout was already seeking ways to get involved. “I was looking for a project and decided I wanted to do something that would help the community, not just
C O U R T E SY H P D P S / L A N C E KO P PA
HP town engineer David Ferguson and HPHS student William Taubenfeld map out a plan to address new storm water mandates. some specific organization,” high school senior William Taubenfeld said. Taubenfeld needed to complete a service project in order to attain his Eagle Scout rank. After discussing the town’s needs with Ferguson, he got to work developing a plan to safely and efficiently install the signs. According to Ferguson, it would cost the city about $3,000 a week to complete the project with a two-person crew. The
workers would likely need multiple weeks to finish. But on April 1, Taubenfeld’s team of less then two dozen teens managed to cover half the city in a matter of hours. Ferguson hopes another volunteer group will install the rest of the new signs when they come in later this year. “It’s a win-win for Eagle Scouts as well as for us,” Ferguson said. “You don’t know how much this helps.”
This is not the first time Highland Park has turned to the younger generation for assistance. Over the past six years, the town has worked to coordinate projects with both Scouts and Highland Park High School students. Teens learn about city government, while town officials are free to allocate tax money to other priorities. “We strive to have not good, but great relationships with our youth,” Ferguson said. For Taubenfeld, achieving the level of Eagle Scout will culminate years of hard work. He’s overcome more obstacles than most people his age. Taubenfeld has dealt with severe vertigo since he was 7 years old. At one point, the symptoms became so bad that he had to drop out of school and Scouting for an entire year. Due to his unique circumstances, the Boy Scouts of America granted him an extra year of Scouting eligibility, something for which he is extremely grateful. Today, Taubenfeld is able to manage the symptoms enough to complete his coursework. He is on track to graduate this spring, and plans to major in criminology next fall at the University of Texas at Dallas. “I’m happy to see that the city is able to capitalize on Scouting organizations as a resource,” Taubenfeld said. “If they can save thousands on something Scouts can do in a weekend, it’s a huge win.”
C O M M UNIT Y CONTINUED FROM 14 which revolves around the relationship between a mother and her teenage daughter. After self-publishing it in 2013, she again turned her attention back to Dance Like You Mean It but still couldn’t get it right. Skartsiaris released her second self-published book Snow Globe in early 2015. Shortly thereafter, she knew she had to attempt Dance Like You Mean It once more. “I decided to dust off the old manuscript and really get serious this time,” she said. She enlisted the help of an agent and was able to get a publisher. Skartsiaris, who said she writes better away from the house, spent hours at Starbucks typing away. The characters themselves are what kept her going. “They aren’t real of course, but they become a little bit of your psyche,” she said. In the book, Cassie bears many similarities to Skartsiaris herself. Cassie also works at a hospital and faces the challenges of dealing with a teenage daughter. However, in a case of life imitating art, those plot points were written long before Skartsiaris worked in the medical world or had a teenage daughter. She jokes that she should have written about winning the lottery instead. “Am I Cassie? I don’t know. Probably a little bit,” Skartsiaris said. “(I’m) also a little bit of the teenager in there, because I was a little brat.” As for the book’s love scenes, Skartsiaris said she couldn’t help but laugh as she was writing some of the more adult parts. “There’s a lot of sex in there, but it’s silly, fun, tongue-in-cheek stuff,” she said. “There are certain words that I won’t use. It was just fun.” Also, fun is the process of promoting the book. Skartsiaris has been making the rounds at area bookstores, sharing excerpts and meeting readers. And while it might seem like a good time for her to take a break, she is actually almost finished with her next project. The Magdalenes will be a book that focuses on nuns and prostitutes. Skartsiaris said it was inspired by a friend who worked at a halfway house in Nashville run by a church. “I like telling a story, but I’m not always articulate when you put me in a big room, she said. “Writing is cathartic, and I think it’s a release for me.”
16 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM
C O MMU N I T Y
Mother’s Day … Don’t You Dare Forget May is a signature month. It’s crammed for mothers who try to fly around to attend end-of-year school performances and recitals, picnics and carnivals, turnover meetings for end-of-year committees and organizations — not to mention shop for graduation and prom clothes for their offspring. Therefore, it is only fitting that smack dab in the middle of the merry, lusty month of May we have Mother’s Day — Sunday May 14, to be exact, so tattoo it someplace if you have a mother. However cavalier you may think your mother is, she wants to be appreciated. Period. For those who do not or not yet or never will bear the moniker of Mom, Mama, Mommy, or Mother, chances are you had one. Somebody’s body morphed out of shape, endured leg cramps, uncomfortable sleepless nights, sore … well, lots of sore spots, before thrusting you on the scene. If you had a mother who was absent, addicted, abusive, or indifferent, poor her to have missed out on fabulous you. For those who had mothers who were saints, practically perfect, and totally amazing in every way every day, lucky you. Most mothers are neither. Most are women who cherished their infants, kept their young safe, enjoyed the sweet spot when children adore their
LEN BOURLAND mommies, endured and modified much of the rest, occasionally lost her temper or got mommy fatigue, all while juggling the stresses of life. This is no day for Dad to enjoy the weather on the links with a shrug and a, “She’s not my mother, she’s the kids’.” Nope. She’s the mother of your children who needs to be recognized as special. Role model that, Dad. Most mothers tend, heal, nourish, teach, discipline (maybe not as much today, ahem), pray, applaud, work, and play with their progeny. And drive. There are endless amounts of that. This person may not even be the biologic parent, but a combination of motherly persons. Appreciate them all. However, if you had a mother who drove you to myriad practices, lessons, sporting events, stores, appointments, and then taught you how to drive yourself, give
thanks. If you were lucky you had the same lady listen to you babble and coo, then sing little songs and share stories, and who finally survived your teenage snark, be grateful. She cared about your diaper rash, your appetite, your birthday, your reading skills, your infections and rejections, your friends and activities, and your overall happiness. She cleaned up your vomit, your room, your language, and your resumé. She sacrificed the chicken breast for the wing, the money for her wardrobe for yours, her time, and some of her goals and dreams so that you might pursue yours. She probably celebrated your first steps, your first tooth, your first grade, your first romance, your graduations, your weddings, and your jobs, and in some cases maybe even your sobriety. In 1988, I wrote a piece on considering whether or not I was past childbearing age and decided to test the waters by keeping my 4-month-old goddaughter for a spell. “I spent a lot of time wiping … runny nose, sticky fingers, drooling chin, muddy bottom,” I wrote. “The paradox of the sheer drudgery and the sheer absorption that is the job of caring for the very young is a profound mystery.” Memories of shoveling sticky pink medicine down a gagging little mouth, or searching for a favorite pacifier by flashlight in the dark of night came flooding
back. After only a weekend of middle-ofthe-night feedings with a colicky baby, I knew my time had passed. Of course, it resurfaces as a grandmother. On that experience I wrote in my recent book, “There are places in our lives that often become sacred spaces, where there is the overwhelming feeling of something holy … newborn nurseries are like that.” The nuzzling of the down of a newborn infant, inhaling that fragrance is magical. When the long days and nights of ear infections and colic inevitably appear, I can only reminisce that there are periods of mothering that drag and seem endless, but then the years fly by. Funny thing time. Without the need to juggle as much or the anxiety about how a child will turn out, grandmothers are free to just love and savor. And for those whose elderly mothers are now extraneous and becoming burdensome - just remember, once you were a burden to them. So this May do for your mother exactly what you yearned for most as a young child. Spend time together. If that’s not feasible, make sure that a card or flowers or phone call finds its mark. She thought you were worth it all. Len Bourland is the author of “Normal’s Just a Cycle on a Washing Machine” and can be reached at lenbourland@gmail.com
ENGAGEMENT
HARDING-WOIDNECK
L A U R A M U R R AY P H O T O G R A P H Y
M
r. and Mrs. Arthur Joseph Harding Jr. of University Park are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Julia Elizabeth Harding, to Brian Scott Woidneck, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Jeffrey Dean Woidneck of Brea, Calif. The bride is a graduate of Highland Park High School. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University. Julie is an executive director at JPMorgan Chase. The groom is a graduate of Brea Olinda High School. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration in real estate finance and development from the University of Southern California. Brian is co-founder and principal of StoneHawk Capital Partners. The couple was engaged in October 2016 and plan to exchange vows on June 17, 2017 at the Roaring Fork Club in Basalt, Colo.
18 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM
C O MMU N I T Y
From Friday Night Lights to the Spotlight HP native making his name in Hollywood
By: Carly Danner
Special Contributor Jake Allyn’s football career took him from the fields of Jesuit to Cornell University. He never expected his next play to be on TV. A few years and several TV appearances later, Allyn has come full circle with his role as football player BoJohn Folsom on BET’s new series The Quad. For Allyn, growing up in Texas meant taking on the role of a football player, which left little room in his schedule for much else. While he
enjoyed making home movies with his brother when time allowed, playing football was always his top priority. It wasn’t until he joined his brother on a trip to Indonesia for a film that he realized he had other passions. “Seeing the local actors and extras take on multiple roles and personalities for this project was incredible,” Allyn said. “I knew that I wanted to do the same one day.” After returning from Indonesia, Allyn enrolled in several acting classes and landed roles in student films at Cornell. When college ended, he made the move to Los Angeles, bent on turning his dreams into reality. While Hollywood hit him with plenty of “no”s, Allyn was still able to land smaller gigs on such shows as The Middle, Blood Relatives, and Killer Kids.
“When college and my football career [were] coming to an end, I knew I needed to find something that gave me the same rush as the game did,” Allyn said. “Whenever I’m acting, I can feel those same butterflies as I did on game days, and I never want to give that up.” His momentum and passion for the craft catapulted him into his role on The Quad, a show that tackles more than just a football. Having grown up in the world of sports in the South, Allyn felt even more attached to the significance of the show. “We’re portraying topics that people don’t want to discuss when it comes to sports,” Allyn said. “Each episode sheds light on race, gender, and the expectations that come with being on and off the field.”
Allyn hopes The Quad is only the start of a career full of important characters and impactful storylines. He is working alongside his brother as the lead in the upcoming indie thriller Overexposed, which tackles issues of cyberbullying and date rape. He is also writing and starring in two new thriller films, Wicked Love and Ex-Patriot. While Hollywood is keeping him busy, Allyn still finds the time to venture back to his old stomping grounds. With many of his family and friends rooted in the area, Allyn said that Dallas will always be home. “I’d love to one day be the Matthew McConaughey of Dallas,” Allyn said. “Getting to make memorable movies while still living in my city would really be the best of both worlds.”
TA N N E R G A R Z A
Jake Allyn says acting gives him that same rush of butterflies he got on football game days.
Committed to Excellence | Principled Leadership | Service to All
20 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM
OPINION
Reject Educational Savings Accounts
L I S A K I L PAT R I C K We appreciate State Sen. Don Huffines’ willingness to serve as an elected official, but we strongly believe that his bill for educational school savings accounts will hurt an already crippled public school system. We urge the legislature to make funding of public schools a priority and not take even more funding away from public schools. Article 7 of the Texas Constitution says it is “the duty of the Legislature of the State to establish and make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools.” This is not happening in the state of Texas. If this legislation passes, for every student who leaves the public school and requests a voucher, a.k.a. “educational savings account” (ESA), approximate-
ly $6,000 per student would be funneled from the public school. Although that might only be a handful of HPISD students, HPISD’s costs associated with them would likely not decrease. If two students from each of our seven schools opt for these vouchers, the district would receive about $84,000 less funding from the state. However, HPISD would still have the same costs. Texas continues to be in the bottom third of states in per pupil funding. How can lawmakers justify sending funds to private schools when they can’t fund the public school system we currently have? Proponents of ESAs would have you believe that their plan would allow students attending poor-performing schools to escape to private schools where they would have an opportunity to succeed. The voucher as initially proposed by the legislature this session would not even cover half of that tuition. Unlike public schools, these private schools may accept or reject whomever they choose and are not required to provide an education to students with special needs. Under the voucher system, private schools would not be required to meet the same state curriculum requirements that govern public schools. Additionally, private schools would not be required to
keep the same fiscal accountability as public schools. During this time of budgetary shortfalls, it is not the time to move state funding from public schools in favor of ESAs. Since 1994, HPISD has sent more than $1.2 billion dollars to Austin to be redistributed to “property poor” school districts. The Highland Park Education Foundation was formed with the mission “to actively seek resources and relationships to assist in the preservation and enrichment of quality education throughout the HPISD.” In 2003, a group of volunteers began the district’s Mad for Plaid campaign to provide assistance toward the school district’s budgetary shortfall due to recapture. Each year, the HPISD School Board wisely recommends to keep our property taxes low in order to encourage Park Cities residents to use the money saved to donate towards the campaign, and thus, not available for recapture by the state. The reality of finance in HPISD is that we would not be able to fund our schools at their current level of excellence without the private fundraising efforts within our district. If ESAs pass in the legislature, then our community would have to redouble our efforts to increase fundraising efforts even more to account for the additional deficit which we would face.
As a parent of four children, there is a very finite limit on the funds we can contribute and we are already feeling our finances stretched too thin. Property taxes have risen 44.2 percent since 2008, while education funding increased by only 12.7 percent. This makes me question the priorities of our legislature. When the Texas Supreme Court ruled that Robin Hood was constitutional last year, it also said, “Texas’ more than five million school children deserve better than serial litigation over an increasingly Daedalean ‘system.’ They deserve transformational, top-to-bottom reforms that amount to more than Band-Aid on top of Band-Aid. They deserve a revamped, nonsclerotic system fit for the 21st century.” In 2016, Wayne Pierce, director of the Texas Children Advocacy Project, said that even though the court had given legislators the power to make a difference, he doubted whether they would do enough and likened their response to going out on “some tangential rabbit trail.” ESAs are nothing more than a rabbit trail, and I urge you to contact Sen. Huffines to let him know they are the wrong direction for Texas public schools. Lisa Kilpatrick is the president of the Highland Park High School P.T.A.
PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM | MAY 2017 21
OP I N I ON
Fighting For Education Choice And Stronger Public Schools
SEN. DON HUFFINES Twenty-seven states have some form of a private school choice program. Five states have an education savings account (ESA) program that provides the best, most innovative, and most customizable form of education choice. With the passage of Senate Bill 3 — a bill that I co-authored and helped pass out of the Senate — Texas will join their ranks. By all measures, Highland Park ISD is outstanding. HPISD is one of only 44 five-star districts on the Texas Smart Schools ranking, which weighs both academic results and financial efficiency. In the trial run of the new A-F district grading system, HPISD received an “A” grade on two of the four domains measured: student achievement and
student progress. Residents of the Park Cities are blessed to have such great public schools. When students and parents are satisfied with the education they are receiving, they will not sign up for the education choice program. Still, HPISD might not be right for every child. Perhaps a child is bullied. Maybe the district is unable to perfectly or completely accommodate the learning needs of a student with disabilities. For whatever reason a school doesn’t work for that child — whether it’s a failing school or an outstanding HPISD school — that child must have a place to turn. That’s why I’m passionate about education choice, and particularly ESAs. SB 3 empowers parents and students with opportunities. I want the best public schools possible. I want every child to love to learn and wake up excited to go to school. SB 3 will help immensely to meet those goals. The evidence from other states is clear: when these programs are designed to promote competition, education choice makes public schools stronger and improves outcomes for all students — even those who remain in the traditional public school. Competition makes America great because it always lowers prices and increases quality. Remember: SB 3 makes financial
accommodations for school districts if a student chooses to participate in the program. HPISD and other districts across the state will retain a portion of the money they would have received for that child and still get to count that child in enrollment for Robin Hood purposes. That is not the case if a child leaves a school district for any other reason. If a child’s family moves out of state or across town, there is no such financial consideration made for the district. If a parent withdraws the child for another reason, like homeschooling, the district receives no financial easing. Public schools will always be the backbone of education in Texas, and we know the competition that SB 3 brings will strengthen public schools. This will lead to a better education and brighter future for all students — regardless of whether they participate in the choice program or remain in their traditional public school. Change is hard, and public education leaders are clearly nervous about what the future holds. Based on the experience of other states, and based on dozens of empirical studies I have reviewed, I can confidently say that the future of public education will be much brighter if we pass an education choice program. Most
importantly, education choice means new opportunities and a brighter future for Texas students. Let’s focus on students, and let’s empower Texas families with education choice. Sen. Don Huffines represents the North half of Dallas County in the Texas Senate. First elected in 2014 and now serving in his second legislative session, he serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Veteran Affairs & Border Security Committee, and as a member of the Senate Committees on Natural Resources & Economic Development, Education, Intergovernmental Relations, and Administration.
C O N TA C T L AW M A K E R S REP. MORGAN MEYER 512-463-0367 – Austin 469-554-0428 – Dallas morgan.meyer@house.texas.gov SEN. DON HUFFINES 512-463-0116 – Austin 214-239-6131 – Dallas don.huffines@senate.texas.gov
22 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM FOR MORE E D U C AT I O N N E W S :
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LEADERSHIP ‘WITHOUT A RULEBOOK’
GRANT MILLER
From left: Holly Kuzmich moderates a discussion with Laura Bush and Cherie Blair about the roles of first ladies.
By William Taylor
People Newspapers Laura Bush entered the White House with more preparation than most of her predecessors. She served as Texas first lady and also watched how her mother-in-law, Barbara Bush, filled the first lady role during the presidency of George H.W. Bush. “I’d slept in the Lincoln Bedroom, in the Queen’s Bedroom,” Laura Bush said. “I had an advantage that no other American first lady — except for maybe Louisa Adams — had had, in that I knew so much about what I was stepping into.” Still, no amount of preparation could prevent unexpected turns of history from taking her to places and putting her on missions she had not anticipated. “I made a sixth-grade report on Afghan-
istan,” she said. “I never would have expected to visit Afghanistan.” Today, her ongoing mission is to help women around the world, including those serving as first ladies in other nations. As part of that work, the George W. Bush Institute’s First Ladies Initiative recently posted the study A Role Without a Rulebook: The Influence and Leadership of Global First Ladies at bushcenter.org, along with video of Bush and Cheri Blair — the wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair — introducing the report at the George W. Bush Presidential Center at Southern Methodist University. The research, conducted with the International Center for Research on Women and supported by Exxon Mobile, profiled 14 first ladies. The report examined first ladies’ expanding potential to provide leadership and influence despite the challenges
“I MADE A SIX T H - GR A D E R E PORT ON AF G HA N ISTA N . I NE VE R WOULD HAVE E X P E CT E D TO VIS IT AF G HANISTAN.” L AUR A BUSH that come with serving in roles that are still loosely defined. “You really do to some extent have to make it up as you go along,” Blair said. Blair worked as a self-employed attorney while juggling the demands of family and the hosting expectations that came with living at 10 Downing St. in London. “There had never been a working spouse of a prime minister before, and that in itself caused interesting issues,” she said. “The
first thing I discovered was that the system couldn’t cope with the idea that I might actually have something else to do.” Blair credits Hillary Clinton with providing her with great advice early on: “It is very important when you decide what you want to do with this platform that you are true to yourself and do something that you care about, because it will be more authentic and therefore you are more likely to achieve something.” For Blair that has meant championing economic opportunities for women, especially in developing nations where it may be uncommon for women to work outside the home or to own businesses. “I know a woman who has her own resources, who can have her own money … can make some choices for herself and her children,” Blair said. “She can decide that her daughter should continue in school and not be forced into an early forced marriage. She can decide that her children should get immunized … she can make choices to leave abusive relationships.” For Laura Bush, a background as an educator and librarian led her to begin her focus as first lady on literacy. “Of course when I started I did things I expected to do, like start the National Book Festival,” she said. “I had started the Texas Book Festival.” But after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, her attention turned to Afghanistan, which she describes as “a failed country, because half the population was left out.” Her ongoing work to increase opportunities for women in Afghanistan has expanded to include women from Burma, Tunisia, and other places. Blair also, through the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, continues efforts to elevate women. “When we see women leaders in the community, it changes how the community sees women,” she said.
HP Math and Science Team Wins State Meet By Carly Danner
Special Contributor Highland Park High School’s Math and Science team earned the first-place Sweepstakes Award at the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association (TMSCA) State Meet in San Antonio. Highland Park bested 25 other teams at the competition March 18 to win the 5A Championship and the top spot in Math, Science, and Number Sense.
C O U R T E SY H P I S D
Highland Park High math and science students claimed individual and team honors at the State Meet. “For the TMSCA competition, this has definitely been our golden year,” said coach Charles Tillerson. “It just goes to show that Highland Park is not your standard curriculum.”
Though the students competed as a team, they worked on their own during the meets, completing timed tests based on their specialty. Many team members took home individual awards.
“Being a part of this team has been a mental workout for four years,” senior Robert Luo said. “To win as a team and place first as an individual during my senior year is very gratifying.”
With each student bringing a different level of understanding to topics such as physics and chemistry or calculus and number sense, team practices make for a collaborative learning environment. “Seeing how these kids interact with each other definitely makes them stand out,” science coach Wenzen Chuang said. “They’ve found this niche where they can have their competitive juices flowing while still helping others succeed.” Team members practice weekly to sharpen their skills for the frequent meets, which they attend each month. “I love being a part of a team that shares a passion for academic contests like I do,” said senior
CONTINUED ON 24
PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM | MAY 2017 23
S C HOOLS
DSM High School Theater Awards Set for May 18 Nominees include W.T. White, Hockaday, HP high schools
“ MUSICA LS A LS O RE P RE SENT T HE M O ST P O P UL A R F O R M OF T H E AT ER .” ROB E DGI N
By Brian Kendall
Special Contributor Whether it’s a Tony, Emmy, or Oscar, most aspiring young actors or actresses dream of receiving a statuette in front of an audience of adoring fans and celebrities. Through the Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards program, patterned after Broadway’s Tony Awards, area high school musical productions compete for 32 different awards and 17 scholarships totaling $55,000. W.T. White High School, the Hockaday School, and Highland Park High School are among the recordbreaking
C O U R T E SY P H O T O
Sara Held (Belle) and Cameron Bossalini (Beast) in Hockaday High School’s production of Beauty and the Beast. 76 schools participating in this year’s showcase, which will take place at 7 p.m. May 18 at the Music Hall at Fair Park. “With the possibility of scholarships and the amazing programs involved, the [Dallas Summer Musicals Theatre Awards] gives our talented students higher level opportunities,” said Rob
Edgin, head of the theater program at W.T. White High School. While this is the third and fifth time that the Hockaday School and Highland Park High School have participated in DSM HSMTA, respectively, 2017 represents the first year of participation for W.T. White High School where students performed a rendition of Disney’s High School Musical. “We wanted to return to performing musicals for a number of reasons,” Edgin said. “Mainly, it gives students the best opportunity to get into top tier programs at universities. “Musicals also represent the most popular form of theater and, with Hamilton, there’s been a massive resurgence in popularity.” W.T. White junior Luis Matos said performing a musical taught him he
could sing. “Theater and performing in High School Musical has helped my confidence not just in performing and singing in front of people but in all areas of my life,” he said. Also for the judges’ consideration, Highland Park High School delivered a rousing production of Grease, which received six nominations, including nominations for Supporting Actor Honorable Mention for Will Giese, Featured Actor Honorable Mention for Jake Pruitt, and Featured Actress Honorable Mention for Claire DeJean. The Hockaday School with performances of the timely musical Beauty and the Beast secured four nominations, including Supporting Actress Honorable Mention for Molly Mahowald. The award show will consist of performances from the Best Actor and Best Actress nominees, production numbers from Best Musical nominees, and a finale featuring all the schools. “It’s going to be great celebrating all the amazing work all the high schools have done this year with my fellow theater nerds,” said W.T. White senior Maddy Young.
24 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM
S CH O O LS
HP Taps Orsak to Head Moody Innovation Institute By Joshua Baethge People Newspapers
As a South Texas boy growing up in Laredo, Geoffrey Orsak said STEAM curriculum (short for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) made it possible for him to live out his dreams. Now, as the newly installed executive director of HPISD’s Moody Innovation Institute, he hopes to help other students achieve similar aspirations. “Most jobs of the future will be STEAM-related. It’s really imC O U R T E SY H P I S D portant that our kids get those opGeoffrey Orsak portunities,” Orsak said. In August 2016, the Moody Foundation donated $5.8 million school district. Since September, an 18-person to the Highland Park Education Foundation to help start the new design team made up of existing initiative. According to district staff members has been workofficials, it was the largest grant ing to make the institute a reality. of its kind ever given to a Texas Those efforts are the initial steps
of a five-year plan that will eventually affect every student in the district. “I think this will be uniquely Highland Park,” Orsak said. “We have a high performing district, and this will take us even higher.” The Moody Institute will serve as an umbrella for enhanced STEAM curriculum at all grade levels. For the next two years, select teachers will receive professional development. They will then become the advocates who train other teachers. District officials also hope that the third year of the plan will usher in the Moody Advanced Professional Studies Center (MAPS), which will afford high school students internship-type opportunities to work with various STEAM experts in a professional setting. The site of the center has not been determined yet, though it
will likely be off-campus. Orsak comes to HPISD from the Texas Research Alliance, an initiative started by area chambers of commerce to get businesses and universities working more closely together. He sees a lot of synergies between that role and what he plans to do in Highland Park. “There’s nothing better than a student actually talking to an adult about something real and working alongside them,” Orsak said. “You just can’t replicate that in the classroom.” Orsak studied engineering at Rice University and later served as SMU’s dean of engineering and applied science for eight years. However, despite his engineering background, he’s an advocate for the recent addition of arts to the curriculum formerly known as STEM.
“Most people would say that arts are creative. What I would say about engineering is that it’s creative too,” he said. “We’re both about design. It’s a natural fit.” According to Orsak, most students don’t know exactly what they want to be when they grow up. He considers bringing multiple disciplines together and merging them into an integrated curriculum as a key goal. “Those who don’t [go into a STEAM career] will still get the problemsolving skills which will be necessary for life,” he said. Orsak has spent the first month on the job getting up to speed and working with the design team, which he said has done a great job. Now he hopes to leave his own mark. “I hope this will be my crowning joy.”
BRIEF
Bradfield Principal Announces Retirement
Bradfield Elementary principal Christine Brunner announced that she will retire at the end of the school year after 33 years in education. She has been Bradfield’s principal since 2011. “It has been my honor and privilege to be the principal of this wonderful
school,” Brunner said. “To work with our children, families, and staff for the past six years has been the culminating experience of my life’s work and I will be forever grateful for this precious opportunity.” Highland Park ISD superintendent Tom Trigg praised Brunner for her leadership.
“Chris has done an outstanding job at Bradfield and we will miss her,” he said. “Her love for kids is her hallmark, and her ability to work with and lead teachers to create quality learning experiences for students has been exceptional. We wish her the very best in her retirement.” Brunner joined Highland Park ISD
after serving as senior director of elementary education in McKinney ISD. Before that, she was a principal in both the McKinney and Garland school districts. Highland Park ISD officials said they will now begin the search for a new person to lead Bradfield. — Staff Report CONTINUED FROM 22 Sandra Kong, who has been competing since sixth grade. “We want to do the best we can not just for ourselves, but for the school as well.” Many of the students found their passion for math and science early on by competing in similar meets during middle school. While being on the team offers up opportunities to face challenges and competitions, the biggest takeaway for these students is the prep it provides for when they head off to college. The rigor of the Highland Park curriculum mixed with the college-level questions they tackle each week is already giving students an edge as they prepare for life after high school. “Being exposed to university-level subjects is helping us create the habits we’ll need to be successful in college,” Luo said. As for what’s next for the team members, many will continue their education over the summer in math and science camps, while graduating seniors will be heading off to college in hopes of pursuing careers as mathematicians, professors, and doctors.
PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM | MAY 2017 25
S C HOOLS
Mystery Pets Hatch ESD pre-K students meet new insect pals
By Joshua Baethge
People Newspapers Excitement filled the air as pre-Kindergarten students at the Episcopal School of Dallas anxiously awaited the arrival of their new mystery pet. In conjunction with a recent lesson on insects, teachers put together small displays of critters ready to hatch. The 4- and 5-year-old students paid close attention to future butterflies, ladybugs, and a third set of unidentified eggs. As the moment of truth approached, the children studied hard and did their best to determine exactly what would come out of the unknown eggs. Some used magnifying glasses to try and get a better look. Guesses included yellow jackets, ants, and even mayflies. In mid-April, the true identity was revealed as praying mantises emerged from
the eggs. Students also tried to guess the exact number of insects that would hatch. Estimates ranged from one to one million. While school officials did not release an official mantis count, most estimates put the number somewhere within that range. “It was really a fun way to bring the lessons to life for them,” teacher Meghan Derksen said. According to her, the project offered a unique way to teach insect anatomy. Students also learned about the life cycle of butterflies and how a chrysalis is different than a moth’s cocoon. “It’s also fun when you are 4 and can say ‘chrysalis,’ ” Derksen added. Fellow teacher Ann Carter said all of the students were very well-behaved around the insects. On some occasions, she would put one of the displays in
C O U R T E SY P H O T O
Episcopal School pre-K pupils get a lesson in life by studying insects. the middle of the room for all to enjoy. The class would inevitably get very quiet as the young learners intently focused on the small glass tanks. “The kids learned when they observed to be careful. They couldn’t ‘tap tap’ on the glass,”
Carter said. “They were very respectful and knew that there was a delicate insect inside.” Surprisingly, none of the kids expressed fears about being around so many insects. Many students enjoyed pointing out ladybugs or spiders
during recess. Some thought nothing of digging up earthworms, prompting teachers to remind them that they should “leave nature with nature.” “They really enjoyed this, but I did not,” joked Derksen, who is not a fan of bugs. Luckily for her, Carter handled most of the insect caring duties, despite her own apprehensions. As each set of insects came to life, the teachers led their classes outside for another big release. Derksen and Carter did their best to ensure that the newly freed creatures would move on far away from their classrooms. Now that all of the insects have hatched, the pre-K world’s attention has turned to dinosaurs, which will likely elicit just as much excitement. According to Derksen and Carter, that’s part of the fun that comes from working with young kids. “It’s exhausting, but it’s a good exhaustion,” Derksen said. “They also bring a lot of good energy too.”
28 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM FOR MORE SPORTS NEWS:
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PERFECTION!
Lady Scots capture state title
THAO NGUYEN
The Lady Scots celebrate after claiming a 5A state soccer championship April 14 in Georgetown.
By Alonso Tacanga
Special Contributor GEORGETOWN — Afterward, Highland Park head coach Stewart Brown was in a good enough mood to crack a joke about his team giving up a goal in the first minute of the Class 5A state championship game on April 14. “That was actually part of our game plan - to go down a goal,” he said. After the Lady Scots responded with three goals in the next 10 minutes en route to a 5-3 win over Aledo that made them the undisputed, undefeated state champions, it was time for all the laughs, smiles, hugs, and tears they pleased. “I’m ecstatic for the girls, with being so close the last couple years,” said Brown, whose squad was the Class 6A runner-up in each of the past two seasons. “And for our seniors to go out state champions, unbeaten, 100 percent record this year, is absolutely amazing. Those girls have worked so hard for themselves and their teammates.” One minute into the game, the Lady Scots (27-0) found themselves down on the scoreboard after Aledo’s Eden Wise
scored on a rebound after a save from HP’s Ginny Hoy. Aledo’s celebration was short-lived, however, as Frances Ann Matise headed a loose ball into the Ladycats’ net to tie the game. Two minutes later, HP’s Rachel Wasserman had a shot blocked, but an Aledo defender inadvertently kicked the ball back to her near the goal for Wasserman to simply push the ball in to give her team a 2-1 lead. “When we got scored on, it was definitely not a good feeling,” said HP forward Presley Echols, who scored her team’s third goal in the 11th minute. “But I knew that we could come back, and just like we did the next minute, we scored. Then I knew we could do this.” Sarah O’Neal added a fourth goal for the Scots in the 27th minute before Aledo’s Payton Laughley scored in the 31st minute. Echols added another goal, her fourth of the tournament, in the 60th minute. Cameron Huddleston of Aledo scored in the 68th minute. After the game, all the Lady Scots players ran into a huddle to hug and congratulate each other. They were
soon joined by their bench, and they all fell down into a group hug in celebration. Echols was named MVP as HP won its sixth state title in program history — the first since 2012. “Right now I’m feeling probably the best feeling ever,” Echols said. “I’m still shaking. I’m so excited. It’s probably the most stressful game I’ve ever experienced after there were so many goals scored, but I always knew that we had it, and at the end the outcome was great.” After scoring first, the Ladycats (224-3) continued to pressure the favored Lady Scots even after getting down by three goals two different times. “Maybe it was a little too late,” Aledo head coach Bryan Johnson said. “Maybe if it was 4-3 we would have scared them a little bit more.” HP wouldn’t let that happen. Although the script of the game was not what they envisioned, the result went exactly according to plan for the unbeaten 2017 state champions. “Obviously it didn’t quite go as planned, but we responded extremely well,” Brown said.
DIANE DUVALL-ROGERS | 214.725.1451 | dduvall@briggsfreeman.com
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6 Ashmere Court, Dallas | SOLD
MARTHA MILLER | 214.769.4457 | mmiller@briggsfreeman.com
4400 Larchmont Avenue, University Park | SOLD - Represented Buyer
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30 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM
S PO RTS
Carter Trying to Lead Scots Back to State Golf Glory By Todd Jorgenson Sports Editor
ROB GRAHAM
Cash Carter is one of the top ranked junior golfers in the nation.
Jeff Loyd has known Cash Carter for years. But the Highland Park boys golf coach really took notice of Carter for the first time at the Class 4A state tournament in 2014. Carter, then a freshman, was the youngster on a five-man HP squad that included three-time state champion Scottie Scheffler. And although the Scots were the runner-up in the team standings, Carter played the course at UT Golf Club in Austin with the poise and confidence of a veteran. “He was our best player,” Loyd said. “He’s become a good leader for us. He’s basically taken over for Scheff.” In the fall, Carter will return to Austin to join the golf team at the University of Texas, where Scheffler is currently a senior. But first, he hopes to duplicate another of Scheffler’s accomplishments in May by winning a state champi-
onship, something he narrowly missed three years ago. The Scots didn’t qualify for state at the Class 6A level during the past two years. “It has been a goal of mine the whole time since I’ve been here,” said Carter, who’s spoken with Scheffler and Cody Gribble, another HP and UT alum who’s now playing on the PGA Tour. “It’s just been maturing as a player and developing my golf game. I’m just trying to get better every day.” Loyd said that since his freshman year, Carter has developed the mental toughness to match his physical skill. “The big difference with him is his work ethic and concentration level. He’s very motivated and driven,” Loyd said. “Now he’s maturing and learning how to score when he’s not playing well.” As an example, Loyd points to the first round of a tournament earlier this spring in Mansfield, when Carter never looked comfortable on the course and made some errant shots, yet still finished with a 1-under round of 69.
Carter grew up around golf under the tutelage of his father, Chip, who won a conference title at SMU in 1988. But he was primarily a football player until seventh grade, when he started working with a golf pro at Northwood Club. One thrill for Carter this season has been playing alongside his younger brother, Trip, who is a sophomore for the Scots. “We’re really competitive but we’re really close,” he said. “We feed off each other and motivate each other.” Carter is ranked in the top 75 nationally by the American Junior Golf Association. He had a breakout summer campaign in 2016, when he was a runner-up at both the AJGA Under Armour Jordan Spieth Championship and the Bubba Conlee National Junior event. “That was a big stepping stone, knowing that I could play with those kids at that level,” Carter said. “I felt a sense of belonging.”
Stepping Stone: HPMS Quarterback Garnering National Attention By Todd Jorgenson Sports Editor
Preston Stone tries to remain humble, even if his talent and pedigree suggest plenty of reasons to brag. The eighth-grader at Highland Park Middle School has already received an NCAA Division I scholarship offer from the University of Nevada and been invited to camps with top signal-callers from around the state. And he hasn’t even taken a high school snap yet. Those who watch YouTube highlights of Stone carving up middle-school defenses with his arm and his feet say he makes football look easy. “That’s what a lot of people tell me when they watch my highlight video, but I don’t play with that mindset,” Stone said. “There are other people working just as hard as I do.” Stone first put on pads in kindergarten, and by second grade he be-
The HPHS football team received their state championship rings during a March 23 cremony. Also that day, Park Cities People founder Kirk Dooley relased his book Respect All. Fear None., which details the team’s run.
came a quarterback, a position he hasn’t switched from since then. He works on his skills regularly with former NFL quarterback Tony Banks. Already standing 6-feet-2 and 175 pounds, he shares some characteristics with his oldest brother, Lindell, who will graduate this spring from Woodberry Forest School in Virginia. Lindell has signed with the University of Virginia, where he will be teammates with Highland Park defensive lineman Matt Gahm in the fall. Like Preston, Lindell is a dual-threat quarterback who became a top college prospect before he even sniffed a varsity roster, although the younger sibling notes some differences in their styles. “We compete with each other. We bring out each other’s fire. I’ve always kind of wanted to be like him,” Preston said. “I try and play a lot like him, and I also try to play like the guys I see on Saturdays and Sundays.”
The middle sibling, Parker, is a receiver at Woodberry Forest. Together they became the first family with three siblings in the elite USA Football youth program, which promotes the sport at an international level. As for Nevada? Preston is the first Texas player from the high school class of 2021 to receive an offer from a Football Bowl Subdivision school. Despite that, he’s trying to remain grounded. “It definitely puts a target on my back. That just fuels me a little more,” he said. “There’s some kid at home reading online that I got an offer, and that gives them motivation. I can’t let it get to my head.” Meanwhile, Preston said his focus isn’t on recruiting, but on preparing for high school football just a few months down the road. “It’s going to be a huge step up playing high school football,” Preston said. “I’ll TA N N E R G A R Z A just be a freshman, but it doesn’t mean I Colleges already have their eye on Stone. need to play like a freshman.”
32 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM FOR MORE CAMPS NEWS:
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GET THEE TO CAMP SHAKESPEARE
Two sessions end with Bard-worthy performances By Lisa Ferguson
Special Contributor Not every child wants to spend summer break studying the works of William Shakespeare. But those who do often surprise Julie Osborne-Watts. “Shockingly, [it is] a lot of different kids,” said Osborne-Watts, education and outreach manager for Shakespeare Dallas, which draws youths ages 2-12 from varied backgrounds and interests to participate each year in its Camp Shakespeare program. Since 2015, the program has used some of The Bard’s most famous plays to teach theater arts to students. About 50 students are expected to attend this year’s pair of day-camp sessions, scheduled June 19-30 and July 10-14 at the Covenant School of Dallas. While some students who attend are aspiring thespians, others “have never seen a play in their life, have never acted in a play,” Osborne-Watts said. Many would-be campers learn about Camp Shakespeare when adult actors from Shakespeare Dallas’ touring productions perform at area schools as part of the nonprofit organization’s educational programming. “We talk to the kids all the time about how The Lion King is based on Hamlet, and how in tons of Disney movies you see references to Shakespeare,” she said. “We try to … let them know that Shakespeare really has impacted the society that we live in and the world that we live in.” That includes language. While adults can be intimidated by Shakespeare’s words, Osborne-Watts said children tend not to balk at them. “They haven’t learned to fear the language, so to them it’s not a scary thing. They really embrace the language. It’s easy for them to pick up and learn.” This summer, students in grades 2-6
C O U R T E SY S H A K E S P E A R E D A L L A S
Campers will learn stage fighting, acting, auditioning, and other skills. Sessions end with Shakespeare performances.
“BY T H E END T H E Y WERE SAYING , ‘ I WA NT TO B E A N ACTO R W H E N I GROW UP.’ ” JUL I E O SBORNE -WAT TS will participate in a program called All the World’s a Stage. They’ll learn acting basics, including vocal and improvisation skills, while portraying characters from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In July, as part of the Midsummer Madness camp, the young children and tweens will receive instruction in the art of stage combat when they suit up in fencing gear and battle each other using foils. “It’s a really fun experience for the kids,” Osborne-Watts said, adding that stage combat is present throughout Shakespeare’s plays. “It’s a great way for those who want to continue on in performing to get a start with that.”
Students in grades 7-12 enrolled in The Play’s the Thing camp will participate in an in-depth study of Twelfth Night as they pare down the five-act piece to just one act. “It definitely is a big undertaking,” Osborne-Watts said. Twelfth Night was selected because it touches on the hot topic of bullying, she said. “We wanted to talk about that and focus on that. It’s also a fun comedy, so that’s another way to engage students through laughter.” What Dreams May Come camp is designed for tweens and teens who want to pursue stage acting in high school and college productions, or possibly as a profession.
Auditioning for theater productions “is not an easy skill,” she said. “It’s definitely a learned skill, and it’s very different than acting, so we try to help them out and give them some hands-on skills and tools that they can use.” Each Camp Shakespeare session concludes with a performance for the players’ parents at Samuell Grand Amphitheater. Besides providing an unusual summertime activity, the camp may also prove academically beneficial, Osborne-Watts said. “We try to tell parents when you give students artistic opportunities … the test scores get better, grades get better.” Acting can also help boost kids’ self-confidence while encouraging them to think creatively and reinforcing the importance of teamwork. Last summer, she said, “We had several students who, on the first day, were afraid to open their mouths. The idea of getting on a stage in front of other people was terrifying to them. By the end they were saying, ‘I want to be an actor when I grow up.’”
PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM | MAY 2017 33
CA M P S
Hill Country Camps The rugged landscape of the Texas Hill Country offers a great escape for campers looking to get out of town without going too far away.
Camp Longhorn • • •
Dates: June 4 – August 12 Grades: 2 - 10 Cost: One-week term $1,737; two-week term $3,420.70; three-week term $4,517; • Where: Burnett, TX • About: For more than 75 years, Camp Longhorn has offered a lakeside summer camp experience steeped in tradition. From the famous blob to sailing, having fun in the water is a large part of camp life at Camp Longhorn. Campers build friendships within their cabin groups by participating in activities together all the while learning to depend on and help one another.
Cooper 1/4 V
34 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM
CAMP S
Camp Mystic for Girls
• Dates: June 2 – August 18 • Ages: after second grade • Cost: Varies • Where: Hunt, TX • About: Located near the geographical center of Texas on the banks of the Guadalupe River, Camp Mystic offers a special camp experience for girls to grow spiritually. New campers become members of one of the two tribes at Camp Mystic. The tribes help foster friendships, team spirit, and good sportsmanship throughout camp.
Camp Lonehollow
• • •
Dates: June 3 – August 6 Ages: 7 to 16 Cost: One-week $1,755; two-week $3,510; four-week $5,790 • Where: Vanderpool, TX • About: Camp Lonehollow’s mission is to gear up campers for life. Campers don’t just ride a horse or go fishing, they learn every aspect of the activity from start to finish. This full-circle approach is one way Camp Lonehollow aims to be a place where youth can discover, empower, and inspire their greatest selves.
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PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM | MAY 2017 35 FOR MORE BUSINESS NEWS:
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NEW IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Lovers Seafood and Market By Robin D. Everson
Special Contributor Restaurateurs Tracy Rathbun and Lynae Fearing, known for their restaurant Shinsei, recently opened Lovers Seafood and Market in the space formerly occupied by Rex’s Seafood. Greg O’Neal of Philosophy Design took 3,000 square feet and created an intimate space that seats 79. It has a calming, open air feeling with hemp ropes, herringbone millwork, shiplap lumber walls, wood stain patina, and retrofitted crystal liquor decanters that provide enchanted lighting. The outdoor patio accommodates and an additional 40. After leading Boot Ranch’s kitchen in Fredericksburg, former Abacus chef Aaron Staudenmaier has returned to Dallas. He created a menu that is pleasing not just for the traditional seafood lover, but also for the diner that enjoys whole food, plantbased, vegan fare. Dining vegan at a seafood restaurant? It is not only possible, but also welcomed at Lovers Seafood and Market “I’ve got a kitchen filled with fresh ingredients, Staudenmaier said. “We can make dishes that would please a vegetar-
ROBIN D. EVERSON
From left: Try the chef’s vegetarian creation, Special K salad, and avocado toast. ian or vegan.” Staudenmaier proved his skills to me at a recent dinner that showcased some of the restaurant’s signature dishes. While my dining companions sampled grilled shrimp dip, gumbo, tuna poke, and freshly grilled fish, I enjoyed phenomenal avocado toast, Special K and quinoa tabbouleh salads, and a special vegetarian chef’s creation. Within the past year, Dallas diners have been scouting restaurants that serve avocado toast, a simple but tasty dish. Lovers Seafood and Market is not like other restaurants that just smear smashed avocado on a piece of bread -theirs is truly a work of art and a delight to your taste buds. This item appears under the “Share It” section of the menu, but I would suggest you tell your dining companions to order their own. I didn’t
share mine and you won’t want to either. The lightly toasted, seeded multi-grain bread topped with avocado, grilled corn, roasted poblano peppers, and pickled onions was a symphony of layers with each vegetable playing a beautiful part. The Special K salad, comprised of massaged kale dressed with cashews and sesame seeds, was filling and would please any veggie lover. The quinoa tabbouleh dressed with parsley, mint, and cherry tomatoes was a hearty protein-packed grain salad. Going off menu, Staudenmaier created a colorful cruciferous and root vegetable dish: Brussels sprouts, colorful beets, and toasted walnuts topped with a sesame dressing. Lovers Seafood and Market serves more than fresh fish and veggie-friendly fare. They have Wagyu beef, roasted
chicken, and sandwiches. Sides and desserts created by Pastry Chef Ty Bohoney are served family style. The restaurant features a full bar, as well as a market where customers can buy fresh seafood and shellfish to take home. “We couldn’t be more excited to share our new concept with Dallas,” Rathbun and Fearing said in a release announcing the opening. “We’re looking forward to providing our friends, neighbors, and the entire city with great food, drinks, and the freshest market catches in a fun and relaxed setting.”
I F YO U G O Lovers Seafood and Market, 5200 West Lovers Lane, is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Rundown Revival
New owners bring life to former Park Lane Stables
C O U R T E SY P H O T O
Dallas Equestrian Center upgrades are attracting new trainers and users.
By Hannah Kirkpatrick People Newspapers
After changing owners in 2015 and undergoing extensive renovations last year, the Dallas Equestrian Center (DEC) is making a new name for itself as a top horse facility in North Texas. The most significant improvement is a 50,000-square-foot GeoTEX outdoor arena surrounded by new fencing and
footing to better accommodate horses. Other highlights include a European horse-walker, 20 new covered paddocks, and some general maintenance improvements to the barn intended to make DEC a premier facility. A new clubhouse with locker rooms and coaches’ offices is also in the works, according to co-owner Scott Wilson. Prior to these upgrades, the DEC property — then known as Park Lane Sta-
bles — had fallen into an unsafe state of disrepair that caused many trainers and families to consider alternative facilities. As parents of kids who used the facily, Scott and Lisa Wilson knew something needed to be done. However, abandoning the stables would have meant losing a convenient location in the heart of Dallas. When a potential owner’s deal to purchase the stables fell through in late 2014, Scott and his business partner Marc Goldman decided to look into buying the property themselves. Another equestrian couple, David and Stacy Sanderson, were looking at the property too, scouting for a location in Dallas where they could reestablish Stacy’s nationally recognized training program. The Park Lane Stables owner passed Scott’s contact info along to David and said they should talk. David said it was kind of “dumb luck” that he and the Wilsons were looking at the property at the same time. “It really felt like it was meant to be,” Scott said.
“We put a development plan together that prioritized safety and the quality of the riding arenas and then went on from there,” David said. “We reviewed our plans with all of the trainers and prioritized what we thought was best first for safety, second for quality, and third for expansion.” The new plans attracted Carol Gwin, head coach of the SMU equestrian team. Last year, Gwin announced that the team would use the Dallas Equestrian Center as their official stables and training facility. The move will hopefully bring more attention to the SMU equestrian program, she said. In addition to SMU, five professional trainers now call DEC home. “[With] the economy of Dallas in 2014 and 2015, the way it was taking off, you knew it was going to be great,” David said. “We just knew it would be great, because there would be new families moving here that would want to take lessons. It would be great to be involved in a barn.”
36 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM
BUS I N E S S BRIEF
Texas Historical Commission Names New Leader Dallas native Catherine McKnight will lead the Texas Historical Commission during the 2017-2023 term. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is a state agency dedicated to historic preservation. Its staff works with citizens, businesses, and other groups to preserve architectural, archeological, and cultural landmarks. The commission is composed of nine citizen members appointed by the governor to staggered six-year terms. A resident of Park Cities, McKnight currently serves as associate general counsel for Children’s Health System of Texas. She attended Texas Christian University and received her bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Texas at Austin. She is also a
member of the Delta Delta Delta Alumnae and a former member of the Junior League(s) of Dallas and St. Louis.
Rejebian & Son set to close in June By Maria Adolphs
Special Contributor
Ivy Tavern Owners Take Over Windmill Lounge Ivy Tavern owners Lisa and Tom Georgalis, along with the Triada Hospitality Group, have purchased the Windmill Lounge. Operating hours will remain the same, as will the focus on classic and craft cock-
It’s Been a Magic Carpet Ride
tails, music, and an overall casual vibe. “We’re so excited to add the Windmill Lounge under our wing, a bar that we’ve been fans of for years,” Lisa and Tom said.
SUNDAY 1/2 prices for bottle wine and champagne WEDNESDAY 1/2 off Sushi and Drinks RE-GRAND OPENING PARTY April 27th from 6PM-8PM. SUSHI CLASSES EVERY FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH. May 6, June 3, July 1, Aug 5, Sept 2, Oct 7, Nov 4, Dec 2
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DINE IN | PRIVATE EVENTS | CATERING
After 84 years of business, Rejebian & Son Oriental Rugs will close its doors in June. “All things at some point come to an end,” said third-generation rug man David Rejebian. He has run the family business since the 1970s, but after working six-day weeks for the past 40 years, he’s ready to do something different. His plans include playing with his bird dogs and golfing. David married later in life and does not have any children to take over the store. He is not interested in selling the business name, but will continue to share his rug expertise as an appraiser and consultant, adding that he will always enjoy talking about rugs. David’s grandfather Vahram Rejebian, an Armenian immigrant from Turkey, opened the family’s first shop in 1934 in the downtown Dallas Titche-Goettinger department store. Vahram’s son Myron joined the company in 1955. David joined the family business in 1977. By then, the store had become the authority on Oriental rugs in Dallas. “If you were going to buy a rug in Dallas you pretty much came to us,” David said. The store’s rich history has attracted such customers as Mayor J. Erik Jonsson, the Hawn Family, and former Gov. Bill Clements, who ordered rugs for the Governor’s Mansion. David said looking at old sales sheets, especially ones from the 1930s to 1950s, is like reading a list of the era’s “movers and shakers.” In 1982, the store moved to Snider Plaza, where it stood for 12 years. In 1995, David moved it to the Dallas Design Center before returning to Snider Plaza in 2009. He moved again last year to Alpha Road. David said he always knew he would be in the rug business, and “never thought about doing anything else.” He fondly recounted memories of going downtown with his father and playing on the tall stacks of rugs in the shop.
C O U R T E SY R E J E B I A N & S O N
Rejebian & Son Oriental Rugs boast a rich history and such well-known customers as Mayor J. Erik Jonsson and Gov. Bill Clements. Later, those stacks would become part of his training. “Showing rugs to customers, we’d break the stacks apart. My job was to stack them back up when they were finished,” David said. “My grandfather was a stickler about the corners being straight and would come out of his office, grab the top of the stack and pull it over and make me start … again.” A college student at the time, David found this frustrating. His dad explained that his grandfather wanted him to do this because the only way to understand what wool feels like is to constantly handle it. David credited such lessons from his grandfather and father with helping him learn about rugs and business. He attributed the store’s success to his grandfather’s attitude as an immigrant coming to America, where opportunities, hard work, and giving back to the community make a business work and grow. “I am thankful that we were able to offer people in Dallas something that they were interested in and that people trusted us when they came to look for a rug.”
PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM | MAY 2017 37 FOR MORE R E A LT Y N E W S :
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TRENDING IN THE KITCHEN CHRISTY ROST
HO ME + KI TCHEN I’m detouring from my usual cooking column and recipe this month to focus on what’s new for homes and kitchens. Each spring, the International Home + Housewares Show draws more than 2,200 exhibitors and 62,000 attendees to Chicago’s McCormick’s Place. During the four-day event, the latest innovations and trends in household small appliances, tableware, décor, gadgets, and everyday living solutions are presented to buyers and members of the media. As a chef and passionate home entertainer, I always feel like a kid walking into a gigantic candy store when I attend the Housewares Show. My eyes are bombarded by vivid colors, textures, familiar and unfamiliar logos, cookware of every size and shape, the latest innovations in small electric appliances, and booths carefully designed to draw attendees inside. It doesn’t take long before I envision a springtime table setting with exquisite new glassware, patterned dinnerware, and colorful linens, a springtime dinner party using a, innovative tabletop grill, or the fun of serving summer cocktails in double-walled champagne glasses. During three solid days of visiting as many brands as possible, and armed with an overflowing appointment show calendar, I identified seven top home trends for 2017 designed to make our lives easier and our homes more comfortable, organized, stylish, and safe.
CHRISTY ROST
The Housewares Show in Chicago features the latest in cookware, appliances, and other products.
“I A LWAYS F EEL L I K E A KID WA LK I N G IN TO A G I G A N T IC CA NDY STO R E . ” C H RI ST Y RO ST
The Connected Home: The future of housewares is connectivity. Whether for home security, cooking on the grill, baking in the oven, using a slow cooker, or fixing a cocktail, manufacturers showcased their latest developments in
appliances that connect to phone apps, so homeowners can control their environment and food preparation remotely. Char-Broil offered a new gas grill that preheats to a specified temperature, notifies you when the temperature is reached, maintains it during the cooking process, and sends you a message when the food is at optimum temperature for dining enjoyment. No more over-cooked steaks! Whirlpool showcased their new Front-Control Range with scan-to-cook technology that ensures food is cooked with the right setting every time. Imagine scanning a product’s UPC barcode on your phone’s Whirlpool app, and instantly having the recommended cooking time and temperature at your fingertips!
Small Space Living: For older Americans looking to downsize and younger Americans simplifying their lives, manufacturers have streamlined small appliances to take up less kitchen countertop space. This spring, Hamilton Beach introduced the space-saving 2-in-1 Oven & Toaster — a dual-function countertop oven with a built-in toaster so homeowners can reduce countertop clutter. Air fryers are a big trend this year, and I saw many versions, but one that attracted my attention is the Philips TurboStar Airfryer because it fries, bakes, roasts, and grills. By combining all these features into one appliance, this appliance frees space on kitchen countertops and reduces the need to store multiple appliances.
Manufacturers are also giving thought to the attractiveness and style of appliances, and have introduced smaller footprints and new colors and metallics to their lineup. Look for copper and matte steel this year in everything from mixers to blenders to cookware. Convenience: It seems our lives are busier than ever, and manufacturers continue to take steps to help us manage our lives and have more time to spend with our families and friends. This explains the continued popularity of slow cookers, which save meal preparation time, provide ease of serving, and allow home chefs to pursue other activities while the meal cooks. Hamilton Beach has designed their slow cooker to accommodate popular recipes such as lasagna, and to take up less space in the cupboard between uses. For time-saving meal preparation and light meals even young teens can make, DeLonghi’s Livenza All-Day Grill is ideal — a compact, stainless steel countertop electric grill for burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and snacks. Organizational Solutions: Keeping our homes organized can be a constant struggle for many of us, and manufacturers have taken that struggle to heart by offering a multitude of solutions. One that caught my attention was the meori foldable boxes that go from flat to container-ready in one simple step. These attractive fabric boxes with sturdy frames come in many bright colors, can carry up to 65 pounds, and have reinforced handles and an elastic band to hold them closed when not in use. They would look fabulous on pantry or closet shelves and are equally useful in the car to keep items organized and readily accessible.
CONTINUED ON 40
38 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM
R E AL E STAT E QUARTERLY
Sales, Listings Up, But High-End Lull Not Over William Taylor
PA R K C I TI E S
People Newspapers Real estate activity in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow has picked up following a slowdown leading into last November’s election. Single family closings and listings are looking up to begin the year, but real estate agencies are still hoping transactions for higher end properties will rebound. The market for homes priced at $2 million or more hasn’t been up for 18 months, according to Allie Beth Allman, president/CEO of Allie Beth Allman & Associates. “It’s the oil prices,” she said. “People had made so much money in the oil business, and then when it dropped 50 percent it slowed them down. “Also, I think they are waiting to see if [President Donald] Trump’s going to get that tax break through,” Allman said. “I know a lot of people are.” That lingering higher end lull has some ripple effects. Bob Moran, an agent with Virginia Cook Realtors, sees the impact with zero lot line homes in north Dallas as well as in gated communities, where typically unwelcomed open houses are occurring
Month
Closed sales
Median price
Price per Sold to Active Days on Months’ sq. foot list price listings market supply
June 2016
80
$1,395,000
$382
96%
376
56
Sept. 2016
65
$1,151,000
$364
94%
363
82
6.5 6.3
Dec. 2016
70
$1,250,000
$381
95%
262
79
4.5
March 2017
102
$1,244,000
$368
96%
383
68
6.0
PR E STON HOLLOW Month
Closed sales
Median price
Price per Sold to Active Days on Months’ sq. foot list price listings market supply
June 2016
70
$800,000
$269
93%
325
71
5.6
Sept. 2016
64
$952,500
$248
92%
237
79
4.3
Dec. 2016
53
$891,500
$248
92%
237
79
4.3
March 2017
79
$790,000
$256
96%
343
56
6.0
Source: North Texas Real Estate Information Systems Inc.
nearly every Sunday. “It could be some empty nesters who have been wanting to sell,” he said. “They aren’t going to buy in Lake Forest until they get their house sold.” Allman sees the impact in lot sales. “If you are going to build a house, you want to build exactly what you want,” she said. “By the time you finish the project, you are way in the upper end.” Allman advises sellers to be realistic in their pricing.
“If they get more aggressive in their pricing, those are the ones we see selling,” she said. That said, her clients aren’t desperate. They aren’t facing foreclosures. They aren’t overextended. “I haven’t seen any fire sales,” Allman said. And real estate professionals are busy. Home sales in March were nearly 85 percent higher in the Park Cities than a year ago and 14 percent higher in Preston Hollow. Listings are up by more than 100
in both communities from December. “It’s been a great first quarter for me,” Moran said. Luxury half duplexes – also called attached single family homes – are replacing old ones and going quickly, he said. “If they are new and contemporary looking. . . they are selling like crazy.” Moran enjoys helping owners of older homes market to buyers who will live in the houses, instead of tearing down and rebuilding. Working on a property to get it looking its best and photographing it right can make a big difference, he said. “My sellers and I just do special things to get one more buyer who will live in the house.” But in Dallas real estate, the definition of “old” is often changing. Moran has seen a large 1980s home with a demotion crew outside. “The ‘80s homes are considered not old enough to be charming and not new enough to be new,” he said. With newer, higher end homes and quality school districts available in Collin County, sellers must make sure their Park Cities and Preston Hollow houses look as appealing as possible, Moran said. “You’ve got to make the house look better than the competition.”
EXTRAORDINARY HOMES
Extraordinary has a new homepage
3525 University Boulevard, University Park | $2,949,000 TOM HUGHES | 214.649.3323 | thughes@briggsfreeman.com
3660 Rancharo Road, Plano | $6,399,000 GINA LESTER | 972.365.5215 | glester@briggsfreeman.com
DALLAS FORT WORTH SOUTHLAKE 3008 Southwestern Boulevard, University Park | $2,695,000 JENNIFER MILLER | 214.701.7717 | jmiller@briggsfreeman.com
An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Briggs Freeman Real Estate Brokerage, Inc. is independently owned and operated.
THE NORTH RANCH AND LAND
briggsfreeman.com
40 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM
RE A L E STAT E Q UA RT E R LY
On March 30, crews demolished the former Macy’s and Sanger Harris store at Valley View Mall. Its facade included a mural designed by architect Brenda Stubel. The mall will make way for the new Dallas Midtown development. { P H O T O S B Y J A M E WA LS H }
CONTINUED FROM 37 Food storage is a huge topic, as more Americans are eating clean. Whether using locally grown, organic, or simply fresh ingredients, today’s home cooks are more in tune with their health and what they’re eating and feeding their families, so keeping food safe and fresh longer is important. Manufacturers have noted this demand for healthier eating and have stepped up with storage solutions to keep ingredients fresh and organized in the pantry and refrigerator. Mason jars from Fox Run Brands, which come with a variety of customized lids, now offer new, colorful options for storing food, beverages, and condiments. Stor-All Solutions provides a rainbow of colorful containers in all sizes for pantry storage, chilled foods, and accessories. Stasher also wowed me with their new food-safe, reusable silicone storage bags in a variety of sizes for picnic foods, snacks, ingredients, sous vide cooking, makeup, and anything else one needs to stash in a bag. Sous Vide: Sous vide cooking is an ongoing trend, particularly with millennials and home cooks who demand perfect cooking results. Meats, seafood, vegetables, or fruit are placed in a vacuum-sealed bag, and into a water bath at a regulated temperature that cooks the food evenly. Anova’s trim Precision Cooker interfaces with smartphones and turns any container into a sous vide cooker. Coffee: For the millions who can’t start their day without coffee, brewing options continue to expand beyond K-cups. Cold brew coffee makers received a lot of attention, but so did
all-in-one appliances that store coffee beans, custom ground, brew, and froth milk, as well as combination coffee/ espresso machines such as ones I saw by DeLonghi. For those who love the flavor of pour-over coffee, Melitta’s Signature Series coffee machines are hard to beat and come in a variety of colors. Health and Well-Being: According to G.E. Engineer Chris Bissig, “The most important health decisions are made not in the doctor’s office, but in the kitchen.” He pointed out that eating at home can improve our health — a concept I adopted many years ago. Today’s consumers are eating more fresh foods, natural ingredients, and fewer sugars. Manufacturers are responding by developing products that save time so cooks can spend more time with their families and friends. Today’s passion for eating well for better health has led to an explosion of quality cookware, well-designed large and small kitchen appliances, kitchen tools, and gadgets that make food prep and cooking easier and more fun, non-toxic products to keep our homes clean, and tableware that inspires families to gather together in the kitchen and around the table. Next month, I look forward to sharing more ideas for memorable gatherings in your home and kitchen. Christy Rost is a lifestyle authority, author of three cookbooks, public television chef on PBS stations nationwide, and a longtime resident of the Park Cites and Preston Hollow. For recipes and entertaining tips, please visit her website www.christyrost.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter @ChristyRost.
Description Indian Crown Turkey Tabriz Turkish Serapi Chinese Tabriz Persian Mahal Pakistan Pishawar Indian Tabriz Oushak LD SOPakistan Pakistan Pishawar Indian Crown Persian Kashan Persian Nain Bakhtiari LD SOPersian Indian Tabriz Pakistan Khotan Turkey Tabriz Indian Kashan Oushak Wool & Persian Azarbayjan
Quality Wool Viscose Antique Wool & Silk Antique Antique Wash Wool Veggie Dye Veggie Dye Wool Wool Wool & Silk Antique Wool Veggie Dye Viscose Wool Silk Semi Antique
g n i s Clo r Afte s! r a e Y 83
Size 8x11 5x8 11.7x19.8 8x10 8.10x12.2 9x18 12x18 9x12 9x12 8x10 9.8x13.5 15x25 10x13 2.6x10.10 3x9.8 8x8 2.6x20.5 12x17.10 3.6x10.6
Reg. Price FINAL PRICE $1,859 $695 $25,399 $3,465 $16,995 $13,450 $14,950 $7,659 $6,635 $1,569 $5,438 $40,695 $8,998 $1,155 $2,950 $2,564 $2,250 $13,999 $3,225
$599 $189 $8,750 $1,155 $5,680 $4,758 $3,295 $2,658 $2,550 $499 $1,765 $12,635 $3,225 $489 $1,265 $779 $985 $4,285 $1,155
Description Indian Mahal Persian Kerman Indian Oushak Kashmir Serapi Turkish Oushak Indian Mahal LD Crown SOIndian Persian Tabriz Turkish Kashan Persian Qume Chinese Sumak Kashmire Silk Art Herati Persian Yazd Persian Mashad Indian Tabriz LD Khotan SOAfghan Pakistan Kazak Persian Bidjar
Quality Wool Semi Antique Wool Wool Veggie Dye Wool Wool Semi Antique Viscose Pure Silk Wool Silk Wool Antique Antique Wool & Silk Veggie Dye Antique Wash Semi-Antique
Size 6x9 10x13 12x18 12x5 11.4x14.8 8x8 9.6x13.6 8x11 6x6 6x9 6x9 8x10 12x18 12.8x18 13x16.6 8.3x8.3 8x10 10.9x16.10 4.6x12
Reg. Price FINAL PRICE $1,855 $4,656 $11,456 $7,467 $33,698 $1,266 $4,659 $3,459 $1,499 $21,499 $1,998 $3,758 $42,989 $19,959 $34,659 $11,589 $3,696 $22,000 $8,998
$665 $1,795 $3,156 $2,359 $8,696 $425 $1,263 $1,159 $358 $5,185 $668 $1,229 $9,939 $4,358 $9,555 $3,675 $1,665 $4,600 $2,150
42 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM
R E AL E STAT E QUARTERLY
The Shire of Preston Hollow
A round door welcomes visitors to the guest house.
THE MAMONES PHOTOGRAPHY
Grandmother creates fairyland in the city By William Taylor
People Newspapers In a home on an acre-and-athird of Dallas ground there lives a hobbit-loving lady. Not an old historic home steeped in Big D lore, nor yet a typical modern mansion like those going up in the Park Cities: It is a feather-wearing eccentric collector’s home, and that means bottles mortared in between uneven stones and real Montana trees in the great room. The Shire of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings lies along the Great East Road in Middle Earth, far from the threats of Mordor. The Shire of Preston Hollow sits along Meadowood Road, west of Ursuline Academy of Dallas and south of Walnut Hill Lane, but don’t expect to visit. “The house wasn’t really built for show,” explained Niki Yarborough, of Southern Botanical, the company that installed the gar-
Henery S. Miller 1/2 H
den. “It was built for the enjoyment of her grandchildren.” Creating a fairy forest and home comes at a precious price: The Dallas Appraisal District valued the property at nearly $4 million – $2.1 million for the land and $1.8 million for the improvements. The owner prefers to remain as incognito as Bilbo Baggins wearing his invisibility ring, but has occasionally opened up her home for a charitable cause. A recent three-day open house with a fashion and jewelry sale benefited Equest, a nonprofit provider of therapeutic horseback riding. A sign warning, “Beyond This Place There Be Dragons,” greeted more than 300 visitors as they crossed the drawbridge. Inside, volunteers described how reading a Tolkien biography in 2000 or so inspired the owner to build an elaborate cottage reminiscent of
CONTINUED ON 43
PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM | MAY 2017 43
RE A L E STAT E Q UA RT ERLY CONTINUED FROM 42 Elrond’s “last homely house” in Rivendell. The house, though relatively new, was made to look old, echoing Irish design with old furniture from France, England, and Scotland. A secret door in the library leads to extra rooms. A huge clock serves as a table in the kitchen. Twinkling lights in the great room ceiling mimic the look of a starry sky. Outside there is a thick garden intersected by a creek that leads to the partially buried hobbit guest house. Southern Botanical maintenance crews follow strict rules as they tend the grounds
so as to preserve the mysteriously wild look, Yarborough said. For example, the natural canopy over pathways shouldn’t be cleared much higher than the 4-feet needed for a hobbit. A circular door invites entry to the guest house, where most of the furniture is child-, make-that hobbit-sized, except for a dragon bed for adults in Smaug’s lair on the top floor. Longtime Equest volunteer Gail Pace noted the owner prefers visitors to use the slide, instead of the stairs, on their descents. “Everything is done in keeping with the spirit of Middle Earth, which is great fun.”
Adult visitors sleep in Smaug’s lair.
THE MAMONES PHOTOGRAPHY
A N E B B Y H A L L I D AY C O M PA N Y
DRE A M HOME FROM A LEGE N DARY PE RSPEC TIVE
3617 Potomac in Old Highland Park 75'x167' listed at $1,600,000 contact ralph@ralphmrandall.com
44  MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM
R E AL E STAT E QUARTERLY
HOUSE OF THE MONTH 3644 McFarlin Boulevard
C O U R T E SY D AV E P E R RY- M I L L E R
This spectacular Mediterranean home finished in 2009 boasts five bedrooms, six full baths, one half bath, a gourmet kitchen with two large islands, three living areas, media room, study, playroom, outdoor living area, three-car garage, and a sliding electric fence gate. It also has a third-floor bonus room that could easily be converted into an additional bedroom or exercise room. The home sits on an 80-
by 150-foot lot with a fabulous backyard, covered porch, built-in grill, plus an additional large side yard on the east side. Other amenities include a backup generator and water filter-softener with RO filters. The house is close to several parks and shopping venues, including Highland Park Village and Snider Plaza. Attention to detail and exceptional quality make this home one to see.
PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM | MAY 2017 45
S P E C I A L A DV E RT I S I N G C ON T E N T ALLIE BETH ALLMAN &
ALLIE BETH ALLMAN &
ALLIE BETH ALLMAN &
ALLIE BETH ALLMAN &
ASSOCIATES
ASSOCIATES
ASSOCIATES
ASSOCIATES
Pools bring resort living to your backyard
Yes, you can find luxury living under $1 million!
Top Agents for the First Quarter
Allie Beth Allman & Associates First Quarter Leader in Sales and Listings
Indoor/outdoor luxury living in Texas means entertaining and staying cool by the pool. Today’s water spaces are more than just a place to swim. They incorporate outdoor kitchens, media, dining and lounge areas, fountains and fire pits, creating a breezy paradise. The days of the dull, rectangular pool are long gone. Today’s pools offer infinite design options including exquisite mosaic and glass tile, custom lighting and soulsoothing water features such as water walls, waterfalls and fountains. Resort-inspired features take everything up a notch. Homeowners are adding tanning ledges, sloped entries and even beach entries, bringing back memories from vacations abroad. Technology adds new dimensions to the spa area. LED lighting transforms the mood with endless water options, timing and dazzling patterns. Add a little music, either with above-ground or even underwater speakers, and the package is complete. Here are just a few properties that will add a splash to your life: • 6325 Carrington Drive: One-of-a-kind property near White Rock Creek in an exclusive community with only 9 homes. • 3424 Stanford Avenue: Truly exceptional double lot property in University Park salt water pool, cabana with media room and guest quarters. • 4435 Taos Road: This Transitional, light and open onelevel home is located on almost a half acre in beautiful Bluffview.
Dallas continues to be one of the hottest real estate markets in the country with high demand and limited supply. Within that limited supply are fine homes for the discerning buyer. But is it still possible to buy a luxury home in the right neighborhood for $1 million or less? The answer is yes! “Most 2017 forecasts for the Dallas housing market are calling for continued (and significant) home-price gains next year. There is a lot of demand for homes across North Texas, but limited supply,” according to a recent article published by the Home Buying Institute. Analysts at Zillow.com predict that home values will rise approximately 7.3 percent in the Dallas market in 2017, compared with a relatively modest gain of a 2.4 percent national average. It’s all here, from gated retreats to high-rise urban lofts. With the projected market increase, now is the best time to invest in a luxury home that will fit your lifestyle. View some of our luxurious homes under $1 million: 5909 Luther Lane #1201, 7218 Joyce Way, 4528 Roland #D, 3401 Lee Parkway #302 and 3833 W. Beverly Drive. View all of these homes and more at alliebeth.com.
Allie Beth Allman & Associates announced in April its top agents for the first quarter. Leading the pack so far in 2017 is Erin Mathews, with Doris Jacobs. Marc Ching, Alex Perry and Shirley Cohn rounding out the top 5. Kate Walters had the most transactions in the first quarter with 9 homes sold, with Alex Perry, Shirley Cohn, Erin Mathews and Richard Graziano not far behind. The firm held a “March Madness” competition for March, as well. Erin Mathews had the highest volume in sales for the month with over $9 million. Shirley Cohn had the most transactions with 7 homes sold. Top agents for February included Richard Graziano, Erin Ballard, Linda Lehman, Anne Kashata and the team of Aaron Carroll & Blake Eltis. The company’s CEO was proud to see the entrepreneurial spirit during the competition. “Our agents competitive spirit balances with commitment to the best service and results for our hometown community. Our company was born here and grew here. We live here and work here. We know the neighborhood.” To learn more about our top agents, visit alliebeth. com.
BRIGGS FREEMAN SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
BRIGGS FREEMAN SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Allie Beth Allman & Associates finished the first quarter of 2017 leading the Park Cities in Sales and Listings, according to MLS data. The firm’s sales volume totaled nearly 27% of the market with an average sales price of $1,603,102 and fewest days on the market. The company also accomplished the biggest sale of the year to date. MLS listing data shows the company leading the Park Cities in number of new listings, total volume and market share. The boutique firm also has 8 of the 12 biggest listings and the most $1million-plus listings. “We’re pleased to see our listing leadership in Preston Hollow, as well,” said firm CEO Allie Beth Allman. The MLS data show that Allie Beth Allman & Associates leading in listing volume and also in $1million-plus properties. The company has 4 of the top 6 listings. Ms. Allman said that the sales momentum was energized by a balance of experienced top producers and a host of professionals. “We have a remarkable multi-generational sales force understanding needs of first time buyers and repeat or investment buyers,” she said. “As DFW home prices continue rising, with rates still at historic lows, this is a good time for prudent real estate action.”
One House’s Ultimate Update
3 Reasons Why You Need a Realtor
DAVE PERRY-MILLER REAL ESTATE
Relax: Your real-estate agents will take care of the rest. 3512 University Boulevard is listed by Doug and Jeanne Shelton and Gigi Salley for $1,549,000.
Experience the ultimate Highland Park lifestyle in this custom-built two-story near Highland Park Village and across the street from Bradfield Elementary. Offered for $1,897,000 by Jane Gordon with Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate, 4317 Southern Avenue (4317southern.daveperrymiller.com) boasts exquisite finishes and craftsmanship. A gracious foyer and sweeping staircase set the tone for the luxe interior. French doors open to a handsome private study. In the open living and dining rooms, marble flooring and statuesque columns create an elegant backdrop for entertaining. Outfitted with wide-plank flooring, granite countertops, maple cabinetry, a generous island, and stainless appliances, the kitchen is a cook’s dream. The spectacular den and casual dining area overlook the beautifully landscaped backyard. Upstairs, a landing with a custom stained-glass window creates an inviting reading nook. The luxurious master suite features a balcony, his-and-her closets, and refined master bath. Three additional bedrooms, two bathrooms, media room, and game room complete the second floor. For more information, contact Jane Gordon at 214-4787099 or janegordon@daveperrymiller.com. Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate (daveperrymiller.com) is a division of Ebby Halliday Real Estate, Inc., with five locations that specialize in Park Cities, Preston Hollow, North Dallas, Lakewood, East Dallas, Uptown, Kessler Park and Farm & Ranch properties.
BEACON HILL
Luxury Homebuilder Group Cowboys 71, LLC to start Model Home Construction at Beacon Hill
“Beacon Hill on Cedar Creek Lake has sold 4 new homesites at the end of March with additional potential buyers visiting our community every week”, quotes Joe McGinley, Beacon Hill’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “We sold 4 of our Interior Lake Ava Rosetta Lots and we are looking forward to Cowboys 71, LLC Building Group taking the lead on this new construction in the next few weeks” says McGinley. Lake Ava Rosetta is a private, nine-acre stocked fishing and swimming lake with beach area within the gated community of Beacon Hill. The lake boasts a vivid waterfall and inviting waters, perfect for bringing along your fishing pole or your bathing suit. Beacon Hill has enjoyed a surge in momentum as they enter the new selling season here on Cedar Creek Lake. Buyers still have the option of an Interior Lake, Waterview or Waterfront lot from the highest point on Cedar Creek Lake with access to the private, floating dock marina and clubroom. For more information please contact the Beacon Hill Sales Team at 903-498-LAKE (5253) or visit www,liveatbeaconhill.com .
At 3421 Beverly Drive, an Old Highland Park home packed with new amenities. It is listed for $3,995,000 by Michelle Wood of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. Renowned architects Marion Fooshee and James Cheek are best known for designing Highland Park Village — but their residential contributions to Dallas architecture are as special. Among them is 3421 Beverly Drive, a stunning Old Highland Park home listed for $3,995,000 by Michelle Wood of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. A recent remodel refreshed the five-bedroom house for your lifestyle now, but with thoughtfulness for its original design. The elegant living room features mahogany paneling and a warming fireplace. The formal dining room boasts a wall of windows that flood the space with light. The gourmet kitchen is equipped for any culinary adventure. The master suite? It is a calming retreat, with large bedroom, private balcony and whitemarble master bath with dual vanities, soaking tub and steam shower. For casual entertaining, the unique porch offers the best of two worlds: Two walls of accordion doors allow the space to be totally open or enclosed. The heated and air-conditioned porch also has an outdoor kitchen. Just beyond, the sparkling pool, fireplace and koi pond make for a serene backyard oasis. This home is full of modern luxuries, including an elevator, wine cellar, humidor and art lighting. President and CEO Robbie Briggs independently owns and operates Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. For listings and more, go to briggsfreeman.com.
Now more than ever, buyers and sellers need guidance from the expert agents of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. According to the real-estate-education group Keeping Current Matters, these are just some of the reasons why, thanks to rising home prices. 1. You found your dream house. Now what? According to Keeping Current Matters, there are more than 230 possible actions that could take place during a real-estate transaction. Buyers and sellers need a skilled authority to lead the way from start to finish. 2. What is the home you’re buying or selling really worth? According to the National Association of Realtors, in 2016, the typical For Sale By Owner home sold for $185,000 — compared to $245,000 among agent-assisted home sales. 3. Do you know what’s going on in the market? Hiring an agent who has a finger on the pulse of the market will make your buying or selling experience an educated one. You need someone who is going to tell you the truth — not just what they think you want to hear. President and CEO Robbie Briggs independently owns and operates Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. For expert tips, home listings and more, go to briggsfreeman.com.
Jane Gordon Offers Exquisite Highland Park Beauty
46 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM
S P ECI AL ADVERTISING C ONTENT BRIGGS FREEMAN SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
New on the Market
BRIGGS FREEMAN SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
The $160-million movers and shakers
New bloom in Greenway Parks: 5330 Drane Drive, listed by Caroline Summers for $2,499,000. Dallas is blooming with new homes ready for new owners looking for incredible amenities, convenient locations and great neighborhoods. Every day, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty posts the latest listings on its website — the place that ensures no opportunity is overlooked. Come to briggsfreeman.com to view all the new offerings, plus updates to current listings, in the Park Cities and beyond. 5330 Drane Drive | Greenway Parks From intimate dinner parties to the grandest of celebrations, this stunning contemporary was thoughtfully designed for every occasion. Walls of windows offer outstanding views of the picturesque grounds, with sparkling swimming pool and multiple living areas, complete with covered fireplace and outdoor kitchen. Listed by Caroline Summers for $2,499,000. 6054 Norway Road | Preston Hollow A fabulous floorplan, substantial moldings, high ceilings, natural light, large kitchen island, plenty of storage and quality fixtures and hardware: It’s all inside this exceptionally elegant French Normandy, designed by Fusch Architects & Planners and built by Hawkins-Welwood Homes. Listed by Susie Swanson for $2,345,000. President and CEO Robbie Briggs independently owns and operates Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. For more, go to briggsfreeman.com.
EBBY HALLIDAY REALTORS
Grand Vie Showcases Luxury Living
Amy Detwiler, standing, and Michelle Wood with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty President and CEO Robbie Briggs. With more than $160 million in sales in a single year, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty agents Amy Detwiler and Michelle Wood rank among the best in the industry, achieving the highest overall team production company-wide, and helping the firm achieve $3.2 billion in total sales volume for 2016. They have been honored by the North Texas luxury leader as the Top Producing Team of 2016. “We have a great team,” says Wood, “uniquely skilled and passionately committed to supporting each other, while providing a higher level of service and value to our clients — who are our most important referrals.” The team attributes their success to key significant sales, plus representation of buyers in a wide range of prices across the Park Cities, Preston Hollow and surrounding neighborhoods. Proven expertise, boundless drive and superior personal service are just a few of the characteristics the two powerhouse agents bring to every transaction, coupled by worldclass support. Says Detwiler: “We continue to capitalize on the specialized worldwide marketing that the Sotheby’s International Realty brand offers, both digitally and in print.” President and CEO Robbie Briggs independently owns and operates Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. For listings and much more, go to briggsfreeman.com.
DAVE PERRY-MILLER REAL ESTATE
Three-Story Beauty in Coveted University Park
Gracious style is at the heart of this refined three-story located in the fairway of University Park. Offered for $1,750,000 by Burton Rhodes with Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate, 3913 Stanford Avenue (3913stanford.daveperrymiller. com) features elegant formals, great room, study, six bedrooms, six full baths, powder room, play room, and two-car garage. Built by Barnett-West, it features hardwood flooring, 10- and 11-foot ceilings, custom millwork, French windows and soft hues. A European-inspired mantle creates a striking focal point in the living room, while a crystal chandelier lends glamour to the dining room. French doors in the great room open to the covered outdoor patio with built-in kitchen. A casual dining room connects the great room with the well-appointed kitchen. Upstairs, the master suite is a serene haven with a lovely master bath. Three additional en suite bedrooms and play room complete the second floor. The third-floor bedroom is perfect for guests or a nanny. For more information, contact Burton Rhodes at 214-520-4422 or burton@ rhodesrealestate.com.
ELLIOTT & ELLIOTT
Stately Traditional in University Park
VIRGINIA COOK, REALTORS
Stevie Chaddick of Virginia Cook, Realtors® Offers New Contemporary Custom Home
This beautiful brick-and-stone traditional in University Park has a new price. The four-bedroom, six-bath home, offered by Paige & Curt Elliott for $1,699,000, is convenient to UP Elementary, Curtis Park, Snider Plaza and community pool. It has split formals, an open concept kitchen, a breakfast room with fireplace, a private study and a game room, both with full baths, and an outdoor kitchen leading to an artificial turf yard. The multi-use third floor space has a full bath, and the home also has a two-car attached garage. For more information, call Paige/Curt at (214)478-9544/(214)675-8353.
ALLIE BETH ALLMAN URBAN
2711 Hibernia Street, Dallas, TX 75204
Visit grandviemagazine.com to view the spring 2017 edition of Grand Vie: Luxury in Living. The spring 2017 edition of Grand Vie: Luxury in Living magazine recently mailed to homes across North Texas. Grand Vie is the luxury-home publication of Ebby Halliday Realtors. Grand Vie is direct-mailed to more than 60,000 high-net-worth households. Charity and event placement is also a significant part of the distribution strategy. “Not only has our magazine’s distribution grown significantly across North Texas, it also includes some of the very best luxury real estate companies outside of our local market,” says Randall Graham, vice president and director of marketing for Ebby Halliday Realtors. In addition to featuring some of Dallas-Fort Worth’s premier luxury properties, the 22nd edition of Grand Vie offers a plethora of interesting editorial content, including a conversation with fine art photographer and bestselling author Gray Malin and advice on how to bring spring looks into your home from partner and designer of IBB Design Fine Furnishings Shay Geyer. Also included are “Houses of Art,” highlighting some of the area’s top cultural events of the season; LuxeTrends, showcasing a collection of the latest luxury lifestyle must-haves; and real estate insider Candy Evans’ take on the ideal vacation home environment of Sarasota, Florida. To view Grand Vie online, visit grandviemagazine.com.
Location, luxury and function! This new custom home by LM2Group’s Ken Ellefson has it all and will be completed just in time for fall holiday entertaining. Greeting friends and family with contemporary elegance from a prime lot in Dallas’ Crest Haven Place, the modern home boasts a superior floor plan that puts quality, style and design at the forefront for today’s lifestyle. Over 4,500 square feet of light and bright living space is accentuated by clean-lined interior finishes with Level 5 wall finishes. A versatile design includes four bedrooms and four and one-half baths, with the master suite privately located downstairs. There’s also a game room, exercise room, study and “mom’s office”. The fun will easily move outdoors to the loggia with a grill, and a fabulous kitchen is fully equipped for entertaining with high-end Energy Star appliances including a commercial-grade range and double ovens. Conservation is also encouraged with a 16+ SEER AC, insulated doors, Low E windows and more. 8418 Lakemont is Offered at $1,199,000. Contact Stevie Chaddick, schaddick@ virginiacook.com or 214-533-1234. Virginia Cook, Realtors® is a locally owned, independent real estate broker and a member of Leading Real Estate Companies® of the World, the most active broker-to-broker referral network in the world.
2 Bedrooms | 2.1 Baths | 2,839 Sq Ft | Offered for $1,150,000 One of the last single family Victorian homes in the State Thomas Historic District. Zoned for residential or commercial. Master down. Updated kitchen with terrazzo countertops. Spacious front porch, second floor balcony, covered back porch. Backyard includes koi pond, enclosed two car garage with gated alley access. Fully renovated in 2012 with new roof and HVAC. Walking distance to Whole Foods, shops and restaurants. Whimsical and wonderful! For more information or to schedule a private tour, please contact Mary Alice Garrison at (214) 543-7075 or Robin Brock at (214) 543-8963.
PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM | MAY 2017 47
M O T H E R ’ S D AY
A TOKEN OF AFFECTION Show your mom some extra love this Mother’s Day with a gift just as special as she is. Whether it’s through blood, marriage, choice or other means, it’s no secret that mothers serve a special role in our lives. Don’t know where to start? Here are some gift ideas she is sure to adore!
Whole Earth Provision Aqua Aloha Chime:
$36.95
Avant Garden Floral Arrangment:
$175
St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange Echo Scarf:
$89
Bachendorf’s -Galleria Dallas Love Always Bracelets by Phillips House:
Prices vary
Emmet Malouf Handbags by Anzea Artichoke Bloom Bowler Bag:
$695
P H O T O S B Y TA N N E R G A R Z A
Pink Wild Rose Bucket Bag:
Blue Oak Leaf Wristlet Clutch:
$375
$165
48 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM
M OTH ER ’ S DAY
I Love Mom Because...
St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange
Mother’s Day Contest Winner
On Garden Style by Bunny Williams:
$50
Talia Mayrosh, 9, was selected as the winner for this year’s Mother’s Day Contest. Participants were asked to send us a letter explaining why they love their moms for a chance to win tickets to a summer sporting event.
Akola Jewelry Small Leaf Pendant Necklace:
Royal Blue Grocery
$15 each
Parterres:
Prices vary Don’t feel like shopping? Get crafty for Mother’s Day and make Mom her own flower-infused soaps. What you’ll need: •Unscented natural soap or unscented soap base •Essential oils of your choice (lavender, rose, etc.) •Dried or pressed flowers of your choice •Baking, cooking, or soap molds
How to make it: •Slice soap or soap base into small pieces •Place pieces in a microwave safe bowl •Microwave for 30 seconds, then in 10 second intervals until melted, slowly stir in between intervals •To add fragrance, add a few drops of essential oil into melted soap, stir slowly •Place dried flowers in mold then pour melted soap into mold OR mix flowers in the bowl then pour mixture into mold
•Allow soap to harden •Pop out of mold and you’re done Tips: •Melted soap starts to harden quickly! •When pouring soap into mold, flowers will move so use a toothpick to position them. •Stir soap slowly to avoid the formation of bubbles. •Put soaps in the refrigerator to speed up hardening.
PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM | MAY 2017 49 FOR MORE WELLNESS NEWS:
LIVING WELL
parkcitiespeople.com/ category/living-well
A RIDE TO REMEMBER AN URSULINE ALUM Hockaday grad will bike to Alaska to raise cancer dollars
C O U R T E SY TA I M A S S I M I L I A N
Tai Massimilian is taking on the Texas 4000 bicycling challenge in memory of Micaela White, who died of cancer at age 18.
By Meredith Carey Special Contributor
Every Saturday, Tai Massimilian straps on her helmet, grabs some water, and heads out in Austin on her bike. But the University of Texas junior isn’t just making laps around her block. She’s riding upwards of 70 miles, training for one huge ride. Huge isn’t even the right word. The Hockaday grad will ride from the Texas capital to Alaska with Texas 4000, a student-run UT organization that trains for and plans the annual ride to raise money for cancer. “I mean, I knew how to ride a bike but nothing like what I’m doing now,” she said. “At most, I did a couple spin classes a
week, so this is definitely like starting from scratch.” Massimilian, along with 77 other riders , will depart June 1, heading across the Southwest with stops in Santa Fe and Lake Tahoe, and then up the West Coast, checking into San Francisco, Portland, and Vancouver before reaching Anchorage, 70 days later. For Massimilian, Texas 4000’s cause cancer prevention, research, and support - hits close to home. She’s dedicating the ride to her older brother Domenic’s former girlfriend, who was often in and out of the house, sitting on their kitchen barstools, and chatting with Massimilian, her mom, or other brother. One day after the couple broke up, Domenic came home to share that his former
girlfriend had been diagnosed with leukemia. After a long fight of chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants, and intensive care, Ursuline alum Micaela White died at the age of 18. “I remember when she died. She was so young, and I felt like she had just been in our house,” Massimilian said. “I remember my brother sitting in our kitchen literally slamming his fists on the bar, and he was just talking, and yelling, and crying with my mom, saying she was the last person to deserve something like this.” White’s spirit lives on in her foundation, Micaela’s Army, which raises thousands of dollars each year for leukemia research in White’s name.
“She passed away when she was only 18, and I just turned 21,” Massimilian said. “So much of her life was taken away, and I just felt this need to go on this crazy adventure because I need to squeeze in all this life she didn’t get to live.” Micaela’s story, though heart wrenching, is not unique. According to the American Cancer Society, one in two men and one in three women in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime. “No one should have to go through what Micaela’s family went through, but so many people do,” she said. “Cancer is just so insanely prevalent to me. It really blows my mind how common and also how devastating it is.” Massimilian expects a 4,000-mile ride to be a breeze by comparison, though her parents, while supportive, are “definitely a little nervous.” “My mom looked at me and said, ‘You know this is going to be really hard. Really hard,’ ” Massimilian said. As the group’s countdown to the June 1 departure hits double digits, she admitted she’s getting a little nervous. But more than anything, she said she is excited to share the organization’s message. “Texas 4000 is a great reminder that going through cancer or knowing someone fighting cancer can be lonely experience, but that you never have to go through anything like that alone,” she said. “There is a lot of ugliness and negativity in the news and all around us all the time, but it’s been a great reminder that people are out there that are genuinely trying to make a positive difference in a really unselfish way.”
HOW TO HELP Tai Massimilian is more than halfway toward reaching her fundraising goal for her summer ride. Contribute at texas4000.org/rider/2017/sierra/taimassimilian.
50 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM
LI VI N G W ELL
Golf With a Cause
Byron Nelson proceeds improve the odds for underprivileged children
all our decisions about the AT&T Byron Nelson,” AT&T Byron Nelson board chair David Watson said. Their methods have seen so much success — 98 percent of Momentous students graduate high school, and 82 percent enroll in higher education — that other school districts across the country, including Dallas and Fort Worth ISDs, are now implementing training from the Momentous professionals. The institute has expanded their reach to more than 136 cities, 29 states, and seven countries.
“ IMP ROV ING L I V E S A ND C H A RITA B L E G IV ING W ERE C E N T R A L TO TO URNA ME N T NA ME SA KE BYRON NELS O N’ S B EL I E FS . ” TI M FI NCHE M
C O U R T E SY P H O T O
After a final year in Irving, the Byron Nelson moves next year to Trinity Forest Golf Club.
By Annie Wiles
People Newspapers The AT&T Byron Nelson will tee off on May 15, attracting golf legends to the pristine course, aficionados to the gallery, and partiers to the Grey Goose tents at the Four Seasons Resort and Club in Irving for a week. It will also bring another kind of guest — the students of the Momentous Institute, who benefit from the funds raised at the tournament and who help out at the event every year. “Improving lives and charitable giving were central to tournament namesake Byron Nelson’s beliefs, and the PGA TOUR is committed to these ideals in the communities in which we play,” PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said in a press release.
Momentous, a lab school the Salesmanship Club of Dallas founded in 1920 and supports with the annual Byron Nelson proceeds, teaches students in pre-K through fifth grade using innovative techniques, research, and therapy to promote social and emotional health in children and low-income families. The school, based in Oak Cliff, accepts only students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. By implementing therapeutic services and mindfulness, and teaching children how their brains work and how to control their emotions, the school attempts to rewrite students’ thought processes to offset the way trauma — which children in poverty often experience at young ages — changes the brain. “Our mission to transform kids’ lives has been the heart of what we do since 1920 and that cause remains central to
In addition to their educational training, the institute holds an annual conference, Changing the Odds, and recently partnered with the Lynn Lectures to bring thought leaders in emotional intelligence to the city. This year is the 35th and final year the tournament will be held in Irving. The Salesmanship Club of Dallas is already busy preparing for next year’s tournament at the Trinity Forest Golf Club. “We are forever grateful to [the] Four Seasons and the city of Irving for a long, prosperous partnership that has enabled us to raise over $150 million for Momentous Institute, impacting over 100,000 lives,” Watson said. “We look forward to our tournament’s future and continuing to change the odds for kids.”
Looking Back to Put Best Face Forward
M O L LY N O L A N For women, the ladies in our lives who came before us are typically the ones we learn beauty secrets and tips from – our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, stepmothers, and any other female that helped to nurture and rear us. They’re the first beautiful women we know. They are the ones that not only teach us how to be strong, loving, kind, and independent, the things that give us “character,” but they also teach us how to put our best face forward. My mother spent a lot of time with her maternal grandmother Zudie, who was born in 1883. From the time my mother was in first to third grade, sitting in the same chair every morning, she French braided mother’s hair.
“ HA P PY M OT HE R ’ S DAY TO A LL T HE WOM E N W HO . . . HAV E HE L P E D M A K E U S BE AU T I FU L , I N S I D E A N D OU T. ” MO LLY N O L AN
M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N Visit momentousinstitute.org or attbyronnelson.org for more information.
Zudie didn’t wear much makeup and as mother got older, she would tell her, “Don’t wear too much color, but you do
CONTINUED ON 51
CLASSIFIEDS
L IV ING W E LL
Spacing Out I’ve been thinking about spaces lately. We know when we are in a special one and also a not so special one. All of us identify with certain elements which inspire, calm, or excite us. The spaces we inhabit can greatly affect our mood and productivity. It’s spring cleaning time, so … let’s discuss. You may be the type of person who feels most comfortable surrounded by stuff. Others of us work better with organized openness. Some might function at optimum with a blend of the two. It’s a fun exercise to think about spaces that inspire you and which qualities they have in common and then apply those qualities to the spaces you inhabit the most. Personally, I’m very into flooding light, minimal display, natural materials, greenery, and cool colors. Let me name drop some spaces that exemplify those qualities for me. The Nasher is a perfect example — you can go to check out the incredible art, yes, but how about taking a book or friend and hanging out in the garden for a couple hours? Such a soothing place. My hair salon in the Design District, Rossi + King, is a chaos-free sanctuary with music at a calm level, high ceilings, a wide-open layout, and sun flooding in through full walls of windows. Pure Bikram Yoga offers a quiet, warm room where the natural light and serene energy calls me to practice nearly every day. And my home office,
CONTINUED FROM 50 need a little on your lips and cheeks.” Zudie didn’t wear any eye makeup, but she did wear a touch of rouge and lipstick. She put her lipstick on lightly with her finger to make sure she didn’t get too much. When big hair/teasing became the rage, my mother would spend a lot of time looking in the mirror to make sure her hair was perfect. My grandmother would say, “The front of your hair looks great, I just can’t believe you are leaving without looking at the back!” (rats nest). Grandmother was a hoot! My mother never even considered the back, as all she felt that mattered was what was in the mirror. Good advice, always take a look at the back of your head. I used to watch my mother and her younger sister, who lived with us for a short time when I was
To place your ad in People Newspapers, please call us at 214-523-5239, fax to 214-594-5779, or e-mail to classified@ peoplenewspapers.com. All ads will run in Park Cities People and Preston Hollow People and online on both websites. Pre-payment is required on all ads. Deadline for our next edition is Mon., May 1. People Newspapers reserves the right to edit or reject ads. We assume no liability for errors or omissions in advertisements and no responsibility beyond the cost of the ad. We are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion.
BURIAL NEEDS STEPHANIE CASEY
bathed in white with a window looking out over my garden, is a space where I am highly motivated to take care of business. All these locations have qualities I’ve identified as pleasing to me. These types of environments contribute to making me feel creative, happy, and healthy. Conversely, when I am somewhere that is cluttered, noisy, or dark, I feel a big difference in my mood. Not that I can’t function in those spaces, I just function differently. Every one of us is going to be different on this front. What’s your ideal space? What are some descriptors for it? How do you feel there? How can you cultivate those qualities in the spaces you frequent? How can you manage your time to be in those types of spaces more? Freshen up your spring by dumping places, items, and colors that block your ideal space qualities and work to replace them with ones that feed your senses. It’s the season of renewal, after all. Happy spring! Find more of Stephanie’s ideas at lovageinc.com and watch weekly Working & Living Well videos at facebook.com/ lovageinc. about 5, sit and do their makeup in their lighted mirrors. I would watch with wide eyes and fascination at all the fun products they got to use and long for the day I could too. I wanted to be as glamorous as they were. My paternal grandmother was ahead of her time and practiced yoga and took lots of vitamins. I remember her giving me papaya vitamins, a rich source in antioxidants. They tasted like candy! She also ate from the garden she grew. I have always admired those qualities in her and enjoy many of the things she did to have a whole and healthy body. Mahatma Gandhi said, “It may be possible to gild pure gold, but who can make his mother more beautiful?” Happy Mother’s Day to all the women who have shaped our lives, passed along beauty advice, and have helped make us beautiful inside and out.
Rare double mausoleum site w/ granite bldg. Exclusive availability. Surrounded by lakeside beauty, a place of high regard at Sparkman Hillcrest. Not previously available. Appropriately priced at market rate of 700K. Contact Brian directly at 214 208-0930. Or asst Betty B. Ofc. 214 346-0756. FOR SALE
Elegant Chinese rug approximately 12’ x 15’ (Actual Size 11’4 x 14’8”)
San Francisco Design Center. Field is pale lavender with coral and celadon designs. Cleaned, prepared for storage. Will deliver, cashier’s check required. Inquiries welcome.
E S TAT E S A L E S Showroom: 1211 N Plano Road Richardson, TX 75081 Open every Wednesday, 11am - 3pm
Check website for current sale/auction info
Phone: 972.664.0744
www.JLATreasures.com
Carol Matesic
Cell: 214.244.0903
Accredited Appraiser, Int’l Society of Appraisers
Email: carol@jlatreasures.com
Appraisals of Antiques, Furniture and Decorative Arts
Estate Liquidators Dallas
HELPING DALLAS WITH ESTATE LIQUIDATIONS FOR OVER 30 YEARS Estate Sales • Senior Moving • Downsizing 972-818-3000 • estateliquidatorsdallas@yahoo.com • estateliquidatorsdallas.com HOME SERVICES Reduce stress and breathe easier by putting your affairs in order.
We can help.
(325) 655-4682 or magnolia61@aol.com H E A LT H
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Chinese Herbs Help Weight loss, Impotency and Fatigue.
Leslie Duong, 214-887-8325 LESLIEDUONG.COM BS Biology, Health Nutritionist, Licensed Herbalist
HOME SERVICES
941.921.5066
www.easilyorganized.com
FREE Service Call
40 Off
$
*During normal business hours
(214)
Residential
SLATE AND TILE SPECIALISTS
Slate & Tile Roofs, Copper, Composition, Flat and Wood Cedar Roofs • Park Cities References
(972) 539-3848 www.capitalroofingcontractors.com
THE TREE WHISPERER Family/Veteran Owned Tree Trimming, Tree Removal, & Firewood Sales (we deliver)
214-668-0710
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473-5123
WelbornDoors.com
CAPITAL ROOFING CONTRACTORS
Commercial 24 Hr. Same Day Service
2 Generations Serving Dallas/Ft. Worth ALL Makes & Models Of Doors & Openers We’ll Meet or BEAT Any Valid Competitor Price
WORSHIP SERVICES
ST. JUDE CHAPEL SATURDAY MASS: 4:00 p.m. SUNDAY MASS: 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. DAILY MASS: (Monday thru Friday) 11:40 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. 1521 MAIN STREET DALLAS, TX, 75201
214.742.2508 stjudechapel.org
Any Garage Door Repair Minimum purchase required. Some restrictions apply. May not be used with any other offer. Limited time only.
lube & safety check
35
$
87.50 Value
$
Preventative Maintenance May not be used with any other offer. Limited time only.
EXTRAORDINARY HOMES WRITING THE BOOK ON CHINA
MICHELLE WOOD | 214.564.0234 | mwood@briggsfreeman.com
Robbie Briggs and a mockup of the final cover for Ben Briggs’ new book, Chinese Institutions’ Definitive Guide to USA Commercial Real Estate
C
hina is a ver y big deal. No one knows it more than my son
Ben, who has lived there for more than
10 years and is our executive vice president of international business. Ben has been a little busy: He has just published the authoritative
5630 W. Amherst Avenue, Dallas | $745,500 BECKY FREY | 214.536.4727 | bfrey@briggsfreeman.com
guidebook about a ver y hot topic: Chinese Institutions’ Definitive Guide to USA Commercial Real Estate. The book is in the Chinese language and packed with information: fundamentals, market oppor tunities in American gateway cities, impor tant tax issues, joint ventures, closing the deals and more — even perspectives on why purchase US proper ties at all. He’s got contributions from exper t CEOs, brokers and analysts from all over the Sotheby’s International Realty ® network, including a chapter on Dallas and For t Wor th, one of the hottest spots on Chinese buyers’ lists. (That one was written by yours truly.) Ben is an exper t on China. He knows the
9924 Hathaway Street, Dallas | $1,495,000 TOM HUGHES | 214.649.3323 | thughes@briggsfreeman.com
ins and outs — and that knowledge, and the knowledge of our exper t colleagues, is on ever y page of the new book. Currently, it is available in the US for $15 on amazon.com and in China for 88 RMB on major Chinese online book retailers including dangdang.com and jd.com. If you know anyone in China investing in American real estate — or thinking about it — the book is a must-read. The significance of Chinese investment in the US has expanded substantially in recent years. In Nor th Texas, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty has a global network for buyers and a strong connection to the Chinese — who will sign the deeds on
3333 Milton Avenue, Dallas | PENDING
about $27 billion wor th of US real estate this year. That’s a ver y big deal.
WILL SEALE | 214.707.9707 | wseale@briggsfreeman.com
An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Briggs Freeman Real Estate Brokerage, Inc. is independently owned and operated.
briggsfreeman.com
EXTRAORDINARY LIVES
8103 Chadbourne Road, Dallas | $975,000
Spring 2017
Can Do! Luncheon Honors Dallas’ Best Page 4
Cattle Barron’s Shooting for the Stars Page 6
Junior League Celebrates 95 Years Page 13 Amanda Guerra and Wendy Topletz attending the DMA Speakeasy {PHOTO: TAMYTHA CAMERON SMITH | EDITED: CRAIG TUGGLE}
2 SPRING 2017 | PEOPLE NEWSPAPERS | SOCIETY
SOCIAL CALENDAR
For a full calendar, visit parkcitiespeople.com/events or prestonhollowpeople.com/events.
APRIL
6 Beat Leukemia Ball,
27 Mad Hatter’s Tea Party,
benefiting Leukemia Texas, Fort Worth Omni Hotel, 6:30 p.m.
Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational Gala, benefiting Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities, Omni Dallas Hotel, 6 p.m.
8 FORE! Golf and Tennis
15 Genesis Women’s Shelter
Tournament, benefiting The Family Place, Lakewood Country Club, Noon
Luncheon, Hilton Anatole, 11:30 a.m.
Dallas Arboretum, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
28 Dallas Wine Opener, benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Empire Room, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
29 Our Friends Place Auction & Casino Night, Omni Dallas Hotel, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
29
Boots & Blessings Gala, benefiting Ally’s Wish, Gilley’s Dallas, 6:30 p.m.
29 Equest Gala, Texas Horse Park, 7 p.m.
9 The Wilkinson Center Can Do! Luncheon, Dallas Country Club, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
9 Leadership Awards, benefiting the Dallas Women’s Foundation, Omni Dallas Hotel, 6 p.m.
10 CancerBlows: The
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16 Dallas County Medical Society Alliance Foundation Centennial Celebration Luncheon, Dallas Country Club, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
20 Wish Night Gala,
11 Vogel Alcove’s Annual
JUNE
Arts Performance Event, Omni Dallas Hotel, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
1 The Olivia Aldrege Silent
5
TAG Cinco de Derby, benefiting Center for BrainHealth, Marie Gabrielle Restaurant & Gardens, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
12
12 TACA Party on the Green, Sammons Park, 7:30 p.m.
benefiting the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, House of Blues Dallas, 4 p.m.
3 Bloomin’ Ball, benefiting AIDS Interfaith Network, Renaissance Hotel Dallas, 5 p.m.
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10 La Fiesta Presentation
Women’s Auxiliary Fashion Show and Luncheon, Meyerson Symphony Center, 10:30 a.m.
Visionary Women Luncheon, benefiting Juliette Fowler Communities One Heart Fund, Omni Dallas Hotel, Noon – 1:15 p.m.
3 Encore for Advocacy,
23 Threshold of
2 The Salvation Army
M AY
25 Aim for Advocacy,
Polish Crossroads Piano Performance, Sammons Center for the Arts, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Opportunities Celebration, benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas, Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6 p.m.
Hope Gala, Sambuca, 7 p.m.
AUGUST
benefiting One Wing Foundation, Golf Club of Dallas, Noon
benefiting the Make a Wish Foundation, Hilton Anatole, 6 p.m.
Legends Concert and After Party, benefiting Baylor Health Care System Foundation & Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, Meyerson Symphony Center, 6 p.m.
30 Operation Kindness
2 Hudder Putter Classic,
Auction & Benefit Concert, benefiting One Wing Foundation, The Foundry, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.
1 Dallas Show, hosted by the Dallas Society of Visual Communications, Sixty Five Hundred, 6500 Cedar Springs, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Gala, Fairmont Hotel, 6 p.m.
10 The White Party, benefiting The Wilkinson Center, Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
17 Mark Cowan Golf
benefiting the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, Dallas Gun Club, 11:30 a.m.
SEPTEMBER
6 Ruth Sharp Altshuler
29 Each Moment Matters
Tocqueville Society Luncheon, Omni Dallas Hotel, 11 a.m.
8 TACA 50th Anniversary Custom Auction Gala, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, 7 p.m.
9 Ron J. Anderson, M.D. Public Servant Leader Award Dinner & Presentation, Hotel InterContinental Dallas, 6:15 p.m.
15 Crystal Charity Ball Ten Best Dressed Fashion Show & Luncheon, Neiman Marcus Downtown
30 Texas Emerald Ball, benefiting The Ireland Funds, Fairmont Hotel, 6:30 p.m. – midnight
OCTOBER
5 Young Texans Against Cancer BubblyQ, Fearings at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
16
First Sight Fashion Show & Luncheon, benefiting The Dallas Opera, Winspear Opera House, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Roundup for Autism Pegasus Ball, benefiting The Autism Treatment Centers of Texas, Fairmont Hotel, 6:30 p.m.
DON’ T MISS The White Party by the Young Friends of the Wilkinson Center will be held from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar on June 10. Guests are encouraged to wear chic white attire. Proceeds will benefit the Wilkinson Center, a nonprofit organization that provides resources to help families out of poverty. {PHOTO: GEORGE FIALA PHOTOGRAPHY}
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16
J U LY
through July 24
Luncheon, benefiting the Faith Presbyterian Hospice, Hilton Anatole, Noon – 1:15 p.m.
TexProtects 2017 Annual Fundraiser, Union Station, 6:15 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala, Meyerson Symphony Center, 6 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Dallas Market Center, spans
27 Changing the Odds Dinner, Ritz-Carlton Dallas, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tournament, benefiting the Mark Cowan Fund for people with disabilities, Golf Club of Dallas, 1 p.m.
22 Dallas Men’s Show,
26
Kidney Texas Luncheon & Style Show, benefiting Momentous Institute, Brook Hollow Golf Club, 10 a.m.
19
20 First Night Dinner & After Party, benefiting The Dallas Opera, Winspear Opera House, 5:30 p.m.
21
Cattle Baron’s Ball, benefiting the American Cancer Society, Gilley’s Dallas, 7 p.m. – 2 a.m.
28 TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art Gala, benefiting the Dallas Museum of Art and the Foundation for AIDS Research, The Rachofsky House, 6:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Before we put our sign in the yard, we put our hearts into the community.
From Fort Worth and Dallas to the banks of the Red River, each North Texas community we serve is, to us, more than a “market.” It’s home. Our agents are deeply involved in the life of their neighborhoods. Discover the advantage of working with Realtors who aren’t just familiar with your community, they know it by heart. Visit www.virginiacook.com PARK CITIES 214.696.8877
NORTH DALLAS 214.750.7373
FORT WORTH 817.665.1222
PLANO/ FRISCO 972.769.9400
GRAYSON COUNTY 903.893.8174
INTOWN
David Griffin
214.526.5626
LONDON
United Kingdom
+44 20 7467 5330
4 SPRING 2017 | PEOPLE NEWSPAPERS | SOCIETY
P R EVI EW
Can Do! Luncheon Honors Dallas Philanthropists By Lorelei Day
W
ithin some Dallas communities, there seems to be a whole separate
world dedicated to philanthropy. While
May 9 Dallas Country Club
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countless residents devote their time and money to help those in need, some stand out from the rest.
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The Wilkinson Center will recognize some of
those people with awards from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 9 at the fifth annual Can Do! Luncheon at the Dallas Country Club. The recipients of this year’s Can Do Awards will be The Real Estate Council, Ashlee and Chris Kleinert, and Monique Weber.
Beth Thoele is chairing this year’s luncheon.
The Wilkinson Center is an organization dedi-
cated to helping Dallas families find pathways out of poverty. 3
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CAN DO LUNCHEON K I C KO FF E V E N T March 23, Tootsies, benefiting The Wilkinson Center 1. Tootsies models. 2. Kelcey Hamilton, Beth Thoele, Anne Reeder, and Kristi Francis. 3. Angela Jones, Chrystie Trimmell, and Heidi Meier. 4. Meridith and Melanie Myers. 5. Nerissa Helpenstill and Dustin Holcomb. 6. Bianca Sterling and Dorothy Amin Modabberi. 7. Laura Reeder, Vodi Cook, Chela Moros, Annie Wang, and Kay Weir. 8. Ann Francis Jury, Missy Quintana, and Dana Fay. 9. Chris and Ashlee Kleinert with Helen LaKelly Hunt and Harville Hendrix.
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{PHOTOS: LISA MEANS PHOTOGRAPHY}
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6 SPRING 2017 | PEOPLE NEWSPAPERS | SOCIETY
P R EVI EW
Cattle Baron’s Ball is Shooting for the Stars By Lorelei Day
I
n conjunction with the American Oct. 21 Cancer Society, the Cattle Baron’s Gilley’s Ball will once again raise funds to Dallas help find a cure for cancer with a night of Texas-sized fun. The ball will start rolling at 7 p.m. on Oct. 21 at Gilley’s Dallas, located at 1135 South Lamar St. A VIP Baron Party will be held at 6 p.m. for ticketed invitations only. Following the silent and live auctions, country music duo Brooks & Dunn will perform on the main stage. The fun doesn’t end there — guests can stay for the after party and breakfast until 2 a.m. Since its debut in 1974, the Cattle Baron’s Ball has raised more than $71 million for cancer research. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in boots and fine western wear. Visit cattlebaronsball.com to view information on tickets and table packages.
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2 0 1 7 C AT T L E B A R O N ’ S R E V E A L PA R T Y Feb. 2, home of Anne Stoghill, benefiting Cattle Baron’s Ball 1. Chase Cooley, Bela Pjetrovic, Anne Stoghill, Sunie Solomon, and Lisa Cooley. 2. Anne Davidson and Heather Randall. 3. Vodi Cook, Amy Green, and Lisa Shirely. 4. Megan Flanagan, Katy Bock, Martina Robertson, and Lauren Snyder. 5. Deidre Bacala, Callan Harrison, and Nancy Gopez. {PHOTOS: LISA MEANS PHOTOGRAPHY}
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The Photo Booth your guests can’t stop talking about.
Private Parties • Birthdays • Holiday celebrations Weddings • Company Events
The Photo Bus DFW • Owner: Kyle Coburn - HPHS ’02 214-702-4141 • ThePhotoBusDFW.com
SPRING 2017 | PEOPLE NEWSPAPERS | SOCIETY  7
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Celebrating Women Luncheon Benefits Breast Cancer Research
By Madeline Woods
T
he annual Celebrating Women Luncheon will take place Oct. 26 at the Hilton Anatole.
Oct. 26 Hilton Anatole
The event is known for bringing together more than 160 committee members and over 1,200 supporters to raise awareness for funding breast cancer research.
Assisting the Baylor Health Care Foundation,
anyone interested in attending is welcome to contact Christina Goodman at 214-820-4408. Since the luncheon was founded, a grand total of $24 million has been raised in support of advanced diagnostic equipment.
C E L E B R AT I N G W O M E N K I C KO F F T E A March 30, home of Peggy and Leonard Riggs Jr., M.D., benefiting Baylor Health Care System Foundation Celebrating Women 1. James and Kristen Hinton with Peggy Riggs and Lindalyn Adams. 2. Cheryl Joyner, Lisa Troutt, and Lisa Cooley. 3. Katherine Coker and Tiffany Divis. 4. Felicia, Jamie, Michal, and Abigail Powell. {PHOTOS: KRISTINA BOWMAN}
8 MAY 2017 | PARKCITIESPEOPLE.COM
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La Fiesta to Present Duchesses at French-Themed Gala By Lorelei Day
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elect young ladies who have just completed their freshman year of college will make their
June 10 Fairmont Hotel
formal entrance into society at La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas’ annual presentation gala 1
on June 10 at the Fairmont Hotel.
This year’s “La Fete Royale” theme will feature
a beaucoup of French-inspired food, fashion, and flair amidst the presentation of 40 duchesses.
The gala, chaired by Rebecca Gregory and Nan-
cy Monning, will also benefit numerous Park Cities charities, including:
CARE (Chemical Awareness Resources & Ed-
ucation), Connecting Point of Park Cities, The Elisa Project, The Family Place – The Be Project, Friends of the University Park Public Library, Habitat for Humanity – HPHS Campus Chapter, Highland Park Literary Festival, HP Arts, HPHS Community Service Council, HPHS Science Festi3
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val, HPHS Student Emergency Fund, Moody Family YMCA Youth and Government, and the Park Cities Heritage House at Dallas Heritage Village.
L A F I E S TA A N N O U C E M E N T PA R T Y Dec. 20, Belo Mansion, benefiting La Fiesta
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1. Elizabeth Cooper, Dorothy Meachum, Jeanne Anne Bullington, Clare Obenchain, Ellie Bush, and Katie Dalton. 2. Stacy, Ty, and Tyler Burke. 3. Stanley, Henry, and Sara Bould. 4. William Kraft, Watson Brown, and Grayson Borrego. 5. Rebecca Gregory and Nancy Monning. 6. Clara Beecherl and Annie Combs. 7. Madeline Toole, Elizabeth Hubbard, and Bethanne Bradshaw. 8. Elizabeth DeBeer, Emily Weisfeld, Emily Anwar, and Ellie Gosnell.
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{PHOTOS: TAMYTHA CAMERON}
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SPRING 2017 | PEOPLE NEWSPAPERS | SOCIETY 13
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Junior League Celebrates 95 Years at Encore Ball By Annie Wiles
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he Junior League of Dallas (JLD) has
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been wowing Dallasites with its annual balls for 55 years. Their 55th ball, held
March 4 in the Chantilly Ballroom at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, was no different.
Isabell Novakov chaired the “Encore Ball”, with honorary chair Karen Shuford. As part of the retrospective theme — chosen to celebrate the organization’s 95th anniversary — the ball paid tribute to past ball chairs who are now serving as sustaining advisors.
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Historic Junior League artifacts were on dis-
play during the ball, including a collection of past ball chairs’ gowns from different eras, showcasing the style evolution throughout the ball’s 55-year history.
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Guests were treated to musical performances
by the JLD Follies after a dinner served to music by the Georgia Bridgwater Orchestra.
For 95 years, the JLD has given women the op-
portunity to develop their potential in community volunteerism and leadership. When the organization began in 1922, it had 40 members. At 5,000 members, it is now the largest Junior League in the world.
According to a press release, the JLD boasts
more than 26,000 cumulative hours of experien-
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tial and formal training and provides over 1,000 hours in volunteer service and $1 million in funding to area nonprofits each year.
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1. Chad Schuford and Montana Bourland with David, Karen, Janna, and Matt Shuford. 2. Isabell and Dan Novakov. 3. Brian and Samantha Lee with Nicole Bernard and Aaron Kohler. 4. Michael and Beth Llyod. 5. Debbie Snell and Karen Shuford. 6. Mary Lou Gorno, Lydia Novakov, Linda Quisenberry, and Debbie Oates. 7. Tanya Foster, Paige Slates, and Amy Turner. 8. Derek and Lena Alley. 9. Jeremy and D’Andra Simmons-Lock with Lynn and Allan McBee. 10. Christa Sanford, Bonner Allen, and Meredith Mosley. 11. JLD Past Ball Chairs.
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{PHOTOS: TAMYTHA CAMERON SMITH}
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14 SPRING 2017 | PEOPLE NEWSPAPERS | SOCIETY
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S L I P P E R C LU B “ B E YO N D T H E M A S K” G A L A Feb. 4, Dallas Omni Hotel, benefiting Rays of Light
1. Anna Alaback, Chloe Reed, Leslie Ingram, Lauren Metzel, and Camille Sokolosky. 2. Houstoun Waring and Charlotte Barnett. 3. Heather Trumpfeller and Trevor Cadigan. 4. Caroline Estes and Morgan Madison Wade. 5. Kamel Brakta with Mandy, Minette, and Ali Morgan. 6. Caroline Baliker, John Bonadelle, Billy Nayden, Chelsea Parish, Stephanie Tatum, and Billy Machina. {COURTESY SLIPPER CLUB OF DALLAS}
16 SPRING 2017 | PEOPLE NEWSPAPERS | SOCIETY
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Planned Parenthood Awards Luncheon Raises Record $1M By Annie Wiles
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lanned Parenthood of Greater Texas went into its annual awards luncheon at the Omni Dallas Hotel on March 8 hoping to raise $200,000 during the course of the luncheon and break a record by totaling $1 million in proceeds. “I was totally excited that Barbara Bush was joining us in the fight [in Houston] and standing with Planned Parenthood,” Laura Wright, who co-chaired the luncheon with Lindsay Billingsley, said. “But I have to admit I was a bit jealous — I was like, what are we going to do in Dallas that’s newsworthy?” Their record-breaking $1 million was proof that Dallas donors passionate about the cause wouldn’t be second-bested among Texas cities, in a time when state funding and anti-Planned Parenthood legislation has been touch-and-go and access to health care has been highly politicized. “I don’t dig [political] parties at all,” Marcia Clark, the internationally known lawyer most famous as the lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson trial, said in her keynote address. “I don’t really care what party you’re from. I’m all about a good idea. That’s what I think about Planned Parenthood. It’s a great idea.” The event drew more than 1,600 guests. Richard and Betsy Eiseman donated a $250,000 gift certificate to be raffled off at the event. “So many Planned Parenthood supporters are families; it’s generational,” Stephanie March, a Highland Park High School graduate and HP native now famous for her role in Law & Order: SVU, said in her conversation with Clark. “It was always part of my upbringing and my family values.” First Unitarian Church of Dallas earned the Gertrude Shelburne Humanitarian of the Year Award for their dedication to social justice. Dr. Rev. Daniel Kanter accepted the award on behalf of the University Park church. The Gertrude Shelburne Volunteer of the Year Award was awarded to Isaiah Merritt, a senior at the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy who volunteers for PPGT. “Democrats, Republicans, Independents — all are welcome here,” Ken Lambrecht, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, said. “As a nonpartisan organization, we welcome your support. We believe health care is a right, not a privilege, and certainly should not be a political statement.” While HB2 was in place, half of the Planned Parenthood clinics in Texas closed down. “Now we have right sized and we will not have to close our centers no matter what comes our way,” Lambrecht said.
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1. Laura Wright and Lindsay A. Billingsley. 2. Stephanie and Charlotte March. 3. Darnell Merritt, Isaiah Merritt, and Linda Fyffe. 4. Stuart and Victoria Brown. 5. Cake by Frosted Art. 6. Carmen Gross, Debra Hunter Johnson, Jolie Newman, and Amy Isom. 7. Trisha Miller, Dr. Sealy Massingill, Abby Evans, Sherri Cook. 8. Abigail Sinwell with Sue and Eliza Wagley. 9. Audrey Reinhardt and Marcia Clark. 10. Beth Dana, Ken Lambrecht, The Reverend Daniel Kanter, and Barbara Mickey. {COURTESY PLANNED PARENTHOOD}
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D M A S P E A K E A SY Feb. 4, Dallas Museum of Art, benefiting Dallas Museum of Art
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1. Emery and Mary Geosits with Mellissa and Dan Hawtof. 2. Alia Reniers and Linda Snorina. 3. Hudson Jameson, Laura Penrod, Jordan Hartsell, and Judge Rucker. 4. Arielle Davis and Caroline Dickman. 5. Erica Knoll and Rosemary Son. 6. Elizabeth Zuk and Matthew Bosch. 7. Howard Jackson, Kerri Dibenedetto, and Nic Logan. {PHOTOS: TAMYTHA CAMERON SMITH}
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18  SPRING 2017 | PEOPLE NEWSPAPERS | SOCIETY
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D S O L 3 1 ST A N N U A L P R E S E N TAT I O N B A L L Feb. 18, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, benefiting Dallas Symphony Orchestra League 1. Marina and Christopher Frattaroli. 2. Jack, Caroline, Aileen, and Michael Pratt. 3. Debutante Haley Bush. 4. Jolie and Bart Humphrey. 5. Karen, Caroline, and Stephen Jones. 6. 2017 debutantes with Presentation Ball Chair Jolie Humphrey. 7. Abby Loncar and Patrick Long. 8. David, Emily, Tracy, and Andrew Vaughan. 9. John and Sandy Secor. {PHOTOS: JAMES FRENCH PHOTOGRAPHY}
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