Park Cities People October 2023

Retired firefighter Dan Sheppard brings the loud sound of Scots’ tradition to Armstrong Elementary School students, staff, and parents. PAGE 33

FRONT, FROM LEFT: Charlotte Brauer and Sienna Lee with Dan Sheppard. COURTESY MEREDITH CLARK

Heresizes and options.

A TIMELINE OF VANDELAY HOSPITALITY LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Vandelay Hospitality Group (VHG) settled four lawsuits recently. Vandelay operates Hudson House, East Hampton Sandwich Co., Drake’s Hollywood, D.L. Mack’s, Slider and Blues, Anchor Sushi Bar, and more.

Here’s a timeline of the proceedings pertaining to Vandelay and where they stand as of press time:

• A former Drake’s Hollywood manager filed an employment suit in July 2021 alleging discrimination. Vandelay denied the claims in the suit in the media. The lawsuit was settled in August of this year, according to court records.

• A former East Hampton Sandwich Co. executive chef similarly filed an employment suit alleging discrimination in August of 2021. This lawsuit was also settled in August, court documents show.

• In January of 2023, a trademark infringement lawsuit was filed in California after the opening of Vandelay’s Hudson House in the Los Angeles area near a pre-existing, unrelated restaurant with the same name. The California lawsuit was settled in September, court records show.

• An arrest warrant was issued for Vandelay CEO Hunter Pond in San Miguel County Colorado in January for misdemeanor complaints of harassment and disorderly conduct in connection with an incident in which Pond and his family were walking back to their hotel after attending a wedding there and became

frightened by a car that swerved to avoid hitting them, police records show. Pond allegedly found the car, spat on the face of the driver, threatened to pull her out of the car, and yelled expletives, according to a police affidavit filed in Colorado. Pond’s attorney denied the allegations, and the San Miguel County District Attorney’s office confirmed the charges were resolved, and there was no remaining outstanding warrant for Pond.

• Pond sued the driver from the Colorado incident in January, alleging he was assaulted. This lawsuit was dismissed in April, court records show.

• A second former Drake’s employee

filed an employment suit alleging discrimination in February of this year. This lawsuit persists, and as of press time, court filings show a trial date scheduled for April 2024.

• Lucky’s Hot Chicken investors filed a lawsuit naming Pond, Vandelay, and home builder Lou Olerio in August in which the investors alleged they raised $1.8 million and didn’t open Lucky’s locations as planned. Lucky’s is no longer listed among VHG’s concepts on the company’s web

site. This lawsuit was resolved when a no

tice of nonsuit without prejudice, which allows the plaintiffs to refile the claim later if they choose, was filed Aug. 31.

Vandelay’s Hudson House in Los Angeles. VANDELAY HOSPITALITY GROUP

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Park Cities Crime Reports Aug. 8 – Sept. 10

Aug. 7

Reported at 2:24 p.m.: A fraudster used the information of a man from the 4300 block of Livingston Avenue to open a Target MasterCard and charge $90.

Aug. 8

A crook drove off in a Ford F250 pickup truck and a trailer containing about $700 worth of fence pickets from the 5400 block of Fairfield Avenue before 8:15 a.m.

Aug. 9

An opportunistic thief drove off in a Range Rover that was parked in a parking lot in the 4200 block of Oak Lawn Avenue with the key fob left inside before 11:05 a.m.

A scammer purporting to be from the cryptocurrency exchange platform Coinbase accessed the account of a man from the 4500 block of N. Versailles Avenue and withdrew $30,000 before 9:02 p.m.

Aug. 10

A shoplifter hid a shirt from the Chanel store in Highland Park Village in his pants and left the shopping center in a white, fourdoor passenger car at 5:22 p.m.

Aug. 11

How easy was it for a crook to take a Land Rover Discovery from the 4300 block of Potomac Avenue before 8:10 a.m.? The Land Rover was unlocked.

Aug. 12

A jerk stole two bicycles from a garage in the 2700 block of Westminster Avenue at 7:56 a.m.

Aug. 14

A burglar broke into a Range Rover parked in Preston Center and stole $25,000 worth of jewelry at 2:41 p.m.

Aug. 15

A shoplifter stole $360.54 worth of shaving equipment from the CVS in the 6700 block of Preston Road at 8:41 p.m.

Aug. 16

A burglar broke into a GMC Sierra parked in the 4400 block of Westway Avenue before 10:31 a.m. and rummaged through it but didn’t take anything. A GMC

Canyon parked in the 4400 block of Westway Avenue was similarly broken into and rummaged through before 10 a.m.

Aug. 17

Reported at 8:11 a.m.: a thief found easy pickings of a Lenovo tablet, a Beats Bluetooth speaker, a pair of Bose Bluetooth headphones, and a backpack left in an unlocked Land Rover Discovery parked outside Roller Rabbit in Highland Park Village

Aug. 18

A thief drove off in a GMC Yukon Denali from the Plaza at Preston Center before 10:21 p.m.

Aug. 19

An intruder stole a purse from a home in the 3600 block of Beverly Drive at 12:30 p.m.

Aug. 21

Reported at 7:38 a.m.: a thief took Samsung and Bose equipment from a home in the 4000 block of Amherst Street

Aug. 22

Reported at 10:37 a.m.: A jewelry thief swiped a $175,000 Harry Winston piece from a home in the 3300 block of Bryn Mawr Drive

Aug. 24

A ne’er do well drove off in a Chevrolet Avalanche parked in a lot in Highland Park Village at 9:17 a.m.

Aug. 25

A burglar broke into an Infiniti QX8 in the Plaza at Preston Center and stole thousands of dollars worth of clothes at 4:24 p.m.

Aug. 26

Robbers – one of whom was armed with a handgun – stole $183 from the CVS store in the 3000 block of Mockingbird Lane at 2:56 a.m.

Aug. 28

Reported at 12:11 p.m.: A fraudster used the card information of a woman from the 3700 block of Stratford Avenue to amass nearly $31,000 in charges, mostly from Uber and Venmo.

An opportunistic thief stole stuff from

an unlocked Audi RX6 while the owner was pumping gas at the Shell in the 4400 block of Lovers Lane at 4:30 p.m.

Aug. 29

A thief drove off in a Hyundai Accent from a gas station in the 8400 block of Preston Road at 2:25 p.m.

Aug. 30

Reported at 8:49 p.m.: A thief stole thousands of dollars worth of jewelry, a Louis Vuitton purse, a wallet, and more from a home in the 3300 block of Purdue Street

Sept. 1

A thief took a license plate from a Mercedes ML 350 parked outside the Whole Foods in the 4100 block of Lomo Alto Drive

Sept. 2

Reported at 11:12 a.m.: a swindler used the information of a woman from the 4400 block of Edmondson Avenue to try to liquidate her financial portfolio.

Sept. 4

A burglar found easy pickings of a Trek bicycle left in an open garage in the 2700 block of Lovers Lane before 4 p.m.

Sept. 5

Reported at 11:51 a.m.: a “tired” mover? A burglar got into a home in the 4200 block of Lakeside Drive and moved a TV but didn’t take anything.

Sept. 6

An opportunistic thief stole stuff from an Audi Q5 parked in the 8400 block of Preston Road that was left unlocked at 3:17 p.m.

Sept. 8

Burglars got into a Dodge Charger parked outside Sachet in the 4200 block of Oak Lawn Avenue at 9:15 p.m. and fled in a pickup truck.

Sept. 9

A crook stole a license plate from a Honda Civic parked in the Shops at Highland Park before 4 p.m.

Sept. 10

Reported at 9:40 a.m.: A trespasser got into a home in the 2800 block of Rosedale Avenue

Property Crimes CRIME STATS

Violent Crimes

but not this market!

The weather is cooling...

COMMUNITY: Bone Marrow Donor Needed for Pike Petersen

VOICES: Portugal is Popular for Dallas Travelers SHUTTERSTOCK

Unlike most other significant life purchases we make, buying or selling a home is a process. It’s imperative you have confidence in that process not only at the outset and the outcome, but at every point in between. Seeing buyers and sellers through is something every one of our professional, educated, client-centric associates knows how to do.

And we’d love to do the same for you.

News Digest

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

1. ACC bound

SMU will join the Atlantic Coast Conference next year along with the University of California, Berkeley (Cal) and Stanford University. The ACC Board of Directors voted to admit the three schools as full members with full voting participation effective July 1, 2024 (SMU) and Aug. 2, 2024 (Stanford and Cal).

2. By reason of insanity

A Dallas County judge found the woman accused of opening fire at Love Field last year not guilty by reason of insanity, court documents show. Portia Odufuwa, 39, faced a charge of aggravated assault against a public servant after police said she fired several rounds toward the ceiling near the Southwest ticket counter at the airport on July 25, 2022, and pointed her gun at an officer before the officer shot her in her “lower extremities.” Judge Stephanie Huff on Aug. 14 ruled that Odufuwa put the officer in imminent danger during the incident but was insane at the time of the offense, court records show.

3. Love Field rideshare

Love Field’s transportation network pickup area relocated from the airport’s lower-level roadway to the adjacent Garage B’s level one. Impacted services include app-based rideshares (Lyft, Uber, and Wingz), taxis, peer-to-peer luxury vehicles, and limousines for hire.

4. Prather Park pickleball

The Town of Highland Park plans to convert the tennis court at Prather Park to a set of four pickleball courts.

The four new pickleball courts, slated for fiscal year 2024, will be the town’s first dedicated pickleball courts, but tennis courts at Fairfax Park and Abbott Park have pickleball striping. University Park has six pickleball courts at Williams Park.

5. Ebby Halliday’s new CEO

Carolyn Rosson was recently promoted to CEO of Ebby Halliday Companies. She most recently was president of the company and now serves a dual role as president and CEO.

Former CEO Chris Kelly will remain as executive chairman of the Ebby Halliday Companies and executive vice president of HomeServices of America.

COURTESY SMU

FILE PHOTO

MARIA LAWSON

DANNY MOTTA

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Demolition of 1929 House Bolsters Call for Regulations Preservation Park Cities to expand list of historically significant homes

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

After the August demolition of a 1929 home on Fairfax Avenue, Preservation Park Cities leaders say they will continue to raise awareness about significant homes hitting the market.

Part of that effort includes updating and expanding a list of the “top 100” most historically significant homes in the Park Cities.

Preservation Park Cities president Amy Beale said architect Craig Melde is working on compiling the next batch of historically and architecturally significant homes in the Park Cities, with most of the new listings expected to come from University Park.

“He is plugging away and, so far, has about 70 to add to our list,” Beale added. “Not finalized yet.”

The nonprofit compiled a list beginning in 2021 of the “top 100” homes in the Park Cities, started dialoguing with municipal officials, and continued educating about historically and architecturally significant homes in hopes of turning the tide against the demolition of historic homes in the Park Cities to make way for new ones.

The home demolished at 4415 Fairfax Ave. Aug. 21 was not on

the “top 100” list, but Preservation Park Cities had landmarked it.

Less than 24 hours before demolition, an estimated 30-40 neighbors in the 4400 block of Fairfax Avenue gathered among yards decorated with signs that read “Preserve Our Street,” “Restore 4415,” and “Keep the Trees” for a block party to raise awareness about the historic home.

Beale said in August that she sees solidarity in the community on the issue and the possibility of common-sense ordinances.

“We as a board hopefully can draft something with the support of the community that we can present, and we might have a little bit more teeth on it just based on this momentum that’s gathering,” she said.

Since the “top 100” effort began, Beale said she’s aware of three homes on the top 100 list that have been razed, including 4511 Highland Drive, a 1920s arts-and-crafts-style home that was designed and owned by architect Herbert Greene, and 4908 Lakeside Drive, a neoclassical home by architect Hal Thomson. Both were also featured in the book Great American Suburbs: The Homes of the Park Cities, Dallas , published in 2008.

SAVE THE DATE

What: Preservation Park Cities Distinguished Speaker Luncheon

When: Noon Oct. 30 (VIP reception at 11 a.m.; registration at 11:30 a.m.)

Where: Dallas Country Club, 4155 Mockingbird Lane

Panelists and moderator: Architect Wilson Fuqua, interior designer Cathy Kincaid, and Christina Dandar of The Potted Boxwood

Tickets: starting at $300 for individuals; visit preservationparkcities.org/luncheon

The Aug. 21 demolition of a 4415 Fairfax Ave. home prompted an estimated 30-40 neighbors to hold a block party to raise awareness about the historic home.

DEBORAH BROWN AND RACHEL SNYDER

WIPING OUT KIDS’ CANCER A FAMILY AFFAIR Highland Park DPS rallies around paramedic’s son

‘Park Cities People’ Applauds

• La La Land Kind Cafe and We Are One Project founder Francois Reihani, who will receive the Judge Barefoot Sanders Champion of Children Award at Dallas CASA’s Champion of Children Award Dinner in October. The award is given annually to recognize community leaders who significantly improve the lives of youth in our community, particularly those whose lives have been marked by abuse, neglect, or other adversity.

• Bush Center CEO Ken Hersh , who was recently appointed to the SMU Cox School’s inaugural Distinguished Executive in Residence. This honorary position for distinguished business leaders and preeminent figures is part of an initiative to broaden the School’s influence as a thought leader in business. The 20232024 academic year is the first of Hersh’s four-year appointment, with potential for re-appointment.

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspaper.com

Since Niko was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma in 2019 at 13, he and his parents, Alex and Krista Tacey, have been all in in the fight against childhood cancer.

“It can happen to anybody,” said Niko, now 16, recalling how seeing a doctor for stomach pain led to the discovery of a mass.

The boy took comfort in the confidence of his doctors.

“They knew what they were doing; they’d (treated) it before,” Niko said. “I knew I would have a good chance of coming through the other side.”

Alex, a paramedic, recalled his Highland Park Department of Public Safety coworkers visiting while his son was in the hospital and bringing food. One even helped Niko with schoolwork.

“These guys didn’t know him at all at that point and barely knew me because I was brand new to the department, so that definitely set the standard for the type of department it is,” Alex said.

Alex said former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Babe Laufenberg, who lives in town and lost a son to cancer, got other former Cowboys to sign a football for Niko at one point.

While patrolling town one day, Alex

ran into Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman, who’s done work with WOKC, thanked him and told him about Niko.

Since finishing treatment three years ago, Niko has become an ambassador for Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer (WOKC), which supports research into childhood cancer, helps distribute buddy bags for families of other children diagnosed with cancer, and more. He said they’re putting a youth board together for other youth to get involved with volunteering and fundraising. His mom, Krista, serves on WOKC’s board.

“Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer’s great because not only do they fund research, but the Warrior Family program is really great for us because it connects the families,” Krista said. “That connection between warrior families has been amazing.”

As for his future, Niko, who’s always been active in pursuits like swimming, hopes to serve in the military and recently

participated in a program at West Point.

“I want to serve,” he said. “I don’t really care what branch I serve in as long as I get to serve my country.”

He said his parents helped inspire his passion for public service.

“My whole family is big on public service,” Niko added. “My dad is a first responder, … my mom works for the government, my aunt is in the Navy, both my grandfathers were in the military.

“There are a lot of people that did things for me… my doctors, and people like that that I want to be able to protect and give something back to in that way.”

Alex is also working on setting up a bell for children to ring at the fire station after they finish cancer treatment.

“I suggested, ‘Hey, wouldn’t it be cool if they could come to the fire station?” Alex said. “They could ring the bell there, and they can get a tour and check out a firetruck, and so that’s being considered.”

• Highland Park Middle School assistant principal Meghan Coates , who was named a 2023-2024

Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) region 10 outstanding principal of the year. TASSP recognizes principals and assistant principals from the 20 region Education Service Centers in the state. School administrators are nominated and chosen by their peers within their regions. Nominations are based on performance and leadership.

• Mary Kay Inc. CEO Ryan Rogers, who will receive the Texas Trailblazer Award from the family violence agency the Family Place in October.

– Compiled by Rachel Snyder

Francois Reihani COURTESY PHOTOS

These guys didn’t know him at all at that point and barely knew me because I was brand new to the department, so that definitely set the standard for the type of department it is.

Alex Tacey

CLOCKWISE: Niko Tacey helps deliver buddy bags for Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer. Niko Tacey at the hospital. Alex, Krista, and Niko Tacey with Babe Laufenberg. COURTESY PHOTOS

Ken Hersh

Meghan Coates

Ryan Rogers

Our Fair Lady

What’s the best age for appreciating the State Fair of Texas? That’s a tricky one.

If you’re too old, the potential seasonal unseasonable heat combined with the most decadent fried foods found anywhere may require a post-fair doctor’s visit. Don’t ask me about last year.

And if you’re too young, you might make my boyhood mistake of comparing it to Six Flags.

I recall lamenting that the fair wasn’t like Arlington, where you could ride all the rides you wanted, at least if you met the height requirements.

At Fair Park, Dad typically made us save the Midway until the end when our time and tickets ran out much too quickly. One year, my first ride got stuck, and my time ran out before the tickets did.

Despite my disappointment, Dad was likely onto something.

Those who know the fair the best put the Midway in similar proper perspective.

Gina Norris, a Midwest dairy farmer’s daughter and banker, has volunteered with the fair since 2003, served on its board of directors since 2009, and was the first woman to chair its board (2019-2022).

“I used to tell my kids, ‘OK, one ride, one game, then we’re going to see the free State Fair of Texas, and I still highly recommend that,” Gina Norris told members of the Rotary Club of Park Cities in September.

Don’t misinterpret her advice. She values what the Midway means to the fair and boasts about how Texas-sized it is: 74 rides and 69 games this year. The fair, on average, earns 25% on food, beverage, and rides –millions of dollars that go into scholarships and get reinvested in Dallas.

But there is so much else to enjoy that’s included with the price of admission:

Music – Three stages, 85 acts, 77 of them Texan

Agricultural exhibits – See “the biggest cucumbers you can imagine” in the greenhouse near the Midway or watch farm animals give birth in the livestock birthing barn north of the Cotton Bowl.

Family fun – Check out 10 lifesized Texas dinosaurs on display at the lagoon and a snowman dancing across a tightrope during the Soap Bubble Circus in the Oak Farms Theater.

The State Fair, “it’s tradition,” Norris said. “It’s family. It’s community.”

See you there.

R ESULTS

CARLA

WILLIAM TAYLOR

Gina Norris says the State Fair intends to be the most Texan place on earth. WILLIAM TAYLOR

The Trains at NorthPark May Be ‘Cool’ But painting 500-plus railcar models begins when it’s still ridiculously hot

By Josh Hickman Special Contributor

In preparation for this year’s Trains at NorthPark, artistic elves have been hard at work hand-painting custom O-gauge railcars for purchasers since August.

“Last year, I painted about 133 cars,” veteran painter and graphic designer Natalie Wills said.

The Preston Hollow resident is part of that core of five or six model train painters “that have been around a really long time.”

“I love just the generic Christmas — candy land, presents, Santa, penguins wearing scarves,” she said.

Graphic designer Chelsea Carpenter joined the effort this year.

“It’s been a while since I’ve

used paint pens and glitter, but I thought it would be fun,” the newcomer said. “I really did this to impress my 6-year-old — because he thought it was cool. He keeps asking me, ‘Is one of them mine?’”

The intricate exhibit, sprawling over 3,133 square feet and averaging 50,000-plus visitors a year, gets a prime level one location adjacent to Macy’s and Santa Claus this year

and runs Nov. 11 through Jan. 5.

Ronald McDonald House’s enchanting holiday tradition has been delighting visitors since 1987.

“From the very beginning we’ve had these beautiful, hand-painted rail cars, which people buy year after year,” CEO Jill Cumnock said. “People have gotten really creative and elaborate — family members, Disney characters, alma maters, a marriage

proposal, a gender reveal for a baby.”

Wills has her favorites.

“I love it when I get families I know, which happens in almost every batch,” she said. “One woman gets one line of The Night Before Christmas every year. I think she’s three-fourths of the way through it.”

Cumnock added, “We have businesses who put their logo on there, and it’s a great way to show they’re

supporting us and getting their name to tens of thousands of visitors.

“It’s our largest fundraiser, and it makes a huge impact on our budget,” she continued. “Our goal this year is a million dollars.”

During Trains at NorthPark, railcar purchasers get to see theirs on the tracks and then take them home when the exhibition’s run concludes.

“It’s been great to see how it’s become a family tradition for a lot of folks,” chief development officer (CDO) Anyika McMillan-Herod said. “People come and pick up their railcars at the exhibit, or we deliver them. Most are local, but we get people from all over the country.”

Ronald McDonald House provides a place to stay for families with children needing essential medical care. During the holiday season, guests receive Trains at NorthPark tickets, too.

“Our first conductor was a pediatric cancer patient, and now she brings her kids,” Cumnock said.

With at least 500 trains to complete, the nine or 10 painters will stay busy all fall.

“My goal is to do 20 to 30 a month on evenings and weekends,” Carpenter said. “There’s a deadline, so I have to get it done. It’s like mandatory creative therapy – for a good cause.”

When you plan ahead, the possibilities are endless.

From tranquil estates to pristine lakeside views, we’ll ensure your vision for a final tribute is realized with the highest quality of care. Guaranteed.

Several artists including Natalie Wills (LEFT) and Chelsea Carpenter (RIGHT) are working for months to get colorful custom model railcars ready for Trains at NorthPark, which opens Nov. 11. COURTESY RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

I really did this to impress my 6-year-old — because he thought it was cool.

Chelsea Carpenter

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SOLD 5345 Nakoma Drive $2,195,000

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AVAILABLE Private Preston Hollow Listing

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HP’S STEEL TOBIN WORKED HIS WAY UP THE RECEIVER DEPTH CHART

Senior taking advantage of opportunity by making big plays in the slot

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

Steel Tobin stands just 5 feet, 7 inches, but the senior slot receiver is standing out this season for Highland Park.

That was the plan after Tobin was relegated to special teams as part of a senior-laden receiving corps last season. Rather than let any frustration show, he remained confident, kept faith in his coaches and teammates, and doubled down on his offseason commitment.

He worked with private receiving and speed coaches. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds at a prospect camp in Oklahoma and shined while playing the 7-on7 circuit. Tobin also competes for the Scots in powerlifting and as a sprinter and jumper during track season.

So perhaps it’s not a surprise that he’s become a primary target in the HP passing game this fall while also returning kicks.

“I’ve just all-around tried to get better,” Tobin said. “Wherever they need me, I’m willing to go. I was just trying to do anything I could to be a starter and make an impact.”

Tobin caught his first touchdown pass in the season opener against Flower Mound Marcus. Through the first three games of the season, he averaged 20 yards per reception, and his receiving yardage doubled anyone else on the team.

“Steel is fast, quick, and has good hands to make the hard catches,” HP head coach Randy Allen said. “He is a big-play receiver in our offense. He is also a hard worker and great leader on our team.”

Tobin said that despite his size, football

has always been a natural fit. Both sides of his family have extensive involvement in the sport, including his father, Gene, who played at Tarleton State.

Tobin has played with quarterback Warren Peck for several years, and their established chemistry has been critical to

HP’s offensive efficiency.

“We’ve been friends forever. We go way back,” Tobin said. “He trusts me running routes, and whenever he throws me the ball, he knows I’m going to catch it.”

Known for his sure hands and ability to elude tacklers in space, Tobin is optimistic

that the new crop of receivers will continue to flourish this season for the Scots.

“We’re going to be on target and be really good,” he said. “My teammates and my coaches believe in me to go make some plays. I’ve just been waiting for this moment to show everybody what I can do.”

Dabboussi’s College Career Back on the Upswing at Trinity Former HP standout almost quit playing softball, but is thriving after a fresh start

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

Less than a year after becoming the first player in the history of the Highland Park softball program to earn a college scholarship, Dawson Dabboussi wanted to quit the sport.

Dabboussi had arrived at St. Edward’s University in Austin in fall 2020 eager and enthusiastic, after a pandemic-shortened senior season with the Lady Scots. She was ready to make history.

“I was super excited about the chance to play college softball,” Dabboussi said. “I worked really hard but was never given any chances. The school was great, but the team culture was very bad.”

Dabboussi was one of eight freshmen to leave the program

after that season. Three years lat er, she has resurrected her career and her outlook at Trinity Uni versity in San Antonio and has regained a passion for softball that was almost lost forever.

“I was not in a good place,” she said. “Softball was supposed to be fun, and I wanted to not be on the field. I had never felt like that before.”

As her grades and her mental health began to suffer at St. Edward’s, the catcher said she had made up her mind that she was done playing. But her father, Nader, urged her to reconsider.

Dabboussi applied to Trinity as a student and later emailed softball coach Abby Martin, who told her the Tigers had a full roster with 15 incoming freshmen. In other words, Dabboussi would have to compete

for a spot, likely as a designated hitter rather than a catcher.

She made the roster to start her

sophomore year but struggled in the first few games and was benched. She spent the rest of the 2022 season as a

pinch-hitter. But along the way, she felt a sense of camaraderie and support that had been missing.

“Everybody was completely different. I found the love of the sport again, and it was because of the people and the coaches,” Dabboussi said. “If you’re not confident or comfortable, you’re not going to do well. Everybody around me is always supporting me.”

Dabboussi became Trinity’s primary DH as a junior last year. She led the Tigers with a .398 batting average and received all-conference recognition.

She hopes to continue that momentum during her upcoming senior season. After finishing her undergraduate degree, she plans to enroll in law school while still having another year of softball eligibility remaining.

“Getting another year would make up for that one year that I kind of lost,” Dabboussi said. “I’m so blessed.”

Highland Park’s Steel Tobin had a 39-yard touchdown reception during a season-opening win over Flower Mound Marcus. MELISSA MACATEE

My teammates and my coaches believe in me to go make some plays.

Steel Tobin

Ex-Highland Park standout Dawson Dabboussi was one of the top hitters last season for Trinity University in San Antonio. COURTESY PHOTO

I found the love of the sport again. Dawson Dabboussi

Selling the Most in the Park Cities & Preston Hollow

SOLD 3737 Normandy Avenue $4,650,000

Alex Perry | 214.926.0158 alex.perry@alliebeth.com

6515 Waggoner Drive $2,300,000 Lori Sparks | 214.680.6432 lori.sparks@alliebeth.com

| 214.763.1591 susan.baldwin@alliebeth.com

| 214.529.1282 eric.narosov@alliebeth.com SOLD 3429 Mockingbird Lane $2,245,000

Carol Ann Zelley | 214.668.0503 carolann.zelley@alliebeth.com

New Coach Sees Growth Potential for Young Lady Scots Monsey brings championship pedigree, up-tempo mindset, high expectations

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

In the short time since he arrived as the new girls basketball coach, Todd Monsey has already felt something special about Highland Park.

“It’s inspiring to be able to surround yourself with winners,” he said. “At High land Park, there’s a standard of excellence with the leadership we have in place here.”

Monsey won a Class 4A state title at Waco Midway in 2009 as part of a head coaching career that has spanned almost two decades. He has spent the past four years at Frisco Lone Star.

He replaces Nicole Fleming, who left for Richland High School in Birdville ISD after winning four district titles and earning almost 200 victories in her nine seasons at the helm. Last season, the Lady Scots were unbeaten in District 7-6A before falling to powerhouse Coppell in the second round of the playoffs.

“As much talent that we have, and as hard

as our kids work, I think there’s another step that we can take as a program,” Monsey said.

“Our kids work at an incredibly hard level every day. That’s one thing that stood out to me. When you set the expectation, they work to meet it or exceed it. I’m excited about what we can do here in the future.”

The Lady Scots lost plenty of firepower from last year’s team to graduation, leaving Monsey with a younger group that he said has already been receptive to his style emphasizing fast tempo, high intensity, and empowering players to become leaders on the court.

“We’re going to teach them how to read

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and how to play, and we’re going to let them make those decisions,” he said. “I’ve been impressed with our kids’ ability to communicate and to lead.”

Monsey has reached the playoffs in 16 of 18 seasons and has taken three teams to the state tournament. His 2009 team at Midway finished 35-4 and rolled past Mansfield Timberview in the championship game. He also coaches internationally with USA Basketball as part of the youth 3x3 program.

“He is a proven leader who will build a program that has high energy, executes at a championship level, and empowers our young

women to become quality leaders,” said Highland Park ISD athletic director Lonnie Jordan. “He is truly committed to building a program that will benefit our Lady Scots long after they have left the court.”

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I think there’s another step that we can take as a program.

Todd Monsey

COURTESY PHOTO

Lila Collins will be among the returnees this season for new Highland Park coach Todd Monsey. CHRIS MCGATHEY

SNIDER PLAZA PERKS UP WITH NEW YORK-INSPIRED ZEST CAFÉ

Comings and Goings NOW OPEN

Barrel and Bones

Summertree Shopping Center

Find the barbecue chain’s third Dallas-Fort Worth-area location near Inwood Road and Forest Lane. The menu includes smoked brisket, sausages, and other items like pork belly banh mi, buffalo deviled eggs, and smoked prime brisket burgers. Brunch includes pork pibil hash, a brisket Monte Cristo, chicken and waffles, and migas tacos.

Heyday

Preston Oaks Shopping Center

The facial and skincare shop opened its third Dallas-Fort Worth location on Sept. 20.

Mango Galleria Dallas

Find the European fashion brand on level one near Grand Lux Cafe.

NorthPark Center

Multiple stores

• Gucci moved from a smaller NorthPark Center location into a 12,000-square-foot level one space between Neiman Marcus and Dillard’s. The Italian luxury fashion house has two entrances and a selection of men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, handbags, luggage, small leather goods, jewelry, watches, and eyewear.

Have you ever had a favorite little watering hole you’re so enamored with you think, “Someday, I’m going to open a place like this”?

For Lisa and Will Murphy of Preston Hollow, that someday came in late July when they opened Zest Café in Snider Plaza. The opening was the culmination of two years of dreaming and planning, designing, and dining.

Lisa, an Oklahoma City native, graduated from Southern Methodist University for undergrad and law school and moved to New York City for work.

Will, a former professional soccer player, was born and raised in the northeast and, after soccer, joined a family firm in New York. Lisa and Will met in 2011 and, in 2013, were married.

In Manhattan’s West Village, they frequented small coffee shops/juice bars that served coffee, drinks, snacks, and a cool vibe to the neighborhood. With their family growing, the Murphys relocated to Dallas to be closer to friends and family. That’s when they started planning in earnest the restaurant that would eventually become Zest Café.

“We wanted a café that we could use as

a family,” Will told me in the main dining room of Zest, a place brimming with positive energy and light. That means serving clean food, healthy options for kids and adults, and, of course, premium coffee and juices.

“The restaurant has no freezers or fryers,” he added. The menu is inspired by dishes Lisa and Will had in New York perfected by a local recipe developer.

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Zest Café’s menu is compact, with fewer than 10 items on the breakfast and lunch menus.

Zest’s breakfast business is bustling, with guests having business meetings and parents enjoying a leisurely breakfast after drop-off. Park Cities residents, including Ann Fielder, rave about the Farm Egg and Avocado Toast, which Fielder proclaims is “Divine! Best ever!”

I’m inclined to believe it; the baked goods here are from Bresnan Bread and Pastry, one of the best.

The lunch options are a huge hit, as evidenced by the comments from locals who

have proclaimed the kale Caesar salad and herbed chicken tzatziki wrap “crazy good” and “AMAZING!” This is also indicated by the packed dining room, filled with Park Cities and Preston Hollow people who flock there to support the Murphys, who are ever present and always gracious.

Dinner service, launched after Labor Day, includes entrée salads, sandwiches, and shareables. There is also a full bar tucked in the back of the restaurant.

Will Murphy isn’t a restauranter, but he is a process guy and a former professional athlete. He knows how to get things done and collaborate with others. He believes in the need for a community gathering spot, a place where families can enjoy quality food in a bright, positive space.

“I can see opening a few more locations of Zest in other communities,” he said. That would be great.

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

• Find the German-founded fashion house Jil Sander on level one between Neiman Marcus and Dillard’s.

Lyla

3309 McKinney Ave.

The Italian-inspired eatery boasts a 3,000-square-foot main dining room, an expansive patio, a lounge, and a private dining room. The menu features coastal Italian fare like lobster linguine, woodfired fish, chicken, and steak entrees.

Yujo

Preston Valley Shopping Center

The omakase sushi restaurant opened in Preston Hollow.

MOVING

Bad Chicken

5014 Ross Ave.

The fast-casual chicken concept that Bobby Shuey and chef

Tim Woehr temporarily opened in Preston Center in late 2022 is moving to Ross Avenue this winter. The new location will feature a patio, digital game boards in their dining room, a revamped menu, and a drive-thru.

– Compiled by Rachel Snyder

KERSTEN RETTIG

Will Murphy isn’t a restauranter, but he is a process guy and a former professional athlete. He knows how to get things done and collaborate with others.

FROM LEFT: Will, Palmer, Finn, and Lisa Murphy. Zest Café, inspired by the small coffee shops and juice bars the Murphys’ loved in Manhattan’s West Village, opened over the summer in Snider Plaza. COURTESY PHOTO AND KERSTEN RETTIG

CATMAX PHOTOGRAPHY

Snider Plaza To Lose Some Parking Spaces, But New Lot Will Add Many More

Construction is expected to start in early 2024 on streets and sidewalks in Snider Plaza, work that will alter the look of the shopping center and the availability of parking.

As of August, University Park city engineer Katie Barron expects the scope of the work on sidewalks and streets would be limited to an area from Daniel Avenue to Rankin Avenue, Milton Avenue from Snider Plaza back to Hillcrest Road, Rosedale Avenue from Snider Plaza back to the alley, and Daniel Avenue between the two alleys, based on where they have authorization from property owners to work.

The city also plans to replace an easement in a section of Westminster Avenue between Snider Plaza and Hillcrest.

Finalized project plans are still in the works, so follow along at peoplenewspapers. com for the latest updates on the project. As project plans take shape, here are some numbers to know:

Parking situation

• 412 - parking spaces in Snider Plaza and surrounding streets pre-project in 2018

• 390 - parking spaces in Snider Plaza proper and side streets after the proposed project, 22 less than in 2018

• 267 - parking spaces added by the Rankin parking lot and Hilltop garage, increasing the total number of available spaces to 679

• 100 - parking spaces available in the Hilltop garage as part of a program that allows businesses in Snider Plaza to use city-of-University Park-leased spaces in the garage

• 85 - active garage cards the city issued for Hilltop garage in June 2023

• 36 - active garage cards the city issued for Hilltop garage in Oct. 2022

• 34 - parking spaces in and surrounding the shopping center preserved in the plan by doing away with a linear green space along the 3400 block of Rosedale Avenue and gathering space in the intersection of Snider Plaza and Rosedale Avenue that would have crosswalk connections to the Rosedale Green and a paved area

Where do employees park?

• 232 - employees who said in that survey that they park in the plaza

• 214 - employees parking behind their building

• 192 - employees parking in the surrounding neighborhood

• 80 - employees parking in the garage

Parking enforcement

• 301 - citations issued in Snider Plaza for parking in a spot over the two-hour limit in 2022

• 96 - citations issued in Snider Plaza in 2021 for parking in a spot over the two-hour limit

• 9 - citations issued in Snider Plaza for parking in a no-parking zone in 2022

• 2 - citations issued in Snider Plaza for parking in a no-parking zone in 2021

• 1 - citations issued in Snider Plaza for parking in a spot over a 15-minute time limit in 2022

Source: City of University Park and Snider Plaza parking survey by merchants

– Compiled by Rachel Snyder

Two Left Feet? Not Likely Roma’s Boots & Shoe Repair crafts a custom fit for the famous and not so famous

By Josh Hickman Special Contributor

Roma’s Boots & Shoe Repair has been quietly bustling in the Village of Preston Hollow since 1986 due to the enduring hard work and excellent craftsmanship of proud owner Gonzalo Godinez.

“Roma’s is easier to spell and to remember than Gonzalo’s,” he said, smiling. “My father’s name was Roman.”

He and his handful of employees craft beautiful cowboy boots from scratch.

“I keep files of measurements from 20 years ago,” Gonzalo said. “Boots for Tony Dorsett, Novacek, a lot of famous people. I used to have framed pictures of a lot of famous people, but I started hearing things: ‘Gonzalo, you’re getting too famous! You’re going to get expensive!’”

So, he took them down.

“I don’t like the fame. What matters to me is my bank account. Fame doesn’t pay my bills. If you want to stop work at 6, and go out drinking, watch TV, whatever, you’re not going to have anything. That’s why I’m proud of my kids. They listen. Now they have big businesses and are doing wonderful.”

Godinez and his children

own and operate printing shops, food trucks, and soccer leagues.

“I’ve been married 46 years,” he said. “I’ve got seven grandkids, and now I’m a great-grandparent. It’s wonderful.”

Custom boots start at $495 and can go up to $3,000.

“I’ve been making Clay Cooley’s

boots since he was a young car salesman,” Godinez said. “I make boots for his whole family and for managers of all the stores.”

“I was making a pair of boots for Alan White, the owner of Plains Capital Bank,” he said, recalling a rare but costly mistake. “Alligator belly skin. I positioned

the die cutter myself, and I accidentally cut two left feet — a $1,600 mistake. I had to reorder the skin. Those things hurt.”

I caught him just before the shop closed for an annual oneweek summer holiday in Mexico.

“We close completely; that’s the best,” he said. “When you leave

your business in someone else’s hands, there are always problems. For a long time, I was afraid to take off. But the first time I did, I said, ‘Man, I should’ve done this a long time ago.’”

The recent threat of a rent hike led him to make the surprise announcement that he might close the beloved shop. But after a torrent of phone calls and emails from loyal customers and fellow tenants, the property owners acquiesced, realizing what a gem they had in Godinez.

“I signed a five-year lease, so now I have time to decide,” he noted. “I’ll be 68 by then.”

I used to have framed pictures of a lot of famous people, but I started hearing things: ‘Gonzalo, you’re getting too famous! You’re going to get expensive!’ Gonzalo Godinez

Gonzalo Godinez named his shop for his father, Roman. JOSH HICKMAN

Real Talk: Allison Brooks

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Allison Brooks founded B2 Architecture + Design, less than 10 years after she received her degree in architecture from the University of Texas.

Her firm specializes in multifamily, hospitality, student housing, and senior living, since 2007.

Since then, the architect and interior designer has grown the firm to have offices in Dallas and Chicago and more than 75 projects across 11 states.

“It is a team effort. I surround myself with better designers, better technical abilities, better presenters, better business minds, and management professionals,” Brooks said.

HOUSE OF THE MONTH

There are no right and wrong answers. It’s a great (and really challenging) position to create, edit, and sell a vision. I also get to work alongside extremely talented people on the design and development side. We are lucky enough to have thoughtful and appreciative clients who encourage us to take thoughtful risks and challenge the norms. Technology has allowed us the ability to forecast this vision before construction in ways that were previously cost and time prohibitive.

What is your outlook on the Dallas market?

2801 Turtle Creek Boulevard, No. 9W

Allison Brooks

Before founding B2 Architecture + Design, Brooks started her career at Chicago’s Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, A. Epstein & Sons and Good, and Dallas’ Fulton & Farrell Architects.

Outside of work, Brooks serves on the Board of Visitors for The Hockaday School, the Advisory Council for the University of Texas School of Architecture, and the Young Presidents Organization.

What is the best thing about being an architect/designer?

The endless possibilities.

The Dallas hospitality and multifamily market is keeping us very busy. We are cautiously optimistic that the influx of jobs and growth of existing companies will keep us active even if the overall market slows down. While some of our local clients have decided to pause on new opportunities, just as many are pushing forward and pursuing alternative funding mechanisms.

Can you give us a fun fact about yourself?

When I’m not at the office, I spend time with my husband as vintage car collectors. We have one arriving in the next few weeks: a 1959 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite nicknamed Seabiscuit.

This one-bedroom, 1.1-bath home with an optional library/bedroom in the prestigious Mansion Residences embodies timeless elegance and luxury. The breathtaking panoramic views merge perfectly with its sophisticated interior design. The spacious living area is adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing abundant natural light to flood the space and showcase its finest features. The gourmet kitchen is a culinary enthusiast’s dream, featuring top-

of-the-line appliances, ample storage, and sleek finishes. The primary suite is a serene retreat with a private balcony, dual closets, and a spa-like en-suite bath for the ultimate in relaxation and tranquility. Additional highlights include access to the Rosewood Mansion’s amenities (pool, fitness center, and room service), meticulous building maintenance, and a prime location near upscale shopping, renowned restaurants, and cultural attractions.

We are lucky enough to have thoughtful and appreciative clients who encourage us to take thoughtful risks and challenge the norms.

COURTESY B2 ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN

COURTESY EBBY HALLIDAY

Just Sold in University Park

TEEN-INSPIRED SUGAR AND SAGE BAKERY SUPPORTS HPHS

New business on Lovers Lane becomes student meeting place

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Since opening at 4314 Lovers Lane across from Highland Park High School this spring, Sugar and Sage Bakery has gotten involved by supporting the first pep rally of the fall season and become a hot spot for athletics meetings.

“It’s been really great being right adjacent to the high school because we’ll have high school students come in before their workouts or school, and I’ll see them having meetings,” chef Jill Bates said. “I love that they came into the bakery and had a coffee, a croissant, and just had a meeting space in here.”

Bates said Ashley Sage Weinstein, 17, who helped open the bakery with her mother, Alison, heavily influenced the look and feel of the restaurant.

“The bakery was definitely inspired by Ashley Sage – that’s who Sugar (and) Sage comes from,” Bates said of Ashley. “When they were kind of designing the space, of course, the designers met her –the concept designers.”

The bakery has a patio with a “kinda sweet, kinda salty” mural nodding to Ashley. Bates said the “kinda sweet, kinda salty” tagline meshed well with her too.

“I think they were testing out chefs, and

I made a cookie, a chocolate chip cookie,” Bates said. “I always put salt on mine, and she liked that. I think that’s where she was like, ‘OK, Jill, I think you win because I like your cookies the best.’”

“We get along really great, and they’re just such a superfamily,” Bates added.

Bates, who spent years alongside Dean Fearing at Fearing’s/The Ritz-Carlton and at the Mansion on Turtle Creek, was most recently tapped by Chef Chad Houser to lead Café Momentum’s pastry program before joining Sugar and Sage.

She partnered with James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Laiskonis, who led the pastry program at New York’s 3-Michelin-starred Le Bernardin for eight years, to create recipes for Sugar and Sage at a New York test kitchen.

“When I came in to consult and work on it with them, we all kind of developed the recipes together, but Alison kind of knew what she wanted,” Bates said. “She wanted pristine, unique, beautiful, approachable pastries.”

The menu includes:

Sweets like cookies, cupcakes, and doughnuts.

More savory breads like focaccia.

Elevated selections like Kouign-Amann and Brioche Feuilletée.

Artisan breads and baguette sandwiches.

A coffee program crafted by Dallas-based Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters.

“We’re always creating and changing,” she added.

Bates’ favorites are anything involving laminated dough, like croissants or danishes.

“I love the process,” she said.

Sugar and Sage Bakery opened at 4314 Lovers Lane across from Highland Park High School earlier this month. BECKLEY PHOTOGRAPHY AND SHARON ELLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

I love that they came into the bakery and had a coffee, a croissant, and just had a meeting space in here.

Jill Bates

Plaid Piper Summons Armstrong Students to School

Retired firefighter Dan Sheppard breathes Highland Park tradition

By Heather Aldridge People Newspapers

A man in a plaid kilt, green stockings, and a waistcoat stood outside Armstrong Elementary School with a set of bagpipes in his hands.

As students walked in on the first day of school, some stopped to get a picture with him while he played.

“This is the third year I’ve taken a picture with you,” one boy told the plaid piper. “I like hearing you play.”

Moments like that give Dan Sheppard, a retired fireman, a “sense of belonging” at Armstrong Elementary School, where he continues his bagpipe-playing tradition on the first day of the school year.

“I’ve enjoyed it each time,” Sheppard said. “It gives me kind of a kick to have people recognize that I’ve been there before.”

This tradition has gone on at Armstrong for many years and connects the students to Highland Park High School and its Scottish tradition.

“Our school district and community are grounded in tradition,” Armstrong Principal Betsy Cummins said. “We also use bagpipers at the high school that play, so this helps us become a part of one community.”

Sheppard has played the bagpipes for 25 years, starting his journey when he was 38 and a member of the Honor Guard. He discovered his passion when a bagpiper who played at memorial services taught him how to play “Amazing Grace.”

“That started me on my path that was so beloved,” he reminisced.

Since then, he has performed at church

memorial services like Walk to Emmaus and Journey to Damascus pilgrims. He also plays for Brotherhood United, a pipe and drum band of firefighters from agencies throughout Texas who come together to pay tribute to fallen firefighters.

“I’ve seen a lot of horrific things,” Sheppard said. “But the bagpipes seem to be the one thing at a funeral where words can’t convey what the bagpipes can. The bagpipes

are conveying this tradition. The students don’t know this, but maybe they’ll find out and be like, ‘Oh, I remember that guy that played the bagpipes.’”

Sheppard noticed that it was about time to conclude this year’s back-toschool performance.

As in years prior, he made his way to the American flag to play his final song.

In a fit of luck, the American flag was

being raised as Sheppard played “America the Beautiful.” Parents paused on the lawn, listening to the loud bagpipes playing as the American flag rose.

“As long as I’m available and still playing well, and they’ll have me, I’ll do it because it’s a joy for me to do this,” Sheppard said. “Maybe one day a teacher will walk out and say, ‘When I was in third grade, I heard you play.’ I’ll feel really old, but I’ll feel accomplished.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Posing with Dan Sheppard are Elizabeth, Sienna, and Henry Lee; Kennedy Wallace; and Susie Thomas. COURTESY MEREDITH CLARK

As long as I’m available and still playing well, and they’ll have me, I’ll do it because it’s a joy for me to do this.

Dan Sheppard

Highland Park ISD STAAR Results By the Numbers

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

The results for the 2023 redesigned State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test are in, and show reading and math scores rose or held steady for most grades in the last year.

“Our students perform very well in comparison to the state,” said HPISD Instructional Technology Director Amy Wood.

Students took a redesigned STAAR test last year that was administered online with few exceptions and included more open-ended questions.

“We really attribute these gains to the hard work of our campus staff, and the time spent in making sure that our teachers and students understood how the tests were going to be different with the 2023 exam,” said HPISD assistant superintendent for education services Dr. Jennifer Collins.

The Texas Education Agency released STAAR end-of-course assessment results for high schoolers in Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and U.S. History on June 30 and the 3-8 STAAR results on Aug. 16. Grades 3-8 were tested in math and reading.

Students in fifth and eighth grades were also tested in science, and eighth graders were tested in social studies.

So, how did Highland Park ISD fare?

Doctors Carla Damon, Loria Nahatis and Terra Compton are board certified pediatric dentists who have been recognized as Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. They are committed to optimal growth and wellness for their young patients, starting from infancy. With more than 35 combined years of experience, they have been national leaders in their field and have been invited to give presentations for the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry. Their mission is to help children live to their fullest potential by growing skilled, responsible, confident kids for a lifetime of optimal health.

Highland Park ISD students grades 3-8 STAAR categories from spring 2022 to spring 2023. PIXABAY.COM,

maria.lawson@peoplenewspapers.com

The Hockaday School installed Dr. Laura Leathers as its Eugene McDermott Head of School on Sept. 5.

Leathers was appointed interim head of school in March 2022 and was named the permanent head on Dec. 1, 2022, following a national search. As the 14th head of school in Hockaday history, she was installed at a convocation and installation ceremony in Hockaday’s Penson Athletic Center.

“Today, we have paused to mark this time when we are all beginning a new and exciting chapter in Hockaday’s history,” Leathers said at the installation. “Together, we will build and preserve this community founded on the Four Cornerstones of Character, Courtesy, Scholarship, and Athletics.”

The ceremony featured student speakers Elizabeth Carter, Swara

Stone, as well as Hockaday Alumnae Association president-elect Jimieka Oswald and Joni Palmer, director of special programs for the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest.

A. Shonn Brown, chair of the board of trustees, officially installed Leathers.

“Dr. Leathers’ intellect, warm, strategic vision, and genuine care for each and every person on this campus are clearly evident — in the boardroom, in the classroom, on the sidelines, in the audience, and in the hallways,” immediate past board chair Nicole Ginsberg Small said. “We look forward to many years of her leadership and guidance.”

Before head of school, Leathers was Hockaday’s assistant head of school for academic affairs. She also served in various roles ranging from teacher to coach to assistant head of school for more than 13 years at

Memphis, Tennessee.

Leathers has a Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry and French from Lafayette College. She also studied abroad at the Université de Grenoble and earned a doctorate in pharmacology from the University of Vermont. She conducted postdoctoral research as a fellow at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and earned an education specialist degree with a concentration in administration and supervision from Union University.

“This is both a tremendous honor and a great opportunity, and it is my goal to ensure that our girls are in a position to succeed both today and in the future,” Leathers said in December when she was named permanent head of school. “I am a passionate believer in educating girls and young women to be capable, confident contributors to their communities and the world.”

Grace Academy of Dallas is proud to partner with families to meet both the educational and spiritual needs of each child. Grace Academy offers a unique balance of an academically rigorous curriculum within a nurturing, Christian environment. Grace Academy encourages children to maintain a balance of academic, intellectual, social, athletic, and artistic pursuits while fostering their personal faith. Grace Academy students have fun participating in a variety of extracurricular opportunities including sports, after school clubs, music, theater, dance, and community service. Each weekend you can catch students taking in the sunshine and having fun trying out new athletic opportunities through the YMCA. Go Grace Stallions!

New leadership, same mission

Parish welcomes Dr. Matt Rush as new Allen Meyer Family Head of School. With this exciting addition, Parish remains focused as an inclusive Episcopal community, embracing the whole child and family through Wisdom, Honor and Service. Parish is devoted to helping students become creative learners and bold leaders, discover their authentic selves, find balance and joy in their educational journey, and gain a great sense of belonging and engagement. From parent and family activities to social/emotional programs, to championship athletics, award-winning arts and signature programs exploring leadership, STEM and global studies to premier facilities, possibilities are infinite at Parish!

LAMPLIGHTER delivers serious education wrapped in the wonder of childhood. NOW AND FOREVER.

11611

PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

GRACE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

1. The Spain connection

The Meadows Museum, in collaboration with Fundación ARCO, will be showcasing the tapestry-based artworks of Teresa Lancaster.

“(Lanceta’s) commitment to the art of weaving and to exploring its universality and impact on world culture is a revelatory visual experience,” Dotseth said.

As part of the MAS: Meadows/ARCO Artist Spotlight program, fostering meaningful dialogue and connections between Spain and America through the arts, Lanceta will travel to Dallas to participate in educational programming about her work.

2. See the light

The Meadows Museum also presents “Spanish Light, Sorolla in American Collections” through Jan. 7, 2024.

The exhibit, showcasing Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida’s (1863-1923)

paintings extracted from American private collections, was curated by Sorollo’s great-great-granddaughter and renowned Sorolla scholar, Blanca Pons-Sorolla.

It joins a worldwide celebration of the artist — dubbed the “Year of Sorolla/Año Sorolla” by Spain’s Ministry of Culture — during the centennial anniversary of his death.

“Thanks to a group of exquisite paintings rarely seen in public,

audiences are invited to appreciate (Sorolla)’s captivating talent as a painter of light,” said Amanda W. Dotseth, the Linda P. and William A. Custard Director of the museum.

3. Data director

On Oct. 9, Dr. Neena Imam will become the inaugural Peter O’Donnell Jr. director of the O’Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute, SMU’s hub for interdisciplinary research teams and programs in data science.

Imam is coming to the university from NVIDIA, the accelerated computer leader and inventor of the GPU, where, as director of strategic

researcher engagement, she works with academic researchers to enable the development of GPU-accelerated and AI/ML applications.

“Dr. Imam brings an exemplary depth of skills and experiences to SMU at a time of tremendous momentum around data science, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence,” SMU Provost Elizabeth G. Loboa said. “We look forward to her leadership and partnership in our quest for even greater academic and research excellence.”

4. Pony beer?

Lakewood Brewing Co. released a new beer curated by SMU

alum Wim Bens for Mustang fans to enjoy during tailgates and SMU football games.

Ford Stadium picked up PONY PILS, a 4.5 Golden American Ledger, in time to sell this season.

“I’ve been wanting to do a Pony beer for years, and I think that craft beer fans are ready to embrace the crispy bois (beer lingo for light and crisp craft lagers),” Bens said.

With every case of PONY PILS purchased, $1 will go to the LBC Future Brewer STEM Scholarship to inspire “the passions of the next generation of craft brewers.”

– Compiled by Heather Aldridge

1. The Meadows Museum will showcase the tapestry-based artworks of Teresa Lancaster. COURTESY SMU 2. Valencian Woman at the Window (Valenciana a la reja), c. 1889, watercolor and graphite on paper by Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida (Spanish, 1863–1923). COURTESY PERSONAL ARCHIVE, BLANCA PONS-SOROLLA, MADRID 3. Dr. Neena Imam COURTESY SMU 4. SMU alum Wim Bens bills his PONY PILS as the “Beer of Mustang Nation.” COURTESY LAKEWOOD BREWING CO.

Editor’s note: If you occasionally focus your lenses on Park Cities happenings and would like to share, please email your high-resolution images with your name and an explanation of your pictures to editor@peoplenewspapers.com.

1. Super sprawl

Highland Park volleyball came up extra big on Aug. 29 with 70 middle school players turning out to cheer for the victorious Lady Scots, enjoy an ice cream social, and pose for an almost football-like “team” photograph.

2. Bradfield generations

Bradfield Elementary School kindergartner Tallulah Nau, a sixth-generation Park Cities resident, is joined on the second day of school by (from left) her mom, Rosebud Manning Nau; grandmother Ann Price Manning; and great aunt Shir ley Martin, who has taught at the school for 52 years. BONUS: Manning, who attended Bradfield, too, is wearing the vintage 1995 T-shirt she designed when Rosebud attended the school.

3. Card artist

HPISD Superintendent Mike Rockwood will celebrate staff birthdays this year with a beautiful assist from Lucy Hua, now a fifth grader at McCulloch Intermediate School. As a fourth grader at University Park Elementary, she used colored pencils and markers to create the artwork “Shining Birthday, Happy Everyday!” Her piece won the 2023 HPISD Birthday Card Cover Art

Contest. The annual event, held each sum mer, is open to all students in the district.

4. Newspaper legacy

Brice Beaird, a 2023 Highland Park High School graduate now attending the University of Missouri, didn’t spend much time in the Park Cities People office when he interned and freelanced for us this year. His work for the paper happened in the field, shooting photographs in Highland Park and University Park. When he did visit us in downtown Dallas, he wanted to see an image shot by someone else – a newspaper staff photo that ran on the inaugural issue more than 40 years ago included the teenager’s name in the caption. Brice is named after his father, who worked for the paper when it began.

5. Super scholars

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation named 13 Highland Park High School seniors as semifinalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. They are Jolie Carlile, Zoie Carlile, Wan su Deng, Milo Grossman, Jeff Kang, Richard Li, Benjamin Martin, Na thaniel McNeill, Kaylee Son, Alexan der Stucka, Matthew Winford, Olivia Xiao, and Xianyong Zhu. – Compiled by William Taylor

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COURTESY KRIS HAYES 2.

COURTESY HPISD

COURTESY HPISD

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COURTESY ANN PRICE MANNING

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WILLIAM TAYLOR

HPHS Students ‘Go Gold’ For Childhood Cancer Awareness

New

club announced, bracelets distributed, fundraising competition entered

By Rachel Snyder Rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Two years post-treatment for Ewings sarcoma (a type of bone cancer), Highland Park High School sophomore Ava Danuser is helping to raise awareness on campus about childhood cancer.

into a “Gold Out” during the first home football game last September in partnership with the Highland Park High School student council and cheer team.

“She also provided yellow bracelets for Cheer to hand out to the crowd. Ava’s hope is to add a fundraising charitable component to Scots Go Gold next September,” Christine said.

Also, as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Highland Park, Lovejoy ISD, Southlake Carroll, and Rockwall Heath are competing in the Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer high school fundraising challenge, supporting the organization’s efforts to support research on childhood cancer and increase survival rates. Each school is encouraged to plan two to four fundraising ideas within a 40-day window.

Christine, Ava’s mother, said Ava, co-founded the Heroes for Children club at the high school with senior Ellie Donahoe.

At a pep rally during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, they announced the club and gave a presentation about the diseases.

They also tied yellow ribbons around the school grounds and passed out “Scots Go Gold” bracelets during the pep rally to raise awareness.

The yellow ribbons returned this year, and the effort was expanded

“We absolutely love the creativity and effort the students put into this, and the act of kids helping kids is special. These kids with cancer and their families need assistance, and the students at these four schools are absolutely making a difference for them,” WOKC CEO Kris Cumnock said.

The inaugural challenge in 2022 between Allen and Southlake Carroll raised more than $20,000.

I want to be a Marksman.

Highland Park High School students decorated the campus with yellow ribbons to raise awareness for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

We absolutely love the creativity and effort the students put into this, and the act of kids helping kids is special. Kris Cumnock.

Greenhill Alumna Selected for Television Academy Foundation Internship

By Maria Lawson maria.lawson@peoplenewspapers.com

Greenhill School alumna Kate Franklin was one of nine students selected for the Television Academy Foundation’s fall internship program, which places students at top Hollywood studios and production companies nationwide.

Franklin, now a senior at the University of Southern California majoring in film and television production, will spend the fall semester as an editing intern at Geiger Post, a post-production facility in Hollywood.

“It’s an amazing feeling to have my efforts and hard work recognized by such a prestigious and talented group of people,” Franklin said. “These are the people who have helped create the shows that I have grown up with, learned from, and taken my inspiration from as I have continued to grow as an editor.”

She grew up watching Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Jeopardy! , and NCIS, which motivated her to take her first film classes in middle school.

“I wanted to know what it was like to be someone who would make a show like the ones that kept me so captivated,” Franklin said. “Once I took my first film

class, the rest was history.”

In 2020, as a high school senior, Franklin won Best Student Film at the Miami International Film Festival for Dating Simulator

Like many Greenhill students and graduates, Franklin credits the school’s visual arts instructor Corbin Doyle for a filmmaking passion that “makes me want to be passionate about it as well.”

During 25 years at Greenhill, Doyle has grown the video production department from fewer than 10 students to sometimes up to 80 in advanced video production, according to a school publication.

The internship program will provide professional development sessions that cover personal brand building and navigating the job market ahead. As an intern, Franklin will also become a lifelong member of the foundation’s alumni base, giving her access to events and networking opportunities as she builds her career in the industry.

WANT TO APPLY?

For more information on joining the next internship class, visit emmys.com/foundation/ programs/internship and apply by Nov. 8.

Kate Franklin. COURTESY

POSTCARD FROM HELL, GRAND CAYMAN

Posh Palm Heights has Dallasites drinking the Caribbean Kool-Aid

By Diana Oates Special Contributor

Adecade of friendship that began at Highland Park United Methodist Church inspired a celebratory trip to Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands earlier this summer.

And while we booked it because of the convenient travel times, we all vowed to quickly return because of the hip hotel, beautiful beaches, and kind Caymanians.

Getting There: After flying to Grand Cayman (GCM) nonstop via American Airlines (DFW), I am going to have a hard time going anywhere else. The airport is pristine and not overcrowded and the flight time getting there clocked in under three hours. Southwest loyalists

can still get there, but there is a stop in Fort Lauderdale.

Where to Stay: If I could bottle up the beautiful, relaxing, and undeniable vibes at Palm Heights and take them with me to every boutique beach hotel going forward, I would. The food and beverage program is killer; the emphasis on wellness and relaxation is seemingly effortless; and best of all, the rates are reasonable. Simply put, this Seven Mile Beach bombshell is the envy of all who stumble upon it on their daily beach walks. Make sure to say hello to Sunshine at the beach bar. She serves up wicked fresh ginger juices in the

morning and perfect piña coladas in the evening. Rooms start at $500/night.

Where to Eat: The best seat on Seven Mile Beach is a table at Tillie’s. And while it seems a little boring to try the burger. Do it, try the burger. It’s THAT good. Another unlikely luxury is the cucumbers with yogurt, pistachio gremolata, and lemon zest. For a laid-back lunch, take a taxi to Ms. Piper’s Kitchen for fun cocktails and local cuisine in a darling outdoor setting. For a fancy feast with creative cocktails, head to Bacaro on Governers Creek. Craving the comforts of home while on the island? Make sure to visit the newest

location of Bird Bakery (inside Mykonos at The Grove) that’s serving up the same great goodies mere moments from the beautiful sand of Seven Mile Beach.

What to Do: If it’s your first time to the island, seeing the stingrays is a must. It is awe-inspiring and truly incredible to see these animals up close and personal. Book a private boat charter for friends through Robert Soto Watersports. Captain Jon Soto seems to be part merman and interacts with the stingrays with the utmost confidence and respect. Golfing enthusiasts should find their way on to the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman’s golf course. Don’t like any of these recommendations? Well, you can go to Hell. The “town” is free and open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be sure to mail a postcard from there.

CLOCKWISE: Yellow umbrellas help vacationers spot Palm Heights from the shores of Seven Mile Beach. Golfers enjoy the pristine conditions and great views at Ritz Carlton’s course. Suites at Palm Heights come with added amenities like a pillow bar. Tillie’s serves upscale eats. Writer Diana Oates kisses a stingray for good luck. COURTESY PHOTOS

If it’s your first time to the island, seeing the stingrays is a must.

HOW DO THOSE PRESTON OF THE PARK CITIES GARDENS GROW?

With club meetings, Dallas Arboretum advice, and resident ingenuity, care

By Karen Chaney Special Contributor

When residents said they wanted to grow vegetables, The Preston of the Park Cities staff happily added a garden club to the senior community’s Watermark University program.

Watermark University boasts diverse programs, including painting, yoga, dancing, and language classes.

Six residents attended the first garden club meeting in June and heard from a Dallas Arboretum’s speaker’s bureau member.

“The speaker talked about plants to plant in the spring, and they will come back and talk about fall flowers,” said Debbie Dickerson, community life director at The Preston of the Park Cities.

NEED REASONS TO GARDEN?

It fights dementia.

Based on the advice they received, Dickerson and garden club member Antoinette Chatham went to a local nursery and bought seeds. The garden club planted garlic chives, peppermint, spearmint, basil, squash, cucumbers, cantaloupe, watermelon, zucchini, sweet onions, tomatoes, rosemary, and more.

“Our garden club gives some light to those who used to garden,” Dickerson said. “Socially, this is a great way to interact with different people.”

Chatham cited mental and emotional benefits as her reasons for joining.

“I had a lot of fun gardening with my mother-in-law, who passed away. I like plants, and this brings back a lot of happy memories,” Chatham said. “When you’re around nature, you relax, and there is a lot of tranquility.”

Since the initial planting, the garden club has continued to meet monthly, but members haven’t done additional planting due to the intense summer heat. They have, however, enjoyed the fruits of their labor as staff chefs often harvest fresh produce for use in meals.

“I didn’t even realize we were growing mint until I made mint juleps and couldn’t find any (mint) in the grocery store,” Dickerson said. “I asked the chef if we had any mint, and he said, ‘You’re growing it outside.’”

Club members and other residents have created their own botanical spaces throughout the facility, such as the garden on longtime resident Joanna Wasserman’s patio.

Wasserman said she started gardening in 1960 because the owner of the house

she wanted to buy said she would only sell the house if Wasserman promised to tend to the impressive rose garden.

“I maintained the garden and then started gardening on my own,” Wasserman said. “I wanted to nurture what they had put their time and effort into.”

Wasserman is happy to report she has a producing fig tree, blooming bougainvillea bushes, an oleander shrub, and much more. She explained how each pot has a watering system connected to a central one.

Chatham said plucking ripe fruit is her favorite part of the garden club, but she also sees benefits beyond the tangible.

“It’s a nice way to feel involved and find solitude and tranquility,” Chatham said. “And you can always grow new friends.”

· Two studies of people in their 60s and 70s found gardeners were 36 to 47% less likely to develop dementia than people who didn’t tend gardens.

· Researchers in Korea gave 20-minute gardening activities to dementia patients. After the residents had raked and planted in vegetable gardens, researchers discovered increased amounts of some brain nerve growth factors associated with memory.

It produces higher Serotonin levels.

· In a multi-year study published in 2011, people with depression participated in a gardening intervention for 12 weeks. Afterward, researchers measured several aspects of their mental health, including depression symptoms, finding that they all significantly improved. And those improvements lasted for months after the intervention ended.

Source: The Preston of the Park Cities

Dallas Nonprofit Agencies Weave Safety Net of Support for Caregivers

In the quiet corners of countless households, unsung heroes carry out a selfless act of compassion: caring for their loved ones. The challenges they face are as diverse as the roles they fill, from tending to aging parents to supporting ill relatives and nurturing spouses in times of need.

Amidst the trials and tribulations of caregiving, the importance of accessing resources cannot be overstated. These resources serve as lifelines for caregivers by providing essential support and assistance that weave a safety net of support for caregivers and their loved ones.

Knowledgeable path forward

Caregiving is an undertaking that often comes unexpectedly, accompanied by a

multitude of uncertainties. As one caregiver expressed, “I never imagined caring for mom would be this hard.” Navigating the intricacies of caregiving requires knowledge.

Community organizations can help caregivers connect to vital resources such as respite care, legal support to assist with drafting power of attorney, or guidance about when it’s safe for mom to remain home. Support groups can also be helpful to caregivers who often feel isolated.

This list does not capture everything a caregiver needs, but it highlights that each caregiver’s journey is unique. Their needs are based on their care recipient’s condition, the caregiver’s circumstances, and the level of care required. Accessing these resources can alleviate stress, improve the quality of care, and contribute to a healthier caregiving experience.

Breaking down barriers

Despite the immense benefits, some

caregivers may hesitate to ask for help due to perceived barriers such as time constraints, lack of awareness, or income restrictions. Many community organizations offer free or low-cost services that immensely help the caregiver provide the best care possible for their loved one with little to no additional cost to the caregiver.

of their income on caregiving activities, according to an AARP national study of nearly 2,400 caregivers in the spring of 2021.

The journey ahead

It takes a village to support the needs of caregivers and their loved ones. Connecting to resources isn’t just about finding answers; it’s about expanding their network of support that understands the challenges of caregiving and offers caregivers the tools they need to provide effective care and cope with the demands of caregiving.

These low-cost or free services can be helpful because the financial strain caregivers can experience over time can be significant. On average, family caregivers spend 26%

Kimberly Knight, a certified dementia practitioner trainer with a Master of Science in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington, is the director of the caregiver support program at The Senior Source. Call 214-823-5700 or email csp@theseniorsource.org. The Senior Source, a nonprofit formed in 1961, assists more than 25,000 seniors and their families annually. Visit theseniorsource.org.

Caregiving is an undertaking that often comes unexpectedly, accompanied by a multitude of uncertainties.

KIMBERLY KNIGHT

I asked the chef if we had any mint, and he said, ‘You’re growing it outside.’

Debbie Dickerson

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Debbie Dickerson and Joanna Wasserman, whose patio garden provides a botanical bounty. Residents can tend to the raised flowerpots on the memory care floor, aptly named The Garden. In June, the garden club planted a variety of produce, such as the cucumbers pictured here, in the garden near the front entry. COURTESY PRESTON OF THE PARK CITIES

Future-Proof Your Home with These Design Tips for Aging-in-Place

Today, more Americans than ever are interested in aging-in-place, whether that means making renovations to their current home, finding a home that is wheelchair-accessible, or building a new home. This is especially true of the baby boomer generation after watching their parents go to assisted living.

you’re building a new house but don’t want the added expense of an elevator, you can include two stacked closets in the design just in case.

MARGARET CHAMBERS

The term “accessible design” encompasses homes designed for a variety of people with disabilities, but for this article, I’ll focus on wheelchair accessibility.

Many of these design features can make the home more convenient for any homeowner, which is why some people refer to accessible design as “universal design.”

To be wheelchair-accessible, a home must have a wider doorway (preferably 36 inches) and a zero-step entrance. There should be no level changes in the house, not even a threshold for a door. Since wheelchairs require a turning radius of 60-by-60 inches, open floor plans are a sensible choice.

Curbless showers are not just accessible, but glamorous as well, making them a desirable feature. If

you’re building a new bathroom, install plywood or solid wood blocking behind the shower wall so that it’s already reinforced if you need to add grab bars later. It’s also very important that the floor tile is slip-resistant.

Cabinets under the sink should be removed and replaced with

plumbing that is installed tightly against the back wall. This creates knee space for wheelchair users to roll up to the sink. Some freestanding tubs are labeled “handicap-accessible,” but I don’t recommend them. It’s safer for someone to be able to sit on the side of the tub area,

and swing their legs over, which freestanding tubs don’t allow.

A one-story house is better than a two-story house, but if you need the extra space, a two-story home with an elevator is another good option. The easiest place to install an elevator is where two closets are stacked. If

More interior designers are finding ways to make homes accessible without sacrificing style. It’s important that your home feel warm and welcoming, filled with things you find beautiful, rather than cold and clinical.

Margaret Chambers, a registered interior designer (RID) and American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) member, leads Chambers Interiors and Associates. Her colleague Caitlin Crowley helped edit this column. Visit chambersinteriors.com/blog for more design advice.

Many of these design features can make the home more convenient for any homeowner, which is why some people refer to accessible design as ‘universal design.’

CLOCKWISE: This wide entryway area permits plenty of room for a wheelchair to enter. MICHAEL HUNTER WITH DESIGN BY MARGARET CHAMBERS Another accessibility feature we added to this home was a pair of grab bars in the shower. When designing a home for clients who want to age-in-place, we will typically replace doorknobs with lever handles because they are much easier to use for those with arthritic hands. DANIEL MOTTA WITH DESIGN BY MARGARET CHAMBERS

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Creativity a Common Thread For Dallas Area Fiber Artists

COURTESY CC YOUNG SENIOR LIVING

Quilters, weavers, and seamstresses showed off their work during the 53rd annual show of the Dallas Area Fiber Artists, held this summer at CC Young Senior Living.

The show concluded with the FUNtastic Fiber Meet the Artist reception on Aug. 12.

“The FUNtastic Fiber exhibit allows CC Young residents and members of the Dallas community to experience truly unique and original art while visiting with family or strolling the garden gallery,” said Brian Parman, director of CC Young’s The Point & Pavilion.

Featured artists included Carolyn Skei, 88, a renowned quilter; Christine Miller, 69, the author of Weaving with Wire ; Joann Musso, 90, a seamstress who’s sewn for the Chinese Royal family; and Andie Comini, age not provided, who beautifully arranged paint chips to depict daffodils on the underside of an ironing board for her piece, Daffiest DAFA Daffodils

– Compiled by William Taylor

Buzz’s Garden by Caroline Skei

Daffiest DAFA Daffodils by Andie Comini

In Full Bloom by Christine Miller

Name Dropping by Joann Musso

Edgemere Residents Supply Stone Elementary With Encouragement

Though years removed from their classroom days, residents of the Edgemere senior living community did a little “homework” to mark the start of another school year.

“Our community is home to a number of former educators who know firsthand the challenges of returning to the classroom and want to alleviate that stress for local families,” Edgemere executive director John Falldine said.

To that end, the residents and community staff spent an afternoon packaging donated school supplies and handwriting encouraging notes for delivery to Dallas ISD’s Jill Stone Elementary School.

The school, east of U.S. 75 on Park Lane, is less than 3 miles from Edgemere’s campus on Thackery Street.

The supplies included everything from crayons and colored

pencils to Kleenex and Clorox wipes, all to ensure the students and teachers have the essential resources they need for the year ahead.

“It takes a village to ensure that our children are successful in their endeavors,” Falldine said. “And we are proud to play a role in strengthening the greater community.”

– Staff report

Lead to New Treatments

SMU Professor’s $1.8M Award Could

An SMU biology professor’s research could lead to new therapies for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer.

The university announced in September that Zhihao Wu has received $1.8 million from the National Institutes of Health to determine if different quality control pathways in our bodies might be working together to repair damaged components in cells.

Answering that question could help researchers figure out why breakdowns in seemingly unrelated quality control pathways lead to some of the same abnormal changes that have been identified with many human diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Understanding how this happens could lead to new therapeutic targets for the pathological hallmarks that are known to cause or worsen these diseases.

“Intriguingly, pathological hallmarks caused by quality control defects – such as defective protein accumulation and essential organelles mitochondria losing their function –often co-occur in many human diseases, suggesting that different quality control pathways may interact and

assemble a network in response to diverse types of cellular stress,” Wu said.

Think of these different quality control pathways as assembly line workers in a factory: Each is responsible for monitoring a different part of the process that, together, results in our molecules, cells, or other biological entities being able to maintain optimal performance as they constantly grow, divide or respond to the environment. When these pathways spot a poorly assembled item – like an improperly folded protein – they pull it off the assembly line and repair it.

With the 5-year Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA), which seeks to increase chances for important breakthroughs in biological processes, Wu and his team of graduate students are trying to identify how this continuum of cellular quality control pathways might work.

Based on Wu’s previous work, the team is focused on dissecting the molecular basis of three known pathways: ribosome-associated translation quality control, macromolecule quality control, and organelle (mitochondrial) quality control.

– Staff report

Edgemere residents and staff collected supplies and wrote notes for Jill Stone Elementary School families and teachers. FROM LEFT: Liz Roberts, Janie Lilley, Rosanna Rojas, Jenny Carlson, and Courtney Lammons. COURTESY EDGEMERE

Zhihao Wu COURTESY SMU

2023 CATTLE BARON’S BALL PROMISES ‘ICONIC’ ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISER

Shania Twain Headlines, Randy Rogers Entertains VIPs

Shania Twain is sure to provide “the prerogative to have a little fun” when she takes the main stage Oct. 14 at the 50th anniversary Dallas Cattle Baron’s Ball. With more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, Twain remains the best-selling female artist in country music history and the multi-Grammy Award winner behind such hits as “Any Man of Mine,” “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” “You’re Still the One,” and “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” She will take the main stage at Southfork Ranch at 10:30 p.m.

Twain was the first artist in history to release three consecutive diamond-certified albums. Last year, Netflix released a documentary spanning Twain’s career called “Shania Twain: Not Just a Girl.”

Before Twain takes the stage, the Randy Rogers Band will perform on the VIP/live auction stage beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Fronted by singer-songwriter Randy Rogers and featuring Geoffrey Hill (guitar), Jon Richardson (bass guitar), Brady Black (fiddle), Les Lawless (drums), and Todd Stewart (guitar, fiddle, mandolin, keyboards), the Randy Rogers Band was founded in San Marcos about

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Cattle Baron’s Ball organizers are working to plan an “Iconic” evening for the 50th anniversary of what’s become the largest single-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

In fact, the promise of an “iconic” ball is in this year’s theme for the sold-out affair Oct. 14 at a familiar venue – Southfork Ranch.

From the first Cattle Baron’s Ball in 1974 through 2013, the ball was held at several ranches across North Texas. It moved to Gilley’s Dallas for nearly a decade before returning to Southfork last year.

Since it started in 1974, the event has raised more than $93 million for cancer research.

“Cattle Baron’s Ball is iconic to Dallas, and Cattle Baron’s Ball is iconic to the American Cancer Society,” 2023 ball co-chair Andrea Cheek said. “There’s now 20 throughout the country, but Dallas was the first and original.”

Shania Twain, recognized in Billboard Magazine as “the best-selling female country music artist of all time,” will be the headline entertainer on the main stage for the ball’s milestone anniversary.

“We’re an organization of 100 women, so it was only fitting to have the greatest female country music artist of all time,” Cheek said.

Guests will also be able to enjoy the return of the familiar Ferris wheel. The VIP and live auction party will move indoors to the convention center at the ranch rather than the Ewing Mansion like last year.

Also unique to the 50th anniversary: an exhibit opened in September at NorthPark Center with fashions from past ball chairs and gallery walls with Cattle Baron’s Ball history.

Cheek and 2023 ball cochair Isabell Novakov Higginbotham are no strangers to Cattle Baron’s Ball. Both have been involved for years –Cheek for seven and Higginbotham for 15.

“Cancer has touched everybody in some form or fashion,” Higginbotham said. “Finding a cure for cancer is important not only to me personally and my loved ones but as a whole.”

“It’s touched several of my family members and close friends, and just being a mom of two young kids, I really hope that we can find a cure for cancer in their lifetime,” Cheek added.

With eight studio albums and global streaming numbers in the hundreds of millions, the band has charted seven singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, two Top 10 hits on national country radio, and numerous Texas Country Radio chart No. 1s.

– Compiled by Rachel Snyder

We’re an organization of 100 women, so it was only fitting to have the greatest female country music artist of all time.

Andrea Cheek

TOP, FROM LEFT: 2023 ball co-chair Isabell Novakov Higginbotham, Rachel Osburn, Natalie Lesikar, Kelley Schadt, 2023 ball co-chair Andrea Cheek, and Kameron Westcott. BOTTOM: Last year’s performers included the Jesuit Rangerettes and Old Dominion. TAMYTHA CAMERON

Shania Twain COURTESY PHOTOS

Randy Rogers Band

Crystal Charity 10 Best Dressed Strut Runway at Fashion Show, Luncheon

TAMYTHA CAMERON

Philanthropic fashionistas took to the runway as designer Adam Lippes showcased his spring/ summer 2024 collection during the annual Crystal Charity Ball Fashion Show and Luncheon Sept. 8 at Neiman Marcus downtown.

The luncheon, chaired this year by Patty Leyendecker, has been hosted by Neiman Marcus for 48 years.

Each honoree was dressed in Adam Lippes with jewelry from Pomellato. Attendees were welcomed by Ryan Ross, president of Neiman Marcus and head of NMG Customer Insights, with introductions of the honorees read by Charlotte Jones, executive vice president and chief brand officer of the Dallas Cowboys.

The Crystal Charity Ball, which has the goal of raising more than $6.6 million for seven local children’s charities, is set for Dec. 9 at the Hilton Anatole. This year’s ball theme is “Masterpieces in the Making.”

— Compiled by Rachel Snyder

Adam Lippes and Nancy Rogers

Kasey Lemkin, Libby Ornani, and Monica Eastin

Gene and Charlotte Jones

Ryan Ross and Jodi Kahn

Katy Brooks and Catherine Hill

Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Billy Fong, and Lisa Rocchio

Dwell with Dignity Celebrates Thrift Studio With Preview Party

Dwell with Dignity kicked off this year’s Thrift Studio with a preview party on Aug. 24.

Partygoers had early access to shop the designer vignettes before Thrift Studio opened to the public.

Attendees consisted of design lovers, thrift shoppers, and those interested in supporting a good cause who had a first chance to shop designer furniture and home goods at discounted prices.

All proceeds from Thrift Studio go toward Dwell with Dignity’s mission to change lives through the power of design.

The preview party, sponsored by NorthPark Center, offered breakfast pastries and coffee from Eataly, beer and wine by Ben E. Keith, cookies and non-alcoholic beverages from Neiman Marcus, and tacos from the Tacos, Bites, and Beats food truck.

Thrift Studio is located at 1833 E. Levee St. and will be open until Oct. 7.

— Compiled by Maria Lawson

28th Parade of Playhouses Closes with NorthPark Celebration

Dallas CASA celebrated the designers, builders, and sponsors who contributed to the 28th-annual Parade of Playhouses at a closing party July 27 at Design Within Reach in NorthPark Center.

Parade of Playhouses is the nonprofit’s signature fundraiser where NorthPark shoppers view and buy tickets to win one of 13 custom-built children’s playhouses during two weeks in late July.

Board member Dave Kroencke, the founder of Parade of Playhouses 28 years ago, spoke to the audience about the power of the event.

Parade of Playhouse’s NorthPark Center home provides Dallas CASA with more awareness in the community about children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are living in the protective care of the state.

At the closing party, a giveaway included a $1,000 gift card and four tickets to the Mavericks home opener and a jersey, photo, and mini basketball signed by Luka Dončić. Eataly donated 38 bottles of wine for the wine pull.

— Compiled by Maria Lawson

BRET REDMAN

Brian and Leslie Simmons with Deborah Kish

Kim Turner, Erin Embry, and Russell Webb

Lisa McLaren, Ashley Wood, Richard Graziano, and Drew McLaren

Joel Baldazo, Sari Moore, Katherine Rogers, and Javier Burkle

Elizabeth Chow, Lucy Hart, Jennifer Conley, and Dana Villalobos

Ray and Ashley Sharp

Candace Chatman and Jarrod Oram

RAY CARLIN AND ROSANNE LEWIS

Dave Kroencke, Becca Leonard, Kathleen M. LaValle, and Retta Miller Michael Polaski, Jonathan Campbell, Kyle Smesny, and Joseph Guidry

Paige Langum

Tim Astor, Andy Fast, and Becca Leonard Ray and Jessica Guzman with Michelle Marie Jade Byas with Cally and Chris Rogers

John and Julia Francis with Nicki Stafford Laura Losinger, Kathleen M. LaValle, Retta Miller, Cynt Marshall, and Linda Swartz

Soirée Celebrates A Writer’s Garden, Welcomes New Council President

ROB WYTHE/WYTHE PORTRAIT STUDIO

The 17th-annual A Writer’s Garden, which falls on Nov. 7, will be themed “Homes, Hospitality, and Heavenly Gardens,” celebrating the 26th anniversary of A Woman’s Garden.

Karen Sargent, 2023-2024 president of the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, welcomed attendees to the June 19 Announcement Soirée at Wendy Hansen’s Highland Park home.

A Writer’s Garden will also feature Kate Markert, executive director of the Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens and Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen, international designers based in London.

Mari Epperson is chairing A Writer’s Garden along with Sharon Ballew.

— Compiled by Harper Harris

Nancy Connor, Rebca Meadows, and Nancy Bierman

Sybil Edwards, Lisa Laughlin, and Bettina Hennessy

Mari Epperson, Sharon Ballew, Karen Sargent, and Ann Barbier-Mueller

Virginia Tally, Marla Davis, and Linda Spina

Nikki Beneke and Margaret Chambers

Wendy Hansen, Jo Anne McCullough, and Sarah Hardin

That’s a Wrap! Behind The Scenes of a Travel-Inspired TV Cooking Series

As autumn gets underway and our sights are set on cozy meals with family and friends, season two of my national television cooking series At Home with Christy Rost has launched.

Cake Ingredients:

1 cup milk

2 teaspoons cider vinegar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

3 eggs

3 cups flour

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 ¼ teaspoons Saigon cinnamon

ginger, and cloves. Gradually beat the flour mixture, alternately with the sour milk, into the creamed mixture. Stir in the vanilla.

Line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper, then spray the pans and the paper with nonstick cooking spray with flour. Pour the cake batter evenly into the pans and bake 28 to 33 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Cool the cakes on a wire rack 30 minutes, remove them from the pans, and cool completely. Frost with cream cheese frosting.

CHRISTY ROST

My New York-based crew recently filmed 12 new episodes and thirty-four recipes in four jampacked days at Swan’s Nest – our 1898 historic home in Breckenridge, Colorado.

Unlike the previous season, filmed in February when cold, snowy conditions kept us inside, this time we filmed in my studio kitchen, at the live fire ring, at the grill, on the front veranda, and in the shade of large trees to take advantage of our mountain surroundings and create a sense of the place that inspires me.

I also tapped into some places my husband, Randy, and I have lived or traveled – Alaska, Albuquerque, Austin, Colorado, Texas, and towns along the Rhine River. The result is a culinary series that shares recipes as diverse as Navajo

lamb tacos, coffee-rubbed grilled bison, campfire baking powder biscuits, New Orleans muffulettas, flame-kissed Alaskan king salmon, and black forest gingerbread.

One of the recipes I created is a spice cake with cream cheese frosting. This two-layer, lightas-a-feather cake features the cinnamon and spice flavors we

¾ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

½ teaspoon ginger

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

Adjust the oven rack to the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees.

Add vinegar to the milk, stir, and set it aside to sour.

In the large bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter, and sugar until the mixture is light, about 8 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg,

associate with autumn. Finished with a cloud of cream cheese frosting, this easy cake is ideal after dinner, for Halloween celebrations, and as a Thanksgiving grand finale.

Sharing helpful tips is part of every episode. When it came to the spice cake, I recommended substituting one cup of milk mixed

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

3 ounces cream cheese, softened

7 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar

4 to 5 tablespoons milk

dash of salt

1 ½ teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

In the large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese until they are well blended. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, alternately with the milk and the salt, beating until the frosting is thick and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla. Frost and decorate the cake as desired.

Yield: 2-layer cake

with two teaspoons of cider vinegar for recipes that call for buttermilk, whipping the cake batter on high speed just before baking because the air incorporated into the batter makes the cake extra light in texture, and using freshly ground nutmeg instead of purchasing preground. The difference in flavor is delightfully noticeable.

Christy Rost is a cookbook author, host of Celebrating Home cooking videos, and longtime Park Cities and Preston Hollow resident. Her second season of ‘At Home with Christy Rost’ launched Sept. 14 on AmazonFire, AppleTV+, Roku, Samsung TV, and YouTube. Please visit christyrost.com for details and recipes.

as an Officer in case of capture by enemy forces. In later years, she volunteered as a teacher for Literary Instruction for Texas, ”LIFT” for over 25 years, receiving awards for her service.

She met her beloved husband, Frederick Gordon “Fritz” Lundberg, in Dallas in the triumphant days after the war. They were married six weeks later, on November 8, 1945, with Corinne selling her car to help pay for the wedding. They were happily married for over 52 years.

In loving memory of Corinne Collins Lundberg, who went home peacefully to her Lord and Savior on August 23, 2023, just shy of 103 years. She was born to Mary Langston Collins and Thomas Bell Collins in Crockett, Texas, on September 6, 1920, but the family moved to University Park within the year. She graduated from Hockaday Jr. College, where she attended on a full art scholarship.

She lived a life of service to her family, our country, and those in need, beginning with her service in the USO during World War II. She traveled extensively throughout the South Pacific, performing in the show “Hellsapoppin” from countless little islands where U.S. Forces had troops to more well-known locations such as New Guinea, the Admiralty Islands, the Philippines, the Dutch East Indies, and the Maluku Islands. During her time with the USO, she held an honorary rank in the U.S. Army to ensure humane treatment

She is survived by her children: Frederick Gordon “Fred” Lundberg, Jr., Judge Sally Lundberg Montgomery, and Charles Augustus “Chuck” Lundberg, III and his wife Catherine; her grandchildren: Stephen Frederick Lundberg and wife Juliana, Gordon Thomas Montgomery, Charles Augustus “Cal” Lundberg, IV, and wife Erin, Cameron Collins Lundberg and wife Sydney, and Christian Livingston Lundberg; her great-grandchildren: Remi Blake Lundberg, Nora Madeleine Lundberg and Charles Augustus “Quince” Lundberg, V. Nieces and Nephews include Carolyn Farrington Parker, Mary Ann Sorensen Blaylock and husband Marv, and Sidney Sorensen and his wife Dr. Sonya Sorensen. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sisters, Mary Viola Sorensen and Carolyn Bacon Farrington.

Corinne and her husband, Fritz, were Charter members of Northwood Country Club and members of Northwest Bible Church for many years. She belonged to the James Campbell Chapter of the DAR, the Seneca Book Review Club, and the Mary Kay Craig Class.

Corinne’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Aspire (formerly LIFT and the Aberg Center for Literacy) P.O. Box 570159, Dallas, TX 75357 or https://www.aspiretolearn.org/donate, or a charity of your choice in her honor.

COURTESY CHRISTY ROST

SPICE CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Turtle Creek Tour of Homes Showcases

Urban Neighborhood’s ‘Elevated Lifestyle’

The Turtle Creek Association’s annual Tour of Homes returns in person with opportunities to see four significant homes in the picturesque Turtle Creek area.

Tour attendees will experience what organizers describe as “a masterpiece in the sky,” “urban elegance,” “elevated lifestyle,” and “modern contemporary” living.

Kyle Crews and The URBAN Team of Allie Beth Allman & Associates, A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate, will present the association’s 22nd annual Tour of Homes from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 22 with stops at The Warrington, 3525 Turtle Creek, Stonebridge, and The Selene.

Exact addresses will be revealed to ticket holders.

Individual tour tickets begin at $45, with bus service included. The price to attend both the tour and the association’s gala that

week starts at $500. Visit turtlecreekassociation.org.

Proceeds support the nonprofit association’s work to preserve, protect, and enhance the Turtle Creek corridor.

– Compiled by William Taylor

SAVE THE DATE

What: Turtle Creek Association Annual Gala

When: 6-11 p.m. Oct. 20 (Dinner served at 7 p.m.)

Where: Marriott Uptown Dallas, 3033 Fairmount St.

Tickets: Starting at $350. Visit turtlecreekassociation.org.

Details: Guests will enjoy a patron reception, three-course seated dinner, live and silent auctions, and dancing to the tunes of the Emerald City’s Limelight Band.

The design by Paul Dickel and Nancy Lieb for this home at The Warrington features flexible, open spaces that artfully dissolve the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. SHOOT2SELL

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Great Estates Now Available from Luxury Real Estate Leader

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Where to Build Your Dream Home

ANTHOLOGY HIGHLAND PARK

The Perks of Downsizing

for Retirement

to this process as rightsizing because it aligns goals with needs. The process of downsizing frequently starts with decluttering. If you’re considering senior living in the future, getting rid of unused items now can make a move easier and less stressful.

Don’t know where to start? Join Anthology of Highland Park to learn about rightsizing from the experts, enjoy appetizers and wine, and meet the Anthology of Highland Park team, too. Discover how rightsizing can empower your retirement years.

Learn From Experts: Rightsizing Tips

Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents closed on six homes listed at $10 million in July.

Consider these newly listed homes in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow, offered by the agents of Allie Beth Allman & Associates, the luxury real estate leader in DFW.

A blank canvas for your interior design vision awaits at 4408 Arcady Ave. in Highland Park. This 9,671-square-foot home offers the timeless architecture and manicured outdoor space today’s buyer wants, with spacious, light-filled rooms perfect for every gathering.

At 3521 Princeton Ave. in Highland Park, new construction and design take the stage. With architecture by Fusch & Associates and interiors by Philip Vanderford of STJ, this home promises many happy moments for the new owners.

Front and rear façades punctuated by dramatic, arched windows make all the difference at 5315 Meaders Lane. The backyard retreat might just be the jewel of this home. Oversized glass doors in several of the living spaces lead to the covered terrace, loggia, and pool and spa. Enjoy al fresco meals, watching the game on the terrace or cooling off in the pool.

Another Highland Park beauty, 3637 Maplewood Ave. impresses with sophisticated style from your first step in the door. Take in the checkerboard foyer floor, the sweeping staircase and even an ingenious wine storage and display solution beneath the stairs.

THE PERRY-MILLER STREIFF GROUP Beautiful Traditional in Hillcrest Estates

Allie Beth Allman & Associates is offering exemplary lots for sale, like this one in Highland Park.

The chronic low inventory of homes for sale in North Texas is leading many prospective buyers to consider building their own.

Fortunately, the Dallas/Fort Worth area has numerous highly qualified builders who can create a dream home on your chosen lot.

The experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates can show you extraordinary lots in prime neighborhoods. Here are three that the brokerage’s agents have listed.

In one of the best locations in prestigious Highland Park is a large building site just off Armstrong Parkway. The 1.263-acre lot at 4311 Rheims Place is where two beautiful, treed lots were combined to create this exceptional lot with 310 feet of frontage.

Across Northwest Highway in Preston Hollow is an even larger building site, just waiting for your customdesigned plans. This 1.621-acre lot at 5444 Northbrook Drive is waiting for the homebuilder of your choice to construct an estate that will rival others in the neighborhood.

The Glen Abbey neighborhood is home to some of the most beautiful land in North Dallas. This gated and guarded community of about 200 high-end homes is surrounded by a nature preserve, parkland and golf courses. The .68-acre lot at 6 Abbey Woods Lane is ready for a custom-designed estate.

EBBY HALLIDAY

When Selling a Home, Marketing Matters

Embracing a downsized lifestyle during retirement has gained popularity among seniors, providing an invigorating beginning and a sense of newfound liberation. Experts on aging refer

DAVE PERRY-MILLER REAL ESTATE

Luxe Living Experience High Above Downtown Dallas

This luxurious three-bedroom, 3.2-bath, penthouse residence at 2200 Victory Avenue #2701 (2200victory2701.daveperrymiller.com) is listed by Claudine King for $6,195,000. A mix of elegance and sophistication, including a Bulthaup kitchen, are found in the quality craftsmanship by Chad Dorsey

ALLIE

Follow the Numbers and List Your Home with the Luxury Leader

Wednesday, October 11 / 5 – 7 pm

Chocolate Secrets

3926 Oak Lawn Ave. / Dallas, TX

Anthology of Highland Park offers a variety of ways to assist seniors with their move. For more information or to RSVP, call 469-772-6165 or visit AnthologyHighlandPark.com.

and interiors by Emily Summers. Step onto the 5,000+ square foot terrace designed by David Hocker, and enjoy a private pool along with panoramic views that include the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge and the vibrant cityscape. Set in the midst of Dallas’ most desirable attractions, you can easily explore every world-class dining/shopping opportunity, cultural landmark and entertainment venue below.

The House’s amenities further enhance the lavish lifestyle of this two-level home with wine storage and private two-car garage. Residents have access to a state-of-the-art fitness center and sparkling 5th-floor pool. Additionally, the building offers 24hour concierge service, ensuring your every need is thoughtfully met.

To schedule a showing, contact Claudine at 214789-0101 | claudine@dpmre.com.

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

sell more homes valued at more than $2 million all the way up past $5 million, according to the Multiple Listing Service.

Agents have sold a half-dozen homes priced at $10 million and higher just in July.

Those numbers were earned by consistently providing clients with a personal experience crafted for their individual needs, building lifelong relationships.

11225 W. Ricks Circle features 5 bedrooms and 6.3 baths and is currently being listed for $5,195,000.

Gated custom estate offering privacy and tranquil living in a serene setting in Preston Hollow.

11225 W. Ricks Circle features five bedrooms, six full and three half baths, and a four-car garage all in 8,292 square feet.

Stately exterior with front circular drive nestled on a 1+ acre lot in an atmospheric tree lined neighborhood. Well thought out floor plan with generous room sizes, open kitchen-living concept, downstairs primary suite, study, and separate guest suite.

Upstairs hosts three additional en-suite bedrooms. Equipped media room, plus game room overlooking the spacious backyard with pool, large grassy area, outdoor living with fireplace and grilling station.

Quality finishes and design are evident throughout the interior and exterior of this exceptional property.

Contact Laura Michelle (214.228.3854) or Ryan Streiff (469.371.3008) or more information or to set up a private showing. Visit DPMFineHomes.com to learn more.

Ebby Halliday Realtors offers its clients and agents professional, highly effective marketing and advertising across a spectrum of media that is unmatched by competitors. The most recent recognition of this fact was Ebby Halliday being named to Leading Real Estate Companies of the World’s No. 1 spot among Large Brokerages for Company Brand and Property Advertising for 2023.

“At Ebby Halliday, marketing and advertising is professionally developed and managed in-house by an extraordinary team of marketers,” says Steve Smith, Vice President of Marketing for the Ebby Halliday Companies. “Their focus, each and every day, is achieving optimal results for our stakeholders.

“Properties listed with Ebby Halliday Realtors enjoy exceptionally high visibility through professional marketing, advertising and promotional activities that provide proven results for our clients,” Smith says. “Our marketing and advertising efforts are complemented by the most-admired sales force in Texas. The bottom line is Ebby Halliday clients benefit from a combination of marketing and sales experience that is unmatched in our market.”

For more information or to get started working with an agent who will put you and your real estate needs first, visit ebby.com.

Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents sell more homes valued at more than $2 million in DFW.

The numbers tell a consistent story of why it makes sense to list your home for sale with Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

The ultra-luxury sales leader by any assemblage of analytics, Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents

Agents say attracting the right pool of buyers for their homeowner clients all comes down to targeting, and that is particularly important when it comes to listing and selling luxury homes.

Using an integrated marketing approach, the brokerage’s listings appear in the Wall Street Journal’s California and Texas editions, dallasnews.com, PaperCity digital and print, the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Business Journal and Southlake Style, to name only a few. These marketing efforts meet luxury buyers right where they live and work.

The company’s commitment to innovative marketing and sales techniques has helped make Allie Beth Allman & Associates the leading local luxury brokerage year after year.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN URBAN 4300 Fairfax Ave, 5 Bed, 8 Bath, 6,536 SqFt, listed for $6,350,000 by Kyle Crews and Allie Beth Allman. Pristine Mediterranean residence steps away from Highland Park Village! Private corner lot with outdoor entertaining areas. Light-filled grand foyer and hand-scraped hardwoods throughout. High beamed ceilings, Alderwood cabinetry and abundant storage. Spacious primary suite downstairs with separate his and hers bathrooms. Two staircases and elevator provide access to three bedrooms and office upstairs as well as guest suite with kitchenette. Casual old-world elegance!

BETH ALLMAN

Demand High, but Few Homes for Sale in the Park Cities

Park Cities homes are selling in under a month on average, per Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

Quality schools have long driven the demand for homes, and none more than the Highland Park Independent School District.

In fact, the Park Cities, served by top-ranked HPISD, have an inventory of homes for sale below

1 percent at the $1.5 million to $3 million price range.

And the average days homes stay on the market have been less than a month for most of the year.

If you own a home in the Park Cities and you’re ready to sell, call Allie Beth Allman & Associates, which leads all other brokerages in the sale of homes in these neighborhoods.

Here are several new Park Cities listings to tour.

The home at 4208 Potomac Ave. is an elegant and ideal for entertaining friends. It features hardwood flooring and fireplaces in the living room and family room.

Mid-century modern homes, with their clean lines and innovative use of building materials, are as popular today as in the middle of the 20th century.

The three-bedroom MCM home at 4504 Bordeaux Ave. is close to Highland Park Village.

The four-bedroom, classic, English-style home at 3213 Wentwood Drive in University Park has been beautifully remodeled and is move-in ready, on a large lot within walking distance of Boone Elementary.

Popular Preston Hollow Offers Plenty of New Homes

Preston Hollow Village is the site of several brandnew homes, including 9831 Kingsway Ave.

Preston Hollow is one of Dallas’ hottest real estate markets.

Allie Beth Allman & Associates lists many of Preston Hollow’s exquisite homes, like those described below. Connect with an agent for a tour.

To place your ad in People Newspapers, please call us at 214-523-5239, fax to 214-594-5779, or email to classified@peoplenewspapers.com.

On a corner lot in Preston Hollow, there is a five-bedroom home available that is surrounded by century-old trees, making it feel you’re living in the country. Bring your remodeling ideas to this charming home at 4327 Enfield Drive to make it a showplace.

New construction in a popular neighborhood is always exciting. The six-bedroom home at 6838 Chevy Chase Ave., which is being built by Crutchfield Custom for completion this fall. It’s just a short walk to Preston Hollow Park.

At 4237 Middleton Road, the downstairs holds the owner’s suite, plus a laundry room, open kitchen and wine room. Upstairs are four bedroom suites, another laundry room and game room.

Live a luxurious, lock-and-leave lifestyle at 9831 Kingsway Ave. in Preston Hollow Village. The four-bedroom, newly constructed home has more than 4,000 square feet of living space. Both an indoor and an outdoor fireplace are perfect for creating memorable evenings with family and friends year-round.

■

■ Occupational Therapy

■ Speech Therapy 903-872-5925

cokerrehab@gmail.com

www.cokerrehab.com

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

IT’S OUR WHEELHOUSE

Kelly McClure

Brandon Joseph Brandon Joseph

Adam Mundt

Francesca Blackard

Kate Mataya