Preston Hollow People December 2024

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REFLECTION, CONTEMPLATION, ANTICIPATION

My equestrian roots can be traced back many generations.

My mom, a German countess, started riding at a young age, the wooded grounds of her childhood home an ideal setting for riding lessons and trail rides.

Decades later, in a cramped horse stall, my mom and sister tucked themselves into sleeping bags alongside our mare, Pegasus. Peg, as she was casually called around the stables, was preparing for motherhood.

Her foal Pandora immediately bonded with the dedicated troupers — she and my sister winning many dressage and jumping events over the next years. When the yearling got stuck in a ravine during an Austin rainstorm, they again kept each another company until the rescue team arrived.

I, too, was taught the fundamentals of English riding when I started in the saddle; my enthusiasm eventually outweighing my accomplishments in the sport.

Attending the SMU women’s equestrian team events for this month’s story (Page 25) elicited an appreciation for the level of commitment and talent the high-performance sport requires, underscoring that I was much more of a novice rider than I’d realized.

The talented riders also reminded me that being great at something requires more than dedication and skill, and with my third-place equestrian ribbons came the

understanding that, while effort and participation should be acknowledged, not everyone can be great at everything.

It also had me recalling how, growing up, my boys were not very fond of participation trophies.

As we round out the 2024 year, may we all take some time to reflect on the momentous occasions as well as the “small stuff,” recognizing those in our lives who bring us both big and small joys.

May 2025 bring more time for contemplation, reflection, and forethought. May we enjoy the now, embrace what we love

to do and who we want to be around, and remember to acknowledge those who make us feel safe, strong, loved, and appreciated.

I, for one, would choose a long afternoon walk with my octogenarian father over a weekend shopping spree on Fifth Avenue, and opt for an afternoon picnic or a game of foosball with my sons over attending the latest see-and-be-seen extravaganza.

As the legendary Tanya Tucker advised, “Bring my flowers now, while I’m livin’” — her musical forebearer, John Prine, reminding us that “memories can’t be paid for,” and “you can’t win ‘em at carnivals for free.”

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2024 4 - 7 PM

CLAUDIA CARSON-HABEEB

Pandora waits for the rescue team to arrive. Managing Editor’s horse show ribbons. CLAUDIA CARSON-HABEEB

COMMUNITY: Renowned Pianist Lang Lang Headlines DSO Gala

Crime Reports Oct. 7–Nov. 3

Oct. 7

A driver was issued a hazardous traffic violation in the 5300 block of Lovers Lane

Oct. 8

An attempted theft of an AT&T line occurred in the 6800 block of Northport Drive

Oct. 10

Vandalism of property occurred to a vehicle parked in the 4700 block of Forest Lane

A vehicle was struck in the 6500 block of LBJ Freeway, and the perpetrator fled the scene without leaving any identification.

A stabbing occurred causing injuries in the 4700 block of Forest Lane

A theft occurred at a retail store located in the 8600 block of North Central Expressway

A cash register was stolen, and a monitor was damaged at a retail store in NorthPark Center

Oct. 12

Property was stolen from inside a vehicle at Good Shepherd Episcopal School

Oct. 15

A nosy inquisitor was cited for repeatedly showing up unwelcome at a complainant’s restaurant job in the 5600 block of West Lovers Lane

A motor vehicle theft occurred in front of a convenience store in the 6800 block of West Northwest Highway

A vehicle was abandoned in a roadway in the 5100 block of Walnut Hill Lane

A motor vehicle was unlawfully taken from a parking lot in the 6800 block of West Northwest Highway

Property was taken without permission from a residence in the 4600 block of Northaven Road

Oct. 16

A vehicle was stolen from a residence in the 6200 block of Bordeaux Avenue

A fraud occurred at a commercial business located along a service road in the 8600

block of North Central Expressway

Vandalism of property occurred when a criminal destroyed parts of a vehicle in the 10700 block of Preston Road

Oct. 17

A theft occurred at a retail store located in the 8600 block of North Central Expressway

Oct. 19

An unspecified theft occurred in the 8600 block of North Central Expressway

Oct. 20

Narcotics and drug paraphernalia were found on an individual at NorthPark Center

Oct. 21

An individual was assaulted multiple times with a closed fist by a transgressor who entered a property in the 7800 block of Clodus Fields Drive

Oct. 22

The windows of a motor vehicle were broken during an attempt to steal a car from a parking lot located in the 7700 block of West Greenway Boulevard

An individual entered a residence without permission in the 4900 block of Briarwood Place

Oct. 23

An attempt to steal a motor vehicle resulted in damage to the car’s door lock and steering column in the 8600 block of Baltimore Drive

Breaking and entering of a private property located in the 6500 block of Bandera Avenue resulted in the residence being burglarized.

Pepper spray was dispersed in the face of an individual at a retail store located in Inwood Village.

Missing property was found in a parking lot located in the 7800 block of Park Lane

A vehicle was taken without the owner’s permission from a home in the 8800 block of Briarwood Lane

Oct. 24

The tires of a vehicle parked in a commercial

SCHOOLS: United to Learn Brings Interactive Lessons to Students

lot were removed and stolen in the 12200 block of Inwood Road

Pictures and videos of a disrobed individual seeking medical treatment at Medical City Hospital were publicly posted without consent.

Oct. 25

A driver crashed his vehicle into the exterior of a home in the 10900 block of Midway Road and then fled the scene.

Oct. 26

A home in the 4600 block of Meadowood Road was burglarized, the suspect stealing a bag of jewelry and two designer handbags.

Oct. 27

An individual operating a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana was charged at the site of a collision involving city equipment in the 8500 block of Hillcrest Road

A passenger was found to be in possession of 1.4 grams of marijuana at an accident scene in the 8500 block of Hillcrest Road

A driver who caused injury when striking a vehicle in the 13000 block of Midway Road fled the scene.

An individual accused of illegally discharging fireworks was cited at a home in the 6500 block of Stichter Avenue

Oct. 28

A criminal trespass warning was issued at a bank in the 6300 block of Lemmon Avenue

Oct. 29

The back door of a residence was left open in the 6200 block of Walnut Hill Lane

Oct. 30

The window of a vehicle was pried open, and property was stolen from a car parked in the 5700 block of Stonegate Road

A vehicle was taken without permission from a property located in the 8500 block of Edgemere Road

Personal property was stolen from a vehicle parked in the 5600 block of Greenbriar Drive

Oct 31

The front license plate was removed from

a vehicle parked in the 8100 block of Preston Road

A vehicle was stolen from the driveway of a residence in the 6400 block of Pemberton Drive

A toolbox was removed from the bed of a truck and was damaged in the 5500 block of Harvest Hill Road

An individual was hit with a lock wrapped in a sock in the 8600 block of Preston Road

Two individuals took property without permission in the 5000 block of Mill Creek Road

Nov. 1

A vehicle was damaged during an attempt to take it without consent in the 5100 block of West Amherst Avenue

An individual accused of illegally discharging fireworks was cited at a home in the 6500 block of Stichter Avenue

Nov. 2

A citation for driving while intoxicated was issued to a driver in the 6800 block of Walnut Hill Lane

of the MONTH: TREASURED YARD ART TORN APART

The vandal who damaged garden art certainly lacked a heart, leaving the shattered sculpture torn apart in the 7500 block of Park Lane on Oct 8. For more crimes, visit peoplenewspapers.com/ category/crime/

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Retired Journalist Tracks Elusive Park Cities, Preston Hollow Jewel Thief

Author Rena Pederson helps Friends of the Dallas Library celebrate Diamond anniversary

By Josh Hickman Special Contributor

Rena Pederson’s The King of Diamonds: The Search for the Elusive Texas Jewel Thief recently made waves in local book clubs and reading groups, reviving interest in the true story of the brazen yet uncatchable cat burglar who targeted homes in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow in the 1950s and ’60s.

Police of that time suddenly found “themselves called to Highland Park and Preston Hollow, and they didn’t know their way around,” Pederson said. “They had to hand-draw a map of those streets. That’s what made this case so special was that nobody has hit an area so compact for so long and not been caught.”

in journalism was the bedrock of her investigation of the elusive thief.

“Fresh out of graduate school in 1970, I heard about this unusual jewel thief who was pillaging the wealthier areas of town,” she recalled, “Nobody could catch him — not the police, the FBI, Scotland Yard, Interpol.”

“Interestingly, the first place I went was someplace typical detectives don’t go – the Dallas Public Library.” Rena Pederson

In 2015, after retiring from the Morning News and a teaching stint at SMU, she started researching the case in earnest.

“Interestingly, the first place I went was someplace typical detectives don’t go — the Dallas Public Library,” she said.

From her youth at the San Angelo Standard-Times in high school to her 16 years as VP and editorial page editor at The Dallas Morning News, Pederson’s research experience

The thief made his name with the January 1959 burglary of remarried Preston Hollow oil widow Josephine Herbert Graf. Her prized diamonds disappeared while she slept after the couple had returned from the Jewel Ball in Fort Worth.

“The police immediately knew this was somebody special,” Pederson noted. “It was the biggest jewel theft in Dallas history.”

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The “A Diamond Date” fundraiser for the Friends of the Dallas Library was held Oct. 15 at the Dallas Museum of Art featuring Pederson and her popular book on “Dallas’ greatest criminal.”

“It’s the kickoff of our diamond anniversary, so the title was a great tie-in,” Friends executive director Mary Wilonsky explained. “We literally had board members who were so excited, they ran over to Interabang Books and invited Rena to be our author. . . The book is incredible — the story behind it. It was just a perfect fit.”

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Subsequent local luminary victims included oil magnate Clint Murchison and godmother of Dallas philanthropy Ruth Sharp Altshuler of Preston Hollow, heiress and philanthropist Margaret Hunt Hill of University Park, and philanthropist Barbara Varel of Highland Park.

“He came in while people were home, he hid in their closets, and sometimes their children were home,” Rena said. “That was very frightening to people.”

“I was so grateful to the staff on the seventh floor, I sent them a box of chocolate chip cookies,” Rena chuckled, recalling the help she received with research and photos from the library. “They really went above and beyond the call of duty to try and be helpful.”

Rena Pederson is the author of four books. COURTESY RENA PEDERSON

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Charter Election Leaves Dallas Leaders With Work, Lessons Preston Hollow voters explain support of massive police hiring proposition

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

In September, the Dallas Police Department welcomed its largest recruiting class since 2019, with Class 402 bringing in 62 recruits to begin the journey of becoming police officers.

On Nov. 15, Class 398 graduated 30 new officers, including recruits from California, North Carolina, Arizona, Nigeria, and Tanzania, the department reported.

“When you arrive at your substation, the real work begins,” Interim Chief Michael Igo told the new officers. “Now the actors are real people … and what was once reality-based training will become the reality you will face every day.”

“There is a widespread angst, a rejection of the status quo.”

Bob Ginsburg

The department faces a new reality — a monumental hiring task after voters on Nov. 5 approved a proposition that requires the city to increase the force to 4,000 officers, up from about 3,120 as of November.

Preston Hollow resident Kim Nelson supported Proposition U — despite unified opposition from Dallas’ living mayors and others warning it would hinder city leaders’

ability to budget and serve residents.

“It’s apparent those who represent our neighborhoods don’t have our best interest in mind,” Nelson said. “They’re approving a contract of $6 million to count trees but don’t want to supplement our police force.”

Bob Ginsburg offered a different perspective.

“Of course, if you ask the public, ‘You want more cops, don’t you?,’ everyone is going to nod their head and say yes, but even after this passage, the question remains of how we’re gonna get there,” the Preston Hollow resident said.

Nelson thinks that if citizens would more closely watch where their tax money is going,

the path forward would be clear.

“When I hear about my neighbor’s wheels being stolen from their car parked in plain sight in their driveway, and the nightly news reports one burglary or assault after another, it makes me question if the priorities, and the money, are in the right place,” she said.

Attempts to interview council member Gay Donnell Willis for this story were unsuccessful, but the District 13 representative discussed her concerns before the election including in an Oct. 22 meeting of Park Cities leaders.

“This would really be devastating to our city budget,” she said, estimating the cost of implementation at $175 million.

Proposition U was brought by petitioners despite the city already having a plan for addressing public safety pensions, she added. “It was just pushed onto the agenda without sitting down with our law enforcement and saying, ‘What do we need? How do we get there?’”

Ginsburg also is concerned about the effect Proposition S will have on the city’s budget.

“Over the long run, the dropping of municipal immunity is going to be a potential landmine,” he said. “Again, soundbites, including ones mandating we hold city leaders accountable, were tossed around without delving deeper into the repercussions of the charter.”

Now the city may need to begin budgeting large amounts of money for defending against lawsuits and paying judgments, Ginsburg said.

“Voters don’t realize abandoning municipal immunity exposes the city to financial judgements that could bankrupt its citizens,” he said. “The budget to cover potential liabilities falls on taxpayers.”

What’s the lesson from the election?

“There is a widespread angst, a rejection of the status quo,” Ginsburg said.

The new status quo: figuring out how to hire the new officers required by Proposition U.

A recruitment video showcased on the opening page of DPD’s website, while not addressing dangers of the career, highlights Dallas as an ideal place to be a police officer — the bright blue slogan atop the page reading “One City, One Team.”

Dallas needs bunches and bunches to sign up.

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The Dallas Police Department in September celebrated the beginning of training for the 62 recruits of Academy Class 402, the city’s largest since 2019 when Class 368 began with 82 members.

TEENS COMBINE MUSICAL TALENTS FOR GOOD

Edge of the Desert strikes positive notes for DFW Angels Light the Night Gala

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

Five young musicians from three area schools are using their musical talents for more than just entertainment — they’re amplifying the voices of children and youth in foster care.

Teaming up with DFW Angels, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting foster children and families, The Edge of the Desert band members performed at the organization’s Light the Night Gala Nov. 9 at Bent Tree Country Club.

“I get to use all four limbs.” Joshua Chan

Band members Garrett Clark, Joshua Chan, and Yusuf Zaman, eighth-grade students at Greenhill School, formed the band after meeting in fifth grade band class, later adding vocalist Alexandra Gamble, a seventh-grade student at Parish Episcopal School. Harper Spellicy, also an eighthgrade student at Greenhill, was then asked to join the group, “because her voice is amazing,” Joshua said. Reese Danielson, a sophomore at Booker T. Washington School for the Performing and Visual Arts who plays the electric bass, was recently added as the fifth member of the band.

Joshua, who’s been playing the piano since age 6 and the drums since fourth grade, credited the percussion instrument with helping him concentrate.

“I’m always moving around so the drums keep me busy, and I like creating new beats,” said Joshua, adding what drew him to the instrument was both the mental and physical appeal. “I get to use all four limbs,” he said. Inspired by his great-grandmother’s up-

bringing, teaming up with a foster care program was something the young musician felt compelled to do.

“She was a foster child growing up … after she lost her parents when she was 12, she had to find her path on her own. I feel grateful for my own family, and my parents keep reminding me that it’s important to lift others as we climb,” Joshua said.

The band members all agreed on performing the song, “I Lived” by OneRepublic

at the Light the Night Gala, Garrett conveying the song was relatable to many.

The young musician, who specifically learned to play the acoustic guitar for the group’s performance of the song, did so, “well, because the song required it.”

Garrett, who practices up to an hour nightly, still prefers to play the electric guitar.

“It’s what I started with, and you can jam way harder,” he said.

The teens hope to inspire other artists to

use their talents and passions to get involved. “I’m sure teens everywhere can think of someone who needs mentoring, so I hope this event can encourage teens to reach out and be a supportive friend or mentor to someone struggling,” Joshua said. “Kids everywhere can relate to struggles and many of us have supportive parents … but not everyone does, and I can’t imagine trying to navigate through life and school without trusted adults.”

Trailblazing Lovers Lane UMC Minister Chronicles Her Journey of Faith

The Rev. Donna Whitehead faced many Dallas area

first and learned, ‘I Am Enough’

During a time when most women were discouraged from entering ministry, the Rev. Donna Whitehead forged her own path, opening doors, minds, and hearts through joyous enthusiasm, inclusive love, and a passionate pursuit of personal growth resources.

She was among the first women ordained in the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, the first woman to join the staff Highland Park UMC — doing so as an intern – and the first woman pastor to help launch what is today one of the largest churches in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Whitehead, the associate pastor of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, explores her faith journey in I Am Enough: A Memoir for Spiritual Seekers, which was released this fall.

“In her memoir, Rev. Whitehead courageously and boldly proclaims, ‘I Am Enough!’ — three of the most important words a clergy woman can hear,” said Bishop Cynthia Harvey of the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. “In a real, vulnerable, and

humble spirit, Donna helps us join hands as we travel the journey together and proclaim along the way that ‘We Are Enough!’”

The Rev. Stan Copeland, senior pastor of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas, has worked alongside Whitehead for nearly 25 years.

“I am but one who could say I have never witnessed anyone who joyfully experiences ministry more than Donna Whitehead,” he said.

In her memoir, Whitehead takes readers from her upbringing in an idyllic but confining small town in Louisiana to her highly desired role — she thought — as a homemaker and mother in the 1960s in suburban Dallas where her engineer husband took a job at Texas Instruments.

But her life took a dramatic turn after a Jewish rabbi’s class set her on a spiritual path that continues 50 years later.

Whitehead, who has a Master of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology

at SMU, has made a career of defying expectations and endured her share of hardships, from people who didn’t believe women should be ministers, to her internal struggles with her faith.

Yet she pushed on — from helping build Custer Road UMC in Plano from the ground up, to helping anchor an established church at Lovers Lane UMC, and in recent years to witnessing the ordination of one of the UMC’s first ministers from the LGBTQ community.

“Through trials and tribulations, connecting with God’s love became the one constant in my life, and it can be for you, too,” Whitehead said.

She hopes her memoir will empower readers to discover their faith anew and examine the biases and blind spots that keep them separated from God and from others.

“You have no worth to prove because you are already enough,” she said. “Together, we are enough!”

– Compiled by staff

INSET : Alexandra Gamble. FROM LEFT: Reese Danielson, Harper Spellicy, Joshua Chan, and Garrett Clark. JENNIFER HUEN

Rev. Donna Whitehead

‘Preston Hollow People’ Applauds

Legendary R ESULTS

• Natalia Salem, Class of 2027 student at The Hockaday School, on publishing her first novel, Golden Liars, available on Amazon.

• David Craig and Mike Radar for being inducted into the 2025 North Texas Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame:

Craig, founder and CEO of Craig International, a commercial brokerage and development company created over 45 years ago, has worked to push the boundaries of North Texas development projects.

214-538-1310

972-896-5432

214-543-8963 MARY ALICE GARRISON 214-543-7075 MORIAH LOVETT MCRAE 501-563-0234

CARLA JOHNSON 405-229-6976 MOLLY MASSEY 214-263-8216

Rader, president of Prime Rail Interest, LLC and Prime 45 Development LLC, has developed property ranging from land infrastructure to building improvements across the Dallas-Fort Worth region since 1984.

SELLING AND LISTING

• Linda McMahon, CEO of the Dallas Economic Development Corporation and the former CEO of The Real Estate Council, for receiving the 2025 Industry Service Award that recognizes individuals whose contributions go beyond the traditional confines of the commercial real estate industry. McMahon is a longtime resident of Bluffview.

LOCK & LEAVE

• Jesuit Dallas senior Kevin Butera for receiving the Future Men of Action Award from the Southwest Jewish Congress. The Stan Golden Men of Action Awards recognize men from diverse disciplines and backgrounds in the DFW area who have distinguished themselves in the pursuit of positive social change, and Kevin’s leadership and influence, which extends across his entire Jesuit formation through service, academics, and athletics, has been exemplary.

– Compiled by Claudia Carson-Habeeb

Tooth Treatments, Festival Fun, And an Eye-Catching SUV

Editor’s note: If you occasionally focus your lenses on Preston Hollow 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.

Better by the dozen

Dentistry with a Heart, a Rotary Club of Park Cities service project, marked its 12th year by treating 26 patients at the Agape Clinic.

Rotarians helped with intake and organization while volunteer dentists, hygienists, and staff provided extractions, fillings, and cleanings for the pre-screened patients, who had been referred by the Salvation Army Adult

Rehabilitation Center and the Agape Clinic.

“The $35,690.00 of dentistry accomplished improved the lives of our patients and provided an opportunity for all volunteers to make a difference,” Dr. Michael Rainwater said.

A fall festival for the ages Fall festivals aren’t just for elementary schools and their pupils.

Event planners at the Preston of the Park Cities senior living community know they make an ideal opportunity for residents and their families to enjoy a day of laughter and fun.

The Oct. 16 affair at the community on Sherry Lane included a pie walk, pumpkin painting,

handmade jewelry maker, and such fall treats as artisan cheese and apple cider.

It’s electric!

The Porsche Macan Electric mid-sized SUV debuted at an exclusive Electric Garden Soirée, which drew several hundred guests in cocktail attire to Neiman Marcus’ garden at NorthPark Center for drinks, bites, and a look at the luxury vehicle.

“The event beautifully blended luxury, style and innovation, celebrating the future of electric driving with the Porsche Macan Electric in a creative and vibrant setting,” said Patrick Huston, Park Place Porsche Dallas general manager.

– Compiled by William Taylor

Christmas Christmas

AT SAINT MICHAEL

DECEMBER

Park Cities Rotarians COURTESY DR. MICHAEL RAINWATER

Electric Garden Soirée PARK PLACE PORSCHE DALLAS

Fall festival fun COURTESY PRESTON OF THE PARK CITIES

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FROM PANTHERS TO PISTONS, BASKETBALL BELIEF MOTIVATES JENKINS

After cross-country college journey, ex-Hillcrest guard a determined NBA rookie

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

It’s a good thing Daniss Jenkins stopped listening to the naysay ers who dismissed his chances of playing Division I college basketball, let alone in the NBA.

The former Hillcrest High School stand out used their doubts to fuel his determination during a hardwood odyssey that took him to four schools in five years — and ulti mately, to fulfilling his lifelong goal.

Jenkins signed a two-way con tract with the Detroit Pistons as an undrafted free agent this summer, and made his debut with the team on Oct. 25 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“There was no place I wanted to play besides the NBA,” said Jenkins, who likely will split time this season between the Pistons and the Motor City Cruise of the NBA G League. “It’s crazy that I was blessed to do it, and my dream came true.”

Jenkins starred for two seasons at Hillcrest, avoiding parties in favor of early mornings in the gym and on the track. The 6-foot3 guard became one of the top offensive players in Dallas after transferring from DeSoto.

“That’s when everything changed for me. I took a leap of faith. I found who I was as a person. I found everything that I was playing for and went about proving people wrong,” Jenkins said. “That kind of drove me every single day. There was a fire burning inside of me.”

Following his graduation in 2019, he accepted a scholarship offer from the University of the

in Stockton, California.

made an immediate impact despite his first season being cut short by the pandemic.

A coaching change prompted him to enter the transfer portal, which landed him at Odessa College for a season. What seemed like a step backward turned out to be necessary for Jenkins.

“None of the schools who were

contacting me felt right,” he said. “I had some things I still had to work on before I could get to that level.”

Jenkins showcased some improved perimeter shooting and point-guard skills in securing conference MVP honors at Odessa. Among those taking notice was Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, who lured Jenkins to Iona College in suburban New York.

“We had a great year at Iona. He told me he wanted me to be his point guard at St. John’s. That was a no-brainer,” Jenkins said of Pitino taking the St. John’s job prior to his final year of eligibility. “I’m blessed the way that my journey was because I’ve had great coaches and they have pushed me.”

“I was built for this moment.”

Daniss Jenkins

He led the Red Storm in scoring and earning all-Big East recognition, which was enough to earn a contract offer from the Pistons. After impressing coaches during summer league and training camp, he made the opening-day roster as a rookie.

Wherever his basketball adventure leads next, Jenkins hopes to eventually go into coaching and inspire the next generation of hoopers with his story. But first, he has some unfinished business in Detroit.

“I was built for this moment. Nothing was ever easy in my life. I played a lot of different roles,” he said. “That brings out my best. It proves who I really am.”

Holding Courts: Hockaday, St. Mark’s Claim SPC Volleyball Championships Daisies defend crown after dominant conference run, Lions earn revenge in final

By Mike Waters Special Contributor

Defending their respective top seeds, Hockaday and St. Mark’s ensured both SPC volleyball titles remained right at home.

Hockaday earned its second straight crown, and 11th overall, by sweeping Houston St. John’s on Nov. 9. Olivia Wayne, who is verbally committed to Duke, hammered 19 kills, including eight in the title-clinching third set, while adding 12 digs and five blocks.

“We remember what it felt like losing to them last year in five sets. We were determined not to repeat that.”

Jacob Lobdell

The Daisies (24-19) swept all 11 of their SPC matches, including regular season and playoffs. Hockaday gained experience while playing in a number of early-season tournaments against some of the best teams in the state and nationally.

“I do my best to front-load our schedule

and expose our players to very high level volleyball early,” said first-year Hockaday head coach Allison Camp. “I believe it’s crucial

to the growth of my players and their long-term volleyball career to put them in front of the best possible teams I can

find — which means playing in some of the best tournaments in the country. This allows our team to bond and really find out who we are.”

Meanwhile, St. Mark’s needed five thrilling sets to put away Houston Episcopal for its 14th boys title, avenging a heartbreaking defeat from last season.

The Lions (19-3) played 15 sets in just over 24 hours — winning a pair of five-set matches a day earlier over Fort Worth Country Day and Houston Awty International to advance.

“Everybody just stepped up,” said St. Mark’s coach Darren Teicher. “Consistency was the biggest key for us in this tournament. I wasn’t sure after the fiveset matches how much we had left. But I am so very proud of these guys.”

In the decisive fifth set, St. Mark’s never trailed and jumped out to an 11-6 advantage, the largest lead for either team in the match.  After five straight points by the Knights, a Jacob Lobdell kill forged a 13-11 Lions lead. At match point, an Episcopal return sailed wide.

“We remember what it felt like losing to them last year in five sets,” Lobdell said. “We were determined not to repeat that. We left it all out on the floor. We felt we were the better team. We made some mistakes out there, but in the end we won, and that is all that counts.”

Pacific

Jenkins

Five years after graduating from Hillcrest, Daniss Jenkins made it to the NBA. CHRIS SCHWEGLER AND DAVID DOW/NBAE VIA GETTY IMAGES

Hockaday and St. Mark’s each capped a stellar season with an SPC volleyball championship. CHRIS MCGATHEY

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MOVE OVER ELF ON THE SHELF: MAKE ROOM FOR ‘FINDING JESUS’

HP mom’s Scripture-based Advent product focuses on Christmas story

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Preparing for the holidays can be complicated, but Highland Park mom Lillian Richey says that making Christmas meaningful doesn’t have to be.

Richey has created “Finding Jesus,” an interactive game that invites families to find God’s Word and connect with Christ daily through a soft, plush Jesus doll and the Scriptures contained in his pocket.

“My hope for this project is that people will come into a personal relationship with Jesus.”

Lillian Richey

The Scriptures are written on puzzle pieces that, when assembled, create a tabletop worthy picture. Every piece contains one or two verses of the Nativity. At the puzzle’s completion, families will have read the entire story of Jesus’ birth.

Richey, who has three kids of her own, explained that she created “Finding Jesus” with moms and the hectic holiday season in mind. Parents can play hide and seek with Jesus or keep him in one place and simply replace the puzzle pieces if that works better for their family.

CHECK IT OUT

The interactive hide-and-seek game “Finding Jesus” is available for $39.99 plus $5 standard shipping at seekhimfirst.com.

don’t know how to work Instagram. I don’t know how to make a website. This is all brand new.”

The idea for “Finding Jesus” came to Richey during a Bible Study in December 2023, when discussion turned to the difficulty of squeezing in talks about the season’s meaning between the holiday hoopla of parties and presents.

Another mother shared that her toddler had started carrying around the porcelain baby Jesus from the family Nativity scene and leaving it in different places, causing her to ask “where’s Jesus?” That revelation prompted another question for Richey: “Isn’t that what we should be doing, is finding Jesus? Seek him first?”

When Richey started developing “Finding Jesus” in February, she depended on the Lord to guide her steps. Shortly after Richey prayed for an artist, she learned about Lauren Cox, who designed the product’s watercolor illustrations. Friends and family have given Richey ideas and assistance as “Finding Jesus” came together.

The production process may have been slow, but Richey’s sales haven’t. “Finding Jesus” became available for pre-orders on Sept. 17, and by mid-October she had sold more than 1,000 and reached almost every state.

“Kids are going every which way. You’re going every which way,” Richey said. “This is designed to be simple enough to do it each day, without it feeling overwhelming.”

The puzzle won’t get lost in busy households — as they are found,

Real Talk: Lindsay Wilson

Influenced, in part, by childhood memories of a residential designer her mom used in Little Rock, Lindsay Wilson chose her major midway through her freshman year at the University of Arkansas.

“I was looking for a career that would combine art/creativity with business, essentially making sure I chose a direction that would have ample job opportunities (solid Dad advice),” the Greenway Parks resident recalled recently.

The head of the university’s interior design department “did a wonderful job outlining the many careers an interior design degree could open up for me,” Wilson said. “But I had no idea what a great experience it would turn out to be.”

Great indeed. Wilson serves as president and interiors sector leader for Corgan, which has designed headquarters interiors for such companies as Keurig Dr Pepper, PMG, Toyota North America, Southwest Airlines, State Farm, and State Street.

The global company was recently

pieces are sandwiched between the clear top and bottom of the box to create a standing frame, an idea that came to Richey when she was cleaning up one of her own puzzles.

“Finding Jesus” has also come together for Richey one piece at a

named Firm of the Year by the American Society of Interior

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?

time. Product development is new to the stay-at-home mom, who attributes the project’s creation to a combination of “God and Google.”

“I am just a mom. I felt like the Lord kind of put this on my heart, and so I’m doing it,” she said. “I

Design is a team sport. I would certainly tell my younger self to start building a network of professionals as early as possible in your career. Those trusted partnerships not only make for successful projects but also for great friendships.

What is the best thing about working in interior design?

All of the people I have gotten to meet and all of the companies I have had the privilege to see ‘inside’ of. My own leadership journey has been influenced by being able to watch and learn from leaders of great companies like Toyota, Fossil, Southwest Airlines, and Keurig Dr. Pepper — just to name a few.

What’s your favorite trend right now?

The influence of both residential and hospitality design on workplace design is a wonderful trend. The all-white corporate offices of 10 years ago have given way to natural materials, lots of texture, wood tones, and color. We love it. That is

“My hope for this project is that people will come into a personal relationship with Jesus,” she said. “That they will not see him as a far distant God, but that they will know that he deeply cares for them, and that they would make him their Lord and Savior.”

driven by the desire to elevate the office and make it a place that people look forward to coming to — a place that meets the needs of employees from a work perspective but also helps foster interpersonal connections at work.

What is your outlook on the Dallas market?

Dallas continues to be a positive place for companies to grow and relocate to. We are also seeing many organizations wanting to upgrade their spaces. There is a fantastic design community here, and each beautiful space — whether it’s an office, home, restaurant, or multi-family building — pushes forward Dallas’ reputation for great design talent.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I hire designers for my own home projects. Yes, I am an interior designer, but I value the input of professionals who work in the residential space.

— Compiled by William

Taylor

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Richey decorated her home for Christmas early and took photos of her brother and his family finding her first prototype when they visited the area for a concert. Lillian Richey. “Finding Jesus” includes a plush Finding Jesus doll, double-sided puzzle pieces, a puzzle-box frame, and a scripture book. LILLIAN RICHEY AND MARIBEL CRUZ

Designers (ASID).

Lindsay Wilson. COURTESY PHOTO

Add Serious Style to Your Home’s Bookshelves With These Three Steps

Although shelves are rarely the focal point in a room, cluttered shelves can distract from an otherwise immaculate space. To update your shelves with a look that is both clean and stylish, try following these three steps.

1: Edit your collections

To start with, remove all the items on your shelves and look them over. Get rid of anything that you don’t love anymore or that clashes with the rest of your decorating scheme. Cutting down on clutter gives each object more impact.

This is also a great time to look at your bare shelves and decide if those could use an update, too. I like to add wallpaper or a contrasting paint color to the backs of bookshelves to give them more depth and flair.

If you need to shop for more items, look for small bronzes, boxes, vases, picture frames, or small art prints to complement your books. Shelves are also the perfect place for travel mementos, family photos, and collectibles. Leaning a framed art print or family photo against the back draws the viewer’s eye deeper into the shelf.

2: Pick your main colors

Bookshelves should have a unified color scheme whenever possible. I recommend picking two complementary

colors, adding in one type of metal, and using any number of neutral colors in-between.

It’s important to have some repeating colors or objects evenly distributed throughout the shelves. For example, if you have two gold objects on two adjoining shelves, move one of them to a further away shelf to balance things out.

3: Organize your books

Next, gather all the books you’re using and group them by color. Experiment with arranging books vertically, leaning them, or stacking them horizontally. A horizontal stack should have at least three books. If any of your books have unattractive dust covers, try displaying them without the covers.

Before you finish decorating, take a step back to see how all the shelves in a room work together. Don’t be afraid to experiment until your shelves feel right to you. If you’re having trouble editing down your collections, getting a second opinion from an interior designer can be invaluable.

Most of all, don’t forget to have some fun too. Shelves are a great opportunity to express a story about yourself. The end result shouldn’t look too staged, but rather, tell the world about who you are.

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.

Record Funds Raised for Life-Affirming Nonprofits

On October 28, Council for Life celebrated A Revolution for Life with Pastor Greg Laurie and musical guest Ellie Holcomb. More than 1,600 guests filled the Trinity Ballroom— the largest Luncheon gathering ever at the Hilton Anatole Hotel Luncheon Chairs Antoinette Davis and Elizabeth Tamlyn created a beautiful experience, showcasing the heart of God for preborn babies and their mothers. Council for Life raised record funds for their 26 outstanding 2024 Beneficiaries thanks to the profound generosity of their guests and matching grants from The Lunsford Foundation and an Anonymous Donor

To learn more about Council for Life and to support their mission, go to councilforlife.org

Photos by Melissa Macatee Photography and Caroline Jurgensen Photography

2024 CFL Beneficiary Executive Directors Tonya Thomas, Roxy Lamorgese and Jennifer Shelton

Pastor Chris Simmons, Ron Tamlyn and Luncheon Chair Elizabeth Tamlyn

Holt Lunsford, Pastor Greg Laurie and Kaye Dawn Lunsford

Texas Senator Tan Parker, Texas State Representative Elect Katrina Pierson and CFL Founder Emeritus Ann Carruth

Jon Venverloh, Texas Senator Bryan Hughes and David Carruth Clark and Tavia Hunt

Pastor Greg Laurie

Honorary Chairs Scott and Laura Luttrell and Barry Davis

Ellie Holcomb

Paul Gittemeier, Luncheon Chair Antoinette Davis and Barry Davis

Comings and Goings

MOVED

Origin Bank’s Preston

Financial Center

Preston Center

The bank has opened a two-story flagship location centered around a concierge hub that allows customers to easily access personal and commercial banking services. The bank’s previous Preston Center location has moved to the flagship.

lululemon

Galleria Dallas

The fitness favorite nearly doubled its footprint on Nov. 20 when it opened at its new location on level one across from Apple.

NOW OPEN Boxed Bites

Preston Center

The artisan food delivery service has opened its first store, where offerings include charcuterie boxes, shakeable salads,

ready-to-eat foods, build-yourown yogurt parfaits, and designyour-own snacks.

Lane Boots

Galleria Dallas

The Texas-based brand that creates designer-quality boots with western influences has opened its first bricks-andmortar store on level one between Tommy Bahama and Intimissimi.

Goodwins

2905 Greenville Ave.

The American restaurant’s menu features cold seafood, snacks and shares, and main courses, as well as a variety of cocktails.

Le PasSage

4205 Buena Vista St., Suite 130

The bold flavors of Southeast Asia and classic techniques of French cooking meld to create a menu that is both innovative and

comforting in this new offering from French-born Dallas restauranteur Stephan Courseau.

NorthPark Center

Various Stores · Hill House is offering quality products designed to enhance and celebrate life, including home, accessories, baby and kids, bridal, and apparel, on level one between Nordstrom and Macy’s.

The Trains at NorthPark benefitting Ronald McDonald House of Dallas is open through Jan. 5 on level one between Macy’s and Dillard’s. Texas’ most elaborate miniature toy trains exhibit features more than 600 trains rolling along 1,600 feet of track.

COMING

GRIT LIT Infrared Heated

Studio

5612 SMU Boulevard No. 200

GRIT Fitness founder Brit Wold, a People Newspapers

20 Under 40 honoree in 2023, plans to transform her SMU cycling stu dio location with stateof-the-art technology. After a soft opening on Dec. 14, look for the grand opening in January 2025.

Yule Love It

Galleria Dallas

The Christmas branch of McKinney’s Rockin’ AB boutique will open a pop-up on level one near the outdoor plaza entrance in late November. It will offer more than 100 classic glass ornament designs and other Christmas-themed items.

— Compiled

by Sarah Hodges and Claudia Carson-Habeeb

Origin Bank COURTESY ORIGIN BANK

Trains at NorthPark COURTESY NORTHPARK CENTER

Brit Wold KIMBER WESTPHALL

Hill House COURTESY NORTHPARK CENTER

DRIVE, DEDICATION BONDS SMU ENGLISH RIDING TEAM

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

The SMU mustang holds a special meaning for the university’s National Champion Equestrian Team, the animal’s natural fencing ability mirroring the mascot’s significance in overcoming obstacles.

On Oct. 25, the SMU equestrian team faced its first rematch of the season against rival TCU at the Dallas Equestrian Center.

“We are so excited to have a home meet,” said Jumping Seat Coach Laura Persons of the match-up. “They are ready to ride their own horses on their home turf,” she said of her riders.

Team co-captain Hensley Humphries shared her coach’s excitement. “When we compete on the road, we only have four minutes to get to know a completely new horse, so it’s a huge disadvantage to be the away team,” she said.

Jump seat rider Katelyn Vandenburg echoed the home team’s advantage. “Getting to practice on the starting horse lineup and having a pre-knowledge feel of what is underneath you is key, as is knowing what the horse’s quirks are,” said the SMU sophomore.

Watching Coach Persons in the ring, it’s evident she’s a home-grown horse woman — the equine expert’s demeanor resembling the formidable animals trotting around her. Persons, now in her fourth season with the team, started in the saddle at age 5.

“It was our thing,” said Persons of riding with her mom and sister, the equestrian taking a break from competition to attend Cornell University. Before arriving at the Hilltop, Persons owned Serendipity Farms in Austin, where she was also head trainer.

With her “pick yourself up from your bootstraps” approach evident, Persons said, “There’s not a lot of wallowing in your misery. Even when they stumble, I insist they get back in

the saddle, let the mistakes go, dust themselves off, and win their point.”

Bringing the talents of each rider together as a team is key to Persons’ success.

“It can be such an individual sport, so the rare times they all get to be part of the same team, it’s a great thing,” said the riding coach. “We want to make sure these dedicated riders are equally valued, and all have the opportunity to excel in our program,” she said.

SMU owns 35 team horses, all of whom are donated to the school; 15 of them are jumping horses. Many are living a second-chance life after injury or old age took them out of the big leagues.

Tokyo, who was donated to the university’s equestrian program by rider Humphries’ family, has accompanied the SMU student

on her journey. “He’s always had a special place in my heart; it makes me happy to see how well he thrives in a college riding program,” said the SMU senior. Vandenburg also holds a partiality to her equine partner, revealing, “I have an excellent relationship with one of our newer horses, Rio. He’s also my care horse, so I get extra time with him when preparing for meets.”

Humphries, along with co-captain Augusta Iwasaki, is celebrating the team’s success as a whole.

“We like to do things as a team outside of practice to get to know each other in and out of the saddle,” the senior rider said.

The fifth-ranked SMU equestrian team finished 15-4 over No. 2 TCU at the Oct. 25 event. With the victory, the Mustangs earn

a 15-14 advantage in the series against their cross-town rival, the 11-point margin of victory marking the second-largest win by either team in the series.

Remaining humble, Humphries, Iwasaki, Yeager, and the team aren’t looking a gift horse in the mouth, but say they are proud of the hard work that put them on their high horse. The SMU equestrian team holds 10 national titles for SMU athletics, and the champions are not ready to hand off the reins anytime soon.

Area Campuses Focused on Episcopal Identity, Dignity Atlanta author Beth-Sarah Wright challenges, encourages North Texas schools

By John Holt

Special Contributor

What difference does Episcopal identity make, particularly in an academic setting, and how can educators live that out more authentically in a way that promotes dignity?

Beth-Sarah Wright, an Atlanta-based author, speaker, and founder of Thrive with Dignity LLC, helps schools and others answer questions like those.

The National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) chose one of her books – Dignity: Seven Strategies for Creating Authentic Community – as the featured book for 2023, and a year later campus leaders are still looking to her for insight and inspiration.

“We have set our theme for the year as dignity as we spend the year considering her messages,” said Julie McLeod, head of school at Good Shepherd Episcopal School.

Good Shepherd in August hosted more than 200 Episcopal School educators from across the region for a day of learning, collaboration, and community with Wright as the featured speaker.

“Dr. Wright’s presentation was both inspiring and grounding,” McLeod said.

Matt Rush, the Allen Meyer Family head of school at Parish Episcopal School, echoed those sentiments.

“Moreover, she encouraged us to be proud of the Episcopal Identity we espouse, as our school endeavors to encourage young people to grow into thoughtful, inclusive people of character and purpose,” he said.

Other area schools represented included Episcopal School of Dallas, St. John’s Episcopal School, and St. Michael Episcopal School.

“I was so impressed by the collaboration of the Episcopal Schools,” Wright said. “The

fact that they’ve come together to learn more and really explore Episcopal Identity is tremendous.”

Her book details the importance of organizations being authentic to who they say they

are and diving deep into implementing her seven DIGNITY Lens strategies: diversity, identity, growth, nurture, integrity, transparency, and yield.

Wright sees her role as a partner

with schools and organizations to ask catalytic questions to help identify gaps and increase capacity to make progress on the gaps rather than simply providing suggestions to close them.

“Part of a leader’s role is to be able to motivate others to take up the hard work that is adaptive change,” Wright said.

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church rector, the Rev. Michael Mills, said the author’s presence and presentations served as powerful reminders that, in Episcopal tradition, actions and attitudes all flow from the baptismal font and the promises made there.

“Each person has dignity, (Dr. Wright) reminded us again and again,” Mills said. “And as Episcopalians, we have promised to do our best to see that dignity, respected and protected.”

Content writer John Holt does public relations for Good Shepherd Episcopal School.

AT A GLANCE

The SMU national championship team competes in 14 contests and commits to a season that runs the entire academic calendar. Seven home meets are held at Dallas Equestrian Center.

CLOCKWISE: Hensley Humphries on Emil. Katelyn Vandenburg on Zulu. Aedan Mooney on Rio. VLADIMIR CHERRY FOR SMU ATHLETICS

Beth-Sarah Wright speaks to 200-plus area educators gathered at Good Shepherd Episcopal School. COURTESY GOOD SHEPHERD EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Compass School Speaker Series Tackles Topics Like Brain Development

Texas weather may seldom prove conducive to fireside chats, but that hasn’t stopped an independent Dallas co-ed school from invoking the theme in service to the community.

The Compass School of Texas offers a Fireside Chat speaker series to educate and inspire families with thought-provoking topics explored by industry leaders and experts, campus leaders said.

The program is open to all Dallas area residents, not just those associated with the campus at 5414 West Northwest Hwy.

The November program at the Hall Arts Hotel featured the topic, “Find Your Family Compass with Less Anxiety and More Connection.”

The October program allowed guests to explore the Frontiers of Flight Museum and hear about brain development in children from panelists Linda Silver, CEO of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science; Lori Cook, director of clinical research for the Center for BrainHeath, and James Keyes: a global business leader, author, philanthropist, artist, musician, and commercial airline pilot.

Compass School founding board member and secretary Frances Mitchell served as the moderator.

Throughout the discussion, panelists emphasized the importance of encouraging creativity and confidence in children, how that impacts brain development and future success in and outside the classroom, and that learning fear in the classroom can hold a child back from pursuing educational and professional opportunities.

“Growth mindset in the brain is fascinating,” Cook said. “First and foremost, I think it’s important to realize that this is something that can be fostered and built. One is not just born with either a fixed or growth mindset that can’t be altered . . . That’s the nature of growth.”

– Compiled by William Taylor

GEORGE FIALA

James Keyes, Linda Silver, Dr. Lori Cook, and Frances Mitchell Alex and Christy Eshelbrenner

Annette Vaughn and Piper Banner Ashley Chellgren and Drex Owusu Marla and David Maymon

Jennifer Huen with Yasmin and Braden Wages

Dominik and Courtney Bauch with Caroline Harrison Loehr

SURVIVOR DISCOVERS PASSION FOR GLASS

Anna

Curnes

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Tpieces life back together with art after sister’s death

he loss of her sister after a long battle with cancer shattered Anna Curnes’ heart.

Three years later, the Park Cities native still couldn’t break free of what had happened, and it was dominating her life.

Then the math and Spanish tutor walked into a fused glass class at the Creative Arts Center of Dallas. She loved it, and through her art, she began to heal.

“It was tangibly being able to take broken pieces and put it back together in a way that’s far more beautiful than it could have been before,” she explained. “There was intentionality in the breaking, and in the picture that came.”

After she discovered glass, Curnes resolved to learn from as many talented masters as she could. Her travels eventually took her to Murano, Italy, where she studied with generational glass master Diego Bottacin. The 1999 Highland Park High School grad worked for years in Chicago before returning to Dallas.

In 2019, Curnes opened Dragon Street’s ALG Collective, whose acronym stands for Curnes’ glass business: Anna Lou Glass. The collective recently transitioned to ALG Fine Art and now functions as both a traditional gallery and a workspace for Curnes and fellow resident artist Christi Meril.

Earlier this fall, ALG hosted its first visiting artist show, “Own Your Own Story; Write

Your Own Ending.” Artists responded to a prompt by Brené Brown: “When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write the ending.”

Among the included works was Curnes’ Director’s Cut, which features “snapshots” of glass strings painstakingly hand cut and fused by Curnes. The strings, she explained, represent multi-faceted moments in time that come

Don’t Throw Away That Empty Cereal Box!

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

When painter Jenny Grumbles looked at her 10-year-old’s sugar-laden cereal, she didn’t just see breakfast. She saw the medium for her next artistic endeavor.

“The boxes are so fun and exciting and colorful,” the Preston Hollow resident said. “I don’t know how I put it together, but I was like, ‘If I could paint a portrait, I could cereal box a portrait.’”

Grumbles started by cutting up boxes to create a still-life collage with a floral design. Next, the Swiftie put together a cereal box portrait of Taylor Swift titled Snap, Crackle, Pop Star, a portrait of Michael Jordan called Honey Bunches of GOAT, and a second Taylor Swift portrait she called Art by a Thousand Cuts, a play on Swift’s song “Death by a Thousand Cuts.”

“It was so fun,” she said. “And the subjects are subjects I wanted to do. I love music. I love sports.”

Each portrait, Grumbles said, required more than 50 different cereal boxes in a variety of colors. Friends and neighbors heard of her need and started contributing empty boxes.

Her boyfriend donated his favorite cereal, Cracklin’ Oat Bran. A neighbor brought over Peanut Butter Chex, which is the perfect color for skin. Grumbles collected Very Berry Cheerios, Three Wishes grain free cereal, Halloween Cap’n Crunch, and other types of Cheerios and Chex.

One tricky color to find on the cereal boxes was black. Even Count Chocula is brown and blue. Grumbles finally settled on “cream filled chocolate something,” which unfortunately wasn’t a favorite of her son’s.

But cereal box art isn’t always

together to lead us to the present.

“I kind of look at a single one as a snapshot,” Curnes said. “But all together, it’s this beautiful feature film of what’s happening.”

Curnes chose the show’s participants through a blind selection process. The result was a mix of emerging artists and established professionals, several of whom hailed from the Park Cities or Preston Hollow.

SAVE THE DATE

“I didn’t want names to influence, because that’s not what the show was about,” she explained. “It wasn’t about how well are you known, or how many followers do you have. It wasn’t about anything other than your talent, your energy, and your connection to this specific show.”

Curnes said the ownership of beautiful art shouldn’t be exclusive, either. ALG Fine Art’s pieces are available at a range of price points, from a pack of notecards which costs $25 to $25,000 for a large installation of a dozen or more sculpted glass flowers.

Curnes hopes to continue creating immersive art experiences and fostering fine art as an inclusive experience for creators, collectors and the community.

“I created beauty out of brokenness,” she said. “It was so healing and joyful and impactful for me. It changed my life. I continued creating to be able to share that beauty with the world and share that joy with others.”

sugar-coated.

Grumbles’ previous work included primarily acrylic and oil paintings she had done on commission. Splicing and dicing cereal boxes was much more time consuming. Who knew if it would sell, and how could she value it?

“I’m afraid to take some of that

time with a set paycheck and paint and do whatever I want,” she said.

“Yet the reward is so much greater than the risk usually.”

Since Taylor Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce wears number 87 with the Kansas City Chiefs, Grumbles decided on a price of $8,787 for Art by a Thousand Cuts, which was included

Check out more snap, crackle and eye-popping art at Jenny Grumbles’ website, jgrumblesstudio.com.

in ALG Fine Art’s recent Visiting Artists Show, “Own Your Own Story; Write Your Own Ending.”

That portrait sold during the show, and the three other pieces in Grumbles’ cereal box series have sold as well.

Grumbles is now trying to focus less on commissions and more on cereal. She is currently finishing a portrait of rapper Kendrick Lamar titled Frosted Mini-Beats.

Her new outlet combines Grumbles’ love of art with her passion for recycling furniture. She used to own a vintage décor and trash to treasure business in Snider Plaza but put that work aside after her son was born.

“I finally found a way to combine recycled trash and fine art,” she said. “Both of my worlds have collided. Maybe, I really am doing what I should be doing.”

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events at ALG Fine Art, 1302 Dragon St.: • Dec. 6 from 12 to 8 p.m.: Merriment Market, a day of festive fun featuring fine art, artsy gifts, and delicious artisanal creations.

Jan. 25 from 5 to 8 p.m.: “It Started in Paris,” a solo show from Anna Curnes featuring innovative fusions of glass, acrylic, and mixed media inspired by her artist residency in France.

Anna Curnes stands next to Director’s Cut at ALG Fine Art. CAROL RIELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Jenny Grumbles with ArtbyaThousandCuts SARAH HODGES

LEFT TO RIGHT: Alexandra Lambring Billmyre, Austin Holmes, Amy T. Ford, Ryan Nordhaus*, Rob McAngus*+, George Parker*, Jim Mueller*+†^, Charlie Hodges (Of Counsel)*+†^, Abby Foster*+, Shane Landers, Kim Meaders, Ravi Mohan, Maddison Clark and Jason Naumann

Crystal Charity Ball to Take Dallasites on ‘New York Holiday’

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

This year’s New York Holiday-themed Crystal Charity Ball will recreate the enchantment of New York City in wintertime to thank those who have helped bring some magic to children in need.

“New York is one of my favorite destinations during the holidays,” said 2024 Ball Chairman Cheryl Joyner. “I just absolutely love walking down Fifth Avenue and seeing all the beautiful stores decorated, and Rockefeller Center with the beautiful tree, and strolling through Central Park and seeing ice skaters.”

Guests at the 72nd Crystal Charity Ball will meander through Central Park as they enter the Hilton Anatole on Dec. 7. Twinkling lights, beautiful trees, iconic businesses, and landmarks will together recreate New York City at the height of the holiday season.

“I hope they’re excited about the décor. I hope they’re excited about the music,” Joyner said. “I think everybody’s just in the mood to have a great party.”

The Ball will celebrate about 1,600 attendees for their support of Dallas children’s charities. Organizers are close to reaching their goal of raising

$7,093,665 for seven beneficiaries selected through a careful vetting process.

This year, funds will benefit the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, HHM Health, Methodist Health System Foundation, Parkland Health Foundation, The Center for Integrative Counseling and Psychology, Traffick911, and Vogel.

Excess funds will be committed to the Crystal Charity Ball’s 70th Anniversary Project, Action Before Crisis. The collaboration between Children’s Health and the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute facilitates the early identification and treatment of mental health issues in children.

“I am just so proud of the beneficiaries we have this year,” Joyner said. “I think we’re touching so many segments of our community, and it’s just been an absolute pleasure to be able to fundraise for these seven worthy organizations.”

One hundred volunteers came together to make Crystal Charity a success. Their year began the Monday after last year’s Masterpieces in the Making-themed gala. They initially focused on beneficiary selection before turning their attention to fundraising in March.

Crystal Charity has distributed more than $191 million in funds since 1952.

Its sole purpose is to aid and support Dallas County charities primarily concerned with the care, development, or welfare of children.

Over the years, more than 160 children’s charities have benefitted from members’ efforts. 56,044 children will be aided through 2024 funding alone.

Joyner has been a member of Crystal Charity since 2015. She has served as Ball treasurer and in multiple chair roles over the years, including underwriting, silent auction, casino gifts and prizes, and Ball and fashion show contribution tickets.

“I just love serving children,” Joyner said. “I think the best thing we can do as a community is to help all children, especially those who are at most need. I just love having the opportunity to do so in my small way.”

WANT TO GO?

The Crystal Charity Ball honors the generous supporters of children’s charities, and tickets are not for sale. An invitation to attend the Ball is extended to underwriters if space is available. Visit the Ball’s website at crystalcharityball.org to learn more.

Beneficiaries

Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

The Commitment: $708,750

The museum’s vision is to educate and inspire the community, and especially children, to commit to act against injustice and promote human dignity. Crystal Charity Ball will provide three years of funding for the Museum Experience Fund, ensuring that thousands of Title I and economically disadvantaged students in Dallas County can visit the museum free of charge. The grant includes transportation, teacher curriculum support, and written student materials.

HHM Health

The Commitment: $1,099,045

HHM Health is a faith-based and patient-focused community health center. It provides quality healthcare for uninsured and underinsured families. Crystal Charity Ball funds will purchase, outfit, and staff a mobile pediatric clinic designed to provide high-quality and holistic healthcare to newborns, infants, children and teens. The mobile clinic will deliver care to patients at locations across South Dallas.

Methodist Health System Foundation

The Commitment: $1,148,907

Methodist Dallas Medical Center is a non-

Vogel

The Center for Integrative Counseling and Psychology

HHM Health

Methodist Health System Foundation Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

profit, faith-based hospital that delivers compassionate, quality healthcare to approximately 75,000 patients in southern Dallas annually. Crystal Charity Ball will fund the construction of an Obstetrics Emergency Department which will be housed within Methodist Dallas’ Labor and Delivery Unit. By enabling quick and efficient emergency care to pregnant women, the department is projected to reduce the incidence of preterm deliveries by 22 percent.

Parkland Health Foundation

The Commitment: $1,000,000

Parkland is Dallas County’s only public health system and focuses primarily on providing care to the underserved and uninsured. Crystal Charity Ball funds will be used to establish a pediatric health clinic at Parkland’s Richland Health Center. The health center is being built in a medical desert in Northeast Dallas County on the Dallas College-Richland campus.

The Center for Integrative Counseling and Psychology

The Commitment: $1,029,051

The Center’s therapists and psychologists have provided expert counseling, psychological and educational evaluations, and training for North Texas youth and adults since 1968. Crystal Charity Ball funds will be used to expand mental health education and counseling services

in West Dallas and extend those services into South Dallas. Funds will also support renovation of a new play therapy room for services and training at The Center’s central office.

Traffick911

The Commitment: $607,912

Traffick911 is the only agency in Dallas County that provides round-the-clock crisis response for child sex trafficking victims. Crystal Charity Ball funds will enable a three-year expansion of the flagship Voice & Choice Survivor Empowerment Program. The program pairs child sex trafficking victims with highly-trained advocates who create trust-based relationships with the children and provide services including outings, support groups, and backpacks stocked with essentials and a teddy bear.

Vogel

The Commitment: $1,500,000

Vogel provides high-quality early childhood education, development and mental health services, and other forms of support to help stabilize homeless families and move them toward housing and employment. Crystal Charity Ball funds will be used over two years to underwrite the salaries of teachers and administrators at the new Vogel childcare center in The Shops at RedBird in southern Dallas. — Compiled by Sarah Hodges

THE GIFT

Often our residents tell me that one of the greatest gifts they ever gave themselves or their family was moving to The Tradition. Here is what one family member has to say about their own experience:

“I think the biggest gift is the serenity of knowing that everything is taken care of—that mom is taken care of, and my sister and I don’t have to worry about anything. And that my mom is very happy, and seeing her happy makes us happy. That was a gift that I wasn’t expecting because we didn’t know what to expect, but it all turned out just fabulous.”

THE GIFT to you – that allows you the time and energy to explore, engage and enjoy this vibrant lifestyle.

THE GIFT to your family – who will not worry about your wellbeing and happiness.

I hope that you will consider giving The Gift® to yourself or to your family and join us at The Tradition. Please make an appointment to tour our beautiful Community, meet residents firsthand and learn more. I look forward to welcoming you home!

Founder & CEO The Tradition

THE TRADITION – PRESTONWOOD 15250 Prestonwood Blvd., Dallas, TX 75248 Independent Living (972) 388-1144 • Assisted Living & Memory Care (972) 661-1880 THE TRADITION – LOVERS LANE 5850 East Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75206

2024 Ball Chairman Cheryl Joyner with her husband, Richard Joyner TAMYTHA CAMERON PHOTOGRAPHY

Foundation Parkland Health Foundation

It’s all in the Cards for the Dodson Family Childhood idioms provide amusing content for former aerospace executive

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

If the words “redneck” and “aerospace executive” scream oxymoron to you, you’ve yet to meet Dahlem Dodson, whose hilarious new card game crowns the player with the most teeth — most often lost in a brawl — the “Redneck Rhetoric” champion.

“It’s more about appealing to creative imaginations and people who can appreciate a little humor.”

Dahlem Dodson

Dodson, not a particularly chatty fella, doesn’t put on any airs, and the numbers guy seems to care little about radiating counterfeit southern panache. But it doesn’t take much digging to reveal the story behind his deep-rooted modesty.

The former RTX executive and Preston Hollow resident grew up in

small town Decatur, retiring last year from his CFO position, eliminating his frequent commutes to Washington D.C. and Arlington, Va. A nonprofit board member, which includes his role with the International Dyslexia Association’s Dallas chapter, Dodson prefers, as his wife Amy conveyed, “to fly under the radar.”

Inspired by his children’s chuckles at the colloquialisms exchanged during the Wise County reunions their family revisited each year — the southern idioms of Dodson’s childhood flooding his memory — he called on his sister to help formulate the material for a new card game he named “Redneck Rhetoric”.

Compiling the questions for the game soon became a family affair.

“Everyone took part in contributing to the content,” he said. His wife, Amy, a former preschool teacher, was tasked with eliminating cards deemed “too bawdy.”

Keeping his children engaged in the underwhelming behind-the-

scenes logistics took some persuasion on dad’s part, but their efforts paid off when the trademark request came through, a manufacturer was established, and a newfound hilarity took over family game night.

Older sisters Melissa and Meredith were no longer guaranteed the win as they’d been accustomed to in Scrabble and Monopoly, as advancement in the game is earned by stealthy quick-wittedness.

Dodson named his youngest, Davis, the family’s all-star player.

“All of a sudden, out of nowhere, he comes with these zingers that have us all cracking up,” said the dad of three.

But how would the southern anecdotes resonate with a group of say, Nantucket residents?

“It’s more about appealing to creative imaginations and people who can appreciate a little humor,” Dodson replied. “The best was when my eldest daughter told me the game was popular with her college friends on the other side of the country — that alone made the entire process worthwhile.”

Dahlem Dodson, wife Amy, daughters Meredith, Melissa (not pictured), and son Davis have loads of laughs during family game time.

CHRIS MCGATHEY

Sing (Or Rather, Bake) It With Me: ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’

After much planning, recipe testing, and a full day of filming, my 2nd annual Christmas TV special will air throughout December.

At Home with Christy Rost: CHRISTMAS features sweet gifts from the kitchen, sparkling cocktails, Spanish Romesco sauce for a holiday party refresh, a lesson on how to make gift baskets like a pro, an apres ski fondue you’ll want to serve even if you don’t ski, wine pairings, and cookies that kids of all ages will adore.

The show ends with a festive Christmas party which you can find on my YouTube channel Christy Rost Cooks.

It’s not easy filming Christmas in August — even when filming in the mountains.

One obstacle is the lack of snow, but the camera crew’s flight delays from New York solved that issue because we ended up filming the

minutes. Add eggs, vanilla, and water (if at high altitude), beating until smooth.

In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the creamed mixture with a large spoon until well combined. Transfer the cookie dough to a smaller bowl, cover tightly, and chill several hours or overnight.

When the cookie dough is cold, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Roll half of the

Decorative Frosting

of summer when others are running around in shorts and heading out for a hike. Thankfully, my kitchen crew took it upon themselves to shout “Merry Christmas” as soon as I walked into the kitchen that morning. Talk about team spirit!

I carefully select recipes for the Christmas show, keeping in mind what viewers want to see. Decorated cookies are always a fan favorite so this year it’s Santa Claus cookies. A sugar cookie that’s buttery and mildly sweet complements the buttercream stars form ing Santa’s face. Rath er than Santa cookie cutters, I turn large heart-shaped cook ies around so the point becomes his

and transfer them to a wire rack to cool. When cookies are completely cool, decorate with frosting.

furry hat and the top of the heart becomes his snowy beard.

I’ll admit decorating the cookies takes time, so it’s best suited to a quiet afternoon or when you have enthusiastic helpers to pipe tinted frosting. Turn this into a family project served with cups of hot cocoa topped with swirls of whipped cream, and you have the formula for a sweet memory.

Merry Christmas!

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

Buttercream Decorative Frosting

Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 6 cups confectioners’ sugar 6 – 7 tablespoons milk Dash of salt

milk to form a stiff frosting. Add vanilla and mix well.

Transfer 2/3 of the frosting to a large piping bag fitted with a large, star tip. Pipe Santa’s beard, mustache, and the pompom on his hat and place a red cinnamon candy in the center of the mustache for his nose. Divide the remaining frosting in half and tint half with red food coloring and half with blue. Place red frosting in a small piping bag fitted with a small star tip for Santa’s

CHRISTY

ROST

CHRISTY ROST

4700 Dorset Road is currently being offered for $10,695,000.

Beautifully reimagined

The Best Cheeseburger I Ever Had

The time between Thanksgiving and Jan. 2 is collectively known as “the holidays,” a time to celebrate religious, secular, and cultural festivities with gatherings, traditional food, and gift exchanges.

Previous December columns have been about celebratory places, generational recipes, and food folks enjoy during the holidays. This year, I’m going to tell you about the best cheeseburger I ever had.

It was September 2017, a month after Hurricane Harvey hit Rockport, Texas, a coastal town near Corpus Christi. A friend assembled a group of 21 friends and acquaintances to travel there to help clean up efforts.

We weren’t organized by any group or church, but we affiliated on the ground with Samaritan’s Purse, which provided equipment such as shovels, chainsaws, and tarps, and assigned job descriptions for each location.

The smell of rot, mold, and despair permeated the wet, breezeless air in Rockport. None of us, including several military veterans, had ever seen so much devastation.

Fields of debris two-stories high lay parallel to Texas-35, the main road we took daily to and from the work sites from our base in Corpus. Our jobs included cutting down trees that had fallen into homes and streets, removing drenched, moldy furniture, including refrigerators full

of rotten food, and other household items, and carting them to curbside debris piles.

Not being handy with a hammer or chainsaw, I mostly removed smaller items homeowners had in their cabinets, drawers, and closets. Items that make up a lifetime of memories – photos, souvenirs, clothing. We all have them. I even saw a large collection of mix tapes that a homeowner curated with titles such as “Summer of 87.”

On day three, we were in Copano Heights, a neighborhood with some homes completely wiped from their foundations, some that were only missing roofs and fences. A black pickup stopped at our site and invited volunteers to a nearby home for dinner after our workday was done. No one wanted to go. We were hot, tired, sore, exhausted physically and mentally. But we went.

fired with mesquite from one of the hundreds of fallen trees. Part of the garage roof was missing, there was no electricity, no place to wash up, and only few of the hosts spoke English so there was little conversation.

That meal, which also included charro beans and melted chocolate cupcakes, stayed with me as one of the best of my life. Prepared and served by grateful strangers who had little to give but gave what they could.

“Sitting in a camp chair with a Styrofoam clamshell container balanced on my knees, I ate a cheeseburger cooked on a grill fired with mesquite from one of the hundreds of fallen trees.”

And there is where I ate the best cheeseburger I ever had. Sitting in a camp chair with a Styrofoam clamshell container balanced on my knees, I ate a cheeseburger cooked on a grill

In broken Spanish and English, we expressed gratitude for their hospitality, and they thanked us back for helping their community. For me it was Thanksgiving and Christmas combined, gifts that can never be washed away.

Happy holidays to you. May you offer and enjoy unconditional generosity and hospitality to friends and strangers alike.

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.

The home offers a stunningly architecturally

MARKETPLACE

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

KERSTEN RETTIG

Residents of the storm-ravaged Copano Heights neighborhood in Rockport, Texas, served up a delicious meal for the volunteers who came to help after Hurricane Harvey in 2017. KERSTEN RETTIG

DAVE PERRY-MILLER REAL ESTATE

Elegant Mediterranean Living with Versatile Design

Experience luxury living in this custom Mediterranean residence at 5811 Preston Haven Drive (5811prestonhaven.daveperrymiller.com), set on an almost half-acre corner lot in the private school corridor. Listed by Laura Michelle, the 4,393-square-foot home is priced at $2,295,000. Behind the gated entry, a serene courtyard and motor court welcome you to a single-level lifestyle with expansive living spaces. The great room’s wall of windows frames breathtaking views of the meticulously landscaped backyard, complete with a tranquil fountain and extended entertainment area.

Designed for both comfort and elegance, the open living and dining areas flow into a chef’s kitchen, featuring a large island, granite countertops, and top-of-the-line stainless appliances. The primary suite offers a spalike retreat with dual closets and an opulent bath, while two additional bedrooms share a convenient Jack-and-Jill bath on the main level.

An upstairs flex space is ready to meet your needs, offering room for a gym, office or future bedrooms.

To schedule a showing, contact Laura at 214228-3854 or laura@dpmre.com.

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

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Incredible homes available in the Park Cities

Move-in ready homes are currently available through the Park Cities experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

The real estate experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates lead all brokerages in helping sell homes in Highland Park, according to the Multiple Listing Service. Check out some of these exceptional listings available now.

On a corner lot, a French contemporary-style showplace at 3300 Dartmouth Ave. has a two-story foyer. This four-bedroom home has five fireplaces, and the primary suite has a balcony that overlooks a pool and a patio with a fireplace.

The five-bedroom, 5.2-bath home at 4300 Fairfax Ave., which offers convenient proximity to Highland Park Village. Two stately oaks welcome you to a world of elegance. Formal spaces dazzle with a Baccarat chandelier and hardwood floors throughout. The chef’s kitchen boasts Wolf, SubZero appliances, walk-in pantry, and 1,200-bottle wine storage.

On one of Highland Park’s most prestigious streets is a traditional-style home that is the epitome of luxury living. The classic, four-bedroom home at 3919 Gillon Ave. has fireplaces in the study, living and family room. Outside is a pool, lap pool and hot tub to complement this meticulously crafted residence.

With a French-inspired exterior, the three-story home at 4385 San Carlos St. greets guests with a gorgeous foyer. The home has four bedrooms and multiple living spaces, plus a large office and playroom. It also has a detached guest quarters above the garage.

EBBY HALLIDAY

DFW Named Nation’s

Hottest Real Estate Market for 2025

Dallas-Fort Worth has claimed the top spot as the best U.S. market for real estate investment and development in 2025, according to the Emerging Trends in Real Estate report by PriceWaterhouseCoopers and the Urban Land Institute. This accolade highlights D-FW’s growth, affordability, and economic diversity, making it a standout among U.S. metros.

The region’s strong post-pandemic recovery and demographic growth have propelled DFW into the top 10 for six consecutive years. Total employment has grown by 11.2% since 2020, and with 23 Fortune 500 companies, DFW boasts one of the highest concentrations of major corporations in the country. This combination of job opportunities and economic diversity continues to attract both new residents and businesses.

Dallas has seen its median home price climb 38% since early 2020. With annualized five- and 10-year real estate returns among the best in the nation, DFW remains a top choice for investors.

Dallas-Fort Worth’s momentum and market resilience underscore its strength and longevity as a prime destination. If you’re looking to navigate the nation’s No. 1 real estate market, trust the No. 1 company to guide you. To connect with an agent who’s invested in your success, visit ebby.com.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Finding a home in West Highland Park

Only a 10-minute drive away from downtown, West Highland Park is filled with hidden gems, including redone cottages and a variety of newly constructed two-story homes.

The experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates know West Highland Park well and can guide you to the perfect home.

A beautifully redone, traditional-style home at 4642 Edmondson Ave. has four bedrooms and three fireplaces. The family room has a fireplace and a wet bar, perfect for casual entertaining. Outdoors, relax with a pool and family friendly turfed yard.

Dreaming of owning a mid-century modern home? See the gem at 5332 Edmondson Ave. The open living room has a marble-clad fireplace, and the primary bedroom suite has a sitting area and a spa-like bath.

The four-bedroom home at 4624 S. Versailles Ave. is typical of the homes that are changing West Highland Park into one of Dallas’ most sought-after communities. Built in 2019, it has a dramatic double entrance with herring-bone hardwood flooring.

A totally renovated home on one of West Highland Park’s most desirable blocks, 4665 Belclaire Ave., has a new second floor, where owners can enjoy a media room and game room. The primary bedroom remains downstairs along with an additional bedroom.

2300 Wolf St. #8BC Residences at the Stoneleigh $6,975,000

Listed by Allie Beth Allman, Sanders Averea & Kyle Crews

This exquisite custom high-rise home features the finest of finishes. Direct access elevator opens to a spectacular entry foyer reminiscent of Park Avenue, with lacquered privacy doors and walls along with limestone flooring. The gourmet kitchen, designed by Christopher Peacock, features hand-crafted cabinetry and custom hardware that compliments the hand cut Ann Sachs tile backsplash. Cambria Borgini marble and Stone Smith countertops. The spacious primary suite has custom his and her bathrooms, featuring Zanger tile. A large, covered terrace accessible by hideaway sliding doors from the living area and is landscaped with custom faux plants, to remain. Three additional terraces are accessible from one of two studies as well as the guest suite & her master bath. Residence 8BC includes a private threecar garage adjacent two additional parking spaces, all located in a controlled access underground parking garage. Truly a one-ofa-kind, stunning home.

In Preston Hollow, luxury meets convenience to Dallas amenities

Preston Hollow stands out as one of DFW’s most sought-after neighborhoods, offering a perfect blend of convenience, beautiful landscapes and an exceptional quality of life.

Real estate experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates can find a home that’s the right fit for your lifestyle in Preston Hollow.

The five-bedroom contemporary style home at 6530 Prestonshire Lane offers luxurious living, with a media room, exercise area and a covered patio overlooking an expansive back yard. Enjoy the open-concept floor plan, ideal for large family gatherings. The primary bedroom and guest suite are conveniently located on the first level.

Discover a meticulously updated gem in a zerolot line community, just listed at 5801 Trail Meadow Drive. This three-bedroom, three-bath home offers refined living on a generous lot. Step into an open layout featuring fresh paint, hardwood floors, and abundant natural light.

The new construction home at 4206 Woodfin Drive is set on a corner lot with all the benefits of an interior lot, including a gated motor court leading to a five-car garage. The 9,655-square-foot transitional home remains stately, with classic tile flooring in the foyer, arched passageways, paneled molding on the walls, and beam ceilings.

ALLIE

BETH ALLMAN

What $10 million+ gets you in Dallas real estate

Some of Dallas’ most beautiful and notable estates are now available through Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

Home buyers looking at Dallas properties priced at $10 million and higher want to work with the best. That’s why they often seek out the expert agents of Allie Beth Allman & Associates, who consistently lead in the sale of homes in this category. Here are some estates to consider.

Minutes away from Highland Park Village and the Dallas Country Club, 3915 Euclid Ave. delivers beauty and privacy in a prime location. The 8,553-square-foot home stands out for its exquisite mix of contemporary style and Mediterranean warmth.

Perched at 10540 Lennox Lane, an extraordinary estate for sale on Preston Hollow’s coveted Strait Lane corridor spans nearly 4.7 acres. Within the 17,102-square foot home you’ll find a catering kitchen, wine cellar, golf simulator and media room. Looking for something more modern? Alex Perry can take you to 4703 Bluffview Blvd. The one-story stunner was completed just this year. Wherever you are at the 11,279-square-foot residence, ample walls of glass allow for effortless nature views and peeks of the sleek pool.

The Palladian neoclassical masterpiece at 10777 Strait Lane would be a true prize for anyone’s real estate portfolio. From its imported antique fireplaces and exotic materials to its formal gardens, every detail is tailored and unique.

Finding your forever home in University Park

University Park’s numerous luxury homes have proven that they hold their value year after year, according to the Park Cities real estate experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

Thanks to its convenient location and excellent school district, homes in family friendly University Park are considered a sound investment.

The three-bedroom, Tudor-style home at 4025 Purdue Ave. features beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows. The kitchen features stainless-steel countertops, a double oven and a marble island.

The home at 3612 Wentwood Drive was recently updated by Hawkins-Welwood Homes and has 11foot ceilings on the first floor and 9-foot ceilings on the second. It was built as a forever home, with wide arched doorways and extra wide hallways and front stairway.

The five-bedroom home at 3929 Southwestern Blvd., also newly renovated, has a center hallway flanked by a study on one side and a living room with a fireplace on the other. Enjoy an indoor-outdoor lifestyle with sliding doors that lead to a patio with motorized screens.

A short walk from Boone Elementary School is a four-bedroom home at 7427 Centenary Ave. It is designed for casual family living and memorable entertaining with beautiful hardwood flooring and moldings in the living and dining rooms.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN URBAN

Buyers love West Highland Park for its convenient location and block-by-block charm, say agents with Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Find a home in Preston Hollow with the help of an Allie Beth Allman & Associates agent.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

These University Park homes offered by Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents are zoned for HPISD and include numerous updates for modern living.