Preston Hollow People September 2024

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PEYTON BONO

Iam honored to join the team at Preston Hollow People and am excited to work with its talented staff.

Writing to inform, persuade, and inspire feeds my spirit.

I am eager to bring innovative reporting and creative storytelling to our audience, interweaving my experiences living abroad, raising quarter horses, and shooting black and white photography.

Though not a homegrown Texan, I have been in the Lone Star State long enough to call myself a native.

“I

After cutting my teeth in journalism at The Baylor Lariat , I expanded my interior design and historic preservation studies, parlaying the two into a popular local television program featuring residential transformations.

My vintage couture boutique at the Statler Hotel combined iconic styles from every era. I have a deep kinship to the Dallas community I’ve called home for over three decades.

I have raised a family here and have built treasured friendships. I am always open for conversation and look forward to continuing to highlight our dynamic community.

City manager search

Former People Newspapers deputy editor Bethanny Erickson, who now reports for the online team at our sister publication D Magazine , posted a recent update on the search for the next Dallas city manager.

Erickson reports that interim city manager Kim Tolbert will likely remain in her post at least through the end of the year. The Ad Hoc Committee on Administrative Affairs met to discuss the rough draft of a brochure that will outline the Dallas market to prospective candidates and pinpoint what the city expects of its new hire. The brochure will accompany search firm Baker Tilly’s recruitment efforts.

Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins, who chairs the committee, believes the council will be able to name a sole finalist by year’s end. Council members will interview the final candidates after Baker Tilly narrows the

CITY UPDATES

field to four or five. The council’s last scheduled meeting date is slated for December 11.

November council elections?

Erickson, D Magazine’s senior digital editor, also posted about the Dallas City council devoting nine hours of a recent meeting to discussing charter amendments to be placed on the November ballot.

Voters will decide on an extensive slate of amendments, including a measure that would move the fraud investigation offices at City Hall from the City Attorney’s Office to the council’s oversight, and a measure that would allow non-citizens to serve on boards and commissions.

An amendment that would move the council elections from May to November will also be on the ballot. If approved by voters, that matter would require state legislation.

Crime Reports July 8 – Aug. 11

July 8

A man had his property stolen from the side of his home at an unknown time in the 6400 block of Del Norte Lane.

July 9

A burglar stole property from a car in an apartment parking lot before 11:24 a.m. in the 3900 block of West Northwest Highway.

July 10

A shoplifter struck a Tom Thumb in the 11900 block of Preston Road at an unspecified time.

July 11

A would-be burglar attempted to enter a home around 5 p.m. in the 4200 block of Valley Ridge Road.

July 12

A thief concealed over $11,000 of stolen merchandise before 12:40 p.m. on July 12 at NorthPark Center.

July 13

At an unspecified time, a home had property stolen from it in the 5000 block of Deloache Avenue.

July 14

A jewelry thief took a ring from a store container before 1 p.m. in the 12800 block of Preston Road.

July 15

A drunk driver caused an accident around 3:32 a.m. in the 5100 block of Royal Lane.

July 16

A burglar pried open a door and stole from a retail store at an unspecified time in the 10700 block of Preston Road.

July 17

Around 1 p.m., a woman’s car was burglarized in the 6000 block of Royal Lane.

July 18

Police were called after a car was left parked on a street for three days in the 10800 block of Netherland Drive.

July 20

A vandal damaged a man’s property at an unspecified time in the 6000 block of Norway Road.

July 21

A 22-year-old man was arrested for violent robbery while possessing marijuana around 4:32 p.m. in the 4600 block of West Northwest Highway.

July 22

A thief stole a man’s car around 3:49 a.m. in the 6500 block of Del Norte Lane.

July 23

At an unspecified time, food and drink were stolen from a business in the 6700 block of Hillcrest Plaza Drive.

July 24

Police recovered an out-of-town stolen vehicle around 5:36 a.m. in the 12900 block of Preston Road.

July 25

An arsonist set fire to a home’s roof before 11:07 p.m. in the 9900 block of Strait Lane.

July 26

A trespasser was warned around 8:55 a.m. at a restaurant in the 3600 block of Inwood Road.

July 27

A man was arrested around 7:49 a.m. for disorderly conduct after using vulgar language at a restaurant in the 4300 block of West Northwest Highway.

July 28

A 27-year-old woman was arrested for racing on a highway around 9:22 p.m. in the 4700 block of LBJ Freeway.

A vandal scaled a wood fence to damage someone’s property at an unspecified time in the 6000 block of Stefani Drive.

July 29

At an unreported time, a woman’s car was struck by another vehicle in the 8400 block of Preston Road.

July 30

A green leafy substance was found during a traffic stop around 7:46 p.m. in the 6000 block of LBJ Freeway.

July 31

At an unreported time, a car was burglarized in the 3900 block of West

SCHOOLS: Mayor Johnson Hosts

Northwest Highway.

Aug. 1

A ’98 Ford F150 was burglarized around 11:43 a.m. in the 11000 block of Saint Jude Drive.

Aug. 2

A display case with jewelry in it was stolen around 3:33 p.m. in the 5300 block of Forest Lane.

Aug. 3

A car was burglarized after having its window broken around 5:09 p.m. in the 5900 block of Forest Lane.

Aug. 4

A home was burglarized around 6:32 a.m. in the 10000 block of Barrywood Drive.

Aug. 5

An unwelcome pharmacy guest was given a criminal trespassing warning around noon in the 12800 block of Preston Road.

At an unreported time in the 6300 block of West Northwest Highway , a burglar attempted to steal a car.

Aug. 6

Around 1:26 p.m. a woman was called and harassed at work in the 8200 block of Douglas Avenue.

Someone was spammed with calls and emails before 4 p.m. in the 8200 block of Westchester Drive.

A license plate larcenist struck at an unreported time in the 3900 block of West Northwest Highway.

Aug. 7

A car was burglarized and property inside was stolen around 7:43 p.m. in the 6100 block of Luther Lane.

A pharmacy was burglarized at an unspecified time in the 12800 block of Preston Road.

Aug. 8

Lawn equipment was stolen from a truck around 1:31 p.m. in the 4600 block of Dorset Road.

Around 8:21 p.m., a burglar broke the

Aug. 9

A car was stolen around 9:46 p.m. from the NorthPark Center.

Someone fired a gun at a vehicle while it was being driven at an unreported time in the 7900 block of Forest Lane.

Aug. 10

A man was pepper sprayed by a waiting assailant while riding his bike around 6:41 p.m. in the 11200 block of Preston Road.

A car was stolen at an unspecified time in the 6800 block of Aberdeen Avenue.

Aug. 11

A vandal struck a home in the 4400 block of Caruth Boulevard at an unreported time.

of the MONTH: ROAD TRIP

A 36-year-old man was arrested in the 5300 block of West Lovers Lane around 2:36 p.m. on July 30 for being in possession of a vehicle stolen in Chicago, roughly 900 miles away. For more crimes, visit peoplenewspapers.com/ category/crime/

window of and stole from a car in the 5100 block of West Lovers Lane.

NEWS: Preston Hollow JOANN Store Goes

Cut Above’ to Make Wish Come True SARAH HODGES

A Next-Level Real Estate Experience

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Preston Hollow Lawyer Keeps Memory of Little Mexico Alive Sol Villasana uses writing and law experience to help communities, past and present

By John Anderson People Newspapers

Sol Villasana recalls fondly his time growing up and living with his family in Dallas’ Little Mexico.

The community of people and places helped shape who he is, and although he now lives about a 10-minute car ride away in Preston Hollow, the only way he can still see the barrio is through photographs.

Villasana is using his 40-plus years of law experience to fight for the memory of Little Mexico and other communities.

“Even though most of Little Mexico was lost, that doesn’t have to be the way now for other neighborhoods.”

Sol Villasana

Little Mexico was started by those fleeing the 1910 Mexican revolution. Villasana’s family, who left Mexico during the height of the violence in 1916, were some of the first to settle.

The “lost city” was built north of downtown, near the railroads, on unpaved streets,

“I think the immigrant story is really important,” Villasana said. “The whole idea of coming to a new country, and not speaking the language, not having much money, but having a drive and an entrepreneurial spirit. I mean, I was impressed growing out by all these folks whose story I didn’t know in detail.”

Villasana knows a lot more details about these stories now.

The idea to write a book about Little Mex

Villasana’s stories and photos in the book came from coffee meetings and old shoeboxes full of keepsakes.

“It was a good time to start talking to people and getting firsthand information from people who were still alive and start trying to accumulate information [and] photographs,” Villasana said.

Writing is not the only way Villasana works to secure Little Mexico’s legacy. He offers his law skills pro bono to help proborhoods at risk of disappearing because

TIPPING POINT

of overdevelopment.

What is currently Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar was built in 1927 as “Dallas’ first school for Hispanic children” and was an important part of Little Mexico’s history. It is still standing today because a group of alumni approached Villasana when they heard it was going to be torn down.

After nine months of legal work, Villasana used Dallas’ landmark ordinance against the landowner and had the building declared a culturally significant historical landmark.

The building was bought by Harwood International and through adaptive reuse now houses a restaurant downstairs and a samurai art museum upstairs.

“So, it still continues to this day (to serve) an educational kind of purpose just like it did in 1927,” Villasana said.

Villasana also works to broker community benefit agreements between developers and existing neighborhoods, ensuring any new construction projects will become part of the community rather than pushing it out.

“I think it’s a happy story,” Villasana said. “Even though most of Little Mexico was lost, that doesn’t have to be the way now for other neighborhoods.”

SATURDAY: 10A-7P SUNDAY: 10A-5P

The 1973 murder of 12-year-old Santos Rodriguez by a police officer pushed Sol Villasana and many others to be more active in their community.

Sol Villasana poses on the Saint Ann property he helped save. He is now turning his attention to ensuring the restoration of Pike Park. JOHN ANDERSON

Featured Artist: Jay Long

▪ Detailed, passionate, and experienced

▪ Texas Super Lawyers® Honoree 2014 to present

▪ Texas Rising Stars Honoree 2008-2014

▪ The Top Women Attorneys in Texas (Texas Monthly) 2019-2023

▪ America’s Most Honored Lawyers - Top 1% (The American Registry)

▪ Equity Shareholder

Teresa Clark Evans Family Law Attorney

For a consultation TEvans@QSLWM.com 214-880-1823

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Home & Business

PICKING THE PERFECT MATTRESS VARIES BY PERSON Real Talk: Stephen H. Kotler

Sometimes a young man needs to try the wrong career before embarking on a successful one.

For New Jersey native Stephen Kotler that meant relocating to Aspen in 1982 to open a restaurant with his father at the base of Ruthie’s Run, a wellknown Colorado ski run.

“I soon realized that hospitality was not my true passion, so I decided to move to New York City to pursue a career in real estate,” he said.

Buying a mattress can feel like a high-stakes decision. Not only are mattresses expensive, but the one you choose has a direct impact on your health.

Ac -

cording to a study by

OnePoll for Slumber Cloud (a bedding company), the average American spends a total of 36 years lying in bed over their lifetime. Read on for my personal tips for finding a mattress that fits both your body and your bedroom perfectly.

There are a lot of mattress options on the market, which can make shopping for one even more intimidating. Learning about the pros and cons of each kind can help you narrow down your options.

Memory foam

Memory foam “cradles” your body, taking some of the pressure off your shoulders and hips. It also helps to absorb the movements of a

sleeping partner. The main drawback of memory foam is that it traps heat.

Latex

Latex mattresses are firmer and more expensive than memory foam mattresses. Since natural latex comes from rubber trees, it is more eco-friendly than synthetic materials like foam.

Innerspring

Air circulates between the coils of an innerspring mattress, creating a cooler night’s sleep. These mattresses are also more affordable and durable than memory foam. However, they have less cushioning. You can always buy an innerspring mattress with a pillow-top for added comfort.

Other considerations

There is a real art to picking a mattress that is proportional to the bed, the nightstand, and the rest of the room. Mattresses have gotten so thick that they overpower a room or dwarf the headboard sometimes. Tall beds can be dangerous to fall out of too, especially

HOUSE OF THE MONTH

for an older person.

In my opinion, the perfect bed height is 27 inches — high enough to be beautiful, but not high enough to be dangerous. I’d recommend pairing a 12-inch dust ruffle with a 15-inchtall mattress to make a total of 27 inches. Your night chest should ideally be a few inches above the top of the mattress, box spring, and frame.

Now, if you want a whole new bedroom—not just a new mattress—then it might be time to speak with an interior designer. Bedrooms are one of my favorite spaces to design because there is so much room for creativity.

Whether you go it alone or hire a professional, taking the time to find the perfect bed for your body, budget, and room is always worth the effort.

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.

TAlmost like magic, that move made all the difference.

What is the best thing about working in real estate?

I love that every day is different in real estate, so you constantly have to reinvent yourself. There are always various obstacles to overcome and new areas to grow yourself in. I also enjoy the coaching and mentorship aspect as I have found immense value in both learning from and guiding others in the industry.

“I have been working in various capacities in real estate for more than 30 years and still love what I do every day,” said Kotler, the CEO of Brokerage for the Western Region (California, Colorado, Nevada and Texas) of Douglas Elliman. He relocated this year to Highland Park from Los Angeles.

What do you like best about Highland Park so far?

The people! Everyone is very friendly, and it feels like a tightknit community.

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

I would tell myself to be extremely intentional about growing my network. Relationships are a huge part of the real estate business, so it’s important to build strong ones and continue engaging with others.

his 1.02-acre French transitional gated estate by renowned architect Richard Drummond Davis & Colby Craig Homes offers an unparalleled blend of elegance and modern luxury. The stately stone exterior, adorned with a slate roof, large windows, copper gutters, and topiary hedges, exudes timeless sophistication. Just inside the 6-bedroom, 7.3-bath home is a two-story, 25-foot entryway featuring a floating staircase, hand-carved marble fireplaces, and exquisite fixtures. The chef’s kitchen boasts top-tier appliances, including Wolf/

What is your outlook on the Dallas market?

In my opinion, Dallas is one of the most exciting cities for real estate and is even outpacing many other luxury markets in the country. I am extremely optimistic about the market, so much so that I relocated here from Los Angeles at the beginning of this year. Individuals and companies, including new restaurants, shops, and national hospitality brands, continue to move to Dallas, and I don’t foresee that stopping anytime soon. The increasing demand paired with limited inventory makes it primed for continued growth.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

At 15 years old, I landed my first job as a magician performing at children’s birthday parties and bar mitzvahs under the name “Stephen the Magnificent” with my dove, Trixie. I learned important qualities such as responsibility and accountability, and how to manage a business.

– Compiled by William Taylor

Sub-Zero, a steam oven, a coffee unit, and dual dishwashers. Iron doors in the great room open to a covered patio with a kitchen, remote shades, and a resort-style pool-spa, ideal for lavish entertaining. For intimate gatherings, the dramatic speakeasy, posh bar, and 2000-bottle wine vault provide the perfect setting. Additional luxuries include a vaulted primary suite with a Philipp Plein chandelier, heated marble floors, and a fully equipped gym, library, office, game room, 120-foot screen theater, Savant & Lutron systems, elevator and whole-home generator.

A featherbed topper goes underneath the sheet, keeping the bed warm and toasty in winter and giving it a full and inviting look.

MICHAEL HUNTER WITH DESIGN BY MARGARET CHAMBERS

RYAN LAHIFF

MARGARET CHAMBERS

Comings and Goings

NOW OPEN

Ylang 23

The Shops of Highland Park

The family-owned business known for fostering and supporting emerging designers opened a flagship store near its sister company, piercing brand Wildlike, in July.

Framebridge

Inwood Village

The custom-framing brand’s new store features a gallery wall showcasing nostalgic items such as a Dirk Nowitzki Mavericks jersey.

Playkout

3501 McKinney Ave.

The unique pickleball fitness studio which replaces traditional cardio machines with custom-designed pickleball stations has opened in Uptown.

NorthPark Center

Various stores

• Jeweler Kendra Scott, known for its design, innovation, use of color, and signature shapes, opened July 6 on level two between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.

• Pizza Leila, which was awarded Best Pizza in 2021 by D Magazine and features Sicilian-style pizza with a modern twist, opened on July 15 in the NorthPark Cafés on level two.

ONESWEAT

Preston Center

The boutique provider of luxury high-intensity interval training celebrated the grand opening of its gym at 8220 Westchester Drive in July.

Perch Bistro and Bar

7709 Inwood Rd.

The newest concept from Lynae Fearing, co-owner of Shinsei and Lovers Seafood and Market, opened on Aug. 9. It offers an array of Italian dishes and European-inspired fare Monday to Saturday.

COMING

Pickleball Kingdom

Galleria Dallas

The 30,320-square-foot location will feature year-round play on 11 indoor courts, a pro shop, locker rooms, lounge and meeting spaces, a snack bar, private lessons, free Pickleball 101 classes, leagues and tournaments, and other events.

Frenchie

The Plaza at Preston Center

The restaurant is slated to open in early 2025 in the location formerly occupied by Corner Bakery.

Oscar de la Renta

Highland Park Village

The Lone Star State’s lone Oscar de la Renta store will open as a pop-up location this fall at 105 Highland Park Village. Customers can expect a curated collection of ready-to-wear styles and accessories, including a full assortment of the Fall 2024 Collection.

MOVED

Zales Jewelers

NorthPark Center

The jeweler, which features a wide range of choices at a variety of price points, opened in a new location on level two near Macy’s on July 12.

Raw by Canines First

5553 W Lovers Lane

The “Pet Foodies” dedicated to helping owners find the best nutrition for their furry friends have moved to a new location next to PetBar.

REMODELED

Tiffany & Co.

NorthPark Center

The storied jeweler opened its remodeled store on level one near Neiman Marcus on July 24.

CLOSED

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

4023 Oak Lawn Ave.

The restaurant specializing in fresh seafood and prime steaks closed its Oak Lawn location in July.

Starbucks Preston Center

The coffee giant’s Preston Center location has closed.

Surreal Creamery

6915 Hillcrest Ave.

The ice cream shop known for its eye-popping mason jar desserts has permanently closed its Snider Plaza location.

— Compiled by Sarah Hodges

MATHEWS

Perch Bistro and Bar CHASE HALL

Ylang 23 COURTESY CELESTE CASS

Kendra Scott COURTESY PHOTO

Local Sandal Company Flips Focus to Growth Hari Mari teams up with Dallas Cowboy Zack Martin, TV’s Shep Rose

By John Anderson People Newspapers

Hari Mari was started as the answer to the question, ‘What if flip flops could be colorful and comfortable?’

Highland Park High School graduate Lila Stewart and her husband, St. Mark’s graduate Jeremy Stewart, were the entrepreneurs who dared to ask this question.

Since 2012, customers have been agreeing with the answer. Now, the Dallas-based company is looking to grow even more and closed on a $10 million equity round earlier this year.

The name and idea for Hari Mari first started while Lila and Jeremy lived in Indonesia. Jeremy worked on producing a documentary about the effects of malnutrition on children, and Lila worked in orphanages. Lila said the experience offered perspective.

“We lived there for three years from 2007 to 2010,” Lila said. “So, when we moved back, it was the big question of ‘after this life-changing experience, like what’s next?’”

Flip-flops were next.

While Lila and Jeremy had changed in those three years, sandals had not.

“When we got back, there was nothing new, nothing innovative; it was all black, all brown, all surf brands,” Lila said.

Jeremy wanted more color from his shoes, and Lila wanted a sandal that didn’t hurt during the breakin period; together, they wanted a shoe that was more about a lifestyle than surfing, a sport that isn’t common in Dallas.

Hari means day in Indo nesian, and Mari means related to the sea in Latin. Together, they make up the lifestyle brand that has grown naturally since then. Lila says the company has seen 30% year-over-year growth.

Around 1,000 retail brands sell Hari Mari, including Dillard’s, Free People, and soon Dick’s Sporting Goods. Now, instead of waiting for the other flip-flop to drop in terms of growth, the Stewarts are taking the matter into their own hands with partnerships and equity rounds.

“This is the first year that we’re putting some dollars behind advertising,” Lila said. “All of our growth, up until this year, has primarily been organic.”

Hari Mari’s equity round was led by Landon Smith, financial services entrepreneur and founder of business advisory firm Riveron.

Smith and his team are also advising Hari Mari on ways to

advertise. So far this year, Hari Mari has sponsored Willie Nelson and Midland events and expanded its philanthropic efforts.

On National Flip Flop Day, Hari Mari matched sales with 600

BRAND BASICS

Hari Mari has a patent for a nobreak-in-period toe post and has started Flops Fighting Cancer and Freedom Flops as philanthropic projects. The brand’s next move is new products and new partnerships.

pairs of children’s shoes donated.

Hari Mari has also partnered with Dallas Cowboys’ Offensive Lineman Zack Martin and television personality heartthrob Shep Rose as brand influencers.

Martin is promoting the brand’s newest style, the Grande, designed for extra-wide feet.

“‘I think bigger guys are really going to like Hari Mari’s Grande,” Martin said. “It’s a sandal made just for them.”

Rose is promoting the brand’s clipper line of flip-flops, which are made with waterproof fullgrain leather.

Jeremy met Rose previously at a charity golf event and noticed he was already wearing the brand, so when Hari Mari wanted to hire its first influencer, his name came up.

“I’m a big believer of supporting brands I wear and like, and that are authentic to my daily life,” Rose said.

This year, Hari Mari hired Shep Rose, the “incorrigible” “rapscallion,” beachgoer, and reality television personality, as its first influencer. COURTESY HARI MARI

Derek M. Albus DDS John M. Kidwell DDS Brett

Williams DDS

The #1 residential real estate team at the #1 firm in Dallas. RICHARD

ART, SOBRIETY, AND GIVING BACK Painter finds peace through creating, moves to Preston Hollow

By Josh Hickman Special Contributor

For Jamie Walters, who recently moved from Uptown with her husband, Rupert, into their Preston Hollow dream home, art is about helping others as well as creative self-expression.

“My dad was an artist,” Jamie said, calling him her most important inspiration. “I’ve always loved art, but it wasn’t something I knew I could do. When I was forty, I thought, ‘I’m going to try it.’”

Inquiries came after she donated art for a Hurricane Harvey relief benefit auction at Kettle Art in Deep Ellum, and she began exhibiting and selling at the gallery.

“Part of my purpose was for the art to be attainable,” she said. “I know what it’s like not to be able to afford original art.”

Her works range in price for people of varying economic strata and are sometimes sold using a particularly personal exhibition technique.

“Early on, I started doing ‘art on the move’ appointments,” Jamie said. “I load up about a dozen pieces in my car — all sizes, all colors — drive them to your home, then we place it. It’s a way to bring art to people that didn’t know they could afford it and didn’t know that Dallas had such accessible art. It’s been a game-changer for me.”

Jamie contends it’s never too late to try new things. “I’ve been sober now over 13 years, and that’s a big part of my journey.

Without that personal, spiritual transformation, the courage to try something new probably wouldn’t have happened.”

“It also represents that light at the end of the tunnel if you’re struggling. But it’s also the light you get to live in after you’ve overcome something.”

Don’t look for her signature on the front of her paintings.

“I sign the back of my work, because most of it can hang any way you want depending on what stage of life or home design that you’re in,” Jamie said.

Outside of art, Jamie has maintained

another career in the finance/revenue cycle side of healthcare, including as chief client officer at Janus Health and Texas Lone Star president for Healthcare Financial Management Association.

“It’s funny, on Monday my team can tell when I’ve been painting all weekend,” she said. “It just gives me a chance to clear my brain.”

“I know what it’s like not to be able to afford original art.”

Jamie Walters

She has donated her work for charitable silent auctions such as those held by Magdalen House, Cattle Baron’s Ball, Dallas 24 Hour Club, and Chef to the Shelters.

“I feel that you’ve got to give it away to keep it. And it opens you up to a whole other group of people for exposure to your art.”

She’s also excited about the opportunities that come with her new neighborhood. “It was my dream to live in this area and have a new, beautiful modern place in the Preston Hollow, and I got it.”

What’s next?

“I’ll do more campaigns to educate all of these amazing people moving here about the Dallas art scene,” she said. “I’m going to continue to donate to organizations that have impacted my life. For me, it’s about being of service through the art.”

Raised on the Ranch Debut novel by Preston Hollow’s Natalie Dossett’s celebrates family history, Texas women

By Lucy Van Meir People Newspapers

Preston Hollow resident Natalie Dossett will release her debut novel in September, after nearly a decade of writing the historical fiction book inspired by her family’s ranch.

Sarita, set in south Texas during prohibition, follows a young girl’s journey for justice as she searches for her brother’s killer.

With this story centering around a young woman, Dossett hopes to bring attention to women’s roles and importance during the 1920s in Texas.

“Even though it’s the men you read about — the men you hear about — there were women that were doing important things,” she said.

Dossett started a Facebook page called “Women of Texas” while researching to further document and acknowledge the undercelebrated women in Texas history.

Though she did complete extensive research when writing the book, much of the story’s characterization and details were based upon stories and things she already knew.

The seventh-generation Texan’s great-great-grandfather was a Texas Ranger, and the stories she’d grown up hearing about him influenced the story greatly.

The story was also majorly influenced by her experinces on the ranch her family has owned since 1905. The ranch featured in her book shares a name with the ranch she grew up with, and shares much of the same characterization.

Dossett’s father, the previous owner of the ranch before her brother, said his favorite part is the descriptions of the scenery, which Dossett describes as one of her favorite features of the book as well.

“South Texas is kind of austere. It’s a lot of cactus and brush. But there’s, to me, there’s a beauty to that,” she said.

Since she grew up there, she said she felt she almost rediscovered the beauty when writing about it and coming up with the story.

“Sometimes, you look at some-

thing so much that you don’t see it anymore,” she said.

One of her hopes with this story is that readers think about south Texas in a way they may otherwise forget to.

Despite her appreciation for her family’s ranch and the history behind it, Dossett did not originally plan to write a story similar to those she grew up hearing.

When she took a writing course at SMU, however, the ideas that came easiest were those like Sarita. “They say, ‘Write what you know,’ and that’s what I did.”

After the initial draft, it wasn’t until 10 years later that Dossett would finally complete the book. Even with such a long writing process, she feels like it happened at the right time of her life.

She has already begun working on a sequel to the story.

Dossett will be hosting and attending multiple events to celebrate her novel’s Sept. 10 release. Those include a book signing at Interabang on Sept. 11 as well as a several private book signing events in Highland Park before she heads out on a nationwide book tour.

Jamie Walters prefers to sign the back of her paintings so buyers can hang them any which way they choose. RUPERT WALTERS

Natalie Dossett

Drew and Natalie Dossett enjoy visiting the ranch. COURTESY NATALIE DOSSETT

LEARN MORE Visit jamiewaltersart.com.

‘Preston Hollow People’ Applauds

• Dylan George, a senior at The Hockaday School, for her selection as a Mary Anne Cree Young Woman of Distinction. Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (GSNETX) presents the title to Gold Award Girl Scouts whose projects made a sustainable impact on a local challenge linked to national or global issues. George’s project focused on children coping with trauma. She developed and led six sessions at Mosaic Family Services, covering topics such as forgiveness and self-awareness. She provided curriculum and training so staff could continue the program. The Women of Distinction Luncheon is scheduled for Oct. 25 at the Hilton Anatole.

• Preston Hollow residents Abigail Williams, the United to Learn founder and CEO, and board chair Margaret Hirsch , who recently announced the Fueling Potential campaign. With the help of The Harold Simmons Foundation, The Addy Foundation, the Hirsch Family Foundation, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, and others, the campaign has already raised $9 million toward a $24 million goal. The monies will help United to Learn expand its support to all 130 Dallas ISD Title I elementary schools, up from 75 now. Other goals include ensuring all third graders are on reading level and preparing children for careers and longterm success.

• Amy Lopez and Briana Perez, 2024 Thomas Jefferson High School graduates who received $20,000 Fairway to Success scholarships from Deloitte, the Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA), and the United Way. The program, which introduces students from four Dallas ISD high schools to golf, awards scholarships based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and financial need. Lopez, the TJHS valedictorian, is attending the University of Southern California, where she will study pharmacology/drug development. Perez is attending the University of Texas at Austin to study early childhood education.

– Compiled by William Taylor

COURTESY PHOTOS

Abigail Williams and Margaret Hirsch

Amy Lopez Briana Perez

Dylan George

FORMER QB FINDS NEW COMPETITIVE OUTLET IN RUNNING Former HP, TCA football player runs to combat severe anxiety

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

Thomas Hand struggled to let football go. But channeling his competitive energy into running has proven therapeutic, one stride at a time.

The Park Cities native and former Trinity Christian quarterback has found that half-marathons are about finishing fast, but also about calming down.

“I like running as much, if not more, than football.” Thomas Hand

Hand transferred from Highland Park to Trinity Christian in Addison prior to his junior season in 2018, to play for thenTCA coach and Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary.

However, he missed most of that season with a broken elbow on his throwing arm. The following year, Hand left the team for personal reasons as the program spiraled downward.

“For three to four months, I kind of felt empty,” Hand said. “It was something I had done every

day since I was 5 years old, and it was gone. But it wasn’t gone the way I was expecting it to be gone.”

Hand could have still played college football, but instead decided to pursue a marketing degree at

Baylor, continuing a family legacy. He tried to stay in shape through weightlifting. Yet there was a void. Hand developed severe anxiety and began taking medication. His mother had always been a

runner, so Hand tried it during the pandemic — outside rather than on a treadmill, and exploring new routes while increasing his distance. He kept it up even while studying abroad in France.

“When I ran, it had a better effect than any of the medicine I had tried. I got addicted to it from a mental standpoint. It was really helping me, and I started challenging myself,” Hand said. “I wanted to do something competitive with it.”

Last summer, he began training 20-25 miles per week for his first half-marathon, the Tour des Fleurs at White Rock Lake. Hand met his goal of finishing in under two hours. He beat 80 percent of all runners and was fifth in his age group.

“I shocked myself and did a lot better than expected,” Hand said. “As soon as you start running, you can see a vast difference in your lung capacity, and you can do things you’ve never done before without getting tired.”

He improved his time in his second race at the Urban Ultra Dallas Eco-Trail event in January, placing fourth overall.

Hand said he will stick with half-marathons because the 13.1mile distance gives him the disciplined regimen and health benefits he needs. He’s no longer on any meds, and his athletic regrets have gradually subsided.

“The football thing sucked, but I can’t be mad, because it led me to this,” said Hand, who graduated from Baylor in May. “I can’t deny that I like running as much, if not more, than football.”

Could Another Change of Scenery Lead to a Playoff Run for Bell? Ex-Jesuit slugger lands with Diamondbacks after third straight trade-deadline deal

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

Josh Bell has become accustomed to the business-related realities of moving around in Major League Baseball. He’s also gotten used to the playoffs.

The former Jesuit Dallas standout is seeking his third consecutive postseason appearance in 2024, each time with a different team. The veteran first baseman was traded in late July from the struggling Miami Marlins to the surging Arizona Diamondbacks, who reached the World Series last year before falling to the Texas Rangers.

Such is the path of a journeyman who has become highly regarded as a left-handed slugger with almost 200 career home runs, even if his career lacks the stability he once enjoyed.

“I haven’t really had a place to call home outside of the baseball diamond itself,” Bell told MLB Network Radio. “But that’s all anybody could really ask for, is to be able to play in the big leagues and travel the country, and at the end of the year be playing meaningful baseball.”

Bell spent his first five seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the organization that

drafted him out of high school in 2011. He hit a grand slam in his second career at-bat in 2016, became an All-Star in 2019 — when he hit a career-high 37 home runs — and anchored the middle of the lineup before being traded to Washington before the 2021 campaign.

Bell, 31, played 852 regular-season games before getting his first postseason at-bat, thanks to a midseason trade to the San Diego Padres in 2022. He hit two playoff home runs for the Padres, who lost to Philadelphia in the National League Championship Series.

He signed with the Cleveland Guard -

ians in early 2023, then was dealt midseason to Miami, which made the NL Wild Card round. With Miami stumbling this year, Bell became a prime trade candidate again, and is now in Arizona — his fifth franchise in the past four seasons.

“I haven’t really had a place to call home outside of the baseball diamond itself.”

Josh Bell

The Diamondbacks could provide an opportunity for Bell to team up with another former Jesuit graduate, prized shortstop prospect Jordan Lawlar, who played briefly in the World Series as a rookie. However, Lawlar has been sidelined with multiple injuries this season while playing for Triple-A Reno. He’s hit well in limited action, but whether he earns another late-season callup to the big leagues remains to be seen.

Thomas Hand says any frustration over how his football career ended has been erased by his passion for running in half-marathons. MICHAEL CHAN

Ex-Jesuit standout Josh Bell, now with the Arizona Diamondbacks, recently surpassed 600 career runs batted in his nine-year MLB career. ERIK DROST

Schools

Parish Episcopal, Greenhill host camps for creative young Swifties NO NEED TO ‘SHAKE IT OFF’

By Lucy Van Meir People Newspapers

Young Dallas Swifties didn’t face a cruel summer thanks to local camp programs with a new focus: Taylor Swift.

From koi fish guitars to sing-along sessions, children had their pick of activities to celebrate their love for the singer.

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has boosted her fame so much that campuses such as Parish Episcopal School and the Greenhill School have caught on to her big reputation.

Parish art teacher Melanie Brannan “wasn’t even a Taylor fan until the kids started singing her songs,” but hosted a Swifties Only! Art Camp this summer after becoming one due to her students.

The camp for third through seventh graders was a best-seller at the school, selling out almost immediately.

Campers worked on five projects throughout the week, while listening to Swift’s music and watching her Era’s Tour documentary, naturally. All the projects were Swift-themed, such as a mini koi fish ukelele based on the artist’s own guitar. Campers also painted silhouettes of the artist, Taylor Swift portraits, and, of course, made friendship bracelets like those you would trade at her concerts.

This camp, although not art-centered, was just as Swift-focused.

“(I) wasn’t even a Taylor fan until the kids started singing her songs.”

Melanie Brannan

The camp was structured so that every day was a new group of eras. Campers could come dressed accordingly, make crafts according to the era, and watch the era’s concert movie to truly immerse themselves.

Red Era of her concert. Durrin said that she’s “personally not that crafty” so “the kids were loving it, but I was panicked.”

Many campers wore their shirts or other Taylor-themed outfits throughout the week, especially on the final day when they performed their choreographed dance. Durrin said campers went all out with costumes and took the choreography very seriously.

Brannan said it was “one of the best camps (she’s) ever taught,” even with it being the first year of the camp.

Another inaugural Taylor Swift camp, Taylor Swift Rocks, was hosted by Greenhill.

Throughout the week, the campers choreographed a dance to perform at the end of the week. Camp leader, Shayna Durrin said, “The kids got really into it.”

One of their favorite crafts from the week was a T-shirt with one of Swift’s sayings on it — such as she wears during the

Similar to Brannan, Durrin agreed that she “could see (herself) teaching the camp again,” because of how much fun and how successful it’s been in its first year.

Although these camps are new, the hype surrounding them shows they’ve been a long time coming.

And most importantly, with the amount of excitement and activities in the camps, I’m sure this Taylor Swift summer has been one the campers will remember all too well.

Campers found a variety of creative ways to celebrate their favorite musical artist.

COURTESY THE GREENHILL AND PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

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

Make it at The Meadows Museum Artist Ian O’Brien leads

By Josh Hickman Special Contributor

The Meadows Museum’s Drawing With The Masters group meets at the top of the stairs.

There they gather folding chairs and art supplies if needed and are then guided into a side or main gallery depending on the size of the group.

“I feel like, as an adult, I don’t get enough time to just make things the way I did as a kid.”

Anne Kindseth

A particular painting is chosen, and everyone picks a spot, sits down, and gets to work. Taught since 2010 by Ian O’Brien, who has a master’s degree in studio art, classes often sell out.

“I teach them how to take something complicated and break it down into simple shapes, then slowly build up the detail, so it’s not overwhelming,” O’Brien explained. “Working that way helps those who are maybe not as confident.”

A recent Sunday drew the average of 25 drawers.

DRAWING WITH THE MASTERS

What: classes led by artist Ian O’Brien

When: 1:30-3 p.m. the third and fourth Sundays for adults (ages 15 and up); 3:30-4:30 p.m. the third Sunday for children younger than 15.

Where: The Meadows Museum, 5900 Bishop Blvd. at SMU.

Costs: free for museum members or with museum admission, otherwise $12; $10 for seniors 65 and older; $4 for non-SMU students, free for youths younger than 18. Advance registration is required, meadowsmuseumdallas.org.

Extra: Open Studio, from 1-4 p.m. the third and fourth Saturdays and Sundays of the month, is free.

art but a human — an artist — and to do that with likeminded people.”

There’s also a children’s class.

“Sometimes they’ll do what we’re doing,” O’Brien said. “Sometimes they start drawing animals. The important thing to me is that they’re drawing and improving.”

Added Carrie Sanger, assistant director of marketing. “The kids’ classes are not drop-off classes. They’re made for kids and parents together.”

Open Studio, another program, also welcomes families.

I have some regulars who have been coming for over 10 years.”

“We were averaging around seven to 10, but because of social media and promotion, our numbers have kind of exploded,” he said. “I can get a range from somebody who hasn’t drawn in 30 years to somebody who is a retired architect.

“Some people want to figure it out on their own; others want lots of help,” he said. “If you don’t ask me, I’m just going to smile and nod.”

O’Brien teaches the basics — proportion, composition, value — and assists the art students as desired.

Anne Kindseth, Meadow’s director of education, noted the difference between coming to a museum to engage with an object and finding community.

“Ian has a bit of a following,” she said. “I think that speaks to the power of being in a museum and interacting with not only a work of

“It creates a more robust program for families to come and do air-brushed totes or mosaics or whatever before they go do Drawing With The Masters,” Kindseth said. “I feel like, as an adult, I don’t get enough time to just make things the way I did as a kid.”

Galleries become classrooms and sources of inspiration as Ian O’Brien helps aspiring artists break down complicated sketches into simple steps.

KEVIN GADDIS JR.

Lessons in Flexibility Park Cities, Dallas teens learn by teaching youngsters at student-run summer classes

By Josh Hickman Special Contributor

Enterprising and charitable students from Highland Park High School and St. Mark’s School of Texas have formed nonprofit ZG BrightFuture and taught fun summer classes at the Arlington Park Recreational Center.

Ziling Zhou, of HPHS, and Christopher Guffey, of St. Mark’s, also brought in friends Jon Sustek and Samuel Craig, both of J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson, and plan to expand the summer program to other area rec centers.

“It was really hard to teach them all to make paper airplanes, because some would wander off.”

Ziling Zhou

“We came up with lessons that were fun and promoted growth and learning, a general mentorship program,” Guffey said. “There was a lot of fine tuning to get where we are, creating lesson plans, and making a database to expand to multiple rec centers, so kids can use those lesson plans.”

The plan grew out of a Girl Scout project Zhou had done before.

“I did an art camp here over

the summer with the kids,” Zhou recalled. “And I thought, ‘This is cool. What if I kept doing it?’ Then I brought Chris in. We pivoted more toward educational activities because I know not everyone is into art.”

Activities have included building model boats and bridges to

WIN WITH

help learn about the relationships between buoyancy and surface area, and weight and structural integrity.

“The concept of incorporating more fun and interactive learning was particularly appealing to me,” Craig said. “I thoroughly enjoy working with the kids and the organization, and I hope to continue

making a difference in the future. Although I plan to attend college next year, I still want to stay in touch with the organization and help out in any way I can.”

Craig recruited Sustek, who had experience with teaching and tutoring.

“What we really emphasize is

socializing — being able to work together to accomplish a goal,” Jon said, adding they hope the children will take a passion for learning into life beyond the rec center.

“We have to be flexible, too,” Zhou said. “It was really hard to teach them all to make paper airplanes, because some would wander off. Half of them ended up drawing with chalk by the end, but it was still fun. The overall goal is for the kids to have fun, even if it means changing up our plans.”

ZG BrightFuture also conducted a fundraiser – soliciting donations from supermarkets, Costco, and Walmart – to give the children book supplies such as backpacks, notebooks, and pencils.

“It’s definitely a win-win for the facilities that they help and to get them their community service hours before school,” said Don Ford, program coordinator at the rec center. “And to help teach about becoming a better human.”

Plans include expanding to a second rec center and later more.

“We’re looking for longevity,” Sustek said. “We all want this to continue after we graduate. So, it’s important to get younger people onto the board. What really inspired me to join is being able to get these kids the opportunity to have these fun activities that shouldn’t be restricted just to people who can pay for these camps.”

FROM LEFT: Jon Sustek, Christopher Guffey, and Ziling Zhou. The student-formed nonprofit ZG BrightFuture provided fun learning opportunities for children at Arlington Park Recreational Center. COURTESY CHRISTOPHER GUFFEY

Make Stress a Positive Part of School

By Aadhya Yanamadala People Newspapers

What is the universal student experience? It’s not football games or learning how to drive — it’s stress.

However, stress receives an overly negative reputation. In moderate amounts, it can motivate students to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. These benefits only begin to wane when the anxiety reaches an unhealthy level.

children and adolescents can pick up on and are affected by their parents’ stress,” Westers said. “So, the best thing parents can do is verbalize and model how to approach or handle these emotions.”

“Kids are oftentimes stronger than parents realize.” Nicholas Westers

Once the school year starts, parents can mitigate school related stress by hosting fun celebrations or movie nights and reminding their students that they don’t always have to be perfect — one bad grade doesn’t define their school year.

Strike Up the Band: Dallas ISD Students Return to Class

Dallas ISD students headed back to school on Aug. 12 – a day when older students, district workers, and administrators greeted the youngest students with enthusiasm and fanfare.

Students at Preston Hollow Elementary School were welcomed back to school by cheerleaders, high school athletes, and green and white balloons.

As buses pulled up to George B.

Dealey Montessori Academy, crossing guards extended the welcome along with cheerleaders.

And students were met with cheers, high fives, and music at John J. Pershing Elementary School, one of the campuses Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde visited on the first day of school.

– Compiled by Sarah Hodges

“Too little stress can lead to underperformance, but too much can be impairing,” Nicholas Westers, a clinical psychologist at Children’s Health and an Associate Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center, said.   This range can be represented by the Yerkes Dodson Law, which models the relationship between stress and performance on a bell curve.

Students can determine whether their stress is reaching unhealthy and unsustainable levels based on their body’s physical indications. Extreme stress leads to significant changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels. When faced with these signs, parents should help their children seek medical attention.

Families play a pivotal role in either ameliorating or aggravating their children’s stress. Parental figures should assist their students in establishing healthy sleep routines, especially as the school year comes closer. However, even something as small as parents properly dealing with their own stress can improve their children’s relationship with anxiety.

“A lot of times, parents try to hide their anxiety, but we know from research that

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Parents seeing their kids worry over their return to school should be supportive and encouraging without being overly concerned.

“In a lot of cases, anxiety is a normal and healthy thing,” Westers said. “And kids are oftentimes stronger than parents realize.”

TRY THESE TECHNIQUES

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Start at your toes and really tighten your muscles for a few seconds. Then, release. Work your way up to your calf muscles, torso, and finally, the face.

• Exercise: Physical exercise can be beneficial for mental health. When you exercise, your brain releases chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin that improve your mood. Try yoga or a short walk outside if intense workout sessions aren’t your favorite (they definitely aren’t mine, I can barely run a mile).

• Artistic Endeavors: When you participate in creative activities, the pleasure centers of the brain are activated because blood flow increases to that region. Try doodling, crocheting, coloring, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Source: Nicholas Westers

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SARAH HODGES AND COURTESY DALLAS ISD

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Reuse Programs at Dallas Private Schools Reduce Waste, Save Families Money

By Lucy Van Meir  People Newspapers

Fast-fashion, a recent plague on sustainability, is built on the massive consumption of low-quality, typically trendy clothing that ultimately ends up in Goodwill or the dump within months.

However, Dallas private schools, such as The Hockaday School, Ursuline Academy, St. Mark’s School of Texas, and Parish Episcopal School, actively work against this development with uniform resale programs.

Uniforms already slow the fast-fashion cycle as they require students to need fewer day-to-day clothes. Instead of purchasing an entire wardrobe to wear throughout the year, families need only purchase a few sets of the exact same outfit.

Still, some aspects of a typical uniform lead to issues.

As uniforms are so specific, students have a limited ability to use them after their time at the school. Besides perhaps the shirt and socks, what are students to do with uniform blazers, skirts, and pullovers? The uniqueness and branding behind the clothing cause most uniform items to end up thrown away immediately after graduation.

To prevent this, many private

Dallas schools have created programs to keep worn uniforms in their school systems. These programs follow a very similar set up: Students can donate used uniforms in good conditions which other students can then purchase. Essentially, they’ve created a school-specific thrift store.

What is accepted depends on the school and its guidelines.

Most schools accept spirit wear and everyday school uniforms, but parameters vary by program. For example, St. Mark’s Lion’s Closet also sells P.E. uniforms. Also, some schools accept clothes in “good” condition while others only take those in “excellent” condition.

Price is also dependent on the individual school. Sustainable programs typically lower the cost of these items

to encourage purchasing and to make the items more accessible. Such stores not only have a positive impact on the environment but, as Heather Mills, director of communication at Parish, responded, “particularly help families who receive varying levels of tuition assistance.”

Some schools, like St. Mark’s, Hockaday, and Parish, sell pre-owned items for a lower cost, while others, like Ursuline’s St. Ursula’s Closet, do not charge for their items.

Outside of these resale programs, private schools like Parish and St. Mark’s partner with other companies to extend their uniform’s sustainability.

“For uniform pieces that we can no longer use, we recycle those with Zoya Ministries that then sends them to developing communities around the world,” Mills said.

Similarly, Scott Moore, associate director of communications at St. Mark’s said, “We upcycle used spirit wear through a company called Refried. They take the old items and turn them into new gear.”

School uniform programs do much more than resell clothes. As Aaron Navarro, a Hockaday parent who works with the resale program, said, “Uniform resale helps defray the cost of attendance, while also raising funds for the school.”

An ad posted on Facebook touts the St. Mark’s School of Texas uniform resale program. COURTESY ST. MARK’S SCHOOL OF TEXAS

Saluting Three 2024 High School Grads at Service Academies

Kate Jarrett Dean, Mitchell Galardi, Giselle Moctezuma discuss decisions, applications

By Aadhya Yanamadala People Newspapers

While many area 2024 graduates will head to traditional colleges soon, a few have already left home to begin higher education at service academies.

St. Mark’s School of Texas alumnus Mitchell Galardi and Hockaday School alumnae Giselle Moctezuma are attending the United States Military Academy West Point.

Ursuline Academy’s Kate Jarrett Dean is attending the United States Naval Academy.

What drew you to decide to apply to a service academy?

Dean: I became interested in the Naval Academy because I knew I wanted to row in college, and I knew a couple of other Ursuline grads who had rowed there. Upon talking with more Naval Academy graduates, I realized how great the community was and how attending the Naval Academy forms students into well rounded and service-oriented individuals.

Galardi: I knew I wanted to serve, so service academies naturally rose to the top of my college lists. West Point was especially appealing to me because of the number of humanities majors offered, lending more to my academic interests.

Moctezuma: I volunteered in the area with veterans in Dallas, and they inspired me to serve. I visited West Point in November of my junior year, and I really liked it compared to the other colleges I toured.

MEADOWBROOK SCHOOL

What was the application process like?

Dean: The application process was very long and, at times, confusing. I did a lot of research before I applied which helped me learn more about the Academy and feel motivated while going through the process.

Moctezuma: Honestly, it was more stressful than the application for normal colleges. Standardized testing is a much bigger factor, so I studied a lot for the SAT. There’s a fitness and medical assessment to ensure that you are fit for service. You also have to get a nomination from a representative or a

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service-connected nomination.

Galardi: It was long and confusing, but for almost every part of the process there are different deadlines, so I kept track of those things and prioritized certain areas of the application that would require more effort and skill to help manage my time.

What advice would you give to any high schoolers looking to apply to a service academy?

Dean: I would advise them to be as involved in extracurricular activities as they can,

especially ones that include athletics or leadership. I would also recommend applying as early as possible and making a timeline of when things are due to help stay organized.

Galardi: Don’t be afraid to admit that you are lost or confused. There were many parts in the application process where I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing, so I called offices and sent emails for better understanding.

Moctezuma: Keep your head up. It’s a long process, but you have to stay confident in yourself. And know that you’re doing it for the right reasons.

Ready for the world

Preschool & Lower School (Prekindergarten – Grade 4) Thursday, October 17, 2024

Middle & Upper School (Grades 5 – 12) Sunday, November 17, 2024

LEFT TO RIGHT: Kate Jarrett Dean, Mitchell Galardi, and Giselle Moctezuma. JUDY NORDSETH PHOTOGRAPHY AND SCOTT PEEK PHOTOGRAPHY

PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

PEGASUS BRINGS NEW ENERGY TO HISTORIC ART FORM

By John Anderson People Newspapers

Mention ballet, and thoughts might turn to scenes from Swan Lake or The Nutcracker, but Diana Crowder is asking audiences to also picture painters, poets, and DJs.

Crowder, the founder of Pegasus Contemporary Ballet, began dancing at age 3 and never stopped.

She was classically trained and after a more traditional ballet career, began to freelance and enter new creative spaces.

She began working in spaces that allowed choreographers and dancers to work together to create more contemporary and personal works.

“And I fell in love with contemporary ballet,” Crowder said.

When the pandemic hit and live performances became increasingly rare, Crowder began to think about “how do you facilitate this artwork that I dedicated my life to and cared so deeply about.”

“I became really interested in arts management and not just performing but also producing,” Crowder said.

The desire to bring contemporary ballet to Dallas along with a newfound passion for management led to the creation of Pegasus Contemporary Ballet in 2021.

Contemporary ballet can look like a lot of different things. At its core though, it is about taking the practice of ballet and pushing it past its normal limits to see what else can be created with the familiar pieces.

“(Ballet is) so deeply entrenched in history and tradition. But contemporary ballet takes that classical art form and presents it for audiences today,” Crowder said. “And when we collaborate and cross-pollinate with other artists and other kinds of

disciplines, I think that you truly can create something greater than the sum of its parts.”

Dancing to live poetry readings, improvising with jazz bands, and wearing outfits painted by artists while dancing in an art gallery are all ways Pegasus is pushing boundaries and drawing Dallas communities closer together.

While audiences can never be sure what to expect, the same is true for the dancers.

Kiera Mays was the first dancer hired at Pegasus and has stayed with the company since its beginning. Crowder reached out after watching Mays’ senior dance at SMU.

Mays said she appreciates the freedom that contemporary ballet offers.

“I always wanted to do ballet, but I just found that classical ballet started to feel a little restricted and that there was a definite path,” Mays said.

Between performances where the dancers speak and act and 19

FOREVER FOR A MOMENT

Pegasus Contemporary Ballet is collaborating with Nostalgia and Noise for a Nov. 9 performance. The immersive fundraiser event will have dancers creating “live motion portraits” to explore the themes of impermanence and lasting impact. Event information and tickets should be available soon at pegasusballet.org.

commissioned works of choreography, Pegasus offers a unique path.

“The contemporary ballet that’s being created now is also very intellectually challenging for the dancers,” Mays said. “When to use your ballet technique, when to use contemporary techniques or modern techniques. There’s a lot of blending and thinking that happens in the moment.”

Crowder also acknowledged the negative portrayal of ballet and its connection to mental health in the media and said Pegasus is committed to creating an environment where its artists feel safe and supported. An environment that Mays said feels like a family.

“I think contemporary ballet is really fostering that, because you can’t create that art without that vulnerability. You can’t be vulnerable when you’re not comfortable.”

Find Wine Enthusiast’s Favorite Dallas Restaurant in Preston Center

Oenophile is an odd-looking word that means wine lover.

If you’d like to refer to yourself or others as an oenophile, please do yourself a favor and learn to pronounce it properly. It is “en-oh-file,” though I’ve heard it pronounced “oh!-no-fillee” which made me laugh so hard a plummy Côtes du Rhône came out my nose.

Of course, it’s perfectly fine to just refer to yourself and others as wine drinkers, people who like wine, or, as I like to call them, friends.

Some friends and I recently attended a Farm to Trova dinner at Trova, a wine shop and restaurant in The Plaza at Preston Center. The five-course dinner included Avocado Gazpacho with shredded crab, a brown sugar Pavlova, and the meatiest, most tender roasted quail I’ve ever had.

Each course was expertly paired with wines from Trova’s market that sells more than 200 different types of wine including sparkling and fortified.

Recently named as one of Wine Enthusiast’s Best American Restaurants alongside Michelin-ranked outlets, such as Bar Crenn in San Francisco, Trova is small but mighty.

Owner Michelle Bonds opened Trova in July 2020 after a successful career in marketing for Yum! Brands. She’s steadily grown the business, expanded the menu, and developed programming geared to the community Trova serves.

Trova’s culinary offerings are created by a young chef and lean but talented culinary team that presents an elevated, light menu with salads, sandwiches (try the Crab + Avocado),

charcuterie, and cheeses for boards.

Open for lunch and dinner, Trova attracts a crowd for lunch but hasn’t gained the same traction for dinner, which is a shame. The small plates, snacks, and entrée salads are perfect for a light dinner and a glass of wine.

As one who rarely drinks alcohol at lunch, I especially enjoy diner at Trova.

If you’re not a wine drinker, Trova has a nice selection of beers and ciders. Michelle and the team also have created two non-alcoholic refreshments, the Watermelon “Mojito” and the Yuzu “Mule” for guests who don’t drink alcohol or just want to drink something

refreshing and lower calorie.

Having opened during the pandemic, Trova established itself as a neighborhood wine shop before it gained traction as a restaurant. It is still the go-to wine market for many. Trova’s wine club is thriving and offers guests specials on wine and opportunities for education on varietals. Michelle also offers wine tastings and provides cellar consultations to help guests acquire wines for holding, drinking, and entertaining. The staff is knowledgeable and eager to help guests discover the perfect wine for your palate.

Trova is the Italian word for “finds” and this is a great find at the intersection of Preston Hollow and the Park Cities. Try it for social and business lunches and dinners, group wine tastings (Michelle can lead wine tastings off-site, too), date nights, and elevated casual dinners any time.

The décor is French inspired and on nice evenings, the patio is delightful. Cheers to this gem.

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.

Pegasus Contemporary Ballet dancers have performed in art galleries with painted outfits and danced to live poetry readings as they push the limits of what ballet can look like. COURTESY DFW

KERSTEN RETTIG

Trova Wine + Market in Preston Center is a neighborhood meeting spot. KERSTEN RETTIG

Edgemere Recognized Among the ‘Best’ by National Media

The honors and recognitions keep rolling in, and we couldn’t be more excited at Edgemere, the premier senior living destination in the serene Preston Hollow neighborhood of North Dallas.

Newsweek named Edgemere the number one continuing care retirement community in Texas for 2024, and ranked the community second overall in the publication’s list of America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities

“More than 2,000 communities were evaluated based on input from residents, prospective residents, and family members, as well as employees and associated healthcare professionals,” said Teresa Bates, Executive Director at Edgemere. “These honors are even more meaningful knowing they are based on feedback from those who know us best.”

This latest accolade follows the announcement that the community’s healthcare center, The Plaza at Edgemere, ranked in the top 3 percent of healthcare centers in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report, earning the highest

possible ratings for both Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. The award-winning healthcare center also received a five-star rating in the recent Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) report.

Lastly, Eldercare Review named Edgemere Premiere Senior Living Company of the Year 2024.

“These national awards are evidence of the commitment of our community and leadership teams to quality, and creating environments where residents can grow and thrive,” added Bates. “We are honored to share these significant accomplishments with our dynamic group of residents and staff.”

Been Here. Done That.

For more than 20 years, Edgemere has been a trusted and respected senior living community in Dallas, enriching the lives of its discerning residents through vibrant and engaging opportunities where friendships flourish and memories are made. Nestled on 16 acres in the tranquil Preston Hollow

neighborhood, the timeless Tuscan-inspired architecture of Barrel tile clay roofing and Venetian stucco surrounds lush gardens, fountains and ponds, creating intimate gathering areas. The community provides living options across the continuum from independent living, assisted living, memory care, and both short-term and long-term skilled nursing offerings. The comfort and well-being of each resident is at the heart of the design, ensuring they feel at ease in the inspired surroundings.

Your Home for Every Lifestyle and Interest

Offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom floorplans, Edgemere has living space for every lifestyle with amenities designed to provide comfort and convenience, with the elegance expected by our residents. From a modern fitness center with a pool for group aquatic programming, a performing arts center, and an indulgent full-service salon and spa, the community provides everything residents need to thrive. Edgemere’s outdoor space is equally impressive with meticulously cared for gardens, walking paths, and lovely vignettes for visiting with friends and neighbors. The Edgemere campus also offers a greenhouse and herb garden inspired and maintained by dedicated residents.

At Edgemere, the health and well-being of every resident is a priority. Our personalized fitness and wellness programs cater to individual needs, nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or just getting started, we offer something for everyone. In addition to cardio and strength training, a pool with group aquatic programming, all complimented by a life enrichment program catering to the mind, body and spirit.

And for those with a refined palate, you’ll find dining at Edgemere is always a memorable experience. We offer a variety of venues to choose from, and only use the freshest ingredients, with our menus rivaling Dallas’ finest restaurants. No matter where you decide to eat – the Portabella Bistro for classic and casual bites or the more upscale Medici restaurant – Edgemere’s culinary team consistently crafts creative experiences that are meant to be savored and always takes into

consideration individual dietary requirements. And the community will be adding a third dining venue in Spring 2024 with the opening of the Bottega Café. And We’re Here When the Time Comes.

At Edgemere, we understand the importance of preserving your dignity and independence as you age. Residents living in the assisted living neighborhood at nationally ranked The Plaza at Edgemere can expect the highest level of quality and service. Our personalized care programs are thoughtfully crafted to strike a balance between offering the support you need and empowering you to continue enjoying your friendships, pursuing your hobbies, and seizing new opportunities. Our health and wellness programs encompass every aspect of your well-being, promoting a balanced mind, body, and spirit, allowing you to lead a life that’s rich in vitality and joy.  Our trained team is there to assist, but never oversteps, helping with routines while ensuring residents can maintain their independence as much as possible.

“First and foremost, we strive for independence and wellness for our residents but when the time comes for additional support, we have staff available 24 hours to ensure our residents get the care they need while continuing to live exciting and engaging lives with purpose,” said Randy Langford, Administrator at The Plaza.

In Edgemere’s memory care neighborhood, we combine state-of-the-art support with highly individualized attention. Recognizing that each resident has specific needs, our dedicated nurses work directly with residents, their families, and physicians to create custom, dignified care plans. Residents have access to nationally recognized programming, such as Music & Memory® and It’s Never 2 Late (iN2L) designed to help them live a meaningful life within their specific abilities.

Life at Edgemere is vibrant, rewarding, and as active or carefree as you desire. Call 469.770.7287 or visit edgemerelife.com for more information, to schedule a tour, or join our executive director/associate executive director for a complimentary lunch or dinner.

STEPPING THROUGH THE CITY OF WALTZ

Vienna vacation delivers with history, flavors, and peaceful sights

By Aadhya Yanamadala People Newspapers

My family vacation this summer whisked us to a low-key, historically rich European locale — the capital of Austria. Welcome to Vienna, where the cobblestone streets hum a waltz, historic buildings — some converted into insurance offices or other mundane practices — whisper tales of the past, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries tempts locals and tourists at every turn.

Getting There: While there are no nonstop flights from DFW to Vienna, there are several options for a (short or long enough for sightseeing) layover: London’s Heathrow, Paris’ Charles De Gaulle, Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez, and Helsinki’s Vantaa Airport.

Where to Stay: The Ritz Carlton Vienna offers luxury in the heart of the city within walking distance of many attractions. The rooftop bar has stunning views and amicable waiters (who my family quickly

befriended, leading to favors and seating during busy times.) The Hotel Imperial and Rosewood Hotel offer similar experiences. However, for more privacy and affordability, choose from plenty of apartment spaces available for vacationers.

What to Eat: Breakfast at local cafés, with coffee mélange (an Austrian drink similar to a cappuccino) and an indulgent slice of Sachertorte, is a must. Some coffeehouses, such as Café Central provide history along with sustenance, as notable Austrian figures such as Sigmund Freud dined there in their day. For lunch, many restaurants serve the Viennese classic wiener schnitzel. However, the best schnitzel is found at stalls on the side of the street. Likewise, the tastiest desserts are found at streetside vendors who jokingly try to charge tourists 3 euros for an extra fork. Chimney cakes, a sweet dough wrapped in a cylinder that can be covered in chocolate or stuffed with ice cream, were a family favorite.

What to do: State Opera House tours

Modern Lake Front Living at Richland Chambers Lake

. Built in 2023 . 4 bed, 4.5 bath . Boathouse on open water

whisk tourists around the magnificent and historic building. If you’re patrons of the arts (which my family and I are decidedly not), the opera house hosts balls, concerts, operas, and ballets. You’ll find attractions left and right wandering through the streets of Vienna. However, it is important to note that you are not just confined to the city for your trip. Salzburg is a three-hour drive from Vienna, and I highly recommend stopping at the small town of Hallstatt for a lunch with stunning views. Once in Salzburg, there are countless churches and castles to explore. My favorite attraction, though, was Redbull Hangar 7. Redbull, which is headquartered in the city, has an open museum featuring its race

“Some coffeehouses, such as Cafe Central provide history along with sustenance, as notable Austrian figures such as Sigmund Freud dined there in their day.”

‘

cars and planes, with a gorgeous restaurant and bar overlooking the grounds. Looking outside the country, Budapest and Prague are relatively short distances from Vienna and wonderfully accent an Austria trip. Prague at night was unforgettable with the sun sliding behind the city’s main bridge in a magnificent, colorful sunset that became an almost comical backdrop to the rowdy bachelor parties taking place. No matter where you drive to, though, the countryside along the way to major European cities in this region is enveloped with luscious mountains, studded with flower fields of brilliant hues, and swathed in a quiet contentedness that brings even the busiest tourists peace.

CLOCKWISE: Check out the small town of Hallstatt, a three-hour drive from Vienna, for lunch, shopping, and stunning views. Enjoy birds eye views of the city from the rooftop bar at the Ritz Carlton Vienna. Budapest, just two hours from Vienna, makes for a great day trip. The Redbull Hangar 7 museum in Salzburg features race cars and planes. AADHYA YANAMADALA

Pumpkin Pie Must Wait; This Cake Keeps Labor Day Cool

Where did summer go? It seems like yesterday I was planning menus and decorating for Independence Day, and now a new school year is under way and Labor Day will be here in the blink of an eye.

In North Texas, Labor Day doesn’t necessarily signal a change of season as it does in some parts of the country.

We’re usually still dealing with summerlike temperatures while lamenting swimming pool closures and summer’s relaxing days that passed so quickly.

pie while the air conditioning is still blasting, even I recognize that, when it comes to dessert, something cool and refreshing is much more appealing in September.

Enter the strawberry cream cake!

This two-layer vanilla cake holds a surprising, airy filling of whipped cream and ripe, juicy strawberries that’s revealed only when the cake is sliced. Wrapped in a cloud of whipped cream instead of frosting, this easy cake looks summer-fresh for Labor Day celebrations.

Looking for a memorable birthday cake? Strawberry Cream Cake looks pretty-as-a-picture bedecked with birthday candles. For variety, substitute sliced peaches, blueberries, or raspberries.

“… when it comes to dessert, something cool and refreshing is much more appealing in September.”

It will take a solid cold front before I’m ready to give up chilled salads and light meals this month, and that goes for dessert, too.

Although I like to push the envelope and bake the first autumn pumpkin

STRAWBERRY CREAM CAKE

Ingredients

4 eggs, at room temperature

1 ½ cups sugar

2 ¼ cups milk

¼ cup unsalted butter

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

2 ½ teaspoons vanilla

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.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Cool 20 minutes, remove cakes from pans, and cool completely. Frost with Sweetened Whipped Cream.

SWEETENED WHIPPED CREAM

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups heavy cream

4 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

1 pint fresh strawberries, rinsed, drained and sliced

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In the large bowl of an electric mixer, beat eggs and gradually add sugar, beating until the mixture is thick and pale in color.

Scald milk over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edges. Add butter and remove the pan from the heat.

In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Add flour mixture to the egg mixture and beat well. Pour in half of the hot milk, mix 1 minute on low speed, and add remaining hot milk all at once.

Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and thick.

Stir in vanilla.

Pour batter into two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans lined with parchment paper.

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

Directions:

In the bowl of an electric mixer, whip heavy cream with confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Place one cake layer on a serving platter, add a generous dollop of whipped cream, and spread to ½-inch thickness. Drain strawberry slices on a paper towel to absorb moisture, then arrange on the whipped cream. Top with the remaining cake layer. If there’s a gap along the edge between the layers, transfer some of the whipped cream to a pastry bag fitted with a large, round tube and pipe cream inside the edge. Frost sides and top of cake with remaining cream and garnish with strawberry slices. Chill several hours or overnight.

Yield: 1 two-layer cake

CHRISTY ROST

BARBARA LOUISE BABB

Barbara Louise Babb of Dallas, Texas peacefully entered God’s heavenly kingdom on June 27, 2024 surrounded by her husband, son, daughter, and her beloved chocolate lab.

Barbara was born on January 8, 1950 in Trenton, Missouri to Doris

WALKER HUNT BATEMAN V

03/03/1987 - 07/26/2024

Walker Hunt Bateman V was a lover of nature, served as a foodie expert guiding you to the best taco and noodle spots in town, could talk to

Vosburg Alexander and Willis Walter Alexander. Following graduation from high school, she pursued her dream of becoming a nurse at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Upon receiving her degree, she began a storied career working in many areas of nursing -- surgery, labor and delivery, cardiac care, and as a night supervisor. Her nursing career culminated in a six-year stint as a critical care helicopter flight nurse. As a flight nurse, she was commonly called to rescue victims of traumatic accidents, many of which involved teenage drunk drivers. These gut-wrenching experiences led Barbara to develop a presentation detailing the horrors of drinking and driving which she took to high school students all over the country for many years. After her retirement, Barbara spent her time volunteering for several noble causes, but none was closer to her heart than her time spent with Alzheimer’s patients at

you about almost any subject and followed in the family tradition of “silent laughing” while shrugging his shoulders up and down without making a noise.

Known in childhood as Walker Hunt, Walker honed his love for the outdoors on family trips to the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado where he became an outstanding skier. His summers were spent in the Texas Hill Country. He took after his father’s love for horseback riding, eventually teaching riding lessons as a counselor at Camp La Junta, earning many awards: Sportsmanship, Rough Rider and 2000 Black Eagle Chief. Walker earned his black belt in karate and Eagle Scout in Troop 82 as a freshman. He had the gift of speed on the track and played baseball, lacrosse and was on the

Casa de Vida, an Alzheimer’s respite program. Barbara held many titles in her life, but she favored one above all else — to her grandchildren and anyone that came into her life post-grandchildren, her sole moniker was Noni. Nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her beloved grandchildren teaching them about gardening, singing camp songs, playing games, and instilling in them how to spread kindness and grace in this world. She loved her husband, children, grandchildren, and friends with an incandescent ferocity without caveat or compromise. Her life, at every turn, was defined by her servant’s heart. Helping those around her was the center of all of her undertakings. Where she saw suffering, she tried to heal it; where she saw disaster, she tried to prevent it; and for those afflicted with disease, she sought to soften it. When it came to her family and

2005 Highland Park Championship football team.

After graduating from Highland Park High School in 2006, Walker left for his mother’s hometown of Lubbock. He was a 2007 La Fiesta escort. While attending Texas Tech University, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and graduated in 2010 with a degree in Communications. Walker worked as a professional landman in Ft. Worth and Pittsburg, PA for Dale Operating Company. After returning to Dallas, he leased and managed shopping centers for Myers Commercial and Merritt Capital Partners. Walker furthered his love for wildlife and animals, serving as the family dog whisperer, and enjoyed camping trips in historic parks. He rarely went anywhere without a fishing pole

those she loved, Noni leapt where angels fear to tread with the protective instinct of a lioness. She was the very personification of selfless love unlike any other. She drew others in with a magnetism as unique as it was sincere. For so many, she was and remains our harbor in the tempest of life, always there with her hand on our backs. While in her presence, we always felt just a little better about ourselves.

Noni’s life could be heralded by a list of accolades all too numerous to list and all of which would make her wince in humble discomfort. She pursued her volunteerism quietly wanting no recognition. She was cherished as a wife, sister, mother, grandmother, friend, and mentor. She was, by any measure, a hero. Fittingly, she has now been escorted by an honor guard of angels to her heavenly father.

She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Ralph W.

and a frying pan.

Walker cared deeply for his family and those he counted as family. He had great compassion for others. One of his closest friends said, “Walker is one of the kindest and most generous of friends.” He loved his time laughing with his cousins, who were more like brothers. He had a special bond with his nieces, attending their sporting events, and always winning the award for picking the best Christmas presents. His entire family and many friends were comforted by the thoughtful care Walker Hunt took of his father before his passing in 2022.

Walker is survived by his mother Jean Jenkins Bateman, his sisters Jessica Bateman Pulliam (daughters Charlotte Lee and Jacquelyn Ann), Jacquelyn Bateman

Babb, Jr., her daughter, Dana Babb McGowan and husband, Greg, and her son, Derek Ralph Babb and wife, Jessica, and her seven treasured grandchildren, Evan Gregory Babb McGowan, Abigail Alexander Grace McGowan, Avery Barbara McGowan, Ian Derek McGowan, Isabella Marie Babb, Ava Louise Babb, and Lola Maxine Babb. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Elliot and her husband, Jay, and her brother, Eric Alexander and his wife, Marlene and her nieces, Jessica Elliot Bowman and Erica Alexander Wescott, and nephews Josh Elliot and David Alexander.

A memorial service celebrating Barbara’s beautiful and well-lived life was held on Thursday, July 25th at Highland Park United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Casa de Vida in memory of Barbara Babb at P.O. Box 515454, Dallas, TX 75251-5454.

Woldert (husband Dan Christian and daughters Grace Jenkins and Clara Christian), Grandmother Janey Forester Bateman and his treasured aunts, uncles and cousins. Walker is preceded in death by his father Walker Hunt Bateman IV, Grandparents Walker Hunt Bateman III, Ann Lupton Jenkins and John David Jenkins.

Services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on August 8, 2024, at Highland Country Fellowship, 8202 Boedecker St., Dallas, Texas 75225.

Live stream: www.highlandcountryfellowship.org/memorial In lieu of flowers, the family asks to consider a contribution to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation (www.tpwf.org), 2914 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75204.

Residences at the Stoneleigh $6,975,000

Listed

Find a new home with the help of the Park Cities sales leaders at Allie Beth

The high-caliber estate homes in the DFW area are admired nationwide—and, right now, there are beautiful offerings to discover with leading luxury firm Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

Each of these exceptional residences promises more than an acre of land and immense square footage fit for large-scale hosting and years of family fun.

Behind gates at 4947 Brookview Drive is an intricate, Italian-style estate with grounds designed by the renowned Harold Leidner.

Stepping into the 12,321-square-foot home itself, a soaring entry with a stately staircase makes a striking first impression.

Guests can also swoon over the home’s detailed ceilings, fireplaces, and woodwork as well as highlights like the limestone-floored, 90-foot gallery and backyard with a palatial pool.

Akin to a private resort, the nearly 1.5-acre property at 9520 Hathaway St. offers pickleball, a putting and chipping green, bocce ball, basketball and a saltwater pool.

There are also many five-star luxuries to enjoy within the 16,000-square-foot home. Imagine entertaining with the help of the three-story refrigerated wine room, home theater, game room and billiards room. Or unwind in the primary suite’s state-of-the-art fitness center.

This residence is incredibly secure with an extratall privacy wall, vegetation, a custom security gate and an extensive camera system.

Discover the charm and elegance of this beautiful home in the Windsor Park neighborhood. 7238 Joyce Way (7238joyce.daveperrymiller.com) is offered by Lindsay Howard for $1,175,000, and offers a versatile floor plan with four spacious bedrooms, three modern baths, and two inviting living areas. The updated kitchen features stone countertops, a gas cooktop, double ovens, and a cozy eat-in area. Dual pantries and ample storage make organizing and entertaining a breeze.

The master suite, overlooking the serene backyard with sparkling pool, includes dual walk-in closets and a luxurious bath with double vanity, oversized shower, and built-in tub. Adjacent are two additional bedrooms sharing a well-appointed bathroom. A guest suite on the opposite side can also serve as an office or additional living space.

French doors open to a covered patio, and an electric gate leads to a two-car garage with extra parking. Conveniently located near top shopping, dining, major highways, and excellent schools.

For more information, contact Howard at 214-532.1242 or lwhoward@dpmre.com.

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

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 three-car garage adjacent two additional parking spaces, all located in a controlled access underground parking garage. Truly a one-of-a-kind, stunning home.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Homes with pools to upgrade your summer experience

When the heat index soars into the triple digits, an Allie Beth Allman & Associates agent can help you find a home with a pool.

If you’ve been craving a luxury home with a gorgeous pool, check out these offerings represented by Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

In the esteemed Volk Estates neighborhood of University Park, a beautifully remodeled home awaits with an enticing backyard 4021 Glenwick Lane. Everything is primed for weekly pool parties or sunset grill sessions, thanks to the breezy screened-in porch, huge pool, and chic outdoor kitchen.

If a brand-new Old Preston Hollow masterpiece appeals to you, new construction 5012 Brookview Drive is set to be complete in 2025. The one-acre lot will feature a pool and spa, a 11,823-square-foot home, and two separate garages to hold six cars in total.

A French-inspired residence in Highland Park is another prize to find. Minutes from Highland Park Village and the Dallas Country Club, 4408 Arcady Ave. offers a lively location. The pool and oversized spa sitting underneath a pergola is perfect for beating the heat in style.

In Dallas’ gated Downs of Hillcrest neighborhood, a five-bedroom home provides rare resort-style living at 23 Ryddington Place, in the heart of the private school corridor. It has an indoor pool with waterfalls and flourishing greenery. Outside, the magic continues with a clean lawn, multiple patios, and a firepit.

ALLIE BETH

ALLMAN

Exquisite homes for sale in desirable Highland Park

Highland Park—with its great schools, scenic beauty, and high-end restaurant and retail scene—will always be a draw in Dallas.

Discover some exquisite gems that Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents represent right now.

The 3,800-square-foot home sitting at 3811 Normandy Ave. was built in 1936 and holds plenty of charm and character. This picturesque perch is in easy walking distance to three schools as well as popular Highland Park Village and Dallas Country Club.

Set right on the Dallas Country Club golf course and coming with a putting green of its own, 3818 Shenandoah St. is a rare find. Its exceptional location and grand design will always stand out on the market.

Greeting you with a brick exterior, 3919 Gillon Ave. is a timeless example of traditional Highland Park style. Sophistication and comfort balance beautifully as the spaces unfold with warm woodwork and ample oversized windows.

Francophiles must check out 4444 Arcady Ave. Its arched entry gate, enchanting brick facade and fairytale front door set a dreamy tone when you arrive at the 6,129-square-foot beauty.

The vaulted ceilings, wood-paneled family room, lavish primary suite, carved fireplaces, and covered porch and garden are just the beginning of what to expect here.

EBBY HALLIDAY

Ebby Halliday Companies Receive Prestigious Diamond Award

Shown, from left, are Ebby Halliday Companies VP of Corporate Real Estate Services Harold Decena, Broker to Broker Manager Robin Higgins, SVP of Operations Betsy Cameron, VP of Marketing Steve Smith, President & CEO Carolyn Rosson, and SVP of Brokerage Malinda Howell.

In a remarkable acknowledgment of outstanding performance and commitment, the Ebby Halliday Companies were honored with the prestigious Diamond Award at the most-recent Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Conference in Las Vegas. This award, presented annually to only one member in each company-size category, marks a significant achievement, highlighting the Ebby Halliday Companies’ dedication to excellence in the real estate industry.

Says Carolyn Rosson, President and CEO of the Ebby Halliday Companies, “The finest real estate companies in the world compete for the coveted Diamond Award, so to earn this distinction is an incredible honor. This award is a reflection of the collective efforts of our entire team. From our incredible agents to our amazing staff and leadership, each person has played a crucial role in achieving this level of excellence. Our shared success is built on a foundation of collaboration, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of exceeding expectations for our valued clients.”

Adds Rosson, “All of us at the Ebby Halliday Companies are more committed than ever to fulfilling our leadership role in the real estate industry, providing unparalleled service to our clients, and contributing to the communities we are privileged to serve.”

Visit ebby.com.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Three incredible homes available in University Park

The experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates are offering an array of move-in-ready homes in University Park.

Known for its exceptional schools and beautiful residences, University Park is always in high demand. That’s why working with an expert in the area is a must.

Approaching 3516 Wentwood Drive, you might be struck by the luxury property’s unusual size. The home sits on nearly half an acre, which is rare for a location in the heart of University Park.

Perfect for large-scale hosting, the 8,644-squarefoot beauty boasts six elegant bedrooms, a chef’s kitchen with a second refrigerator, and fun-filled spaces like a game room, media room and bar.

A dream team of professionals is behind a breathtaking home at 3915 Southwestern Blvd. Built in 2014, the transitional stunner with hints of Englishstyle inspiration on the exterior was designed by architect Alex Eskenasy, built by Coats Homes, and given fashionable interiors by Jenkins Interiors. The result is a bespoke showpiece you’ll love to show off.

Rounding out this collection of University Park offerings is delightful 3844 Greenbrier Drive. It’s located just a block from Hyer Elementary.

Whether you’re baking with the kids in your stunning kitchen with wood ceilings or having a glamorous cocktail party with all the home’s fireplaces lit for a glowing atmosphere, there’s an irresistible air of warmth here.

THE PERRY-MILLER STREIFF GROUP Perry-Miller Streiff Group Ranks No. 1, Again

The pinnacle of success in Dallas luxury real estate is being named to the No. 1 spot by RealTrends + Tom Ferry “The Thousand”. The Perry-Miller Streiff Group of Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate reached that pinnacle in 2021, 2022, 2023, and with the release of 2024’s rankings will stay there once again. They are also ranked the No. 3 medium-sized team in Texas. Ryan Streiff, lead associate of the eight-person team, attributes the accomplishment to their collective experience and a deep understanding of the luxury lifestyle and mindset behind it. “Each of our members is highly knowledgeable, highly connected and highly effective,” Streiff said, “and that has proven to be what differentiates us from other local teams. We’re so grateful for our clients’ trust, which has helped us become the go-to resource in Dallas’ most-established neighborhoods.”

While the past few years have changed many things about the real estate industry, the PerryMiller Streiff Group continues to adapt to ensure their sellers are still receiving the best possible exposure for their listings. Almost ½ of the team’s sold properties have traded off market in 2024, which is one of the many reasons having an agent in the know is the true secret to either selling or grabbing these exclusives homes for yourself.

The Perry-Miller Streiff Group delivers what others promise: Results. Highly-experienced associates, a sincere focus on clientele, and a collaborative leadership combine to deliver a first-class experience and record setting results. Visit DPMFineHomes.com to learn more or to see their current listings.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Luxury homes with prime walkability to great schools

Beth Allman & Associates agents.

Discover luxury homes listed with Allie Beth Allman & Associates that will put you steps away from excellent educational options.

In University Park, a tree-lined Dallas neighborhood known for its academic institutions, a gem designed by famed architect Charles Dilbeck is available. Mere minutes from University Park Elementary School and Snider Plaza, not to mention beautiful parks, 3620 Amherst Ave. provides an ideal location for those who love to get their steps in.

The remodeled, English-style home has a footprint of 6,209 square feet at 3213 Wentwood Drive in University Park. As you arrive at the front door, a stone facade and double front doors welcome you with warm grandeur. It’s a block away from Boone Elementary.

Nearby in Highland Park, a timeless brick stunner is for sale at 3501 Princeton Ave. Imagine walking to Armstrong Elementary to drop the kids off in the morning, then breezily changing direction and getting onto Katy Trail for some me-time in the sun.

Preston Hollow puts you closer to the private school corridor, and 6436 Meadow Road is wonderfully walkable to St. Marks School. Robbie Fusch and Breckenridge-Nixon collaborated to craft the four-bedroom masterpiece, which shines with exquisite elements that reflect the renowned expertise of these two designers.

2300 Wolf St. #8BC

by Allie Beth Allman, Sanders Averea & Kyle Crews

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Allman & Associates.

Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents sell more homes in Highland Park than any other brokerage, according to Multiple Listing Service data.

The start of the school year often prompts homebuyers to search for a home close to great schools, according to Allie

Giving People

FROM LEFT: Nicole Paquette, Michelle Mai, Caroline Brown, Calvert Collins-Bratton, Bree Miller, Rocio Castaneda, Alan Rose, Julia Cotton. KIM LEESON

INSPIRED VOICES

Our residents are one of the best reasons to join us at The Tradition. Here is what one of them has to say about what contributes to her enjoyment.

“I have several friends that are really interested in moving here, and I would tell them not to wait, honestly because I think the earlier the better, and you’re not by yourself. A lot of them are single females that really need to understand that it is just so much better to be around a lively bunch of people, who have a lot of fun, and I would say that this is a great, great property to live in.”

I hope that you will consider a new way of living and join us at The Tradition. Please make an appointment to tour our spacious model units, meet residents and learn more. I look forward to welcoming you home!

Founder & CEO The Tradition

BE A CHAMPION OF GIVING

Give to causes you care about

Irecently celebrated my one-year anniversary as a North Texas resident and as President and CEO at Communities Foundation of Texas. While I was not new to the profound impact that generosity and giving has on our quality of life, I am now certain that there’s nowhere as generous as North Texas.

Over the past 15 years, your collective gifts to thousands of organizations through CFT’s North Texas Giving Day have created more than $560 million of impact. Last year, more than $60 million was raised. This local movement has grown to become the largest regional giving event in the nation, and it all centers around giving from the heart. It’s truly inspiring, and we thank you.

you’ll reflect on this as you browse the NorthTexasGivingDay.org website to learn about the needs and opportunities across our region and share your care for this community. Turn your care into action by giving now through September 19. I look forward to giving alongside each of you, your families, and businesses through this Texas-sized giving movement.

With gratitude for your generosity,

Wayne White President and CEO Communities Foundation of Texas

GET INVOLVED

Early Giving — Eager donors can start the celebration early. Visit NorthTexasGivingDay. org to “shop” through the nonprofits and start deciding who to give to — or, if ready, donate before the big day.

5850 East Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75206

Independent Living (214) 361-2211 • Assisted Living & Memory Care (214) 361-2219

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

5755 Clearfork Main, Fort Worth, TX 76109

Independent Living (817) 484-6602 • Assisted Living & Memory Care (817) 484-6603

North Texas Giving Day makes it easy to give. There are 3,000+ nonprofits participating this year, representing more than 25 unique cause areas. You can conveniently search these organizations at NorthTexasGivingDay.org by location, size, or even by those that will match your donation. Communities Foundation of Texas, sponsors, and generous givers cover all program fees during North Texas Giving Day, so 100% of gifts go to nonprofits. I take CFT’s charge to grow community giving seriously, and I want to personally ask each of you – our region’s Giving People, to help us do just that - in support of the causes you care about.

What matters most to you? I hope

Peer-to-Peer Campaigns — Community members may act as “ambassadors” for the participating nonprofits by holding their own fundraisers through personalized fundraising pages. The campaign links can be created and shared on social media starting Sept. 1 to broaden North Texas Giving Day’s reach. Online Donations — This year’s North Texas Giving Day lands on Sept. 19 from 6 a.m. to midnight. Visit the website to support 3,000+ organizations spanning 20 counties in North Texas. Attend an Event — Featured event “SCHEELS Celebrates North Texas Giving Day at Grandscape” is scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 14 at 4450 Destination Drive in The Colony. Go online to learn more about it and find other events such as the 26th annual Katy Trail 5K hosted by the Friends of the Katy Trail on Sept 5. Volunteer — For a directory of volunteer options, visit NorthTexasGivingDay.org/opportunities.

STANDING FROM LEFT: Communities Foundation of Texas team members Erica Lopez, Caroline Brown, Alan Rose, Nicole Paquette, Michelle Mai, Rebecca Babin, Lexi McCarthy, and Carri McDonald. SITTING: Rocio Castaneda and Julia Cotton. CAN TURKYILMAZ

WAYNE WHITE

Give ’Till It Helps: Various North Texas Nonprofits Make Their Pitches For Your Support

For 40-plus years, People Newspapers has supported nonprofits of interest to our readers with coverage of their work and fundraisers.

North Texas Giving Day, presented by our partner Communities Foundation of Texas, arrives on Sept. 19. It offers opportunities to support favorite causes and learn about the efforts of worthy charities.

Find here quick pitches from many participating nonprofits on why donors should give to them again this year.

Be generous!

AWARE Dallas

Focus: Alzheimer’s disease awaredallas.org

For more than 35 years, AWARE has given hope and help to those affected by Alzheimer’s disease in Dallas and the greater North Texas area, and researchers working on its causes, treatments, and prevention.

We undertake in-depth reviews, conduct site visits, and award grants to assist nonprofit organizations and scientists whose work supports our mission.

To date, AWARE has awarded more than $14 million to worthy programs and research by those on the front lines in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Together with compassion and dedication, we can make a difference.

Chi Omega

Focus: education and charity chiomegachristmasmarket.org

Since 1978, Chi Omega has supported Dallas community causes with an annual pre-holidays market. The Chi Omega Christmas Market has raised $10.4 million for 146 nonprofits in its 46-year history.

This year, the market will benefit 13 Dallas-area organizations: Ascend Dallas, Behind Every Door, Bonton Enterprises, Children’s Craniofacial Association, Family Compass, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, Make-A-Wish of North Texas, Network of Community Ministries, Swan

Strings, Texas International Theatrical Arts Society, The Stewpot, Together We Thrive, and Young Women’s Preparatory Network.

Scheduled for Sept. 26 through 28 at Dallas Market Hall, the holiday shopping experience will offer unique gifts, home décor, jewelry, clothing, and gourmet treats from more than 200 merchants.

We hope you will join us for the 47th annual Chi Omega Christmas Market and appreciate your help raising essential funds for our deserving beneficiaries.

Community Partners of Dallas

Focus: providing what abused children urgently need today to thrive tomorrow cpdtx.org

For 35 years, Community Partners of Dallas has been a steadfast advocate for children, focusing on four key service areas:

•Basic needs, ensuring children have essentials like clothing and school supplies; •Individualized needs, providing tailored support for each child’s unique situation; • Childhood experience, enriching lives with joyful experiences and positive memories; and •Caseworker engagement, supporting case workers with welcoming facilities and activities to decompress.

Through close collaboration with case workers, we bridge the gap between vulnerable children and the vital support they need. Our passionate network of volunteers and donors significantly impacts the lives of more than 20,000 Dallas County children annually, empowering them with hope and stability. Join us in our commitment to build a brighter future for our community’s most vulnerable youth, ensuring every child feels valued and protected.

Connecting Point of Park Cities

Focus: adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities mycppc.org

Connecting Point of Park Cities (CPPC)

provides an inclusive day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by fostering independence through impactful educational, social, recreational, and vocational initiatives.

CPPC is unique in that we serve individuals of all abilities, from those wholly dependent to others holding part-time jobs. Centrally located in University Park, CPPC serves individuals from multiple zip codes throughout Dallas, Collin, and Denton counties.

For each teammate (program participant) we serve, there are family members who also benefit. By caring for their loved ones, families have time to work, help aging parents or grandchildren, and focus on their own well-being. CPPC assists families in connecting to the resources required to keep their teammates active in the community.

Our staff is dedicated to making each day at CPPC worthwhile and rewarding for our teammates.

Dallas CASA

Focus: advocating for children dallascasa.org

Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteer advocates protect children, restore childhood, and help child victims of abuse and neglect achieve their full potential.

Danny came into foster care at age 12, covered in bruises the shape of his uncle’s belt buckle. He had already experienced the trauma of being born positive for drugs, his biological parents’ rights being terminated, the death of his adoptive mother, and moving to his uncle’s home.

After an additional four failed foster placements, Danny’s advocate, Cené, placed her hopes in yet another placement.

With Cené’s support, the fifth time worked, and that family adopted Danny last year. Today, Danny is like any other teenager –working a part-time fast-food job, attending

school, and training for his driver’s license.

Dallas CASA’s volunteers are often the only constant caring connection for children and youth as they navigate an overwhelmed child welfare system.

Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center

Focus: improving the lives of abused children dcac.org

Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) is the only agency of its kind in Dallas County, providing unduplicated services to victims of criminal child abuse.

Our multidisciplinary team reads every report of child abuse made in Dallas County — about 30,500 reports each year. We work alongside law enforcement, Child Protective Services, and other partner agencies to coordinate the investigation and prosecution of cases that rise to the criminal level, and provide healing services and care for victim children and families.

DCAC’s clients are children who have been sexually abused, severely physically abused, or children who have witnessed a violent crime, like a homicide. Our average client is a 9-year-old girl who has been sexually abused by someone she knows and trusts.

Dallas Historical Society Focus: history of Dallas dallashistory.org

North Texas Giving Day is a pivotal opportunity to support the Dallas Historical Society (DHS) in preserving, collecting, and displaying Dallas and Texas’ rich heritage. Funds raised will aid in restoring and protecting historical artifacts, digitizing valuable audio and visual recordings, and providing essential supplies for our archival and collections staff. Your generosity ensures that our history remains alive and accessible for future generations. Join us in making a lasting impact on North Texas Giving Day.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS OF DALLAS

DALLAS CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER

CHI OMEGA

CONNECTING POINT OF PARK CITIES

DALLAS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

AWARE DALLAS

DALLAS CASA

ROB WYTHE PHOTOGRAPHY AND COURTESY

Dallas Pets Alive!

Focus: saving companion animals dallaspetsalive.org

Dallas Pets Alive! is on a mission to promote and provide the resources, education, and programs needed to eliminate the killing of companion animals in North Texas.

We rescue pets at risk of euthanasia in partner shelters and provide assistance and resources to pet owners having problems so significant that they need to surrender their pets to a shelter.

Dallas Zoo

Focus: creating a better world for animals dallaszoo.com

By providing our guests with real-world opportunities to make memorable connections with wildlife and supplementing their experience with conservation messaging, the Dallas Zoo aims to inspire and empower visitors to take action on behalf of wildlife in Texas and worldwide.

The Dallas Zoo provides the highest quality of care for more than 2,000 animals and creates opportunities for families to connect with nature and one another. We take pride in inspiring people to care about wildlife conservation.

The generous support of North Texans enables the Dallas Zoo to provide affordable tickets and high-quality educational experiences for zoo guests, schools, families, and special population audiences, including learners with sensory sensitivities.

Friends of the Katy Trail

Focus: a clean, safe, and beautiful Trail

The Katy Trail is a treasured greenspace destination for Dallas citizens and visitors.  On pace to reach 3 million visits this year, the community-funded Katy Trail is one of our city’s greatest assets and a driver of the local economy.

The funds raised by the nonprofit Friends of the Katy Trail on North Texas Giving Day are important in reaching the approximate $1.5 million needed each year to operate and improve the Katy Trail.

Generous donors support landscape maintenance, lights, safety signs, upgrades, and water for people, pets, and plants.

Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support

Focus: women and children who have experienced domestic violence genesisshelter.org

Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support was founded to help women and children experiencing domestic violence by formulating our services to address their unique experiences holistically.

We provide critical services like counseling, advocacy, occupational therapy, emergency shelter, and legal services to walk alongside women and children as they heal from the trauma of abuse at no cost and with no strings attached.

This year, for North Texas Giving Day, join us in raising life-saving funds for the women and children we serve, sending the message that there is help and hope.

Grant Halliburton Foundation

Focus: mental health resources for children, teens, and young adults granthalliburton.org

Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of a Dallas teen who battled depression and bipolar disorder for several years before his suicide at the age of 19.

The foundation that bears his name works to help prevent suicide by providing education, resources, and support for child, teen, and young adult mental health.

Over the past 18 years, the foundation has provided mental health education and

training to more than 325,000 students, educators, parents, and professionals.

The foundation also offers help and support through HereForTexas.com and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line. These free community tools provide easy access for North Texans seeking information and resources for mental health and substance abuse.

Interfaith Family Services

Focus: empowering families in crisis to break the cycle of poverty interfaithdallas.org

Interfaith Family Services helps single mothers who are facing homelessness. Most women come to us because of reduced wages or a job loss that has them and their families facing eviction. We provide housing and rent assistance to stabilize families, followed by career training, childcare, counseling, and more to help them succeed.

KidneyTexas

Focus: kidney disease kidneytexas.org

Over the last 25 years, KidneyTexas has donated more than $4.7 million to support projects that help North Texas patients living with the tremendous physical, financial, and emotional toll brought on by kidney disease.

Through your generosity, we can fund a program that provides kidney screenings at no cost in low-income communities. We support hardworking nurses and hospital staff by providing modern training devices and much-needed patient care equipment. We replace aging systems, including hemodialysis machines and organ transport pumps. And, most near and dear to our hearts, we can send our Kidney Kids to summer camp. It is an incredible opportunity for them to just “be a kid” while having access to round-the-clock medical care, including on-site dialysis.

Whether you’re drawn most to improving health outcomes in stressed communities, filling the needs of dedicated health workers, or making a child’s dream come true, we need you.

Make-A-Wish North Texas

Focus: life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses wish.org/ntx

Supporting Make-A-Wish North Texas transforms lives by granting the wishes of children with critical illnesses. A wish experience can be a game-changer, providing children and their families with hope, strength, and joy when they need it most.

Donations directly fund wishes for local kids. Your generosity empowers children to fight harder against their illnesses, positively impacting their physical and emotional health. Contribute today and make a tangible difference in a child’s life, helping them to dream, hope, and believe in the impossible.

Preservation Park Cities

Focus: Park Cities’ tradition, history, and architecture preservationparkcities.org

Support for Preservation Park Cities (PPC) is essential in celebrating and preserving the unique architecture, history, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities.

As demolitions threaten some of our most treasured homes, the preservation movement is gaining momentum, resonating throughout our community. PPC’s initiatives include Property Landmarking, stewardship of the PPC archives at the University Park Library, the HPISD Architecture/History Student Scholarship Award, and funding the Distinguished Chair for History at Highland Park High School. Our recently published book, The Houses of the Park Cities, written by PPC member

THOMAS GARZA, ROB WYTHE, AND COURTESY

INTERFAITH FAMILY SERVICES

FRIENDS OF THE KATY TRAIL

KIDNEYTEXAS

MAKE-A-WISH NORTH TEXAS

DALLAS ZOO

GRANT HALLIBURTON FOUNDATION

DALLAS PETS ALIVE!

PRESERVATION PARK CITIES

Larry Good, serves as an architectural guide, highlighting the rich history and heritage of our historic homes. Through these efforts, PPC ensures that the legacy of the Park Cities remains vibrant for future generations.

Rainbow Days

Focus: children facing adversity rainbowdays.org

Over the last 11 years, Rainbow Days has raised more than $534,000 from generous community members through North Texas Giving Day events to support vital programs benefiting local children and youth. This year, Rainbow Days’ goal is to raise $40,000, which will be matched by our Board of Directors and several major donors.

Founded in 1982, Rainbow Days’ mission is to help children and youth in adversity build coping skills and resilience to create positive futures. Through support groups, mental health fairs, classroom presentations, camps, mentored events, and critical needs services, Rainbow Days supports and improves the mental, emotional, and behavioral health of over 15,000 children and youth in Dallas each year. Join us in making a lasting, positive impact on children’s lives.

The Family Place Focus: empowering survivors of family violence familyplace.org

Help end family violence with a gift on North Texas Giving Day. The Family Place is the largest domestic violence shelter service agency in Texas, and your contribution empowers survivors of family violence with safe housing, counseling, and skills for independence.

With just $75, provide one night of emergency shelter, offering a safe haven and a pathway to new beginnings.

A $125 contribution ensures one week of pet safety at our kennel, supporting the

bond with beloved companions.

By donating $500, sponsor one month of childcare at our Safe Campus, allowing children to heal and thrive after trauma.

With $750, provide one month of critical medical supplies for our clinics, offering essential care to those in need.

And with $1,500, your generosity supports 375 meals at our emergency shelters, nourishing both body and spirit.

Together, we can build brighter futures and create lasting change to stop family violence.

The Senior Source Focus: quality of life of older adults theseniorsource.org

Even though aging looks different for everyone, we all deserve to age with dignity and purpose.

The Senior Source serves as a one-stop shop in Dallas for older adults and their loved ones to navigate the aging process. We offer a broad array of financial and emotional programs.  We give older adults a sense of purpose through volunteering; we provide resources and support for family caregivers; we fiercely protect those residents of nursing home and assisted living facilities, and we improve the financial security of all older adults through employment assistance, frauds and scams education, and technology training.

The Senior Source should be your first call when you encounter aging challenges because our one-on-one case management, educational seminars, and hands-on advocacy improve the emotional and financial well-being of seniors in our area.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of North Texas Focus: growing personal holiness and serving neighbors svdpdallas.org

The Society is a network of trained

volunteers who seek to grow in personal holiness and, from that, reach out to neighbors in need, befriend them, and help them in a myriad of ways.

Our signature program is the St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy, which provides life-sustaining medications to thousands of low-income, uninsured patients across Texas at no cost to the patient.

Donations through North Texas Giving Day help us to help others overcome their day-to-day struggles and build better lives.

Turtle Creek Association

Focus: Turtle Creek Corridor turtlecreekassociation.org

The Turtle Creek Association (TCA) is a nonprofit dedicated to being the primary guardian, advocate, and champion that leads in preserving, enhancing, and protecting the Turtle Creek Corridor.

Our members are leaders in preserving the corridor’s natural beauty and developing a vision for the future. Organized more than 35 years ago, TCA’s partnership with the city of Dallas continues to be a successful model of cooperation in preserving and enhancing community and city assets for all who drive, walk, or jog along Turtle Creek.

In addition, TCA provides seasonal color changes along the creek, irrigation and watering, and litter and trash cleanup. It maintains 25 landscaped medians, helps to preserve 2,600 trees that provide a habitat for wildlife, and funds drinking fountains, trash cans, and benches throughout the park. All of this is accomplished without city funding.

Twelfth Step Ministry

Focus: the recovery community

twelfthstepministry.org

Twelfth Step Ministry hosts 48 Twelve Step recovery meetings a week for 18 different “Anonymous” groups. These peer-based

support groups teach the Twelve Steps, principles that help people overcome substance use disorders, behavioral addictions, and other dysfunctional habits.

Our participants, adults from all over North Texas, attend an average of 2,700 meetings each month and find a “power greater than themselves” that helps them recover. Members of all faiths or of none are welcome.

“These meetings have literally saved my life,” one participant said. “I would not be here had I not walked into that room. I was done, broken, and lost, but this program helped me through some of the darkest days of my life.”

White Rock Rowing

Focus: opportunities through rowing whiterockrowing.org

Help Dallas youths pave a bright future towards college and beyond by donating to White Rock Rowing.

Our middle school and high school athletes from around Dallas-Fort Worth come from all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds to learn discipline, teamwork, leadership, and perseverance — on and off the water.

We provide the highest level of coaching and mentorship, featuring Olympians and world champions who spend quality time with each athlete. Our alumni leave the boathouse as better people and certainly better athletes than when they entered – many of them bound for prestigious universities like Harvard, the University of Texas at Austin, and Syracuse on full rowing scholarships. This year, we need new equipment to continue providing opportunities to perform at the highest level and keep pace with other youth programs nationwide.

–Compiled by John Anderson, Lucy Van Meir, and Aadhya Yanamadala

TAMYTHA CAMERON AND COURTESY

THE FAMILY PLACE

THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL OF NORTH TEXAS

THE SENIOR SOURCE

WHITE ROCK ROWING

TURTLE CREEK ASSOCIATION

RAINBOW DAYS

Crystal Charity Ball

The 50th-annual Crystal Charity Ball 10 Best Dressed Fashion Show will honor Dallas’ busiest and most stylish philanthropists on Sept. 12 at the downtown Neiman Marcus. Visit our website to learn more about this year’s honorees.

Hall of Famer Lisa Cooley

2024 Hall of Fame honoree Lisa Cooley was recognized in the Crystal Charity Ball 10 Best Dressed Fashion Show and Luncheon from 2017 to 2019. She is a supporter of the Salvation Army and the Crystal Charity Ball. A favorite moment from her extensive past charitable involvement was watching youngsters walk down the runway at the end of the Children’s Cancer Fund Gala, when “the whole audience was on their feet cheering them on, and the joy on their faces was just palpable.” She and her husband, Clay, have three children and welcomed their first grandchild this year.

Tell us about your all-time favorite piece of clothing. A classic Chanel coat that I have had for years. I have worn it with gowns and jeans. Truly – lol — can’t say that about many items of clothing!

Sunie Solomon

The two-time honoree and retired periodontist has a 12-year-old daughter and three adult children. She and her husband, Steve, are involved in the Young Presidents’ Organization and the George W. Bush Library. She has taught Sunday School and Confirmation at Highland Park United Methodist Church. She served as co-chair for the Preston Hollow Presbyterian School Auction and Gala, and for the Texas Ballet Theater’s Beauty and the Beast Brunch in 2024. Her past philanthropic work also includes co-chairing the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon and Dec My Room’s Room to Grow Luncheon in 2023. The active member of the Crystal Charity Ball Committee is a former co-chair of the Cattle Baron’s Ball, and of other events supporting the March of Dimes, the Family Place, and the Housing Crisis Center.

What is your fashion motto?

“One is never over-dressed or under-dressed with a little black dress.”

Tracey Kozmetsky

The first-time honoree and native Dallasite raised her three children with her husband of 29 years in her historic childhood home. She started her career at Women’s Wear Daily and L’Oréal Professionnel before co-founding Engelking Kozmetsky Communications. She joined the Crystal Charity Ball in 2013 and serves on the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation Advisory Board and the Board of Directors of the Tory Burch Foundation. She is an ex officio member of the UT Southwestern President’s Advisory Board and has been a Junior League of Dallas and Cattle Baron’s Ball member. She has served as Bradfield Elementary School PTA president, on the Board of Directors of Children’s Medical Center, and as a trustee on the Children’s Medical Center Foundation Board. She also completed two six-year terms on the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center Board of Trustees, where she served as president and development chair.

What is your fashion motto?

“A woman makes an outfit her own with accessories.” — Oscar de la Renta.

Anne McPherson

The three-time honoree and SMU grad has lived in Dallas for the past 30 years. She and her husband, John, have four grown sons. She is a strong supporter of the Callier Center for Communication Disorders. Two of her sons have hearing loss and have been patients there for more than 20 years. She also supports the Salvation Army, is a past member of the Cattle Baron’s Ball, and has served on the board at Readers 2 Leaders, the Dallas Alumnae Association of Kappa Kappa Gamma, and La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas.

Tell us about your all-time favorite piece of clothing. White jeans. They go with everything for so much of the year.

Katherine Wyker

The first-time honoree is CEO of her family’s foundation, which was founded by her grandparents in honor of an aunt with special needs. She is a supporter of The Crystal Charity Ball, where she has served on the research committee and serves on the underwriting and silent auction committees. She is a former board member of Equest, where she has chaired the nonprofit’s gala, served as president of the Women’s Auxiliary, and chaired the Women’s Auxiliary luncheon. She served as luncheon chair for the Forefront Living Foundation in 2024. She is 2025 luncheon chair for After-School AllStars and is an enthusiastic supporter and long-time volunteer for the Salvation Army, where she served as member-at-large for the Women’s Auxiliary luncheon, as well as a supporter of Camp John Marc.

What cosmetic is always in your purse?

I am a ChapStick and lip gloss gal! My current obsession is the lipstick from Carolina Herrera. They have the most darling shades and colorful caps — run, don’t walk, to buy the Good Girl Mini Tint!

Tracy Lange

The first-time honoree has lived in Dallas for more than 20 years and is married with two children. After a successful career in telecommunications, she switched her focus to philanthropy and other business ventures. She is actively involved in Luke’s Fastbreaks, a nonprofit founded by her son, Luke, who was diagnosed with pediatric cancer when he was 8. Luke’s Fastbreaks restores dignity to young cancer patients by replacing their hospital gowns with unique medical shirts. She is also a supporter of Family Gateway and Family Legacy.

10 BEST DRESSED

HAYNSWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY

Tracey Kozmetsky

Anne McPherson

Katherine Wyker

Tracy

Sunie Solomon

Lisa Cooley

What is your favorite eatery to get dressed up for?

Bob’s Steakhouse on Lemmon. I went there on my first date with my husband, and we have celebrated so many special occasions at this iconic Dallas spot.

Lisa Rocchio

The two-time honoree and her husband, John, moved to Dallas 12 years ago with their three children, Jack, Will, and Sarah. In addition to the Crystal Charity Ball, Lisa has been involved with New Friends New Life, and the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Health, where she started a mahjong fundraiser that has tripled in size and proceeds raised and become a recurring event since its founding. She and her husband also support other Dallas charities, including Teach for America and the Salvation Army.

What is your favorite eatery to get dressed up for?

We love Le Bilboquet for both casual and celebratory occasions!

Kim Quinn

The three-time honoree has lived in Dallas since attending SMU. She and her husband, Terry, have three sons, two who have graduated from Highland Park High School, and one who is a senior there. The family also has two labrador retrievers. She is board president of La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas, chaired the 2023 Salvation Army Fashion Show and Luncheon, and served as this year’s charity selection chairman for the Crystal Charity Ball. Charity selection, she said, is at the heart of the Ball and involves researching multiple charities over a six-month period. She is also a supporter of the Senior Source.

What cosmetic is always in your purse?

Sisley Nutritive Lip Balm.

Monica Eastin

The three-time honoree and her husband, Joe, have three children, daughters Kate and Alex, and son Nick. Kate is a freshman at The University of Texas, while Alex and Nick attend The Episcopal School of Dallas. She is dedicated to giving back to those in the community who are most in need, and supports the Momentous Institute, Folds of Honor – North Texas, the Aging Mind Foundation, the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, and the Crystal Charity Ball. She also enjoys being involved in the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary.

What fashion statement this year do you dislike, and why?

Anything too boxy or masculine ... I love beautiful fabrics and feminine clothing!

Meredith Land

The three-time honoree was brought to Dallas 20-plus years ago by her career in television. She and her husband, Xan, have two children, McCall, 15, and Alexander, 11. She co-chairs the National Advisory Board for the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health, which works to enrich the lives of women and girls by breaking gender biases in medicine. She has served on the Salvation Army’s advisory board. She is proud to help honor young cancer heroes as co-chair of this spring’s Children’s Cancer Fund Gala.

Tell us about your all-time favorite piece of clothing. My mother’s wedding gown that I had remade for my big day.

Wendy W. Messman

The two-time honoree who hails from Houston declared Dallas home after attending SMU. She and her husband of 27 years,

ABOUT THE 10 BEST DRESSED

The annual Crystal Charity Ball 10 Best Dressed Fashion Show has celebrated the most philanthropic and fashionable women in Dallas for the last 49 years. Kim Hext is chairing this year’s fashion show.

ABOUT HALL OF FAME

After being named to the 10 Best Dressed list for three consecutive years, honorees become members of the Hall of Fame. Each year, one member of the Hall of Fame is recognized for her personal style and commitment to the community.

The 72nd-anniversary Crystal Charity Ball will be on Dec. 7 at the Hilton Anatole.

Boyd, have two daughters, Blaire, 21, and Devan, 17. She has balanced a more than 30-year-long career in investment management and banking with nonprofit work. She serves as regional managing director/market leader at Bank of America Private Bank. She has partnered with many nonprofits over the years, and now dedicates her time to New Friends New Life, CitySquare, and the Turtle Creek Conservancy.

What fashion statement this year do you dislike, and why? Long/oversized jackets and anything in butter yellow.

— Compiled by Sarah Hodges

DRESSED

Tracy Lange

Lisa Rocchio

Kim Quinn

Monica Eastin

Meredith Land

Wendy W. Messmann

GRAB YOUR BOOTS AND BOOGIE DOWN TO SOUTHFORK RANCH: CATTLE BARON’S BALL IS BACK!

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

It’s a new day for the 2024 Cattle Baron’s Ball, and that means even more reasons for Dallasites to dust off their boots, scoot over to Southfork Ranch, and support the American Cancer Society’s largest single-night fundraiser.

“New Horizons,” the theme of this year’s mega-celebration on Sept. 28, is a nod to both the event’s legacy and the hope created by advancements in cancer research. The Cattle Baron’s Ball marked its 50th Anniversary in 2023 by raising a record-setting $5,510,772 in a star-studded soiree headlined by Shania Twain.

Organizers are hoping that this year’s Ball will kick off Cattle Baron’s second half-century by bringing the total funds raised since its inception to over $100 million. They’ve tapped the talents of country superstar Carrie Underwood, and added a marketplace where partygoers will be able to shop at a variety of local businesses.

Forget the right footwear? Boogie on down to Partlow Boots. Looking for accessories? Find cowboy flair at McKinney Hat Co., add some sparkle at Bachendorf’s, or grab a handbag from Parker & Hyde. A glam room from Nieman Marcus will be available for those looking for anything from a touch up to a luxury experience, and Mizzen+Main will sponsor a sports lounge.

Retailers at the Cattle Baron’s Ball will each donate a percentage of the night’s sales to support north Texas cancer research.

of Cattle Baron’s legacy ride off into the sunset. The Ball that began in 1974 as a Texas barbecue under the leadership of co-chairs Patti Hunt and Jacque Wynne will offer a head-spinning variety of activities, from espresso martinis and gaming to mechanical bull-riding and music.

“Our committee goes above and beyond to support the fight, and I have seen the incredible work in research that our fundraising has done.”

Lora Farris

This year’s co-chairs, Marjon Henderson and Lora Farris, also aren’t letting any

“There’s something for everyone, I think, which is what makes it such a unique event.” Henderson said.

“You’re never bored at Cattle Baron’s.”

Guests fly in from around the country for the once-a-year event, but the funds raised at it won’t travel far. Most of the money will stay in north Texas, supporting local researchers.

BALL BASICS

The 2024 Cattle Baron’s Ball on Sept. 28 at Southfork Ranch begins at 6 p.m. for VIPs, and opens to all guests at 7 p.m. Follow the Ball on Instagram, @cattlebaronsball, to keep up with the latest news. Visit the Ball’s website, cattlebaronsball.com, to buy tickets or for more information.

This year’s traditional Paddle Raise honors the memory of Kace Phillips, the husband of Cattle Baron’s Ball committee member Claire Phillips, who lost his battle with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, in January. The $500,000 Paddle Raise goal will be used to fund a research grant named in Phillips’ memory.

“Cancer has touched us all,” Farris said. “I believe in Cattle Baron’s Ball and the mission of this organization. I have been a member for 9 years — our committee goes above and beyond to support the fight, and I have seen the incredible work in research that our fundraising has done.”

2024 Co-chairs Lora Farris and Marjon Henderson. TAMYTHA CAMERON PHOTOGRAPHY

Country Music Powerhouse Carrie Underwood to Headline Cattle Baron’s Ball

“All-American Girl” Carrie Underwood, a multi-Grammy winner with a legendary voice, will bring her “Denim & Rhinestones” style to the Cattle Baron Ball’s main stage on Sept. 28.

Underwood’s first single, “Inside Your Heaven,” debuted as number one on the Billboard Hot 100 after she dominated the voting to win the fourth season of American Idol. She recently made headlines by announcing her return to the show 20 years later, this time as a judge.

Since her Idol beginnings, Underwood has won eight Grammy Awards, 25 CMT Music Awards, 17 American Music Awards and been called “the female vocalist of her generation in any genre” by Rolling Stone. She’s released seven multi-platinum or platinum albums. Her long list of country, gospel, and pop hits includes “I Told You So,” “Cowboy Casanova,” “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Before He Cheats,” “So Small,” and “Church Bells.”

“She’s got a song for everyone,” said Marjon Henderson, who co-chairs this year’s ball with Lora Farris. “She has an incredible stage presence. There’s no doubt

about that, also. So, we’re excited to welcome her to Dallas.”

Underwood is also a force outside the recording studio. She has created her own fitness brand, written a New York Times bestseller, spoken out in support of animal welfare and against bullying, and given back to her hometown of Checotah, Okla.

Before Underwood takes the main stage at 10:30 p.m., local talent Straight Tequila Night will perform on the VIP/ Live Auction Stage. Since the ’90s Country Tribute Band’s formation in 2012, it’s been featured in Vogue, D Magazine, and The Dallas Observer, and has been recognized as one of the state’s best.

“Everyone has a different opinion or taste in music,” Henderson said. “But I’ll tell you what everybody loves: all ’90s country.”

Highlighting a local group was important to the Ball’s organizers, Henderson said. The money raised at the Cattle Baron’s Ball — more than $98 million in the past half-century — also stays primarily in the North Texas community.

— Compiled by Sarah Hodges

Longtime Best Friends Reunite For Great Cause

October gala

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

For over 30 years, LEAP Global Missions has brought together medical professionals and young patients around the world with complex medical needs. LEAP doctors have performed more than 10,000 life-altering surgeries and procedures in countries including India, Mexico, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe.

“LEAP shows up and is not afraid to have a presence and to make a difference.”

Linsey Nixon

This year, LEAP’s mission to provide free, specialized medical care inspired by the love of Christ has brought together three families who live in University Park, Preston Hollow, and Austin, and whose friendship is as old as the organization itself.

Linsey Nixon, Leigh Johnson, and Adair Webb, along with their husbands, are co-chairing LEAP’s 2024 gala, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 3 at the Dallas Country Club. The three have been best friends since they were in Joanne

chairs

tout reach of faith-based LEAP Global Missions

Cantwell’s fourth-grade class at University Park Elementary School. They became so inseparable as children that the boys in their class nicknamed them “the Golden Girls,” a reference to the thenhit TV show about single women in their 50s and 60s who share a house in Miami.

Though the friends went separate ways after graduating from Highland Park High School, all three have remained close. They were Maids of Honor at each others’ weddings. Johnson and Nixon’s oldest children are six weeks apart, and Johnson’s middle daughter

Save the Dates

September

20 – Dallas Contemporary Gala, Dallas Contemporary, dallascontemporary.org.

24 – KidneyTexas, Inc. The Runway Report Fashion Show and Luncheon: Celebrating our 25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee, Brook Hollow Golf Club, kidneytexas.org.

26-28 – Chi Omega Christmas Market, Dallas Market Hall, chiomegachristmasmarket.org.

28 – Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, dallassymphony.org.

October

1 – Women Take Flight: Fashion to Fission Luncheon, Frontiers of Flight Museum, flightmuseum.com.

3 – Goodwill Industries of Dallas The Lunch, Omni Dallas Hotel, goodwilldallas.org.

5 – Park Cities Car Show, Burleson

and Webb’s oldest son are two months apart. When Nixon visits from Austin, her friends’ children call her “Aunt Lins.”

The three have also continued to support LEAP. Nixon’s father, retired plastic and craniofacial surgeon Dr. Craig Hobar, founded the nonprofit around the time when their friendship began. Johnson and Webb were introduced to many patients with complex medical needs who stayed in the Hobar home while recovering from surgery.

Nixon said that her father has wanted her to chair the nonprofit’s annual gala since before the

Park at SMU, preservationparkcities.org.

10 – Fashion Notes Fashion Show and Luncheon: Bird Song presented by Ben E. Keith, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, dallassymphony league.com/Fashion-Notes.

11 –Humble Beginnings Luncheon with Jenna Bush Hager, Hilton Anatole, austinstreet.org.

18 – Turtle Creek Association Gala, Virgin Hotel Dallas, turtlecreekassociation.org.

COVID-19 pandemic. It was his dream for her to organize the event with her two best friends and their husbands.

“I know how busy everyone is. I didn’t assume that they would say yes,” Nixon said. “But when I asked them, they both quickly responded very passionately with a yes, which was so meaningful to me.”

The theme of this year’s Gala is A Journey of Hope, and the friends aim to highlight both LEAP’s history, and how the nonprofit will continue changing lives around the world in the future.

“LEAP shows up,” Nixon said,

IF YOU GO

What: The LEAP Global Missions 2024 Gala: A Journey of Hope

When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3

Where: Dallas Country Club, 4155 Mockingbird Lane.

Tickets: $500. Sponsorships and underwriting start at $2,500. Visit leapgala2024.givesmart.com.

Details: The evening will begin with a reception featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a three-course seated dinner. LEAP will share news of its past and ongoing mission trips, as well as updates on its future plans.

“and is not afraid to have a presence and to make a difference.”

That’s true even in countries that are struggling but hesitate to permit faith-based organizations to provide aid. LEAP was one of the first organizations to respond after the catastrophic 7.0 Haiti earthquake in 2010. Most recently, its medical professionals have been on the ground in Ukraine, teaching doctors how to care for victims of the Russia Ukraine war.

Nixon said that she hopes the gala spreads the word of LEAP’s work to a younger generation who want to support an organization that follows through and fulfills its promises to donors.

“Seeing how LEAP has grown, and seeing that firsthand, has been really incredible,” Johnson said. “I would want to do everything I can to support this organization.”

Hotel, dfwworld.org.

25 – Women of Distinction Luncheon, presented by Verizon, Hilton Anatole, gsnetx.org.

Excellence benefiting the Dallas Historical Society, Fairmont Dallas, dallashistory.org.

December

28 – A Revolution for Life Luncheon, Hilton Anatole Hotel, councilforlife.org.

18 –Pantry in the Park, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, thewilkinsoncenter.org.

20 – Turtle Creek Association Tour of Homes, bus service begins at 3131 Turtle Creek, turtlecreekassociation.org.

21 – Preservation Park Cities Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Dallas Country Club, preservationparkcities.org.

November

8-10 – Dr. Tiffany Moon’s LeadHer Summit, JW Marriott Dallas Arts District, leadhersummit.com.

9 – Folds of Honor Gala, AT&T Stadium, northtexas.foldsofhonor.org.

13-15 – BMW Dallas Marathon Festival, race packet pickup at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, dallasmarathon.com.

February

22 – Catholic Foundation Award Dinner, Hilton Anatole Hotel, catholicfoundation.com.

March

22 – H. Neil Mallon Award Dinner Honoring Clark Hunt, Fairmont

9 – Ending Addiction Stigma Walk, The Sound at Cypress Waters, shatterproof.org.

13 – A Writer’s Garden presented by the Weber Foundation benefiting the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Rosine Hall, wcdabg.org.

21 – Dallas History Makers Awards for

29 – Bruce Wood Dance 15th Anniversary Performance & Gala, Gilley’s Dallas, brucewooddance.org.

FROM LEFT: Adair Webb, Linsey Nixon, and Leigh Johnson are chairing the 2024 LEAP Gala. ROB WYTHE

— Compiled by Maria Lawson and William Taylor

Clark Hunt

Jenna BushHager

COURTESY PHOTOS

September 2024 | prestonhollowpeople.com @phollowpeople | @peoplenewspapers

POWER RANGER

PETERS LEADS HIGH-POWERED ATTACK FOR JESUIT, C8

Also inside:

Can Parish continue TAPPS dynasty?, C2

Eagles primed for contention in SPC, C7

New coach brings new hope for Hillcrest, C9

2024 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

STAYING ON TOP REMAINS CHALLENGE FOR PANTHERS

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

Nobody on Parish Episcopal’s foot ball roster has ever concluded a sea son for the Panthers without a state championship.

Parish has won a remarkable five con secutive titles in the TAPPS Division I classification. In other words, the Panthers have been one of the most dominant teams in the state — public or pri vate, large or small — for half a decade. And they have no in tention of loosening their grip on the trophy.

“I think this is one of the more talented teams we’ve had, but only time will tell,” said Parish head coach Dan iel Novakov, the architect of the program’s dynasty. “We’ve got a lot of returning experience.”

Parish has 14 starters back to be exact, split evenly between offense and defense. And none is more critical than Sawyer Anderson, the quarterback who will look to go 4-for-4 this fall.

Anderson inherited the job from cur rent SMU quarterback Preston Stone, who engineered the school’s first two champi onships in the largest TAPPS division.

Anderson, a Park Cities native, kept that streak alive during his freshman season and somehow has continued to improve each year since. Last fall, he threw for almost 3,500 yards and 40 touchdowns.

He’s a pro-style quarterback with dual-threat capabilities, which makes him ideal to lead Parish’s system. The Panthers averaged 43.8 points per game a year ago.

“He’s got more of a command. It’s just like having an extra coach on the field,” Novakov said. “I don’t know there’s a whole lot more you can ask of anybody.”

By now, of course, the Panthers know they have a proverbial target on their back, and have mastered the art of preparing for each season without becoming complacent or comfortable.

“I think this is one of the more talented teams we’ve had, but only time will tell.”

Coach Daniel Novakov

In 2023, Parish dropped three of its first four games while navigating an eye-popping nondistrict schedule. Then the Panthers won their last nine games, culminating with the title.

“It’s hard to play from the top spot when everybody is gunning for you,” Novakov said.

Anderson will have several returnees among his receiving corps, including Bryson Fields, Jaylen Pile, and Carson Darby, who combined for 21 touchdown catches last season.

Marcus Hanish and Jackson Sanford should see some carries at running back,

DESTINY IN DECEMBER

Here’s a look back at Parish Episcopal’s five consecutive TAPPS Division I championship game wins. Year Opponent Score

42-14

42-28

56-17

Plano Prestonwood 38-14 2023 Houston St. Thomas 40-29

QUICK FACTS

NOTABLE: Parish has a 15-game winning streak in district play. When you factor in the postseason, the Panthers have beaten 28 straight TAPPS opponents.

SCHEDULE

while the offensive line will be bolstered by transfers Hunter Caudill (Grapevine), Andrew Lockey (Plano John Paul II), and Gavin Lavelle (Keller Central).

The Parish defense was young last year, which translates into more experience that should pay off this season. Standout defensive back D.C. Crane is back after recording 100 tackles.

The Panthers also welcome back defensive backs Guy Stern and Julian Mayfield, and linebackers Jesse Richardson, Rocco Bigham, and standout nose tackle Landry Sattler. They will mix with promising transfers such as Nick Wheeler (ESD) and Landon Pratt (Lewisville Founders).

This year’s schedule features the usual slate of early challenges. But the biggest showdown, for a change, might come from within the district.

Their new alignment puts the Panthers alongside former league foe Argyle

Liberty, which has been rebuilt into a powerhouse by former Dallas Cowboys tight end and now-Liberty coach Jason Witten.

The Warriors are jumping back to Division I after an unbeaten run to the state title at the Division II level a year ago.

“Everybody feels like we’ve been a little bit disrespected because we haven’t been picked to win. We want to prove everybody wrong,” Novakov said. “We like to play from that position.”

2023 RECORD: 10-3 (4-0 in district)

Purdue commit Sawyer Anderson has a 34-5 record as he enters his fourth season as Parish Episcopal’s starting quarterback. CHRIS MCGATHEY

W.T. White Seeking To Take Next Step, Fulfill Postseason Potential

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

W.T. White has made four consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in school history. Now players and coaches are eager to take the next step.

Breaking through with WTW’s first postseason win since 1990 could start with a better regular-season finish in a more favorable district, and thus a higher seed.

“We want to do something that hasn’t been done around here in a long time. That’s our mindset and mentality,” said third-year WTW head coach Kenchee Ross. “Every game is going to be important.”

The Longhorns should continue to thrive on offense behind returning quarterback Andrew Paredez (1.138 passing yards) and running back Ben Ebeke (994 rushing yards). Both are only juniors.

Jimmy Mowles, who opened last year at quarterback before being sidelined with a broken collarbone, should see time at multiple positions on both sides of scrimmage.

“I feel good about our quarterback play,” Ross said. “They really have grown and understand the reads. We have two guys who are very capable, and they are very different.”

On defense, the linebackers should be a strength, anchored by returnees Cooper Whitson, Dylan Munoz, and Manny Rodriguez — who also kicked a playoff-clinching field goal last year against Birdville. Jermarious Jones, who started every game as a sophomore in 2023, is back at safety. A handful of newcomers should make an impact, such as transfers Clinton Ingram, Isaiah Flores, and Desmond Beckworth. Plus, 6-foot-7 receiver Ambrose Carter will join the roster from the basketball team, along with fellow hoopers Ardon West and Isaiah Foster.

QUICK FACTS

2023 RECORD: 6-5 (5-3 in district)

NOTABLE: The Longhorns have averaged 30.1 points per game since the start of 2021, which is the most prolific three-year offensive stretch in program history.

SCHEDULE

Ben Ebeke finished his breakthrough sophomore season with almost 1,000 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns for W.T. White. CHRIS MCGATHEY

Could Steadily Improving Lions Roar Into Contention This Season?

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

Slowly and steadily, St. Mark’s is making progress, even if a 15-game losing streak against SPC 4A competition might tell you otherwise.

The Lions haven’t amassed the depth yet to move up in the conference’s daunting large-school division. But they are getting incre-

“It’s important to be able to ignore the results and focus on where the improvement is happening,” said St. Mark’s head coach Harry Flaherty. “The competition is always going to be steep. We are just focused on building internally.”

St. Mark’s dropped six of its last seven games a year ago with a depleted roster. But the Lions gained experience as a result, as evidenced by a healthy crop of returnees.

Elite two-way lineman Henry Estes is back for his fourth varsity season. So are receiver Mateu Parker and running back Russell Higgins. Then there’s Noah Williams, a key contributor in the backfield and the secondary.

Lawrence Gardner will be the new starting quarterback after playing a reserve role for the past two seasons. He will be joined on offense by running back Max Bean along with linemen Henry Roden and Brady Wyatt.

The defense struggled at times last year but returns several starters including linebacker and leading tackler William Everitt, defensive back Riggs Bean — twin brother of Max — and linemen Jack Baker and Hilton Sampson.

“We feel like we’re improving from a quality standpoint each year.,” said Flaherty, who added program participation has risen to more than 100 players. “The target feels more within range for our guys.”

2023 RECORD: 4-6

QUICK FACTS SCHEDULE

NOTABLE: St. Mark’s has 17 SPC titles in football, most recently in 2008. Houston-area schools have dominated the large-school classification since then.

Henry Estes, verbally committed to Columbia, has been a stalwart for three seasons on the offensive and defensive line for St. Mark’s. ROB GRAHAM

Gierkey, Eagles to Flash Offensive Firepower

QUICK FACTS

2023 RECORD: 5-4

NOTABLE: ESD traveled to Ireland for its season-opening game against Florida power IMG Academy, which Williams said would be a “really special” experience.

SCHEDULE

August

23 IMG Academy (Fla.)^ 9:30 a.m.

30 at Plano Prestonwood

6 FW Trinity

13 Houston Second

4 Bellaire Episcopal*

10 at Houston Kinkaid* 7 p.m.

18 The Woodlands Cooper* 7 p.m.

25 at Houston St. John’s* 7 p.m.

November

1 at St. Mark’s* 7 p.m.

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

Episcopal School of Dallas seems to keep reloading on offense. This year, the Eagles hope nine returning starters can keep them in contention for an SPC title.

Leading the charge will be quarterback Jake Gierkey, who threw for more than 2,400 yards and 23 touchdowns last season for a unit that scored an average of 42.4 points in its five wins.

“He did a good job in his junior year,” said ESD head coach Richard Williams. “It was very clear this spring the comfort level that he has with the offense and the respect of the players.”

His two biggest targets are literally big — receiver Dario Benaglia is 6-foot-5, while tight end Hutch Chipman is 6-foot-4. They combined for 14 scores a year ago.

Others to watch include re ceivers Siler Cooke and Josh Logan, plus sophomore running back Hudsen Young. The entire offensive line is coming back, too, an chored by Landen Capetillo, Owen Bellson, and Brett Dopona.

“Offensively I feel we’re go ing to be strong,” Williams said. “We’ve got some explosive piec es. It should be a fun season when we’ve got the ball in our hands.”

Williams admits graduation has left holes on defense, meaning it will be critical for the offense to score points or prolong posses sions while newcomers gain expe rience. Many offensive starters will also have roles on defense.

ESD hopes to compete more favorably with the Houston pow erhouses in the conference’s largeschool division after the Eagles went 0-3 against Episcopal, St. John’s, and Kinkaid a year ago.

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ESD senior quarterback Jake Gierkey will benefit from the return of several skill players in his second season as a starter. CHRIS MCGATHEY

DEEP SENIOR CLASS RAISES EXPECTATIONS FOR RANGERS

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

Charlie Peters was comfortable with the offense and confident in his teammates.

Yet as a new starting quarterback entering last season, his head was spinning.

Two games and one amazing fourth-quarter comeback later, Peters could see why his coaches placed the Jesuit offense in his hands.

Brandon Hickman. “It was only a matter of time. After the Rockwall game, he kind of took off with the offense. I was very impressed with the way he handled himself. We’re going to give him the keys to the car with our offense.”

“Going on the field with them again is a huge advantage.”

Charlie Peters

In just his second varsity start, Peters threw for 370 yards and six touchdowns as the Rangers scored 46 points after halftime to stun Rockwall in a 60-59 thriller.

“That game showed that I could do it,” Peters said. “After that, I knew they had faith in me, and I had faith in them. It felt like no-

season, finishing with 2,993 passing yards and 32 touchdowns with just six intercep

Hickman said Peters has put on about 20 pounds of muscle during the offseason and will have more flexibility to command the up-tempo attack. Several of Jesuit’s top playmakers are back from a year ago, fueling optimism that the team’s normally high-powered offense could reach new heights.

“We’re returning a lot of guys that I played with last year,” Peters said. “Going on the field with them again is a huge advantage.”

Henry Bourret is a versatile running back

Harlan Beucler also should make an impact at receiver. The athleticism should ramp up with the addition of standout baseball players

Shane Parker and Jake Fults. Reserve quarterback Beck Berry might catch some passes, too.

“We’re very fortunate to have eight receivers who can go out and play. The core guys who we have coming back played a lot of snaps last year. I think it’s important to get a lot of guys the ball,” Hickman said. “Depth at receiver is a good problem to have.”

Jesuit also will return the majority of its starters from a defensive unit that allowed an average of just 17.5 points in eight district games.

The Rangers have holes to fill in the secondary but have size up front. Cade Gill, who had 58 tackles as a defensive end, might see some time at linebacker alongside Julien Bird and Cooper Smith.

Experience returns along the defensive line with Parker Sherman and Cole Hatzmann. The secondary will be anchored by safeties

win district, and we’ve got a chance to get to the playoffs and make a run. I like our chances because I like the way our kids are preparing,” Hickman said. “The culture of our team is better than it’s ever been.”

QUICK FACTS

2023 RECORD: 8-4 (6-2 in district)

NOTABLE: Jesuit has made the playoffs in 13 of the past 14 campaigns. And the Rangers have a solid track record in postseason play, with 13 victories since 2012.

SCHEDULE

Jesuit quarterback Charlie Peters threw at least one touchdown pass in all 12 games last season, and nine times connected for at least two scores. ROB GRAHAM

New Coach Aims to Bring Winning Culture to Hillcrest

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

A.D. Madise sees Hillcrest as a program on the cusp of a breakthrough, rather than a total rebuilding project.

The Panthers have had winning seasons in four of the past five years but haven’t been able to translate that success to the playoffs, where Hillcrest hasn’t won a game since 2006.

That’s the challenge for Madise, the former NFL receiver who takes over at Hillcrest after spending more than a decade as an assistant at South Oak Cliff and other successful stops.

“You pull the best things from the places you’ve been. This is not going to be SOC North,” he said. “You’ve got to get a feel for what works and what doesn’t. Our plan will be tailor-made for Hillcrest.”

The Panthers will have a handful of returning starters on both sides of scrimmage from a team that finished 4-6 a year ago.

Asher Randall is back at quarterback after throwing 13 touchdown passes as a sophomore. So is his leading receiver, Jacoby Ogbonna, a playmaker who reached the end zone 12 times last season.

The defense will employ a 4-2-5 alignment, with expected standouts including linebackers Jaden Morris and John Newton, and cornerback Evan Lewis.

Several players could see significant

action on both sides of scrimmage, including Romeo Jackson, Desean Williams, Jerard Davis, Avery Winters, Micah Clark, and Jeremiah Howard.

“We’ve got a solid nucleus of kids and we’re going to be solid moving forward,” Madise said. “We just don’t have a ton of numbers yet. Patience will be key for us.”

2023 RECORD: 4-6 (3-3 in district)

NOTABLE: Senior twins Isaac and Isaiah Dorn are each just 5-foot-6 but provide quickness and tenacity at multiple positions on offense and defense.

SCHEDULE

August

29 W.T. White 7 p.m.

September

6 at Elgin (Okla.) 7:30 p.m.

12 at FW Western Hills 7:30 p.m.

20 Samuell* 7:30 p.m.

27 at Spruce* 7:30 p.m.

October

3 South Oak Cliff* 7 p.m.

18 Seagoville* 7:30 p.m.

24 at Thomas Jefferson* 7 p.m.

November 1 Adamson* 7:30 p.m.

8 at Woodrow Wilson* 7:30 p.m.

*—District5-5A,DivisionIIgame

QUICK FACTS

Hillcrest’s Asher Randall took over as the starting quarterback last season and threw 13 touchdown passes with just four interceptions. CHRIS MCGATHEY

Two 2023 Wins Show Greenhill Moving in the Right Direction

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

Greenhill won just two games last season, but both were significant. The Hornets snapped a 29game losing streak in their season opener against Coram Deo, and later rallied from a 20-point deficit to earn their first SPC win in five years against Arlington Oakridge.

In other words, the rebuilding project for second-year head coach K.J. Williams is taking shape, and brighter days appear to be ahead.

“When it came down to what we instilled in our program, the kids bought into it. That football culture is starting to turn around,” Williams said. “I’m very happy and pleased with what’s going on.”

The optimism has carried over to the offseason, with participation numbers up significantly and several players taking college visits.

“Our core is strong. They want

to make themselves relevant,” Williams said. “We always should be better than we were the year before. I want our kids to play with confidence. I want people to know that we are a football school in addition to an academic school.”

Top returnees for Greenhill include quarterback Will Black, lineman Kaden Castillo, and lanky receiver Bryson Watt, also a standout in baseball. All three are two-way players.

Running back John Hurley contributes speed, while 6-foot-5 tight end Garrett Koerner brings versatility. And the Hornets have some size up front, too, with Oliver Hill and Victor Sampson anchoring the lines.

Greenhill also added some impact transfers at the skill positions, such as Austin Price (Frisco Lone Star), Trey Davis (Frisco Wakeland), and Josiah Christian (Prosper).

2023 RECORD: 2-8

NOTABLE: Greenhill scored 89 combined points in their two wins, but just 70 combined points in their eight losses, which were by an average margin of 24.9 points. August

Depth, Experience Bring Knights Confidence After Rollercoaster Year

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

Last season’s rollercoaster saw Covenant surge to a 3-0 start, stumble through a rough stretch while dealing with injuries, then rally to win the program’s first playoff game since 2020.

The Knights hope the momentum from that upswing in November will carry over to a campaign in which they return several key players on both sides of scrimmage.

“Last year was full of highs and lows for us,” said sixth-year Covenant head coach Jacob Zinn. “We felt like we ended the year really strong. We competed really hard. We’re looking to keep it rolling.”

The offense should stabilize behind returning skill players such as Benjamin Golik (who posted more than 1,200 total yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago), Duke Black, and twins

Matthew and Campbell Peterson.

All of them are defensive standouts, too, with Black recording a team-high 113 tackles and Matthew Peterson grabbing seven interceptions.

Then there’s returning quarterback Lleyton Horan, who lost the starting quarterback job prior to the season before regaining it a few games later. He generally came up big when it counted, leading Covenant to close victories over McKinney Christian and Colleyville Covenant.

“We’re really excited. He’s had a great spring and summer,” Zinn said. “He knows he’s going to be the guy and has been a great leader for us.”

The Knights have a unique roster loaded with seniors — including some four-year starters — and freshmen. The youth could be especially evident on the offensive line, which will be anchored by sophomore Connor Evans.

QUICK FACTS

2023 RECORD: 7-5 (1-2 in district)

NOTABLE: The Knights surrendered an average of 48.8 points in their five losses last season, two of which came against TAPPS Division III state champion Dallas Christian.

SCHEDULE

After a breakout season in 2023, Bryson Watt is the top returning receiver for Greenhill in catches, yards, and touchdowns. CHRIS MCGATHEY

Lleyton Horan led Covenant to a dramatic playoff win over Colleyville Covenant, the first-ever postseason road victory for the Knights. CHRIS MCGATHEY