Issuu

LAKEWOOD/EAST DALLAS

EAST DALLAS' ROAD WOES

JANUARY 2 0 1 9

LOOKING BACK: THE YEAR'S BEST STORIES

A D V O C AT E M A G . C O M

A KICK-AXE BUSINESS

New Year. Fresh Look. Bright Future. Momentum is building at North Texas’ largest residential real estate brokerage. New leadership is guiding us into the future, major technology initiatives abound and our new yard signs are everywhere. With the most offices, the greatest reach and the best agents, no other brokerage can match what we offer you.

NEW LISTING

7315 CASA LOMA | $2,150,000

7046 CASA LOMA | $1,325,000

4 BEDS | 3.1 BATHS | 2 CAR | 4,188 SQ. FT.

4 BEDS | 3.2 BATHS | 2 CAR | 4,388 SQ. FT.

7193 WEST CIRCLE | $1,295,000

BERNICE EDELMAN - 214-384-7700

VICTORIA BARR - 214-692-0000

3 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 2 CAR | 3,473 SQ. FT. DYBVAD PHELPS SINNOTT GROUP - 214-354-2823

6906 LA VISTA | SOLD

6902 WESTLAKE | SOLD

6206 TREMONT | SOLD

5 BEDS | 3.1 BATHS | 2 CAR | 3,660 SQ. FT.

4 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 2 CAR | 3,096 SQ. FT.

4 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 2 CAR | 2,942 SQ. FT.

ALISON O’HALLORAN - 214-228-9013

BROWN-QUALLS & SCHRICKEL GROUP -

PETER LOUDIS - 214-215-4269

214-692-0000

5927 MONTICELLO | SOLD

6317 GOLIAD | SOLD

3 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 2 CAR | 2,745 SQ. FT.

3 BEDS | 2.1 BATHS | 2 CAR | 2,821 SQ. FT.

434 BROOKHURST DR | $600,000

CAROLYN ALBERS BLACK - 214-692-0000

JINI CYR-ROSENBAUM - 214-692-0000

3 BED | 2 BATH I 2 CAR | 1,853 SQ. FT. STREIFF, WILLIAMS & SLIVA - 469-231-7170

418 VALENCIA | $589,000

4611 TRAVIS #805B | $495,000

4627 CREIGHTON | $459,999

3 BEDS | 2.1 BATHS | 2 CAR | POOL

2 BEDS | 2.1 BATHS | 2 CAR | 2,201 SQ. FT.

4 BED | 2 BATH | 2 CAR | 2,193 SQ FT.

DYBVAD PHELPS SINNOTT GROUP - 214-536-8786

ALISON O’HALLORAN - 214-228-9013

CHRIS HOOPER - 214-430-2590

NEW LISTING

9730 TWIN CREEK | $459,900

4111 NEWTON #37 | $455,000

3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 1 CAR | 1,576 SQ. FT.

2 BEDS | 2.1 BATHS | 2 CAR | 2,024 SQ. FT.

EDWINA DYE - 214-674-3937

MARY RINNE - 214-552-6735

YOUR FRIENDLY REAL ESTATE EXPERTS IN LAKEWOOD AND EAST DALLAS

NEW LISTING

Most of our clients don’t buy

7314 BENNINGTON | $439,000

5723 WORTH | SOLD

3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 2 CAR | 1,663 SQ. FT.

3 BEDS | 1 BATH | 1,392 SQ. FT.

MARY POSS - 214-692-0000

PETER LOUDIS - 214-215-4269

and sell homes very often. It’s relatively unknown territory to

NEW PRICE

them. But it’s our native territory, since 1945. We know the East Dallas landscape. There’s no trail we haven’t been down before. We are here to help you fully experience one of the biggest, 1041 TIPPERARY | $389,000

10420 SOLTA | $269,000

3 BED | 2 BATH | 2 CAR | 1,434 SQ. FT.

2 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 2 CAR | 1,430 SQ. FT.

TERRI GUM - 214-564-0100

SEAN HOOPER - 214-692-0000

most joyful events of your life.

Experience the difference the right agent can make. Visit Ebby.com today.

LAKEWOOD | LAKE HIGHLANDS 214-826-0316

PRESTON CENTER 214-692-0000 1903 VIEWCREST | $255,000 3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 2 CAR | 1,377 SQ. FT.

5819 SANDHURST #B | $235,000

JORGE GOLDSMIT - 214-245-5357

2 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 1,147 SQ. FT. PAUL SANDERS - 214-692-0000

EBBY’S LITTLE WHITE HOUSE 214-210-1500

License #146759, #100042, #000532, #140097

SPACIOUS APARTMENTS TO FIT THE BIGGEST PERSONALITIES

Introducing The Vista at CC Young. Opening early 2019, The Vista will feature beautiful Assisted Living apartments. We’re sure to have the perfect match to fit your personality and needs. Our brand new community will also feature beautiful gardens, an indoor heated pool, casual bistro and breathtaking views of White Rock Lake.

Call 214-380-0323 today to find out how new residents of The Vista’s Assisted Living can save up to $15,000! FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VISTA AT CC YOUNG , VISIT WWW.CCYOUNG .ORG.

CONTENTS JANUARY 2019 VOL.25 NO.1

UP FRONT 18 Cece Cox Fighting for LGBTQ rights 22 All in the family Meet the third generation of owners at Weir's Furniture

FEATURES 36 Where are they now? The years top stories 42 Construction conundrum Is the end in sight? 46 The Balcony Club New owners, same sound

TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTO BY DANNY FULGENCIO

6 lakewood.advocatemag.com

JANUARY 2019

The #1 Real Estate Group with East Dallas’ #1 Real Estate Brand

6726 LAKEWOOD

SOLD

SOLD*

7003 WABASH

6550 BLANCH

6455 KENWOOD

SOLD

SOLD*

6912 REDSTART

6621 NORTHRIDGE

SOLD

SOLD*

I N 2018, T H E P E R RY M I L L E R S T R E I F F G R O U P S O L D OV E R

TOP R E A LT O R S

2017

214.799.1488 dpmfinehomes.com DAVE PERRYMILLER REAL ESTATE A Division of Ebby Halliday | *Represented Buyer

$15 0 ,0 0 0 ,0 00 Succeeding because of their wealth of market knowledge and unmatched agent collaboration, their motto implies as much: “Consistently Delivering What Others Promise.” The team works hard to create the unparalleled track record they have, where every transaction bears the hallmarks of true professionalism, commitment, and a deft touch. We know this neighborhood because we live here – and if you’re looking for a change in East Dallas, your first step should be to contact The Perry-Miller Streiff Group.

compass.com

A Historic Community. A Modern Real Estate Company. Compass Arrives in East Dallas. The leading agents you’ve known and trusted for years have moved to a new real estate brokerage, dedicated to making the home buying and selling process more informed than ever. At Compass we’ve empowered our agents by developing best in class technology, making the process more insight-driven and seamless than ever.

All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footagers are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Compass Welcomes the JacksonSells Team! We are proud to announce that the JacksonSells Team has joined Compass, one of the most innovative real estate companies, pairing the industry’s top agents with design and technology to deliver an incomparable client experience.

JacksonSells Scott Jackson 214.827.2400 scott.jackson@compass.com

Laura Reynolds • Scott Jackson • Lauren Moore • Tucker Bomar

compass.com

O N L I N E N OW SEE NEW STORIES EVERY WEEK ONLINE AT

Lakewood.advocatemag.com

Crime roundup Woodrow's buried treasure For nearly a century, a tasty morsel has been entombed in the foundation of Woodrow Wilson High School. The slice of cake from the 1913 wedding of President Woodrow Wilson’s daughter was sent by a bridesmaid from Texas to her cousin in Dallas, says north Texas author Mark Stuertz, who wrote the book “Secret Dallas: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.”

End of an era Longtime Woodrow Wilson High School football coach and athletic director Bobby Estes called it quits, stepping down from both positions to spend more time with his wife and family. For the past 21 years, Estes has led Woodrow’s football team to multiple playoff berths and a slew of winning seasons.

From readers Readers loved talking on social media about our story on Electric Lizzyland, neighbor Liz Simmons’ holiday yard art. Here are the top comments: "It is an amazing sight!!! A must-see for sure!!" — Ashley Morrison Walker "She used to be my neighbor! Love her attitude and her fabulous celebrations!" — Jody A. Lee "The city has bigger fish to fry than worrying about someone’s Christmas display!!!" — Karen Newton

• A thief stole two inflatable Santa Clauses just three days after the owner put them on her front porch in Junius Heights. In the true spirit of Christmas, the owner went to Home Depot the next day and bought replacement decorations. And some cable locks. • A woman was hit in the ankle just after midnight when a stray bullet traveled through the door of her second-story apartment. Police say they think the shooting was the result of a gun battle. • Dallas police arrested three people accused in a string of armed driveway robberies in Oak Cliff and East Dallas. The robbers are accused of forcing the victims into their homes at gunpoint and then stealing their belongings. • The family-owned cake business, Annie’s Culinary Creations, has been broken into five times in a mere five years, police say.

O N L I N E N OW

DISTRIBUTION PH/214.560.4203 ADVERTISING PH/214.560.4203

SEE NEW STORIES EVERY WEEK ONLINE AT

214.560.4205 / adurant@advocatemag.com

Lakewood.advocatemag.com

office administrator: Judy Liles

214.560.4203 / jliles@advocatemag.com senior advertising consultant: Amy Durant senior advertising consultant: Kristy Gaconnier

214.264.5887 / kgaconnier@advocatemag.com A D V E RT I S I N G C O N S U LTA N T S Sally Ackerman

214.560.4202 / sackerman@advocatemag.com Frank McClendon

214.560.4215 / fmcclendon@advocatemag.com Greg Kinney

214.292.0485 / gkinney@advocatemag.com Michele Paulda

214.292.2053 / mpaulda@advocatemag.com Catherine Pate

214.560.4201 / cpate@advocatemag.com Kendra Benningfield

859.229.4105 / kbenningfield@advocatemag.com classified manager: Prio Berger

214.292.0493 / pberger@advocatemag.com marketing director: Sally Wamre

214.635.2120 / swamre@advocatemag.com EDITORIAL publisher: Lisa Kresl

214.560.4200 / lkresl@advocatemag.com editor-at-large: Keri Mitchell

214.292.0487 / kmitchell@advocatemag.com

Shaheen Sattar. Photography by Rasy Ran.

214.292.0490 / rstone@advocatemag.com

Baby, just say yes

Elissa Chudwin

Crossing the finish line after running more than 30 miles seems like a joyous occasion itself for any athlete. But one White Rock area woman had an additional reason to celebrate after completing the BMW Dallas Ultra Marathon. Shaheen Sattar had just finished the 50-kilometer race when she saw race officials holding a banner that said, “Baby, will you marry me?” Sattar’s longtime boyfriend was down on one knee and asked the 34-year-old to marry him. The answer was a wholehearted “yes.”

Dining digest A West Dallas taquería that appeared on the Food Network and is a favorite of local media and culinary types opened a second location on Lower Greenville. Tacos Mariachi opened in a renovated space on Singleton Boulevard in 2015. It was featured on “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives” earlier this year.

Park plans

Despite opposition from a city councilman, plans for a 200-acre park between the Trinity Levees are moving forward. The Trinity Conservancy unveiled its plans for the park, which will feature overlooks, playgrounds, cafés, performance spaces and a series of pedestrian bridges that stretch to the top of the levees.

EDITORS: Rachel Stone

Only one Dallas establishment made Esquire’s list of best new restaurants in America. Petra and the Beast on Haskell Avenue won thanks to chef Misti Norris’ dishes. “Consider her fried chicken hearts wrapped in a pale-green garlic crepe or her pigtails with sour purple cabbage,” food and drinks editor Jeff Gordinier wrote. “Her background is Cajun, but that doesn’t help locate her inspiration. As far as I can tell, her cooking appears to be Narnian.”

815.274.4340 / echudwin@advocatemag.com Jaime Dunaway

214.560.4208 / jdunaway@advocatemag.com digital manager: Christian Welch

214.240.8916 / cwelch@advocatemag.com digital strategy: Jehadu Abshiro

jabshiro@advocatemag.com senior art director: Jynnette Neal

214.560.4206 / jneal@advocatemag.com designer: Ashley Drake

214.292.0493 / adrake@advocatemag.com designer: Emily Hulen Thompson contributors: George Mason, Brent McDougal, Patti Vinson, Carol Toler photo editor: Danny Fulgencio

214.635.2121 / danny@advocatemag.com contributing photographers: Kathy Tran president: Rick Wamre

214.560.4212 / rwamre@advocatemag.com Advocate, © 2019, is published monthly by East Dallas – Lakewood People Inc. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for the content of all advertisements printed, and therefore assume responsibility for any and all claims against the Advocate. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material. Opinions set forth in the Advocate are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s viewpoint. More than 200,000 people read Advocate publications each month. Advertising rates and guidelines are available upon request. Advocate publications are available free of charge throughout our neighborhoods, one copy per reader. Advocate was founded in 1991 by Jeff Siegel, Tom Zielinski and Rick Wamre.

ABOUT THE COVER Photography by Danny Fulgencio. The view from the peace garden at Woodrow Wilson High School. The garden is being transfor med from an under used, dumping ground of space on the campus. FOLLOW US: Talk to us: editor@advocatemag.com Newsletter: advocatemag.com/newsletter

JANUARY 2019 lakewood.advocatemag.com

EVENTS

JAN. 27

POLAR PLUNGE

Wash away 2018 with an ice bath for a good cause. Hypnotic Donuts and the Dallas Fraternal Order of Eagles host this year’s plunge into icy water. Swim the length of the pool and then enjoy some warm food and beverages. Where: Dallas Fraternal Order of Eagles, 8500 Arturo Drive Cost: $5-$10 More info: facebook.com/events

5 things to do in East Dallas this January JAN. 1

New Year’s Kirtan

Ring in the New Year with a five-day event to promote meditation and unity organized by the Radha Kalachandji Hare Krishna Temple. The festival ends with a flower ceremony in which 25,000 rose petals will be showered on participants. Where: Radha Kalachandji Hare Krishna Temple, 5430 Gurley Ave. Cost: $40 for a one-day pass More info: kirtan50.com

JAN. 6

Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Dinner

You don’t have to travel to 221B Baker St. in London to celebrate the detective’s birthday. Mark the occasion with a mystery and a meal, beginning at 6 p.m. Where: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Road Cost: $125-$140 More info: dallasarboretum.org

JAN. 11

JAN. 18

Expect an open bar, silent auction and live music from an '80s cover band to benefit an outdoor science classroom at Geneva Heights Elementary. Where: Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville Ave. Cost: $100 More info: pregeneva.com

Wake up next to a T-Rex at this Perot Museum sleepover for Lakewood Elementary students and their dads. Where: Perot Museum, 2201 N. Field St. Cost: $80-$320 More info: foldallas.org

Geneva Nights

Night at the Museum

1 agent, 48 sold in 2018. Leading Lakewood in Sales 4229 Cole Avenue #111

6920 Frontierwood Place

833 Kirkwood Drive*

1030 Erin Drive*

10916 Snow White Drive

10243 Sylvia Drive

7138 Westbrook Lane

6641 Lakeshore Drive*

6850 Avalon Avenue*

4920 Kelton Drive*

5528 Vickery Blvd*

6804 Ravendale Lane*

3624 Vintage Place*

6422 Vickery Blvd*

6207 Monticello Avenue

8623 Santa Clara Drive*

7306 Danashire Avenue*

6441 McCommas Blvd

7111 Vivian Avenue

4112 Purdue Avenue*

5743 Marquita Avenue

10609 Fern Drive

8415 Flower Meadow Drive*

10622 Mapleridge Drive*

5914 Hudson Street 1

9112 Moss Farm Lane*

8905 Lacrosse Drive*

6506 Sondra Drive*

6721 Belford Drive*

6231 Berwyn Lane

2410 Wild Cherry Way*

6445 Chesley Lane*

6550 Bob O Link Drive

7214 Rutgers Drive*

6330 McCommas Blvd*

6246 Prestonshire Lane*

6122 McCommas Blvd*

6469 Sondra Drive*

6414 Chesley Lane

1848 Euclid Avenue*

4052 Clover Lane*

6243 Goliad Avenue

6128 Kenwood Avenue

6910 Frontierwood Place

6307 Llano Avenue

*Represented Buyers

Senior Vice President 214. 293.0506 | kate.walters@alliebeth.com

B o r n , R a i s e d , L i v i n g L a ke wo o d

UP FRONT

NE IGHBORLY RE S OURC E CEO Cece Cox manages a $10 million budget to help the LGBTQ community 

Interview by LISA KRESL / Photography by DANNY FULGENCIO

18 lakewood.advocatemag.com

JANUARY 2019

Your New Address SOLD

SOLD — Represented Buyer

214.521.7355 | alliebeth.com

eighbor Cece Cox is CEO of the Resource Center, one of the primary LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS service organizations in the U.S. The center serves more than 60,000 people each year through programs for families and communities in areas such as health, wellness, education, advocacy and policy. Cox manages a budget of $10 million, as well as more than 60 staff and 1,200 volunteers. She’s worked there for 11 years, including eight as CEO. She is the mother of a 20-year-old son.

Tell me about your job. I’m mostly responsible for making sure the agency is fiscally sound. I’m the chief lookingahead person. For example, changes in health care would have a huge impact on our clients. We just started a feasibility study to see if we could develop a housing development for LGBTQ seniors. I also maintain relationships that we have, whether those are political or with funders. What inspired you to take that role? I was working at a law firm here. It just wasn’t as satisfactory. I was an older new associate. The politics of firms are messy. I just wasn’t feeling great, and I was missing my community. I decided I wanted to find something that would feel good to me in the LGBTQ community in which I had worked before and been a volunteer for many years. Tell me about your childhood. I’m the youngest of three and the only girl. My dad was the president of Phillips Petroleum, a multinational oil company headquartered in Bartlesville, Okla. I got to grow up in a small town, which had a lot of benefits, not that I necessarily appreciated it at the time. The same people who were always watching you and reporting back to your mom were the very same people that you could count on if you needed something. My coming out and then adopting my son, Mateo, was really hard. Not everybody in my family was OK with it at first. But at a point I asked, “Mom, can we have a baby shower for us?” And she did. My parents had no desire to keep that secret. They weren’t ashamed of us. That took courage for my mom, which is a real testament to how my parents are. They wanted to understand. The first thing my dad said was, “You’re our daughter, and we love you,” which is what every kid wants to hear. What attracted you to East Dallas? I intentionally came back to this area after a relationship ended. I was attracted to the lake. I enjoy cycling. I’ve lived in Dallas for 34 years, and I’ve almost always lived in East Dallas. The

20 lakewood.advocatemag.com

JANUARY 2019

politics suit me better. I remember the first day I moved back. I was newly single, in an apartment and finding my footing, healing. On the first day, I walked at the lake, and I ran into somebody I knew. I think it was someone I had gone to church with, but I also started seeing people from St. John’s Episcopal School. It just felt good.

“When we were looking at schools, even pre-K, we said, ‘This is our family. We’re two lesbian moms. Do you have an issue with us?’”

Besides work, what are you most proud of? My family. (Former partner) Lisa is a good parent, and I think we have been good parents. Navigating a path for our son as gay parents, we were always in sync. We never wanted any discrimination directed at him. When we were looking at schools, even pre-K, we said, “This is our family. We’re two lesbian moms. This is our son. Do you have any other gay families? Do you have an issue with us?” We wanted to be in communication with teachers. We were not going to live in the closet. Was that difficult? He went to religious schools, St. John’s Episcopal and Jesuit College Preparatory. We had an interesting moment with Jesuit when we were applying. Lisa went online to fill out the application forms, and the language was mother/father, and there was no other option. She called me crying. We decided to write a one-page letter and ask that it be put in Mateo’s file. We said, “This is our family. We’ve always been open. We do not want anything to be hidden or you to feel like you’re being surprised. Your application doesn’t have language for our family, and we’re applying. Here’s supplemental information basically.” How would you like to be remembered? Well, my friendships and my family are the main things. Even though I think about my work nonstop, and I’m passionate about my work, I want to be remembered as a good daughter, sister, mom and friend. I want to be remembered as somebody who did positive things for other people.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

The new location to begin your renovation.

We invite you to visit the new Bella Vista Design Center. Here, you’ll find the inspiration you need for your next renovation or new build. Explore fully functioning kitchens and bathrooms. Browse numerous examples of fine finishes. And let our experts help make our new place the beginning of your new place.

Full-Service Design & Construction | 8989 Garland Road | BellaVistaCompany.com

UP FRONT

OTTOMAN EMPIRE ALL IN THE FAMILY WITH WEIR’S CEO MARK MOORE

WHEN LAKEWOOD NATIVE Mark Moore graduated college, he was sure he was not going to join the family business. His grandfather J. Ray Weir founded Weir’s Early American Shop in 1948 in a 20- by 70-foot storefront on Knox Avenue, and Moore grew up working there on holidays and weekends. He graduated from Baylor University and was determined to go his own way. “Without question, my future would never be here,” he said of the store. “I would never step foot here again.” But as fate would have it, he would become the third generation of family to run the store. Grandpa Weir moved his family from Fort Worth to Dallas to start the store on Knox, which at the time, was the appliance capital of Dallas. To grow the business, he began selling furniture at lower margins to increase quantity before sales and discounts were popular. Moore’s mother raised him in Lakewood on Carolyn Crest, where he grew up going to

22 lakewood.advocatemag.com

Story by WILL MADDOX JANUARY 2019

Wilshire Baptist Church and spending time at Hillside Village. He looks back fondly on his time in the neighborhood, where he played sports, attended J.L. Long and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. “It was a different era,” he says. “We didn’t worry about locking our doors.” After graduating from Baylor, Moore started in a Sanger-Harris management-training program. He moved to become a buyer for Neiman Marcus, but he became disenchanted with the position and bureaucracy of such a large corporation. “It wasn’t what I thought it would be,” he says. A market crash in the 1980s ended his shortlived real estate career, and Moore needed a job. He reached out to his uncle Dan, who had taken over Weir’s in 1972, for a job. “I sucked it up, called and said, ‘Do you need anybody?'" he says. Even though he grew up working in the country store, where sweets and home goods were sold next to a functioning post office, he still had to

Photography by DANNY FULGENCIO

What if ...

... you had a broken pipe under your foundation?

Are you fully covered?

In many cases, when fixing the damaged pipe, the cost to repair your slab is NOT covered by your homeowners policy.

Call us and we can get the right coverage for you.

Please give Judge Vic a call! We can take care of you… and your insurance needs. As an independent Insurance agency, we have the competitive advantage of representing a multitude of carriers for your benefit. Judge Vickers Cunningham will be in your corner to be the best agent to protect your risk while connecting you with the best carrier at the best price. In addition, he has the legal background and resources to manage any insurance case you need handled.

Cunningham Insurance Agency 972.445.5100 | 6301 Gaston, Suite 210 Dallas, TX 75214 Judge Vickers L. Cunningham, Sr.

Retired, 283rd Judicial District Court BBA Insurance & Risk Management SMU Texas Licensed Insurance Agent Attorney at Law

Hablamos Español HOME · AUTO · LIFE · COMMERCIAL ELDERCARE · ESTATE PLANNING · MEDICAL DIRECTIVES

UP FRONT

go through the application process. He started out on the sales floor in the bedding department. He soon found success and was close to setting a record on the sales floor when he was moved to be a buyer. (He is still a bit bitter about not finishing the year.) He became the CEO and president of Weir’s Furniture in 2003, the third generation of family leadership. Over the years, Weir’s added five locations and more than 300 employees, and they are not done growing. This fall, the Knox Weir’s will close for as long as two years while the building is demolished for a new highrise office complex. Weir’s will remain in that location, a 12-story building with six stories of parking below. The 106-year-old Highland Park Soda Fountain’s façade will remain, though it closed in September, and it is unclear whether it will open again. Moore calls the new building a generational project, and he emphasized Weir’s desire to be a good neighbor. “We care. We are going to be here, and we want to add to the community,” he says. Over the years, Weir’s growth was balanced with its core values. Faith and family come first. All Weir’s locations are closed on Sundays, a key day for shopping. “People have questioned that over the years, but that is what we believe in. That is what

24 lakewood.advocatemag.com

JANUARY 2019

we stand for,” he says. “We have been blessed with good business.” Moore prides himself and his business on treating customers and employees with respect, and he becomes emotional when discussing the business. “Everybody deserves to be taken care of. They all need to be treated with respect, and we need to serve them with the excellence they deserve,” he says. “We are trying to make their houses home.”

“We need to serve them with the excellence they deserve. We are trying to make their houses home.”

Weir's Furniture on Knox Avenue will close this fall while the building is demolished for a new high rise.

Taking care of our

friends & neighbors.

Located in the heart of the White Rock Community, and staffed with highlytrained and compassionate professionals. City Hospital at White Rock is proud to provide the community with high quality, collaborative healthcare.

www.cityhospital.us

Near You: 9440 Poppy Drive, Dallas, TX 75218

We Get Lakewood. Here in Lakewood, you need a proven professional to help you find just what you’re looking for. And as Dallas’ resident experts on our city’s close-in neighborhoods, no one gets Lakewood quite like we do. Buying? Selling? Call The Professionals at 214.526.5626 or visit davidgriffin.com.

We get it A VIRG INIA COOK , REA LTOR S COMPANY

1540 San Saba Dr. $895,000 Collier-Rice Team

David Collier 214.536.8517

Jennifer Riley Rice 214.392.6934

2322 Loving Ave. $395,000 Collier-Rice Team

10324 Vinemont St. SOLD Collier-Rice Team JANUARY 2019 lakewood.advocatemag.com

UP FRONT

PAWS & CLAWS

GOT BACON? THEN YOU’VE GOT THELMA Nothing comes between Thelma and Louise, except maybe bacon. Neighbor Susan McCormick sent a photo of Thelma, sister to Louise. McCormick and Thelma’s owner, Jacque Gavin, refer to the two dogs as the “Yorkshire Terrorists.” They wreak havoc wherever they play, she says. Thelma enjoys long car rides, being brushed and exploring with her sister. She was adopted at about 3 1/2 months, and her favorite treat is the occasional tiny bits of bacon on her kibble. Thelma loves to play in the yard with Louise, keeping it safe from rogue cats and possums.

GOT A PET YOU WANT US TO FEATURE?

Email your photo to launch@advocatemag.com.

SERVING NEIGHBORHOOD PETS SINCE 1924

Hospitalization • Wellness care • Geriatric Care Boarding • Daycare • Emergency Care • Pet Taxi • Acupuncture

CENTURY 21 Fine Homes & Estates Judge Fite Company is dedicated to you, your community and all your real estate needs. Our experienced and knowledgeable real estate professionals give you 121 percent in everything they do. We are your neighborhood specialists ready to deliver an extraordinary real estate experience. FRISCO SQUARE | 469.621.0081 FRISCO STARWOOD | 972.596.5574 LAKE HIGHLANDS | 214.765.0600 MCKINNEY | 469.634.1010 PARK CITIES | 214.303.1174 PLANO | 469.329.1828 RICHARDSON | 214.765.0607 SOUTHLAKE/COLLEYVILLE | 817.605.3355

26 lakewood.advocatemag.com

JANUARY 2019

214-826-4166 RUTHERFORDVET.COM Proud sponsor of Advocate’s monthly Paws & Claws

GO FIGURE

ANNUAL COSTS OF H E A LT H Y L I V I N G

Listening... Explaining... Caring... That’s what we’re all about.

$6,907

ON HEALTH CLUB MEMBERSHIPS

$5,129

ON SPORTS AND EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

$4,681

PROCESSED AND FROZEN VEGGIES

$1,832

ON ATHLETIC GEAR

$1,709 BOTTLED WATER

Patient Quote of the Month:

$1,208

PREPARED SALADS

There is no one more professional, lovely, and caring than Dr. Slate! Her staff is friendly, warm and gentle — always putting the patient first. — Jane Parker

$780 ON BICYCLES

Dentistry in the Heart of Lakewood 6342 La Vista Dr., Suite C

drkellislate.com · 214-821-8639

$464

ON FRESH FRUIT Source: U.S. Census and Bureau of Labor Statistics based on zip codes 75204, 75206, 75214, 75218 and 75223. Numbers are derived from 2010 U.S. Census data with projections to be accurate as of Jan. 1, 2017.

FREE Invisalign® Consultation! Now with 3D digital scan. No more impressions. A $250 Value! Call for details. Offer good for 30 days. Not valid with other offer.Some restriction may apply.

JANUARY 2019 lakewood.advocatemag.com

UP FRONT

THE FINANCIAL FIVE HOW TO DO BUSINESS IN EAST DALLAS

Mike Nurre has spent years advocating for East Dallas neighborhoods through his involvement in numerous financial and civic groups. Now chairman of the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce, Nurre has more than 10 years experience owning his own business, Michael T. Nurre & Co.

HERE ARE FIVE QUESTIONS WITH MIKE NURRE What’s the best part about doing business in East Dallas? Small business is on the rise. People like to promote and do business with each other directly or through referrals. The chamber has almost 300 members that are right in the middle of this network, and we serve to help them succeed. What’s the best financial advice you’ve ever received? Pigs get fat, and hogs get slaughtered. Do you have a go-to financial resource? My network of folks who know what I don’t.

Interview edited for clarity and brevity.

design · build · remodel 28 lakewood.advocatemag.com

JANUARY 2019

What do you wish you’d known about running a business when you were a young professional? Running any business is a contact sport, so network, network and network some more. To “get” is to first give, give, give and give. The “Law of Attraction” works both in business and in one’s personal life. What’s the best way to spend money in East Dallas? There are multiple ways, but we think the best way is to look at your neighborhood businesses and services first before going elsewhere. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 99.7 percent of all businesses are under 500 people, which is very typical of East Dallas. Buying in Lakewood and East Dallas strengthens the neighborhood and gives opportunities for future growth, plus encourages new businesses and startups. — JAIME DUNAWAY

DAILY DALLAS NEWS from us to your inbox Subscribe to our free newsletter at dallasmagazine.com

MAGAZINE

1. HALCYON COFFEE BAR AND LOUNGE:

This sun-lit coffee shop occupying the former Cafe Brazil location on Lower Greenville is a 3,600-square-foot outpost of the Austin original. Framed by brick walls and picture windows facing the street, the historic space, built in 1920, is softened by comfortable, orangeaccented decor, bright art and a superfriendly staff.

OFFICE OBFUSCATION

What to eat and drink: Get there before 11 a.m. for the tasty bacon, brisket or chorizo breakfast tacos, or have one of the egg skillets anytime. The best sandwich is the Spicy Greenville, a combo of chicken, bacon, avocado and Sriracha sauce. Halcyon’s distinct drink is the potent Thai iced coffee, which combines sweet condensed milk with cold brew and espresso. The baristas also make a mean cortado.

Story by MANNY MENDOZA / Photography by DANNY FULGENCIO

The crowd: Students studying after school, startup entrepreneurs

WHETHER YOU’RE A STAFF MEMBER or a consultant working from home, you want — you need — to get out of the office. There’s just something animating about doing your thing in public with other folks basking in the glow of their MacBooks. East Dallas has no shortage of such WiFi hot spots. They’re mostly, but not exclusively, coffee shops with atmosphere and the energy of people fueled by caffeine and breakfast tacos getting it done.

The details: 2900 Greenville Ave.; Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-midnight; Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-midnight, with brunch 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 469-547-2265. halcyoncoffeebar.com.

WHERE TO WORK WHEN YOU NEED YOUR CREATIVE SPACE

30 lakewood.advocatemag.com

JANUARY 2019

THE GOODS

 dental center of lakewood

THE STORE IN LAKE HIGHLANDS SIMPLIFIED! Good for you handmade goat milk soaps, lotions, sugar scrubs, body washes, hand soaps, salves, bath bombs, and facial products. BEST OF

2018

•

Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30 10233 E. NW Hwy@Ferndale (next to Rooster’s) 214.553.8850

Happy New Year!

whitening in one hour • Invisalign teeth straightening Implants • Enjoy sedation dentistry • Environmentally friendly office

CITY VIEW ANTIQUE MALL Happy New Year! Start off your new year right with a browse of great furnishings stocked by 65 0f Dallas’ Best Dealers. Give the old a fresh look with a coat of Annie Sloan® Chalk Paint ® available here along with the complete product line.

Travis Spillman, DDS

6316 Gaston Avenue Dallas, Texas 75214 On the corner of Gaston & La Vista, across from Starbucks

6830 Walling Ln. (off Skillman/Abrams) 214.752.3071 cityviewantiques.com

214.823.LAKE (5253) dentalcenteroflakewood.com THE G

Ac c o u n t i n g a n d Ta x Se r v i c e s for B usinesses and I ndiv iduals (469) 879-6051 www.elliffcpa.com

OODS

ADVOCATE GOODS More than 200,000 sets of eyes are checking out Jacob Elliff CPA, MBA

these items right now. Get your specialty items or featured products in front of your neighbors that love to shop local for unique items. Read online at advocatemag.com/digital SPECIAL GOODS SECTION TO ADVERTISE CALL 214.560.4203

JANUARY 2019 lakewood.advocatemag.com

2. TOASTED: With its high, exposed ceilings and metal-and-wood furnishings, this vast, industrial-chic emporium of the homemade bread craze has transformed the oddly designed strip center at the corner of Ross and Greenville. If the downstairs is crowded, there are additional tables and benches on a second-floor loft. What to eat and drink: Toasts laden with avocado and other spreads pepper a large menu of dishes with names such as “Ricotta Be Kidding” and “All That Razz.” Go for the “Eggs in Jail,” poached and “incarcerated” in bacon and toast and drizzled with hollandaise sauce. Noble Coyote Nitro Cold Brew on tap has the consistency of a stout beer, a refreshing alternative to the drips and pour-overs. The crowd: Neighborhood hipsters, suburban families exploring the inner core The details: 5420 Ross Ave.; MondayTuesday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.; WednesdayFriday, 8 a.m.–10 p.m.; SaturdaySunday, 8 a.m.–9 p.m. 972-925-0512. toasted.coffee. 3. GOODFRIEND PACKAGE STORE: With just two communal tables and three four-tops, this cozy spot at the corner of Peavy and Garland roads is quieter than its warehouse-sized competitors. As a bonus, it contains an outpost of pioneering roaster Jonathan Meadows’ Cultivar Coffee. A few stools line the bar. What to eat and drink: Goodfriend cures its own meats, so the $9 BLT is worth every crunch. Try it with the rich tomato soup. While you wait, order Meadows’ signature cortado, the short latte he brought to Dallas at the now defunct Good 2 Go Taco across the street when coffee culture was young. The crowd: Meat lovers The details: 1155 Peavy Road. Daily, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.; breakfast is served until 11 a.m. 972-807-2899. facebook.com/goodfriendpackage

32 lakewood.advocatemag.com

JANUARY 2019

4. MUDSMITH: Dark and woodsy with animal-head mounts on the walls, the space is like a punk lodge. The main room is designed around a large rectangular bar surrounded by tables, including a communal setup on one side. An adjacent library holds two more communal tables and a comfy leather chair.

5. LAKEWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY: Sometimes you just need a quiet spot to think. With a plethora of desks and chairs, it’s almost like being at the office — without the boss around. A similar setup in a co-working space costs $200-$500 a month with less colorful characters for atmosphere.

What to eat and drink: Sandwiches, breakfast and more are the main fare and focus on meats and cheeses. The well-made cortado comes with a side of Topo Chico in a second short glass sharing a wood tray with the coffee. Like Halcyon and Toasted, it turns into a bar in the evening.

The details: 6121 Worth St.; MondayWednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; ThursdaySaturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sunday. 214-670-1376. dallaslibrary2.org/branch/lakewood.php.

The crowd: Black is the new black The details: 2114 Greenville Ave.; Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. 214-370-9535. mudsmithcoffee.com

The crowd: School kids and the lightly employed

KEEPING OUR NEIGHBORS IN LAKEWOOD SMILING FOR OVER 70 YEARS

R EID S L AU G H T ER D. D. S .

LAKEWOODFAMILYDENTAL.COM 6329 ORAM ST. 214.823.1638 PAT I E N T D R I V E N D E N TA L C A R E S I N C E 1 9 4 7

TOM BARRETT OPTICAL EXCEPTIONAL EYEWEAR SINCE 1981 TOMBARRETTOPTICAL.COM

JANUARY 2019 lakewood.advocatemag.com

FOOD

TACO REVOLUTIONARY LUXURIOUS TACOS — THE LOOK, THE FEEL, THE FLAVOR

CHICKEN TIKKA, shrimp ’n’ grits, Nashville hot chicken, fish and chips, chicken and waffles, Monte Cristo. These are just a few of the dishes that inspire chef Grant Morgan at Velvet Taco. The late-night spot proves any dish can be turned into a taco. Except maybe soup. But it wouldn’t be surprising if he made that work, too. He put grits in a taco for goodness sake. Every week he creates a weekly taco feature, a “WTF.” It allows him to stay on top of food trends and try them out taco-style. “I’ve seen caviar as a garnish in a lot of fine dining restaurants lately, so last week we had a Baja taco with caviar,” Morgan says.

Velvet Taco 3012 N. Henderson Ave. Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.- 2 a.m. Thursdays: 10 a.m.-3 a.m. Fridays: 10 a.m.-4 a.m. Saturdays: 9 a.m.-4 a.m. Sundays: 9 a.m.-2 a.m. velvettaco.com

Story by CHRISTIAN WELCH

34 lakewood.advocatemag.com

JANUARY 2019

Morgan’s favorite WTF? A char siu pork taco with crispy, puffed rice. But a close second is the fried alligator taco on a hibiscus tortilla. He says the most underrated taco on the menu is the shrimp and grits. His favorite taco, surprisingly, isn’t the fan-favorite chicken tikka. “The No. 12, the brisket, is my favorite,” Morgan says. “It’s the cheese-crusted flour tortilla with the slow-roasted brisket. It has chili-mayo and avocado relish. It’s good.” For Velvet Taco, becoming a part of the community is important. Owners use existing spaces so each location fits with the neighborhood. The Henderson location is

Photography by KATHY TRAN

the original and has the most intimate feel. The restaurant’s food and beer selections are locally sourced. Owners won’t expand to just any old neighborhood either, so if there’s a location near you, it’s a compliment that they started here. The owners are in no hurry to grow up. They pick each location carefully to make sure it’s a good fit. They want to be sure they get each new store off on the right foot before starting the next one. “Even though we are starting to get bigger, we want to feel small and do small stuff, which is the big stuff,” Morgan says.

Back-door chicken While taco is king, it may surprise people to know this restaurant has a great meal deal available. All you have to do is knock on the back door. You can order inside too, but that’s not nearly as fun. For $20, you can take home a whole rotisserie chicken, a side of elote, a stack of tortillas, pico and heat sauce. On Mondays, you can get back-door chicken for $10, but come early because they sell out by 7 p.m.

RES TAURANT GUIDE

The kitchen is the heartbeat of any home. It is where we show love to our family and friends through thoughtfully prepared food. It is where we are nourished and taken care of so we can stay healthy, strong, and productive members of our community.

We’re officially open! Come celebrate with us on Saturday, January 19th for Buy One Get One FREE on any entree. Come try our Hawaiian-inspired bowls & famous burritos which have made Pokeworks the nation’s tastiest and fastest growing poke chain. We’ll have prizes and giveaways all day long!

RESTAURANT, MARKET, CATERING

POKEWORKS

jackskitchen.com

pokeworks.com

6041 ORAM, DALLAS, TX. 75206 972.685.6753

8041 WALNUT HILL LN. SUITE 812 469.677.6880

JANUARY 2019 lakewood.advocatemag.com

FROM THE PILOT WHO SOARED TO THE FAMILY OF A YOUNG VICTIM WHO COPED — PLUS THE ARBORETUM’S RED-HEADED STRANGER — HERE’S AN UPDATE ON SOME OF THE MOST POWERFUL NEIGHBORHOOD PHOTOS AND STORIES OF THE YEAR. Photography by DANNY FULGENCIO

36 lakewood.advocatemag.com

JANUARY 2019

r e v e t a h W ? . . . o t d e h appen Pilot, pioneer, neighbor, dad

Then: Forest Hills resident, husband, dad, civil attorney, author, wind energy pioneer and aviator Steve DeWolf died the same day that an article about him published in our May issue. Entitled “Fly Guy,” we wrote, “He’s vintage Texan, barnstorming our neighborhood in a plane, tilting at windmills and penning novels.” DeWolf flew a PT-17 Stearman that was built in 1943 and a T-6 Texan built in 1942. “Flying is not without dangers, and flying these old planes? It’s more dangerous. At some point, 10 to 15 years from now, I may say, ‘I think I’ve been flying long enough.’" DeWolf and a passenger died April 25 shortly after takeoff in the T-6 Texan when the plane caught fire. Now: The PT-17 Stearman was donated temporarily to the Frontiers of Flight Museum, where the memorial service was held for DeWolf. The service included a Stearman flyover. Son, Jake DeWolf, is a sophomore at Oklahoma State University, where he’s studying to be a pilot. In August the Stillwater City Council honored Jake DeWolf and his roommates for saving some of their neighbors from a flood. — LISA KRESL

In good taste

Hailing and burying Hale

THEN: East Dallas native Preston Willms was the

THEN: Cary Mae Parker disappeared in East Texas

horticulture manager at A Tasteful Place, a $12 million development and 3.5-acre display garden at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Featured in our June issue, Willms helped oversee the cultivation of fruit, vegetables and herbs in the garden that was developed as part of a movement to grow and eat local food. The produce is prepared in a test kitchen, where chefs share their creations with guests during daily cooking demonstrations.

more than 25 years ago, but local police insisted her family never filed a police report. KETR reporter George Hale’s radio feature about a missing person in Texas was supposed to last two minutes. Instead, Hale dedicated a year to the story that became the investigative podcast “Buried.” Our photographer Danny Fulgencio wanted an image that would symbolize the deep-dive into Parker’s disappearance. He enlisted a few editors to bury Hale in 200 pounds of dirt that was pushed through a parking lot to a bank vault, where our studio is located, via a skateboard.

NOW: Willms left the Arboretum a few months after the article was published and accepted a new job at the City of Dallas. “It seems like we train our horticulture (employees) well, so they are in great demand,” Arboretum spokeswoman Juliette Coulter says. Willms now enforces landscaping ordinances in the city’s northeast district. “I had a good team that I worked with at A Tasteful Place, so I felt comfortable leaving it in good hands.” A Tasteful Place has bloomed and grown under the direction of Jenny Wegley, vice president of horticulture and lead designer of the garden. The fruit and nut trees have matured, and the other trees and plants have also grown, making the garden more mature, Coulter says. — JAIME DUNAWAY

38 lakewood.advocatemag.com

JANUARY 2019

NOW: The 11th episode of “Buried” was released in late November, as well as an extended interview with Jeff Haines, the detective tasked with finding out what happened to Parker. We hate to be cliché, but Hale’s thorough, thoughtful reporting has led to more questions than answers, and we’ve yet to discover where — or — why she disappeared. — ELISSA CHUDWIN

Wheelie oversaturated THEN: They popped up like pimples on what seemed like every corner of Dallas: Green LimeBikes, orange Spin bikes, yellow Ofos and all the others. So many dockless rental bikes hit the Dallas market in 2017 that we were knocking them over, moving them out of the way and imagining them as sentient robots here to destroy mankind. Residents demanded something be done about the ever-cluttering bikes, so last summer, the City Council placed fees on bikeshare operators in Dallas, including annual licenses and a per-bike fee that gave companies incentives to keep the flood of bikes at bay. After that, Beijingbased Ofo pulled out of the Dallas market, abandoning hundreds and hundreds of its yellow bikes in our city. Most of them are garbage. Some have been claimed by homeless residents or made over with spray paint and Bedazzlers.

NOW: Just when rental bikes started clearing the streets of Dallas, along came another convenience/ menace: electric scooters. While whizzing around with little effort in the Texas heat is a cool idea, scooter accidents are resulting in serious injuries and deaths across the country. Though the evidence so far is anecdotal, gathered from news stories and traumacenter reports, soon there will be an accounting. The Centers for Disease Control is conducting a study of scooter-related accidents in Austin. — RACHEL STONE

Portrait we ran here

Zoe’s legacy THEN: On Sunday afternoon, Oct. 11, 2015, Zoe Hastings, 18, was on her way to church for a class about becoming a missionary. While returning a movie to a pharmacy at Garland and Peavy, she went missing. When she didn’t show up for her class, friends and family began to search for the Booker T. Washington theater student. After staying up all night trying to reach her, Hastings’ parents tracked her phone to Dixon Branch near Lochwood. When they arrived, a crowd had gathered, and police were taping off the crime scene. Her body and the family vehicle were found down a ravine. She had been sexually assaulted, stabbed and left in the creek bed.

40 lakewood.advocatemag.com

JANUARY 2019

NOW: Hastings’ mother, Cheryl, became a sexual assault nurse examiner, a position that allows her to help women who were assaulted, preserve evidence and testify as an expert witness. Her father, Jim, found solace in art and drew hundreds of portraits of family members since his daughter's death. He and sculptor Art Wells created a memorial art piece in her honor. The work hangs at the White Rock YMCA’s pool, where Hastings started as a lifeguard and was promoted to supervisor. “It gives us an opportunity to remember her, her time at the Y and have it by our pool to keep her memory going,” says Allison Albitz, White Rock YMCA marketing associate. — ELISSA CHUDWIN

COLDWELL BANKER SOLD

7155 W Circle Dr $3,200,000 | 5/6.5/4LA Tom Sheshene | 214.604.9230

7175 Greentree $2,495,000 | 5/5.2/4LA Lee Lamont | 214.418.2780

8530 Forest Hills Blvd $1,895,000 | 5/5.5/4LA Lee Lamont | 214.418.2780

7251 Brookcove $1,495,000 | 4/4.5/2LA Lee Lamont | 214.418.2780

8539 San Leandro Forest Hills | 4/4.2/2LA Darlene Harrison | 214.893.7547 SOLD

7131 Greenbrook $1,095,000 | 4/3.5/2LA Lee Lamont | 214.418.2780 CREEK VIEW

2360 Peavy Place $415,000 | 3/2.5 Lili Ornelas | 214.808.0242

7140 Greenbrook $845,000 | 3/2 Lee Lamont | 214.418.2780

8247 San Leandro $675,000 | 4/3/3LA Lee Lamont | 214.418.2780

1429 Foxgrove 4/2.5/2 | Represented Buyer Robyn Price | 214.793.8787

11022 Yorkspring $469,000 | 3/2.5/2/POOL | Lochwood Robyn Price | 214.793.8787 SOLD

SOLD OFF MARKET

JUNIUS HEIGHTS

5616 Columbia Ave $356,000 | 4/2 Lili Ornelas | 214.808.0242

NEW PRICE

1820 McMillan Ave $330,000 | 2/1 | Build here Robyn Price | 214.793.8787

10716 Lake Gardens Dr 3/2.5/3LA | Lochwood Lili Ornelas | 214.808.0242

726 W Greenbriar Lane 2/1.5/Pool | East Kessler Park Lili Ornelas | 214.808.0242

COLDWELLBANKERHOMES.COM Lakewood/NE Dallas Office 6301 Gaston Avenue, Suite 125 | Dallas, TX 75214 | 214.828.4300 CB Home Protection Plan 866.797.4788 | Guaranteed Rate Affinity/Drew Brenner 214.282.6387

Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. ©2017 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. DFW 10/17

JANUARY 2019 lakewood.advocatemag.com

Escape from East Dallas THE POTHOLES, THE ROADWORK. WHY ARE “IMPROVEMENTS” HAPPENING ALL AT ONCE? WE HAVE THE ANSWERS. Story by ELISSA CHUDWIN | Photography by DANNY FULGENCIO | Illustrations by JYNNETTE NEAL

he good news is that the City is improving local roads. The bad news? Construction is a traffic nightmare. Complaining about the improvements is a neighborhood pastime. Maybe you considered Abrams’ upgrades to be a nightmare or wonder what’s up with the mess at Live Oak and Skillman. We spoke with City of Dallas’ Director of Public Works Robert Perez, City Councilman Philip Kingston and City Councilman Mark Clayton about recently completed and upcoming road improvement projects across East Dallas.

Lakeland

akeland reopened in December, and the entirety of the project is complete this month. The project took longer than expected because of issues with steel-encased pipes that protect utility lines, Clayton says.

2 Skillman Street

f you live in Lakewood Heights, navigating through a corn maze was easier than traversing your own neighborhood in July. The concurrent road improvements on Skillman and Abrams created a hassle for neighbors headed toward Mockingbird Lane. Kingston has little sympathy for neighbors who griped about its inconvenient timing. “Those were two projects that we had been waiting on for years,” he says. When the City plans road improvement projects, staff members usually avoid having adjacent arteries simultaneously under construction, Perez says. The projects coincided because Abrams maintained two-way traffic, and Skillman was a short-lived resurfacing project, not a complete overhaul of the road. “We didn’t anticipate overlap in the projects for extended periods of time,” Perez says. Skillman Street smoothed out by September, but Abrams — well, more on that later.

12 nds

Highl a

hanks to former City Council member Angela

o be blunt, “This is not a contractor we should ever use again,” Kingston says. We've contacted the City's Water Utilities Department for a timetable on the project but did not hear back by press time. Visit lakewood.advocatemag.com for updates.

Lovers Hunt, $850,000 in unassigned funds were left

e kn

c Bu

Hillcrest

in the City of Dallas’ budget for District 14. The City spent $600,000 of that amount on new traffic signals, crosswalks and lane configurations at the intersection. Most of the improvements are complete, but Kingston is perplexed as to why it took so long to add new traffic signals.

on st Ea

4 Live Oak at Skillman Lake

3 Ross at Greenville

Mockingbird

5 la

l ke

Abrams

Skillman

Ric Greenville

ett

nn Be

zhu

Fit

n rso

nde

n so u rg Fe

La V ista

6 L

r ge tte un lle Co

e iv

ak O

ss Ro

5 Abrams

a brams was under construction for just about a year, which felt like an infinity bi to neighbors. Som why did Skillman Street repairs only take a few months and u Abrams Roadolfeel like a never-ending nightmare? Perez describes Abrams Road C as a “mini reconstruction project” because the water and wastewater lines beneath the road also needed to be replaced. Once concrete work was complete, the contractor left temporary asphalt on the road while Dallas Water finished utility line work. One of the lines was deeper in the ground than expected, which made improvements more challenging. “That’s what extended it,” Perez says. “It wasn’t just the street work. It also was the utilities that were done.” Perez also points to 23 days last February that were too rainy or cold for construction work as a source of delay. In any case, the project is complete, and we can apologize to our tires for the abuse they’ve undergone since November 2017.

Henderson and Fitzhugh

lthough separate projects, Henderson and Fitzhugh are both problematic in their own right. “They’re clusters,” Kingston says. “Reconstruction should start before the end of the year. Fitzhugh — I don’t know what the holdup is. I think they’re waiting for building construction before they go back in. I think readers should know help is coming soon.”

JANUARY 2019 lakewood.advocatemag.com

What’s next? Here are a few of the road construction projects in Districts 9 and 14 that are slated to occur between Jan. 1 and March 31. For a complete list, visit Lakewood.advocatemag.com. • Brendenwood Drive from Gaston to Avalon • Highland Road from Ferguson to north of Primrose • St. Francis Avenue from San Leandro to Barbaree • Alderson from Monticello to Mercedes and Vickery to Vanderbilt • Belmont from Summit to Greenville • Greenville from Goliad to A663 and SMU to Dyer • Junius from Munger to Dumas • Pearson from Country Club Circle to Gaston For a complete list of upcoming projects in 2019, visit dallascityhall.com/departments/public-works.

COMMON CONSTRUCTION CONUNDRUMS How does the City of Dallas choose which streets to repair? Streets in the city are categorized based on their “Pavement Condition Index.” Roads are rated from 0, being the worst, to 100, being new. Streets that are rated poorly are reserved for bond projects, and the City uses maintenance funds to improve roads in better condition. “We’ll basically schedule or provide maintenance on available funding,” Perez says. Why doesn’t the City do road construction at night? “Abrams is a perfect example,” Perez says. “There are residences on either side of the street. If you do the work at night, those residents are affected. It’s a balance. I would love to do a lot of work at night, but we have to take into consideration residences and local businesses.” Why are streets closed when no repairs are happening? One of the most common complaints the City receives is, “The street is closed for no reason,” Perez says. After pouring concrete, it has to cure anywhere from five to seven days. “If you’re going to put asphalt or traffic on a street, it needs to be fully cured before you do that, otherwise, it gets damaged.”

44 lakewood.advocatemag.com

JANUARY 2019

6855 Lakewood Boulevard | $1,750,000

Incredible 2005 Lakewood traditional boasting over 6000sqft of recently updated living & entertaining space. Wonderful mill-work and architectural detail abounds from the spacious entryway, gallery hallway, and banks of light filling windows. The function of this home is enhanced by the well laid out floor plan, including master and guest rooms down along with cozy office/study and spacious family space open to a true entertainer’s and chef’s kitchen. The kitchen is complete with 48” Wolf range and pro-vent, triple ovens, a steam oven, double dishwashers, SubZero refrigeration, and massive island prep and breakfast bar. Exterior features a pool and grassy play area to the east and basketball court to the west. Additional amenities include three car garage via gated motor court and porta-cochere, circle front drive, wood privacy fence, and award winning Lakewood Elementary.

3785 West Bay Circle $1,995,000

8326 Garland Road $1,499,000

6956 Lakewood Boulevard $1,325,000

2429 Pickens Street $1,299,900

7102 Shook Avenue $1,295,000

9744 Van Dyke Road $1,200,000

6225 McCommas Boulevard $1,149,900

6431 Velasco Avenue $949,900

6219 Anita Street $850,000

6918 Hammond Avenue $654,000

1111 Sarasota Circle $579,000

Welcome Your New East Dallas Real Estate Firm. Welcome Your New East Dallas Real Estate Firm.

5823 Marquita Avenue $765,000

David Bush David Bush

R E A LT O R S

2014-2017

214-327-2200 214-327-2200

davidbushrealestate.com davidbushrealtors.com davidbushhomes.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

REALTOR

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

REALTOR

It’s not like home. It is home.

It’s not like home. It is home. Dallas’ Premier Retirement Living Call today to learn more about the newest additions to our all-inclusive lifestyle!

8501 Lullwater Drive, Dallas, Texas 75238 214-343-6400 landonatlakehighlands.com

The Landon at Lake Highlands is the definition of exceptional senior living. Here, we provide a distinctive lifestyle filled with friendships, life enrichment activities

JANUARY 2019 lakewood.advocatemag.com

SPOTLIGHT STORIES OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Above: The Balcony Club's new owners Patrick Glennon, Toni Scott and Scott Metcalfe.

THE BALCONY SCENE THE CLUB’S NEW OWNERS PLEDGE TO KEEP THE SAME STAFF, SOUND AND VIBE THE VIEW FROM the Balcony Club was so good that three friends bought the legendary Lakewood spot near the Lakewood Theater and Mi Cocina. New owners Scott Metcalfe, Patrick Glennon and Toni Scott say the seller was looking for people to maintain the club’s spirit and that the purchase process felt just like an audition. “The landlord had other offers for more money,” Metcalfe says. “The previous owner loves the club, too, so they wanted to know us. Somebody wanted to make it a karaoke bar. The landlord said if we

46 lakewood.advocatemag.com

Story by LISA KRESL JANUARY 2019

messed with the Balcony Club, people would come after us in a mob with torches.” Metcalfe’s motto? “Don’t ‘F’ it up.” The new owners say they plan to keep the same staff, bartenders, format, sound people and bands. The club not only features international musicians but also students from Booker T. Washington High School, Woodrow Wilson High School, the University of North Texas and the University of Texas in Arlington. “It’s a local icon,” Metcalfe says. “It’s history. Photo by DANNY FULGENCIO

CMY

There are other clubs that have good jazz one or two nights a week, and they rotate acts, but this club features live music every night, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.” Metcalfe, a retired photographer who buys and sells properties, says any changes will be “tweaks.” Plans include reworking the website, improving the

/ “The landlord said if we messed with the Balcony Club, people would come after us in a mob with torches.” / happy hour and upgrading plumbing, including the ladies' room. Balcony Club ownership is a part-time gig for them: Scott has a career in public relations, and Glennon works in IT. “Pooling our talents is beneficial. We’re all invested financially, as well as emotionally,” Metcalfe says. Metcalfe says he was celebrating with friends a few months ago when he heard the club was for sale. “Scott called me,” Glennon says, “and asked, ‘Patrick, what do you like to do?’ And then he said, ‘I think you like alcohol and jazz.’ And I said, ‘I do like both of those things.’ And it blossomed from there.” Glennon’s wife, Toni Scott, remembers him saying, “‘Scott wants

Question: I noticed over the holidays that my parents need more support. Where do I begin?

Answer: A: You can begin right in your neighborhood!

Conveniently located in the heart of East Dallas, Fowler offers all phases of senior living. We will work alongside you to find the best answers for your family. You are not alone and we welcome you! Call 214.827.0813 today to learn about our new assisted living apartments – coming in Spring of 2019.

JANUARY 2019 lakewood.advocatemag.com

THE EXCHANGE CLUB PRESENTS

A COWBOY LIFE

AN EVENING WITH VOXDC

BRAD SHAM LAKEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 5:30 PM - 11 PM

DINNER. OPEN BAR. LIVE & SILENT AUCTION. EXCHANGECLUBOFEASTDALLAS.ORG CONTACT GPOWERS@LONESTARLE.COM or TWEBROVER@AOL.COM

Huge selection of beautiful handmade Persian rugs

to buy a bar with us.’ And I said, ‘We don’t have the money — and no.’” The couple decided to turn down Metcalfe’s offer, but then they received a text from him that said: “It’s the Balcony Club.” “We’re in,” they said. The Balcony Club is more than 30 years old. Longtime owner Tommy Stanco bought the club in 1991 with Michael Solberg from founders Burke and Jo Barr. Ted Davey bought the bar in 2013 with wife, Lorena. Davey died in December 2017 at the age of 54. Days before his death, Davey signed a 10-year lease for the space, which was run by his wife, Lorena. Norman Alston, chair of the Historic Resources Committee for

North Dallas’ Most Eclectic Shopping Destination! Art, Antiques, Collectibles & so much more!

101 S. Coit Rd., Richardson, TX 75080

972-479-9990 RichardsonMercantile.com Posh Panini is Now Open!

JohnShirey Shirey & Associates John & Associates John Shirey & Associates Senior President SeniorVice Vice President Senior Vice President Wealth Management Advisor Wealth Management Advisor Wealth Management Advisor 214.750.2088 214.750.2088

214.750.2088

N. Central 5910 N. Central5910 Expwy. Ste.Expwy. 2000Ste. 2000 Dallas, TX 75206 Dallas, 5910 TX N.75206 Central Expwy. Ste. 2000 www.fa.ml.com/j_shirey

www.fa.ml.com/j_shirey Dallas, TX 75206

and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith www.fa.ml.com/j_shirey Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer and Member SIPC, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products

other subsidiariesmakes of Bank ofavailable America Corporation. Merrill Lynch WealthandManagement products © 2018 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. | AR4M9LKC | MLWM-100-AD | 470944PM-0718 | 07/2018

and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer and Member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation. Lynch Wealth Management makes available products © 2018 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.Merrill | AR4M9LKC | MLWM-100-AD | 470944PM-0718 | 07/2018 lakewood.advocatemag.com JANUARY 2019

and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer and Member SIPC,

the Dallas chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the architect responsible for historic preservation of the adjacent Lakewood Theater, says he was surprised to find the Balcony Club had anchored the neighborhood music scene for so long. “Every time I would mention it, people said, ‘Where have you been?’ and immediately dive into lists of favorite musicians, memorable personal events or people they would see there regularly," he says. "It seems always to have fulfilled the eclectic musical tastes of the surrounding community.” Metcalfe added: “Everyone is there because they love the community and the space. And that’s why we’re there too.”

CONSTRUCTION AND REMODELING KITCHEN - BATH - WHOLE HOME- ADDITIONS

REMODELING EAST DALLAS FOR 21 YEARS

FEATURED IN

OBrienGroupInc.com

214-341-1448

Now Open Wishing for a commercial kitchen?

IT’S HERE, IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

Are you a culinary professional looking for a commercial kitchen to call home? The Mix Kitchen could be the place for you! We would love to meet you and show you everything our space has to offer!

We are conveniently located in the heart of East Dallas at: 9125 Diceman, Dallas TX 75218

Request a Tour at: themix.kitchen or call 214-702-3490

JANUARY 2019 lakewood.advocatemag.com

An Office With A View Lakewood Towers Penthouse Office Space Available

Individual Suites Available – $595 or $795 monthly For leasing information, call 214-560-4212 lakewoodtowers@icloud.com • Medical Space Available • Incredible Views of Downtown • Covered Parking • Walk to Restaurants and Shopping • On-Site Management and Security • Secure After-Hours Access • On-Site Wells Fargo Bank • All Expenses Included • Located in the Heart of Lakewood • Up to 5,000 Sq.Ft. contiguous available, too

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

6301 Gaston at Abrams

Neighbors share favorite moments from the Balcony Club “I can remember working there during the holidays. After Christmas night, we all stayed together playing the piano and singing Christmas tunes together. It was the best.” — Deborah Steele

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. YOU REALLY WANT TO RELY ON TWITTER TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS? SALES@ADVOCATEMAG.COM

“Chocolate martini.” — Erin Barnes Johnston

“The Enablers’ smooth jazz filled the club back in the day.” — Chris Dirkx

“I remember we’d eat at Matt’s on La Vista, then my parents would go up there for an after-dinner drink and some music. My brother and I would get a Coke and sneak over to the balcony of the movie theater and watch 30 minutes of whatever was playing.” — Kyle Rotenberry

50 lakewood.advocatemag.com

JANUARY 2019

Advocate Lakehill DEC 2018.pdf 1 12/10/18 214.560.4203 OR SALES@ADVOCATEMAG.COM TO ADVERTISE

5:08 PM

EDUCATION GUIDE

Harness the Power of Small.

Nursery • Preschool • Elementary • Adult Classes After-School & Saturday Classes

A Sm a l l Pl a c e t o Do Bi g Th i n g s .

Spanish Immersion School 4 East Dallas Locations DallasSpanishHouse.com VISIT USATOVE FOR A PRIVATE TOUR!

2019 - 2020 Prek - 6TH Grade New Student Applications Now Being Accepted

■ Reading/Writing Workshop Model ■ STEM Lab, Art, Music & Library Time ■ Spanish, PE and Recess Daily ■ Low Student-to-Teacher Ratio ■ After School Care & Enrichment Programs ■ Convenient to Downtown Dallas

PREMIER PRIVATE SCHOOL IN NORTH OAK CLIFF Call To Schedule A Tour 214.942.2220 THEKESSLERSCHOOL.COM

12/12/18

5:18 PM

AT ST. JOHN’S WE BELIEVE IN THE LOVE OF KNOWLEDGE AND THE COURAGE TO USE IT. WWW.STJOHNSSCHOOL.ORG

3 year-olds through 6th grade

OPEN HOUSE For 1st - 12th grade

Learn how Dallas Academy helps students turn promise into reality and overcome barriers to success for students with learning differences.

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, January 13th, 2018 Session 1: 2:00pm -3:00pm Session 2: 3:00pm – 4:00pm Join us for an introduction and overview of the school with optional tours and visitor sessions

OPEN HOUSE JAN. 27 2-4

EXPERIENCE DA Tuesday, January 29th, 2018 Tour times available between 9:00am – 11:00am Come tour and observe learning in action RSVP required

214-348-3220

p.214.328.9131 x103

Highlander School

• Classical education • Christian environment • P.E. every day • Challenging academics • Small student-toteacher ratio • Half-day & full-day Pre-K & Kindergarten options

DA-logo.pdf

HighlanderSchool.com

mail@dallas-academy.com

950 Tiffany Way Dallas, TX 75218 (214) 324-1481 dallas-academy.com

JANUARY 2019 lakewood.advocatemag.com

Above: Christopher Pacio throws two axes at a target at the axe-throwing club and event space, Bad Axe Throwing.

AXE-THROWING MEETS YOGA HEAVE A HATCHET OR GET MORE PLANK FOR YOUR BANK

hew, it’s been a heck of a day. You want to throw a hatchet, hard, at something. Or crave karma at a donation-based or goat yoga class. Our neighborhood has it all.

AXE-CIDENTAL SUCCESS You can’t fix bad bosses or anyone’s conduct, but we do know a place. There are sharp weapons, and throwing them is encouraged. You know what? Bring the beer too. Caveat: No pitching at people. And you will need to follow some rules. You’ll sign a waiver that reminds you you’re participating in an activity that involves axes, which may result in the risk of serious injury, scarring, loss of an important bodily function, permanent disability and death. “Safety is No. 1,” the big guy at the counter assures. Your instructor — some burly long-locked lumberjack adept at hitting his mark will recite safety guidelines before teaching you proper tossing technique. Here tonight is one of Dallas’ verified-via-tournament, “best-at-throwing-hatchets” coach Christopher Pacio. Allthe-rage activities and workouts come and go, but this axethrowing trend has sticking power.

We can blame Canada. “Even my mom said it,” Jesus Kendall says. His mother remarked how fine it felt when her axe hit, wedged snug in the wood. “But pulling it from the wall really feels good.” That part, for some reason, seems a salve to those stresses burning in your gut, muses the manager, who lives nearby in East Dallas. He’d never had an opportunity to practice, but having seen videos, he snatched a chance to work there. Also important: An angry head is not required. People come for fun, a physical challenge, friendly competition, camaraderie and beer. The place is BYOB, for now. You might have heard — on the “Today Show” or its ilk — that hatchet throwing is the buzziest workout fad since the shake weight. (In our Insta world, looking hyper-hip, hatchet in hand, can’t hurt.) Badaxethrowing.com

Story by CHRISTINA HUGHES AND JAIMIE SIEGLE

52 lakewood.advocatemag.com

JANUARY 2019

Photography by DANNY FULGENCIO

YOUR PLACE FOR NEW BEGINNINGS

469.478.2670 DrEllisOrthodontics.com

Making your beautiful smile perfect.

6333 E. Mockingbird @ Abrams Tom Thumb Shopping Center Ste. #275

Call and Schedule your complimentary orthodontic examination today.

Come Browse AIRLINE Our Treasures CAREERS Furniture • Glassware • Art

WHITE ROCK YMCA

Get FAA approved maintenance training at campuses Knick-Knacks • Collectibles coast to coast. Job placement assistance. Small Appliances & More Financial Aid for qualifying students. Military friendly. Proudly serving the DFW Metroplex Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance

AIRLINE 800-481-7894 CAREERS

maintenance training at campuses ast. Job placement assistance. Get FAA approved ualifying students. Military friendly. maintenance training at on Institute of Maintenance campuses coast to coast.

800-481-7894 Job placement assistance.

7112 Gaston Ave. Dallas, TX 75214 www.whiterockymca.org

VIST US ON FACEBOOK: PICKERSPARADISEGARLAND

Now Offering Boutique-Style Private Doggie Daycare and Overnight Boarding

214-536-0044

AIRLINE CAREERS students. Military friendly.

Financial Aid for qualifying

Get FAA approved maintenance training at campuses coast to coast. Job placement assistance. Financial Aid for qualifying students. Military friendly. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance

800-481-7894

Open Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m - 5 p.m.

LungID Cancer? W IDEAS IDEAS WANTED!

Asbestos exposure in industrial, construction, manufacturing jobs, or the military may be the cause. Family in the home were also exposed. Call 1-866-795-3684 or email cancer@breakinginjurynews.com. $30 billion is setHelping aside for asbestos victims with cancer. Valuable settlement monies may not require filing a Dav lawsuit. charges

Get Get Your Free Inventor’s Your Guide Get Free Yo I

CALL CALL 800-353-6102 NOW

800-3 CALL

Helping inventors and idea people since 1989.

Davison charges Davison fees for services

JANUARY 2019 lakewood.advocatemag.com

MORE PLANK FOR YOUR BANK Now you can unblock your chakra and keep the change thanks to Eastside Karmany Yoga, a “pay-what-you-can” studio that opened in Old East Dallas in September. The 2,000-square-foot space houses little more than the basics — natural light, exposed brick walls, cubbies, mats, fans, restrooms and ample space to practice. “It’s got that old feel — certainly not your spa-like yoga studio experience,” studio owner and instructor Amy Johnson says of the historic building on Peak Street. “It fits what we are. Amy Johnson practices yoga at the pay-what-you-can studio Eastside Karmany Yoga It defines us.” Eastside Karmany’s business model asks walk-in patrons free environment for yogis of all levels. It also enabled the to give what they can for an individual class. The concept instructors to make more money. carries on the legacy and vision of Dallas native Kjehl Karmany Yoga’s donation model caught on in Dallas-Fort Rasmussen, who founded Karmany Yoga in 2009 as one of Worth and served as the inspiration for the first Black Swan the first donation-based yoga studios in the area. Rasmussen Yoga studio in Austin. Today, there are also Black Swan Yoga died suddenly in December 2017, and Karmany Yoga’s two studios in Houston, San Antonio and Dallas. locations closed in early 2018. A Lakewood resident, Johnson hopes Eastside Karmany A fixture in the Dallas-Fort Worth yoga community and a will become an integral part of the neighborhood, bringing co-owner of Twist Power Yoga in Northwest Dallas, Johnson more traffic to nearby businesses and restaurants. “My says Eastside Karmany Yoga is an “enhanced version” of mission in this city is to educate people on how to not just the original Karmany Yoga, which modeled its pricing do yoga, but to embody yoga.” structure after Kest Power Yoga in Santa Monica, Calif. The “pay-what-you-can” strategy provided a no-fuss, contracteastsidekarmany.yoga

MARKETPL ACE

LAKE HIGHLANDS ACUPUNCTURE Bryan Ellett, L.Ac.

The World Health Organization recommends acupuncture for: chronic pain, high blood pressure, depression/anxiety, digestive problems (IBS, heartburn), common cold, allergies and more! Come see why! Now accepting insurance!

DAN “THE COMPUTER GUY” Computer Repair

972.639.6413 stykidan@sbcglobal.net

Don’t panic! Let a seasoned pro be the interface between you & that pesky windows computer. Hardware & software installation, troubleshooting, training, $60/hour — one hour minimum.

54 lakewood.advocatemag.com

JANUARY 2019

10252 E. Northwest Highway 214.267.8636 lakehighlandsacupuncture.com

MESSY CHURCH BILLY GOAT HUFF A gimmick? Or is there something to gain by throwing a little goat on your yoga? “When an animal is in the room, a certain wall drops with people — have you noticed? An animal helps people get out of their comfort zone,” Amanda Henderson, owner of several goats and a Dallas yoga outfit, tells a puzzled WFAA anchor during a Victory Park exhibition. “We want to help people laugh and smile. If a goat jumps on your back when you’re in fox pose, you’re gonna...” Exercise is just so much more fun with adorable pygmy animals on top of you, no? Henderson’s place is in the Richardson area, but she and her goats hold events at Deep Ellum Yoga and Eastbound and Down Icehouse, as well as several monthly remote classes.

A new community at Lakewood UMC for families and children who wish church was a little more messy. We’ve combined the best educational practices used in your kids’ schools with the spiritual heart of our church to create a time together where kids can respond to Bible stories through interactive centers. Messy church is for children 0-12 years old and their parents/guardians.

Join us every Sunday at 5pm starting January 13. Visit mylakewoodchurch.org 214.823.9623 | 2443 Abrams Rd.

Dallasgoatyoga.com

DELIGHTFUL DANCE OF ALL KINDS Bizarre, fanatical, passionate. It looks weird, but it’s fun. A hundred people — many in loose bohemian attire — groove, flow, drift, spin, caper, uninhibited. It looks like Woodstock before the rain. At Ecstatic Dance, drugs and alcohol are forbidden. “A growing tribe discovers and unleashes personal and collective power through this mixture of moving meditation, carefully architected soul-stirring music, creative selfexpression, conscious community connection and sweat,” Dallas Ecstatic Dance owners note in promo materials. “Connecting within oneself through free and inspired body movement is the power of Ecstatic Dance.”

WHAT’S GOING ON WITH …? GET THE ANSWERS IN OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER. ADVOCATEMAG.COM/SOCIAL

Ecstaticdancedallas.org.

JANUARY 2019 lakewood.advocatemag.com

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

By PATTI VINSON

The birdman of Vickery Place Celebs are flocking to this self-described hoarder who transforms junk into fanciful bird and bat houses

Jeff McCroskey is in the business of turning spare parts into custom-made birdhouses. (Photography by Danny Fulgencio)

eighbor Jeff McCroskey is the ultimate recycler — without the big, blue bin. He sifts through the rubble of bulldozed Craftsman bungalows and Tudor cottages, making use of wood, knobs, shelves, hinges and other bits and pieces to build birdhouses and bat houses so unique that celebrities are placing orders. McCroskey says he stumbled into the business of building abodes for birds and bats. Flashback a few years ago when he became acquainted with “ Mr. Jones,” an elderly employee at Orr-Reed Wrecking Company, an establishment McCroskey

56 lakewood.advocatemag.com

JANUARY 2019

frequented for his sideline remodeling business. McCroskey found that he enjoyed chatting with the friendly Mr. Jones in the makeshift shop he created on the Orr-Reed lot, a shop where the old gentleman had a practice of building one birdhouse each day from bits, scraps and found objects. McCroskey, who worked at Sun and Ski as a bike builder at the time, began bringing spare bike parts — sprockets and chains and such — to Mr. Jones to use on his birdhouses. Mr. Jones presented an “Authentic Mr. Jones Birdhouse” to McCroskey. He hung it on his fence

facing the street in his Vickery Place neighborhood. Sadly, Mr. Jones died a short time later. Soon after, a stranger driving by McCroskey’s place spotted the birdhouse and offered him several hundred dollars for it. McCroskey declined, but in that moment, inspiration took hold. McCroskey built his first birdhouse, mounted it on the fence and soon scored a commission from a realtor for a custom-made birdhouse. He set up a workshop in his backyard underneath a treehouse-type structure

he dubbed “Fort ObKnoxious.” He built it with repurposed, no-longer-wanted deck wood. Beneath the contraption are workbenches overflowing with band saws, woodworking tools, bike chains, sun faces, chandelier crystals, drawer pulls, knobs, even a few animal skulls and other bones left on his doorstep by an anonymous admirer of his quirky work. Scattered throughout the yard are wood fencing and copper solar panels. McCroskey says he never buys anything to make the bird and bat houses, except for the occasional nails and screws. “There’s somebody throwing something good away every day,” he says. He also hunts at the dump and barters for objects, such as his current trade of home-cooking for chandelier crystals from the caretaker of the old Ambassador Hotel downtown. But he says his best source for materials is teardowns. He sits and watches the bulldozing, then begins sifting through the rubble for whatever catches his eye. Old-fashioned knobs are the

/ “There’s somebody throwing something good away every day.” / “most sought after.” He remembers a bit of wisdom from Mr. Jones about embellishing bird and bat houses with those sparkly knobs: “That’s what sells them,” Mr. Jones advised. Lately, McCroskey is focused on building what he calls “Bat-O-Casters,” bat houses in the shape of a guitar. They’ve gained a following. The Sundown at Granada on Greenville Avenue will soon install one of his Bat-O-Casters, which has metal shelving for strings, chandelier crystals for frets, a ceiling fan motor for tuners and a bicycle kickstand for the whammy bar. He’s been commissioned to build pieces for a local celebrity chef and musician, personalized with vintage forks, knives and spoons. He is also in talks to build one for singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen Jr. McCroskey enjoys the craft and never takes himself too seriously. He grins mischievously and gestures to his cluttered backyard. “I’m a hoarder, and I’ve got to get rid of this stuff somehow.” PATTI VINSON is a guest writer who has lived in East Dallas for more than 15 years. She’s written for the Advocate and Real Simple magazine.

Building a Better You We’ll help you achieve a healthier lifestyle, whether you’re starting an exercise program, recovering from injury or training for competition.

JANUARY 2019 lakewood.advocatemag.com

WORSHIP

By GEORGE MASON

An ode to the front porch We need to spend more time in this communal space, both physically and spiritually

PARK CITIES BAPTIST CHURCH / 3933 Northwest Pky / pcbc.org

Bible Study 9:15 / Worship Services 10:45 Traditional, Contemporary, Spanish Speaking / 214.860.1500 ROYAL LANE BAPTIST CHURCH / 6707 Royal Lane / 214.361.2809 Christian Education 9:45 a.m. / Worship Service 10:55 a.m. Pastor - Rev. Dr. Michael L. Gregg / www.royallane.org WILSHIRE BAPTIST / 4316 Abrams / 214.452.3100

et’s have more porch time this year. I know it’s January, and we’ll probably be huddled by fireplaces more than spread out on the porch, but “porching” is spiritual strategy as much as a physical place. Audra D. S. Burch has written about the importance of the front porch to AfricanAmericans. She calls it “a stage straddling the home and the street, a structural backdrop of meaningful life moments. It is like the quietest family member; a gift where community lives and strangers become neighbors.” It’s a kind of outdoor living room where people connect and neighborliness happens. Unfortunately, front porches have fallen out of favor, with alleys and garages allowing us to cocoon inside our homes. Central air-conditioning means we don’t have to go outside to find a breeze. Back porches have replaced front porches as extensions of our desire for privacy. But something is lost in the design. “Architecture and identity go hand in hand,” says Germane Barnes, an African-American architecture professor from the University of Miami. That leads us to ask what loss of identity corresponds to the loss of our front porches. Commenting on Burch’s New York Times piece, one reader wrote: “My father died when I was a child, and he suffered his illness at home and died there. My parents had different Jewish backgrounds, with my mother more Conservative and kosher, and my father Reform and not. They agreed when they married that although my father could eat whatever he wanted outside, there would be no treyf in the house. When my father was dying, my grandmother asked if she could bring over his favorite food, which was lobster. My mother said, ‘Yes, of course,’ and she did, in an enormous pot. But he ate it outside, on the porch.” This raises the metaphorical meaning of porching. Not just our family homes, but our churches, synagogues and mosques tend to retreat within their houses of God, carrying out worship, study and fellowship

58 lakewood.advocatemag.com

BAPTIST

JANUARY 2019

only with likeminded believers. While that produces a cohesive sense of community for each congregation, failure to interact deeply with people of other faiths deprives us of skills necessary to love our neighbors as ourselves. Any time we meet someone of a different faith tradition, we carry our own faith with us into the encounter, and we experience theirs at the same time. Sometimes this means negotiating public space in a way that makes room for others to feel at home, too. That’s why saying "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas" when we don’t know someone’s religious bent can be an act of love. Or if we do know what they are observing or celebrating, wishing

“Not just our family homes, but our churches, synagogues and mosques tend to retreat within their houses of God, carrying out worship, study and fellowship only with likeminded believers.”

Pastor George A. Mason Ph.D. / Worship 8:30 & 11:00am Bible Study 9:40 am / www.wilshirebc.org

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST EAST DALLAS CHRISTIAN CHURCH / 629 N. Peak Street / 214.824.8185

Sunday School 9:30 am / Worship 8:30 am - Chapel 10:50 am - Sanctuary / Rev. Deborah Morgan-Stokes / edcc.org

LUTHERAN CENTRAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA / 1000 Easton Road

A Welcoming and Affirming Church / Pastor Rich Pounds Sunday School 9:00 am / Worship 10:30 am / CentralLutheran.org FIRST UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA) / 6202 E Mockingbird Lane

Sunday Worship Service 10:30 am / Call for class schedule. 214.821.5929 / www.dallaslutheran.org

METHODIST GRACE UMC / Diverse, Inclusive, Missional Sunday School for all ages, 9:30 am / Worship, 10:50 am 4105 Junius St. / 214.824.2533 / graceumcdallas.org LAKE HIGHLANDS UMC / 9015 Plano Rd. / 214.348.6600 / lhumc.com Sunday Morning: 9:30 am Sunday School / 10:30 am Coffee Worship: 8:30 am & 11:00 am Traditional / 11:00 am Contemporary LAKEWOOD UMC / 2443 Abrams Rd. / 214.823.9623 Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am / mylakewoodchurch.org Messy Church for Children and Families Sunday 5:00 pm MUNGER PLACE CHURCH/ Come & See Sunday Morning Worship: 9:30 & 11:00 am 5200 Bryan Street / mungerplace.org

N O N - D E N O M I N AT I O N A L LAKE POINTE CHURCH – WHITE ROCK CAMPUS

Classic Service at 9:30 & Contemporary Service at 11:00 am lakepointe.org / 9150 Garland Road

them "Merry Christmas," "Happy Hanukkah" or "Ramadan Mubarak" is an even kinder gesture. Our country is becoming more spiritually diverse by the day. Rather than see that as a threat, we might take a seat on the porch and visit. Better understanding might yield a more peaceable world. And every religion can say “Amen” to that. GEORGE MASON is pastor of Wilshire Baptist Church, president of Faith Commons and host of the “Good God" podcast. The Worship section is underwritten by Advocate Publishing and the neighborhood businesses and churches listed here. For information about helping support the Worship section, call 214.560.4202.

PRESBYTERIAN NORTHRIDGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / 6920 Bob-O-Link Dr. 214.827.5521 / www.northridgepc.org / Sundays 8:30 & 11:00 am Church that feels like church and welcomes like family. PRESTON HOLLOW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / 9800 Preston Road 8:15 am Chapel, 9:30 & 11:00 am Sanctuary, 5:00 pm Founder’s Hall Senior Pastor Matthew E. Ruffner / www.phpc.org / 214.368.6348 ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN / / 3204 Skillman St.

Rev. Rob Leischner / www.standrewsdallas.org 214.821.9989 / Sunday School 9:30 am, Worship 10:45 am

UNITY UNITY ON GREENVILLE / Your soul is welcome here!

3425 Greenville Ave. / 214.826.5683 / www.dallasunity.org Sunday Service 11:00 am and Metaphysical Bible Study 9:30 am SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WHERE C AN I FIND L OC AL ...? AC & HEAT

Air Conditioning

Foam Encapsulation • Insulation Smart Home Solutions Service & Sales

Family Owned & Operated

COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS

EMPLOYMENT

GARAGE SERVICES

ALL COMPUTER PROBLEMS SOLVED MAC/PC Great Rates. Keith. 214-295-6367

AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING Get FAA certified. Approved for military benefits. Financial aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-453-6204

IDEAL GARAGE DOORS • 972-757-5016 Install & Repair. 10% off to military/1st responders.

AT ODDS WITH YOUR COMPUTER? Easily Learn Essential Skills. Services include Digital Photo Help. Sharon 214-679-9688 BILL’S COMPUTER REPAIR Virus Removal, Data Recovery. Home/Biz Network Install. All Upgrades & Repairs. PC Instruction. No Trip Fee. 214-348-2566

PET SITTERS, DOG WALKERS reply to http://www.pcpsi.com/join

ROCKET GARAGE DOOR SERVICE - 24/7. Repairs/Installs. 214-533-8670. Coupon On Web. www.RocketDoor.com UNITED GARAGE DOORS AND GATES Res/Com. Locally Owned. 214-251-5428

EXTERIOR CLEANING G&G DEMOLITION Tear downs, Haul. Interior/Exterior. 214-808-8925

GLASS, WINDOWS & DOORS

CONFUSED? FRUSTRATED? Let a seasoned pro be the interface between you & that pesky Windows computer. Hardware/Software Installation, FENCING & DECKS Troubleshooting, Training. $60/hr. 1 hr min. 4 QUALITY FENCING • 214-507-9322 Dan 972-639-6413 / stykidan@sbcglobal.net Specializing in Wood, New or Repair.

EC0NOMY GLASS & MIRROR Mirror, Shower, Windows Repair. 24 Hr. Emergency. 214-875-1127

APPLIANCE REPAIR

CONCRETE/MASONRY/PAVING

JESSE’S A/C & APPLIANCE SERVICE TACLB13304C All Makes/Models. 214-660-8898

BRICK & STONE REPAIR Tuck Pointing / Crack Repair. Mortar Color Matching. Don 214-704-1722

PRO WINDOW CLEANING prompt, dependable. Matt 214-766-2183

integrity • innovative • impactful

214-330-5500 TACLB29169E

iiirth.com

BUY/SELL/TRADE CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/Models. 2000-2016. Any Condition. Running Or Not. Top $$$ Paid. Free Towing. We’re Nationwide. Call Now 1-888-985-1806 CASH FOR CARS We buy any condition vehicle, 2002 and newer. Nationwide free pick-up. 1-800-718-1593

CABINETRY & FURNITURE

BRICK, BLOCK, Stone, Concrete, Stucco. Gonzalez Masonry. 214-395-1319 BRICK, STONEWORK, FLAGSTONE PATIOS Mortar Repair. Straighten Brick Mailboxes & Columns. Call Cirilo 214-298-7174 CONCRETE, Driveway Specialist Repairs, Replacement, Removal, References. Reasonable. Chris 214-770-5001

CABINETMAKER Design/Build Custom Furniture. EDMONDSPAVING.COM Asphalt & Concrete Driveway-Sidewalk-Patio-Repair 214-957-3216 Repair, Refinish. 40 yrs. exp. Jim 214-457-3830

CLASSES/TUTORING/LESSONS ART THE FUN WAY W/JANE CROSS Art Cub: Mon’s. 12:30-2:30pm, Free For LHNRC Members 13-Up. Lake Highlands N. Rec. Ctr. Drawing, Painting: Weds. 10:15-1:15 pm. $15 Class/$60 month. 214-534-6829 INQUIRING MINDS 360 Programming Tutor. 6th Grade-High School. Home School Tech Courses Offered. Crystal Davis. text 214-253-8115 WRITING/EDITING HELP FOR APPLICANTS Applying to HS, college, grad school? Struggling with your essays? I can improve your submission. Reasonable rates. Steve Long 972-849-4205

CLEANING SERVICES A MAID FOR YOU Bonded/Insured.Park Cities/ M Streets Refs. Call Us First. Joyce 214-232-9629 ALTOGETHER CLEAN Relax ...We’ll Clean Your House, It Will Be Your Favorite Day! Bonded & Insurance. Free Estimates. 214-929-8413. www. altogetherclean.net

FLAGSTONE PATIOS, Retaining Walls, BBQ’s, Veneer, Flower Bed Edging, All Stone work. Chris 214-770-5001

R&M Concrete

Concrete • Driveways Retaining Walls Brick & Stone Work Stamped Concrete

214-202-8958

Bonded & Insured

References & Free Estimates

ELECTRICAL SERVICES ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Master Electrician. TECL24948 anthonyselectricofdallas.com 50 Yrs. Electrical Exp. Insd. 214-328-1333 BRIGHT LIGHT ELECTRIC • 214-553-5333 TECL 31347 Brightening Homes and Businesses LAKEWOOD ELECTRICAL Local. Insured. Lic. #227509 Call Rylan 214-434-8735

CINDY’S HOUSE CLEANING 15 yrs exp. Resd/Com. Refs. Dependable. 214-490-0133

TEXAS ELECTRICAL • 214-289-0639 Prompt, Honest, Quality Service. TECL 24668

TWO SISTERS & A MOP MAID SERVICE Reliable Quality Work.Best Rates. 23 Yrs. Exp. 214-283-9732

TH ELECTRIC Reasonable Rates. Licensed & Insured. Ted. E257 214-808-3658

WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134

WHITE ROCK ELECTRIC All Electrical Services. Lic/Insd.TECL-34002 214-850-4891

AMBASSADOR FENCE CO. Automatic Gates, Fences/Decks, Pergolas, Patio Covers, Arbors. AmbassadorFence.Co. 214-621-3217 FENCING & WOODWORK oldgatefence.com . 214-766-6422 HANNAWOODWORKS.COM Decks, Pergolas, Patio Covers. 214-435-9574 LONESTARDECKS.COM 214-357-3975 Trex Decking & Fencing, trex.com All Wood Decks, Arbors & Patio Covers

LAKE HIGHLANDS GLASS & MIRROR frameless shower enclosures • store fronts replacement windows • mirrors 214-349-8160

ROCK GLASS CO Replace, repair: windows, mirrors, showers, screens. 214-837-7829

HANDYMAN SERVICES BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730 HANDY DAN The Handyman. ToDo’s Done Right. handy-dan.com 214-252-1628 HANDYMAN SPECIALIST Residential/ Commercial. Large, small jobs, repair list, renovations. Refs. 214-489-0635 HOME REPAIR HANDYMAN Small/Big Jobs + Construction. 30 Yrs. Exp. Steve. 214-875-1127

Splendid Outdoor Kitchens

WE SPECIALIZE IN OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES. Arbors, Decks, Kitchens, Fences 214-208-1801

HOMETOWN HANDYMAN All phases of construction. No job too small 214-327-4606

FLOORING & CARPETING CALL EMPIRE TODAY To Schedule A Free In -Home Estimate On Carpeting & Flooring. 1-800-508-2824 DALLAS HARDWOODS 214-724-0936 Installation, Repair, Refinish, Wax, Hand Scrape. Residential, Commercial. Sports Floors. 30 Yrs. FENN CONSTRUCTION Manufactored hardwoods. Stone and Tile. Back-splash Specials. 214-343-4645 HASTINGS STAINED 214-341-3993 Hardwoods- Install/Refinish/Stain. Stained & Sealed Concrete. hastingsfloors.com WILLEFORD HARDWOOD FLOORS 214-824-1166 • WillefordHardwoodFloors.com

FOUNDATION REPAIR

• Slabs • Pier & Beam • Mud Jacking • Drainage • Free Estimates • Over 20 Years Exp.

972-288-3797 We Answer Our Phones

ONE CALL WEEKEND SERVICES Contractor & Handyman. Remodels, Renovations . Paint, Plumbing, Drywall, Electrical.469-658-9163 WANTED: ODD JOBS & TO DO LISTS Allen’s Handyman & Home Repair 214-288-4232

Your Home Repair Specialists Drywall Doors Senior Safety Carpentry Small & Odd Jobs 972-308-6035 And More! HandymanMatters.com/dallas

Bonded & Insured. Locally owned & operated.

HOUSE PAINTING 1 AFFORDABLE HOUSE PAINTING and Home Repair. Quality work. Inside and Out. Free Ests. Local Refs. Ron 972-816-5634 A+ INT/EXT PAINT & DRYWALL Since 1977. Kirk Evans. 972-672-4681 BENJAMIN’S PAINTING SERVICE Professional Work At Reasonable Prices. 214-725-6768

FEB. DEADLINE JAN. 9

Click Marketplace at advocatemag.com JANUARY 2019 lakewood.advocatemag.com

WHERE C AN I FIND L OC AL ...? HOUSE PAINTING

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

RAMON’S INT/EXT PAINT Sheetrock, Repairs. 214-679-4513

HOLMAN IRRIGATION Sprinkler & Valve Repair/ Rebuild Older Systems. Lic. #1742. 214-398-8061

TONY’S PAINTING SERVICE Quality Work Since 1984. Int./Ext. 214-755-2700

MAYA TREE SERVICE Tree Trim/Remove. Lawn Maintenance. Resd/ Commcl.Insd. CC’s Accptd. mayatreeservice.com 214-924-7058 214-770-2435

TOP COAT 30 yrs. exp. Reliable, Quality Repair/Remodel Phil @ 214-770-2863

NEW LEAF TREE CARE Honest, Modern, Safety Minded. 214-850-1528

VIP PAINTING & DRYWALL Int/Ext. Sheetrock Repair, Resurfacing Tubs, Counters, Tile Repairs. 469-774-7111

PAT TORRES 214-388-1850 Lawn Service & Tree Care. 28 Yrs. Complete Landscape Renovation. New Fence Install & Brick Repair. Concrete Removal and Gutter Cleaning.

KITCHEN/BATH/TILE/GROUT BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS LLC Complete Kitchen And Bath Remodels. Tile, Granite, Marble, Travertine, Slate. Insured. 214-563-5035 www.blake-construction.com

Click Marketplace at advocatemag.com LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

PET SERVICES

IRISH RAIN

DOGGIE DEN DALLAS Daycare, Boarding, Grooming, Training. 6444 E. Mockingbird Ln. 214-823-1441 • DoggieDenDallas.com

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS REPAIR SPECIALISTS SYSTEM REDESIGN 28+ Yrs. Exp. p DRAIN PROBLEMS? WE CAN HELP. Mastercard

Visa

cove

Dis

Licensed by State of Texas #2738

214-827-7446

MELROSE TILE James Sr., Installer, Repairs. 40 Yrs. Exp. MelroseTile.com 214-384-6746 STONE AGE COUNTER TOPS Granite, Quartz, Marble For Kitchen/Bath-Free Est. stoneage.brandee@gmail.com 940-465-6980 TK REMODELING 972-533-2872 Complete Full Service Repairs, Remodeling, Restoration. Name It — We do it. Tommy. Insured. dallas.tkremodelingcontractors.com

THE PET DIVAS Pet Sitting, Daily Dog Walks, In Home/Overnight Stays.Basic Obedience Training. thepetdivas.com 817-793-2885. Insured

PLUMBING AC PLUMBING Repairs, Fixtures, Senior Discounts. Gary Campbell. 214-321-5943 ANDREWS PLUMBING • 214-354-8521 # M37740 Insured. Any plumbing issues.

Looking for local services and don’t have an Advocate magazine handy?

FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor. dallastileman.com 214-343-4645

PET CARE IN YOUR HOME Joyful Walks, Affection Training. Refs. Sunny 214-724-2555

HAYES PLUMBING INC. Repairs. Insured, 214-343-1427 License M13238

CHECK OUT OUR UPDATED DIGITAL CLASSIFIED ADS Online ads have long been a part of our classifieds, but we at Advocate magazine are always looking for ways to improve. What’s new? Our digital ads now include photos and logos of companies. Plus, they are searchable on Google. Support your neighborhood by contacting these local companies, who are ready to help you with home and professional services, tutoring, lessons and more.

NTX PLUMBING SPEC. LLLP 214-226-0913 Lic. M-40581 Res/Com. Repairs & Leak Location

POOLS CERULEAN POOL SERVICES Family Owned/ Operated. Weekly maintenance, Chemicals, parts & repairs. CeruleanPro.com 214-557-6996

Pull up our lakewood.advocatemag.com, then click on the Marketplace tab. Search the category that you want, then start contacting local services. Thanks for supporting our classified section.

LEAFCHASERS POOL SERVICE Parts/Service. Chemicals/Repairs. Jonathan. 214-729-3311

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ACCOUNTING/TAXES Small Business/Individual Chris King, CPA 214-824-5313 chriskingcpa.com classifieds.advocatemag.com

Tubs, Tiles or Sinks WE •• Cultured Marble REFINISH! • Kitchen Countertops

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

LEGAL SERVICES

RED SUN LANDSCAPES • 214-935-9779 RedSunLandscapes.com

A WILL? THERE IS A WAY! Estate/Probate matters.maryglennattorney.com 214-802-6768

REMODELING

MOVING

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS, LLC Complete Remodeling, Kitchens, Baths, Additions. Hardie Siding & Replacement Windows. Build On Your Own Lot. Insured. www.blake-construction.com 214-563-5035

TAYLOR MADE IRRIGATION Repairs, service, drains. 30+ years exp. Ll 6295 469-853-2326. John

214-631-8719

WALTON’S GARDEN CENTER Stop in for home decor, candles, house plants, succulents and more. It’s time to plan for spring. Call us for design, prep and plantings! 8652 Garland Road 214-321-2387

www.allsurfacerefinishing.com LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES #1 WHITE ROCK TREE WIZARDS Professionals, Experts, Artists. Trim, Remove, Cabling, Bracing/Bolting. Cavity-Fill Stump Grind. Emergencies, Hazards. Insd. Free Est. 972-803-6313. arborwizard.com CHUPIK TREE SERVICE Trim, Remove, Stump Grind. Free Est. Insured. 214-823-6463 DALLAS GROUNDSKEEPER Organic Lawn Maintenance designed to meet your needs. 214-471-5723 dallasgroundskeeper.com DALLAS K.D.R.SERVICES • 214-349-0914 Lawn Service & Landscape Installation

60 lakewood.advocatemag.com

C.A.S. BOOKKEEPING SERVICES Personal/Small Business. Payroll, Accounting, Organizing, Consult. Cindy 214-577-7450

”WE CARE ABOUT YOUR TREES”

On Staff: • 4 - Certified Arborists • 1 - Tex- Tech Degreed Ag • 1 - Tex A&M Degreed Forester • 3 - Certified Applicators www.holcombtreeservice.com

214-327-9311

AM MOVING COMPANY Specialty Moving & Delivery. 469-278-2304 ammovingcompany.com

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

PEST CONTROL A BETTER EARTH PEST CONTROL Keeping the environment, kids, pets in mind. Organic products avail. 972-564-2495

GREEN LOVE HOMES Turnkey Renovations,Kitchens, Baths, Floors, Windows. Free Estimates. greenlovehomes.com 214-864-2444

MCDANIEL PEST CONTROL Prices Start at $85 + Tax For General Treatment. Average Home-Interior/Exterior & Attached Garage. Quotes For Other Services. 214-328-2847. Lakewood Resident

INTEX CONSTRUCTION Specializing in int/ext. Remodel. 30 Yrs Exp. Steve Graves 214-875-1127 MP ARCHITECTURAL Design & Construction. mattandpaul.com 214-226-1186

O’BRIEN GROUP INC. Remodeling Dallas For Over 17 Years www.ObrienGroupInc.com NATURE KING PEST MANAGEMENT, INC 214-341-1448 Advanced in All Types of Pest Control Solutions Since 1994. Same Day Service Available. Rated 5.0 RENOVATE DALLAS Star on Google. 214-827-0090 natureking.com renovatedallas.com 214-403-7247

FULLY INSURED Commercial/Residential

Click Marketplace at advocatemag.com JANUARY 2019

WHERE C AN I FIND L OC AL ...? REMODELING

ROOFING & GUTTERS

SERVICES FOR YOU

BERT ROOFING INC.

A PLACE FOR MOM The Nation’s Largest Senior Living Referral Service. Contact Our Trusted Local Experts Today. Our Service is Free/No Obligation. 1-844-722-7993

MY OFFICE Offers Mailboxes, Copying, Shipping, Office & School Supplies. 9660 Audelia Rd. myofficelh.com 214-221-0011

Family owned and operated for over 40 years

• Residential/Commercial • Over 30,000 roofs completed • Seven NTRCA “Golden Hammer” Awards • Free Estimates

www.bertroofing.com

214.321.9341

ADDITIONS • BATHROOMS • KITCHEN

REMODELING CREATIVE Construction REMODELING

BARRY O’BRIEN

General Contractor Bonded & Insured • Excellent References

972-342-7232 See our excellent work at: www.ccrbarry.com

LICENSED and INSURED

FREE ESTIMATES

Residential • Commercial (214) 503-7663 www.scottexteriors.com

SERVICES FOR YOU 25 DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED NOW Earn $1000 per week. Paid CDL Training Stevens Transport Covers All Costs. 1-877-209-1309 drive4stevens.com

AIRLINES ARE HIRING Get FAA Approved Hands On Aviation training. Financial Aid For Qualified Students. Career Placement Assistance. Aviation Institute Of Maintenance 888-686-1704 DIRECTV CHOICE All-Included Package. Over 185 Channels. Only $45/month (for 24 months) Get NFL Sunday Ticket Free. Call Now. 1-855-781-1565 DISH TV $59.99 For 190 Channels. $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation. Smart HD DVR Included. Free Voice Remote. Some Restrictions Apply. 1-855-837-9146 DONATE YOUR CAR TO VETERANS Help And Support Our Veterans. Fast-Free Pick Up. 100% Tax Deductible. 1800-245-0398 EARTHLINK HIGHSPEED INTERNET As Low As $14.95/month.(first 3 months) Reliable High Speed Fiber Optic Technology Stream Videos, Music & More. 1-855-520-7938

STAY IN YOUR HOME LONGER With an American Standard walk-In bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet & a Lifetime Warranty on the tub & installation. 1-855-534-6198

SKYLIGHTS

Installing Since 1995

Replacement, Repair & New Installation Glass •Acrylic Solatubes & Sun Tunnels

972-263-6033

www.skylightsolutions.com

ADVOCATE PUBLISHING does not pre-screen, recommend or investigate the advertisements and/or Advertisers published in our magazines. As a result, Advocate Publishing is not responsible for your dealings with any Advertiser. Please ask each Advertiser that you contact to show you the necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform the work you are requesting. Advocate Publishing takes comments and/or complaints about Advertisers seriously, and we do not publish advertisements that we know are inaccurate, misleading and/or do not live up to the standards set by our publications. If you have a legitimate complaint or positive comment about an Advertiser, please contact us at 214-560-4203. Advocate Publishing recommends that you ask for and check references from each Advertiser that you contact, and we recommend that you obtain a written statement of work to be completed, and the price to be charged, prior to approving any work or providing an Advertiser with any deposit for work to be completed.

FEBRUARY DEADLINE JANUARY 9

• TO ADVERTISE CALL 214.560.4203

CLASSIFIED, BUT FAR FROM SECRET. CLICK MARKETPLACE AT ADVOCATEMAG.COM FOR VALUABLE SERVICES NEAR YOU.

Click Marketplace at advocatemag.com JANUARY 2019 lakewood.advocatemag.com

OUR CITY

By MITA HAVLICK

Spoiled by school choice As a child, I had one option. As a parent, I have myriad.

t’s that time of year again ... resolutions, cleanses and decisions to be made on where your child will go to school in eight months. But hurry! The application window for Dallas ISD magnet, specialized programs and choice schools closes Jan. 31. My 16-year-old periodically expresses annoyance that the basic tenets of primary and secondary education have not changed since I was a student many moons ago — you wake up early, go to class, sit at a desk, listen to teachers, do homework, take tests and “learn a bunch of (expletive) you’ll never, ever need.” I patiently tell him that while the stuff he’s learning seems useless now, it will become instrumental when he helps his children with their homework as they learn that same bunch of stuff. Then I remind him that while some of it is the same, much has changed since I was a kid. For me, the path was straightforward: I went to my neighborhood elementary school, followed by my neighborhood middle school and then my neighborhood high school. Where I attended was not dictated by my interests, academic aptitude or “best fit.” I wasn’t given any choices. A couple families did elect to home school, and a handful enrolled in private school, but that was purely for the parochial-based education. When I speak to my parental peers today, wherever in the United States they grew up, they tell me their roadmap was similar. These days, the route for our Dallas students is anything but linear. I’ve heard many a parent moan, myself included, while in the midst of wading through the various possibilities, “When did it all get so complicated?” The first magnet school in the United States opened in 1970 when Dallas’ Skyline High School accepted its initial students. The clusters within Skyline subsequently moved to Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center in 1978, and schools on that campus, originally created as a way to assist federal court-ordered desegregation, are now regarded as some

of the best public high schools in the country. Public school choice was born in Dallas ISD courtesy of former M Streets resident Mike Koprowski, hired in 2014 by previous Superintendent Mike Miles to head the newly formed Office of Transformation and Innovation. The district marketed public school choice as, “A mechanism for growing the range of options so that all Dallas ISD students can attend a best-fit school … by tapping into their specific interests, aspirations, preferred learning styles, personal circumstances and values.” Public school choice also was a mechanism to retain and attract families in and to the district, compete with area charter schools and give neighborhood schools an overhaul with specialized programming. In the case of Mata Montessori, the district’s first transformation school, the open-based enrollment concept of choice schools helped alleviate some of the overcrowding at popular Lakewood and Mockingbird Elementary schools. Koprowski, who chose to send his children to his family’s neighborhood school, then Robert E. Lee and now Geneva Heights Elementary, has since left Dallas ISD and is the National Director at the non-profit National Low Income Housing Coalition in Washington, D.C. Many families in East Dallas will tell you that they specifically signed their leases or bought their homes to be zoned to schools in the Woodrow Wilson High School feeder pattern or to be able to attend Hexter Elementary or Bryan Adams High School. Some would argue, and rightly so, that these neighborhood schools are choice schools. Woodrow and BA are two of the top comprehensive high schools in Dallas ISD. The former became one of the first schools in Texas to be accredited as an International Baccalaureate World School in 2011, and the latter launched a Leadership Academy in 2015. Woodrow and its neighboring middle school, J.L. Long, are in such high

demand that district officials suspended any new transfers to these schools until the 2020-21 school year. Long story short, we are spoiled with choices in Dallas ISD, and deciding which school is a “best-fit” is often an anxietyfilled exercise. Lest you think you’re off the hook if you opt to stick to your Dallas ISD neighborhood schools, know that there are still decisions to be made. From pre-K to high school, how many of us have had conversations ad nauseum about what we should do: Mata Montessori, SOLAR Prep for Girls and Boys or stay at our neighborhood school? Go magnet, personalized learning or dual language? Which one: IB, STEM, arts, business, hospitality, collegiate academy or P-TECH? Wait, what about private? The choices are many, and the decision is not easy. As parents, we have repetitive conversations and sleepless nights over the questions of should we or shouldn’t we apply and which one of these great options do we choose. And then trying to decode differing application requirements if we do decide to move forward. Having gone through this process multiple times with my own two children, I know well the feeling of constant questioning and the angst that accompanies giving the final rose to the chosen school. It seems that decisions are a lot harder when multiple great options are available. I occasionally long for the olden days when educational paths were straight and straightforward, but then I remind myself of something really important: Great options are a good problem to have. And in retrospect, I wish I could get back some of that time and energy I expended constantly questioning. Great options also mean it’s hard to go wrong. MITA HAVLICK is a neighborhood activist. Find her commentary regularly in the back pages of our print edition and online at lakewood. advocatemag.com.

GO ONLINE to read updates, comment on this story and more at lakewood.advocatemag.com.

62 lakewood.advocatemag.com

JANUARY 2019

The value of your home should not be reduced to an algorithm. There is no substitute for the human experience in real estate transactions. Even with recent advancements in technology, too many variables factor into the determination of your home’s value to leave this step to deeply impersonal artificial intelligence and a barely-there agent. An involved and highly trained agent will always prove indispensable not only for strategic pricing, but staging recommendations, networking, showing availability, marketing, negotiating skills and more. Work with the brand that will accomplish your goal of top dollar with unsurpassed service. Choose the brand that sold the most homes in East Dallas in 2018.

A Division of Ebby Halliday Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Claims based on MLS Area 12, 2018

Properties of Distinction. Agents for Life. For over 10 years, Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate has set East Dallas sales records, representing billions of dollars in property for thousands of satisfied clients. Our reputation as the area’s dominant luxury real estate firm is founded on the combined strength of our dynamic team, dedicated to collaboratively cultivating an intimate understanding of Dallas’ premier neighborhoods, with emphasis on quality, character and design.

8335 Forest Hills Harry Morgan

$1,075,000 214.769.3303

COMING SOON

5831 Velasco Carrie Hill

$799,000 214.298.4038

COMING SOON

6251 Danbury Lori Kircher

$610,000 214.789.4060

6251danbury.daveperrymiller.com

6211 Kenwood Susan Nelson-Wheeler

$539,000 469.878.8522

SOLD, Represented Seller

5123 Creighton Paige & Curt Elliott

$579,900 214.478.9544

$465,000 214.802.5025

SOLD, Represented Buyer

№ 1 Brand in Lakewood & East Dallas

Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Claims based on 2018 MLS sold volume, Lake Highlands, Lakewood and East Dallas, Area 12 and 18.

A Division of Ebby Halliday Real Estate, Inc.

$699,000 214.478.9544

PENDING, Representing Seller

5123creighton.daveperrymiller.com

6275 Revere Kim & Taylor Gromatzky

7323 Coronado Paige & Curt Elliott

5611 Anita Susan Nelson-Wheeler

$559,000 469.878.8522

5611anita.daveperrymiller.com

5631 Everglade Paige & Curt Elliott

$279,000 214.478.9544

5631everglade.daveperrymiller.com