Preston Hollow People July 2026

REMEMBERING A COMMUNITY’S LOSS: BELOVED SISTERS BLAIR AND BROOKE HARBER

At 3:30 a.m. on July 4, 2025, Blair and Brooke Harber texted one final message to their parents.

“I love you,” they wrote.

Soon afterward, 13-year-old Blair and 11-year-old Brooke were swept away by the Guadalupe River. Their grandparents, who had been staying in the girls’ cabin, were also lost in the disaster.

Though their lives were cut short, the girls’ parents, Annie and RJ, are working to ensure that their memory continues to inspire and uplift others.

“Our girls were such treasured and special girls that we want to make sure we share them with the world in perpetuity,” RJ said. “In 13 and 11 years, they changed more lives than most people do in a lifetime. We felt it was our duty to continue to honor their legacy of love and hope.”

Both Blair and Brooke held firmly to their Catholic faith throughout their lives. They volunteered as altar servers at St. Rita Catholic Community. Blair’s favorite prayer was the Rosary, which she prayed nightly. She had borrowed her father’s Rosary beads for the family’s trip after her own broke.

“In 13

and

11 years, they changed more lives than most people do in a lifetime. We felt it was our duty to continue to honor their legacy of love and hope.”

RJ Harber

Blair was an excellent student, altar server, baker, and chef. She was sweet, kind, loving, compassionate, and committed to her family, friends, and faith.

Her little sister, Brooke, was a ball of pure energy and joy. She was a star athlete and competitor, who tackled each challenge with determination and strength. A friend to all, she drew people together through her playful spirit and ability to brighten any room with laughter.

Both girls were deeply loved by their family and community. “I don’t think St. Rita has ever seen anything like their funeral,” RJ remembered of the crowd that gathered to honor his daughters.

Annie and RJ have established The Blair and Brooke Harber Beloved Sisters Fund at The Catholic Foundation to memorialize both their daughters and RJ’s parents, Charlene and Mike.

Contributions to the Beloved Sisters Fund support flood and disaster relief; Catholic primary school education, sports, and after school programs; a tuition assistance endowment for St. Rita Catholic School; and Notre Dame Catholic Church in Kerrville.

One mission close to the Harber family’s heart is sharing their daughters’ love of lacrosse.

The Harber family has secured hundreds of donated sticks and goggles for girls who would otherwise need to pur -

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE:

To make a contribution or learn more about The Blair and Brooke Harber Beloved Sisters Fund at The Catholic Foundation: Contact The Catholic Foundation at 972661-9792.

• Visit blairandbrooke.org.

• Mail a check to: The Catholic Foundation, 12222 Merit Drive, Suite 850, Dallas, Tex. 75251, and include “The Blair and Brooke Harber Beloved Sisters Fund” in the memo field.

chase equipment to experience the sport. In February, more than 200 girls played the game for the first time at the Sister Sister Community Lacrosse Clinic. The event’s proceeds were gifted to The Blair and Brooke Harber Beloved Sisters Fund at The Catholic Foundation.

“Through our girls’ passion, we’re able to share this sport and introduce this sport to a whole new generation,” RJ said. “These girls will carry our girls in their hearts moving forward.”

In the year since the July 4 flooding, Annie and RJ have leaned on each other and been blessed to have the support of the Catholic community, friends, and family.

“It is our faith, and our belief,” RJ said, “that we will be reunited with them again one day.”

For more information, visit The Blair and Brooke Harber Beloved Sisters Fund at blairandbrooke.org.

Editor’s Note: Much of this article was condensed with permission from a profile that appeared in the Fall 2025 edition of The Good Word from The Catholic Foundation. That entire story can be found by visiting catholicfoundation.com and viewing publications listed in the About Us section of the drop-down menu.

Death at Bachman Lake Renews Trail Improvement Questions

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

The recovery of a man’s body from Bachman Lake has raised questions about the status of a project meant to improve the area’s safety and quality of life.

Dallas Fire-Rescue received a report May 10 that the man had gone into the lake near the 9300 block of Webb Chapel Road behind a Whataburger restaurant between Northwest Highway and Shorecrest Drive and hadn’t resurfaced, spokesman Jason Evans said.

Dallas police say the body was later found nearby.

A long-awaited trailhead project

from QuikTrip would improve safety and security by adding lighting and bar barriers along the pathway that goes under the bridge from Lemmon Avenue. But that venture, which was approved by the Dallas City Council in 2018, has yet to break ground.

More than seven years later, a QuikTrip spokesperson says the company remains committed to the project and expects construction to start “in the near term.”

When QuikTrip’s plans were approved in 2018, they included parking with driveway access and lighting, a public access trail connection to the Bachman Lake Hike and Bike Trail, a pavilion, signage, seating, trash receptacles, landscaping, and irrigation,

Crime Reports May 12 -June 7

May 12

A vacant home was found open in the  4900 block of West Hanover.

A vehicle was broken into in the  6100 block of Aberdeen Avenue.

A stolen license plate was recovered in a parking lot in the  7900 block of Walnut Hill Lane.

May 13

A theft occurred at a home in the 6600 block of Prestonshire Lane.

A vehicle was taken without the owner’s consent in the  5800 block of Lupton Drive.

A theft occurred in an outdoor area in the  4400 block of Goodfellow Drive.

Merchandise totaling $1,219.35 was stolen from Macy’s at NorthPark Center.

May 14

An assault occurred at a retail store in the  7100 block of Inwood Road.

A theft occurred at NorthPark Center.

May 15

Property was found in the  7000 block of Orchid Lane.

A vehicle was broken into, and property was stolen in the 5700 block of Williamstown Road.

Property was vandalized in the  9400 block of Mixon Drive.

May 16

A vehicle was broken into, and property was stolen in the  6500 block of Greenwich Lane.

May 17

A motor vehicle was stolen in the 8200 block of Douglas Avenue.

May 19

A motor vehicle theft occurred at a restaurant in the  12300 block of Inwood Road.

A theft occurred at NorthPark Center.

Items were stolen from a vehicle in the  3800 block of West Northwest Highway.

May 20

A theft of property occurred in an outdoor area in the 11200 block of Strait Lane.

A suspicious person was found in a

according to city meeting records.

Ryan Moore, President of Friends of Bachman Lake, said he’s hopeful the trailhead project will start soon. In addition to improving safety, the project would give visitors more opportunities to enjoy precious greenspace.

“Ultimately what we hope to see over on the Bachman Creek greenbelt side is a transformation of this space (into) a fully designed Texas native arboretum,” he said. “It has all of the building blocks; it just needs a little bit of dedicated advocacy.”

The Friends of Bachman Lake, for their part, have been working on clearing densely packed privet to make the trails more usable.

home in the  10800 block of Dove Brook Circle.

An individual was found observing someone inside their home without their knowledge in the  3700 block of Durango Drive.

A criminal trespass warning was issued at a retail store in the  6700 block of West Northwest Highway.

May 21

A theft occurred at NorthPark Center.

An individual was criminally trespassed at  NorthPark Center.

A fraud offense occurred in the  7700 block of Meadow Road.

May 22

An individual was threatened with a handgun in the  10800 block of Steppington Drive.

May 24

A narcotics violation occurred in the  5400 block of Caruth Haven Lane.

May 26

A trespass warning was issued in the  6000 block of Royal Lane.

Property was stolen from a vehicle in the  6900 block of North Janmar Drive.

May 27

A wallet was stolen from an unlocked vehicle in the  6100 block Sherry Lane.

A theft occurred at a specialty store in the  6000 block of Royal Lane.

A theft occurred at a department store in  NorthPark Center.

An assault occurred at  NorthPark Center.

A theft occurred in a business parking lot in the 6700 block of West Northwest Highway.

May 28

Items were stolen from an unlocked vehicle in the 12700 block of Preston Road.

Lost property was found in the  5400 block of Northmoor Drive.

A motor vehicle was stolen in the  12800 block of Midway Road.

A driver pointed a pistol at an individual in a retail parking lot in the 12800 block of Preston Road.

“Back in 2021 is when the Friends group started working with some other nonprofits and outdoor restoration groups and they carved

Lost property was found in the  8600 block of Hillcrest Road.

An individual received a trespass warning at a convenience store in the  6800 block of West Northwest Highway.

May 29

Property was vandalized in the  4600 block of Alta Vista Lane.

Abandoned property was seized from a business in the  11700 block of Preston Road.

May 30

Narcotics were found inside a school in the  11600 block of Welch Road.

Property was vandalized in the  5200 block of Del Roy Drive.

A theft occurred at a property in the  4700 block of Crooked Lane.

A motor vehicle theft occurred at  NorthPark Center.

An individual was found with drug paraphernalia at  NorthPark Center.

May 31

A theft occurred at  NorthPark Center.

June 2

A house was entered without permission in the  9000 block of Devonshire Drive.

A theft occurred at a construction site in the  7200 block of Stefani Drive.

June 3

An unlocked vehicle was entered, and property was stolen in the  6000 block of Preston Haven Drive.

An assault in the  7900 block of Northaven Road  was investigated.

A theft occurred at NorthPark Center.

June 4

Sugar was poured into a vehicle’s gas tank in the  3800 block of West North west Highway.

out the first mile of nature trail,” Moore said. “That was the first time that you could really navigate throughout the greenbelt.”

June 5

The door of a residence in the 6500 block of Deloache Avenue was found open.

June 6

A catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle in the 9400 block of Douglas Avenue.

Property was stolen from a vehicle in the  6000 block of Sherry Lane.

June 7

A narcotics violation occurred in the  7800 block of Forest Lane.

A vehicle was damaged during a breakin attempt in the  5400 block of West Lovers Lane.

An individual was scammed out of $1000 in the 4800 block of Twin Post Road.

A falsified government record was used at a bank in the  8200 block of Douglas Avenue.

A theft occurred at a department store located in  NorthPark Center.

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Driverless Vehicle Rollout

Not All Smooth Sailing in Dallas

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Preston Hollow and Park Cities residents have shared the roads with autonomous vehicles this year. But some reports suggest that mistakes can happen with technology behind the wheel.

Ride-hailing services with autonomous vehicle technology operating in Dallas include Avride from Uber, Tesla’s Robotaxi, and Waymo, though a human is in the driver’s seat to supervise Avride vehicles.

An Amazon subsidary, Zoox, announced in March that it also plans to serve the area.

CARE

A Waymo garnered headlines around the state this May when it was caught on dashcam video allegedly running a red light at the intersection of Irving Boulevard and Inwood Road.

A Waymo spokesperson noted that the service provides about 500,000 driverless trips across the country each week, is “committed to rolling out this technology responsibly and (has) systems in place to monitor and adjust our operations accordingly.”

In May, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began a preliminary investigation after receiving reports of crashes in Dallas and Austin that occurred while the Avride automated driving system was engaged, even though a human was supervising the technology from behind the wheel.

According to the NHTSA, during each crash the vehicles were either changing lanes or responding to other vehicles or objects in the lane ahead. The crashes involved property damage and one alleged minor injury.

“The (automated driving system’s) performance in these crashes may indicate inappropriate assertiveness and insufficient competence to execute these driving behaviors in a safe manner and may also constitute traffic safety violations,” NHTSA added.

Avride acknowledged the preliminary investigation in a statement and said it reports incidents involving its vehicles to the NHTSA for transparency. The company continued that it has made changes to address incidents reported between Dec. 2025 and March 2026.

“We look forward to a constructive dialogue that supports the continued progress of the autonomous vehicle industry,” an Avride spokesperson said. “As part of our standard safety protocol, every incident undergoes a structured review that includes identifying and evaluating root causes.”

Highland Park Department of Public Safety spokesperson Lt. Lance Koppa said staff have been trained on how to interact with the vehicles and who to contact when they encounter bumps in the road.

Koppa said his department was called Jan. 14 to Byron Avenue near Armstrong Elementary School regarding an autonomous vehicle that appeared to be stalled. He said law enforcement was able to communicate with the company and resolve the issue.

Another driverless vehicle without a passenger made an improper turn in Highland Park on Feb. 9, Koppa said. An officer alerted a representative of the company and issued a verbal warning.

A third autonomous vehicle stopped in the 4100 block of Mockingbird Lane with flashers activated on March 27. An officer used the driverless vehicle’s speaker system to inform the company, and the vehicle moved on.

A spokesperson for the University Park Police Department said the department hasn’t yet received reports of any issues regarding autonomous vehicles.

“The department continues to monitor these vehicles closely and will respond as needed should any concerns arise,” a UPPD spokesperson added.

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World Cup Fever Takes Root at the Park Spectators took in the World Cup opener from Klyde Warren Park

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb and Georgia Lokey

Fans haven’t needed to head to a stadium for a front-row view of the action at FIFA World Cup games.

On June 11, hundreds of spectators joined a public watch party presented by Klyde Warren Park. Lawn chairs and blankets dotted open-air greenspaces during the soccer showcase.

“Klyde Warren Park has always been Dallas’ town square — a place where people from every neighborhood, background, and culture come together to celebrate the moments that define our city,” said park president and CEO, Kit Sawers.

In expectation of the watch parties, the east and west sides of the park were transformed into a pedestrian plaza along Olive Street, creating what officials described as a safer and more connected experience for visitors moving between both sides of Dallas’ downtown area.

Michelle Odiedo was among those taking in the action from Klyde Warren Park on June 11, the day of the World Cup opener in which Mexico beat South Afri-

ca in Mexico City. It was her first time in the park.

“We all love watching soccer and then we have little siblings and they can also go play in the park,” Odiedo, who’d traveled from Tyler, said.

Gackie, Bennie and Maria Espinoza also came to the park to support Mexico on June 11.

“The amount of people that showed up, it’s nice,” Bennie said.

Ann Spain, Kara Rago, and Julie Young manage property nearby and came to check out the crowd.

“We kind of wanted to see what the crowd was all about, how many people that are going to be down here,” Ann said.

Preparations for the park’s annual Independence Day event to be held July 4 overlapped with the World Cup celebration, creating an opportunity for visitors to experience what park officials describe as “an extraordinary summer for Dallas.”

A variety of offerings, including live music, food trucks, art installations, and family activities featuring special World Cup-inspired programming also enhanced the outdoor events.

“These watch parties extended the World Cup experience far beyond the stadium,” said Sawers.

CELEBRATE HOME

Community

HOCKADAY FRIENDS HOST ART SHOW BENEFITING LOCAL STUDENTS

By Lisa Petty Special Contributor

Friendships, like tides, have the power to lift everything that surrounds them. Take Cecilia Chen and Margaret Hohenshelt, for example. The two Hockaday School students recently organized an event in the Dallas Arts District that both featured and benefitted young local creators throughout the city. And it all started with a friendship.

“We’ve been best friends since fifth grade,” Hohenshelt said. “Cecilia is an artist, and we’ve always wanted to do an art show. We know how talented our

friends are, and we wanted to find a way to display their art and show Dallas how much talent the teenagers in the city have.”

The pair, now upper school students, connected with the owners of downtown’s Café Olivia through a recent Hockaday alumni event. With a potential sponsor in place, a few emails were sent to test the waters for a possible art show. As messages multiplied, Chen and Hohenshelt were eventually in contact with hundreds of local students and teachers. As their dream event came closer to becoming a reality, the friends’ outreach also revealed that

a growing number of school arts programs are struggling. The issue hit close to home for them both and inspired the final component of their plan: philanthropy.

“Creativity and the skill to analyze and see things through an artistic lens is really important as you go through your life,” Chen said. A visual artist, her own colorful, abstract canvases depict women in thoughtful or active settings. Through her friendship, Chen also sees firsthand the impact of art across many diverse career paths.

“My mom was an art historian, and I’ve learned so much from her,” Hohenshelt said. “I love the

business side of the art world, analyzing and marketing.”

On April 25, the friends’ efforts culminated with “Breakthrough Artists — The Business of Art Showcase.”

The event, hosted in the rotunda of the Dallas Arts Tower, featured 60 works by students from Hockaday, Greenhill School, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and St. Mark’s School of Texas. Mediums included paintings, photography, and textile art, with styles spanning realism to fantasy, and many realms in between.

Over 175 guests attended the

event. Refreshments were sponsored by Café Olivia and art purchases were enabled through an online platform hosted by local startup, Unthink.ai. Proceeds from sales will benefit art programs within the Dallas Independent School District through donations of much-needed supplies.

Plus, it all raised awareness for a cause these two friends hold dear. “It was great to meet the teachers, meet the kids, and be able to see the impact we’re making,” Hohenshelt said. “It’s something a lot of people don’t think twice about, but it’s very important to get an art education.”

How Chris Tonick Tried to Find Beauty in the Brutality of The

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

During his 15 years in Hollywood, Chris Tonick has seen plenty of action.

As an assistant editor on franchises including Guardians of the Galaxy and John Wick , and while working for directors such as Quentin Tarantino and J.J. Abrams, Tonick has played a significant role in shaping the story and ramping up the excitement for several box-office blockbusters.

Those high-profile experiences led the Dallas native to opportunities as a lead editor, most notably on The Furious , an ultraviolent martial-arts action saga in theaters this summer.

John Wick creator Chad Stahelski recommended Tonick as an addition to the all-Asian crew. Japanese director Kenji Tanigaki wanted someone with a Western perspective to help tailor the project for a wider global audience.

That gave Tonick added responsibility in cutting a film that was shot in Thailand in spring 2024, with about two-thirds of the dialogue in English despite the setting. The vigilante thriller tells a working-class story of a tradesman and a journalist who team

up to infiltrate a crime syndicate to rescue abducted family members.

“There are things that have roots in Western films. In John Wick , the inciting incident was a dog dying. Here, it’s a whole bunch of (missing) kids,” Tonick said following the film’s local premiere at the Dallas International Film Festival. “Prior to John Wick , I was told you can’t murder a

dog on screen to start your action movie. But sometimes if you make the ride worth it, people will go with you.”

After earning his film degree from SMU, Tonick moved from Dallas to Los Angeles in 2011. His career kept growing before he landed his first feature opportunity as a lead editor on the 2021 horror-comedy Black Friday.

Furious

GET IN ON THE ACTION

Assembling the relentless fight sequences highlighting various martial-arts disciplines in The Furious was some of the most challenging work he’s ever done. The climactic confrontation alone included compiled footage from 18 days of filming.

“Kenji worked with these guys for weeks and weeks before they ever shot the film,” Tonick said. “Action is where he’s at home — telling stories through movement and his characters’ martial-arts abilities. It’s as much of a conversation as the dialogue.”

Tonick spent six months polishing the film in post-production. It premiered last fall at the Toronto International Film Festival to critical and audience acclaim.

“Every actor was also a martial artist, so it was an embarrassment of riches,” he said. “Clarity was our guiding principle. We didn’t want you to be confused about where you were in the action. With the action choreography, it was a matter of finding what made it look the best.”

Letter to the Editor

News delivered to neighbors and preschool families at Northway Christian prompted a wave of anxiety that rippled through the neighborhood.

While there is much to learn, it is clear that Northway’s leadership is navigating real institutional challenges, and they are making decisions — as they have every right to do — about the future of their property. Families and community partners — including the Northway preschool community that called that campus home for years — have found themselves on the outside of conversations that affected them deeply. I hope Northway considers the well-being of the neighborhood, but Northway’s decisions belong to Northway. What belongs to the rest of us is how we respond.

The question worth asking isn’t whether change is coming to that site. The question is: what kind of change would be good for our neighborhood?

If the answer turns out to be Compass School, I think we should welcome it.

The Compass School of Texas is an exceptional school led by thoughtful people who are devoted to serving Dallas. Families who know Compass know that its culture is built on care — for students, for neighbors, for the fabric of the places where it plants itself. That is exactly the kind of neighbor we should want. It deserves the chance to earn our trust.

As with any school, traffic patterns at carpool create a level of chaos that is both joyful and stressful. Boone Elementary would benefit from revisions, notably including reformatting Wentwood Drive to be one way during carpool hours like many school streets. Adding a second school population to the same city block requires careful examination.

The traffic concern is real, and it deserves a real answer. But here’s what I’d ask: let’s not treat that concern as a reason to say no. Let’s treat it as a reason to do the work.

I would like to see the City of Dallas partner with HPISD to take a fresh look at traffic flow in this corridor. A new, collaborative traffic study — led by both schools together — would go a long way toward building trust and finding solutions that protect every student who walks or rides through this neighborhood each morning.

The HPISD community is a wonderful place to raise children. Part of what makes it wonderful is that we have always, at our best, been willing to do the work, to invest in getting things right and level up.

Northway’s leadership has a decision to make. I hope they consider our concerns and then I hope our community will meet whatever they decide with generosity — and if Compass comes, with open arms and a readiness to build something good together.

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Home & Business

COTTON PATCH CAFE CEO DEBUTS SAFEWAY DRIVING

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

The CEO of Cotton Patch Cafe has added making the Park Cities and Preston Hollow safer to his menu of business goals.

Brandon Coleman, who served as CEO of TGI Fridays and held leadership roles with Dave & Buster’s and Del Frisco’s Grille before taking the helm at Cotton Patch Cafe, has opened the area’s first SafeWay Driving School at the corner of Hillcrest Avenue and Northwest Highway.

“My life’s all about leaving things better than I found them,” Brandon said. “I thought this was a great opportunity to invest in Dallas and the community, and to help people protect their kids and others on the road.”

SafeWay Driving’s methodology involves both online courses and hands-on driving instruction. The school uses a method called commentary driving, which teaches motorists to be proactive and identify potential threats before they become problems, Brandon explained.

Brandon knows the method works — both he and his brother, Brad, are SafeWay Driving graduates, and Brad is the company’s CEO.

“Having that experience and

seeing how a proactive method really created better driving — that was important to me,” Brandon said.

Brad, a former NASCAR driver, bought SafeWay from the company’s founders in 2010, then sold it to a group of investors who ran it from 2013 to 2022, when Brad bought it back.

Comings and Goings

Brad said opening a location in the Park Cities area marks the accomplishment of a long-held goal.

“We had talked for a while, for years, about opening a SafeWay (in the area), and how well it would do for the community,” he said. “It’s had a special place in both of our hearts for a while just as graduates. In my NA -

OPEN

Humanaut Health Preston Center

The clinic providing comprehensive diagnostic testing, regenerative medicine, and other therapies is offering its services to the health-conscious Dallas community.

Jimmy Choo NorthPark Center

The luxe footwear-focused fashion brand has a new footprint spanning 1,398 square feet in NorthPark with a design adapted from the brand’s New

York Madison Avenue boutique.

Sueño Cocteleria Mexicana Snider Plaza

The Mexican fine-dining concept with an in-house masa program by Julio Pineda and Cristian Lujano has opened its second location, which features a live-fire kitchen and intimate tequila lounge. The expansion is in partnership with The Bellomy Group, the

family-owned company behind S&D Oyster Company, Rex’s Seafood, and Caché.

Punk Noir

139 Turtle Creek Blvd.

The tasting-menu-only restaurant led by James Beard Award–winning Chef RJ Cooper centered around a 20-course tasting menu has opened in a new 7,800 square feet space.

ABOUT SAFEWAY DRIVING

SafeWay Driving offers driving lessons for teenagers, adults and companies. Training packages include varying amounts of driving time and range in price from just under $1,000 to $2,990. The most comprehensive package includes a Department of Public Safetyauthorized road test.

To learn more, visit safewaydriving.com.

ence in restaurant leadership and his work as owner of SafeWay Driving’s new location. As a Park Cities resident and father, he’d noticed a dearth of commercial driving schools in the area.

“I saw a business that does it right, and I saw a community that was missing someone doing it right,” he said. “I think that the quality that Safeway Driving delivers is in line with what the people from the Park Cities expect.”

SCAR racing days, I got plugged back in with SafeWay through sponsor obligations initially.”

Brad said talking to students when he was a NASCAR driver about the dangers of distracted driving further drew him to SafeWay’s mission.

For Brandon, there is a throughline between his experi -

Joybird 4438 McKinney Ave, Suite 200

The retailer of fering handcrafted, customizable furniture has expanded into a new showroom in the Knox-Henderson neighborhood. In addition to room vignettes for living rooms, bedrooms, or lounges and an assortment of rugs, floor lamps, floor pillows, and other accessories, Joybird offers free design services.

COMING

Bvlgari

Coleman said there were three instructors as of late March at the Hillcrest Avenue location, and that the business was considering upping that number.

“The purpose of our brand is to prevent the phone call that nobody wants,” he added. “Our kids are what we care about the most, and driving is the most dangerous thing they’ll do.”

Fifth Third Bank

Preston Center

The financial institution will exit the Comerica Tower in Downtown Dallas for a new regional headquarters within two floors of a building being constructed at 8300 Douglas Avenue. The space is expected to be ready for move in by the fourth quarter of 2028.

CLOSED

Anchor Sushi Bar

6025 Royal Lane

Highland Park Village

The Italian luxury brand offering jewelry, watches, accessories and fragrances is set to add its sparkle to Highland Park Village later this year.

Campisi’s

5944 Royal Lane

The longtime Italian chain is expected to open a new, 1,170-square-foot location in the Preston-Royal area later this year, according to filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

The sushi spot has served up its last rolls, fish tacos, and martinis in Preston Hollow. There’s still an Anchor Sushi Bar location on Knox Street, though, and another Vandelay concept, El Molino, is expected to open in Anchor’s former Preston-Royal place.

Tiffany & Co.

Galleria Dallas

The nearly 200-year-old high-end jewelry retailer has closed its Galleria store after more than four decades.

—Compiled by Rachel Snyder

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Family Gives Future-Focused Gift to Retina Foundation

By Lisa Petty SPecial Contributor

It all started with a routine eye exam in 2008.

Debbie Gray, then living in a small town near Midland, was preparing for LASIK surgery when her pre-operative exam revealed an unexpected diagnosis: retinitis pigmentosa (RP). A rare inherited retina disease, RP affects low light and peripheral vision, among other aspects of sight, with varying degrees of progression over time. There is no cure.

“I think I was the only patient he had ever seen with RP,” she said, recalling her doctor’s surprise.

After receiving a referral to the Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Debbie and her husband, Steve, traveled to Dallas. There, they each felt an immediate bond with the “friendly and tight-knit” group within this local organization with a global reputation for advanced research in retinal diseases and disorders.

“There aren’t very many places like it,” said Steve, whose father also lives with an inherited retina disease: age-related macular degeneration (AMD). “It’s a small fellowship of doctors that specialize in this type of medicine, but their work has far-reaching effects.”

In the months to follow, Debbie would participate in a clinical study and begin a regimen of regular check-ups at the Retina Foundation. As the Grays’ relationship with the 501(c)(3) nonprofit grew, the birth of a grandchild prompted them to relocate from West Texas to Preston Hollow. Life moved forward, as it always will, and this February the family announced a unique, fu-

ture-focused gift to the foundation that will benefit many generations to come.

The Debbie and Steve Gray Inherited Retinal Degenerations (IRD) Chair was established this year with a $2.5 million endowment. The first endowment of its

kind in Dallas, this pledge will enable the Retina Foundation to recruit top global talent while advancing its research into new treatments and potential cures.

The first endowed chair will be held by Dr. Mark Pennesi, MD/ PhD, FARVO, and Chief Med -

ical Officer at the Retina Foundation. Dr. Pennesi has served as the lead investigator for 27 first-in-human clinical trials for IRDs, and is the recipient of The Macula Society’s 2025 Young Investigator Award. He leads the Retina Foundation’s first labo -

Northway Reps Make Concessions on Zoning Case

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Northway Christian Church has made concessions to neighbors concerned about its plans to host the Compass School of Texas, but residents say there’s still more work to do.

After Northway announced in April that it intended to close its preschool in May 2027 and house Compass, some residents expressed concern about the potential traffic impact and future uses of the church space.

Compass, which serves students in Pre-K to fourth grade, would be adjacent to Highland Park ISD’s Boone Elementary. Compass opened in 2023 and is slated to expand to serve students through eighth grade.

“The location includes more classrooms and dedicated administrative offices in addition to ample outdoor space while we build on our current campus,” ex -

plained Compass Head of School Shelly Sender. “We look forward to building a positive relationship with Northway and the beautiful surrounding neighborhood.”

So where do things stand with the plans now?

Representatives of Northway have committed to a time-limited specific-use permit, a student enrollment cap, and the placement of an off-duty officer on campus during school hours, Meagan Ranallo, a Boone Elementary parent, shared in a communication to community members.

“These are real concessions and reflect the substantive engagement many of you have been part of since the April 30 community meeting,” her June 5 message read.

Larry Hall, Dallas District 13 Planning Commissioner, confirmed that consultants for Northway have agreed to an enrollment cap in the specific use permit and project a maximum enrollment of 340 students. He said a time frame

for the length of the permit remains under discussion.

“However, enrollment caps are difficult to enforce, so the city relies more on number of classrooms, which can be enforced. The applicant has agreed to a cap of 21 classrooms in the (specific use permit),” Hall added.

Ranallo said some neighbors still would like Boone and Compass’ dismissal times to be further staggered, a 5,000-square-foot storm shelter proposal to be reviewed, and a formal cost-sharing agreement with Highland Park ISD for crossing guards to be created. They also want some more questions answered.

“The neighborhood is not asking the City of Dallas to deny education to children. We are asking that any permit approved include binding conditions calibrated to the unique configuration of two independently administered schools sharing the same residentially zoned city block,” the June 5

RETINA FOUNDATION FACTS

Mission Statement: “The mission of the Retina Foundation is to prevent vision loss and restore sight through innovative research and treatment.”

Location: 9600 North Central Expressway, Suite 200, Dallas

Website: retinafoundation.org

Year Founded: 1975

Areas of Specialization: AgeRelated Macular Degeneration (AMD), Inherited Retina Diseases (IRD), Pediatric Eye Conditions

Staff Members: 35

Cost to Patients: $0

ratory and clinic dedicated to IRDs, which has already served more than 1,000 patients.

“This gift will be integral in accelerating new solutions and treatments,” Dr. Pennesi said. “It will help us push the boundaries of discovery and bring hope backed by science to patients and families.”

The Grays recently attended a formal presentation of their gift during a meeting of the Retina Foundation’s Rods & Cones support society. Surrounded by staff, friends, family, and fellow patients, Debbie reflected on the lasting impact of her own unexpected journey.

“I don’t want to see any of my children or grandchildren struggle with RP as I have,” she said. “I’m hopeful there’s a cure out there, and my wish is that this support will bring together and equip the right team to find it. At the end of the day, this isn’t just about our family. It’s about the many people around the world impacted by rare IRDs.”

message continued.

The plans still have hurdles to clear. The permit request needs to be considered by the

Dallas Planning and Zoning Commission, which will then make a recommendation to the Dallas City Council.

Savoy-Trained Chef Gives Park

Cities,

Preston Hollow Diners the Royal Treatment

ByJosh Hickman

People Newspapers

London Savoy Hotel-trained chef Darren McGrady knows his way around a royal palace or two and is equally familiar with some of the finer homes in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow.

Following the celebrated wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, the young culinarian dreamed of being a royal chef, so he wrote a letter to the Queen.

“Two weeks later, I had an interview,” he said, smiling. “Not long after that, I was rattling pans in the royal kitchens.”

He spent the next 11 years traveling around the world with the Queen and cooking for her at her residences, Windsor Castle and Balmoral Castle, and on Her Majesty’s Yacht Brittania.

“The Queen had twenty chefs,” he explained, “and I became that familiar face in the kitchen to Princess Diana.”

When she and Prince Charles separated, Diana called McGrady, asking him to be chef at Kensington Palace for her, William, and Harry. In the film Spencer (2021), Kristen Stewart played Diana, while Sean Harris from Mission: Impossible played Darren Mc -

Grady.

“In the opening scene, when the Princess gets out of the car and says, ‘Hello, Darren,’ I get goosebumps watching that, still,” he admitted.

McGrady remained private chef to the Princess for four years, until her tragic death in a car accident. Deciding it was time for a change, he distributed his résumé and became private chef to the family of Dee and Charles Wylie in Highland Park.

“I moved across as their private chef for 11 years,” he recalled, “then started my own catering company, Eating Royally.”

In between, he wrote his first

two cookbooks, Eating Royally and The Royal Chef at Home

“Now, I have a team of chefs, loads of servers, and a great front office team, too,” he noted. “I can’t tell you how many beef tenderloin dinners we do. It’s a Highland Park special. But one of our popular things, certainly that side of town, has been afternoon teas. I do a little history and etiquette with the tea, as well.”

McGrady noted an upturn in local afternoon teas since shows such as The Crown and Downton Abbey became popular. Favorite tea pastries of the royal family are often included, such as the chef’s chocolate biscuit cake Prince William chose for his groom’s cake.

Other oft-requested local favorite dishes include the aforementioned beef tenderloin with

a wild mushroom whisky-cream sauce (a favorite of the Queen), sticky toffee pudding, and McGrady’s signature bread and butter pudding — a favorite of Princess Diana, and a version she once told a Daily Mail reporter was the “best in the world.”

“We do everything, from American to Greek to French,” he said of the variety of requests, including many box-lunches. “We just did an eight-course Chinese New Year dinner.”

His popular YouTube channel, which surged during the pandemic, is filled with stories, recipes, and techniques, boasting nearly half a million subscribers.

“I would say half of our events are in Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, that area,” he observed. “It’s the quality. I think

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DIAMOND KINGS

Hillcrest players named all-district following dominant season

By Justin Thomas People Newspapers

Dallas Hillcrest had its way with District 13-5A on the baseball diamond in 2026.

Not only did the Panthers post a perfect 12-0 mark in district competition, but Hillcrest also had an average margin of victory of 6.3 runs per game and won every game except for one by three runs or more.

So it was a bit surprising to see Hillcrest’s representation, or lack thereof, on the all-district team and superlative awards.

Leading the way for the squad with the lone superlative honor was sophomore Ian Martinez, who was named the district’s Newcomer of the Year.

Hillcrest’s leadoff hitter due to his ability to put the ball in play, Martinez steadily progressed throughout the season, finishing with a .304 average while scoring 26 runs.

“He caught our attention early on and earned that spot as our leadoff hitter,” said Ashley Moore, Hillcrest head coach. “And by the end of the season, he was playing some great ball. We are 100% expecting even bigger things from him next season. Not only hitting in the top three in our order, but as a leader for us as a junior.”

First-team selections for Hillcrest included the dynamic pitching duo of junior Jayden Pescador and sophomore Diego Wong.

For the year, Pescador posted an 8-0 record with a 0.96 ERA, while Wong went 7-0 with a 0.83 ERA.

“They were the two best pitchers in the district in my opinion, and could have been MVP and Pitcher of the Year,” Moore said. “They were both undefeated with microscopic ERAs, and we’re very fortunate to have both of them coming back next year.”

Rangers Rack Up Accolades

Moore noted that, in addition to their individual excellence, the pair’s strengths combined to make a tough 1-2 combination for opponents.

“One is a right and one is lefty, so that always makes it a little tougher,” he said. “And they pitch very differently, too. Diego pounds the zone and threw 75% of his pitches for strikes. And he was up around 80% on first pitches. And Jayden just has everything moving. You don’t know if it’s going to break left or right, or

up and down. But they’re always in and around the zone, and that makes him tough.”

Also making his way to the first team as designated hitter was Elias Garcia, who hit .400 with 16 RBIs in just 16 games.

“He started on junior varsity and was just wearing opposing pitchers out,” Moore said. “He’s a monster out there and has so much power, and he is a player that still has a ton of room to grow. We’re really excited to see what he has in store for us next year.”

Jorgensen named MVP, 13 others make all-district team

By Justin Thomas People Newspapers

Jesuit Dallas put together a standout season on the baseball diamond in 2026.

The Rangers not only returned to the regional finals of the Class 6A playoffs for the first time since 2017, but also navigated through the District 7-6A season unscathed en route to the title for the 10th time in the past 17 years.

As a result, the Rangers were well-represented on the all-district squad, racking up 14 selections, including nearly sweeping the superlative honors.

Head coach Brian Jones and the rest of Jesuit’s coaches were named the Staff of the Year. Texas signee James Jorgensen was selected as the 7-6A MVP, while Brooks Kowal and Roman Derichsweiler were named Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, respectively.

“I’m very proud of the guys and they deserve all the honors they’ve received,” Jones said. “When you go undefeated in district, I think you probably should be well-represented, and our guys certainly were. And I wanted to give a shout out to my staff, as well. We’ve all been together 14 years now and none of this would be possible without them.”

Carlos Salazar, meanwhile, made his way to the first team as a utility player following a strong season as Hillcrest’s backstop.

Moore said that Salazar began the year playing multiple positions before ascending to Hillcrest’s No. 1 catcher position for the homestretch and postseason.

For the year, Salazar — another player slated to return in 2027 — hit .434 while supplying stellar defense behind the plate.

Earning first-team nods for the second consecutive season in the outfield were seniors Lincoln Hunter and Julio Longa.

Hunter, who manned center field, hit .283 with 18 runs and 12 RBIs, while Longa (right field) posted a .418 average with 23 runs and 14 RBIs.

Moore praised both Hunter and Longa not only for their offensive talents, but for their throwing abilities from the outfield.

Moore also made note of the superb season shortstop J.P. Paternina put together.

A senior, Paternina hit .354 and was first on the squad in RBIs (22) and second in runs (25).

“He’s a kid I’ve known for a long time and I’m proud of his development,” Moore said. “He had some peaks and valleys and when it was all said and done, he turned into one of our most consistent players.”

On the field, Jorgensen had a dominant year for Jesuit both on the mound and at the plate.

As a pitcher, the senior finished with an 8-1 mark with his lone loss coming in the postseason and finished with a 0.58 ERA and 125 strikeouts in just 60 innings.

Offensively, he hit .398 with two homers and 23 runs while tying for the team lead with 30 RBIs.

“He was one of our best hitters and was clutch at the plate for us, and he was an abso-

lute force on the mound,” Jones said. “He was a unanimous selection as MVP, and when you look at what he did, that was a pretty easy call.”

Kowal, meanwhile, hit a robust .458 while leading the team in runs (36) and tying for the lead in homers (five) to go with 30 RBIs.

Not only was Kowal among Jesuit’s top performers offensively, but Jones also credited him for his switch from outfield to shortstop early in the campaign.

Derichsweiler, a Pennsylvania commit,

was no slouch at the plate either, hitting .465. But he earned a superlative for his defensive play behind the plate.

“Not only did he shut down the running game, he made things easier for our pitchers,” Jones said. “They could throw any pitch at any point of time, and our pitchers knew he was going to block it. You can’t ask for anything more from a catcher.”

Following with first-team selections were pitcher Jacob Martinez, pitcher Hudson Voss, infielder Taylor Haddock, infielder Cole Johnson, designated hitter Charlie Wilson, and utility player Alex Barr.

Martinez went 8-3 on the bump with a 2.75 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 71.1 innings, while Voss posted a 3.50 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 24 innings as a reliever.

Haddock hit .367 with 32 runs and 24 RBIs, Johnson boasted a .394 average with two homers and 14 RBIs, Wilson — a High Point signee — posted a .351 with four homers and 29 RBI, and Barr (Howard University) racked up a .405 average while tying for the team lead with five dingers.

Second-team nods went the way of pitcher Sebastian Lasa and outfielders Braxton Barber (TCU), Nate Iannariello and Davis Montgomery, while infielder Griffin Civello was named honorable mention.

Schools CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2026

With diplomas in hand and bright futures ahead, the Class of 2026 celebrated at graduation ceremonies across Preston Hollow. We join the community in congratulating this year’s graduates on their accomplishments and wish them success as they begin their next chapter.

— Compiled by Claudia Carson-Habeeb

Jesuit Dallas

Graduation

Hillcrest High School

Graduation date: May 24

Episcopal School of Dallas

Graduation date: May 22

The Hockaday School

Graduation date: May 16

Parish Episcopal School

Graduation date: May 19 Class size: 112

Greenhill School

Graduation date: May 26 Class size: 127

Ursuline Academy

Graduation date: May 24 Class size: 212

W.T. White High School

Graduation date: May 30 Class size: 490

Shelton School

Graduation date: May 16 Class size: 81

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Graduation date: May 28 Class size: 110

Trinity Christian Academy

Graduation date: May 15 Class size: 130

The Winston School

Graduation date: May 21 Class size: 13

A NEW CHAPTER: SENIORS REFLECT ON BEGINNING THEIR COLLEGE JOURNEYS

Possibly, the hardest part of being a high school graduate is leaving home. For the six students in this article, home is the Park Cities and Preston Hollow. These students have spent the better part of their lives following the same routines: their schools’ carpool lines, sports competitions, school dances, and Friday night stadiums. And now, almost all at once, that familiarity comes to a close.

Student journalism leaders from The Episcopal School of Dallas and Highland Park High School sat down with the six graduating seniors, from various schools in the Dallas area, to talk about leaving home and the meaning of starting a new chapter. What emerged was something honest and unexpected: a glimpse of a generation on the edge of departure, shaped by their community, ready to step beyond it. What follows are excerpts from the roundtable conversation.

What does home mean to you?

Bauer I think your true home is being with who you like, your friends, all that, being able to feel comfortable around them. It’s more of a true home than anything else.

Hutch I’ve lived in Dallas my entire life, so I know the streets, I know the stores, I know the restaurants, I know all of that. And I would consider that part of home as little, tiny things that bring memories to me.

Sarah Home is the environment or space that gives you the best people to grow into the best version of yourself with the values that have shaped you into who you are. I feel like home transcends the place where you grew up.

What does leaving home mean to you?

Bauer I think one of the reasons why I’m leaving is just because I want to meet new people from different places, not just the same 20 guys I’ve been with for the last 15 years. I want to go out and talk to new people and meet new people from different backgrounds.

Adam It’s a hard transition to make, but realizing that the transition is possible to make is reassuring because it helps you grow, right? It’ll help you grow as a person. That’s one of the reasons why I’m encouraged to leave home and make this change.

Biviyana

Leaving home is finding myself, truly finding myself

in a space I’m not used to. I feel like that just opens so many different worlds, different perspectives, opens up different understandings about people.

Are you fundamentally the same person as you were in first grade, or have you morphed into a different person?

Kate I moved around a lot when I was younger but always having that stability of a strong family connection really helped me remain the same fundamental person. When I was younger, I was very shy, and I’ve definitely come out of my shell. I was very nerdy and bookish, and now I write for a newspaper and write poetry, so I think fundamentally I am the same person. I’ve just grown like everyone else does.

terests have changed, the friendships, where I go to school, tons of things. But the values and the framework of my family and of myself have stayed the same.

Biviyana

For me, I feel like I have changed. My family had strong values, but as I grew up, social media, different perspectives, moving around, I have different values that I pick and choose from what I grew up with.

What is one lesson that high school taught you that you’ll take with you?

Sarah

The word that stuck out to me was ‘fundamentally.’ My in-

Sarah Do things that are rooted in purpose that fulfill me and bring me joy in my life. For me, it’s to be selfless and really support the people around me.

Bauer

I would say talk to as many people as you can talk to — the person

in your class that maybe you were a little closed off to because, I don’t know, maybe you have a different opinion than them. But when you talk to them, you realize that you have a lot more shared interests and commonalities than you would have thought.

Hutch I would say one thing high school taught me was the courage to trust in others. You have to rely on others, so you have to trust them and their capabilities, and you have to prove that you are worth supporting.

Do you have a personal mission statement?

Adam There were two concepts that were introduced to me, one being the Golden Rule — treat others

College Journeys continued

how you would like to be treated. The other is to not use others as a means to an end but treat them as an end (in themselves).

Hutch For as long as I can remember, every day before I’ve gone off to school, my dad would tell me: work hard, be nice, have fun. I don’t think he skipped a day since elementary school, middle school, high school. Holding that to my heart helps me get through the day.

Biviyana

Mine is ‘you do you.’ It’s not embarrassing unless you think it’s embarrassing. You can’t be put down unless you put yourself down. Same thing about leaving home, if you’re going to study abroad, if you’re staying in Texas, do whatever’s best for you. I think there’s this word called “sonder,” the idea that every single passerby

has a completely different life that you have no idea about.

Kate Choose kind. Kindness encapsulates a lot of different important values in life. Kindness is respect; kindness is compassion; kindness is empathy. Whatever situation you’re in, leading with kindness will always benefit you and the people around you. Being kind never really costs you anything, and it can really mean a lot to someone.

What are you most excited about when it comes to leaving for college?

Hutch I’m excited to go out there, learn as much as I can, and meet as many new people as I can. I know I’ll change a lot, but I feel like that’s not something to necessarily be afraid of.

Adam I’m excited to meet new people who have different ideas and perspectives that I can learn from and grow from.

Kate I’m really excited about trying new things and also having the time to explore those new things.

What is one thing that you are nervous about?

Sarah I’m nervous about being able to keep all my relationships that I have now as strong as they are.

Bauer It’s going to be weird not being able to walk downstairs when I’m heading to school and say

bye to my mom and dad. (Not to) be able to say bye to my dogs. I’m excited for it, still, of course, nervous for that big change.

Biviyana I’m really nervous about leaving people behind.

Adam I anticipate losing some friendships and connections. That’s scary for me because I’ve been around a lot of these guys for so long.

Kate I’m afraid of failure. In my life, I tend to do the things that I know I’ll be the most suc -

cessful at. I feel like in college, it’s a little scary trying to venture out and try new things and knowing that I probably will fail at something — but just know that that’s okay.

Hutch I am nervous of not having the connections that I’ve had all my life here.

This roundtable conversation was moderated by Highland Park High School’s 2025 – 2026 Editor-in-Chief of the Bagpipe newspaper Olivia-Sophie Keijsers Koning and Modern Media student Liliana Rodriguez and The Episcopal School of Dallas 2026 – 2027 Eagle Edition newspaper Editors-in-Chief Gracie Nealon and Lilly Traylor. The original discussion has been edited for length and clarity.

Illustrations by ESD Eagle Edition 2026 - 2027 web Co-Editor-in-Chief Josephine Holmes.

Dedicated Teacher and School Administrator to Lead Christ the King The school’s new principal joined its community for the first time in 1999

By Kevin Utz Special Contributor

Christ the King School conducted a nationwide search for its new principal. But the best candidate was already on campus.

Rosemary Kohut had been Christ the King’s assistant principal since 2021 and a member of the school community for more than a decade.

She had first connected with Christ the King even earlier. When Kohut joined its staff as a fifth-grade teacher in 1999, she knew immediately that the Catholic school on Colgate Avenue was a perfect fit.

“I felt like I was coming home,” she said. “It was like I always belonged here.”

Kohut, who has a background in business, left Christ the King in 2003 to help her husband get a new venture off the ground.

But she understood the impact of outstanding teachers and enjoyed the experience of watching students learn concepts such as multiplication, reading, and writing.

“Seeing this bulb go off in their head makes it all worthwhile,” Kohut said.

When she called then-Christ the King principal Rosemary Seltzer about possibly returning about 15 years ago, Seltzer asked if Kohut could substitute the next week.

She didn’t have any doubts about her ability to serve as Christ the King’s principal when she applied for the role — and neither did the school. After a unanimous decision from the search committee, Christ the King announced in April that Kohut would be its new principal.

Pastor of Christ the King Church and School Rev. Anthony (Tony) F. Lackland explained that her new role is a natural steppingstone for Kohut. Her resume and commitment to Christ the King distinguished her as clearly best candidate.

“She knows the rhythm of life on this campus. She has prior experience and lived experience here,” Lackland said. “She can take it to the next level.”

Kohut had always wanted to broaden her impact as a principal and welcomed the opportunity to move to administration in 2018 and become Christ the King’s dean of students.

Kohut took on the role of interim music teacher until an English and math teaching position opened in the upper school. She accepted that position in 2011 and has been at Christ the King since.

Kohut called learning that the committee had selected her as the next principal of Christ the King one of the happiest days of her life.

“I’m excited about the gifts that she has, the gifts that she will use and bring in leadership here,” Lackland said. “She checks all the boxes for me.”

Passion for Reading Leads Student to Bluebonnet Ceremony

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb claudia.carson-habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

Her love of reading recently carried a fifth grader at Good Shepherd Episcopal School to the stage of one of the nation’s most prestigious student literary events.

Cora Elizondo represented her school this spring at the Texas Bluebonnet Award ceremony, where she presented author Minda Dentler with the award. Dentler is a polio survivor and the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship.

Third through sixth graders from around the state had voted Dentler’s book, The Girl Who Figured It Out, their favorite from a list of 20 finalists.

Elizondo said she was thrilled to be selected to represent her school and excited to join other avid readers at the annual conference of the Texas Library Association in Houston.

“It was meaningful because my librarian, Mrs. (Lauren) Younger, thought that I was the best choice to represent Good Shepherd at the Bluebonnet Award ceremony,” she said. “It was nice, that out of all the kids submitted, I got chosen.”

Elizondo’s own love of reading began in the back seat of her parents’ car, where she would read aloud road signs and billboards while driving past them.

At a young age, she developed a passion for books after checking out a variety from the Dallas Public Library. Elizondo said her parents also helped spark her interest in literature by reading aloud to her.

Today, she reads all categories of books, but especially enjoys fantasy novels.

“My favorite genre is fantasy because anything can happen,” Elizondo explained. “My favorite authors are Erin Hunter and Suzanne Collins. Erin Hunter wrote my favorite book series,  Warriors, and Suzanne Collins wrote my second favorite series, The Hunger Games.”

When Good Shepherd Episcopal School was selected to participate in the Texas Library Association conference, librarian Younger said she knew exactly who should represent the school.

“Cora has loved reading from an early age and devours chapter books,” Younger said. “For many years, when I review which students have checked out the most books from our library, she consistently tops the list.”

Before the award ceremony, Elizondo had an opportunity to learn more about Dentler. The fifth grader was one of a small group of students who were selected to interview the winning author and discuss the inspiration behind her writing.

“Perseverance doesn’t start at the finish line,” Dentler told them. “It starts the moment someone decides to try.”

Elizondo said Dentler’s message has stayed with her.

“Minda Dentler is an inspiration to young people because the main lesson of her book is never give up,” she said. “Another inspirational message in her book is to chase your dreams.”

Elizondo remarked that while Dentler’s books and messaging are an inspiration to her, she does not plan to author a book herself.

“I enjoy reading more than writing,” she said.

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Living

REFLECTIONS ON TWO DECADES OF ELIZABETH TOON CHARITIES

By Josh Hickman People Newspapers

Larry Toon is as surprised as anyone that Elizabeth Toon Charities is 20 years old.

The University Park resident oversaw the nonprofit’s creation in 2007. It was born out of a desire to honor the life and legacy of his daughter, Elizabeth, a Highland Park High School graduate who was tragically killed by a hitand-run driver in 2006.

“It’s very surreal,” Toon said. “Elizabeth was 22. It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years. I think about her every day. We include her in every family event we have. She’s still here with us.”

Founded on the principles of faith, hope, and love, Elizabeth

Toon Charities supports organizations that provide education, assistance, therapy, and comfort to children and their families who have been impacted by abuse, grief, poverty, disabilities, and terminal illnesses.

“It was a handful of her dear friends who came to me and said, we would like to start this charity and do a fundraiser this year,” Toon recalled of the organization’s founding. “(Elizabeth) loved children.”

Elizabeth Toon Charities held its first sporting clay event at Elm Fork Shooting Sports. The event was moved to the Dallas Gun Club for its second year. Because Elizabeth was a big fan of Texas country music, the nonprofit also decided to add a concert.

This May’s 20th annual Con-

cert and Clay Shoot featured country artist Wade Bowen, who performed at Gilley’s. Its title sponsors were JLL and Permian Resources.

Since its founding, Elizabeth Toon Charities has raised more than $9.5 million for Dallas area children’s charities. The nonprofit initially aimed to give substantial assistance to a smaller number of groups.

“We include her in every family event we have. She’s still here with us.” Larry Toon

chairman of the nonprofit’s board. In 2026, Elizabeth Toon Charities will aid 16 beneficiaries, including Equest, Hugs Café, Community Partners of Dallas, Dallas LIFE, and the Dallas Leadership Foundation.

tions we’ve been able to get to,” Toon reflected. “We’ve met so many wonderful families over the years.”

Toon called the area an “amazing place.”

“Then, over the next couple of years, we saw that there was so much need out there that we said, ‘why don’t we give less to a lot?’” explained Toon, who serves as

The nonprofit also annually supports its partner charities, Camp John Marc, the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, The Ashford Rise School of Dallas, and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

“I think every year is memorable because of the different organiza-

“This community is pretty darn incredible,” he noted thankfully. “And it’s had more than its share of loss. It has a way of just pouring itself onto you. And continues it. They don’t forget.”

“I’m not getting any younger,” Toon said, smiling, when asked about the future of Elizabeth Toon Charities. “We just kind of rallied up every year and said, ‘let’s do it again.’ And we’ve had a ton of support. We couldn’t do it without literally hundreds of people who help every year. They contribute, they donate, they spend their time. God willing, we’ll do it again next year.”

Local Nonprofit Offers Second Chances After Incarceration

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb claudia.carson-habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

For people leaving jail or prison, finding a job and establishing stable housing can be among the first barriers to rebuilding daily life. A Dallas nonprofit is working to bridge that gap through employer partnerships, housing connections, and long-term case management.

Christina Melton Crain, founder and chief executive officer of Unlocking Doors, created the statewide nonprofit to help individuals with criminal records navigate reentry.

“We’ve got to get them feeling like they know where their next meal is coming from.”

Christina Melton Crain

“What we do in a nutshell is assess their needs in a holistic manner, create a plan of attack for them, and then navigate them to those services and monitor them while they are receiving those services,” Crain said.

The Preston Hollow resident learned of the challenges people face after incarceration while serving as chair of the Texas Board of Crimi-

nal Justice under Gov. Rick Perry.

Crain was the first — and is still the only — woman to ever lead the nine-member board that oversees the incarceration, parole, and probation of Texas adult felons. The state renamed the former Gatesville Unit prison for women the Christina Melton Crain Unit in 2008 in recognition of her work.

Crain explained that, during her board service, she became aware that “there wasn’t a struc -

tured way to transition people back into the community in a sustainable way.”

In 2010, Crain founded Unlocking Doors, which is committed to reducing crime through coordinated collaboration, partnership, public awareness, reporting of evidence-based data, and predictive trends, education, and training. The organization works with individuals who have served time in state and federal prison as well as those with ar -

who face barriers to employment and housing.

Crain said Unlocking Doors serves men and women of all ages who have committed any level of crime, as well as juveniles and youthful offenders in some cases. Individuals typically enter the program through referrals from correctional systems, workforce organizations, partner agencies, and former clients.

Once enrolled, clients are assessed for immediate needs

such as housing, transportation, and basic stability before longer-term employment planning begins.

Crain said many participants arrive in crisis after release and need foundational support before they can focus on work.

“We’ve got to get them feeling like they know where their next meal is coming from and they have a place to lay their head,” she said.

The organization has served approximately 8,000 clients, Crain said, and maintains a network of roughly 200 to 300 partners and employers to match candidates to appropriate roles and to provide ongoing support after placement.

“If we refer someone to you, you hire them, they’re our client,” she said. “We’re going to continue to be there for the employer should something go awry.”

Crain said the model is designed to reduce turnover and improve stability for both employers and clients by maintaining communication after hiring rather than approaching it as a one-time placement.

“Once they’re a client, they’re always a client,” she said.

The organization continues to focus on connecting individuals to employment pathways and housing stability as a foundation for long-term success.

“With more than 70,000 ex-offenders being released back into Texas communities each year, this is an issue that affects us all,” Crain said.

Framing Love Stories: Meet John Cain, Wedding Photographer

For a bride, the 30 minutes spent waiting to walk down the aisle towards her future might be the most intense of her life to date.

Once filled with nervous chatter and bridal party bustle, the bride’s room gradually empties out. The clock winds down. Quiet moments before the bride steps forth are reverent, intimate, and anchoring. The remaining people in that space are the bride, her father, and the wedding photographer.

John Cain Sargent has been that third person hundreds of times in his 15-year career.

“Sometimes that’s the most emotional part of the wedding,” Sargent told me from his studio’s sunny French-inspired conference room. “Mom doesn’t get to see any of this because she’s already sitting down. Her arrival among the guests symbolizes the start of the ceremony.” So, Sargent and his team discreetly capture those tender moments to make the memories last.

In the hyper-imaged world we live in, photos can be retouched and even completely engineered with an AI prompt. Wedding photography captures the images of the day, but the best ones also capture the feelings and sentiments, energy and nerves. Photographs serve as enduring evidence of youth, of hope and optimism, and of community.

Sargent, a Highland Park native who uses only his first and middle names for

his company brand, spoke of how growing up in the Park Cities shaped him and his business. He started his photography career to earn money for a planned post-graduate program. His childhood entrepreneurial endeavors included painting

street addresses on curbs and selling items on eBay. Photography was supposed to be the grown-up equivalent of a lemonade stand. It became Sargent’s main gig when one of his photos won him a spot

in a photography class. After that, he shot weddings for friends he’s known since he was a student at Armstrong Elementary. His first published works came in 2012, when Sargent reached out to Highland Park Village’s marketing director, who happened to be me at the time. Sargent inquired about getting coverage in the shopping center’s bespoke, now defunct, magazine. His story proposal was added to the editorial lineup and published. His business has grown ever since.

Sargent’s world has come full circle. As an Armstrong dad who served as the Dad’s Club president this year, his clients include his daughter’s third-grade teacher. Today, his own children socialize with the children of his former clients.

Capturing the community’s moments has had a lasting impact on Sargent.

“There was one particular wedding where I observed Dad with his kids,” Sargent recalled. “I saw how he interacted with them and how genuinely close the family was. It impacted me so much that I called him (after the wedding) and asked him to meet for breakfast to learn his parenting techniques.”

An Old-Fashioned 250th Birthday Celebration

I’m super excited about our nation’s 250th Birthday. As I make plans for an old-fashioned celebration with family and friends in our beloved mountain home, I’m reminded of July Fourths of years past.

One of my favorites was my Grandmom and Grandpop

Hewston’s annual backyard picnic. On that particular Fourth when I was in the fourth or fifth grade, the weather was warm and sunny. Watermelon chilled in ice water in the basement sink, the fridge was filled with my grandmother’s potato salad and other side dishes, and her freezer was well stocked with an assortment of popsicles in my favorite flavors — banana, blue raspberry, cherry, pink lemonade, and root beer. Burgers and hot dogs sizzled on the grill. As the grandkids played, the adults conversed while reclining in red metal armchairs and webbed lawn chairs. Funny that I remember those chairs all these years later.

DART OUT OF TOWN

Need to get to the airport quickly and conveniently? DART means business, providing service to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field every day of the week.

Ingredients:

3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, about 9 medium

¾ cup green bell pepper, cut into ¼-inch dice

½ cup sweet onion, peeled and diced

3 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped

1 cup prepared mayonnaise

2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream

3 teaspoons dry mustard

½ teaspoon kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

½ teaspoon paprika, for garnish

Fireworks displays of all sizes seem grand when you’re little. As an adult, I have been awed by a huge show over the river that flows between Detroit and Windsor, Canada, one over the Rock River in Rockford, Illinois, and an even more modest one over Lake Dillon in Summit County, Colorado. And yet, when red, white, and blue bunting is draped across our front veranda and 14 guests gather for dinner around a long festive table, I’m right where I want to be.

From coast to coast, grill masters will cook brats, burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or steaks this July Fourth. Ribs and briskets will smoke slowly to perfection and refrigerators will overflow with what I consider to be the real stars of every Fourth of July gathering — the side dishes! My mouth waters just thinking of them, which is why I love when our guests arrive with their favorites to share.

In honor of our country’s 250th Birthday, I’ve updated my recipe for Picnic Potato Salad to make it quicker to prepare

Directions:

Rinse, peel, and cut potatoes into quarters. Place them in a large stockpot with enough water to cover, bring to a low boil, cover, and reduce the heat to medium. Cook just until they are knife tender, about 10 minutes. Drain, cool, cut into ½ -inch cubes, and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add bell peppers, onion, and eggs, tossing gently to mix.

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, cream, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the potatoes and toss gently until they are well coated. Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with paprika, cover, and chill until ready to serve.

Yield: 10 servings

and even tastier. Originally developed for my Celebrating Home cookbook, I recently tried a different approach when cooking the potatoes. I had previously cooked them whole in a large pot of water until the centers were knife tender, then peeled and sliced them into bite-size pieces. Now I peel and cut the potatoes in quarters, place them in enough water to cover, cook them until knife tender, and cut them into ½-inch cubes once they are cool. This method eliminates overcooked or undercooked potatoes and it’s far quicker because the potatoes cook in about 10 minutes. Now THAT’s something to celebrate! Happy Fourth of July!

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

DFW AIRPORT

ORANGE LINE to DFW Airport

Terminal A Station

SILVER LINE to DFW Airport Terminal B Station

DALLAS LOVE FIELD

GREEN OR ORANGE LINE to Inwood/Love Field Station, and then LOVE FIELD SHUTTLE (Bus Route 5) to Dallas Love Field

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Celebrates New Playground

On April 30, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Gay Donnell Willis, District 13 board member Sally Hodge, and Park Board president Arun Agarwal joined neighbors and city staff to celebrate the newly renovated Jamestown Park playground. Refreshments were served as residents enthusiastically tested the new equipment.

-Compiled by Claudia Carson-Habeeb

LEFT: Melshire Estates Neighborhood Association president Maureen Milligan, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Gay Donnell Willis, and District 13 Park Board representative Sally Pretorius Hodge test the new slide at Jamestown Park. BELOW: Neighbors, Dallas Park and Recreation staff, and Park Board members cut the ribbon for the new Jamestown Park playground. CITY OF

SPECIAL ADVERTISING CONTENT

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

These pristine Dallas estates inspire awe

Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents lead in the sale of Dallas estates, according to Multiple Listing Service data.

Working with Allie Beth Allman & Associates, you can trust that you will have access to the most exceptional residences quickly. Here are two mesmerizing estates the leading firm represents now. Contact their experts to see more.

The elegance, prestige, and panache of Highland Park is on full display at 4211 Lakeside Drive, where a refreshed, circa 1922 brick beauty awaits. Meticulously restored from 2020 to 2022, the 6,611-squarefoot abode blends enchanting, storied character with fresh, fashionable touches for an utterly breathtaking experience. Everyday life here will feel like a fairytale, and that’s not even mentioning the endless opportunities for large or small-scale entertaining.

Craving something modern? Located in the coveted Strait Lane corridor of Preston Hollow, 4700 Dorset Road presents an ultraprivate, 13,151-square-foot prize on 1.2 acres.

Perfect for living large and sharing special moments with loved ones, the sleek stunner is decked out with incredible amenities for fun. Picture enjoying summer days with friends across the resort-like backyard with a 22-foot pool, sport court for pickleball and basketball, and putting green. The contemporary masterpiece also encourages indulgent wellness with its rare, dual-level primary suite where you can recharge in the private outdoor spa.

BRIGGS FREEMAN 3513 Princeton Avenue

3513 Princeton Avenue in Highland Park, represented by Adriana AlvarezHiggins and Terri Brak Thomas of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $6,900,000

Welcome to an extraordinary opportunity in the heart of Highland Park, where timeless elegance meets modern perfection. This 7,300-square-foot custom residence has been flawlessly reimagined from top to bottom, with every surface thoughtfully curated to deliver an unparalleled living experience.

Boasting five bedrooms and six and a half baths, this like-new masterpiece offers two expansive primary suites, ideal for multigenerational living or the ultimate personal retreat. A recently installed elevator provides effortless access to two levels of the home, adding a layer of convenience and sophistication. Designed for those who love to entertain, the home flows seamlessly inside and out — from a dedicated media and game room to a stunning alfresco living space with a resort-style pool and fully equipped outdoor kitchen. The oversized three-car garage features an EV-charging station and pet-grooming station. No stone has been left unturned in this meticulous renovation.

All of this is just a stone’s throw from the legendary Highland Park Village, prestigious Dallas Country Club and acclaimed Armstrong Elementary School — placing you at the very center of one of Dallas’ most coveted communities.

To place your ad in People Newspapers, please call us at 214-5235239, fax to 214-594-5779, or email to classified@peoplenewspapers. com. All ads will run in Park Cities People and Preston Hollow People and online. Pre-payment is required on all ads. Deadline for our next edition is Monday, July 6, 2026. People Newspapers reserves the right to edit or reject ads. We assume no liability for errors or omissions in advertisements and no responsibility beyond the cost of the ad. We are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion.

DAVE PERRY-MILLER

REAL ESTATE

A Masterclass in Urban Sophistication

This stunning corner residence at Parkside offers an unrivaled lifestyle overlooking Klyde Warren Park and the iconic Dallas skyline. 2025 Woodall Rodgers Freeway #23 (2025woodallrodgers23. daveperrymiller.com) is represented by the Gromatzky Group for $2,131,000.

Following a comprehensive 2026 refresh, the 2-bedroom home glows with Level 5 paint, refinished hardwoods, and a fully renovated primary suite featuring a spa-like wet area. The chef’s kitchen is a culinary dream, boasting Poggenpohl cabinetry and premium Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, now accented by brand-new countertops.

Beyond the 10-foot ceilings and walls of windows lies an oversized patio, a rare downtown luxury for seamless indooroutdoor entertaining. Modern essentials are already handled, from a Jeep e-charger at your three dedicated parking spots to high-efficiency HVAC systems. With a 93 Walk Score, the Arts District’s world-class museums and dining are your backyard.

To schedule a showing, contact Kimberlee at 214.802.5025 | kimg@daveperrymiller.com or Taylor at 214.802.5002 | taylorgromatzky@ daveperrymiller.com.

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

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Divine Dallas estate hits the market

This home of Cochran Chapel Road, represented for sale by Allie Beth Allman & Associates, offers grand amenities beyond its gates.

If you’re interested in the ultra-luxury market in Dallas—that is, homes priced at $10 million or above—then you’ve certainly come across Allie Beth Allman & Associates. Trusted by discerning sellers and buyers again and again, the luxury firm often represents the most exquisite estates in and around the city.

Here are two beautiful, elite properties newly up for sale with the brokerage’s expert agents.

Beyond the gates of 4255 Cochran Chapel Road, a majestic French-inspired manor on two acres of gorgeous grounds emerges ready to wow you. As you drive up to the 11,000-square-foot home, you can indulge in visions of glamorous parties in which valets greet guests at a circular motor court centered by a romantic. Inside, the voluminous double-height foyer with a dramatic, curving staircase and showstopping chandelier further cement the estate’s grand, elegant atmosphere.

Designed by acclaimed architect Robbie Fusch and built in 2017, the four-level gem at 6715 Golf Drive is filled with finishes that exude modern sophistication, from Scandinavian white oak flooring to Porcelanosa tile and a state-of-the-art Tesla solar roof. The dazzling chef’s kitchen, 90+ built-in speakers, indooroutdoor loggia, and large, sun-soaked living areas all prove that.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Dreamy homes available in University Park

Beth

been a leader in selling University Park homes year in and year out.

There are some neighborhoods in Dallas that never go out of style and never waver in demand with buyers. University Park, one of the city’s most sought-after and friendly enclaves, is one of them. Check out these sublime offerings up for sale with Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

Filled with artful touches, such as unique light fixtures and a masterfully remodeled kitchen, 3132 Stanford Ave. is a 5,104-square-foot haven that exudes polish and personality. Poised for effortless wellness, too, the home promises a heavenly primary suite, sophisticated pool and spa, and expansive outdoor living areas.

If pier-and-beam architecture, verdant landscaping, and timeless interior details sound enticing, don’t miss 7503 Caruth Blvd. Stately fireplaces, oversized windows and wood beams await as well as a large chef’s kitchen any foodie would swoon over. The backyard is an oasis in itself, boasting a covered patio and relaxing nature views.

A four-bedroom custom home at 3420 Hanover St. was built to impeccable standards as an entertainer’s ideal forever home. It offers multiple chic bars, a huge game room, and a flowing open floor plan, plus a putting green and a covered patio with a fireplace so you can host outside all year with ease.

EBBY HALLIDAY

The Pinnacle of Waterfront Living: 505 Ranch Estate

Experience the rare intersection of modern luxury and rugged ranch heritage at the exclusive 505 Ranch on Cedar Creek Lake. Situated just 45 minutes from Downtown Dallas, this extraordinary 3.46acre estate at 111 Sun Valley (111sunvalley. ebby.com) in Mabank is listed by Debbie French for $3,300,000. It offers 131 feet of pristine open water frontage, accessible via a private, wooded drive.

The residence is a masterclass in design, featuring an open-concept great room with soaring ceilings and panoramic lake views.

A chef’s kitchen, equipped with high-end appliances and a wine fridge, anchors the home, while two main-level primary suites offer serene retreats. Upstairs, custom bunk rooms and a sprawling game room provide the ultimate space for hosting guests.

The outdoor oasis is unmatched, boasting a heated and chilled pool, a stone firepit, and a private boathouse with a party deck. As a resident of this gated community, gain access to 400 acres of shared amenities, including clubhouse with pool, guest cottages, private stocked fishing ponds, ATV trails, skeet range, equestrian center and full-time ranch staff with concierge services available.

To schedule a showing, contact Debbie French in the Ebby Cedar Creek Lake office at 903-340-7747 | debbie@ debbiefrench.com.

BRIGGS FREEMAN

3517 Lexington Avenue in Highland Park, represented by Beverly Pitchford and Ralph Randall of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $14,995,000

Ideally situated at the southeast corner of Lexington and Byron avenues — in the very first installment of Old Highland Park — this prominent property has stood as a masterpiece for almost two decades. Constructed in 2008 by Tatum Brown Custom Homes, this French-inspired residence features a limestone façade, slate roof, porte cochere and artful landscaping by Robert Bellamy Design.

Upon entry, a grand foyer and corridor lead to the formal living room with double-height cove ceilings and a stone fireplace. Adjacent is the formal dining room, which features three sets of French doors that open onto the west garden. A fully equipped prep kitchen connects the formal dining room with the main kitchen and breakfast area, flanked by informal living rooms on either side. Also on the first floor are the library, wet bar, wine grotto and one of the home’s five bedrooms, which offers direct access to the heated pool and spa.

On the second floor, the expansive primary suite includes a sitting room with fireplace, dual walk-in closets and an oversized bath with two vanities. The media room, which has its own kitchenette and full bath, can double as guest quarters. Other features include a commercial-grade elevator, two laundry rooms and an attached three-car garage. Outside, a double-decker porch is outfitted with retractable screens, a built-in kitchen and fireplace.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Exceptional living in Highland Park neighborhoods

Sought-after Highland Park neighborhoods never go out of style, according to the expert agents at Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

You know a town is exceptional if the primary complaint that residents voice is that the lots are so valuable it makes more sense to tear down the house and build one bigger.

Such is Highland Park, which has many beautiful homes, but it seems never enough to meet the demand of buyers who want to live there for the exceptional schools and sought-after location. Highland Park is one of Dallas’ safest, most walkable neighborhoods, with wide sidewalks and a locally managed police department.

To find your home in Highland Park, talk to the experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

The four-bedroom home at 4521 Southern Ave. has been updated with hardwood flooring, large doorways and intricate millwork. A 400-squarefoot, screened porch makes for great indooroutdoor living.

At 3852 Mockingbird Lane, the three-bedroom home features hardwood flooring and tall ceilings on the first level, with a kitchen that has stainlesssteel appliances. Two bedrooms downstairs have a bath. The upstairs bedroom could be a playroom.

In the heart of the sought-after French streets is a five-bedroom, Tudor-style home at 4305 Arcady Ave. The home is designed for a large family and sizable parties, with 7,239-square-feet of living space..

Westover House in Westover Hills, represented by Ralph Randall, Madeline Jobst and Ashley Mooring of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $22,000,000

I.M. Pei designed only three private homes in his lifetime. Westover House is the last and greatest — a significant achievement in American residential architecture. Westover House shares its DNA with Pei’s most celebrated works, including the Pyramid at the Louvre in Paris and the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Commanding a hilltop in Fort Worth’s Westover Hills, the sprawling home is thoughtfully sited on nearly 4 gently sloping acres. It offers a unique garden room — a soaring, lightfilled space with a canted roof of glass and steel that rises above the tree line — a nearly 70-footlong art gallery, multiple living and dining rooms, a sumptuous main suite, six additional bedrooms, den, office, wellness room, heated pool and putting green.

The home’s materials are of the ages. Its thick walls are concrete mixed with an aggregate of rose-quartz granite from Colorado. The unique textural fluting on the walls, inside and out, was painstakingly bushhammered by hand. Interior flooring includes Portuguese marble and Burmese teak, with outside terraces of granite. Westover House isn’t just an architectural triumph — it is a Fort Worth legend, completed in 1969 for a horse breeder, art collector and philanthropist and never available before. At more than 19,000 square feet and a work of modernist art, this is an acquisition of genuine architectural and cultural consequence.

THE PERRY-MILLER STREIFF GROUP Expanded Home on Strait Lane

11484 Strait is currently being offered for $3,1,95,000.

Near area’s top private schools, this Strait Lane offering sits on Dallas’ most iconic street. Remodeled and expanded down to the foundation in 2005. Modern guest house & outdoor spaces offer secluded lot with multisport court, outdoor kitchen, pool & deck areas.

Soaring 10-ft ceilings accentuate lightfilled casement windows & French doors, combining sophistication & warmth to open spaces with elegant formals including dining, living, & music rooms, with office & built-in wine storage.

Premium kitchen with granite & marble, state-of-the-art appliances, custom cabinetry.

Waterstone plumbing integrates beauty & function into custom millwork.

Primary suite down with sitting roomoffice. Four additional bedrooms & two baths flank spacious upstairs game room with builtins & arched nooks.

Ipe Brazilian Hardwood deck, with fully equipped outdoor kitchen, bar, & alfresco dining for 12, extends to spacious pool-guest house with 20-foot accordion glass doors, sleepover loft, indoor kitchen, bath, steam room & sauna.

Indoor-outdoor living space with pool table opens to bifold doors leading to private sports training court & an unobstructed views of tree-lined creek. Meticulous attention to detail blends timeless style with clean-lined sophistication, offering unparalleled privacy in a coveted Preston Hollow neighborhood.

Contact Ryan Streiff (469.371.3008) or Jason Bates (214.673.4268) for more information or to set up a private showing. Visit DPMFineHomes.com to learn more.

The Mayfair 3401 Lee Parkway

2

Located within the prestigious Mayfair on Turtle Creek, this fully remodeled residence offers 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and 1 powder bath across an expansive 3,382 square feet, blending timeless luxury with modern sophistication. The custom chef’s kitchen serves as the centerpiece of the home, showcasing dramatic Belvedere Leather granite waterfall countertops from Stone Collection, complemented by premium Viking appliances and a Sub-Zero refrigerator for exceptional performance and design. Rich oak flooring runs seamlessly throughout the residence, adding warmth and continuity. The primary suite features custom California Closets, with additional custom organization thoughtfully incorporated into the pantry and utility spaces for elevated everyday living. A fully equipped media room conveys with the purchase, creating a turnkey entertainment experience. Perfectly positioned to capture breathtaking views of Dallas skyline, lush treetops, and scenic Turtle Creek, this home offers an exceptional balance of tranquility and urban accessibility. Residents enjoy world-class amenities including 24-hour concierge and valet service, a hotel-inspired pool and fitness center, as well as access to the SkyClub and resident Clubroom.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

A contemporary estate on Turtle Creek

Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents specialize in marketing and selling ultraluxury homes throughout the Dallas region.

Trusted by discerning sellers and buyers again and again, Allie Beth Allman & Associates often represents the most exquisite estates in and around the city.

Here’s one to consider. Call to schedule a private tour.

Looking for contemporary design? Explore a custom, 9,517-square-foot beauty perched along the serene waters of Turtle Creek in University Park. Designed by acclaimed architect Robbie Fusch and built in 2017, the four-level gem is filled with finishes that exude modern sophistication, from Scandinavian white oak flooring to Porcelanosa tile and a state-of-the-art Tesla solar roof.

As you tour the fashionable and bright spaces, you might fantasize about growing your wine collection in the striking climatecontrolled wine closet imported from Canada with capacity for over 700 bottles. Or you might want to fill the six-car basement garage with vintage rides.

Of course, at its heart, 6715 Golf Drive is meant for entertaining. The dazzling chef’s kitchen, 90+ built-in speakers, indoor-outdoor loggia, and large, sun-soaked living areas all prove that.

Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents continue to lead in the sale of Park Cities homes, according to Multiple Listing Service statistics. Connect with an expert agent at: https://www.alliebeth.com/roster/Agents

1747 Leonard Street #2601 in the Dallas Arts District, represented by Kyle Richards and Cindi Caudle of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $17,500,000

Perched high above the vibrant Dallas Arts District, the Gallery Penthouse at HALL Arts Residences is more than a home: It is the backdrop for a life well-lived. With its harmonious balance between strong architecture and quiet, inviting spaces, the full-floor penthouse on level 26 has been meticulously designed by nationally renowned Abeyta Tibbs Architecture. Within its 7,688 square feet, the residence offers four bedrooms, four full baths, two half baths, thoughtful luxuries and effortless elegance. For those who value both privacy and grandeur, the Gallery Penthouse offers spaces for both. The library, just off the foyer, is a haven for quiet contemplation, in a setting that speaks to your refined taste. The formal living room, meanwhile, stands as the

of the residence, offering expansive panoramic views of the

a grand

and a

bronze

The kitchen is its own masterpiece, with the finest in German design. Gaggenau appliances and sleek Bulthaup cabinetry ensure that every culinary endeavor is executed to the highest standards. In the primary bedroom suite, complete with a private terrace, wake up each morning to sprawling views of the city stretching out beneath you like a work of art.

COLORING BOOK CONTEST COLORING BOOK CONTEST

Entries will be displayed in a digital photo gallery on peoplenewspapers.com and winning entries will be published in the August edition of Park Cities People and Preston Hollow People. All winners will be on display at Toys Unique, behind Inwood Theatre, July 16-31st. Stop by on the 31st and pickup your laminated entry!

RULES

1. One entry per child.

2. Pick your favorite coloring page, when complete scan or take a photo of your colored page.

3. Submit your page and complete the entry form:

4. All entries must be received by July 14, 2026

Prizes will be awarded in each of the following age groups (2–4, 5–7, 8–10, 11–13) $100 Toys Unique gift card, 4 tickets to this year’s State Fair of Texas, and 2 dozen Bundtinis ® from Nothing Bundt Cakes* for a sweet celebration with friends and family! *Must redeem at 4264 Oak Lawn Ave location.

SPECIAL THANKS -

Live in color. Live better. With us by your side, there’s no stopping you.

COLOR BY NUMBER

DOWN

1. The United States of...

2. Your favorite local newspaper!

4. Marching bands, floats, and people walk in this during the 4th of July!

4th OF JULY CROSSWORD

ACROSS

3. America’s independence day

5. What shapes make up our flag?

6. Hot dogs, burgers, ribs, etc

7. End of the day light show BOOM!

9. A sign at a festival or parade

8. A cool desert after your meal!

10. We say the pledge of allegiance facing this 11. A smaller hand-held firework