Preston Hollow People December 2025

INSPIRED LEARNING

THE POWER OF THE WRITTEN WORD

Sonly with paper, pens, and boxes labeled “Love,” “Hope,” and “Regret” is an unexpected find amid the weekend shopping bustle.

It was not the latest fad or an elaborate display that drew in People Newspaper’s marketing and client coordinator, Lauren Bannister.

The Letter Library, tucked behind the familiar tunes drifting from Brad Hanson’s piano, had a simple yet powerful mission: invite strangers to write handwritten notes they may never send to themselves or others.

“I had no idea what I was going to write, but I feel like I had something to say,” said passerby Jolie Shepherd, folding her letter into a small square before dropping it into the box labeled “Hope.”

Another observer, not yet ready to put ink to paper, pulled a note from the “Love” box, her eyes welling with tears as she read the words left by a stranger. Picking up a pen, Shepherd’s hand glided across the paper — her thoughts unfurling through the ink. She slipped her letter into the “Regret” box as she stood for a moment, releasing a burden she’d carried alone for too long.

In a world obsessed with speed and brevity, the act of writing invites a slowing down. Each stroke of the pen is a deliberate pause that allows us to gather thoughts and shape

feelings into words before permanently placing them on paper.

Unlike the fleeting tap of a text message, handwritten words carry weight — with time taken, care demanded, and courage needed to reveal what often stays hidden.

As a young girl, I spent my summers with my grandmother in Germany — our letters connecting us during our months apart. In awaiting her reply, even LuftPost was not swift enough for my impatience. Later, while transcribing letters for the Smithsonian Institution, I was struck by how carefully chosen words can offer solace across distance.

Lauren, too, formed a bond through writing. “My grandfather lived in a different state when I was younger, and we spent a period of time exchanging letters back and forth to update each other on our lives. When he passed away, I found those letters to reminisce on. Having his thoughts, his handwriting, and his love written down in letters means the world to me,” she said.

An anonymous writer at the pop-up likened the experience to therapy. “Putting my

thoughts on paper made me realize how much I’ve been carrying inside,” his note read. “Today I gave my feelings a voice and, for once, I’m actually the one listening.”

Seated at the table, the sisters behind The Letter Library quietly observed — their eyes reflecting the moments of vulnerability unfolding before them. They didn’t ask questions or offer advice; their role was simply to hold space for the teenage girl that stopped to scribble her dreams for the future, and the adult son who wrote a note to his aging mother.

The Letter Library has created more than an invitation to write — it has sparked a chain reaction of fellowship. In strangers sharing stories, there lies a reminder that we all experience love, pain, triumph, and defeat.

Because, the truth is, none of us can go it alone. We crave connection, not only in joy, but also in struggle.

So, as we reflect on what’s important enough for us to record — whether written with love or scribbled in haste — I hope we continue to share our truth, try to connect, and find ways to understand one another.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2025 | 4PM–7PM

Crime Reports Oct. 14 - Nov. 9

Oct. 14

A theft occurred at a retail store in the 8300 block of Westchester Drive.

A theft occurred in the  4200 block of Royal Ridge Drive.

Oct. 15

A residence in the  4300 block of Glenaire Drive was vandalized.

A theft occurred at a retail store in the 11700 block of Preston Road.

Oct. 16

A vehicle was burglarized in a parking lot in the  4300 block of West Northwest Highway.

A vehicle’s front license plate was stolen in a parking lot at NorthPark Center.

Oct. 17

An unlocked vehicle was burglarized in the 4300 block of Williamsburg Road.

A residence in the  6100 block of Royal Crest Drive was forcefully entered and burglarized.

An apartment residence was entered on two separate occasions and property was stolen in the  8500 block of Thackery Street.

Oct. 18

A vehicle was damaged and burglarized at a shopping center in the  7800 block of Park Lane.

Oct. 21

A motor vehicle theft occurred at a school in the 12100 block of Inwood Road.

A motor vehicle theft occurred in a restaurant parking lot in the  11700 block of Preston Road.

Oct. 22

A motor vehicle theft occurred in the 4500 block of Laren Lane.

A motor vehicle theft occurred in the 10600 block of Steppington Drive.

Oct. 23

An individual used a garage opener to

enter and burglarize a residence in the 4900 block of Nashwood Lane.

A large rock was thrown, hitting the complainant on the arm in a parking lot in the 10700 block of Preston Road.

Oct. 24

An individual was arrested for breaking and entering a home in the  6100 block of Preston Crest Lane.

A residence in the 6400 block of Forest Creek Drive was burglarized.

A motor vehicle theft occurred at NorthPark Center.

A theft occurred in the  7700 block of West Northwest Highway.

A theft occurred at a retail store at NorthPark Center.

Oct. 25

An armed robbery of a vehicle was committed in the 4500 block of Royal Lane.

Oct. 26

Two motor vehicle thefts occurred at NorthPark Center.

Oct. 27

An individual damaged the rear window of a vehicle and stole items in the  8300 block of Westchester Drive.

A theft occurred at a grocery store in the 11900 block of Preston Road.

A theft occurred at a convenience store in the 9200 block of Midway Road.

Oct. 28

A city-issued firearm was reported missing at Dallas Love Field Airport.

Oct. 29

An attempted theft occurred at an ATM in the  5800 block of West Northwest Highway.

Cash was reported missing from a nightstand in an assisted living apartment in the 5900 block of Sherry Lane.

An individual was arrested for openly

carrying a gun without a license at NorthPark Center.

Oct. 30

A motor vehicle theft occurred in the 6100 block of Luther Lane.

A theft occurred at a construction site in the 5000 block of Linnet Lane.

A motor vehicle theft occurred in the 11600 block of Preston Road.

Oct. 31

A motor vehicle theft occurred in the 6200 block of Lemmon Avenue.

Nov. 1

A license plate was stolen from a vehicle in the  7700 block of West Northwest Highway.

The attempted theft of a motor vehicle occurred in the 7700 block of West Northwest Highway.

A motor vehicle occurred at NorthPark Center.

Nov. 2

An assault occurred in the 8500 block of Edgemere Road.

Nov. 3

Three individuals entered a retail store and stole sunglasses in the  6000 block of Sherry Lane.

A theft occurred in the  5900 block of Luther Lane.

A motor vehicle theft occurred in a parking lot in the 6000 block of Berkshire Lane.

A vehicle’s license plate was stolen in the 7500 block of Villanova Street.

Nov. 4

A theft occurred at a retail store in the 8300 block of Westchester Drive.

An individual was bitten by a dog in the 12100 block of Preston Road.

Nov. 5

A firearm was stolen from a vehicle in the 5400 block of West Lovers Lane.

A residence in the  4200 block of Brookview Drive was burglarized.

A theft occurred at a construction site in the 5000 block of Mill Creek Road.

A theft occurred at a residence in the 6900 block of Brookshire Drive.

Nov. 6

A residence in the 5800 block of Northmoor Drive was burglarized.

A weapon was brandished in the  8200 block of Walnut Hill Lane during a verbal argument.

Nov. 7

A motor vehicle theft occurred at NorthPark Center.

A package was stolen from a front porch in the 5500 block of Stanford Avenue.

Nov. 9

A motor vehicle theft occurred at NorthPark Center.

thief who stole a license plate from a vehicle in the 7400 block of Lemmon Avenue on Oct. 25. must not be familiar with the “Don’t Mess with Texas” slogan. For more crimes, visit peoplenewspapers.com/ category/crime/

Unrivaled Expertise, Unmatched Luxury

THE GIFT

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

“My family loves it and loves that I am at The Tradition; they always feel secure because of where I am. To me, it’s been a gift because it’s offered me an extension of who I am, and I am able to blossom at The Tradition. It’s easy because everyone here is so kind, caring, and thoughtful—the individuals and the staff—and I like being around people like that.”

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

THE GIFT to your family – who will not worry about your well-being and happiness.

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

Founder & CEO The Tradition

Dallas Police Department Surpasses Recruiting Goal

PRESTONWOOD 15250 Prestonwood Blvd., Dallas, TX 75248

Living (972) 388-1144

Assisted Living & Memory Care (972) 661-1880

5755 Clearfork Main, Fort Worth, TX 76109

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

The Dallas Police Department (DPD) has exceeded its annual recruiting goal, hiring 330 recruits and officers between October 2024 and September 2025.

The number surpassed the target of 300 officers set earlier this year by the City Council, according to the report given by department officials.

Deputy Chief Jordan Colunga presented the update on Oct. 14 to the Dallas Public Safety Committee, which oversees police, fire, and emergency management operations.

The announcement came amid broader challenges for city public safety, including a police and fire pension funding crisis and operational changes following two voter-approved charter amendments, Propositions S and U, last year.

Committee members praised the

milestone, citing it as evidence that recent marketing and recruitment strategies are producing results.

According to DPD data, most applicants were drawn through the city’s website (22%), officer referrals (19%), and social media (19%). To attract candidates, the Recruiting Team expanded outreach through college and military transition centers, community and career fairs, parades, gyms, and digital advertising on platforms such as Meta and streaming services. Recruiters also engaged with 94 schools and colleges and participated in 247 events across 38 states.

Colunga also credited a rise in referral-based applicants to the Uniformed Referral Pilot Program, launched in October 2024. The program offers tiered bonuses — $1,000 at academy graduation, $1,000 at probation completion, and $3,000 at a recruit’s third year of service. To date, 53 applicants have joined through officer referrals.

Dallas ISD News Digest

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

Book vending machines

Thanks to a partnership between Dallas Education Foundation and Atmos Energy, new book vending machines will be added to select elementary schools in the district. The new addition sparks a love of reading by giving students greater access to books and encouraging lifelong learning.

CPR training for teachers

Dallas ISD and UT Southwestern Medical Center are launching a transformative partnership to prepare students with lifesaving CPR skills. On Nov. 3, health teachers from across the district gathered for specialized

CPR training, equipping them to bring the critical instruction into classrooms. By embedding CPR education into the school day, the initiative will build a new generation of first responders ready to act.

Principal for a day

On Oct. 29, Dallas ISD celebrated the 25th year of Principal for a Day. The event paired nearly 200 civic and business leaders with campuses across the district, giving them an inside look at public education in action. Designed to foster community partnerships, the program allows participants to experience a day in the life of a school principal while connecting with students and staff.

-Compiled by Claudia Carson-Habeeb

Holidays Are Hard Enough.

Future of Tornado-Damaged Church Site Debated Neighbors, developer seek compromise on proposed housing project

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

Nestled within the Walnut Hill community, known for its mid-century charm, leafy streets, and closeknit vibe, a 3.74-acre vacant lot has become the focus of active discussion.

After the former Primera Iglesia Bautista, located near the intersection of Walnut Hill Lane and Marsh Lane, was destroyed by the October 2019 tornado, the land has remained untouched. Now, Crescent Estates Custom Homes, led by Dallas developer Mehrdad Moayedi, is aiming to turn the empty lot into a 50-home patio-style residential community.

Before construction can begin, however, Crescent must secure a “planned development” designation from the city — a custom zoning change that would allow smaller lots, shared driveways, and greater density than current single-family zoning permits.

The City Plan Commission gave the green light to Crescent’s proposal in August, moving it forward to the City Council for a final vote.

But not everyone is on board, with more than 200 nearby residents signing a petition opposing the rezoning. The residents, who agree the site shouldn’t remain va-

cant, argue that Crescent’s plan doesn’t honor the character or scale of the neighborhood.

In response to resident feedback, Crescent reduced the home count from 60 to 50, increased lot sizes along the northern border, and lowered maximum building heights from 45 feet to 30 feet at the edges and 36 feet elsewhere. Crescent also increased the setback along the north property line from 10 to 14 feet to improve privacy and maintain compatibility with nearby homes.

“We’ve tried to be responsive and thoughtful,” said Leo Amaya of Crescent Estates. “We’ve

listened to feedback, and we’ve made real adjustments.”

Amaya also pointed to Dallas’s housing challenges and need for more options.

“This development stands to be a meaningful contribution toward the city’s broader housing goals,” he said, adding that the proposed community offers “a smart, low-impact form of density that adds the ‘missing-middle’ housing type serving empty nesters, young professionals, and families who want to remain in the area without the upkeep of large-lot homes.”

Amaya said the two-story patio homes, on roughly 3,960-square-

foot lots, will reflect the neighborhood’s existing scale and design, and will be designed “to blend seamlessly with the existing neighborhood — in material quality, rooflines, and overall streetscape presence. Not a departure from what exists today, but a thoughtful continuation of it.”

Crescent estimates home prices will range from $900,000 to $1.2 million, which it described as “market-competitive” for new construction in the area. The development, it said, would also “activate a long-dormant property while delivering much-needed housing in an area where entry-level and attainable price

points are increasingly hard to find.”

Amaya added the project will help ensure that the neighborhood remains vibrant and livable for the next generation without introducing apartments or urban congestion, while also supporting local businesses and growing the tax base without straining infrastructure.

Still, opposition remains.

“I’ve hoped this would end well, but this plan doesn’t reflect the input we gave,” said Marla Hartsell, vice president of the Walnut Hill Homeowners Association, who urged the council to postpone a vote for further review.

KEEP YOUR FAMILY CLOSE

5

Home & Business

DON’T SQUISH THAT SQUASH!

Those gourds on your porch are superfoods, not landfill litter

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Porch pumpkin displays can be stunning, but they lose some of their luster in the glow of Christmas lights.

So, as we roll from one holiday to the next, is it time to pack up the pumpkins and haul them off to the trash?

Absolutely not, says Nestor Estrada, founder of Bella Hampton Farm Foundation. To us they may be rotting gourds, but to the animals he cares for, they’re a delicious, nutrient-packed, superfood.

“How long did it take that pumpkin to grow to that size? How much money did we spend on that pumpkin?” he asked. “And then all of a sudden, we’re just going to throw it away when we can really nourish all these animals?”

The residents of Bella Hampton Farm Foundation include 23 dogs, 16 cats, two alpacas, three donkeys, 11 goats, 27 geese, two turkey toms, 45 chicks, three cows, a bull, two horses, and what Estrada called an insane number of ducks.

Many of the animals at the 501(c)(3) nonprofit are rescues or retirees, and they all love pumpkin.

But the orange squashes are much more than treats. Pumpkin seeds are a natural dewormer, which means that Estrada can save on medication.

“And the fiber, and the nutrients, and the vitamins within the pumpkins are amazing,” he added.

Bella Hampton uses or shares every part of its donated gourds.

Volunteers help Estrada process and freeze the flesh of high-quality pumpkins for future consumption by animals. Bella Hampton makes pumpkin pies to donate to humans in need at Thanksgiving.

FROM PORCH TO FARM

To coordinate a pumpkin pick up or delivery, reach out to Nestor Estrada, founder of Bella Hampton Farm Foundation, at 512-944-0376, or to the McMurrey Watters family at smarthats@me.com.

More information about Bella Hampton is available on its website, bellahampton.com. Look for Bella Hampton Farm Foundation on Facebook, or follow it on Instagram, @bella_hampton_farm_foundation.

and Preston Hollow isn’t as easy as pie.

Big homes call for scaled-up gourds, including some that weigh more than 100 pounds and require equipment such as a dolly to maneuver. Pumpkins that have been left to rot in the Texas heat don’t smell sweet and can be messy to transport.

Demand for pumpkin pickup is so high that one year the McMurrey Watters family delivered about 3,500 pumpkins to Bella Hampton — so many that the farm eventually had enough to feed all its animals and McMurrey Watters sent the remainder to a pig farm.

The family charges a flat fee of $40 to collect a dozen or fewer reasonably-sized pumpkins, and $10 extra for every squash that requires special equipment to lift.

And as for pumpkin skins, Estrada throws those to his chickens instead of in the trash. What’s left when the chickens and nocturnal passersby, such as skunks and possums, have eaten their fill is incorporated into the ground and enriches the soil.

been collecting gourds for Bella Hampton for the past several years.

University Park resident Stefani McMurrey Watters, with help from her children Wright, Loraina, and Lorelei, has

NOW OPEN

Casa Brasa

8111 Preston Road

Latin flair meets modern luxury at this new spot featuring delicate Japanese sushi, the freshest raw seafood, and dishes cooked over blazing charcoal to achieve a deep smokiness, tender texture, and caramelized crust.

The Devonshire Club

5757 W. Lovers Lane, Suite 101

Lisa and Elia “Tom” Georgalis, owners of Nikki Greek Bistro & Lounge, partnered with

seasoned Dallas chef Jacob Williamson to develop a menu for this destination that blends Americana, Asian, and French inspirations, along with a touch of Greek flair.

Highland Park Village

Various Stores

New York-based fashion house Carolina Herrera has moved its women’s evening wear, ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, fragrance, and beauty products to a stunning new location at 70 Highland Park Village.

La DoubleJ, an Italian brand known for its

“It just broke my heart thinking about essentially wasted food,” McMurrey Waters explained. “It’s like literally throwing away money.”

But pumpkin pickup in the Park Cities

eye-catching, cool prints, vibrant colors, and eccentric design, has opened its first Texas location at 8A Highland Park Village.

NorthPark Center

Various Stores

The Toy Maven has opened its doors on level two between Nordstrom and Macy’s just in time to help holiday shoppers discover the joy of learning, creativity, and imagination.

Personal style destination the Gap is offering clothing, accesso ries, and wardrobe essentials for every generation on level two between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.

Moncler has brought the world of the mountain to level one between Neiman Marcus and Dillard’s. The brand offers outwear that mar ries the demands of nature and city life, along with men’s, women’s and accessories collections.

Loraina, a sophomore at Highland Park High School, plans to use the money to fund her church mission trip to Costa Rica, and Wright, a student at Texas A&M, will put his pumpkin proceeds towards his tuition. But the family would love to see a more coordinated, area-wide effort to bring pumpkins to animals in need.

The squashes have value, Estrada said. They aren’t easy to grow. He tried it, and all his pumpkins died in his poor soil.

“Realistically what it takes to produce a pumpkin, and then we just toss it?” he asked with a laugh. “But it could do so much.”

offering solutions for every body on level one between Macy’s and Dillard’s.

COMING

Snarf’s Sandwiches

6630 Snider Plaza

The award-winning sandwich, soup, and salad shop known for using the finest ingredients, its own blend of giardiniera peppers, and homemade, oven-toasted bread is coming soon to the newly-updated Snider Plaza.

SKIMS, the underwear, shapeware, and clothing brand co-founded by Kim Kardashian and Jens Grede, is setting new standards and

CLOSED

Ella

Preston Hollow Village

The comfort food and cocktail spot at the corner of Walnut Hill Lane and North Central Expressway served diners for less than four months before closing its doors.

6109 Berkshire Lane, Suite A Diners have said

Minimalism versus Maximalism, Part 2: Is More Merrier?

I extolled the virtues of minimalism in my last article, but this time, I’m going to take the opposite approach and give a shout out to maximalism.

While minimalism is all about “less is more,” maximalists would rather say, “more is more!” Maximalist design embraces color, abundance, and personal expression.

Maximalism is a good fit for you if:

• You love bold colors and busy patterns.

• You have collections and want to show them off.

• You prefer traditional styles with ornate details.

• You have trouble editing down the number of pieces in a room.

Minimalism tends to stay rooted in the

mid-century modern look, but maximalism is not afraid to mix and match styles from across history. The Gilded Age in the late 1800s and Hollywood Regency style from the 1920s are both major sources of inspiration. Between minimalism and maximalism, I think maximalism is more trendy right now. All-white interiors were very popular 10 years ago, but interior designers are starting to use more color and wallpaper again.

more dusting you’ll have to do.

“Just keep in mind that the more stuff you own, the more dusting you’ll have to do.”

Maximalism is the perfect design style for collectors of travel souvenirs, beautiful books, vintage china, etc. Just keep in mind that the more stuff you own, the

If you’re filling your room to the brim, you’ll need to create one or two focal points, such as a bookshelf or a gallery wall, that stand out from everything else. The rest of the elements in the room should be a little more subdued to let your focal points take center stage. Just because you’re using bright colors doesn’t mean that you should feature every color from the rainbow. As you would with any other style of room, pick one main color and a couple of supplementary colors, plus another color for accents. You could always start with a

neutral base and then layer more colors and patterns over time until you find the “sweet spot.”

Don’t forget that a maximalist home should be a bold expression of your personality.

An interior designer can help you create a home that looks chic and beautiful instead of cluttered, but make sure your designer can recreate your personal style, rather than impose their tastes on your home.

The best part about maximalism is that you don’t have to hold back: Your home can be a testament to your personality and all the things you treasure.

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

Welcome to Dallas’ most enchanting estate, where nature, architecture and sophistication converge. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac in Preston Hollow, 9769 Audubon Place is a rare, European-inspired masterpiece set on more than three pristine acres.

Designed by Robbie Fusch and built by Randy Hughes, this exceptional home blends architectural grandeur with a soul-soothing connection to nature. Inside, soaring ceilings, graciously scaled rooms and warm finishes create a home that is as welcoming as it is distinguished.

A separate, 2,500-square-foot entertaining pavilion with a catering kitchen makes large gatherings effortless, while peaceful garden paths and a vine-draped walkway along the creek invite quiet moments immersed in nature. From the meandering stone pathways and shaded lawns to the serene creek, koi ponds and mature canopy trees, the grounds feel like a private park, an idyllic backdrop for everyday living or unforgettable entertaining.

Grandmother’s Fudge Recipe Is in Good Hands

Suzanne Palmlund’s latest venture: refining family’s chocolate secrets

By Josh Hickman Special Contributor

Although Suzanne Palmlund expressly forbade me from mentioning her age (the number was indeed surprising), the spunky chocolatier exudes a joie de vivre and sense of adventure that belies her earthly maturity.

After 14 years as a mental healthcare administrator, raising her three kids, and the passing of her loving husband of 35 years, she turned to innovating her grandmother’s fudge recipes just over a year and a half ago.

The delicious and popular variety of results can be found on her website and at Chocolate Secrets on Oak Lawn, just beyond The Shops of Highland Park.

“I never liked store-bought fudge,” Palmlund said. “So, I thought, why can’t fudge be elegant? Now, a year and eight months later, it sells out in three days. It’s amazing.”

She and her part-time helpers create fudge magic in the commercial kitchen upstairs at Chocolate Secrets.

Palmlund has no employees younger than 30. She often employs those with full-time jobs who have a passion for confec -

tionery — two bankers, a lawyer, and a travel agent.

“I didn’t realize how serious it is when, all of a sudden, you’re by yourself,” she said of her husband David Palmlund’s passing. “My biggest gift now is my girlfriends. I realized you have no idea where God is going to lead you. If you’re serious about your

faith, you just let it go.”

Top-selling fudge varieties include dark chocolate with sea salt, chocolate dipped peanut butter, and nutty fudge laced with pecans, walnuts, or pistachios.

“I know that I have an excellent product, and I know that it sells. By her giving me the chance

to have a case in her beautiful store,” Palmlund said of Chocolate Secrets owner Pam Eudaric, “I was able to prove that.”

A recent endorsement from friend and neighbor Chef Stephen Pyles came as a welcome addition to her growing accolades.

“He gave a dinner for six of his

top chefs, and he put me on the menu,” she said. “His endorsement is huge.

“I know what I’ve done, and I’m very proud of myself,” she continued with a nod to the future. “For my next move, I don’t know. I’ve always thought outside the box, and I’ve always thought big.”

Corporate orders are on her wish list. TikTok videos teaching people how to make their own gift boxes of truffles, bon-bons, and fudge have been suggested by friends.

“It’s not brain surgery, but it is difficult in the way that I could show them how to do it,” she said.

“From birth to right now is gone; it’s in the past,” Palmlund said. “What we do today is the only thing that’s important — to try to be successful in what we’re doing today. Tomorrow? We don’t have a clue. But I love the idea of looking forward to it.

“‘The winds of change blow opportunity for the wise man,’” she recited her favorite saying with a grin, “and that’s me.”

Crystal Charity Ball

JET-SETTING GENEROSITY: THE 2025 CRYSTAL CHARITY BALL

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb

claudia.carson-habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

Ready to be whisked away on an unforgettable journey?

Grab your boarding pass and head to the Hilton Anatole on Dec. 6. Departure time: 7 p.m.

This year’s Crystal Charity Ball, themed “Expédition d’Élégance,” will take guests on a globe-trotting adventure — think apéritif in the boarding lounge, entrée over the Atlantic, main course in Tokyo, and dessert in Paris — as if aboard a luxury 747 jet or a gilded railway car. Both traveler and benefactor will glide through the evening under the sparkle of chandeliers.

But beyond the ornate setting, the organizers hope the theme will serve as a symbolic reminder of their commitment to support growth and transformation in young people.

The Ball’s mission remains rooted in its strong legacy. Since 1952, The Crystal Charity Ball has distributed more than $198 million to children’s charities in Dallas County. For 2025, the 100 active committee members hope to raise more than $7.4 million for seven local beneficiaries.

Among those is Café Momentum, a restaurant and training facility in Dallas that gives

justice-involved youth a second chance through paid internships, life skills training, wraparound case management, and mental health care.

A goal of $1.25 million from The Crystal Charity Organization has been set for Café Momentum’s new flagship Innovation Kitchen.

Just as passengers on the Orient Express move from one landscape to another, Café Momentum’s interns hope to move from turbulence to training, from the juvenile justice system to a secure job and stability.

The 2025 Crystal Charity Ball is being led by chair Mary Martha Pickens, who brings a blend of professional acumen and philanthropic commitment to the role. She serves as senior vice president and private client manager in the Dallas office of Bank of America Private Bank and has held leadership roles in the non-profit community, including serving on the advisory board of MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Having been active in The Crystal Charity Ball organization since 2014, Pickens has chaired various committees, including underwriting, silent auction, contribution tickets, and invitations, before assuming the full ball chair role for 2025.

When the ballroom doors

open for the gala in December, it will mark the culmination of a year of plan ning, outreach, creativity, and generosity. Un der Pickens’ guidance, the 2025 Crystal Charity Ball is as much about “destination” as it is about “ex pedition.” By aligning the theme of trav el and elegance with the phil anthropic mis sion, she is set ting the tone for both the fundraising campaign and the gala. Com mittee members, donors, underwriters, and supporters continue to collaborate to turn the $7.46 million goal into impact.

The support will aid with infrastructure improvements, program expansion, specialized services, and wrap-around support for youth, reflecting The Crystal Charity Ball’s long-standing mission to improve

Funds from this year’s charitable gala will support seven Dallas County nonprofits improving children’s lives. Beneficiaries include a culinary training initiative, a college-prep program, a child-advocacy group, a communication and hearing center, a vision-research organization, a community meal service, and a preparatory school — organizations expanding education, health, and opportunity for thousands of youth and families.

‘It’s the Last One Here’ Best Dressed fashion show bids farewell to downtown Neiman Marcus store

By Josh Hickman Special Contributor

As the first floor of the downtown Neiman Marcus filled up with champagne-sipping women of all ages, the air was tinged with nostalgia and poignancy for likely the last such fashion show at the venerable store location.

With the historic store facing dramatic changes after this year’s holiday shopping season, patrons have been pondering the end of an era, one which has included the store hosting the Crystal Charity Ball Committee’s presentation of The Ten Best Dressed Women of Dallas.

This September’s occasion with a Brunello Cucinelli fashion show marked the 51st anniversary of the Crystal Charity Ball luncheon.

“We are especially proud that Neiman Marcus has served as the fashion show sponsor for 50 of those years,” said Saks global president and CCO Emily Essner. “I want to thank the Neiman Marcus corporate and store team. Today is a reflection of your dedication and creativity in bringing the Neiman Marcus magic to life for our customers and community.”

Others also got nostalgic, talking about the history of the store, the event, and the impact.

“Today reminds me that cultural impact is not solely about heritage, beauty, or tradition,”

Brunello Cucinelli vice president and co-creative director Carolina Cucinelli said. “It’s about human dignity, about giving back, and about leaving behind something meaningful for generations to come.”

Since 1952, Crystal Charity has distributed more than $198 million to the children of Dallas County. With a 2025 fundraising goal of $7,459,305, the charity will

benefit seven worthy beneficiaries in the areas of health, education, and social services making a difference in the lives of many underserved children in our community.

“This legacy would not be possible without our dear friend Neiman Marcus,” asserted Ball Chair Mary Martha Pickens, “who, for over 50 years has helped us raise millions of dollars for children’s non-profits in Dallas, all the while honoring some of the most fashionable and charitable women in our community.”

Jacquelin Sewell Atkinson, Julie Bagley, Shelby Goff, Shannon Ligon Graham, Tracey Kozmetsky, Tracy Lange, Wendy W. Messmann, Lisa Rocchio, Sunie Solomon, Katherine Wyker, and Hall of Fame Honoree Aileen Pratt took to the runway in glamorous, largely neutral fall tones — silvers, whites, and shimmering greys and blacks. Accessories were resplendent with sparkling diamonds and traditional pearls.

The ensuing Cucinelli runway show featured more autumn

shades in browns, beiges, greys, and burgundies with flashes of silver and navy blue.

Full-length evening gowns and double-breasted suits were contrasted with sweater dresses, oversized herringbone patterns, belted fur coats, suede jackets, and a touch of whimsy with knit-covered riding helmets. A final sequined tope strapless stunner of an evening gown brought a hearty round of applause from the accomplished crowd.

Amongst the gaggles of lunching ladies in the aftermath, the subject of this being the swan song of such fashion shows came up amongst other gossip.

“It’s the last one here,” one attendee lamented. “Saks wants to close the store. So, they’ll probably move (Best Dressed) to NorthPark. It is sad. But Neiman’s dabbled with closing before.”

Whether the store will close after the holidays is unclear. Saks has also talked about reimagining it with a much smaller footprint.

As the stylish, primped ladies slowly flowed out of the store to chat and wait on their valeted cars on the sidewalk in the late summer heat, at least a few wistfully glanced back and smiled at the old Neiman Marcus façade.

PARISH RECEIVER MAKES BIG GAINS, SEEKS STATE CROWN Committed to Michigan, Pile leads the Panthers with versatility

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

There’s pressure being the top receiver at a perennial powerhouse program like Parish Episcopal. And expectations can be high when you’re the son of a former NFL player.

Jaylen Pile embraces the spotlight that comes with the names on the front and back of his jersey as Parish looks to reclaim the TAPPS Division I state championship this season after a heartbreaking defeat a year ago.

“They expect more and more out of you,” Pile said. “But pressure is a privilege, and I know I can meet those standards.”

The dynamic playmaker surpassed 1,000 receiving yards during the regular season with 13 touchdowns despite facing consistent double-teams from opposing defenses.

“You can play him anywhere.”

Daniel Novakov

“Versatility is the main thing. You can play him anywhere,” said Parish head coach Daniel Novakov. “If the defense is trying to take you out of the game, it means you’re a really good player. It’s a

form of flattery. The fact that he can line up in all four (receiver) positions plus the backfield makes it hard to do that.”

Pile’s statistics are down slightly from a year ago, although he had a career-best game at San Antonio Cornerstone in September

with six catches for 272 yards and two scores. He’s also an elite kick returner.

It’s been an adjustment with record-breaking quarterback Sawyer Anderson now at the University of Arizona. Still, Pile has formed a solid rapport with Anderson’s replacement, freshman Logan Lucero.

“He’s an amazing talent. He proves it every single day,” Pile said. “It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s the No. 1 quarterback in Texas next year.”

As a young child, Pile lived in Canada for about six months a year while his father, Willie, played linebacker for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. Willie Pile previously played one season for the Dallas Cowboys in 2005.

“He’s my biggest motivator,” said Pile, who recalls seeing videos of them throwing the football when Jaylen could barely walk. “From a young age, he instilled his knowledge and wisdom in me. He’s been supporting me ever since I was born.”

Pile verbally committed to play college football at Michigan midway through his junior season, and plans to sign with the Wolverines in December. He’s become more of a verbal and emotional leader this year for the Panthers, who hope their lengthy winning streak culminates in a state championship on Dec. 5 in Waco.

“We know the mission we need to accomplish,” Pile said. “It’s our last ride for the seniors. We just want to close it out right.”

Raskin Looking to Serve an Ace With Venture Into Pro Volleyball Hometown pride fuels Greenhill grad

By Todd Jorgenson

People Newspapers

Grady Raskin didn’t have to look far to believe in the growth potential of women’s professional volleyball.

The Dallas native and Greenhill graduate sees enthusiasm for the sport at an all-time high in North Texas thanks to flourishing club programs, nationally ranked college teams, and a rapidly growing pool of elite talent.

Raskin’s latest venture is launching the Dallas Pulse, an expansion franchise in Major League Volleyball set to begin its inaugural season in Frisco in January.

“Volleyball in general is a behemoth worldwide. College women’s volleyball is just blowing up. It’s an amazing sport,” Raskin said. “It makes sense that this should be the next greatest thing.”

Raskin has almost three decades of experience in sports and entertainment management, including with the Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars, where he specialized in securing sponsorships.

Most recently, he was the original president of the Dallas Renegades,

the football franchise that launched in 2019 as part of the fledgling XFL.

When that league reorganized following a pandemic shutdown,

Raskin turned to consulting.

Two years ago, however, he met with executives from the nascent MLV, which is a continua-

tion of the previous Pro Volleyball Federation. The league agreed to add a Dallas team as its eighth franchise in its third season after Raskin recruited a group of investors led by Preston Hollow’s Armand Sadoughi.

Raskin and his staff began hir-

ing a coaching staff in September, and in October unveiled the Pulse name and branding. They have since started to assemble a roster of players before the start of training camp in December.

“When you create a name and a brand and release it, there’s a bit

of anxiety,” said Raskin, a former volleyball player at Greenhill. “I was pleasantly surprised with how people took our brand and our colors and our story. Every person I’ve talked to is excited about it.”

He knows the challenge of introducing a new franchise into a crowded market such as Dallas-Fort Worth. However, he points to the growth of the Dallas Wings in basketball and Dallas Trinity FC in soccer as proof that women’s franchises are viable.

Plus, in the case of the Dallas Pulse, there’s no men’s alternative in town. At the pro level, they will have volleyball all to themselves when the 28-match regular-season slate begins on Jan. 10.

“I’m excited with what we’ve achieved, but there’s so much more to be done to be successful. We need people to just get on the bandwagon,” Raskin said. “Our goal isn’t just to be part of the league. Our goal is to set the standard. We want to be the leader in how we represent women’s sports.”

Community

TRAINS AT NORTHPARK ARTIST LETS HIS IMAGINATION ROAM

Inspired by RMDH mission, JD Miller paints railcars for auction

By Josh Hickman Special Contributor

One of the highlights of The Ronald McDonald House of Dallas’s 38th annual Trains at NorthPark is Art on the Rails, a new auction component where fine art and train enthusiasts can bid on an impressive four-car train set, hand-painted by renowned reflectionist artist and Samuel Lynne Galleries owner, JD Miller.

For Miller, the task hit a personal note.

“I had a lot of issues with my daughter growing up — medical things, in and out of hospitals, and so, I know how tough it is as a family,” he said. “I just really love what they’re doing.”

No stranger to this kind of community philanthropic work, Miller has painted a pair

of cowboy boots for the Cattle Baron’s Ball and a violin for two consecutive years for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, all to be auctioned off.

The five-car painted train was unveiled at his Dragon Street gallery before its NorthPark debut.

“I’d never done anything like that, so I really just let my imagination roam,” he said. “The technique I do is really bright and colorful and real thick paint. I wound up painting the train black, then just doing this 3D stuff on top, and it turned out really cool.”

“We’ll display it up there, and then we’re going to be auctioning it while the trains are running,” he added. “Then we’ll just give a hundred percent of it to Ronald McDonald House when we finally have the winner.”

of

NorthPark Center, the signature fundraiser and holiday tradition supports families from across Texas, the U.S., and around the world who travel to Dallas for critical medical care for their children and teens.

Co-Chaired by Vanessa Fuquay and Elizabeth Anderson, this year’s event introduces several new features designed to enrich the visitor experience.

Theater and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, features weekly live performances in the NorthCourt.

“I had a lot of issues with my daughter growing up — medical things, in and out of hospitals, and so, I know how tough it is as a family.”

JD Miller

Choo-Choo Tales, a theatrical story-time experience in collaboration with Dallas Children’s

The short play, written by recent Booker T. graduate Esau Price, will be directed by DCT artistic director Emily Ernst. This year’s Sensory Hours, presented by Children’s Health, will take place Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 2 p.m., providing a welcoming environment for

guests with sensory sensitivities. Presented by Bank of Texas for the 17th consecutive year, The Trains at NorthPark, which opened Nov. 15, will run through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.

The 2025 season of The Trains aims to raise more than $1.1 million to help provide a home-away-from-home for families with sick children at no charge to them.

“We are proud to welcome families back to the Trains at NorthPark,” said Jill Cumnock, CEO of RMHD. “This year, we’ve introduced exciting new features designed to make the experience event more interactive and accessible for all guests. Thanks to our incredible sponsors and help from the community, the magic of trains continues to bring joy and comfort during the holiday season.”

Surviving (and Enjoying) the Holidays — Mom Edition

Let’s be honest — the holidays aren’t for the faint of heart.

Between the Christmas parties, school programs, sports playoffs, charity luncheons, and last-minute Amazon orders, it’s a full-contact sport.

If you make it to New Year’s Eve with your sanity (and your wrapping paper) intact, you deserve a medal — or a martini.

Every year, I tell myself this time will be different.

I’ll shop early, plan ahead, and breeze through December like one of those calm, organized women whose Christmas cards arrive the day after Thanksgiving.

And every year, without fail, I find myself panic-wrapping gifts at midnight, discovering I forgot to buy teacher presents, and trying to remember which Evite I never RSVP’d to.

But here’s the thing — in between the chaos, there’s magic.

We run ourselves ragged because we want to make the season special.

We want our kids to remember the smell of cookies baking, the twinkle of the Snider Plaza lights, the feeling of piling into the car with hot chocolate to see the best-decorated houses.

The key, I’ve realized, is to stop chasing perfection.

Your house doesn’t need to look like  Turtle Creek Lane  on filming day, and your family photo doesn’t have to look like it was styled by a production team. The best moments usually happen in the middle of the mess — mismatched outfits, bad lighting, and genuine laughter.

And for every mom juggling carpools, charcuterie boards, and Christmas cards: You’re not alone. We’re all in the same sleigh, just trying to hold it together long enough to enjoy the ride.

So, take the picture. Embrace the chaos. Laugh when things go sideways. Because someday, your kids will remember not the perfect party or the matching pajamas, but how it felt — the laughter, the love, the warmth of being home.

And that, my friends, is the real holiday spirit.

Martha Jackson, host of The Bubble Lounge Podcast, has lived in University Park for 20 years. She’s passionate about connecting with fellow moms, supporting local businesses, and finding humor in the chaos.

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Mark Cuban Touts Authenticity of TikTok Star ‘Patriotic Kenny’ ‘Shark Tank’ beneficiary Remento debuts veteran’s book at Bush Center

By Lisa Petty Special Contributor

As one year closes, and a new one shines on the horizon, many take time to reflect on the past while planning their next chapters.

These themes converged at an event hosted by an innovative startup, featuring a legendary investor and a military veteran-turned-TikTok star at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in University Park.

The startup, Remento, utilizes “speechto-story” technology to capture spoken memories in printed, keepsake books.

The company notably caught the eye of Mark Cuban via Shark Tank in March of 2025, with founder Charlie Greene securing a $300,000 investment from Preston Hollow’s billionaire next door.

Fast forward a few months, and Remento celebrated the recording of its 500,000th story by gathering Greene, Cuban, and a special guest for a fireside chat spanning past, present, and future.

Early in the evening, the discussion touched on the topics of entrepreneurship and the American dream.

“That’s what makes us unique. We respect people who follow their dreams to create companies, because that’s who we are as a country,” said Cuban, who knows the subject better than most. The former Mavericks owner famously built his fortune from humble beginnings to become one of today’s most successful business founders, investors, and media personalities.

“(B)ecause there will be so much AI-driven content on social media, we’ll do more in-person events like this one because people want to know that what they’re seeing is personal, that it’s real.”

who make our privileges possible — including the evening’s guest of honor. Known to his nearly 3 million TikTok followers as “Patriotic Kenny,” Kenny Jary is an 83-year-old Navy veteran dedicated to donating mobility scooters to fellow vets.

Mark Cuban

Cuban continued by giving thanks to those

“That’s why we respect you and everyone who served this country, Kenny, because we don’t get to start the companies we dream of unless you and everybody else in the military does what they do,” Cuban said.

Jary utilized Remento to create his memoir, Rollin’ Back Time, which debuted at the event.

Cuban made a $100,000 donation to the

Dallas Author Helps Empty Nesters Find Their Wings

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

There comes a day when the last child ventures out and leaves behind a home that suddenly feels strangely quiet. While some parents break out the champagne and confetti, others find themselves staring into a drawer of half-empty crayon boxes wondering what just happened to their identity.

For Suzy Mighell, it was a mix of both that inspired her to guide women through midlife transitions and self-discovery.

Mighell is the force behind “Empty Nest Blessed,” a platform dedicated to helping women navigate life after the kids leave — the popular influencer insisting the new season can be the most vibrant yet for moms.

From her home in Preston Hollow, she equips, advises, and cheers on fellow moms as they rediscover who they are beyond parenting — her followers tuning in for insights ranging from scaling down meal prep to finding new purpose once

the nest empties.

In her new book, Empty Nest Blessed: A 52-Day Guide to Discovering Who You Are Now That the Kids Have Grown, Mighell doesn’t just present a typical post-parenting manual. Her chapters are part devotional, part journal, and part latenight chat with a wise, sassy friend.

The book also embraces lightheartedness and practical living with skincare tips, mastering smartphones, and reviving date nights without negotiating bedtime routines.

With bite-sized reflections, Mighell encourages women to reignite their passions while also focusing on others who may have been sidelined by the kids.

“Let’s be honest,” she said, “after years of parenting, some of us look at our spouses and think, ‘Oh, you’re still here?’ Now’s the time to rediscover that person — the one you married, not just the co-parent.”

The author encourages readers to ask a group of close friends to identify the qualities they most admire in one another. For Mighell — an outgoing, never-met-astranger Baylor alumna — hearing

words such as encourager, joyful, and brave was invigorating. “You’ll be amazed at the treasures others see in you.

“Brave? That one caught me off guard,” she admitted. “But it gave me the courage to chase my own dreams, not just the dreams I’d parked in the minivan.”

Suzy Mighell defies categorization and she insists that no mom should be defined by a single label or life stage. Although she holds a degree in marketing, she too faced the often intimidating learning curve that many moms encounter when redefining their professional identity. She admits only recently discovering what extending her brand’s verticals entailed.

“I’d rather my influence stretch horizontally across all topics and generations,” she joked.

Mighell calls her signature approach “palms-up living” — a metaphor for letting go of perfectionism while welcoming life’s unpredictable dance. “I used to white-knuckle everything, from my kids’ choices to my calendar. When I learned to open my hands,

Patriotic Kenny Foundation leading up to the book launch.

“People should be kind and happy and give to one another,” said Jary in an emotional response to the gift. “I come from no place, and I’m just little Kenny. It’s unreal what good people did for me … Now I can donate more scooters to veterans in need.”

As the trio continued their conversation, they shared thoughts on the future of social media and real-life connections.

“Social media is changing because of artificial intelligence, but when you get somebody who’s authentic, like Kenny, I think that resonates,” Cuban said. “And, because there will be so much AI-driven content on social media, we’ll do more in-person events like this one because people want to know that what they’re seeing is personal, that it’s real.”

Underscoring his point, the event concluded with guests lining up for a signed copy of a book that captures one man’s extraordinary story for generations to come — all made possible through modern technology.

I found peace,” she said. And when grown children make decisions that challenge even the most Pinterest-perfect parenting playbook, the mom of three adult children recommends releasing them with love, clear boundaries, and grace. “They’re adults. Our job now? Cheer them on and drop the impossible burden of guilt that we messed up. Spoiler alert: perfection was never on the table,” she said.

Most importantly, said Mighell, moms deserve a pause after years of unconditionally providing for their families.

“After decades of making sack lunches, finding missing cleats, and decoding the emotional hieroglyphics of teenagers, we are due for an intermission,” she said. “Not just a breath — but a deep, soul-expanding exhale.”

In her book, Mighell encourages parents to offer advice only when asked and to listen without judgment — a practice the devoted grandmother herself follows.

Communities Foundation of Texas Launches Housing Initiative

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

Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) unveiled a new housing initiative as part of its five-year strategic plan focused on addressing one of North Texas’ most pressing challenges — affordable, equitable, and sustainable housing access.

During the CFT Housing Initiative event on Oct. 30, community leaders, housing advocates, and local organizations gathered to present collaborative strategies for expanding housing opportunities.

Wayne White, president and CEO of Communities Foundation of Texas, opened the program by emphasizing that “housing stability is the foundation for healthy, thriving communities.”

Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert spoke about the city’s continued focus on equitable development and community partnerships. Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux was also in attendance, underscoring the connection between stable housing, community safety, and neighborhood well-being.

A central announcement was the launch of House DTX, a collaborative network designed to strengthen the region’s housing ecosystem by uniting funders, ad-

vocates, planners, and community leaders to align strategies and elevate effective housing solutions across Dallas. The initiative will focus on increasing housing affordability, preserving existing housing stock, supporting mixed-income developments, and encouraging homeownership pathways for working families.

“We recognize that as the largest community foundation in Texas with a nearly 75-year history in North Texas, we have room to be bold.” Wayne White

CFT outlined the goals for House DTX, including investing and leveraging more than $50 million in housing-related programs and partnerships over the next five years.

“We recognize that as the largest community foundation in Texas with a nearly 75-year history in North Texas, we have room to be bold. We believe, with the

partnership of other foundations, fundholders, corporations, banks, policymakers, and community leaders, that we will match that investment, creating a $100 million Housing Impact Fund dedicated to lasting change,” White said.

Led by Nadine Dechausay of CFT, Cullum Clark of the Bush Institute, Ashley Brundage of Habitat for Humanity, Ashley Fores of Child Poverty Action Lab, Bryan Tony of the Dallas Housing Coalition, and Ruben Landa, Brian Keith, and Shane Phillips of the Greater Dallas Planning Council, House DTX will work to advance housing policy and practices. The alliance intends to release a housing scorecard next year that will track progress towards filling housing gaps and stabilizing housing stock.

“As part of CFT’s five-year strategic plan, we’re taking on a new initiative to increase our investments in housing, in alignment with our focus on health, wealth, living, and learning. Housing is a central challenge impacting each of these focus areas, and if we can’t address our local housing crisis, we can’t effectively meet our community’s needs,” said CFT Board Chair Connie Blass O’Neill.

CFT’s housing strategy focuses on three pillars: partnership and

policy, preservation, and production. In production, the foundation has committed grants and program-related investments to support projects such as WORKSHOP’s DreamBUILD housing system, which uses modular construction to build homes more efficiently; TEOF/LoMaX, a 21-unit residential project re-purposing shipping containers; and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, which has already helped create 249 rental units in Dallas and expects to produce nearly 3,000 units by 2028. Frazier

Revitalization recently contributed the first two homes as part of the Dallas Community Land Trust.

White emphasized the longterm vision.

“Our goal is to support development that leads to economic mobility and shared prosperity. We understand that it will take more than five years to achieve our goals. This is the beginning of a longterm effort to address a challenge that impacts our neighbors, our future economic growth, and our city as a whole,” he said.

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Schools

PRESTON HOLLOW PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL OPENS NEW CAMPUS

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

After more than 60 years of serving students with learning differences, Preston Hollow Presbyterian School (PHPS) is embarking on a fresh chapter, relocating from its longtime home within Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church to a sprawling new campus.

Founded in 1962 as the first school in Dallas designed for children who learn differently, PHPS has long specialized in educating students with mild to moderate learning differences, including dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, and written language challenges.

With the support of an $11 million grant from philanthropist Kelcy Warren, the new facility features modern amenities including playgrounds, a sports field, and a cafetorium that seats 700, designed to accommodate community events such as author visits and literary programs.

At PHPS, each child receives personalized academic support alongside classes in art, music, physical education, and technology, said its director, Dr. Nicole Bell, who added that the school’s hallmark remains its individualized, multi-sensory instruction,

small class sizes, and nurturing environment.

With more than half of its 90 students living in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow neighborhoods, PHPS plans to add seventh and eighth grades to meet the evolving needs of families nearby while extending its reach, said Bell.

With excitement surrounding the new campus growing among students, parents in the school community are also feeling the momentum building. This fall, University Park resident Katie Whitcomb watched with anticipation as her second grader, CC, eagerly explored her school’s new environment.

“Personally, our family has been blown away by the compassion and capability to support kids with learning differences, and also the character attributes they learn and admonish every month,” said Whitcomb.

Preston Hollow resident Kelly Jo Sands, a school trustee and parent of Braedon — a fourth grader who joined PHPS in first grade — also shared her family’s experience.

“We were referred to PHPS from another local private school during (Braedon’s) kindergarten year. That recommendation — and the courage of an educator to name what she saw early — changed the trajectory of our family’s journey forever. From

Congratulations National Merit Semifinalists

People Newspapers salutes the 2026 National Merit Semifinalists from schools we cover for achieving a status earned by fewer than 1 percent of high school seniors nationwide.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) expects more than 93% of the 16,000

ALCUIN Rafe Bell

CISTERCIAN PREPARATORY

George Birdsong

Matthew Brown

James Marlowe

THE COVENANT SCHOOL

Gibson Walker

the moment we walked through the doors, PHPS felt unique — warm, encouraging, and built with a genuine understanding of children like Braedon.”

The school’s plans for growth are a bonus for the Sands family.

“We’re thrilled about the school’s expansion into seventh and eighth grade. For children like Braedon, continuity and consistency are so important. Knowing that he will be able to continue his education in this nurturing, specialized environment beyond sixth grade — if he needs it — gives us great peace of mind,” said Sands.

For the teachers and staff at PHPS, their purpose is for all students to feel a sense of belonging. From weekly chapel service to special events such as the visiting author who brought crayon-themed refreshments to story time, and the Blessing of Animals that honored St. Francis of Assisi’s affinity for “all creatures great and small,” each aspect of the school is rooted in a strong sense of community, Whitcomb said.

“Beyond academics, PHPS fosters an environment where children feel seen and loved for who they are, which is something every parent hopes for their child. PHPS has given my son a place where he belongs,” said Sands.

DALLAS

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Parineeta Bhargaw

THE EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF DALLAS

Harrison Adams

GREENHILL SCHOOL

Maya Jagsi

Rachel Jiang

Aaron Kuang

Rory Liu

Dylan Millimet

Shriya Nadagouda

Ella Sadka

Yichen Shi

Lucas Wang

Justin Wu

HIGHLAND PARK

HIGH SCHOOL

Isabel Arnold

Boone Bonfield

Allison Boynton

Whitney Gross

Spencer Haag

Tiffany Hsu

Camille Huckaby

Jordan Laurie

Bradley Liang

Rajan Luthra

Mateo Meade

Jacob Neilson

Morgan Owen

Rebecca Stanwood

Allison Vandermosten

Jason Zhang

Ziling Zhou

Henry Zhu

semifinalists nationwide to become finalists and half of finalists to win a National Merit Scholarship. Students will learn in early 2026 whether they are finalists, but NMSC typically doesn’t announce those names to the media.

-Compiled by

Grace Conley

HILLCREST HIGH SCHOOL

Isaac Venegas

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

Kaitlyn Chen

Zhouchang Chen

Gray Damonte

Sasha Kitson

Sara Kocurek

Anjali Konda

Callie Li

Celina Li

Yejia Li

Isabella Luo

Sharika Mandyam

Isla McKenna

Emily McLeroy

Chloe Oeschger

Ava Ortega

Annie Pendleton

Eliza Stone

Anya Tewari

Iris Zhang

JESUIT DALLAS

Grant Bomersbach

Sam Creighton

Nathaniel John Fabriga

Gabriel Gerik

Yifan Hou

Luke Nettune

Luke Patterson

Alexander Ramsey

Pedro Rivera

Ethan Senen

Evans Senvalds

Allen Zhang

LAKEHILL

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Clio Byrd

ST. MARK’S SCHOOL OF TEXAS

Diego Armendariz

Max Bean

Samuel Blumenthal

Matthew Bosco

Christian Denis

Joshua Goforth

Sebastian Gonzalez

Reagan Graeme

Kevin Ho

Kevin Hong

Everett Jin

Justin Kim

Ronit Kongara

William Kozoman

Aryaman Lahoti

Michael Larson

Andrew Liu

Nathan Macktinger

Charles McCoin

Jacob McKinney

Ariyan Mishra

Mateen Mostafavipour

Spenser New

Doan Nguyen

Neil Rakheja

Ailesh Sadruddin

Tarik Syed

Aamir Tinwala

Whit Turner

Christian Warner

Andrew Ye

Andrew Zhang

Eric Zhang

Kayden Zhong

Andrew Zierk

TRINITY

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Samuel Qian

Nathan Youn

URSULINE ACADEMY

Lily Chesnut

Maia Monroe

Megan Ryland

Emily Zeigfinger

PRESTON HOLLOW PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL

PHPS Expands to 8th grade

We’re excited to announce that our middle school will expand to 8th grade, with the first graduating class planned for May 2029. This next step reflects our commitment to providing a seamless learning journey for our students. Our program is thoughtfully designed to guide students through the important transition from middle school to high school.

With a focus on applied learning, students will be challenged academically while developing independence and ownership of their learning. Through engaging, signature experiences, students will grow in confidence and curiosity, ensuring that every student is fully prepared to take the next step in their educational journey.

WeDnesdAY, DECEMBER

Holy Eucharist Rite II Church & Saint Michael Chapel

Holy Eucharist Rite I Church Incense will be used at this service

thurSDAY, DECEMBER 25 CHRISTMAS

Rite

Hockaday Teen Turns Pageants Into Purpose

Lily Hays helps others find ways to serve their communities

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

While many high schoolers work to balance their academics, sports, and social lives, a senior at The Hockaday School has added a few more jewels to her crown — quite literally.

Lily Hays’ road to winning wasn’t paved with sashes and sparkles, but the 17-yearold has found her stride in pageantry, and she’s using it as a springboard for mean -

ingful community service.

“It took multiple tries before I ever won a pageant,” she said.

After being mentored by London Hibbs, a former titleholder from Booker T. Washington High School, Lily finally struck gold, earning titles in Dallas, Fort Worth, Johnson County, and the Park Cities.

In September, she was crowned Miss Texas Teen Volunteer — a title that marked the beginning of a new chapter in both community impact and personal confidence.

Today’s pageants look very different from the swimsuit-centric platforms of the past, said the Hockaday track team captain and four-year varsity cheerleader. “The fitness segment now allows (us) to showcase personal health and athletic abilities,” she said, adding that the competitions have become much more substance oriented.

Although the dress-up dreams shared by many young girls have not been eliminated, they have been reimagined, she explained.

For the evening gown portion of the

competition, Lily chose her yellow gown to represent both her favorite color and her sense of self.

“I wear the gown — it doesn’t wear me,” she said.

The high schooler, who became a Girl Scout in kindergarten, has racked up more hours of community service than many clock in a lifetime — recently earning the President’s Volunteer Service Award at the Gold Level. But it’s not the crown or the spotlight that fuels the former president of the National Charity League Silver Star Chapter.

“For me, it is not just about a specific platform. I want to show others that giving back can start anywhere — with as little or as much as you have to give,” said Lily.

During a recent visit to Bradfield Elementary to share her message with students, her words resonated with a third grader who, at first, didn’t think he had anything to offer.

“He said he was only into video games,” she recalled. “But I showed him how to start his own outreach by teaching someone why he loves playing them. Soon, he had established a philanthropic network of youth connecting with each other in a positive way.”

As Lily prepares to represent Texas in the Miss Volunteer America pageant this March, she remains grounded by her purpose.

“When I have the privilege of speaking to young students, I like showing them instead of telling them. It’s not a one-sizefits-all formula,” she said. “And if we meet others where they are and help unite mutual interests, the inspiration to learn from each other takes on a life of its own.”

“That’s the power of connection.”

SMU Honors 2025 Distinguished Alumni, Emerging Leader

SMU this fall honored five outstanding leaders in faith ministry, community advocacy, corporate management, entrepreneurism/ business leadership, and digital marketing strategy.

The Distinguished Alumni Award — the highest honor the university can bestow on graduates — recognizes leaders for their extraordinary achievements, outstanding character, and good citizenship.

The 2025 recipients

The Rev. Paul L. Rasmussen (’04), senior minister at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, earned his Master of Divinity from SMU’s Perkins School of Theology. The fourth generation United Methodist minister interned with HPUMC while in seminary and never left. In 2001, he began preaching in HPUMC’s contemporary worship service. In 2013, he became the 11th senior pastor to serve this congregation of more than 15,000 members.

Suzanne S. Youngkin (’89), serves as the first lady of the commonwealth of Virginia alongside her husband of 31 years, Gov. Glenn Youngkin. After earning her bachelor’s degree in communication arts and public relations, she launched her career in public relations. The first lady serves on numerous boards, including the State

Ballet of Virginia, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Council, and Wolf Trap Associates, and is president of the charitable Phos Foundation.

David S. Huntley (’80), retired from AT&T after nearly 30 years in a variety of leadership roles, including senior executive vice president and chief compliance officer from December 2014 to June 2023. Huntley serves on the boards of Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.; Common Securitization Solutions; AT LAST!; the Ethics and Compliance Initiative; Methodist Health System Foundation; and Forest Forward. He serves on the SMU Board of Trustees.

Trevor D. Rees-Jones (’78), founder and CEO of Chief Oil & Gas, LLC and Rees-Jones Holdings, LLC., is a presence in the Dallas law, business, and oil and gas industries. He was inducted into All-American Wildcatters.

Rees-Jones received the Folsom Award for civic and community service in 2011. The Rees-Jones Foundation has granted more than $800 million to benefit children, community development, and animal welfare in North Texas, Africa, and India.

Emerging Leader Award

The prize recognizes the outstanding achievements of someone who has graduated in the last

15 years. This year’s recipient: Sana Merchant (’11), senior di rector of club and college marketing at the NFL, was born in India and raised in Dallas from the age of 9. She began her career at Burson-Marsteller (now Burson). Two years later, she joined the marketing and public relations team at the Empire State Building, where she helped execute one-of-a-kind marketing campaigns, including the 50th anniversary celebration of the Ford Mustang.

Tangled and Whisked: Students Dive Into Creativity Parish Extend offers opportunities for after-school enrichment

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

With a single strand of yarn, I found myself tangled in the creative energy of Parish Episcopal School’s after-school enrichment program, Parish Extend, where hallways buzzed with students exploring passions beyond the classroom — from fiber arts to cooking to public speaking.

In Weaving Class, third through seventh graders transformed threads into twill masterpieces under the guidance of art teacher Samantha Cooper, a fine arts graduate in fibers and surface/textile design, who brings both expertise and enthusiasm to every loom.

“Each culture has its own history of weaving to produce fabric,” she explained.

Cooper encourages students to take ownership of their craft, letting them choose colors and textures they like.

“I don’t put any restrictions on them, whatever yarn they find, is what they can use,” she said. A soft, fuzzy chenille yarn was a particular class favorite, adding texture and vibrancy to every piece.

“You really get to express yourself with what you do,” said fifth-grader Charley Cleland while demonstrating the process. “You push down the pedals to create different patterns. Just watch … over two, under two … now make sure it’s just loose enough here and then feed it down so it’s nice and tight here.”

Fourth-grader Margaret Gross, the youngest participant, discovered weaving in Cooper’s art class.

“I loved it and it’s even more fun now that I can finish a piece,” she said. “And I’m gonna help teach some of my classmates.”

formed blank canvases into bold, expressive works under contemporary painter Melanie Brannan. Using techniques such as subtractive painting and triple-loading brushes, Brannan encourages students to embrace “the beautiful and messy world of art” — each piece becoming it’s own Ms. Mel Original.

“It’s where passion meets possibility — and every student leaves a little more inspired than when they arrived.”

Niki Kamdar

Meanwhile, with the scent of muffins drifting from the kitchen, Sage food director and Cooking From Scratch instructor, Christian Santiago, looked on as third- through sixth-graders sliced, diced, and sautéed the ingredients for spaghetti pomodoro.

Even the youngest learners explored science in Geology Rocks and Dinosaurs Roar, led by STEM teacher Jennifer McGraw. Fossil digs, volcano builds, and model Earth projects brought the prehistoric world to life.

I followed along but soon tangled my warp threads.

Margaret, explaining the difference between a plain weave and a basket weave with the patience of a master weaver, showed me the loom’s pedal order function and hand tension.

“We can always fix a mistake,” Cooper reminded the class (and me), untangling my threads before sending the shuttle back smoothly across the loom.

Down the hall, Aspiring Artists trans -

“It gets much easier with practice,” Olivia Ferrari reassuringly told me. “At first you have to look down at the pedals, but later it comes natural.”

With more than 100 classes in art, music, sports, STEM, and more, Parish Extend transforms after-school hours into a laboratory of creativity and growth.

“It’s where passion meets possibility — and every student leaves a little more inspired than when they arrived,” said Parish Plus director Niki Kamdar.

Council for Life Luncheon Celebrates Funding 34 Life-Affirming Nonprofits

On November 3, Council for Life joyfully hosted their annual Celebrating Life Luncheon with featured speakers Shawn Carney, President of 40 Days for Life, and Ben Domenech, Fox News Contributor. More than 1,300 guests filled the Trinity Ballroom at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. The beautiful and talented mother-daughter team of Barbara Durham and Julie Rado served as Luncheon Chairs to celebrate Loving Preborn Babies and their Mothers and Fathers Council for Life raised an unprecedented $2 Million for their 34 outstanding 2025 Beneficiaries providing compassionate, vital, free care to the most vulnerable. Council for Life is profoundly grateful for their exceptionally generous Luncheon Donors and $300,000 Matching Grant from The Lunsford Foundation, Lisa and Kenny Troutt and an Anonymous Donor

To support Council for Life’s Beneficiaries and Mission, go to councilforlife.org

Living

LOOKING UP A travel photojournalist’s view of the world before screens

By Grace Conley and Claudia Carson-Habeeb People Newspapers

When Judy Williamson left The Hockaday School and headed for Ole Miss, she never expected a path that would lead her to become a celebrated photojournalist.

After a breakup with her football-star boyfriend derailed her plans for an MRS. degree, the New Orleans native made a practical decision that would become the launchpad for a career spanning five continents and decades of storytelling.

Before returning to the city where she’d been a high school boarding student, the college grad submitted a story to  The Dallas Morning News travel section. When it was published and a travel writer retired shortly after, Williamson was offered the position.

With only a camera and a Sony Walkman in tow, the fledgling photographer found an ideal way to see the world and get paid doing it.

“I got in at the perfect time,” she said, “before the internet changed it all.”

At the time, she recalled, the public relied on newspapers to learn about breaking news as well as travel destinations, adding that

readers wanted stories amplified.

“Our travel section was 24 pages of copy,” recalled Williamson, “It was the period of bigger hair, bigger shoulder pads, and louder music videos. It was such a different world. You’re wearing high heels and hose on airplanes — and you’re smoking.”

During a flight home from a work trip in Europe, Williamson remembered the pilot breaking news about the show  Dallas over the intercom. “No one had phones — you found out who shot J.R.

from the pilot!”

In Paper Girl’s World, a 396-page collection of images, the longtime Park Cities’ resident chronicles the wonder of the world prior to the evolution of the internet.

During the pandemic, Williamson sifted through decades of work — slides, negatives, and published columns, including those from her time as travel editor at the Houston Chronicle — to select what would appear in Paper Girl’s World.

“I have so many wonderful

photos of families and children and communities from around the world. We all want the same things — health and safety, laughter and love,” she said. “I went with the strongest photos and my favorite trips.”

One standout trip was to Kenya, where she recalled the breathtaking landscapes that made for “rosier sunrises and sunsets” — the series earning her a Katie Award for Best Specialty Writing.

In Kenya, the Imbirikani Girls High School left a lasting impression

CHECK IT OUT

on Williamson — the young women’s determination to fight for their education reminding the photojournalist of her own opportunities at The Hockaday School.

“Hopefully, the proceeds from the book will be enough that I can pay for scholarships for these girls,” she said, adding that her parish at Highland Park Presbyterian Church also sponsors students at the school.

Williamson hopes her book captures the magic of travel unmediated by screens.

“There’s not one photo in the book of someone with a cell phone. That was the ’80s and early ’90s — people at cafés were talking to each other. It’s a reminder to look up, not down,” she said, “and that the world really is a wonderful place.”

Student-Led Junior Symphony Ball Funds Musical Opportunities

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

The Junior Symphony Ball (JSB) Steering Committee is preparing for one of Dallas’s most anticipated youth events of the year.

The 68th Annual JSB will bring together more than 2,800 high school students from over 25 area schools for a night of music, dancing, and philanthropy.

This year’s Steering Committee includes more than 1,100 students taking on leadership roles in planning, promoting, and giving back through the event. Their efforts help raise essential funds for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL) and its youth music programs.

The Junior Symphony Ball continues to uphold its founding vision of being “student-led and parent-guided,” and remains the longest-running fundraiser of the DSOL. Committee members gathered at the Meyerson Symphony Center, bringing

goody bags for student performers in the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Young Musicians Program. Donations of school sup -

plies and personal care items were collected and will be distributed to Young Musicians students throughout the year.

The Kim Noltemy Young Musicians Program is a year-round, tuition-free music education initiative of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, serving students in grades one through eight across southern Dallas. The program provides free instruments and instruction, helping children build both musical and life skills through the power of performance.

JSB will take place on Jan. 31, 2026, and will feature the official DJ of the Dallas Cowboys, Brandon Williams, who is professionally known as 13LACKBEARD.

This year’s JSB Co-Chairs include Clara Erwin and Jack Sumner of Highland Park High School, Teige Mitchell and Michael Woram of Jesuit College Prep, Meghan Jackson of Parish Episcopal, Brooks Strey of Bishop Lynch High School, Mary Bradley Sutherland of The Hockaday School, Stella Wynne of The Episcopal School of Dallas, Lucy Galbraith of Ursuline Academy, and Peter Rubi of St. Mark’s School of Texas.

What Is a Traditional Christmas Dinner, Anyway?

The holidays are upon us! High-resolution picture-perfect feasts are depicted on covers of glossy magazines, catalogs, and in our inboxes.

By now, many of us are well into planning our Christmas meals, from menus to tabletops. For the first time in several years, I’m hosting Christmas dinner at my home in Dallas, with my children and their significant others joining us. I, too, have already planned the menus.

As I count the many blessings in my life, the ability to afford high-quality food is up there. I’m grateful to serve my family’s traditional Christmas Day beef tenderloin. I’ve never been a turkey-for-Christmas gal. Not much for ham, either.

is fried chicken on Christmas.

That made me think about Mary and Joseph. I wondered what they ate when they were preparing for the birth of Jesus. Just what was Mary setting the table for? I mean, besides the obvious.

Food historians hypothesize that diets around 6 BC, the time most scholars believe Jesus was born, contained lentil stews, sheep or goats’ milk cheese, olives, figs, bread, and dried dates and pomegranates. With Mary and Joseph being on the road and no Yeti thermos for the stew, they probably stuck to the shelf stable ingredients.

“It’s a privilege to dine well. It shouldn’t be a privilege to simply eat or have access to food.”

I took a poll of my 2,000+ Instagram followers on what they traditionally serve for Christmas dinner.

Seventy-five percent of respondents serve beef on Christmas day, prepared as tenderloin, roast beef, rib roast, or even beef bourguignon.

It’s no wonder Kuby’s sells about 5,000 pounds of tenderloin during the holidays. The next most popular dish is turkey, followed by ham, venison, rack of lamb, and poached whole fish. One friend’s tradition

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From its deeply humble beginnings, Christmas dinner has evolved. For some Americans, it’s a lavish spread fit for royalty.

For others, it’s quite humble.

Each year, Meals on Wheels delivers around 5,000 Christmas dinners to homebound seniors in Dallas County. Those meals feature turkey breast with gravy, garlic whipped mashed potatoes, green beans, ambrosia pudding, a dinner roll, and milk.

The Salvation Army’s food pantry provides food bundles to more than 200 families who get dry goods such as canned beans, fruit, and vegetables, plus rice, and a produce box with whatever the food bank has to offer, perhaps sweet potatoes, spinach, or lettuce. If it’s available, the pantry also provides proteins such as chicken, eggs, and milk. These bundles are distributed on

Wednesdays and Fridays through the mobile food bank or drive-up.

Food pantry recipients and Meals on Wheels clients’ Christmas dinners look vastly different from yours or mine, or Mary and Joseph’s.

At least 20% of Dallas County residents are food insecure and that number increases daily. That’s a painful reality every day, but it hits particularly hard during the holidays. It’s a privilege to dine well. It shouldn’t be a

privilege to simply eat or have access to food.

As Dickens wrote in A Christmas Carol, God bless us, everyone. Especially, I’ll add, the poor and hungry and those who help them.

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

Editor’s

Christmas Yule Log Cake Is Simple and Spectacular

I’ve often said guests may not recall the menu, but they should always remember the dessert.

Spectacular desserts that wow family and guests have long been my trademark and never is that truer than at Christmas.

I’ve aways delighted in my guests’ joy elicited by a glorious, sweet grande finale, whether it’s a snowball cake with spun sugar,

a selection of mouthwatering pies and tarts, or a tray overflowing with decorated cookies.

The key to memorable desserts is unlocking guests’ childlike wonder. It’s like a child in a sweets shop. The sight of walls lined with bins of candy, barrels full of wrapped saltwater taffy, and huge lollipop trees is enough to make anyone smile as the child dashes in amazement from one to the next.

I like my guests to feel like that, especially at Christmastime. Nevertheless, I want folks to be able to successfully recreate my desserts. Whether in a cooking class, television show, one of my cookbooks, or in this column, my desserts

must dazzle the eye and taste divine, but they must be easy enough for you to make and serve with pride.

That’s why I love the Buche de Noel, commonly called a yule log cake.

This impressive, but easy Dutch mocha cake is baked in a jellyroll pan, rolled in a towel while warm so it holds its shape while cooling, re-rolled into a log after filling with Dutch chocolate mocha buttercream, then frosted.

As with most desserts, it’s the garnish that takes this cake from lovely to spectacular. A fork pulled through the frosting imitates tree bark, tinted frosting creates holly leaves and berries, fragrant greens

Dutch Mocha Cake

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup Dutch cocoa

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon instant espresso powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup milk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

3 eggs, at room temperature

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat milk and butter in a small saucepan until milk is hot and butter has melted. Set it aside. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat eggs until thick, about 3 minutes. Gradually add sugar, beating for 4 minutes more until eggs are thick and pale. Fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture just until blended. Gradually whisk in hot milk mixture.

Pour batter into a 15 ½-x-10 ½-inch jelly roll pan lined with parchment paper. Bake 14 to 17 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes, then invert onto a towel dusted lightly with confectioners’ sugar. Roll the cake and towel together, starting at the short side of the cake. Cool cake while it is rolled in the towel.

accent the platter, and meringue mushrooms add a final touch.

You’ll find the meringue mushroom recipe on my website.

Merry Christmas!

Buche de Noel

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided, softened

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels

1 teaspoon instant espresso powder

4 1/2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar

4 to 5 tablespoons milk

Dash of salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

Melt ¼ cup of the butter and chocolate in microwave at 50% power, stirring to melt the chocolate. In a large bowl of an electric mixer, cream remaining butter with 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar. Gradually add the second cup of confectioners’ sugar and espresso powder, plus 1 tablespoon milk. Add salt and vanilla.

Pour in reserved chocolate mixture and beat well. Beat in remaining confectioners’ sugar, alternately with milk, until the buttercream is smooth.

When the cake is cool, unroll it. Spread with half the chocolate buttercream, then reroll. Transfer it to a serving platter with the seam on the bottom. If making meringue mushrooms, reserve ¼ cup of the buttercream. Spread the remainder on the sides and ends of the cake and score with a fork to resemble tree bark.

Decorate the cake and platter with meringue mushrooms and holiday greens.

Yield: One cake

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

Anthropologists tell us the handshake started when Neanderthals met and, instead of grunting menacingly at each other, showed their empty hands as if to say, “No weapon. Me. You. Friend?”

As they loosened up with grog at a caveman cocktail party, they began to clasp hands together and bounce them up-and-down in a gesture of primeval bro-ship.

The handshake can tell you a lot about a person.

with fumble-fumble again.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention what I will call the diss-handshake.

In this jokey version of manual greeting, the hand is extended then yanked up quickly into a side-of-the head, hair smoothing maneuver.

I think this sly put-down was popularized by, to use an old term, greasers. The handshake between a man and a woman has always been problematic. Upon greeting a woman, some men nod and/or bow.

To place your ad in People Newspapers, please call us at 214-523-5239, fax to 214-594-5779, or email to classified@ peoplenewspapers.com. 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, March 3, 2025. 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.

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Calloused hands or soft? You might surmise the former a wheelbarrow pusher and the latter a pencil pusher.

Crushing or gentle? Crushing may signal an upcoming machismo contest.

Politicians employ the “hand hog” whereby the free hand is placed on top of the clasped hands to signal warmth. (Check for your wallet after.)

The overzealous “pump handle” goes on too long and is often accompanied by boisterous laughter and … spittle.

I have noticed the handshake between men can deteriorate into a fumble-fumble; that is, an awkward fumbling of the hands when greeting.

During the pandemic, the traditional handshake was replaced by the fist bump. (Fun fact: The fist bump is thought to have originated from the glove touch of boxers at the start of a match.)

Younger men use the soul brothers’ handshake whereby, the hands are cocked up, grasped around the thumb and palms pressed together. This gesture may be followed by a brief hug. Now, when two men meet, one might go with the fist bump, the other go with the bro-handshake. After a clumsy regroup, each party adapts the other mode ending

New England etiquette dictates no handshake unless the woman extends her hand first. I’ve heard that Texas women are offended if excluded from a traditional handshake.

At a fancy party, a European gentleman may say “Enchanté,” taking the woman’s proffered hand and leaning down as if to kiss the back of the hand. Lips should not actually touch the hand. This faux pas will identify the man as an unsanitary poseur (OK, enough French words).

How should we deal with the fumble-fumble?

Suppose we announce, “I am about to greet you with the traditional handshake?” Such a solution would be stilted and plain weird. Maybe, a preemptive “Fist bump coming!” would work.

In countries such as Italy, bilateral cheek kissing is practiced between the familiar by touching right cheeks together for an air-kiss then reversing sides. With practice, this greeting can be executed with aplomb.

If you get it wrong, the equivalent to fumble-fumble could be an accidental kiss on the lips. If that happens, step back and declare, “Fist bump coming!”

When Dr. Don Dafoe, of Highland Park, isn’t writing columns for fun, he keeps his hands steady in the operating room as a transplant surgeon.

2200 Victory Ave #2504

2 Bed | 2.1 Bath | 1,633 SF

Listed for $999,999

Molly Massey & Sanders Avrea

Immaculate SUB-PENTHOUSE at The House

Your Highland Park Haven

Allie Beth Allman & Associates leads in the sale of homes in Highland Park.

There is something about Highland Park that makes residents want to stay. The average resident lives there about 13 years.

Allie Beth Allman & Associates is consistently the premier luxury residential brokerage in Highland Park. Here are a few available homes.

Two are on one of the French streets. A contemporarystyle, three-bedroom home at 4428 N. Versailles Ave., which was designed by renowned architect Lionel Morrison. Your guests will be impressed with the marble flooring in the large entry as they climb to the elegant second floor living and dining rooms that have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Flippen Park.

On Highland Park’s best-known street is a stunning modern residence at 3828 Mockingbird Lane, just blocks from the Dallas Country Club and popular Highland Park Village. Host your family this holiday season from a spectacular kitchen with high-end appliances and a 150-bottle wine cooler.

Just one block from the popular Katy Trail is a fourbedroom, updated home on a large corner lot at 3101 Cornell Ave. Perfect for entertaining, the renovated kitchen features double ovens, a gas cooktop and a pantry. A guest apartment with bath and kitchen is above the rebuilt threecar garage.

At home in DFW, where sales are strong

In the number of homes sold and average price, the first nine months of this year outperformed last year’s in many of the most sought-after communities, the experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates report.

“Homes are selling in this market, but having your home priced right wins,” said one of the brokerage’s market experts. “Your agent will know the prices that are working in your neighborhood. The right price is motivating buyers.”

The number of homes sold in Preston Hollow this year was 378, as compared to last year’s almost 400 homes, but the average price ticked up from $1,329,000 to $1,366,000.

On one of the most prestigious Preston Hollow streets, Alex Perry and Carla Johnson sold the five-bedroom estate at 5020 Park Lane to a buyer represented by Aaron Carroll and Blake Eltis. Susie Thompson sold a four-bedroom home at 6039 Orchid Lane.

In popular University Park, 191 homes sold in the past nine months, compared to last year’s 142 homes. Total sales were also up at $502 million, a jump of $150 million over last year. At 2700 Stanford Ave., Stephanie Pinkston and Margie Harris sold a five-bedroom home to a buyer represented by Frank Purcell.

Condominiums. This sleek residence delivers sweeping 180-degree views of Uptown, Victory Park, and the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. Designed with modern elegance, the home features soaring ceilings, premium oak flooring, marble-accented baths, and a chef’s kitchen outfitted with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances. A newly updated countertop brings a fresh touch, while built-in motorized shades, custom curtains, washer, dryer, and wine fridges make it truly move-in ready. The primary and secondary bedrooms boast custom California Closet systems, and an expansive balcony offers the perfect place to take in the skyline. Two coveted side-by-side parking spaces (22 & 23) convey with the home. Residents enjoy world-class amenities including a resort-style infinity pool, 24-hour security, concierge services, and valet parking. Set in the heart of walkable Victory Park, this condo places you just steps from award-winning dining, vibrant nightlife, and premier shopping.

80 Years of Heart: Celebrating a Legacy of Service

For eight decades, the Ebby Halliday Companies have stood for more than exceptional real estate service — it’s stood for community. Founded in 1945 by legendary Texas businesswoman Ebby Halliday, the company’s success has always been rooted in a simple, powerful belief: “Do something for someone every day.“

“In celebration of our 80th anniversary, every Ebby Halliday Companies office — from North Texas to East Texas and Oklahoma — set aside a special Day of Service to honor that legacy,” says President Betsy Cameron. “Each office selected a local charity close to their hearts, giving back to the neighborhoods and people who have supported us for generations.”

From stocking food pantries and assembling care packages, to supporting schools and senior centers, to picking up trash and assisting with local housing-construction projects, Ebby Halliday Companies teams came together in true Ebby fashion — with compassion, teamwork, and joy. These efforts not only made a tangible difference in North and East Texas communities, they reaffirmed the spirit that has guided our company since its founding.

To learn more, visit ebby.com.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Live Amid the Green Lanes of Preston Hollow

Sprawling yards and streets

by

await in a Preston Hollow home offered by an Allie Beth Allman & Associates agent.

Numerous studies have been done over the years that show the benefits of living amid nature and, specifically, around green spaces. Such environments encourage families to get outside and connect with their communities, bolstering the mental and physical wellbeing of both adults and children.

Preston’s Hollow’s tree-lined lanes are especially loved and here are homes currently for sale with Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

You can look forward to fresh air and time outdoors at 4207 Valley Ridge Road, where mature oaks, a heated pool and spa, and an oversized putting green await. Stepping inside, swaths of glass, clean lines, and soothing neutrals harmonize with the natural scenery and invite green views.

As well as promising over 1.4 acres of grounds—including lush trees, romantic fountains, and a huge pool—the masterfully renovated manor at 9520 Hathaway St. offers an impressive 16,000 square feet of living space.

Meanwhile, 6428 Tulip Lane brings a quainter mix of architectural charm and modern flair. The fully reimagined home has Tudor-style architecture with arched windows and doorways, but a contemporary and bright aesthetic inside that feels fresh for an active family lifestyle.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

You Can Gather in Gratitude in These Homes

For the perfect home for parties and gatherings, count on Allie Beth Allman & Associates to guide you.

It’s that time of year when luxury house hunters are looking for properties that will shine during sophisticated and fun holiday gatherings. The Dallas market has beautiful options to consider, with many of its most spectacular offerings held by the expert agents of Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

Discover homes poised for memorable parties or laidback celebrations all year, but especially amidst the twinkle of the holidays.

In University Park, an avid foodie’s dream awaits at 3548 McFarlin Blvd. Welcome guests at the glass double-front doors and bring them into the heart of the home: the large, open space that holds the striking gourmet kitchen and light-filled living room. Another secret weapon for impactful entertaining is the butler’s pantry, which offers two wine refrigerators and an ice maker.

If you want a forever home where you can gather joyfully in Preston Hollow, tour 6027 Mimosa Lane. Just imagine baking in the modern kitchen on cozy days as your kids play in the connected family room or hosting frequent gameday watch parties on the expansive covered patio with a built-in kitchen. For more formal occasions or holiday brunches, the beautiful dining room and living room are perfect destinations for bringing everyone together.

THE PERRY-MILLER STREIFF GROUP Refreshing Transformation in Old Preston Hollow

9700 Audubon is currently being offered for $8,295,000

Discover a rare gem in the heart of Old Preston Hollow, perched on an elevated one-acre lot at the coveted intersection of Audubon and Park Lane.

A refreshing transformation under the esteemed design direction of Studio Thomas James, this custom-built home by renowned builder Nickey Oates circa 2002, spans over 11,500 ft of luxurious living space.

The estate boasts five primary-sized bedroom suites, all with large walk-in closets. Natural light floods the interiors, accentuated by beautiful, hardwood floors, smooth texture walls soaring vaulted ceilings, and multiple stone fireplaces.

The gourmet kitchen, recently remodeled with new Sub Zero and Wolf appliances and quartz countertops, flows seamlessly to a spacious breakfast area, perfect for everyday gatherings. Large game room with a wet bar area is ideal for entertaining, and the fifth bedroom, offers privacy—perfect for extended stay guests or an au pair. Sellers just added a whole-house generator.

Outdoors, the property is an entertainer’s dream, featuring a pool, covered loggia, and expansive grassy areas, all surrounded by manicured hedges and mature trees for ultimate privacy and serenity. This gated estate provides plentiful parking with a circle drive and a four-car garage with a separate entrance off Park Lane.

Contact Ryan Streiff (469.371.3008) for more information or visit www.DPMFineHomes.com.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

New listings as the weather cools

Discover the latest autumn listings in Dallas and find your dream home with the trusted experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

Dallas’ real estate market reflects the energy in the air, with a fresh batch of listings perfect for making a move before the holidays.

Whether you’re exploring a new neighborhood or simply looking for that ideal backyard, let Allie Beth Allman & Associates help you find the perfect fit.

In a secluded three acres in Bluffview is 4120 Cochran Chapel Road, with more than 8,600 square feet of living space and plenty of room for outdoor entertaining. The stone exterior oozes Texas charm, extending into the home with exposed trusses, arched doorways, limestone interior walls and vaulted ceilings. Gather around the fire pit in the beautiful, complete with pool and spa.

The classical Mediterranean style of 4085 Amherst Ave. in University Park is built for entertaining, with dual islands and professional grade appliances in the chef’s kitchen that flows seamlessly into the great room. Entertain friends and family in the outdoor gazebo that has ample room for multiple seating areas.

Watch the seasons change from the beautiful front lawn of 4032 Marquette St. in University Park. With wood beams, wrought iron doors, four fireplaces and natural stone throughout, this 4,264-square-foot home offers a cool contemporary feel ideal for entertaining.

DAVE PERRY-MILLER REAL ESTATE Sophisticated, LowMaintenance City Living

Experience Penthouse perfection in this sophisticated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence in the heart of Turtle Creek, offered at $1,440,000 and represented by Ana Martin.

Designed by Crescent Estate Custom Homes, 3601 Routh Street PH4A (3601routhph4a. daveperrymiller.com) is a refined mid-rise home blending timeless style with modern luxury, ideal for those seeking to rightsize from a larger home to a more carefree, lock-and-leave lifestyle.

An open, light-filled floor plan flows seamlessly from the elegant living area to the chef’s kitchen, featuring Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, quartzite countertops, and custom cabinetry. The serene primary suite opens to a private terrace and spainspired bath, complete with an oversized shower and a customizable walk-in closet.

The true showpiece is the sweeping 1,700+ sq. ft. terrace, offering panoramic views of the Dallas skyline – perfect for entertaining or quiet evenings under the stars. With two assigned underground parking spaces, this residence offers luxury, convenience, and low-maintenance living at its finest.

To schedule a showing, contact Ana at 818636-6550 | anamartin@dpmre.com.

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