Mother’s Day in the Park Cities

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms who make the Park Cites such a great place to live.  This includes volamoms, tennis skirt moms, momcanos,  moms in  West Highland Park,  Gmom, glamorous realtor moms, humble Parkie moms, and just, you know, moms. 

Lily Tomlin’s Dysfunctional Park Cities Family

HBO gives the Park Cities a disappointing blow. Looks like we won’t see a bit of the new series, 12 Miles of Bad Road, staring Lily Tomlin as “the acerbic grand-dame of a comically dysfunctional Park Cities/Preston Hollow real-estate family.”

They probably thought they couldn’t compete with the new show set in Dallas.

Spotted: Denzel Washington in Highland Park

A Highland Park Village dwelling Overheardian has spotted a star in the Bubble:

Not sure what Denzel and his wife are up to here in Dallas, but they had lunch today at Patrizio in Highland Park Village.  We were across the patio from them, and we had a hard time seeing them.  We noticed them when they came in to the patio, not because it was Denzel but because Mrs. Denzel had the largest bag we had ever seen.

Later we noticed the restaurant staff was all a flutter about something, so we asked our waiter who they were excited about.  He let us know it was Denzel, then they left shortly after that.  They only ate a few bites. 

Must have had someplace to be!

Technically, I’m Partying Like Crazy

Even if you’re home on Friday night it’s a bad idea to blog beacause you don’t want anyone to know you’re not at some really huge party. But technically I am.

My first grader won the karaoke “sleepover” raffle basket at the carnival and tonight we’re putting it to good use. She has three of her girlfriends squealing to the High School Musical soundtrack and we’re about to watch the new Hannah Montanna episode where they travel “back in time to 1987.”

I took individual, special orders for dinner so the menu ended up being spaghetti, chicken nuggets, hot dogs and curly fries. We had ice cream with pink sprinkles for dessert.

All of this and it’s not even 9:00.

Charles, we might have time to toilet paper your house.

New Word: Momcano

Momcano, noun: She is a mom and a dormant volcano just taking everyday as it comes without venting or speaking her mind. But somewhere deep inside she feels it coming, the day when she’ll flip out and explode spewing lava all over the school hallway. Until that day she just smiles.

Yep, I know one that is about to spew.

The Bubble or Not?

I need some votes on this reader inquiry concering today’s Bulletin From the Bubble. I think this guy is “welcome” around here because we’re nice but he lives in a gray area and needs to stay low profile with his exact address. Or he could move to the real Park Cities?

Ms. Patterson, 

I read your article, and I have intuitively felt that way since my wife and I moved to HP.  But as I read your article you said…..” Anyone is accepted here as long as their zip code ends in 25 or 05 and their street name doesn’t start with “W,” the abbreviation for west, as in West Beverly or west of the toll road.  Well, my wife and I live at [address], 75209 which is in West Highland Park.  Do you mean that we are not considered part of HP and that we are not welcome here?  HP actually has several zip codes, that include, 75205, 75219, and 75209. I would appreciate your kind clarification.  In advance, thank you and, 

Respectfully submitted.

Restlessness in Snider Plaza

Suzana Gordon Design Studio is hosting a reception tonight from 6pm-9pm for artist, Jenifer McNeil Baker. Some of you may recognize Jenifer as a society photog capturing Dallasites on film at launch events for this and this, but she is also a gifted artist with a camera and canvas. If you cannot stop by tonight to meet Jenifer and view her display “Restlessness”, you can see her work at Suzana’s Snider Plaza studio through June.

Craft-y Chef Changes

Foodies take note! Craft is about to announce a changing of the guard in their Dallas kitchen. Executive Chef, Kevin Maxey, is moving to Atlanta to open their new restaurant, Craft Atlanta in The Mansion on Peachtree . Replacing Kevin as the new executive chef is the current sous chef, Anthony Zapolla. Unfortunately, you cannot congratulate Anthony in person for the next few weeks. He is currently traveling the champagne region of France then catching up with his old boss here while visiting Monaco. Anthony and Alain worked together in NYC at Mix in New York where Anthony later joined the Craft team before opening the Dallas location with Kevin.

Outing Myself Graphically as an Obama Fan

My Obama yard sign went up today.  I was going to wait until Barack Obama won the Democratic nomination before putting up a sign, but it’s apparent  that someone  will have to shoot a tranquilizing dart into the thigh of Hillary’s pantsuit before she can be dragged off the stage.  Not that I’m saying she doesn’t have that right, mind you.

A Visual For Merritt: Who Not to Piss Off

There are some new ladies in charge at Armstrong.

The 2008-2009 Armstrong Elementary PTA Board was presented at the recent PTA meeting. From the left, they are: Lori Pinto, treasurer-elect; Pierrette Gordon, supply room chairman-elect; Ellen Rupple, second vice president — online registration; Tammy Favors, treasurer; Laura Richardson, cafeteria treasurer-elect; Kaela Washam, first vice president-calendar; Elise McVeigh, recording secretary; Amy Powers, president; Rhonda Sargent Chambers, president-elect; Shannon Pettle, supply room chairman; Heidi Imhof, first day supplies chairman; Dana DeMesy, cafeteria treasurer; Lisa Kilpatrick, corresponding secretary. Lisa Rogers, third vice president — gift chair.

What does supply room chairman-elect do? Is that like the “every kid plays” rule in soccer?

Go Hyer!

I attended the first showing of the Hyer Fourth Grade Parents Skit this morning, in which my lovely and talented wife performed, and, man, those Hyer moms looked fantastic.  So much care was taken with the costumes and accessories, the well-rehearsed acts, all the coordination that was worked out before any mom showed up at the school this morning.

Oh, and the show on stage was really good, too.   Ba da boom.

To Dallas Morning News Editors:

Please don’t hire Cassie Clark away from us. I realize Ian keeps bringing you stories a week after they appear in our paper, despite your greater financial and technical resources, but you really should keep letting him follow her lead.

Thanks.

Gmom, Step Up or Step Off

This e-mail just in concerning the regular comment leaving Merritt-hater, Gmom. I like it. And I should act while she’s down from being slapped around on Frontburner.

I think the best way to drvie page views up is for Merritt to challenge “gmom” to a coffee throwdown at Kuby’s. Whoever knows the most people at Kuby’s gets to be queen b**** of the blog, the other has to “step off.”

Gmom, I really think we could be friends some day.

Grammar be Good

So, Ms. Nightengale and I were in our fave On the Run convenience store on Lemmon for a mid-day soda when the following exchange went down:

Guy walks into store, recognizes friend. Says: “Oh, there you are.”

He then corrects himself: “I mean, there you is.”

Actually, wouldn’t what he did be called incorrecting himself?

Dan Branch Can’t Catch a Break

Dan-barino, I didn’t do it, Tim did.

Creative Fundraiser

The MIS Service Leadership Group is raising money to buy bed nets for people who are at risk of contracting malaria in Africa. The students learned that every 30 seconds, someone in the world dies from malaria, which can be prevented with the use of mosquito nets. Their fundraiser, “Nothing But Nets,” consists of two parts — first, coin collection jars with min-basketball hoops have been placed in each advisory class so student can “shoot” their cash through the hoop into the jar; and second, students may buy tickets to take part in a free throw contest and shoot baskets to win candy prizes.

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If Your Name is Something Like Lee and You Own a Dry Cleaners, Call Me

So I tried out the brand new dry cleaner in University Park. On Saturday when I picked up I used my debit card for $6.21. Last night I logged on to do some banking and noticed that the following charges were posted from the same dry cleaner:

• 05/07/08 $37.25
• 05/07/08 $37.25
• 05/07/08 $34.01
• 05/07/08 $32.94
• 05/07/08 $28.04

I called the store and the girl working there didn’t know anything about it and couldn’t credit my account. I asked who the owner was and she said she didn’t know his name but thought it was “something like maybe Lee.” She gave me Lee’s cell phone number but I still haven’t heard back from him. I called Bank of America to tell them I didn’t make the charges but they can’t do anything while the charges are still pending my account.

Lee, if you’re by chance an Overheardian, call me.

This Just In (According to Facebook)

Merritt Patterson has to rap dance for the 4th grade mom’s production. I’m serious.

 

Anybody want to go to a show? I think it’d make for great live blogging.

Senior Prank at Parish Episcopal

The seniors at the Parish Episcopal School pulled quite a senior prank when they dismantled a car and reassembled in on the fourth floor of the school’s upper campus location.

The kids responsible bought the car for about $350 from a junk yard and stripped it down before cutting it in half and sneaking it to campus the night of April 28, getting it up a freight elevator putting it in the middle of a hallway.

It’s pretty ingenious  I think

Re: Intern? I Like the Sound of That.

Merritt, before you go crazy hiring interns, make sure you know  what you’re getting in for. Remember what happened last time I let someone come in for an interview without fully reviewing the application? Well, apparently I can’t learn my lesson…

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Hyer Nurse One of the Great One Hundred

Hyer Elementary School Nurse Joanne Hardaway (pictured at left) has been named one of the 2008 Great One Hundred Nurses by the Texas Nurses Association Districts Three and Four and the Dallas/Fort Worth Hospital Council. The “Great 100” will be honored for exemplifying excellence in the art and science of nursing at a celebration Monday at the Meyerson Symphony Center. Jump for the full release.
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Park Cities Realtors Have Boys For That?

Just Overheard an area realtor discussing “the boy that takes care of the signs.” I thought that was something the realtors did themselves, no?

Is there really a “sign boy?” 

Pressure

Overheard in a local Starbucks this morning: two women, exchanging hugs and cheek kisses as they depart; one says to the other “Well, you have a productive day, sweetie!”

Whatever happened to having a “nice” day?

Isn’t There a Rule About Pets in Restaurants?

I realize that Parkies love their fancy dogs but is it necessary to take them into restaurants and grocery stores? I’m noticing it more each day and I just want to know the rule beacuse if it’s OK, I’m letting my daughter take her gerbil to Kuby’s.

Watering Cement

I understand about glass houses, and I know that most of us in the PC live big, in our houses, our cars, and our use of natural resources. But, this is too much.

Since at least the beginning of March, and very possibly before then, a house in the Hillcrest/Marquette area …

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Holy Trinity Pastor Headed to California

We already told you that Holy Trinity is getting a new pastor. More news from the church that serves Highland Park Catholics:

Father John P. Cawley, C.M., known to his parishioners at Holy Trinity Catholic Church as Fr. Jack, will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving and Farewell on Sunday, May 18, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. The Mass will be followed by a reception in the Holy Trinity Community Life Center. Everyone is invited to attend. Fr. Jack completes a six year term as pastor which began in 2002. He has previously served at Holy Trinity as assistant pastor from 1969 to 1972 and again from 1991 to 1994. After his departure July 1, Fr. Jack will begin a six month sabbatical for travel and study in Chicago, IL and Santa Fe, NM. He looks forward to his new assignment as a member of the staff of a major Catholic seminary in California beginning in January, 2009.

Intern? I Like the Sound of That.

While reviewing comments from today’s posts I noticed that “CC” mentioned:

Merritt- I think I love you as well. And secretly want to be your intern if you ever want/need one.

As a matter of fact, I do need an intern. You know, an intern like the one Kramer had. Of course, the meetings would take place at Kuby’s and duties would include thinking up stuff to analyze and reporting things back to Jason as they happen.

HP Golfers Win Both Championships

It’s over in Austin, where the Scots’ boys and girls golf teams have won the Class 4A championships.

The HP girls took five strokes off their first-round totals today, and won the title by nine strokes over seven-time state champion Montgomery. Lila Barton took fifth overall at 151. Claire Straty earned all-state honors in ninth at 160.

The HP boys won going away by 24 strokes, sports editor Chuck Cox reports. Cody Gribble was the individual champion, winning by five strokes with a two-under-par 140 for the tournament. Richard Kalteyer was fourth at 146, and Patrick Nash tied for ninth at 150.

Park Cities People will have full coverage of today’s golf and tennis state tournaments, plus photos, in Friday’s editions.

State Tennis Update

Just in from Lakeway — Natalie Leitch and Abby Stainback got that payback we talked about in an earlier post, notching a 6-4, 7-5 doubles win over a New Braunfels pair for the UIL Class 4A championship.

The boys doubles team of Rob Oberman and Franklin Davis lost to a team from Boerne in the state final.

That brings the tally of the four HP doubles teams at state to: one state champion, one finalist, and two semifinalists. Not bad, Scots, not bad at all.

HP Golf Update at State

The Scot golfers should be finishing up their rounds at the Jimmy Clay Course in Austin in the next hour, and we’ll get you results as soon as sports editor Chuck Cox, who is on site, gets them to us.

In yesterday’s first round, the HP boys carded a 294, and were 16 strokes ahead of Katy Seven Lakes and McKinney Boyd, both at 310. Last year’s state champion, Aledo, is eighth out of eight at 328. It was Aledo that snapped HP’s seven-year hold on the Class 4A state title. HP’s Cody Gribble led the tournament with a one-under-par 70 in the first round and led by three strokes. HP’s Richard Kalteyek was tied for second at 73, at Patrick Nash was tied for fifth at 74.

In the girls’ tournament, HP held steady with seven-time champion Montgomery, trailing by only two strokes after the first round. HP’s Lila Barton is in third overall after one round with a 74.

More later when the final results are in.

Is it Really OK to Go Out Looking Yucky?

Under the “Parkie Tennis Mom” post earlier today, one person left the following comment: 

In the PC, you are allowed to look grungy in the a.m., but must be cleaned up by afternoon carpool pick up. The only exception is for cute tennis outfits.

I’m glad this came up because it’s true and a bit concerning. I think the goal should be to get ready before you leave the house and the grungy thing should be rare and reserved for unusual circumstances. No?

HP Doubles Up Doubles Finalists

Since tennis seems to be (loosely) in the news on today’s blog, we bring you this from Lakeway, where tennis skirts are the norm at any time of the day.

The Scots’ girls doubles team of Natalie Leitch and Abby Stainback won their state semifinal late yesterday, and are playing for the UIL championship as you read this. Details coming later, but as we hoped for in a blog post last week, Leitch and Stainback are playing Alexandra Adams and Samantha Adams of New Braunfels in the final. It was New Braunfes that ended HP’s 111-match win streak in team tennis last fall, so a little HP payback might be in order, if not for the fall, than for this - the Adams sisters beat HP’s other girls doubles team, Kellye McDade and Kally Alkire, in the semifinals.

In boys’ doubles, Rob Oberman and Franklin Davis advanced to the final and are also playing right now.

The mixed doubles team of Ryan Collins and Taylor Schreimann lost in the semifinals.

Re: Humble Parkie Mom

Those of you following this Erika Nazem and her billionaire boyfriend thing will be interested in this quote from the billionaire’s attorney.

Parkie Tennis Moms

Here is what I can’t figure out about the whole Parkie tennis mom scene:

1. Why do some wear their little skirt on days they aren’t playing tennis? If you’re on a team is it like wearing your cheerleader jacket to the mall?
2. Shouldn’t it be illegal for non-tennis playing moms to wear a tennis skirt to the school?

Just checking.

Re:Celebrity Sighting: Andrew Stevens

You know, Tom Bosley was also in The Bastard. I was going to post a link to a video of that Family Guy episode when Stewie thinks he sees Tom Bosley on the train, but apparently Fox doesn’t like having their content posted online, and I can’t find it anywhere.

But I bet the scene at Kuby’s was a lot like Stewie’s adventure on the train, except Andrew Stevens really was at Kuby’s.

Jesuit/Bishop Lynch Rivalry Moves to SMU

This year’s Jesuit/Bishop Lynch football game will start a new tradition, as the teams will play the season-opening game at Gerald J. Ford Stadium at SMU on Friday, August 29 at 7:30 p.m.

There aren’t very many details out yet, but my sources tell me the schools would like this to be an annual deal to kick off Labor Day weekend, and officials are trying to get a yet-to-be-named sponsor for the game.

Jason, Wick: I think the “People Newspapers Catholic Clash” would be a great name for the event.

Hyer Helpers

The Hyer Husky Helpers, fourth-graders who organize service learning opportunities for the Hyer community, were challenged to help with the Family Legacy Missions International Shoe Day collection, collecting shoes for children in Africa. Speech teacher Angie Friddle is a member of the group, and she travels to Africa each summer to work in a day camp and help distribute the shoes.
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Different Computers See Different Blog

We switched to a different blog host server over the weekend, and it’s still causing a bit of a mess. I heard reports all yesterday that readers are seeing different versions of the blog from computer to computer. Charles apparently posted an item titled “Fore” early yesterday, which got several comments, but I haven’t seen it appear on the blog at all.

Some readers tells me Charles’ “Fore” item is just about the only thing they saw posted yesterday. They’ve been complaining about our lack of posts, though there were a decent number yesterday.

Our tech guys are working on it. Thanks.

Kuby’s Standoff Threatens Balance of Power

The delicate peace forged between the German 80-somethings and the Voladads in the Kuby’s dining room has been threatened by an outsider. Merritt Patterson reports:

 Ok, this is getting more interesting now. The volamom husbands are sitting at the table that the German 80-somethings sit at every Tuesday (see column Aug 3 2006). But the voladads are so in to Stevens that they aren’t budging. So the Germans are freaked out.

People, I tell you this- a camera crew may be necessary. Stevens has no idea what sort of a standoff is going on just so the voladads don’t have to end their time with Stevens. This is the funniest damn thing that’s happened in recent Parkie history (other than that Erika Nazem thing). The Germans are coming undone!

Celebrity Sighting: Andrew Stevens

Merritt reports that The Bastard himself just walked into Kuby’s.

Early Voting Ends Tomorrow

A reminder that early voting for the May 10 election ends tomorrow. Voting hours will be from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at the HPISD Building at 7015 Westchester Drive. There are 10 parking spots reserved for voters.

On the ballot are 2008 Board of Trustees candidates Joe Taylor (Place 6) and John Townsend, (a.k.a. “JT”) (Place 7) and John R. Bunten, Jr., (Place 7), and the HPISD’s
$75.4 million bond issue.

For more information on the bond, visit:
http://www.hpisd.org/SearchResults/hpisd/BondIssue/tabid/2524/Default.aspx

No News Yet From Lakeway

Three of HP’s doubles teams are on the tennis courts right now, nearly seven hours after their scheduled start. No scores to report yet.

Initial Super Bowl Host Committee Sponsors Named

I sat near HP Mayor Bill White and UP Mayor Blackie Holmes at this morning’s press conference among 100 or so other area business and civic leaders at a press conference announcing the four $1 million Founding Sponsorships and official logo of the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee. That’s the largest dollar value of confirmed Host Committee Sponsorships in history more than two-and-a-half years before the game.

The Founding Sponsors that made up the great start for the host committee were: the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ted and Shannon Skokos, The Staubach Company, and (Ross Perot, Jr.-led) Hillwood Development Company.

As for the logo? Average - it’s a logo. As for the stadium — Wow. It was my first time to see it up close. Pictures to come in a later post.

Highland Park Cops Taking a Survey or Something?

An Overheardian is wondering if others have experienced this in Highland Park. I’ve had very little interaction with HP cops, I usually get pulled over by the UPPD and they know I’m the one that writes that column so they don’t ask, they just write the ticket.

In the past two weeks, I have had a conversation with two different women about being pulled over by an HP officer for speeding. The first thing they asked one of them was, “do you work” and the second, “where do you work?” Do you think this is strange? Wouldn’t a more important question be, “are you aware that you were driving over the posted speed limit?” Why would they need to know your working status? Does your work status or place of employment dictate whether or not you receive a ticket? One friend is a stay at home mom and the other is a work friend. One drives a Mercedes and one drives a Kia. One is white and one is black. Curious…

Anyone?

President’s Niece Helps Feed Children

First niece [and technically, former first granddaughter] Lauren Bush is leading a campaign to feed starving children in Rwanda.

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Re: Humble Parkie Mom is a Billionaire’s Girlfriend

I received this from an Overheardian clearly misreading my post:

You’ve got balls. I wouldn’t cross her.

I wasn’t crossing her. I was helping her spread the word about her billionaire boyfriend new show. She should be thanking me.

A Fast-Food Chain? In the Park Cities?

Announcement from Chick-fil-A:

Chick-fil-A, the nation’s second-largest chicken restaurant chain (based on sales), will open its newest inline restaurant concept in metro Dallas on May 21, featuring an expanded menu that includes a wider selection of beverages and dessert selections as well as the chain’s newly enhanced chicken strips and entrée salads.

          Located at 6423 Hillcrest Ave. in the Hillcrest Village shopping center across from Southern Methodist University, the new Chick-fil-A restaurant is the latest example of the chain’s forward-thinking expansion philosophy to more closely mirror the demographics where new inline restaurants are located.

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We Won… Something

Today I received our annual letter from the Texas Press Association informing us that we’ve won at least one first-place prize in the 2008 Better Newspaper Contest. Unfortunately they aren’t any more specific than that, because they want us to attend the summer convention on June 21. It’s in beautiful Arlington this year, so we’re bound to be there.

Congratulations to our editorial staff for excelling at whatever it is we excelled at.

Sunny Skies

Forbes is reporting that Dallas is one of 10 “recession-proof cities.” In fact, the Lone Star state dominated the list, with the Big D ranking 10th behind San Antonio, Austin, and Houston.

One of the claims that Texas is doing well (comparatively) is “the availability of land–and, in some cases, little zoning–helped keep prices in these cities low. Instead of competing for homes, Texans could move to a new subdivision a little farther out.”

Cheerleaders Chosen

Look out — there are some new girls in town.

Freshman Cheerleaders for Highland Park High School 2008-2009
1st Row: Sydney Muller, Lauren Bailey, Maggie Ausburn, Ainsley Clarke, Michelle Nash
2nd Row: Catherine Smith, Baylor Wilson, Taylor Cardenas, Farris Groth Ann-Marie Hickey
3rd Row: Wendy Watson, Grace Ballard, Lucie Morren, Courtney Reynolds, Michal Krikorian

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