Posts by Karley Osborn
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Warren Barrón Takes Bridal Style to Snider Plaza
About two weeks ago, I got engaged. The only reason you need to know this is because it explains my recent visit to Warren Barrón. In between all of the ooh-ing and ahh-ing I was doing over the gorgeous spring gowns, I learned that the iconic Highland Park Village bridal boutique will be moving to Snider Plaza at the end of the summer. I couldn’t believe it — but staff writer Sarah Bennett confirmed the news during our editorial meeting today, saying she recently spotted a “Coming Soon: Warren Barrón” sign hanging in Snider Plaza. So, is this news to anyone else? And will you be sad to see the store change locations?
By Karley Osborn Mar. 14, 2013 | 2:00 pm | No Comments | Comments RSS -
Legendary Realtor Halliday Living Large at 102 Years Old
PARKER — Around Dallas, there are two pieces of iconic real estate that everybody should (and does) know about: Southfork Ranch and Ebby Halliday.
It makes sense, then, that J.R.’s place was selected to house the “Duchess of Dallas” and her family of associates Tuesday for a breakfast celebrating her 102nd birthday.
“This is a great tribute to Ebby because Ebby is the icon, obviously, for our business,” said Mary Frances Burleson, president and CEO of the Ebby Halliday Companies. “She’s set off a great pace for a lot of us, given a lot of us opportunities, and so what’s better than that?”
After filing through the pancake buffet lines set up outside the Oil Baron’s Ballroom, guests assembled to sing “Happy Birthday” to Halliday, who waved her hands and conducted the ensemble like a grand maestro from her throne-like seat at the front of the room.
“Thank you for coming,” Halliday told her guests, all smiles upon the song’s conclusion, “and take a horseshoe when you leave.”
Among the guests was Sylvia Sotelo-Kidd, who manages the Ebby Halliday Realtors office in Rockwall.
“To be able to be with a legacy — a legend — and an organization that just has the highest standards, and just to be surrounded by terrific people is just unbelievable,” Sotelo-Kidd said. “She has created a company and a corporation that we’re all so proud of being a part of, and every time I say I belong to Ebby Halliday, the doors just open wide.”
The parting favors were symbolic of good fortune, of course. But thanks to a life-long knack for making even complete strangers feel as if they’ve known her forever, neither Halliday nor the sprawling company that bears her name have ever needed to rely on something as transient as luck.
Which is just one of the many reasons why, as Burleson said, “She really is the queen for us.”
By Karley Osborn Mar. 8, 2013 | 9:22 am | No Comments | Comments RSS -
Save This Date: Salvation Army Fashion Show
The 2013 Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary fashion show and luncheon is set to strut on May 6 at Brook Hollow Golf Club. In the mix: a “Chic Boutique” presented by Tootsie’s, silent auction items ripe for bidding, a runway show produced by Jan Strimple, event co-chairs Karen Dealy and Nancy Bierman, and honorary chairs Nancy Perot, Suzanne McGee, Carolyn Rathjen, Katherine Reeves, and Sarah Perot. How could you say no to such a fabulous line-up of luxe and ladies?
EVENT DETAILS:
When: Monday, May 6
Where: Brook Hollow Golf Club
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sponsorships: Tables range from $2,500 to $50,000 ; individual tickets begin at $250. For more information, call 214‐637‐8122 or email dfw_auxiliary@uss.salvationarmy.org.
By Karley Osborn Mar. 7, 2013 | 9:48 am | No Comments | Comments RSS -
‘A Little Less Noise There!’
If Peter Pan‘s “Mr. Darling” had been my escort at the last few events I’ve covered for our “People Watching” section, he could have shouted his classic line from the rooftops…and still I’m pretty sure that no one would have heard him. At one luncheon, a cancer survivor spoke about her aggressive fight for health, which necessitated over 100 hours of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, she was all but drowned out by the clink of cutlery and echos of conversations that couldn’t be paused. At another luncheon, it took three podium-pleas to call the room to attention before the program could proceed. The same was true at a recent ball, where a frustrated speaker finally asked, “Everyone who can hear me, can you please tap your knife against your glass?” Yet the talking persisted, even through a brief presentation about a particularly heartbreaking CASA case.
I love covering events, and have been a firsthand witness to the hours upon hours of thought, planning, and hard work that go into bringing each one to life. Co-chairs often pull me aside to emphasize the importance of bringing attention to so many worthy beneficiaries in print. I couldn’t agree more with the directive — in fact, I count it my greatest privilege as a social columnist to spotlight all the good I’ve seen in Dallas. I’d just like there to be “a little less noise there,” so that I can hear a few good things, too. Anyone else?
By Karley Osborn Feb. 28, 2013 | 8:59 am | No Comments | Comments RSS -
Peggy Sewell, Roger Nanney Have Hearts For Arts
And because of their hearts (and significant contributions to fostering growth and development in the Dallas arts community), they’ll both be named Silver Cup honorees at this Friday’s 35th annual TACA luncheon. Andrew Teller, chairman of the TACA board of directors, summed up the duo’s selection nicely:
“Peggy and Roger lead by example in their giving of themselves and their resources to the Dallas arts community. It is our privilege to honor these esteemed volunteers by awarding them the TACA Silver Cup.”
And it’s our privilege to write about them post-luncheon. You’ll find our coverage in the March 8 edition of Park Cities People.
By Karley Osborn Feb. 21, 2013 | 8:00 am | No Comments | Comments RSS -
Story of Bellomy’s Career Includes Multiple Chapters
Jill Bellomy incorporates technology among the library's stacks of books. (Staff photo: Chris McGathey)
Highland Park Middle School librarian Jill Bellomy can’t say it with absolute certainty, but she’s fairly confident she’s the only HPISD employee who’s been to new-teacher orientation four times.
Bellomy’s introduction to the district came in 1991 at Armstrong Elementary, where she worked as a second-grade teacher just after graduating college. After a brief stint at the Covenant School, it was back to HPISD to teach at Bradfield for two years. Next came a break from the full-time grind, which allotted just enough time for a year-long experiment with architecture school. (“I thought, why not just pursue that and see if something’s there, and at least I’ll know,” Bellomy said.)
A position as a reading and language arts teacher at McCulloch put Bellomy back in the district, and eventually transitioned her into a role as an elementary librarian. But then a pesky “life-long learning” itch kicked in, which sent Bellomy to Texas Woman’s University in pursuit of a Ph.D. in library science. This time, Bellomy thought, she was really going to take an extended leave of absence — schoolwork would be her sole focus, which meant leaving the bookshelves behind.
“I was going to go [to school] full-time there for a while,” Bellomy said as convincingly as possible, although her seat inside the brightly-painted HPMS library office made it clear that things didn’t exactly go according to plan. “And then when this came up, it [was] a great chance to come back.”
Despite a heavy workload in her Ph.D. program, Bellomy couldn’t resist the lure of the library — especially once she heard that longtime HPMS librarian Sally Collins’ retirement had left a position open at her old stomping grounds.
“My heart always will belong to Highland Park ISD,” Bellomy said. “It’s such a fabulous community. I had such a great experience from day one here with supportive families, amazing students — everyone is so supportive.”
Another plus: working side-by-side with friend and former Bradfield colleague Leesa Cole, who’s now the librarian for McCulloch.
“She is a true partner in every sense of the word,” Cole said. “I was thrilled, as a matter of fact, when I called and told her that we had a position open up and she said, ‘Oh I might be interested.’ And from that point on I was like, ‘Please, let it happen. Let all the stars align.’ Because I knew it would be fabulous, and it is.”
Both Cole and library assistant Kathy Gardner were quick to describe Bellomy as a hard worker with a heart for students and a serious creative streak. Which, among other reasons, is exactly why the self-described “lover of learning” will be receive a scholarship at TWU’s 11th annual Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon next week.
“[Jill] was nominated because of her character, personal and professional accomplishments, and community service,” said Nan Restine, dean of TWU’s College of Professional Education. “She is gracious, thoughtful, dedicated, and passionate … like [award namesake] Virginia.”
Until the award luncheon, Bellomy — who described her selection for the scholarship as a “huge honor” — will work on preparing a statement detailing her research interests (practices of adolescent readers) and possible future plans (teaching at the university level). For now, though, she’s staying in the moment — which means drafting plans to revamp the HPMS library (fresh paint, updated technology, and new furniture will give the space a “teen lounge” vibe), hosting student book clubs during lunch hour, and more.
“I’m thrilled to be in Highland Park. I’m thrilled to be doing what I’m doing,” Bellomy said. “My main thing is connecting kids with books, and I need kids to do that.”
Hence the librarian’s most recent appearance at last fall’s new-teacher orientation. And although her full-time position at HPMS will undoubtedly bring a few changes to her study schedule, Bellomy doesn’t mind that her life has become quite the page-turner. Again.
“Even though it’s going to slow me down a little bit on my schooling, I’m not in a huge rush. I love to learn, and I’m not going to stop with that,” Bellomy said. “This is the next chapter.”
By Karley Osborn Feb. 19, 2013 | 12:03 pm | No Comments | Comments RSS -
Couples Share Wisdom They Gained Through Decades
What is it about that thing called love that we just can’t get enough of? Whatever it is, these three couples have it. In grand total, their unions amount to more than 170 years of marital bliss. (OK — they all admit they’ve shared a few not-so-perfect moments, too.) Valentine’s Day is here, but take our panelists’ advice; all that chocolate-buying and flower-sending can wait. As it turns out, the heart of true love runs a bit deeper. Read on for their words of wisdom.
Buddy and Shirley Macatee (Photo: Melissa Macatee)
The couple: University Park residents Shirley and Buddy Macatee
Wedding date: Sept. 4, 1954
How they met: Things began early in January of 1954, when the two were paired for the Hesitation Club’s annual ball. After the dance, Buddy landed a kiss underneath the one-bulb light of Shirley’s back porch. Instinctively, “I felt that my time had come to an end,” Buddy recalled. Post-kiss, he impressed avid-golfer Shirley by “sinking putts from all distances” and writing love letters while she spent the summer working as a camp counselor. Back in Dallas, they made a quick thing of their engagement, and were married by September.
What they wish they knew then: The “content” of marriage — the solemnity of the vows, the fact that marriage equates taking a leap into the unknown, and that love plays the smallest part of all in the life-long pursuit of one’s partner.
Greatest discovery in marriage: “As our lives together began, I would come to know through thick and thin of conjugal life the wisdom of the female through the doggedness of my lovely bride, Shirley, that becoming as one had little to do with joining at the hip or plastic surgery,” Buddy mused. “It had to do with discovering one’s self through serious interacting with the other, all the highs and lows of love and anger that can destroy as well as meld.”
Their best advice: Talking and listening inclines two lives to jell — as do moments of “blessed quiet between two people so comfortable together that they can know what the other is thinking.”
Claudette and Bill Ballard (Staff photo: Chris McGathey)
The couple: Caruth Hills residents Claudette and Bill Ballard
Wedding date: June 22, 1957 — The date was specifically selected to represent the couple’s ages (they were both 22) at the time.
How they met: Although Bill and Claudette had several mutual friends (and she’d watched him from afar at more than a few basketball games), the two didn’t formally meet until attending a dance at a place named Lou Ann’s on Lovers Lane … where they both arrived on someone else’s arm. Still, sparks flew, and soon Bill was asking Claudette for their first date on the driveway outside a party hosted by the University Park mayor. “We’re so corny in our wedding rings,” Claudette said. “It says from D to E: driveway to eternity.”
How they “knew”: “We just like to hang out with each other, you know — we enjoy each other’s company all the time,” Bill said. At the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary, Bill put it this way: “Every time I was away from her, I wanted to be with her. And that told me a lot. Since I’ve been with her, that hasn’t changed.”
One reason why they work: “In some marriages, handling finances seems a problem. We never had any to spare, so Bill was happy for me to handle making ends meet,” Claudette said. “Also being able to apologize — even when you were right — and go more than halfway will keep peace in a marriage.”
Their best advice: After God, put each other first — be considerate, patient, caring, and sincere about each other’s feelings. Work hard to never be hurtful in speech or actions.
Max and Frieda Glauben (Staff photo: Allison Slomowitz)
The couple: North Dallas residents Frieda and Max Glauben
Wedding date: June 14, 1953
How they met: A survivor of the Holocaust, Max came to America in 1947 after being liberated while on a death march to Dachau. After being drafted into the United States Army, Max was stationed in Fort Hood, where he met Frieda at a friend’s house. They hit it off while bowling on a group date, so Max and Frieda began seeing each other regularly. And then they didn’t. And then they did again. “I have a theory that it was just meant to be,” Frieda said of the couple’s on-and-off courtship. “And he’s a good man, and you can’t ask for better — I feel like I got the best of anybody’s draw.”
The most rewarding thing about marriage: Having children, raising them, and having grandchildren. Said Frieda: “If I’d known grandkids were so good, I would have had them first.”
How to make it “stick”: “Begin with a permanent attitude, not ‘if it doesn’t work, one can get a divorce’ — not an option,” Max advised.
Tricks of the trade: After 60 years together, Frieda has her husband’s ins-and-outs down pat — from the amount of cream he takes in his coffee to his preference for homemade cookies and pastries that are more crispy than chewy.
Their best advice: Be honest with one another. Respect one another. Plan things jointly, and try keeping a family unit with respect and appreciation for one another.
By Karley Osborn Feb. 14, 2013 | 9:56 am | No Comments | Comments RSS -
Park Cities Baptist Hosts ‘Men Standing For Life’
Jim Denison will speak at Council For Life’s upcoming “Men Standing For Life” event, hosted by Park Cities Baptist Church. The Feb. 22 event will take place in the Great Hall from 7-8:30 a.m., and includes breakfast and a special testimony by Michael Mauldin. Tables run $300. Individual tickets are $30. To register, click here.
By Karley Osborn Feb. 14, 2013 | 8:30 am | 1 Comment | Comments RSS -
Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presents Debutantes
Margaret Hood and William Langhenry lead a procession of debutantes and escorts at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presentation Ball on Feb. 2 at the Meyerson Symphony Center. (Staff photo: Allison Slomowitz)
By KARLEY OSBORN/Park Cities People
It happened 47 times on Feb. 2 at the Meyerson Symphony Center, but never failed to inspire wild applause. A bouquet of hydrangeas clutched near the empire waist of a tufted gown; arms swept out in an embrace of the audience, then pulled into a perfectly level “T”; a sip of air to prepare for the high-heeled slide toward the stage; and finally, that long-awaited bow of a softly-curled coif toward the front row. This is the Texas Dip — the moment when, after emerging from a curtsy lower than a prima ballerina’s, a Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debutante enters the present-tense of societal presentation.
Though each girl executed the same Jan Strimple-designed choreography after being escorted to center stage, individual song choices kept the evening from feeling uniform. Selections ranged from Alexandra Burnett’s “Dixie” to Lauren Carrozza’s “Moon River.” After descending the steps arm-in-arm with an escort, each freshly presented femme could hardly contain her excitement — take Emily Early, for example, who enthusiastically whispered “We did it, we did it!” to John Jenkins before exiting the auditorium, all-smiles. Others, such as Alexandra Frankel, lingered before abandoning the glow of the stage lights. “I want to watch. … She’s my best friend!” Alexandra said before cheering for Kathryn Furlow.
With so many girls frosted in cupcake-style dresses (Madison Hassell’s billowing skirt, Molly Mohr’s flower-strewn layers, and the explosion of tulle beneath Jessica Jones’ drop-waist beaded bodice come to mind), the final lineup of guards and gals gave the stage the appearance of being overtaken by an assembly of cake-toppers. While ball chair Kay Weeks (lovely in a blue frock designed by gown check-in chair Patti Flowers) missed the applause of husband Peter Weeks (get this: a pesky bout with appendicitis kept him from seeing her year-long endeavor come to fruition), there were more than a few supporters making music with claps and cheers. Adding to the symphony of sound: Sharon Barbee, Lisa and Kendall Laughlin, Natalie and Mike McGuire, Patsy Donosky, Susan and Jim Duggan, Gene and Jerry Jones, Cynthia and Brice Beaird, and Sarah and Mark Hardin.
Email karley.osborn@peoplenewspapers.com
By Karley Osborn Feb. 11, 2013 | 1:53 pm | No Comments | Comments RSS -
Eat, Drink, and Give Back at YWCA’s “Sip ‘n Savor”
Vino lovers and light-bite seekers, this one’s for you. On Feb. 28 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., University Park residents Angela Fontana and Andre Szuwalski will open their home to host Sip ‘n Savor, a food and wine pairing event benefiting YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas. The evening will feature a meet-and-greet with chef Sharon Hage and master sommelier Barbara Werley, plus farm-to-fork culinary creations paired with hand-selected reds, white, bubblies, and dessert wines. To purchase tickets, click here — and don’t delay. Space is limited to the first 125 guests to register.
By Karley Osborn Feb. 7, 2013 | 10:30 am | No Comments | Comments RSS
