Back Talk Lake Highlands

Tal Morrison fund awards $12,000 to high school runners

Christina Hughes Babb — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:03:36 GMT

UPDATE: See photos on our Facebook page (and become a fan of Advocate while you're there!)

Running legend Tal Morrison was at White Rock Lake Saturday hosting the Tal Morrison Classic 15K and 5K. Morrison founded the Cross Country Club of Dallas in 1969. Today it’s called the Dallas Running Club and has 4,000+ members. He also founded the Dallas White Rock Marathon, which still runs through East Dallas and Lake Highlands each December, and The Half, a half-marathon held each November at White Rock Lake.

Funds raised each year at The Half (now called The DRC Half), as well as other Dallas Running Club events and through private donations, go toward the Tal Morrison scholarship fund for DISD students who run high school cross country, running club board member Chris Stratton says.

Saturday, Morrison, 89, presented $12,000 worth of scholarships: $3,000 each to Jonathan Maldonado from Thomas Jefferson High and Andrea Melendez from Hillcrest; $2,000 each to Jose Puentes from North Dallas High and Selene Salina from Samuell High; and $1,000 each to Jesus Estebane from Sunset High and Sharvell Davis from A. Maceo Smith High.

The highlight of my morning (aside from crossing the 15K finish line) was spending a few minutes chatting with Mr. Morrison who told me about his experience running the Boston marathon when he was in his 50s. He says that as he was running, he remembers asking a group of spectators—college kids—how far it was until to the infamous Heartbreak Hill, and “they told me I’d already run over it,” he laughs. He finished that marathon in 3 hours, 15 minutes — not too shabby.

And … this just in: The Dallas Running Club was selected best running club in Texas and the DRC Half Marathon was selected best half marathon in Texas for 2009 by Competitor magazine. Kudos!

LHHS Academic Decathlon team finishes season

Tyler Terrell — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:15:54 GMT

The Lake Highlands Academic Decathlon team finished up its season last week after participating in the Region X competition at J.J. Pearce High School. The group competed against over twenty 5A high schools from around the area and finished in sixth place in the region. Overall, LH ended up in 56th place out of all high schools in Texas.

The Wildcats consider the season a success even though the team did not end up in the top forty, which would have earned them a berth in the state tournament in Houston.

“I was kind of disappointed in not making it to state,” senior David Scott said. “It would’ve been a great way to end to my senior year.”

Members of the AcDec team have to dedicate much of their spare time to studying material that the other students don’t. Mathematics, science, Super Quiz, language and literature, music, art, and economics are all subjects that the teams are tested over. Also, each student must recite a memorized speech, take part in a judged interview, and write an essay for the competitions.

Each year, the United States Academic Decathlon focuses its attention on a centralized theme and the tests have to do with that specific theme. This year’s topic was the French Revolution and the book that the students were tested over was A Tale of Two Cities.

Even though the team did not make it past the regional level, the team did not leave the competition empty-handed. Seniors Robbie Liebendorfer and Eileen Walker each won individual awards. Robbie received second place for his essay and Eileen came in second in the language and literature category.

“A lot of the credit goes to my English teachers and my dad,” Liebendorfer said. “My ability to write well comes from my love of literature.”

“I was successful basically simply because I read the book,” Walker said. “I am reading all of the time.”

The great thing about Lake Highlands’ team is that the team members are so well rounded. The Wildcats were composed of theatre and choir members, baseball and softball players, students in the orchestra and band, a member of the swim team, and a Bell Boy.

The team gained much support throughout the school, and congratulatory posters hang in the classroom of Casey Boland, the team’s head coach. At the latest competition, LH teachers formed a tunnel for the students to run through as some of the team parents cheered the group on.

A possible struggle for next year’s team involves finding enough solid members to field a squad. Eight of the nine competitors on this year’s team are graduating seniors. Students interested in joining next year’s team are encouraged to email Ms. Boland or pop into her AP History classroom to discuss requirements.

After all of the studying, scrimmages, and competitions, the team has grown very close to one another, and all were sad to see the season end. But, the team had a lot of fun along the way and even made some new friends that they might not have been able to meet had they chosen not to become a member of this team.

Pictured are (from left to right): Tyler Terrell, Ben Wolf, Jake Gaba, Robbie Liebendorfer, Callie Herod, Bradley Paterik, Casey Boland and kneeling: Kirsten Mathisen, David Scott, Eileen Walker, Michael Whorton.

Fashion for chesty women

Christina Hughes Babb — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:04:13 GMT

In this month’s Advocate you can find a story about neighbor Carissa Brown who is a godsend to big-busted women. She’s right about this: most designers of women’s clothing make small-sized clothes small all over and big-sized clothes big all over — she makes clothes in a range of sizes but designed especially for what she calls “well endowed” and “really well endowed” women. Carissa keeps a blog (warning: there’s a bit of chest flesh shown in the images on the blog and the word "boob" is used a few times) and you can see from her recent video, posted on said blog (March 1), that her clothing line is super sleek — looks comfy too. Plus, she’s so good on camera I can totally see her joining the cast of some Style Network makeover show.

Update (Jan. 2010): Carissa Brown has changed the name of her clothing brand to Carissa Rose, and the website can be found at http://carissarose.com.

Advocate radio: where to get V-day goodies

Christina Hughes Babb — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:36:51 GMT

Valentine's Day is near and that means one thing is on everyone's mind, right? No, not love ... chocolate.

Where in our neighborhood are you likely find the most delicious and creative edible gifts? Advocate editor's dish about it in this week's "What's Up With That?" podcast.

In case you need somewhere to go to lunch

Jeff Siegel — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:15:29 GMT

The news that Potbelly is opening a sandwich shop in Old Town sheds new light on the status of retail development in the neighborhood. Which, if you want sandwich shops, is pretty good.

The Potbelly will be the sixth sandwich shop in a three- or four-block stretch of Greenville, joining a Subway and Baker Bros. in Old Town, a Jersey Mike's and Schlotzky's on the west side of the street, and the Great Outdoors at Greenville and Park Lane. And, if you count the Arby's, there are seven.

Burger Spot opens next week

Christina Hughes Babb — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:22:38 GMT

Burger Spot opens Monday, if all goes as planned, owner John Harris says. There’s one more inspection scheduled to take place Monday morning. As long as they knock that out sans issues, the new Skillman-Royal eatery will open at about 11:30 a.m.

Harris says we can expect more than just burgers. The menu will include salads, house-made mac and cheese and chicken or tenderloin kabobs, to name a few. Harris who is with the John Bowles Company that manages the center, got his start in the restaurant industry, he says.

I drive by the Burger Spot 4-6 times a day — this announcement has been a long time coming. Can’t wait to check ‘em out next week.

Productivity Killer: E-Trade’s talking babies

Marlena Chavira Medford — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:13:41 GMT

OK, so our team didn’t make it to the big game this year, but it’s still shaping up to be a good faceoff — or so I’m told, because I really don’t know anything about football. But hey, at least we still get an excuse to pig out on wings and pizza, and watch all those multi-million dollar commercial bits. This year’s line up has some pretty funny ones, which you can get a sneak peak at here.

E-Trade’s commercials with the talking baby have become especially popular, though honestly, I find them kind of creepy. Equally creepy yet more amusing is their create-your-own talking baby on the company’s website. You pick your baby, pick your voice, and then record a message. You can record your voice via your computer mic, or by calling a number and leaving a voice mail. Once you’re done, you can email it to your friends, so they can enjoy.

Get your Bond on

Carol Toler — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:56:43 GMT

The Moss Haven Elementary PTA will host its annual fundraiser dinner and auction this Saturday, and the theme is “From Moss Haven With Love – Get Your ‘Bond’ On!”

A wide variety of items will be available at the silent auction, and when the live auction begins at 9 pm the first offering will be a chance to serve as Junior Bell Boy (or Girl) at a Wildcat varsity football game in the fall. On hand to stir up bidding will be this year’s Bell Boys – Brent Bono, Tyler Terrell and Ben Toler (Will Pittman will be out of town). When Merriman Park held their auction in the fall, Grant Dodgen’s parents, Jack and Laura, bought the privilege for Grant and friend, Caleb Combs, pictured here. The boys hung out with the Bell Boys on the sidelines, ringing the bell and cheering the team at the playoff game, and they ran on the field with the flag for every touchdown earned.

Money raised from all items auctioned will be used to improve the educational experience of students at MHE. The event will be held at the Doubletree Hotel Dallas at Campbell Center. Tickets are $45 or $75 for reserved seating. Email Moss Haven PTA's Kay Shelton for more info.

Super Stovers: LH family gets a kick out of son Matt's third Super Bowl with Colts

Keith Whitmire — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:01:07 GMT

Having a son play in the Super Bowl is getting to be a once-a-decade thing for the Stover family of Lake Highlands. Matt Stover, LHHS Class of '86, will kick for the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in Super Bowl XLIV, his third trip to the big game with his third team.

Stover also was with the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXV and kicked for the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV.

Ask Henry Stover where his son got his start kicking footballs, and there's no hesitation.

"Out in the street in front of my house," Henry said.

While Matt Stover commutes from Baltimore to kick for the Colts, his parents still live in the same house in Lake Highlands. His father, pictured in Matt's old room with one of his Punt, Pass and Kick trophies, said Matt will be taking most of the family to Miami for the game including siblings Ellen (LH '81) and Paul (LH '83).

His parents won't be attending the game, however. Matt's mother, Tasia, is recuperating from surgery and Henry is staying behind to be with her. Tasia and Henry, now retired from the pharmaceutical business, did attend the Ravens-Giants game in 2001.

LHHS grad to cheer at Super Bowl

Christina Hughes Babb — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:22:46 GMT

Matt Stover won't be the only LHHS alum at the Super Bowl.

Sure, it would have been nice to see a team of Dallas guys on the field this Sunday, but we can take comfort in the fact that a few Dallas natives will be out there, including 2005 LHHS graduate Meagan McDaniel who is a Saints cheerleader.

Meagan, who now attends Louisiana State University, was a Highlandette for three years. Since making the Saintsations a couple years ago, Meagan has appeared with the team on the Dr. Phil Show and Comic Relief Live National Television show, in Sports Illustrated, Maxim and FHM magazine, and several national commercials, just to name a few.

To top it off, the beauty and her teammates have performed loads of charity work through the Saintsations Inspiration Program.

Just consider Lake Highands' own Meagan McDaniel another valid reason to root for the black and gold this weekend!

This weekend: Tal Morrison Classic

Christina Hughes Babb — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:42:07 GMT

Saturday, Feb. 6 — The Tal Morrison Classic 5K and 15K raises funds for scholarships for high school seniors, and you can sign up race day beginning at 7 a.m. at Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake. It's only $10 (and free if you belong to the Dallas Running Club).

OCarnivale tickets are gone

Rachel Stone — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:28:02 GMT

Our OCarnivale tickets were snapped up pronto, but we'll give away two more pairs of tickets tomorrow. Otherwise, you can buy tickets here. Thanks to everyone who responded!

Email us for free tickets to OCarnivale Saturday night

Rachel Stone — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:58:12 GMT

Want a couple of tickets to OCarnivale masquerade ball in the Bishop Arts District Saturday night? The first two people to email me at rstone@advocatemag.com will win two free tickets.

Don't get scammed

Christina Hughes Babb — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:39:51 GMT

Last week on our Lakewood/East Dallas blog, I wrote about a couple scam alerts in the neighborhoods. This morning. Merriman Park North resident Brad Peters warns us of another possible con in our area:

"I received two strange phone calls today from someone claiming to be from TXU and then changing their story and saying that they were from Atmos Energy and that they were one big company. I'm not sure the point of their phone call but I think they wanted to get my signature on a form for e-payment but it sounded very suspicious. First, they called at 6:40 in the morning and their story was pretty fishy. I called Atmos (which is not part of TXU) and they confirmed that they did not call me this morning and that they had not changed their e-payment policy."

Thanks for the heads up Brad!

LHHS Peer Helpers join the effort to help injured Haitians

Carol Toler — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:52:10 GMT

Lake Highlands High School students are pitching in with the effort to help earthquake victims in Haiti, collecting crutches, braces, walkers and flat-folding wheelchairs for islanders with broken legs or amputated limbs from the disaster.

The project began with LH’s Ric and Terri Hawkins, who saw news reports of thousands of victims wearing casts or requiring amputations. They sent emails to friends and were surprised at the strong response. They invited the LH Women’s League (Terri’s a member) and the LH Exchange Club (Ric’s a member) to join them, and walking aids have come pouring in.

“Ric and Terri have done an amazing job with this project, and our kids wanted to pitch in and help,” said Casey Boland, AP History teacher at LHHS and sponsor of Peer Helpers, the group organizing the effort at the high school. “Some LH-area elementary schools are trying to help us, as is Berkner High School.”

“I’ve been injured plenty of times,” said Wildcat soccer player Chris Nieto, who donated several pairs of crutches. “Every time I get hurt, they give me a new pair of crutches. I’m glad someone in Haiti will be able to use them to get around.”

If you have mobility aids to contribute, you may deliver them to LHHS or leave them on the Hawkins’ front porch at 9026 Meadowknoll.

High school and junior high rowers wanted for competitive team

Carol Toler — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:17:24 GMT

Recruiting is on for 7-12th graders to take up rowing with the White Rock Boathouse Juniors, a competitive team based at White Rock Lake. The Juniors Team is looking for athletes to join them as they travel all over Texas and Oklahoma competing with other clubs and bringing home medals.

The group was founded in 2007, but in their short time they’ve helped boys and girls learn the sport and received a bid to national competition. Half their 2009 graduating class are continuing the sport in college, and scholarship opportunities abound for girls interested in competing at the college level (men’s rowing is not a scholarshiped sport).

No experience is required, and scholarships to join the team are available. Email Head Coach A. Ryan White if “flying on water” interests your junior high or high school student.

Lake Highlands' Matt Stover and other homegrown celebs

Christina Hughes Babb — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:25:17 GMT

Lake Highlands' famous (that bad boy from Glee, for instance), almost famous (that guy who hosts the Bachelor) and have-been famous peeps (Butthole Surfers band member Gibby Hanes) have been from time-to-time a hot topic here at Back Talk (come to think of it, Hanes is still pretty famous).

Today a couple of those Lake Highlands celebs’ names have crossed my computer screen: Morgan Fairchild celebrates b-day 60 today, and Lake Highlands' own Matt Stover, now in his 40s, is headed to his third Super Bowl, and might even consider a return to Big D, according to this bit in the Star Telegram (hey, it couldn’t hurt us to have a new kicker. Any new kicker. If Stover doesn’t work out, maybe the Cowboys could scout the LHHS soccer team for a kicker. But I digress.)

And a bit of trivia on Stover, from a Lake Highlands Exchange Club member Mark Kinney who writes in an e-mail, “Matt Stover was my next-door neighbor growing up on Rustleleaf Drive … his parents still live in the house on Rustleleaf. He grew up selling game day programs at Texas Stadium on Cowboy game days with his dad.”

Boys basketball falls short at Berkner

Tyler Terrell — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:33:00 GMT

Lake Highlands brought a huge crowd to Berkner's gym for Tuesday's boys basketball game, hoping to see the Cats upset a team ranked highly in the area. Although it was a physical game, as can be expected between these rivals, LH was defeated, 70-53.

The Rams' size proved to be too much to handle for the Wildcats who were out-rebounded for most of the game. LH trailed by only three points after the first quarter and kept it close most of the game until Berkner pulled away at the end.

James Preston led LH with 14 points followed by Trey Bingham with 13 and Ricky Zorn with 10.

The loss makes Friday's home game against Richardson (6 p.m. JV, 7:30 varsity) almost a must-win if the Wildcats are to make the playoffs. After Richardson's 48-45 loss to Skyline on Tuesday night, LH and Richardson are tied for fourth place in District 9-5A.

Besides Richardson, the Wildcats still have W.T. White, Creekview and Molina left on the schedule.

Wine review: Vignerons de Caractere 2007

Jeff Siegel — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:21:57 GMT

The Caractere (about $7, purchased, available at Central Market) is cheap French wine the way I remember it -- interesting and inexpensive, and not tasting in any way like California wine. In fact, if it had a screwcap, the Caractere would be close to perfect.

It's a red blend of syrah and grenache from southern France that doesn't have much fruit (plums, perhaps?), but does have lots of earthiness and enough tannins and finish to make it pleasant to drink. Serve this with any wintery stew or beef dish, or use it to make coq a vin.

Highly recommended and a candidate for the 2011 Hall of Fame (hint, hint to the Texas wine business, which produces some quality syrah and grenache).

Crime alert: Northpark, Galleria

Christina Hughes Babb — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:40:50 GMT

Three incidents of armed robbery have occurred at the Galleria and Northpark malls according to an alert (by way of the Lakewood Neighborhood Association) from Edward Daley, general manager of the Galleria.

Two black males approach a person walking to or from a car parked in the parking garage, show a gun and quietly demand the victim’s wallet — this has been the MO in one case at the Galleria and two cases at Northpark in the past week. In the Galleria case, the victim was parked fairly close to the valet stand, yet the robbery went unnoticed, according to the alert. Mall personnel hope to prevent a trend by increasing public awareness of these sorts of crimes.