Recently, the Celebration Restaurant Farmer’s Market was shut down by the City of Dallas for lacking the proper permitting.  And according to, Ahsan Khan, manager of the food protection division, they intend to ‘root out’ other similar local Farmers’ Markets, like this one. 

The problem is this City Staff is supposed to be our servants.  They’re paid, by us, to benefit the public.  Often, they do this well.  But these Farmers’ Markets have been very popular, and the City Staff now finds itself in direct opposition to what the public seemingly wants.  It’s not feasible nor practicable for these markets to meet the permitting requirements, that were drawn up with nothing like them in mind. 

The claim is that they are protecting our food from a ‘strong possibility’ of cross-contamination and from wide-spread outbreaks of bacteria, etc.  Protection? Who defines ‘protection’, and when we need it?  Strong Possibility? Honestly?  How many small local farmers’ markets has this been a problem for?  And where do we draw the line on how much protection we need?  Can the city shut down my neighborhood backyard barbeque because I left my ketchup in an ice cooler as opposed to mechanical refrigeration.

Of course we want these markets to be safe!  Our business depends on that.  But at these markets, the owner and farmers are there…  they are present.  This isn’t McDonald’s or Tom Thumb, where the person serving you has no clue about the food they’re selling.  If you want to know how the farmer’s eggs have been stored, then ask him, or watch what he pulls them out of.  If you are not comfortable with his answer, then don’t buy it. 

Further information on the subject:

Celebration Market Info and Petition

Dallas Shutters Rogue Farmers’ Markets

Dallas News Article

Enough of my ranting… Here’s the letter, followed by short list of City Councilpeople,  please take some action with us:

Save a Local Farmers’ Market & Save a Local Small Business!

As small business owners in the City of Dallas, local farmers’ markets have provided us with an economical means of reaching potential customers in a very volatile business climate. As traditional methods of selling decline, local farmers’ markets have paved new avenues and bestowed a closer connection to customers. Going beyond the one-on-one with consumers, shopping at local farmers’ market benefits local businesses and strengthens our local communities. When you buy produce and products directly from a farmer or vendor, they benefit by cutting out cost like transportation and middle-men. These cost savings are reinvested in our local economy.

But now, local farmers’ markets are in danger of being shut down in the City of Dallas, as our antiquated permitting process has not caught up with the way we live today…locally. Please contact your City Council member and ask them to “quickly develop a permitting process to save our local farmers’ markets” and help save local small businesses.

Thank you for your support.

Clyde Greenhouse

Kessler Cookie Company

Shannon Neffendorf

Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters

District 1 – Councilwoman Delia Jasso  (214) 670-4052

District 3 – Councilman David A. Neumann (214) 670-0776

District 14 – Councilwoman Angela Hunt (214) 670-5415

District 2 – Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Pauline Medrano (214) 670-4048

District 13 – Councilwoman Ann Margolin (214) 670-3816

Type of Business:  Vitalistic Chiropractor and Holistic Living Coach

Business Structure: Independent

Name of Business Owner(s):  Dr. Brandon Huddleston, DC

No. of Locations: 1

Year Established: 2008

Physical or On-line Address:  418-B N. Tyler St. 75208

Business Phone #: 214.948.0015  www.growthlifestudio.com

What is your business and what is it about? 

We are a chiropractic studio focused on empowering people to live healthy lives to fullest.  We realize that health and healing comes from the inside and you access this through your nervous system.  You can’t fight the darkness you turn on light, you can’t fight sickness and disease you turn on life.  At Growth we take a different perspective, by not focusing on what necessarily wrong with you, but leading you to create health, balance, and vitality.  When health is present, disease, symptoms, and sickness naturally go away.

How did the business begin? 

After getting out of school and working for other Doctors I got really frustrated on how people were using fear to motivate people.  I sensed that people were seeking our services and knowledge based on the fear of what bad would happen if they didn’t do anything as opposed to what good could happen by seeking change, balance, and growth in all phases of there lives.  So like always in life at about the point I was pushed back into the wall, I stumbled onto Oak Cliff, doors started opening, so I just road the wave.

Tell us about the owner. 

I have been living in Oak Cliff for about 2 years now and recently moved into Kessler Plaza. 

Why did you choosed to live or to locate your business in Oak Cliff? 

After moving to Dallas I really started to miss my roots. Growing up in a small farming community and attending college in a liberal, artsy, and community based town I initially got the sense that Dallas wasn’t for me.  That is until I stumbled onto Oak Cliff, the support of art, local independent business, the homes, trees, and just how proud people were of their community allowed me to confidently set roots.

Tell us about your customer base? 

Newborns to Grandparents, people who are extremely healthy and those who strive to find it.  Regardless of the name the of the condition (Neck/back pain, shoulder pain, ADHD, asthma, allergies, depression, sleep issues, ear infections, colic, etc, etc) I have seen people move beyond by gaining 100% access within the nervous system and creating balance in their external environment.

Tell us about your involvement in the Oak Cliff Community?   

I eat, play, workout, and socialize here in the Cliff.  I speak regularly at business and organizations covering topics regarding holistic living, wellness, the power of thinking, and children’s health as well as donating my services to the less fortunate.

Why would you consider yourself a local business in Oak Cliff? 

90% of my clients live right here in Oak Cliff.  All of my time and resources are spent here trying to make Oak Cliff the best that it can possibly be, so most defiantly YES.

Merchant or Business Name: Kessler Simple Solutions

Type of Business: Professional Organizing

Business Structure: Owner Operated

Name of Business Owner(s)/Operator(s): Karen Chappell and Heidi Maggio

No. of Locations (In Oak Cliff vs. Outside Oak Cliff): 1 of 1

Year Established: 2008

Physical or On-line Address: www.kesslersimplesolutions.com

Business Phone #: (214)941-7183

What is your business and what is it about?

Kessler Simple Solutions offers ways to simplify life so our clients have more time and money to use in ways more meaningful to their daily lives.  Whether it is de-cluttering, rearranging or organizing, we coordinate with the client to set up personalized systems to enhance any space.

How did the business begin?

We started the business out of a love for order. 

Who owns the business?  Who runs the day-to-day operations?  Tell us about your employees.

We are owned and operated by Karen Chappell and Heidi Maggio, who live in Oak Cliff. 

Tell us about your customer base? 

Kessler Simple Solutions customer base is anyone who feels overwhelmed, frustrated, or befuddled when it comes to being and staying organized in their homes or place of business.  Baby boomers, seniors, new parents, teenagers, and empty nesters all have specific needs which we address with our services and expertise.

Do you live in Oak Cliff?  Why did you choose to locate in Oak Cliff?

We both live in Oak Cliff, on the same street as a matter of fact.  We love the diversity, culture and atmosphere of Oak Cliff.

Tell us about your involvement in the Oak Cliff Community? 

We have been involved in Oak Cliff community organizations for over fifteen years as result of raising our children here.  We were both stay-home moms and volunteered our time at our children’s schools and worked with various groups to improve the education and well being of Oak Cliff children.

Why would you consider yourself a local business in Oak Cliff?

We are local because Oak Cliff is where we live and have raised our children. 

Any other information you would like to give about your business?

Check out our website at www.kesslersimplesolutions.com to see how we can help you.

Type of Business: Printing Services & Promotional Products

Business Structure: Owner Operated

Name of Business Owner/Operator: Becky Moffett

No. of Locations (In Oak Cliff vs. Outside Oak Cliff):  1 of 1

Year Established:1998

Physical or On-line Address:  www.qualigraphics.com

Business Phone #:  (214) 942-3031

 What is your business and what is it about?

Qualigraphics is a full service print and design company.  We make the job easier by working directly with our customers from start to finish.  We can design artwork for logos, websites, newsletters and brochures and then print the job. We also provide promotional products such as wearables and executive gifts with your branding on them.

How did the business begin? 

I have worked in the industry since graduating from college.   I felt the call of the entrepreneural spirit and decided to try it on my own.  I have never looked back.

Who owns the business?  Who runs the day-to-day operations?  Tell us about your employees.

I am the owner.   We have a sales person in the Houston area.   My twin sister, who lives in Austin, does the design work.  Ashley Shultz, another Oak Cliff resident helps me run the daily operations.

Tell us about your customer base? 

The majority of our customers are based in Texas and many are from the Oak Cliff area.  We advertise by word of mouth so we have found many customers through the neighborhood, especially through organizations like RECPTA and from the Kessler School.

Do you live in Oak Cliff?  Why did you choose to locate in Oak Cliff?

I live in the area and run the business from my home office.  

Tell us about your involvement in the Oak Cliff Community?

I have two young children so I am very involved in the community of young neighborhood families.  I am currently the president of RECPTA and have been involved in the organization since 2003. 

Why would you consider yourself a local business in Oak Cliff?

Qualigraphics is local because Oak Cliff is where I live, work and play.

Type of Business:  Supported yoga practices –both public and private 

Business Structure: Independently Owned

Name of Business Owner(s)/Operator(s): Jeff Chandler

No. Of Locations: 1

Year Established: 2000

On-line Address:  www.salambayoga.net

Business Phone #: cell: 214-334-8602 (Jeff)

What is your business and what is it about?

Yoga practice and instruction is what SalambaYoa is about. In Sanskrit, Salamba means “supported.”  It is Jeff’s belief that yoga can support everyone, regardless of age and skill level. The classes are multilevel, with the beginner yoga student in mind. The focus at SalambaYoga is two-fold,  first to learn proper alignment and symmetry of a pose then sequence of poses. Emphasis is on building strength and self-confidence by standing, balancing, forward bends, twists and backbends.  Second, to have a complete practice or just to spend some of the healthier moments of your life I offer restorative classes with breath work to deepen the understanding of yoga’s healing powers.

How did the business begin?

After teaching Yoga at Kessler Park United Methodist Church for over 8 years, I finally took advice from clients and friends.  I opened a studio.

Tell us about the owners.  Tell us about your employees.

I grew up in Oak Cliff, all the way from Rosemont to Sunset and then back after college.  Chandlers have raised three generations here, attend Kessler Park United Methodist Church and support several charitable offerings with my services. No employees.

Why did you choose to live or to locate your business in Oak Cliff?

Oak Cliff is the best part of Dallas. That being said you can also raise children and make good, long-lasting friendships.  Oak Cliff is a special place—beautiful homes, involved neighbors, organized and active neighborhoods, rolling terrain with mature trees, great places to eat, etc.  We are on the edge and something new and exciting is always just around the corner. 

Tell us about your customer base?

Whether I see you at 6AM for Sun Salutations or 10AM for Gentle Yoga at KPUMC, or even in your home, most of my clients are right here in the Cliff.

Tell us about your involvement in the Oak Cliff Community?

As our kids grew up I provided support to the scouting programs at Rosemont as a Cubmaster and a Troop 5 Scoutmaster. Belonging to Kessler Park United Methodist Church I have been blessed to head up the Hillcrest House mission—a home for people with AIDS here in our neighborhood. Through the support of my generous and kind neighbors I successfully found funding for the Labyrinth at Kessler Park UMC. If you would like to honor or remember someone with a commemorative brick in the labyrinth, please call me 214-334-8602.

Why would you consider yourself a local business in Oak Cliff?

Living and working here in Kessler Park pretty well establishes me as a Oak Cliff provider. I do cross the river to earn a living twice a week but I come right back.

Any other information you would like to give about your business?

At SalambaYoga your first class is free, come give us a try. Equipment is provided.

Type of Business: On-Site & Studio Massage

Business Structure: Independently Owned

Name of Business Owner(s): Jeff Chandler

Name of Day-to-Day Operator(s): Jeff & Lydia Chandler

No. Of Locations: 1

Year Established: 1996

Physical or On-line Address: www.piw-wellness.com

Business Phone #: office: 214.948.9355 (Lydia) cell: 214-334-8602 (Jeff)

What is your business and what is it about?

Partners In Wellness is an on-site wellness provider supplying massage, movement and meditation to the workplace.

How did the business begin?

Tiring of the rat race in advertising and graphics, Jeff had a mini-mid-life crisis then a vision that massage was in his future. Lydia has always been an entrepreneur at heart and is a natural with potential and existing clients–they all love her.

Tell us about the owners. Tell us about your employees.

Lydia was raised in Oak Cliff then returned to raise her children here in Kessler Park and Steven’s Park.
Having grown up in Oak Cliff, all the way from Rosemont to Sunset then back after college, I alongside Kathi raised our family here and attend Kessler Park United Methodist Church.
I use a staff of Licensed Massage Therapists from the DFW area.

Why did you choose to live or to locate your business in Oak Cliff?

Oak Cliff is the best part of Dallas. That being said you can also raise children and make good, long-lasting friendships. Oak Cliff is a special place—beautiful homes, involved neighbors, organized and active neighborhoods, rolling terrain with mature trees, great places to eat, etc. We are on the edge and something new and exciting is always just around the corner.

Tell us about your customer base?

On-site massage combined with office stretch programs enhanced with restorative moments through meditative practices is why corporations for over a decade have invited PIW into their workplaces to provide on-site wellness programming.
I personally provide individuals massage in my studio at 1010 North Windomere.

Tell us about your involvement in the Oak Cliff Community?

Both Lydia and I belong to Kessler Park United Methodist Church. As the kids grew up I
provided support to the scouting programs at Rosemont as a Cubmaster and a Troop 5 Scoutmaster. Belonging to Kessler Park United Methodist Church I have been blessed to head up the Hillcrest House mission—a home for people with AIDS here in our neighborhood. Through the support of my generous and kind neighbors I successfully found funding for the Labyrinth at Kessler Park UMC. If you would like to honor or remember someone with a commemorative brick in the labyrinth, please call me 214-334-8602.

Why would you consider yourself a local business in Oak Cliff?
The business was started here. Living and working here pretty well establishes me as a Oak Cliff provider. I do cross the river to earn a living twice a week but I come right back.
Plus, many clients live in this neighborhood and many massages have been given right here in my Kessler Park studio.

Any other information you would like to give about your business?

Don’t assume anything, if you have a question just call us, 214-948-9355 or 214-334-8602.

Type of Business: Pediatric Medicine

Business Structure: Independent

Name of Business Owner(s): Sarah Helfand, MD and Donza Rogers, MD

Name of Day-to-Day Operator(s):  Drs. Helfand, Rogers and Longshaw, Nurse Ruth, Angel (medical assistant), Sylvia (office manager), and Dianna (receptionist)

No. of Locations: 1

Year Established: Originally established in 1989 as Sarah L. Helfand, MD, but added Dr. Rogers in 2009.

 Physical or On-line Address: 221 W. Colorado Blvd., Pavilion I, Suite 216

Business Phone #: 214-941-6691 

What is your business and what is it about?

Our business in pediatric medicine, in other words, we take care of kids.

How did the business begin?

Dr. Helfand originally acquired the practice from Ben Denny, MD.  Part of the deal was that Ruth stay with Dr. Helfand.  Ruth has calmed the fears of new moms for over 30 years and she is the best.

Tell us about the owners.  Tell us about your employees.   

Sarah Helfand, MD lives in East Kessler, is married to Mike, and has one son, Jonathan.  Donza Rogers, MD lives in Uptown and is single.  Prior to joining the practice, she was a hospitalist at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. 

Why did you choose to live or to locate your business in  Oak Cliff? 

The location is perfect in that it is right in the center of Dallas.  Oak Cliff is wonderful in that the population is very diverse.  Of course, for Dr. Helfand, this is home – she grew up in Oak Cliff.

Tell us about your customer base? 

We see kids from birth until they go off to college.

Tell us about your involvement in the Oak Cliff Community?  

Dr. Helfand attends Kessler Community Church.  Dr. Rogers attends Concord Baptist Church. 

Why would you consider yourself a local business in Oak Cliff? 

Our business location is in Oak Cliff and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Any other information you would like to give about your business? 

Our web site just went live and it is www.kesslerpediatrics.com.

Digital Marketing  |  Websites  |  Interactive  |  Branding

Business Name: Mind Aim

Business Structure: Limted Liability Corporation

Name of Business Owner(s): Lance Schlegel

Name of Day-to-Day Operator(s): Lance Schlegel, Digital Marketing Stratigist / President

No. of Locations: 1 fulltime and a network of skilled partners

Year Established: 2001

Website Address: mindaim.com

Business Phone No.: 214-841-0000 (Yes, that’s right four zeros.)

What is your business and what is it about?

Mind Aim is a digital marketing, brand-centric, design strategy agency and consultancy. We make your websites, interactive endeavors, and applications more intuitive, work better, and integrate more effectively across all media communication.

How did the business begin?

Having started my first business at 19 years old, I have always wanted to work for myself (I guess that’s called the entrepreneurial spirit.) In 2001, I started this business in the natural progression of my career. At that point, I knew inherently that “it was time” to do it.

Tell us about your customer base?

Mind Aim’s clients vary from technology and industrial to education and small business. Every business, large and small, can utilize digital marketing principles to increase revenue.

Do you live in Oak Cliff?

Yes. I live in West Kessler. I’ve lived here for nearly six years.

Why did you choose to locate in Oak Cliff?

While I was in college at UT Arlington, I worked at NationsBank (now Bank of America) at Zang and 12th St. in Oak Cliff for two years. While working there, I got to know a lot of the local merchants so I knew that the community was very supportive of its businesses. It’s also during that time that I got hooked on Oak Cliff.

Tell us about your involvement in the Oak Cliff Community?

Member of the West Kessler Neighborhood Association. I’m always on the look out for rezoning and development activity. I’m never shy to speak up and take part.

Putting more than ideas in people’s heads.™

Type of Business:  Landscape design, installation, and full-service maintenance

Business Structure:  Independent

Name of Business Owner(s)/Operator(s): Meredyth Petree

No. of Locations: 1

Year Established: 1999                                                 

Physical or On-line Address:2045 Marydale Dr., Dallas, TX 75208; www.ptreegardenconcepts.com     

Business Phone #: 214-942-5111 office, 214-534-8052 cell 

What is your business and what is it about?

P-Tree Garden Concepts provides landscape services from conception, to installation, to full-service maintenance.  We pride ourselves on providing quality service.  As a Texas Certified Nursery Professional and a member of TNLA, continued education is maintained within the industry.

How did the business begin?

 I recognized the need for an educated, trained, landscape professional, who a homeowner could communicate their wants and needs to. A company that would provide continued service without disruption and a maintained focus on quality service.

Tell us about the owners.  Tell us about your employees.

P-Tree Garden Concepts is owned and operated by Meredyth Petree with the assistance of an average of two full-time laborers. Meredyth Petree has over 20 years experience in the landscape field and maintains a strong association with other landscape professionals with specific talents that compliment our services. We are located in Stevens Park Estates.

Tell us about your customer base? 

Our base areas of service include North Oak Cliff as well as Park Cities. We travel outside these areas for installation services as needed.

Do you live in Oak Cliff?  Why did you choose to locate in Oak Cliff?

Yes, I do live in Oak Cliff. I greatly appreciate the diversity of the neighborhoods and the personality of its residents.

Tell us about your involvement in the Oak Cliff Community?

Meredyth has worked as the beautification chair in past years for Stevens Park Estates. She has also worked with Rosemont Elementary on providing much needed tools for the children to use in the community garden.  We are continuing our efforts to beautify our neighborhood.

Why would you consider yourself a local business in Oak Cliff?

P-Tree Garden Concepts was conceived in North Oak Cliff and maintains residence in Stevens Park Estates.

Any other information you would like to give about your business?

We wanted to be able to provide the options for clients to phase in landscape improvement projects that fit their budget. We do not consider a job “too small”. Our main interest is to improve our environment one garden at a time.

Type of Business: Organic Produce and Dry Goods Co-op including organic, local, farm fresh eggs and raw cow and goat milk 

Business Structure:   A host location of ‘Your Health Source ’  

Name of Business Owner(s):  Hosted by Sarrah Bolin, owned by Monica Brown                                               

Name of Day-to-Day Operator(s): Sarrah Bolin

No. of Locations: One in North Oak Cliff  – Saturdays (another location in Elmwood – Tuesdays) – approximately 50 locations throughout North Texas               

Year Established: 2008   

Physical or On-line Address: 2427 Marvin Ave, Dallas, TX 75211; www.yourhealthsource.org  

Business Phone #: 214-991-8337; kesslercoop@gmail.com                                                 

 What is your business and what is it about? 

I provide organic fruits and vegetables and other organic goods out of my home through a co-op.  This means that we all go in together to buy in bulk and we don’t have the overhead of a supermarket.  This keeps prices lower than what is typically seen in grocery stores.

How did the business begin? 

It began when my family decided to take charge of our health in 2008.  We were spending a lot of money on organic food and decided that there had to be a better and less expensive way to eat healthy than to cross the river weekly and buy expensive yet healthy foods at the nearest health food market.  Almost anything that I can buy at a health food market, I can buy through the co-op.  I knew that if I was in need of such a service that others in Oak Cliff were, too.

Who owns the business?  What neighborhood or city does the owner(s) live?  Who runs the day-to-day operations?  Tell us about your employees. 

Monica Brown lives in Bedford, TX and she owns the business.  I am solely in charge of our Kessler Plaza, Oak Cliff location.  I coordinate with Monica and all of our co-op members.  My husband helps me sort the produce for our members on delivery days.

 Tell us about your customer base?   

Our co-op members are mostly people who live in Oak Cliff.  They are people who want organic products at a good price and don’t want to travel across the river for quality produce and other organic goods.

 Do you live in Oak Cliff?  Why did you choose to locate in Oak Cliff? 

My family lives in Oak Cliff and we run the co-op out of our house.  My husband’s family has lived in Oak Cliff since his parents were children.  His grandmother still lives in the house that she raised her children in.  It’s the only place in Dallas that we could consider home.

Tell us about your involvement in the Oak Cliff Community? 

In addition to running the Kessler Co-op, I am a member of the Rosemont Elementary PTA, my son attends the Kessler United Methodist Church’s Parents Day Out Program, I am a founding member and host of RAW Oak Cliff and I host my street’s wine night.  My husband and I are passionate about seeing Oak Cliff flourish.

Why would you consider yourself a local business in Oak Cliff? 

I run the business out of my home in Oak Cliff.

Any other information you would like to give about your business?

I started the Kessler Co-op to provide quality produce to the Oak Cliff community.  I am passionate about healthy people and a healthy environment.  They go hand in hand.  If we are eating organically, we are saying no to harmful pesticides going into the earth and into our bodies.  We are just now seeing the long term effects of cumulative environmental toxins to our bodies and it isn’t pretty.  If we can buy these products here in Oak Cliff, it means less time in our cars and less gas being used.  It is also a great way to meet other people of Oak Cliff during the pick up times.  Community is vital to good health.  I consider myself to be very health conscious and am studying to be a Holistic Health Practitioner.  I am a vegetarian and provide healthy, vegetarian meals daily for my family.  It is my goal to share my knowledge and help as many people as possible choose health for them and their families as well.