Staff photo by Alana Harrison

A few members of the People Newspapers brass were driving around North Oak Cliff yesterday, conducting a little market research. One member of our traveling party, who does not have the best eyesight, told me to circle around because “I saw another one of those Polar Patrol signs.” I was intrigued; maybe this was a cute name for an air-conditioning repair man. As it turned out, the sign she read as “Polar Patrol” looked just like the one pictured here.

29 FRIDAY
Methodist Dallas Medical Center: Line dancing classes, 10 a.m.; conversational Spanish for beginners, noon; conversational Spanish (advanced), 1 p.m.
Creative Exchange Oil and Cotton: Paint party, 6:30 p.m.
Cliff Temple Baptist Church: Youth bowling field trip, 2 p.m.
Belmont Hotel: Walker and Adams, 8 p.m.
Kessler Theater: “Jazz at The Kessler” with Damon K. Clark, Yells At Eels, Le Not So Hot Club, 8 p.m.
Texas Theatre: Septien, premiere starring Rachel Korine and Robert Longstreet, 6 p.m. and 7:50 p.m.; After Hours with George Quartz, 10 p.m. — live tapping at the Texas Theatre

30 SATURDAY
Clairevista Vitality Club: Camp Motivator: “Recess for the Family,” 9 a.m.; kids of all ages are welcome.
Mighty Fine Arts: Christopher Blay: “Standard Model” — Myths for the Standard Model of Photography; through September 11; (Hours: Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., or by appointment)
Oak Cliff Bicycle Co.: Bicycle swap meet, 9 a.m., Sylvan Thirty
TeCo Theatrical Productions: Teen 10-Minute play competition auditions, 1 to 5 p.m.
Hampton-Illinois Library: Teatro Flor Candela presents “Strolling Musicians,” 2 p.m.
Friendship West Baptist Church: Second annual “Nappatricity Natural Hair Show,” 5 to 10 p.m.
Kessler Theater: El Gato, Bobgoblin, Chompsky, 8 p.m.
Texas Theatre: Septien, 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Night of the Comet (cult classic from 1984), 10 p.m.

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Pierrette Lacour is a bike-friendly Oak Cliff resident. (Photo by Allison Slomowitz)

When I was fact-checking this week’s Q&A with Pierrette Lacour, I was thrown by her answer to “What was the last song you sang along to?” It was “Les Copains d’abord” by Georges Brassens. If you’re wondering what that song sounds like, wonder no more.

(Pick up the July 29 edition of Oak Cliff People to read the rest of Pierrette’s answers.)

Of all the extravagant goods Norma’s been dishing up for more than 50 years, one lil’ menu item has been missing — the good, old-fashioned  chili dog. And this ain’t your average dog…four pieces of homemade buttered toast, topped with two to three hot dogs, smothered in chili, gooey cheese, onions, and don’t forget the jalopenos. Oh, and of course it comes with fries.

Tomorrow — July 29 — happens to be National Chili Dog Day. Go figure? Norma’s is celebrating in a big way with the debut of their chili dog variety. The first 50 guests who show their chili-dog Facebook post or Tweet will get their dog for only $2.99 — a 60 percent savings.

The discounted dog event event will take place at both Norma’s locales…the one in OC and the other in North Dallas off the Tollway at Trinity Mills. At the Trinity Mills location, you’ll even have the opportunity to rescue a “real” dog, as Operation Kindness and Texas Adopt a Greyhound Society will be on hand for the celebration.

Never thought I’d type these words, but CHEERS FOR NATIONAL CHILI DOG DAY!

John and Judy Woolems will celebrate 60 years of marriage on Aug. 4.  They were married in Houston on Aug. 4, 1951.  Shortly after, the couple moved to Dallas and were blessed with one daughter, one son-in-law, and two grandsons. Mr. and Mrs. Todd Doshier and Ryan and Tyler Doshier join the rest of the family and John and Judy’s many friends in congratulating this loving couple on their 60th anniversary.

Tom Battles Custom Picture Framing is coming to North Oak Cliff…set to open any day at 413 N. Tyler St. ( Tyler-Davis District).

“I have lived in Oak Cliff since 1985 and am really looking forward to bringing the biz to The Cliff,” Battles said in an announcement on his website (tombattlesframing.com).

Battles specializes in custom-framing just about anything…from old records to fishing gear to prints, photos, design pieces, and clothing. The framing itself is art.

Also on his website, Battles reported that he plans to have a “Second Saturday” each month, replete with a variety of events, TBD. The grand opening is currently scheduled for August 13, but check Battles’ website for updates.

New phone: 214-744-6200; call for an appointment, but walk-ins are always welcome.