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At least one in seven children in the United States have experienced some form of abuse or neglect in the past year, and an estimated 1,840 children have died from child abuse or neglect. To recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, EMPOWER, a nonprofit child welfare collaborative, is highlighting several ways to detect, prevent, and spread awareness about child abuse.

Four ways to help prevent child abuse are: 

  • Support prevention programs in your community. 

    • Intervention often occurs after abuse is reported. Greater investments are needed in programs that are proven to stop abuse before it has occurred, like counseling and home visits. 

  • Learn to identify signs of abuse.

    • Unexplained injuries are not the only signs of abuse. Other signs include depression, anxiety, fear of specific adults, difficulty trusting others or making friends, sudden changes in eating or sleeping patterns, inappropriate sexual behavior, poor hygiene, secrecy, and hostility. 

  • Invest in kids. 

    • Encourage leaders in your community to be supportive of children and families. This includes asking employers to provide family-friendly work environments and asking lawmakers to support legislations to better protect children. 

  • Wear blue for awareness.

    • Spread awareness for child abuse prevention by wearing blue. This is a simple act that anyone can do to help promote prevention and education.

“As a community, we must confront the harsh reality of child abuse,” says Senior Vice President of EMPOWER Randy Neff. “Our organization is committed to raising awareness and encouraging preventative measures to protect our children. We also hope that programs like the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program help older youth in the foster care system distinguish between healthy and toxic relationships and empower them to succeed in adulthood.”

To find local volunteer opportunities in Dallas, please visit https://www.dallascasa.org/about-dallas-casa/. For volunteer opportunities outside of Dallas, please visit https://texascasa.org/how-to-help/. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, please call 1-800-252-5400.  

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Treat the incredible women in your life to an unforgettable Mother’s Day Brunch experience at the Pyramid Restaurant in Fairmont Dallas from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Enjoy a gourmet three-course prix fixe menu, complemented by an elegant dessert station designed to satisfy every sweet tooth. Adults dine for $59 per person, while kids (up to 11 years) can enjoy a specially curated children’s menu and access to the desserts station for just $29.

Add a touch of sparkle to the celebration, with the build-your-own mimosa bar and featured rosé wine selections that promise to elevate the occasion. Live jazz music will set the perfect ambiance, and every mother will receive a complimentary rose as a token of appreciation. This is more than just a brunch – it’s a heartfelt celebration of the women who mean the most!

Reservations are recommended. Visit OpenTable to book your spots.

 

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH MENU

Small Plates (Choose one)

  • Red Gem Salad, with buttermilk, breakfast radish, fines herbs, and pepitas

  • Arugula Salad, with arugula vinaigrette, honey crisp apple, marcona almonds, and manchego

  • Roasted Beets, with local beets, Prosciutto di San Daniele, romaine crème fraiche, honeycomb, raspberry, and almonds

  • Pappa al Pomodoro, with San Marzano tomatoes, white beans, ciabatta, and arbequina olive oil

Large Plates (Choose one)

  • Quiche, with pancetta, kale, san marzano tomato, and pecorino romano

  • Shrimp and Grits, made with gulf shrimp, Jupiter Rice Grits, and L'Explorateur cheese

  • Shakshuka, with roasted cauliflower, feta, tomato confit, feta, and baked eggs

  • Miss Vicki’s Chicken and Trees. A childhood favorite from Executive Chef Adam’s mother, Vicki. Made with Rotisserie chicken, white cheddar Mornay, broccolini, Arborio rice, and poached egg.

  • Pupusa, with braised pork belly, fried egg, frisée, and house hot sauce

  • Braised Lamb Shank, with white bean cassoulet, duck confit, and caper gremolata

Desserts

  • Assorted cakes and pies in a buffet arrangement

Drinks

  • Build-your-own mimosa bar

  • Featured rosé wine

 

The Pyramid Restaurant is located in Fairmont Dallas at 1717 N Akard St.

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D-BOX Seats at Galaxy Theatres Grandscape

Galaxy Theatres Grandscape is now offering an unforgettable experience with its exclusive D-BOX motion seats installed just in time for summer blockbuster season. D-BOX is an immersive seating technology that uses haptic effects to synchronize over 65,000 motion, vibration, and texture sensations with on-screen action, creating a lifelike, premium movie experience. The action is brought right to your seat with every jump, punch, turn on screen, and bass drop in the score.

The theater features 18 D-BOX seats across one of its 15 screens. This cutting-edge technology pairs perfectly with the theater's advanced Sony 4K laser digital cinema projectors, delivering stunning clarity, brightness, color, and contrast for an exceptional picture quality.

D-BOX seating is revolutionizing the moviegoing experience and will bring films like Thunderbolts, Final Destination, and Mission: Impossible to a whole new level. For an additional $8 per ticket, guests can elevate their movie experience on a first-come, first-served basis when purchasing through Galaxy Theatres’ website and box office.

Experience nonstop thrills with the new action-packed film Sinners, now in theaters, featuring state-of-the-art seats that move with every action-packed scene.

Galaxy Theatres is located at 5740 Grandscape Blvd Ste. 100, The Colony, TX 75056. 

Visit their website at https://www.galaxytheatres.com/movie-theater/grandscape to reserve your tickets today. 

 

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Keynote speaker and author Ben Fountain addresses attendees at the Literary Lions Luncheon.

Friends of the Dallas Public Library, a nonprofit organization that supports Dallas Public Library, celebrated its 75th anniversary with a special Literary Lions Luncheon at the Arts District Mansion on April 9 to mark its ‘diamond’ anniversary and to honor the Dallas individuals and families who helped establish the organization in 1950. 

Taking place during National Library Week, the event featured keynote remarks from award-winning author Ben Fountain on the importance of libraries in our communities. FODPL Board Chair Ken Benson, Executive Director Mary Wilonsky, and Anniversary Co-Chairs Anne Besser and Nicole Paquette also shared their thanks for the nearly 300 library advocates in attendance and their ongoing support of the organization that works to bolster access to free, well-funded public libraries.

All proceeds benefited the 28 full-service library branches across Dallas, the children’s branch, Bookmarks at NorthPark Center, the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, and nearly 450 dedicated Dallas library staff members. Funds will also support various educational programs that Dallas Public Library offers.

For more information about the Friends of the Dallas Public Library, visit https://supportdpl.org/home-1. 

 

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It’s game on at Draft Sports Bar & Lounge, located inside the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, where the only thing better than the big screen is what’s on your plate. Draft just launched a brand-new menu that’s bringing bold flavor and local flair to every play!

NEW MENU

From pickle-brined TX Tendies to the Barbacoa Tacos topped with avocado crema to the Cowboy Chili Bowl served with sweet rooftop honey cornbread, Draft’s all-star lineup is as unforgettable as a last-second buzzer beater. Think gourmet bar bites, elevated classics, and knockout desserts, like the Banana Bread Pudding with rum caramel and vanilla gelato that might just put you in a food coma before halftime.

Thirsty? The drink menu is just as stacked — featuring Texas-brewed craft beers, boozy seltzers, and signature cocktails like the Smoke Show, a mezcal-tequila mashup with pomegranate and mango, or the Blood Orange Blitz, spicy and citrusy with no timeouts needed.

Local brews, a touch of Texas pride, and a menu that hits harder than a linebacker — this is not your average sports bar. It’s Draft, reimagined. Come for the game. Stay for the eats.

POWER PLAY HAPPY HOUR DEALS

Daily, 5pm - 6pm

Join us for the most remarkable happy hour in downtown Dallas. Cheer for your favorite sports team, or stop by before a concert at American Airlines Center for drinks and good eats! You are in for a treat. draft beer $6 – house wine/sangria $7 – margarita, old fashioned, house spirits $8

 

Draft Sports Bar & Lounge is located in the Sheraton Dallas Hotel at 400 Olive St. Open 7 days a week at 5pm. Open Sunday noon until 12am during football season.

Complimentary parking is available for up to 4 hours. Please bring your parking ticket (from the garage across the street) and present it to your server for validation.

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Sheraton Dallas is proud to welcome Miguel Neira as the new Executive Chef. With over 16 years in the hospitality industry, Neira will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s food operations, including the management of banquet facilities and four distinctive food and beverage outlets. Neira brings a passion for culinary innovation, leading an energized kitchen to develop unique, seasonal menus that are globally inspired while using only fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Born and raised in a small coastal town in Ecuador, Neira’s passion for food was ignited early in life. He learned the art of fishing and developed an appreciation for the unparalleled quality of fresh, ocean-sourced ingredients. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his culinary philosophy: food should be pure, fresh, and reflective of its origins.

Neira has traveled all over the world, immersing himself in a rich variety of culinary traditions. From the bold street food flavors of Cancun to the delicate pastries of France, his travels deepened his culinary understanding and expanded his palate. By blending the vibrant flavors of his Latin heritage with the refinement of international cuisines, he developed a unique culinary style that has shaped his career.

Neira began his culinary career with Marriott in 2007 as Restaurant Chef at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida. He held leadership roles in Cleveland, Chicago and Tampa, including Executive Banquet Chef at Sheraton Grand Chicago, excelling in large-scale events and high-volume operations. Since 2021, Neira has served as Executive Sous Chef at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, overseeing all culinary outlets, site inspections, and menu development to enhance the guest dining experience.

Neira’s expertise and innovative vision led him to his current role as Executive Chef at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, where he continues to lead with a commitment to sustainability, community, and the power of food to bring people together.

“We are proud to have Miguel join Sheraton Dallas as Executive Chef and are confident his culinary passion, extensive travels, and unique talent will provide amazing results to our dining outlets and banquet facilities,” said Frank Quant, Sheraton Dallas Hotel’s Director of Food and Beverage. “We look forward to sharing his expertise with our guests.”

 

Providing more than 230,000 square feet of versatile event space, Sheraton Dallas Hotel features the perfect backdrop for any type of gathering. Offering the latest in technology with a functional and updated style, the versatile venues accommodate events of all sizes, from motivational team meetings, training and annual conferences to intimate social gatherings and large galas. With customizable catering options designed to complement any event's tone and scale, Sheraton Dallas’ culinary team is dedicated to delivering memorable dining experiences tailored to every guest’s taste and dietary preferences.

With four food and beverage dining outlets – Open Palette, Draft Sports Bar & Lounge, Open Mkt. Grab ‘n Go, and The Parlor – Sheraton Dallas features world-class culinary experiences. Open Palette serves fresh, flavorful American classics inspired by the hotel’s Dallas roots. Open Mkt. Grab ‘n Go provides a wide selection of healthy foods and plenty of options for those on the go. Draft Sports Bar & Lounge is a 4,000 square foot world of sports nirvana that provides the ultimate entertainment experience with 25 televisions, local beers on tap, outstanding eats, craft cocktails and a complimentary karaoke room. Available to book for special events, The Parlor is an upscale lounge bar with a retro style designed specifically for intimate gatherings regardless of the occasion.

Sheraton Dallas is the largest hotel in Texas with 1,841 guest rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center with five Peloton bikes, an outdoor rooftop pool with stunning city views, and Club Lounge, in addition to the meeting and convention space and four dining outlets. Located right off the DART Pearl/Arts District station, Sheraton Dallas offers guests and employees a convenient location in the epicenter of Downtown Dallas. Dare to Discover Our Dallas.

For more information about the Sheraton Dallas or to book a stay, visit www.SheratonDallas.com.

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The Princess Bride© in Concert - Dallas Symphony O

Fencing, fighting, true love, revenge, miracles… and a full symphony orchestra! On April 25-27, Dallas Symphony Orchestra is proud to present The Princess Bride© in Concert, bringing Rob Reiner’s beloved classic to life in an unforgettable way. For the first time, composer Mark Knopfler’s iconic score is performed live-to-picture by a full symphony orchestra.

Relive the epic tale of Buttercup and Westley, dastardly villains, swashbuckling heroes, and miracle men played by an all-star cast – now with the added magic of a cinematic concert experience. With an all-star cast and narration by Peter Falk, this is a fairytale adventure the whole family will cherish.

“Missing it would be inconceivable!”

Tickets start at $52 and are available at dallassymphony.org.

 

Meyerson Symphony Center is located in Downtown Dallas at 2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201.

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Open Palette Courtyard View - Sheraton Dallas Larg

Sheraton Dallas presents a whimsical Easter Day Brunch at Open Palette on Sunday, April 20, from 10 AM to 2 PM. Enjoy stations of fresh seafood, made-to-order omelets, classic breakfast staples, and more in a bright, contemporary setting with live music. To make the day even more special, Open Palette is delighted to offer $1 mimosas for the adults and a fun Egg Hunt for the kids!

Easter Day Brunch is $72/adult, $30/child under 12, and free for kids under 4 years old. Reservations are available now on OpenTable.

Open Palette is located in Sheraton Dallas Hotel at 400 North Olive Street.

 

EASTER DAY BRUNCH BUFFET MENU

Local Cheese Table. Paired with Local Jam and Artisan Crackers.

Charcuterie Table. Paired with Whole Grain Mustard and Artisan Bread.

Seafood Station

  • Seafood Ceviche, with Tortilla Chips.

  • Crab Claws & Gulf Shrimp, with Lime Teqila Mignonette.

  • Shrimp & Lobster Salad, with Bread Rolls.

Salad Station

  • Baby Green, Chopped Romaine, Tomato, Cucumber, Olives, Pickled Onion, Parmesan Cheese, Crouton, Strawberry, Candied Pecan, Chopped Bacon, Carrot, Ranch Dressing, Caesar Dressing, Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Pasta Station

  • Pasta options include Macaroni, Penne, and Orecchiette.

  • Housemade sauce options: Alfredo-Carbonara, Smoked Vodka Sauce, Lobster Cream.

  • Toppings: Parmigiano Reggiano, Local Spring Mushrooms, Sweet Drops Peppers, Italian Sausage, Kalamata Olives, Smoked Pancetta, Spinach.

Breakfast Station

  • Applewood Smoked Bacon, Chorizo Potatoes, Pork Sausage, Chilaquiles, Sausage Gravy, Cheddar Biscuit.

Omelet Station

  • Cage-Free Fresh Egg, Egg White, Ham, Turkey, Sausage, Onions, Peppers, Spinach, Mushroom, Tomato, Cheese, Jalapeno, Salsa.

Carving Station

  • Roasted Garlic Prime Rib, with Au Jus.

  • Taco Station, with Pork Al Pastor and Barbacoa. Roasted Cauliflower, Pico de Gallo, Avocado Salsa, Jalapeño Aioli, Lime Cabbage.

Kids Station

  • Homemade Fried Chicken, Fish Sticks, Scramble Eggs, Buttermilk Pancakes.

Sweet Treats

  • Assorted Mini Pastries, Cakes, Fruit Tarts, Fruits.

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Turtle Creek Chorale presents its 45th season, 45 LIVE: The Best Moments Live Here, including new mainstage concerts and ensemble concerts, special guest appearances from widely recognized performers, and the fifth annual Rhapsody Gala. 

For 45 years, Turtle Creek Chorale has brought music to life, transforming moments into memories through the power of live performance. From its humble beginnings in 1980 to becoming a world renowned chorus, the Chorale has faced triumphs, endured challenges, and reached profound milestones, all guided by music. 

“Live performance is not only something you hear, but something you feel,” Turtle Creek Chorale Artistic Director Sean Baugh said. “The Chorale’s 45th season is a tribute to the transformative power of live music and shared experiences. By showing up, you are not just supporting the arts community, you are championing the values that bring us all together and welcoming all identities and backgrounds, especially our LGBTQ+ family.” 

Season 45 performances include: 

  • Disney PRIDE in Concert: This summer, Turtle Creek Chorale will perform iconic Disney songs alongside a 30 piece orchestra, celebrating themes of love, LGBTQ+ pride, and family ties. Disney PRIDE in Concert will honor Disney’s globally acclaimed musical legacy and provide Chorale members the opportunity to share their personal journeys and reflect on how this music has shaped their lives. Prepare to be enchanted by songs from The Lion King, Aladdin, Peter Pan, Cinderella, and more in two spectacular performances on June 26 and 27 at the Meyerson Symphony Center. 

  • Guys & Dolls: A tribute to the classic show in partnership with Lyric Stage, Guys & Dolls will be performed at Moody Performance Hall on August 15, 16, and 17. Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, Guys & Dolls ran for 1,200 performances when it opened on Broadway in 1950. It received nearly unanimous positive reviews from critics and won a bevy of awards, including Tony Awards, Drama Desks, and Oliviers. This production is licensed by Music Theatre International (MTI).

  • Groundless Ground: Alongside the Women’s Chorus of Dallas and a 30 piece orchestra, the Turtle Creek Chorale will perform a powerful concert that explores how to find strength, hope, and resilience when the world feels uncertain. Groundless Ground will honor women, the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, and immigrants, amplifying voices that deserve to be celebrated. To honor the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking work Sing for the Cure, the Chorale will showcase selections from this beloved piece alongside the powerful Unbreakable song cycle. Groundless Ground will be performed on Wednesday, September 17 at the Meyerson Symphony Center. 

  • Rhapsody: The fifth annual gala benefiting the Chorale’s mission to entertain, educate, unite and inspire will be held on Saturday, September 20, at The Statler Dallas and will feature a special guest performer to be announced this spring.

  • All is Calm: It was Christmas Eve in 1914 when British and German troops laid down their arms and gathered in song, drink, and warmth to celebrate the holiday. This event, now known as the “Christmas Truce,” continues to be a heartwarming and powerful story of shared humanity. This December, the Turtle Creek Chorale will not only  tell this story through the power of music but will also present songs that remind us that the holiday season is, above all, a time for peace, understanding, love, family, and friendship. All is Calm will be performed in a series of concerts on the Chorale’s second “Holiday Tour,” spreading peace and joy across the DFW Metroplex this holiday season. 

“It’s hard to believe that the 45th season of the Turtle Creek Chorale is here,” Turtle Creek Chorale Executive Director Dr. Dawson B. Taylor said. “I remember originally joining the Chorale as a singer just after celebrating its 25th anniversary. This season will be accustomed to all the laughter, tears, and chill bumps you have felt all these years at TCC shows, but we will be focused on the part that makes that possible — being together to enjoy the music, artistry and beauty of the Turtle Creek Chorale. Stay tuned for dates for our small ensemble feature show as well as the resurrected cabaret show.” 

Tickets for each concert will be available for purchase on TurtleCreekChorale.com during the months leading up to the performance. For the latest news on ticket sales, additional guest performer announcements, Rhapsody updates, and information about Turtle Creek Chorale’s community involvement, follow along on Instagram and Facebook @TurtleCreekChorale.

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Texas Family Initiative is hosting its fourth annual Swing into Action! Golf Tournament, which will benefit EMPOWER, and the North Texas children in foster care that EMPOWER serves, on Monday, May 5, at The Nelson Golf & Sports Club. 

Registration begins at 8 AM with a shotgun start at 9 AM. Following the golf tournament, there will be a Cookout on the Course at 1 PM and a Post Golf Awards Reception at 2 PM with contests and raffle prizes. The Nelson Golf & Sports Club is located at 4200 North MacArthur Blvd. 

Last year’s golf tournament raised more than $75,000 in donations to impact local children in foster care. 

EMPOWER is a nonprofit child welfare collaborative and the Community-Based Care contractor in the North Texas region of Metroplex East, led by Texas Family Initiative LLC and supported by local providers in North Texas including CK Family Services, Jonathan’s Place, Bair Foundation, Pathways Youth and Family Services that works together to serve some of our most vulnerable children and families.