Easter eggs and baskets. Family gatherings and holiday meals. The only thing to complete a perfect Easter celebration is a delicious dessert so hop on over to your favorite DQ® restaurant in Texas or call today to pre-order a DQ cake for the holiday. 

The legendary cake features Dairy Queen® signature soft serve with a variety of unique Easter designs. Vanilla or chocolate flavors are currently available in an 8-inch or 10-inch cake. Fans can pre-order a DQ Easter Cake from their favorite DQ restaurant in Texas up to 24 hours in advance of the desired pick-up date. 

The Easter Cake is available at participating DQ restaurants in Texas now through March 31.

For more than 75 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries, including the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas. 

The 14th Annual Symphony of Chefs was held on Monday, February 26 at Armstrong Fieldhouse at SMU. Event Chairs Beanie & Martin Newman, along with Honorary Chef Chairs Justin Box, Private Chef, Consultant and Restaurateur, and Luke Rogers, Executive Chef & Owner of Beckley 1115, were the driving forces behind this year’s ultimate chef-driven culinary dinner experience benefitting KidLinks. Notable supporters in attendance included Cristi & Kevin Ryan, Christie and Elbert Choi, Bonnie and Nathan Shea, Lisa and Stuart Sides, and Georgia and Marc Lyons. 

Hamilton A Sneed of HAS Events was the visionary behind this culinary concept, which had DJ Steffi Burns spinning tunes as guests entered through draped curtains, revealing tables placed throughout SMU’s practice course setting the scene for a lively evening of culinary composition. The evening kicked off with The Rayleigh Underground providing delicious hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail reception. The reception was followed by a seated dinner where over 20 of Dallas’ most notable chefs prepared a unique four-course dinner tableside for guests with wine pairings from some of the world’s best vineyards. 

In addition to Honorary Chef Chairs Justin Box and Luke Rogers, participating chefs included Aaron Collins, Chef de Cuisine of Cafe Momentum; Luca Corazzina, Executive Chef of Ellie’s Restaurant & Lounge; Eric Dreyer, Executive Chef of Monarch Restaurant; Miriam Jimenez, General Manager & Partner of Miriam Cocina Latina; Henry Johnson, Executive Chef of Bistro 3; Jennie Kelley, and Brandon Moore, Chef/Owners of Fond; John Kleifgen, Executive Chef of Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse; Dan Landsberg, Executive Chef of The Texas Barn at Circle T Ranch; Kevin Martin, Chef de Cuisine of TERRA; Giuliano Matarese, Chef & Restaurateur of Miss Pasta; Michael Matis, Chef de Cuisine of Fearing’s Restaurant; Nikky Phinyawatana, Chef & Founder of Asian Mint Restaurant Group; Janice Provost, Chef & Owner of Parigi; Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman, Executive Chef of José; Jeramie Robison, Director of Culinary & Executive Chef of Thompson Dallas; Rodman Shields, Culinary Director of Milkshake Concepts; Jordan Swim, Owner of Vestals Catering; and Leo Ramirez, Sous Chef of Dee Lincoln Prime. Following the coursed meal, Featured Pastry Chef Jill Bates of Sugar & Sage Bakery created masterful desserts as an end note to the evening. 

WFAA’s Rebecca Lopez served as the evening’s emcee and introduced Bob Enriquez, who shared how music therapy sessions provided by KidLinks had impacted his great-grandson, Lucas, who was born with Myotonic Dystrophy which affects the facial muscles making it difficult to form and pronounce words and consequently, he had been essentially non-verbal. Thanks to KidLinks, 8-year old Lucas is now speaking in complete sentences and his family has hope for continued development. Funds raised from this event will support KidLinks efforts to provide healing, hope and happiness for children with special challenges through music and media. Learn more at www.kidlinks.org

In a spirit of unity and cultural celebration, the Asian Culture And Education Society USA in Dallas, Texas recently marked the observance of both Black History Month and Lunar Chinese New Year with a series of heartwarming initiatives and festive events. The society's endeavors aimed not only to honor the diverse cultural heritage of its members but also to spread joy and inclusivity within the community.

As part of their celebrations, the Asian Culture And Education Society USA extended a hand of kindness to the special education children at a local elementary school. Members of the society prepared and distributed red envelopes filled with a delightful assortment of treats including pizzas, toys, goodies, and snacks, along with candies symbolizing the joy and prosperity associated with the Lunar Chinese New Year. This gesture of goodwill brought smiles to the faces of the children and demonstrated the society's commitment to fostering inclusivity and compassion.

The festivities culminated in an annual celebration party hosted by the Asian Culture And Education Society USA. The event served as a vibrant showcase of Asian culture and traditions, featuring a variety of performances and activities for the community to enjoy. Attendees were treated to mesmerizing displays of traditional music, dance, and theatrical performances, which highlighted the richness and diversity of Asian heritage. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a shared appreciation for cultural diversity.

Contact:

Jan XIe

President of  Asian Culture And Education Society USA

2148102718

janxie@acaesusa.org

Artist Tom Hoitsma, widely known for his large-format gestural abstract paintings, found inspiration for his new metal wall sculptures in the wreckage left by a devastating tornado, which tore through his Dallas neighborhood in October 2019. With 140 mile per hour winds, the super-charged tornado ripped through old Preston Hollow, including Hoitsma’s street, leaving a path of destruction and debris. 

While on a walk with his 12-year-old daughter the morning after the tornado, Hoitsma witnessed a couple standing in front of what was left of their home. The roof was gone and only a few exterior walls were still standing. The only structure left was an interior wall with a white door (the exterior walls to that room were gone) that the couple and their two daughters huddled against during the storm. They survived without a scratch, and Hoistma couldn't help noticing an odd, almost joyful euphoria about them. They had survived against the odds and were somehow given a chance to rebuild. 

“We have all seen images of this kind of destruction in the media but to walk the neighborhood the next morning and see the destruction with my own eyes was completely surreal and deeply disturbing,” Hoitsma said. “That moment got me thinking about how humans are so resilient. We see this again and again from every corner of the world. Events in our lives can destroy our neighborhoods or break our hearts, but somehow, we are not defeated.” 

From the debris left by the destruction, beauty was created. It became Hoitsma’s mission to take whatever mangled material he could find and create something new that was vibrant and beautiful. His abstract sculptures symbolize how our hearts get bumped, bruised and battered but remain full of hope and joy. The sculptures represent the change from tragic life events to finding joy once again, with use of the twisted metal to create the perfect metaphor.

“This work, born of the tragedy and loss, is an examination of how we are able to create joy from unimaginable heart break, and the unstoppable resiliency of the human spirit,” he added.   

The first few of the abstracted “heart shaped” metal wall sculptures were constructed from the debris found following the tornado, however, Hoitsma now uses his own metals that mimic the original scrap debris after realizing the limitations of the found metals. Constructed of aluminum and finished with automotive paint, they are 100 percent weatherproof and can be placed in any indoor or outdoor living area. Pricing and additional detail can be found here.

Hoitsma is also well known for his large-format gestural abstract paintings on canvas, which now are available by commission or through galleries where he is represented around the United States, including: Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver, Chicago, Florida, Massachusetts and New Jersey. In addition to his metal wall sculptures and paintings, Tom is experienced in documentary filmmaking and has produced a variety of award-winning music television series including the documentary series, “The Texas Music Scene,” which continues to air throughout the country. For more information, please visit https://tomhoitsma.com/.  

Winter provides a unique opportunity for Texas businesses to assess the integrity of their roofing structures. With the cessation of the intense Texan heat, the cooler months present an ideal window for a thorough inspection, enabling professionals to detect potential issues with greater ease and accuracy.

The reasoning is straightforward.

Prolonged exposure to summer’s harsh elements can exacerbate roofing vulnerabilities. Identifying these before severe weather sets in is crucial to maintaining the structure's longevity and functionality.

Unseen Winter Damage

Winter poses unique challenges for roofing systems beyond the immediately visible. Snow and ice, though uncommon in Texas, can conceal damage that compromises a roof's integrity in inconspicuous ways.

As temperatures fluctuate, Texas roofs can suffer from thermal cycling, expanding and contracting materials that may crack or loosen. This often-unnoticed wear and tear can lead to costly repairs if not identified and addressed promptly during a winter inspection.

Ignoring the subtle signs of winter damage is a risk no business should take. Undetected issues can swiftly lead to significant structural concerns.

Hidden Ice Impact

Texas winters, though mild, can still foster the formation of ice that wreaks havoc on commercial roofing systems silently and efficiently.

Ice dams can form at the edges of roofs, forcing water back under shingles, and compromising their integrity and the underlying structure.

Even small accumulations of ice create additional weight and can introduce water intrusion as they melt, capable of causing unseen damage that can be extensive over time.

Prompt detection and remediation of ice-related damage is essential in preventing prolonged and costly impairments to the roof structure.

Addressing Water Intrusion Early

Water intrusion can be insidious and damaging.

Unchecked, water intrusion weakens structural integrity incrementally. When moisture infiltrates a commercial roof, it may not be immediately apparent. However, the cumulative effects can be profound, necessitating extensive repairs or even premature replacement. Therefore, early detection and rectification are crucial to maintaining the lifespan of your roofing investment.

It's imperative to act before leaks spread.

Initial signs of water intrusion—stains, mold, or mildew—must be investigated without delay. Small breaches can rapidly expand, allowing more water ingress with each passing rainstorm or snowmelt. Acting swiftly diminishes the potential for expansive damage, preserving structural integrity and indoor air quality.

Resolve issues to prevent extensive costs down the line.

Timely intervention deters expensive and disruptive restoration efforts. By addressing water intrusion during its initial stages, businesses can minimize repair costs and avert the disruption to operations that major restorations often entail. As we commence the 2023 fiscal year, proactive measures can ensure your commercial property remains secure and fully operational.

Seasonal Maintenance Cycle

Embracing a seasonal maintenance cycle is a pivotal element in sustaining the integrity of your business's roof. Winter, in particular, presents a strategic window for inspection, as cooler temperatures and less intense Texas sunshine make the endeavor both safer and more productive. Post-summer examinations can reveal the cumulative wear from scorching heat and violent storms, providing a timely opportunity to address any damage before it worsens.

Inclusion of roof inspections within a consistent maintenance regimen ensures that vulnerabilities are not simply left to chance, analogous to a routine health check-up. There is merit in adopting this "preventative care" approach for structural elements of your enterprise. Rigorous inspections in winter can uncover issues that are less discernible in the hustle of busier seasons. By strategically timing these inspections, businesses position themselves to rectify emerging problems during a period that traditionally experiences a lull in commercial activity, thus minimizing operational disruptions.

Preparing for Spring Storms

Spring storms in Texas can be particularly severe, with threats ranging from torrential rains to hail and high winds. A winter roof inspection primes your business for these challenges.

• Conduct a thorough roof inspection to identify any potential vulnerabilities.

• Ensure all drainage systems are clear and fully functional.

• Repair or replace damaged shingles or roof membranes promptly.

• Secure loose equipment or materials that could become airborne in strong winds.

• Trim nearby tree limbs that could cause damage during a storm.

Proactive measures taken now can prevent costly damages when seasonal weather strikes.

Roof readiness is a safeguard against the unpredictability of spring storms, mitigating the risks to your business's operations and assets.

Optimal Conditions for Repairs

Roof repairs require specific conditions to ensure long-lasting efficacy and safety.

1. Lower Humidity: Cooler, dry weather allows materials to set properly without risk of moisture-caused complications.

2. Mild Temperatures: Bonding agents and sealants often need mild temperatures for optimal adhesion.

3. Reduced Storm Activity: Winter provides a window with fewer rainstorms, enabling uninterrupted repair work.

4. Material Compatibility: Certain roofing materials are best installed at specific temperature ranges to avoid brittleness or thermal expansion issues.

It's imperative to schedule repairs when the weather best accommodates roofing materials and methods.

A carefully timed repair in winter can prolong the life of your roofing system, ensuring durability against the elements.

Winter inspections enable issues to be addressed before they escalate, often without interrupting daily business functions. By identifying and resolving these concerns during a quieter season, businesses minimize the risk of having to conduct emergency repairs, which could necessitate unexpected operational downtimes and potentially compromise customer service and revenue streams.

Ensure continuity of operations with strategic timing.

Businesses keen on maintaining uninterrupted service find winter an opportune time to inspect and repair their roofs. The leaner workloads of roofing professionals during these months permit faster response times. Be proactive, secure peace of mind, and focus on your business’s core activities knowing your roofing needs are managed efficiently.

Tucker Roofing Systems is a leading provider of high-quality roofing solutions dedicated to excellence in craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. With over 60 years of experience, we specialize in installations, repairs, and replacements, serving both residential and commercial clients. Contact us at (972) 833-2271 to schedule a consultation.