Dust off your bibs and roll up your sleeves because Aw Shucks is back with their highly anticipated 11th Annual Crawfish Boil on Saturday, April 27th! Located at 1630 S. Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville, TX 75067, the festivities kick off at 11 AM and continue until 5 PM, promising a day filled with delectable Cajun crawfish, lively entertainment, and plenty of fun for the whole family.

Join hundreds of dedicated crawfish enthusiasts as they converge upon Aw Shucks for a parking lot party like no other. Indulge in ALL YOU CAN EAT CRAWFISH with sausage, corn, and potatoes for just $49.95, ensuring you never go home hungry. Feast on these savory crustaceans prepared to perfection, Cajun-style, right before your eyes.

But the fun doesn't stop there! Aw Shucks is pulling out all the stops with an array of exciting activities and entertainment. Sip on refreshing drinks while enjoying live music from The Big Daddy Band, who will be rocking the stage from Noon to 4:00 PM. Sing along, dance, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this annual tradition.

Feeling lucky? There are several opportunities to win fantastic prizes and gift cards, including strutting your stuff in the crawfish T-Shirt contest for a shot at fame and glory.

For those craving additional fare, Aw Shucks has you covered with mouthwatering options available inside the restaurant, including fried shrimp with fries, hush puppies and coleslaw, catfish filets with fries, hush puppies and coleslaw, blackened tilapia tacos with rice, chicken strips with house-made ranch, and tantalizing desserts like Key Lime Pie.

Quench your thirst with a variety of drink specials, including frozen margaritas for $9, draft beer and bottled beer for $7, buckets of beer for $30, pitchers of beer for $20, boozy Jello shots for $3, and sodas and water for $2.

Don't miss the ultimate crawfish extravaganza at Aw Shucks! Bring your appetite, your dancing shoes, and your competitive spirit for a day of unforgettable fun.

Celebrating 40 years, Aw Shucks and Big Shucks Oyster Bar have been the best places in North Texas to get raw oysters, shrimp, catfish, crab legs, po'boy boy sandwiches, a nice cold beer, and tasty crawfish when in season. With its eclectic seafood shack atmosphere, guests are guaranteed to have the best shuckin’ time. A division of Peterson Management Group, a family-owned and operated restaurant management company, there are five locations in North Texas. For more information on Aw Shucks and Big Shucks, visit awshucksdallas.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and promotions. #shucksdallas

ABOUT PETERSON MANAGEMENT GROUP

Peterson Management Group is a family-owned and operated restaurant management company with 12 restaurants located across North Texas. Founded by Bob Peterson and Scott Holyfield, two guys with larger-than-life personalities, it all started in 1983 with eclectic seafood shack restaurants, Aw Shucks and Big Shucks Oyster Bar. They are the best places in North Texas to get raw oysters, shrimp, catfish, crab legs, po'boy boy sandwiches, a nice cold beer, and some tasty crawfish when in season. In addition to Aw Shucks and Big Shucks, Peterson Management Group opened Blue Goose Cantina in 1984, where fantastic made-from-scratch Mexican food, legendary drinks, top-notch service, a fun atmosphere and a kick-ass attitude come together. The restaurant chain has repeatedly been voted the best in North Texas for its winning combination of food, fun, and signature margaritas. Today, Nick Peterson, son of Bob, leads the family business, serving as its CEO.

Dallas Piano Academy has been selected as one of seven finalists for the prestigious National Music School of the Year Award. The award is presented annually by the Music Academy Success System, an international association of music academy owners.

"We are honored to be recognized as a finalist for the National Music School of the Year Award," said Lisa Emmick, owner and founder of Dallas Piano Academy. "This opportunity not only showcases the Academy’s achievements but also highlights its commitment to continuous improvement."

As a finalist, Mrs. Emmick will travel to Las Vegas to deliver a presentation to music studio owners from around the world, with the final winner to be selected during the event.

Dallas Piano Academy offers a comprehensive range of music lessons including piano, voice, guitar, and more for students of all ages and levels.

"Our goal is to provide the best possible music education for every student who walks through our doors," added Mrs. Emmick. "We believe in nurturing each individual's talents and fostering a positive learning environment where self-confidence can thrive."

Located in Northeast Dallas and convenient to Lakewood, Lake Highlands, and the entire White Rock Lake area, Dallas Piano Academy welcomes students from all backgrounds. Whether a beginner or an advanced musician, a child or an adult, the Academy is committed to helping students accomplish their musical goals and develop a lifelong love of music.

For more information about Dallas Piano Academy and its programs, visit dallaspianoacademy.com or contact 214.343.4804.

Calling all food fanatics! Gear up to tantalize your taste buds at the 2024 Dallas Food Fest, happening on Saturday, April 13th from 2-10 pm at Dallas City Hall!

This culinary adventure features a dazzling display of Dallas' finest restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and eateries. Over 8 hours, you can embark on a delicious journey, savoring a variety of cuisines and soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Highlights to whet your appetite:

• A feast for the senses: Indulge in a smorgasbord of delicious food, from classic Texan BBQ to international flavors.
• Live music: Set the mood with toe-tapping tunes from some of Texas' best bands.
• Family-friendly fun: Games, contests, picture booths, and a mechanical bull will keep everyone entertained.
• Enter to win prizes: Get lucky in giveaways and take home exciting food-themed goodies.

Fuel Your Fun:

General admission tickets are just $6, granting you access to this delectable extravaganza. Kids 8 and under get in free!  CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Tips for a Smooth Festival Experience:

• Bring chairs for comfortable seating.
• Pets are not allowed.
• Parking is available nearby.
• Cash is accepted, but most vendors will take card payments.
• Tickets can be scanned conveniently from your phone.

Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate all things food!

Interested in becoming a vendor? Contact Great State Events at GreatStateEvents@gmail.com for details.

AWARE: Fighting Alzheimer’s Disease Since 1989

Angie Carpenter, Kamilia Smith, MD and Lacey Young, chairs of AWARE Affair 2024: Boots, Buckles and Brain Health – a Night Fighting Alzheimer’s – invite everyone to join us on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Gilley’s Dallas for a night of fun, delicious buffet, a live band, lots of fun brain health activities, silent and live auction, and a meaningful evening with friends and family while raising money for AWARE.
        
Karen Koop, president of AWARE and the chairs welcome honorary chairs emeritus Sally and Forrest Hoglund, Lee Roy and Biddie Jordan, Kim and David McDavid, Jr., Venise and Larry Stuart, Ellen Terry with her daughter, Amy Terry Kriegel and son, Todd Terry.
        
Sharon Walker will receive the Founder’s Spirit Award and Barbara Mathes will receive the Amy Osler Spirit of Education Leadership Award.
        
Sharon became familiar with AWARE when her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. An avid supporter, she has served on the Fundraising Committee for years, as well as the Grant Review committee, and is a past president. She is involved in many nonprofits and an active community volunteer, having served on many boards and nominating committees. She said, “I am humbled to receive this award and very proud of the accomplishments of the AWARE group, which is dedicated to keeping the funds raised in our community and continues to achieve their goals in the fight against Alzheimer’s and in support of those suffering from this horrible disease and their families, caregivers, research and Grant Recipients.” 
        
Barbara’s involvement in AWARE started 11-12 years ago after the death of a dear friend who suffered from advanced dementia. She started out volunteering on an ad hoc basis; whatever needed to be done she was up for the task.  Barbara has served on the AWARE board for several years as Directory/Yearbook and Name Tag Chair as well as proofreader. She also supported past presidents and program chairs in the set-up, production and mailing of member meeting and other event announcements. Barbara also volunteered at Casa De Vida, one of AWARE’s grant recipients, as a one-on-one companion for individuals with Alzheimer’s to help give relief to full-time care givers. She feels honored and grateful to receive this award. It has been her privilege to be a contributing part of AWARE’s dedication to fighting the relentless Alzheimer’s disease.
        
Individual tickets are $375. Premium ticket levels are available starting at $1,200 and go up to $2,500 with various benefits. A limited number of tables are available at $3,500 until March 15, 2024. Exclusive Naming Opportunities start at $5,000 up to $50,000. Sponsorships start at $5,000 up to $25,000 and have different benefits at the various levels. AWARE Affair 2024 Website Link: https://www.awaredallas.org/aware-affair/        
        
Event Contact for More Information: AWAREAffair@HASEvents.com or call 214-454-5683.
        
For over thirty years, AWARE has given hope and help to those in Dallas and the greater North Texas area affected by Alzheimer's disease.  AWARE undertakes thoughtful research and conduct site visits to identify non-profit organizations that actively help all those affected by Alzheimer's in the north Texas community and award grants to assist them in their work. To date, AWARE has awarded nearly $14.5 million to worthy programs and research.  Learn more at the website www.awaredallas.org

AWARE Mission: AWARE is dedicated to fighting Alzheimer's disease by providing funding and support to programs, projects, and research provided by nonprofit organizations that actively help individuals affected by Alzheimer's in Dallas and the greater North Texas area.

AWARE is a component fund of The Dallas Foundation, a 501(c)3 publicly supported charity.  In partnership with the Foundation, AWARE conducts an annual grant review process by which grant applicants are carefully and thoughtfully vetted to ensure that grant dollars are awarded to organizations that provide outstanding services to Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers, and to those research institutions that are at the forefront of medical research in the treatment, prevention, and cure of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Together with compassion and dedication we can make a difference. Join AWARE now and join the fight.  www.AWAREDallas.org   Instagram: @awaredallas

Facebook: @awaredallas

AWARE Dallas 2023-2024 Grant Recipients

Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation:  Salary support for the Baylor AT&T Memory Center to provide a trained care-navigation specialist on site at the Center.  At the point of care, patients and families are provided with disease education, caregiver training and support groups, elder law and financial planning, and a 24/7 helpline.

Bishop Arts Theatre Center:  Support for a program offering senior/elder adults customized theatre workshops and performances to enhance their social, emotional, and physical memory abilities.

Center For BrainHealth at The University Of Texas At Dallas:  Support for the creation of a BrainHealth Help Line to offer guidance to caregivers and those with Alzheimer's who are seeking information and tools to help them move out of a place of distress.

For Love And Art:  Support to increase staff needed to coordinate volunteers, and assist with growth for a program bringing an interactive art experience to people with cognitive impairment and limited mobility living in long-term care facilities.

Jewish Family Service:   Support for the Older Adults Program staff to provide in-home mental health counseling, care management, and daily living support to older adults with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, allowing them to remain living in their own home.

Juliette Fowler Communities:   Support the organization's campus-wide dementia care initiatives including I'm Still Here, Dementia Friendly Dallas, music therapy, and Caregiver support programs.

Plano Symphony Orchestra:   Support for Healing Notes, a free music therapy-influenced concert designed as an interactive musical experience for seniors. The program focuses on low-income individuals living in memory care facilities and dealing with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. 

Stomping Ground Theater And Training Center:   Support for Improv for Caregivers, a fun and interactive program for family and professional caregivers that uses improvisational comedy techniques to teach effective communication skills that are specific to the needs of persons with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Texas Winds Musical Outreach:   Support for the Concerts for Seniors program providing interactive concerts in 86 nursing homes and adult day care facilities bringing joy, relief from isolation, and peace to individuals affected by memory loss, and providing new communication skills to their caregivers.

The Senior Source:   Support for the Senior Companion Program matching trained volunteers with low-income individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their families needing in-home assistance with meals, errands, and light housekeeping, providing caregivers with respite and/or time to work outside the home. 

The University Of Texas At Dallas Center For Vital Longevity:   Support for testing the theory that Alzheimer’s disease is caused in part by a severe decline in the brain's energy system by examining neurometabolites using MRI scanning on one of seven such advanced MRI scanners in the country. Study located in the lab of Dr. K. Kennedy.

The University Of Texas At Dallas Center For Vital Longevity:   Support for acquisition of a mobile Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy ( fNIRS) system with physiological measures to assess brain-physiology in broad range of adults, and to train scientists in its use and allowing a broader range of access to study participants. . Study located in the lab of Dr. Chandramallika Basak.

Westminster Presbyterian Church:   Support to expand the number of days offered by the Caregivers Day Out program and allow more individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias to participate and provide greater respite for their caregivers.

Wilshire Baptist Church:   Support for the Friday Friends Program providing stimulating activities for participants living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias and respite for their caregivers. 

Myrna D. Schlegel Aware Scholarship Fund:   Scholarship support for nursing students at Baylor University, Texas Woman’s University, and Texas Christian University toward studies in gerontology, especially in the field of dementia.

Photo by Thomas Garza.

Food, philanthropy and sky-high fun is in store as the 29^th-annual “Dining Out In Dallas” fundraising gala gets underway Wednesday, April 17, from 6-10 p.m. at the Frontiers of Flight Museum (6911 Lemmon Avenue, Dallas 75209). Benefiting the Texas Neurofibromatosis (NF) Foundation®, this year’s event – themed “Battle of the Chefs” – brings together some of Dallas’ top executive chefs as they vie for bragging rights during an exciting evening of culinary creations, entertainment and auctioneering.

Junior Chef Jonathan will kick off the event with the “Battle of the Chefs” competition. Guests will get a chance to sample house specialties and sip spirits while mingling with chefs from Seasons 52, Winewood Grill, Suze Restaurant, Ida Claire and more. After the tastings, guests can vote for their favorite dish of the night and give their nod to the best chef. Other highlights will include live music along with a big board auction, live auction and raffle drawings.

Since 1995, “Dining Out In Dallas” has raised more than $2 million to support the Foundation’s mission of serving NF patients and their families by providing comfort, support, education, advocacy and funding of research.

Event co-chairs are Katie and Neil Lange. Scott Murray, Emmy Award-winning journalist and local philanthropist, will serve as master of ceremonies.

Sampling restaurants and chefs include:

• Circle T Ranch (Executive Chef Dan Lansberg)
• Dee Lincoln Prime (Executive Chef Mario Roco)
• The Finch (Executive Chef Robert Cortez)
• Mi Dia From Scratch- Plano (Executive Chef Gabriel DeLeon)
• Seasons 52 Fresh Grill – The Shops at Legacy (Executive Chef Erick Iglesias)
• Winewood Grill (Executive Chef Carlos DeLeon)
• Ida Claire (Chef Ricardo Barcena)
• Suze Restaurant (Executive Chef Gilbert Garza)
• Urban Rio Cantina & Grill (Executive Chef Salvatore Gisellu)

Tickets are $150 each (or $175 on/after April 12). Proceeds from the event benefit those living with NF. To purchase tickets and for more information, go to diningoutindallas.com.

About NF
Neurofibromatosis (nu-ro-fi-bro-ma-tóe-sis), or NF, is the most common neurological disorder caused by a single gene and it affects one out of every 2,000 people worldwide; every hour three people are born with NF.  It is more prevalent than Cystic Fibrosis, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Huntington’s Disease combined.  Currently there is no cure, no long-term treatment, nor any prevention for NF.

NF involves the uncontrolled growth of tumors along the nerves anywhere in the body, internal and external, and at any time throughout an individual’s life.  It is linked to learning differences, high blood pressure, epilepsy, and can affect the development of the brain, cardiovascular system, bones, and skin.  NF can result in terrible disfigurement, deformity, deafness, blindness, brain tumors, cancer and even death.

About Texas Neurofibromatosis Foundation®
In 1980, the Texas Neurofibromatosis Foundation® was formed to battle NF and to serve the needs of those living with the disorder and their families.  Our mission is meeting the needs of people impacted by neurofibromatosis by providing comfort, support, education, and advocacy and funding of research for treatment, prevention, or cure.  TNFF has awarded over $2.5 million to support NF clinicians and scientists dedicated to treating NF patients and advancing NF research.