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A bite of nostalgia just got a little harder to find. On January 1st, 2024, Chip's Old Fashioned Hamburgers announced the closure of their iconic Lakewood location, leaving a bittersweet taste in the mouths of loyal patrons. For a decade, the restaurant nestled on La Vista Drive served up juicy burgers, crispy fries, and a hefty dose of community spirit.

"After 10 years, we have closed our Lakewood location," read the simple Facebook post, sending ripples of disbelief and fond memories through the local neighborhood. While no official reason was given, the message assured followers that other Chip's locations remain open and hinted at an exciting "next chapter" on the horizon.

Don't despair, burger fans! Chip's flame still burns bright at three other locations:

  • Park Cities: East of the Dallas North Tollway on Lover's Lane (4530 W. Lovers Lane).
  • Plano: Boardwalk at Granite Park (5872 Texas 121, Suite 105).
  • Oak Cliff: Near Methodist Dallas Medical Center (1605 N. Beckley Ave).
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(ADDISON, TX – January 5, 2024) A romantic evening of fine dining, live music and cocktails awaits your Valentine at Table 13 in Addison. Located at Belt Line and Inwood Road, Table 13 offers a memorable dining experience with upscale, personal attention and an ambiance reminiscent of the quintessential supper club.

The impressive four course prix fixe Valentine’s menu is offered for $125 per person beginning Friday, February 9 and will run through Valentine’s Day dinner (we are closed on Sunday). The regular menu will also be offered Friday through Tuesday. On Valentine’s Day (Wednesday, February 14) the dinner service menu will be our four course prix fixe Valentine’s menu exclusively.

Our Valentine’s menu sets the stage for romance beginning with your selection of appetizers of Firecracker Lobster, Bacon Wrapped Dates, or Jumbo Lump Crab-tini, followed by your choice of Lobster Bisque, Caprese Salad, or Caesar Salad. Entrée choices include Red Snapper, Surf ‘n Turf, Lobster Frittes, or a 16oz. Ribeye Lobster Oscar Style. Featured desserts include Table 13’s Famous Chocolate Cake, Berries and Cream, or Red Velvet Cheesecake.

The romantic setting is enhanced with live music by our featured entertainer.

With an inspired menu, classic and intimate environment, and exquisite detail to the dining experience Table 13 is the perfect place to impress your special date.

Call in reservations are required. Please call 972-789-9558 to book your table or visit our website https://Table13Addison.com for more information. Table 13 is located at 4812 Belt Line Rd.in Addison.

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Arc del Teatre Teresa Lanceta (Spanish, b. 1951), Arc del Teatre (El Raval Series), 2020. Painted and sewn fabric, 122 x 90 1/8 in. (310 x 229 cm). Photo by Miguel Garcia Carceles, courtesy of Teresa Lanceta - 1 Mira Gallery, Madrid.

The Meadows Museum, SMU, today announced its spring and summer exhibition schedule for 2024. The first exhibition presents the works of Spain’s celebrated textile artist and her exquisite tapestries. The second exhibition showcases treasures from three collections managed by the museum and includes works by Picasso, Calatrava, Giacometti and numerous Texas artists. And a third exhibition spotlights the prolific painting career of SMU art professor emeritus, Barnaby Fitzgerald.

The year kicks off in February with Meadows/ARCO Artist Spotlight: Teresa Lanceta, which runsFeb. 18-June 16, 2024. Opening concurrently with the ARCO exhibition is Meditating on Materiality in the Meadows Collections, which closes April 21. Additionally, Barnaby Fitzgerald: An Eye for Ballastwill be on view May 5-Sept. 24. A major fall exhibition will be announced at a later date.

MEADOWS/ARCO ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: TERESA LANCETA
Feb. 18-June 16, 2024
Admission $12 adults, $10 seniors 65+, $4 non-SMU students; free for Meadows Museum members, SMU faculty/staff/students, and youth 18 and under

For the first time in its nearly 60-year history, the Meadows Museum will present works by a fiber/textile artist in its exhibition, Meadows/ARCO Artist Spotlight: Teresa Lanceta. Widely recognized for her large-scale and intricately designed tapestries, Lanceta (b. 1951) was recently awarded her country's highest honor for visual artists – the Spanish National Prize for Fine Arts. The Meadows Museum exhibition will feature a selection of her weavings, painted and sewn fabric, and pencil drawings.

Drawing upon her Ph.D. in art history and extensive travels throughout Spain and Morocco to study diverse weaving traditions, Lanceta engages with the history of fabrics and domestic labor while also questioning the boundary between “art” and “craft.”

Established in 2019, Meadows/ARCO Artist Spotlight (MAS) is a six-year partnership between the Meadows Museum and Fundación ARCO, the leading organization behind Spain’s premier contemporary art fair, ARCOmadrid. Through a double-juried process, MAS selects one contemporary Spanish artist with limited recognition in the U.S. biennially and presents their work at the Meadows Museum. A key component of the program is the artist’s visit to Dallas.

The second of three artists chosen for the MAS program, Lanceta will also participate in educational and member programming designed to engage SMU students and the broader community during her visit. Lanceta is represented by 1 Mira Madrid Gallery in Madrid.

Meadows/ARCO Artist Spotlight: Teresa Lanceta is organized by the Meadows Museum and is funded by a generous gift from The Meadows Foundation. Promotional support is provided by the Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District.

MEDITATING ON MATERIALITY IN THE MEADOWS COLLECTIONS
Feb. 18-April 21, 2024
Free and open to the public

Meditating on Materiality brings together works from the Meadows Museum’s collection of Spanish art along with works from SMU’s Master of Fine Arts Collection (MFAC) and University Art Collection (UAC). The exhibition explores how artists intentionally challenge the limits of their materials, thereby encouraging viewers to expand their own understanding of the relationship between matter and meaning.

The Meadows collection is represented in this exhibition by some of the most celebrated modern and contemporary artists, including Pablo Picasso, Helen Escobedo, Alberto Giacometti, Xavier Corberó, Santiago Calatrava and Rufino Tamayo. The selected objects, many of which are rarely displayed to the public, demonstrate the breadth of the museum’s holdings, while offering a new context through which to interpret each work. Although the Meadows is primarily recognized as a museum of Spanish paintings, Meditating on Materiality seeks to expand the public’s knowledge of the museum’s purview beyond the objects and materials for which it is best known.

The exhibition also includes works of art by graduates of SMU’s Master of Fine Arts program who are, upon graduation, invited to donate an example of their work to the collection. The University Art Collection – which consists of donations from alumni and friends of SMU – includes representative works by eminent Texas and international artists, such as John Chamberlain, Jim Love, Hildur Bjarnadóttir, Charles Pebworth, and Jill Moser.

Meditating on Materiality in the Meadows Collections is organized by the Meadows Museum and is funded by a generous gift from The Meadows Foundation. Promotional support is provided by the Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District.

BARNABY FITZGERALD: AN EYE FOR BALLAST
May 5-Sept. 22, 2024
Free and open to the public

This focused, monographic exhibition of key paintings by Dallas-based artist Barnaby Fitzgerald (b. 1953) from prominent local collections will honor the artist’s prolific career and celebrate his election to professor of art emeritus at SMU.

Over a career spanning five decades and three continents, Fitzgerald has built a reputation for his otherworldly landscapes and interior scenes, which contemplate themes from literature, mythology, and art history. Drawing on the tradition of Surrealism, he offers imaginative reinterpretations of classical allegories in his own unique, contemporary language. These compositions are populated by a captivating cast of characters, such as grisaille sculptural studies, skeletons, and individuals from his own life.

Fitzgerald is also known for his mastery of the egg tempera technique, a medium he was initially drawn to for its luminosity and its association with late medieval paintings.

Fitzgerald has traveled widely throughout his career, maintaining an artistic practice that is truly global in scope. He currently keeps studios in Dallas, in the Italian region of Umbria, and in the West African country of Togo, a place he first visited in 1999 with his wife, Sylvie.

A beloved professor of art at SMU since 1984, Fitzgerald was bestowed with the title of professor emeritus of art upon his retirement in 2023. Fitzgerald is represented in Dallas by Valley House Gallery.

Barnaby Fitzgerald: An Eye for Ballast is organized by the Meadows Museum with the support of the Office of the Dean of the Meadows School of the Arts.

MEADOWS MUSEUM GENERAL INFORMATION

The Meadows Museum is located on the SMU campus at 5900 Bishop Blvd., Dallas, TX 75205. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Thursday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Parking is free for museum visitors. For more information, go to meadowsmuseumdallas.org.

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About the Meadows Museum
The Meadows Museum is the leading U.S. institution focused on the study and presentation of the art of Spain. In 1962, Dallas businessman and philanthropist Algur H. Meadows donated his private collection of Spanish paintings, as well as funds to start a museum, to Southern Methodist University. The museum opened to the public in 1965, marking the first step in fulfilling Meadows’s vision to create “a small Prado for Texas.” Today, the Meadows is home to one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Spanish art outside of Spain. The collection spans from the 10th to the 21st centuries and includes medieval objects, Renaissance and Baroque sculptures, and major paintings by Golden Age and modern masters. For more information visit meadowsmuseumdallas.org.

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The celebration of the Lunar New Year officially begins on Saturday, February 10. Galleria Dallas is beginning its celebration early with an art installation of nearly 250 enormous lanterns over the ice rink to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. The beautiful lantern festival installation will be complete by Jan. 31 and will stay up through Tuesday, Feb. 20.

 

Galleria Dallas also will host the HD Lion Dance Foundation, who will perform a colorful dragon dance at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 on Level 1 near Sephora. In addition to the exciting dance performance, visitors will enjoy a high-energy drumming performance as a part of the celebration. According to ancient tradition, the Year of the Dragon will bring improvement, evolution and abundance, all traits celebrated at the popular shopping destination.

 

 

 

“Galleria Dallas is committed to creating unique experiences showcasing our diverse visitor base with cultural events like our annual Lunar New Year celebration,” said Galleria Dallas General Manager Angie Freed. “We’re excited to host our beautiful lantern festival and cultural dancers from HD Lion Dance Foundation again this year.”

 

About Galleria Dallas 

Galleria Dallas is an iconic shopping center with a unique collection of more than 200 retailers, restaurants and experiences including Nordstrom, Macy’s, the world’s only GAP, Banana Republic and Old Navy combo anchor, The Westin Galleria Dallas and the signature Galleria Ice Skating Center. Welcoming more than 12 million visitors annually, only Galleria Dallas delivers the consummate Dallas shopping experience. Visit galleriadallas.com for hours and to learn more about the shopping center. Galleria Dallas is managed by Trademark Property Group, Inc.  Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, Texas, 75240.

For Social Media:  @GalleriaDallas #GalleriaDallas 

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Now is your last chance to visit The Trains at NorthPark! Benefitting The Ronald McDonald House of Dallas for the past 36 years, the Trains at NorthPark have been delighting the hearts and minds of young and old alike. Presented by Bank of Texas for the 15th consecutive year, The Trains at NorthPark – now in its 25th year at Dallas’ top shopping destination will run through Friday, Jan. 5, 2024.  This beloved annual family-friendly event raises the money needed to help “the House that LOVE built” provide a home away from home for families of children facing serious illness or injury seeking medical care in Dallas.  Honorary Chairs for the 2023 season are Lindy and Brad Berkley and Event Chairs are Elizabeth Dacus and Leigh Danley.

“The Trains at NorthPark is such an important and special part of our year at Ronald McDonald House Dallas,” said Jill Cumnock, CEO. “This year, the monies raised from Trains are especially crucial because our operating budget has increased by 25% from last year. Since returning to full operations post covid earlier this year, our House of 89 rooms has been full, running near capacity every day. RMHD provides our services free of charge to families so everyone who buys a ticket, sponsors, purchases a railcar, or volunteers at the Trains at NorthPark makes a real difference in helping to defray these costs.  We encourage everyone who wants to experience some Holiday magic to join us this season!”

The 2023 Trains at NorthPark Kid Conductor is six-year-old Serenity Williams. Over the last 12 months, what started as a bad headache one weekend, quickly progressed to paralysis. Serenity and her family would learn that this once physically active, vibrant 6-year-old had developed a rare neurological condition called AFM that affects less than 1% of children in the world. Her family travels all the way from Midland, TX to receive care at Children’s, most recently a major surgery to straighten her spine.

Situated on Level One of NorthPark, adjacent to Santa and Macy’s, The Trains at NorthPark is the largest miniature train exhibit in Texas with more than 700 railcars featuring the corporations, organizations, families, and individuals who make the attraction possible. Since its launch in 1987, The Trains have helped raise more than $18 million for RMHD and has welcomed more than 50,000 visitors each year to Dallas’ favorite shopping destination. 

With 1,600-feet of tracks, The Trains at NorthPark will feature cityscapes like Dallas, with landmarks including The Perot Museum, Pegasus Park, the Nasher Sculpture Center and Fair Park; New York with Times Square and Grand Central Terminal; and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Other highlights include the American west with New Mexico, the Grand Canyon, Garden of the Gods, and Route 66. 

For information on holiday hours, tickets, and sponsorship, visit http://www.thetrainsatnorthpark.com

 

ABOUT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF DALLAS

Established in 1981, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas has served as a home-away-from-home for more than 41,000 families of seriously ill children who have traveled to Dallas seeking medical treatment in area hospitals. By providing a caring, home-like environment, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas keeps the family intact, helping them to establish a normal routine in the midst of crisis. The House also provides a supportive community of peer families facing similar circumstances. For more information, please contact Ronald McDonald House of Dallas at 214.631.7354, or visit www.rmhdallas.org.

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As the New Year unfolds, resolutions abound, but how often do we consider our rooftops in our New Year’s resolutions? It's a curious oversight.

As the New Year unfolds, resolutions abound, but how often do we consider our rooftops in our New Year’s resolutions? It's a curious oversight. Our roofs shelter us throughout the seasons, yet they are rarely at the forefront of our minds. Quietly, these steadfast sentinels endure, but without intentional care and strategic upgrades, they may fall short of their potential, leading to unexpected costs and discomforts that a little foresight could easily prevent.

Upgrade Your Roof Insulation

Embarking on a pathway to improved home efficiency, one cannot overstate the merits of upgrading your roof insulation. Such an investment fortifies your dwelling against the elements, ushering in notable energy savings and contributing to a more regulated indoor climate. Advanced insulation mitigates heat loss during the frigid winter months and reduces heat ingress under the sweltering summer sun. By selecting the appropriate R-value—a measure of thermal resistance—for your geographical region and dwelling type, you ensure an optimization that transcends mere comfort, edging into the realm of increased structural integrity and reduced environmental impact.

Lower Energy Costs

Effective roofing plays a critical role in maintaining an efficient home environment, ultimately reducing the financial burden of energy costs. Optimizing your roof's capacity to insulate impacts not only your comfort but also your utility bills.

By selecting materials with reflective properties, known as a "cool roofing" concept, you can decrease the need for air conditioning. These materials reflect sunlight and emit absorbed heat, which helps maintain a stable indoor temperature, reducing energy consumption.

A reflective roof can cut cooling demands by 10-15%.

Installing a cool roof could lead to significant savings over time. By reflecting the sun's energy rather than absorbing it, cool roofs decrease the heat transferred into your home (sometimes by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit), thereby reducing the stress on your air conditioning system and the energy required to maintain a comfortable living space.

Enhance Comfort Year-Round

Proactively address thermal regulation in your home.

To achieve a consistently comfortable indoor climate, it is crucial to consider the year-round performance of your roofing system. With proper insulation and ventilation, your roof can be a formidable barrier against the extremes of both winter's chill and summer's heat. Consequently, an optimized roofing system can be the bulwark of your home's temperature regulation.

Seasonal temperature shifts necessitate adaptive insulation strategies.

Proactively insulating your attic can equalize indoor temperatures. It's the preventative measure that pays dividends throughout the year – ensuring that your home remains warm in the winter and significantly cooler in the summer months. This is accomplished by diminishing heat transfer, thereby reducing the workload of heating and cooling systems.

Mitigate the extremes, and revel in the comfort.

Adopting a holistic approach to roofing involves considering materials that can adapt to various climatic conditions. By integrating energy-efficient shingles or environmentally responsive roof coatings, roofing technology in 2023 allows homeowners to anticipate and combat the changing elements, ensuring continued interior comfort.

Roofing, when aligned with sustainability, maximizes habitation satisfaction.

Install Gutter Guards

Integrating gutter guards within your roofing strategy is a prudent decision, serving dual purposes by preventing clogs from debris while also facilitating smoother water flow away from your home's foundation. Often understated, their contribution guards against potential damage caused by unmanaged runoff, ultimately preserving your home’s structural integrity.

These protective fixtures extend the lifespan of your gutter system and reduce maintenance requirements. Adopting this addition to your roofing ensemble is an investment in both the functionality and the preservation of your home’s exterior.

Prevent Clogs and Damage

Averting clogs is a pivotal aspect of maintaining roof longevity and efficiency. Debris accumulation in gutters can lead to blockages, impeding proper water drainage.

In the New Year, proactive gutter cleaning should be a scheduled task, ensuring that leaves, twigs, and other detritus do not obstruct the flow of water. This is imperative not only to prevent the inconvenience of overflow but also to preclude the damage that can result from water backing up under roofing materials.

Furthermore, inspect your roofing and gutter systems periodically for signs of wear or damage, such as rusting, holes, or breakage. Timely detection and repair of these issues can prevent minor problems from escalating into costly and extensive damage.

Investing in gutter protection systems, such as mesh screens or brush guards, can significantly reduce the frequency of clogs. Such measures serve as a barrier to debris while allowing water to pass through unimpeded, maintaining the effectiveness of your roof drainage.

Remember, your roof’s well-being directly impacts the overall protection and value of your home. Regularly tending to its upkeep is an essential resolution for the forthcoming year.

Reduce Maintenance Time

Investing in higher-quality roofing materials can diminish the need for frequent maintenance. By using more durable shingles or tiles and higher-grade underlayment, longer periods between inspections can be achieved, leading to a more efficient management of time and resources.

Opt for self-cleaning gutter systems to trim down maintenance efforts. These systems utilize a centrifugal force to repel leaves and debris, ensuring clear channels without the continuous need for manual cleaning.

Likewise, incorporating smart technology sensors can help monitor the roof’s condition. Real-time data (like moisture levels or structural integrity) can inform maintenance schedules.

Selecting low-maintenance roofing designs also reduces upkeep time. Features such as sloped roofs facilitate runoff and discourage debris accumulation, directly impacting the frequency and extent of maintenance works.

Preventive measures, such as trimming nearby trees to reduce leaf fall, can protect against potential blockages. Taking proactive steps like this can significantly cut down on the time spent on roof and gutter maintenance, allowing focus on other home improvement projects.

Ultimately, the key is to plan and prepare today's roof for tomorrow's challenges. Embracing innovative materials and technology can yield a resilient and low-maintenance roofing system that stands the test of time.

Adopt a Regular Inspection Routine

In the pursuit of a durable roofing system, establishing a regular inspection routine is paramount. Just as a vehicle benefits from periodic check-ups, a roof requires systematic assessments to identify potential issues before they escalate. These evaluations, ideally conducted biannually or after severe weather events, involve examining shingles, flashing, gutters, and downspouts for signs of wear or damage. By proactively scheduling roof inspections, homeowners can rectify minor problems swiftly, maintaining the structural integrity and prolonging the lifespan of their roof, thus ensuring a robust defense against the elements year-round.

Identify Issues Early

Prompt identification of roofing concerns can prevent minor issues from evolving into costly repairs.

  • Inspect shingles regularly for any signs of damage or wear.

  • Check flashing around vents, chimneys, and pipe collars for gaps or deterioration.

  • Evaluate gutters for blockage or damage that could impede proper drainage.

  • Look for moss or algae growth which can indicate trapped moisture and potential decay.

  • Assess the attic or ceiling for stains or spots that suggest leaks.

  • Scan for any sagging or uneven roof lines, as these may signal structural concerns.

Early detection of these problems allows for timely interventions.

Engaging with a professional for an in-depth evaluation can unveil hidden issues and enhance the longevity of your roof.

Extend Roof Lifespan

Maintaining a roof's health begins with adopting a proactive approach toward roof care, significantly enhancing its long-term durability.

For a durable roof, a rigorous maintenance schedule is essential. This includes annual inspections, prompt repairs, and preventative measures such as applying sealants. Consistent upkeep not only defends against severe weather impact but also ensures a more energy-efficient home. It also mitigates the likelihood of extensive damage that can be cost-prohibitive to repair, hence safeguarding your investment in your home's roofing system.

Accordingly, choosing quality materials when repairs are necessary is a pivotal factor in extending your roof's lifespan. Opt for products that have been rigorously tested and carry a strong warranty. Such precautionary steps will lead to increased resistance against environmental stressors, potentially prolonging the structural life of your roof.

Ultimately, implementing practices such as proper ventilation can prevent moisture accumulation, which is a common cause of roof deterioration. Ensure that your attic is well-ventilated and insulated to reduce the potential for ice dams and mold growth. Such vigilant maintenance practices make long-term economic sense by delaying the need for full roof replacement, thereby maximizing the value of your initial roofing investment.

Choose Sustainable Roofing Materials

In the spirit of ushering in a more eco-conscious era, selecting sustainable materials for your roof is an integral aspect of responsible homeownership. By opting for environmentally friendly options such as recycled shingles, metal roofing, or even living "green" roofs, you're contributing to a reduction in the carbon footprint associated with roofing materials. Moreover, these sustainably sourced materials often come with enhanced durability and life expectancy, thus not only aligning with ecological values but also proving to be economically advantageous in the long term. Set the stage for a greener future by integrating sustainability into your roofing resolutions.

Reduce Environmental Impact

Implementing solar panels on your roof, while upfront costs are higher, can lead to substantial reductions in your household's carbon footprint over time, thus contributing to a more sustainable living environment.

Reflective roofing materials help mitigate the effects of urban heat islands, conserving energy by reflecting sunlight away from the building.

Moreover, proper roof maintenance extends the life of existing materials, minimizing waste (materials that would otherwise contribute to landfill overcrowding) and resource depletion.

Green roofing systems that harness vegetative layers contribute to biodiversity and can improve air quality, becoming an increasingly popular eco-friendly option.

In addition, choosing materials with a high recycling rate can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your roofing, as the process of recycling materials uses less energy compared to the production of new materials and helps reduce waste.

Lastly, opting for local materials reduces transportation emissions, aligning with one's commitment to environmental stewardship. By making eco-friendly choices now, we can pave the way for a healthier planet tomorrow.

Increase Home Value

Investing in a superior roofing system is a strategic approach that enhances the overall market appeal and financial worth of your property, offering a compelling return on investment.

Quality roofing inherently raises home valuation due to its essential role in safeguarding interior integrity.

Moreover, upgraded roofs significantly improve curb appeal, which is a substantial determinant in residential property assessments.

Advanced roofing materials promise increased durability and sustainability, both of which are prized attributes in the current housing market.

Home appraisal processes often underscore the importance of a robust roofing system, acknowledging its role in protecting a home’s structure and its contents from adverse weather conditions.

Upgrading your roof is a prudent choice for enhancing your home’s marketability, ensuring maximum return should you decide to transact your property.

As we embark on a new year, it's important to consider the often overlooked aspect of our homes - the roof. Our roofs protect us from the elements year-round, yet they are rarely at the forefront of our minds. By making resolutions to upgrade your roof insulation, install gutter guards, reduce maintenance time, adopt a regular inspection routine, and choose sustainable roofing materials, you can ensure that your roof reaches its full potential.

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.

 

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The six QuestBridge Match Scholars are: Marissa Arana, Sarahi Zuniga, Viviana Mares Solano, Dalia Segura, Lina Canales, and Sandy Arenas Romero

Young Women’s Preparatory Network (YWPN) is thrilled to announce that six students from Dallas’ Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School have been named QuestBridge Match Scholars. 

YWPN’s mission is to support single-gender, college-preparatory, public education in Texas and beyond, giving young women the academic and leadership skills to achieve success in college and in life. YWPN formed the first public/private partnership with the Dallas Independent School District in August 2004, opening the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, the first all-girls public school in Texas.

From YWPN College Success Advisor, Erika Gonzales: 

"Six QuestBridge matches is a phenomenal accomplishment for our school. There are entire districts in our area that received four or five matches, and we have SIX matches at Rangel. This achievement speaks volumes about the dedication of our students, the quality of our academic programs, and our unwavering commitment to ensuring all students, regardless of socioeconomic background, have equal access to higher education."  Some of our students' College matches this year include Brown University, Emory University, University of Chicago, and Boston College. 

QuestBridge is a prestigious program that connects high-achieving, low-income students with full scholarships to the nation's best colleges. These colleges recognize the academic talent and potential of QuestBridge Match Scholars and commit to fully funding their four-year education, removing financial barriers and opening doors to top-tier institutions.

QuestBridge: Out of over 20,800 applicants, QuestBridge selected 6,683 finalists to be considered for the QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship (Match Scholarship). This year, QuestBridge’s 50 college partners matched with 2,242 Finalists, who are recognized as Match Scholarship Recipients. The Match Scholarship is made up of a generous financial aid package provided by the college that covers the total cost of attendance, including tuition, housing and food, books and supplies, and travel expenses.

Read the press release here: https://www.questbridge.org/news-and-media/press-release-12-1-2023

Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School (Rangel)

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School stands as Texas's first all-girls public school, a beacon of educational excellence and empowerment.

Located in South Dallas at Fair Park, Rangel is a testament to YWPN's commitment to empowering young women through education. Our school has consistently ranked among the top in the nation, nurturing bright and resilient young women from diverse backgrounds. US News and World Report ranks the school as the 2nd Best High School in Texas and the 18th Best in the Nation.

Rangel's students are determined young women facing unique challenges yet harboring immense potential. Predominantly students of color, including Hispanic/Latinx and Black students, and the majority hailing from economically disadvantaged homes, our girls demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and resilience. They are pioneers, breaking barriers as first-generation college attendees; many are also first-generation high school graduates with aspirations reaching far beyond societal norms. 

Key demographics for the 2022-2023 school year at Rangel include:

  • 94% students of color (83% Hispanic/Latinx, 7% Black, 2% Asian, 2% Multi-racial)
  • At least 71% from economically disadvantaged homes
  • 74% of Class of 2023 graduates were first-generation high school graduates
  • 82% of Class of 2023 graduates are first-generation college attendees

Notably, our impact is visible in our graduates' success, with results showcasing:

  • 100% high school graduation rate (2009-2023)
  • 100% college acceptance rate (2009-2023)
  • 59% of the Rangel Class of 2023 planned to pursue STEM degrees, surpassing national averages.
  • Over $16.2 million in academic/merit scholarships awarded to the Class of 2023
  • 94% of the Rangel Class of 2023 enrolled in college the semester after high school graduation

About Young Women’s Preparatory Network:
Located in One Arts Plaza, YWPN’s mission is to support single-gender, college-preparatory, public education in Texas and beyond, giving young women the academic and leadership skills to achieve success in college and in life.

Founded in 2002, the Young Women’s Preparatory Network is a nonprofit agency that partners with public school districts across Texas to operate the largest network of 6th – 12th grade all-girls, public, college preparatory schools nationwide. Our schools are located in struggling urban neighborhoods and have proven to be very successful. The schools have won multiple academic achievement awards, including being recognized among the top public schools in Texas and the nation.

YWPN formed the first public/private partnership with the Dallas Independent School District in August 2004, opening the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, the first all-girls public school in Texas. Because of the success of the first school in Dallas, YWPN’’s educational model is being replicated throughout the state as a catalyst for positive educational change.

Today, YWPN has a Network of schools in Austin, Fort Worth, Houston (Houston ISD and Aldine ISD), Lubbock, Midland, San Antonio, and El Paso (Ysleta ISD), serving more than 4,300 young women this year.

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GIDDENS GALLERY OF FINE ART

CALL FOR ARTIST

Calling all talented artists in Grapevine and beyond! Giddens Gallery of Fine Art, nestled in the heart of Historic Grapevine at 624 Main St, is actively seeking passionate artists to join their vibrant community. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a rising star, this prestigious gallery invites you to showcase your unique art and connect with art enthusiasts in a captivating setting.

Giddens Gallery is continuously reviewing portfolios and interviewing artists in the DFW area who have an interest in joining the Gallery to market their art.

Email your Bio and samples of your work (or website) to, michele@giddensgallery.com