Staff & Reader Submitted
 
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Join us for a special evening of great music with Dennis W. Parker and friends on Saturday night, Oct. 4, at 7:30p in the beautiful Allen Christian Church at the Allen Heritage Village in Allen, Texas.  Dennis recently stepped down from nearly 10 years with the GRAMMY-winning Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder. Dennis has also played professionally with Lee Ann Womack, Tracy Lawrence, Joe Diffie, Mark Chesnutt, and others.   

Dennis is an amazing instrumentalist who has won state contests on fiddle, banjo, and guitar, and is one of the most soulful vocalists in music today.  He brings his smooth, relaxed style to bluegrass, country, gospel, pop, and soul music.  Dennis will sing a wide range of gospel and popular songs by artists such as James Taylor, Joe Diffie, the Stanley Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, and more, and will share the story of his life.  (D  nis Parker is no stranger working with Ricky Skaggs, being a former member of Kentucky Thunder and sharing a GRAMMY win on Ricky Skaggs’ Bluegrass Rules! album with guitar, mandolin and vocal credits on the successful release. Dennis has also played professionally with Lee Ann Womack, Tracy Lawrence, Joe Diffie, and Mark Chesnutt, among others. He is equally at home playing blues, soul, country, gospel, pop, and contemporary Christian music styles. Dennis is a master at multiple instruments including fiddle, banjo and mandolin, but favors the guitar. As a musician full of soul, it is revealed in his playing style, his vocals, and at times in his right leg! Dennis is a previous state contest winner on fiddle, banjo and guitar and has won multiple other contests in many states. As a baritone vocalist and guitarist for Kentucky Thunder, we welcome Dennis back working with Ricky and the band.

Sponsored by the Allen Heritage Guild, the concert is free.  Call 214-509-4911.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Please post in all communities. Thank you.

 

 

 

Coffee lovers have no fear, celebrating National Coffee Day Sept. 29 doesn’t need to cause permanent damage to your pearly whites. Dental clinicians at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry say indulging in your favorite beverage is OK if you follow these simple tips: 

 

A triple play 

 

Brush before you drink that first cup. Then, either while you drink or immediately after, rinse your mouth. Wait about 30 minutes – then brush again. 

 

“Brushing before drinking coffee removes plaque and biofilm that would otherwise act like a sticky surface for stains to cling to,” said Dr. Amal Noureldin, clinical professor in public health sciences and director of the predoctoral program. “Rinsing helps wash away pigments and acids, and waiting 30 minutes before brushing again prevents enamel damage since acids temporarily soften enamel and brushing too soon could erode it.” 

 

Add some milk 

 

The casein protein in cow’s milk binds to polyphenols – chemical compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Noureldin said. This prevents the compounds from sticking to tooth enamel and causing stains. Instead, they pass into the digestive system, where their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits are absorbed. 

 

“While soy and almond milks may offer other health benefits, they don’t contain casein, so they won’t provide the same stain-reducing effect as cow’s milk – leaving the coffee polyphenols free to bind to teeth and cause discoloration,” she said.  

 

Skip sugar 

 

You knew this was coming: Your teeth never need sugar. Adding it to coffee only makes the mouth a more favorable breeding ground for the bacteria that lead to tooth decay and cavities. 

 

If you must, pick an artificial sweetener. 

 

“Artificial sweeteners don’t fuel cavity-causing bacteria the way sugar does, so they don’t carry the same risk for tooth decay,” Noureldin said. “That said, some people experience side effects – such as digestive upset – and certain sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose, may alter taste perception over time.” 

 

Grab some sugarless gum 

 

The American Dental Association states that chewing sugarless gum can reduce the risk of cavities when added to a regular oral care routine that includes brushing twice each day. Chewing sugarless gum increases saliva production, which restores minerals lost from teeth. 

 

Noureldin cautioned that not all sugar-free gums are good choices. 

 

“Look for gum sweetened with xylitol, which has been shown to actively inhibit cavity-causing bacteria,” she said. “The ADA Seal of Acceptance on the package is a good indicator that the product has been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.” 

 

Moderation is key 

 

One cup of coffee is a relatively safe indulgence. Five cups of coffee a day is a recipe for tooth decay. Put that second cup down. You’ve had enough. 

 

 

 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

 Please post this in all Denton County communities. THANKS!

North Point Cafe in Denton is celebrating coffee lovers' favorite day - National Coffee Day - by offering each customer a cup at no charge between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sept. 29. Each customer must purchase a meal.
 
"We love coffee, and we understand your love of coffee," said Ali Kohandani, owner of North Point. "Let's celebrate this special day together."
 
North Point is at 2000 W. University Drive. Go to northpoint-cafe.com for the full menu.


Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
The Rocky Horror Show

Lyric Stage, a theatre company dedicated to developing and preserving musicals, will present The Rocky Horror Show just in time for Halloween, from Oct. 10-26 at the Lyric Stage Studio (1170 Quaker St., Dallas, TX 75207). The cult classic, with book, music, and lyrics by Richard O’Brien, invites audience participation.

Scott Guenther, Lyric Stage Managing and Co-Artistic Director, added, “The Rocky Horror Show is an American classic. Grab a group of friends, dress up, and come sing with the cast as we kick off the Halloween season.”

Tickets, which range in price from $42.50-$62.50, can be purchased online HERE.

Performance times:

Friday, Oct. 10, 17, 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 11, 18, 25 at 7:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 12, 19, 26 at 2:00 p.m. 

Cast and production teams are listed below. The production is rated PG.

About Lyric Stage:

Lyric Stage, a Dallas-based 501c3 not-for-profit professional musical theatre company, was established in 1993 with the mission of developing and preserving the musical, a unique art form. In its 32-year history, Lyric Stage has produced over 125 productions, which include 21 world-premiere musicals and 2 Off-Broadway shows. For more information, visit Facebook, Instagram or www.lyricstage.org 

***

The Cast:

Magenta – Jayden Russell

Narrator – James Williams

Brad – Ben Meaders

Janet – Sydney Hamil

Riff-Raff – Brandon Wilhelm

Columbia – Sophia Patterson

Frank-N-Furter—Dominic Pecikonis

Rocky – Vincent Lopez

Eddie – Justin Taylor

Dr. Scott – Evan Faris

 

Production Team:

Producer – Catherine Carpenter Cox

Director – Michael Robinson

Music Director – Hans Grim

Choreographer – Tricia Guenther

Stage Manager – Ben Doan Stevens

Assistant Stage Manager – Steven Doan

Production Design – Set/Lights/Sound – Scott Guenther

Props Design – Tricia Guenther

Costume Assistant – Annie Corrales

 

Costumes and wigs are provided by Dallas Costume Shoppe.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Over the weekend, Grammy Award-winning musician, songwriter and producer David Foster and acclaimed singer, television and Broadway star Katharine McPhee headlined the fifth annual Rhapsody gala benefiting Turtle Creek Chorale at the Statler Hotel. 

This year’s event was especially significant as 2025 marks 45 years since the organization’s establishment in Dallas, and is the the fifth Rhapsody gala, held at the same venue as the first Rhapsody at the Statler Hotel in 2019. 

The evening offered an opening reception, seated dinner, luxury live auction, and an exclusive concert by David Foster and Katharine McPhee. This year’s chair was Dr. Whitney Strauss, and funds raised at the are being used to support the Chorale’s mission to entertain, educate, unite, and inspire through its musical, cultural, and educational programs. 

The highlight of the luxury live auction came when bidding heated up over Chef Ken Rathbun’s dinner for 10 in his home. The excitement reached a peak, and then cooled off just as quickly, when it was announced that Chef Rathbun would offer the dinner twice. This year’s gala, attended by more than 250 guests, raised over $400,000. 

“For over four decades, the Turtle Creek Chorale has built a remarkable legacy of entertaining, educating, uniting, and inspiring our community through the power of music,” said this year’s Rhapsody chair Whitney Strauss. “Rhapsody is not only our signature fundraising event, it’s a celebration of the voices and stories that make this organization so extraordinary. I am deeply grateful for the generosity of our supporters and the unwavering dedication of our singers, staff, and volunteers. Together, we are ensuring that the Chorale’s music continues to uplift lives and strengthen our community for generations to come.”

 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

On Wednesday, September 10, the State Fair of Texas hosted its annual Saddle Up Benefit Concert at The Rustic, drawing 300 guests for a festive evening that blended Texas-sized fun with heartfelt purpose. Honorary co-chairs John Harkey and Peni Barfeild, along with event co-chairs Robert and Stephani Walne and Grant and Courtney Pruitt, set the tone for the night as guests enjoyed classic Midway games, a caricature artist, an interactive branding station, cowboy hat and boot bar,and plenty of Instagram-worthy photo moments with Fair mascot ‘Lil Tex under the open sky.

Familiar faces spotted in the crowd included Martha and Sean Jackson; State Fair of Texas President Mitchell Glieber and his wife, Lisa; FOX 4’s Hanna Battah and Kevin Fleck; Cynthia and Randy Smoot, and many more Dallas notables.

The evening hit its stride with a performance from Cash Byers, fresh off American Idol Season 8, followed by headliner Little Texas, who had the crowd singing along to chart-topping hits like “What Might Have Been,”“My Love,” and the beloved anthem “God Blessed Texas.”

A spirited live auction amped up the energy of the evening, showcasing one-of-a-kind offerings like a VIP Night at the Fair, premium tickets and an exclusive experience at the 2025 Red River Rivalry game, a “Lil’ Tex Visits Your Child’s School” VIP package, and a bucket-list getaway to the NFR Finals in Las Vegas.

Hosted by the Big Tex Champion Club, Saddle Up was more than a memorable night of entertainment — it was a celebration with purpose. 100% of all proceeds from the evening benefit the Big Tex Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs, which provide vital educational opportunities for children across Texas.

The State Fair of Texas would like to thank the following sponsors for their support: Southwest Airlines, Bell Nunnally Law Firm, and the Walne Family. Media partners included PaperCity, FOX4, Gangway Advertising, and Bubble Lounge Podcast. 

 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Cheers to flavor! The 8th Annual Plano Food + Wine Festival returns to Legacy West on November 1. Photo Credit: SBG Hospitality

The 8th Annual Plano Food + Wine Festival, presented by Kroger Delivery, will return to Legacy West on Saturday, November 1st, from 12 PM to 6 PM. This highly anticipated event is known for bringing together thousands of foodies, wine lovers, and friends for an unforgettable day of indulgence and entertainment. Guests can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with wine tasting, delicious bites, live cooking demonstrations, shopping, and more.

The Food Tasting Pass gives guests access to sample dishes from 15 of the area’s top restaurants between 12 PM and 4 PM. Each restaurant brings its best and competes for the coveted People’s Choice Award! Some of this year’s featured restaurants include Toulouse Café & Bar, KĀI, Lombardi Cucina Italiana, Taverna, Haywire, Shake Shack, Moxies, Wild Fork Foods, Son of a Butcher, Uchiko, Truluck's, Ford’s Garage, True Food Kitchen, Amorino Gelato, and Renaissance Hotel. Many more will be announced soon. There will be over 30 restaurant options to choose from throughout the day.

Guests who purchase a Wine Tasting Pass will enjoy 20 one-ounce tastings from a variety of exceptional wineries. There are over 100 wines available to taste at the festival. Wine tastings will be available from 12 PM to 6 PM. In addition to wine, attendees can enjoy samples from a wide selection of premium spirits throughout the event including Western Son Distillery, Pinhook Bourbon, Beat Box Beverages, Round 2 Spirits and many others.

In addition to the food and beverage offerings, the festival will also include The Lombardi Family Concepts Culinary Demonstrations, dozens of local vendors, photo opportunities, and interactive sponsor activations for guests to enjoy throughout the day.

Ticket options include the VIP Pass for $125, which includes food and wine tasting plus exclusive VIP perks; the Food + Wine Tasting Pass for $80, which includes 15 restaurant samples and 20 wine tastings; the Wine Tasting Only Pass for $45; and the Food Tasting Only Pass for $55. Tickets have sold out in past years, and early reservations are encouraged. Tickets are available now atwww.planofoodandwinefestival.com.

The 8th Annual Plano Food + Wine Festival is presented by Kroger Delivery and supported by major sponsors including Legacy West, Lombardi Family Concepts, Prestige Community Credit Lombardi Family Concepts, RNDC, Favorite Brands, Western Son Distillery and many more.

Follow along on Facebook and Instagram for updates and announcements as the event approaches!

About Legacy West
Legacy West, known as the most successful development in North Texas history, includes 343,000 square feet of retail; 435,000 square feet of office space; and 1,300 multi-family units. The mixed-use project located in Plano, TX is home to national and international corporate office tenants, a 303-room Renaissance Hotel, luxury retail brands, a 55,000 square foot artisan Food Hall, plus more than 20 restaurants and eateries to choose from. The center is a beacon of North Texas as the destination of choice for work, live, shop, play and dine.

About SBG Hospitality

This event is organized by SBG Hospitality! SBG Hospitality is a McKinney, TX-based event company specializing in creating, organizing, and promoting high-quality events and experiences that bring the community together! SBG is involved in planning a wide range of events, from local festivals and community gatherings to large-scale events that attract diverse audiences. To learn more, visit www.sbghospitality.com.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

As summer fades and fall settles in, the shift in seasons can also bring a shift in health. Cooler weather, busier schedules, and more time spent indoors create conditions where illnesses like colds, flu, and seasonal allergies thrive. At Carrollton Regional Medical Center, we’re here to help you stay healthy and enjoy the season to the fullest.

Get Ahead with a Flu Shot
Flu season typically peaks between October and February, but protection starts with preparation. Getting your flu shot early in the season is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your risk.

Strengthen Everyday Habits
Prevention also comes down to daily routines. Simple habits like washing hands often, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, and avoiding close contact when you feel unwell can make a big difference in reducing the spread of germs. Adequate sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals also strengthen your immune system.

Manage Seasonal Allergies
For many Texans, fall means sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion from ragweed and other seasonal allergens. If allergies disrupt your daily life, our providers can help with testing, medication options, and personalized plans to manage symptoms and improve comfort throughout the season.

Keep Up with Regular Check-Ups
Fall is also a great time to schedule routine health visits before the holiday rush. Annual physicals, screenings, and wellness checks are key to catching small issues before they become larger problems. Our team works with patients of all ages to create care plans that support both immediate needs and long-term health.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Even with preparation, illnesses and accidents can still happen. Carrollton Regional Medical Center’s emergency department and urgent care services are ready to provide expert, compassionate care whenever you need it.

As you enjoy football games, cooler evenings, and family gatherings this fall, make your health a priority. With a few proactive steps, you can reduce your risk of illness and make the most of the season.

Carrollton Regional Medical Center is a 216 - bed Acute Care Hospital managed by Sana Healthcare. CRMC serves Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Lewisville, The Colony, and other surrounding communities. CRMC offers an array of services including 24/7 Emergency Care, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Imaging Services, Rehabilitation and Therapy Services, Cancer Care, a 16- bed Intensive Care Unit, Surgical Services, and an Inpatient Orthopedic Center of Excellence. Our Women’s Imaging Center is just 2 blocks north of the hospital and provides 3D digital mammography and other specialized breast procedures. CRMC is here to serve its community with high quality, patient-focused care, close to home. Visit www.crmc.health.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Griggs Basketball Court Led by Dwight Powell, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas children participated in a Mavs Academy basketball clinic on the new Griggs Park Court located in Uptown Dallas. photo credit: Monika Normand

The Dallas Mavericks and Uptown Dallas, Inc. celebrated the unveiling of the newly renovated basketball court at Griggs Park on September 18.

Mavs players Dwight Powell and Caleb Martin joined CEO Rick Welts and Uptown Dallas, Inc. Executive Director Kelem Butts for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was followed by a Mavs Academy basketball clinic for children from the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas. 

The project continues a long-standing partnership between the Mavericks and Uptown Dallas. The court was first renovated nine years ago, when Powell—now the longest-tenured Maverick—was also on hand for the ceremony.

Today, the latest upgrades include a SportCourt playing surface designed in the Mavs colorway and featuring the Downtown Dallas skyline, a new backboard and hoop, and updated landscaping surrounding the court. 

​ABOUT MAVS CARE: The Dallas Mavericks strive to be champions on the court and in the community. We are dedicated to building a stronger community through educational programs, health and wellness initiatives, environmental efforts, support for military veterans and first responders, racial equity and social justice programs, and grants to nonprofit organizations. Through our community programs and the Mavs Foundation, we are changing lives in North Texas and beyond, impacting thousands of children, families and communities. To learn more about the Dallas Mavericks' community initiatives, visit Mavs.com/Community, and follow @Mavsoffcourt on all platforms.

ABOUT UPTOWN DALLAS, INC.: Established in 1993, Uptown Dallas, Inc. (UDI) is a nonprofit organization and public improvement district encompassing one square mile. As one of Dallas’ first true live-work-play communities, Uptown offers vibrant urban living with some of the city’s best views of the notable skyline. UDI aims to increase the quality of life for the 19,000 residents Uptown, hundreds of businesses and property owners, and more than 50,000 workers. On any given weekday, as many as 100,000 people pass through the district. The organization also has a safety team working to keep people safe along with its maintenance team responsible for enhancements such as street lighting and landscaping. UDI hosts Pilates in the Park and Movies in the Park (at Griggs Park) and sponsors other community-wide events. For more information on Uptown Dallas, Inc., visit https://uptowndallas.net/. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Monika Normand 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Griggs Basketball Court Led by Dwight Powell, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas children participated in a Mavs Academy basketball clinic on the new Griggs Park Court located in Uptown Dallas. photo credit: Monika Normand

The Dallas Mavericks and Uptown Dallas, Inc. celebrated the unveiling of the newly renovated basketball court at Griggs Park on September 18.

Mavs players Dwight Powell and Caleb Martin joined CEO Rick Welts and Uptown Dallas, Inc. Executive Director Kelem Butts for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was followed by a Mavs Academy basketball clinic for children from the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas. 

The project continues a long-standing partnership between the Mavericks and Uptown Dallas. The court was first renovated nine years ago, when Powell—now the longest-tenured Maverick—was also on hand for the ceremony.

Today, the latest upgrades include a SportCourt playing surface designed in the Mavs colorway and featuring the Downtown Dallas skyline, a new backboard and hoop, and updated landscaping surrounding the court. 

​ABOUT MAVS CARE: The Dallas Mavericks strive to be champions on the court and in the community. We are dedicated to building a stronger community through educational programs, health and wellness initiatives, environmental efforts, support for military veterans and first responders, racial equity and social justice programs, and grants to nonprofit organizations. Through our community programs and the Mavs Foundation, we are changing lives in North Texas and beyond, impacting thousands of children, families and communities. To learn more about the Dallas Mavericks' community initiatives, visit Mavs.com/Community, and follow @Mavsoffcourt on all platforms.

ABOUT UPTOWN DALLAS, INC.: Established in 1993, Uptown Dallas, Inc. (UDI) is a nonprofit organization and public improvement district encompassing one square mile. As one of Dallas’ first true live-work-play communities, Uptown offers vibrant urban living with some of the city’s best views of the notable skyline. UDI aims to increase the quality of life for the 19,000 residents Uptown, hundreds of businesses and property owners, and more than 50,000 workers. On any given weekday, as many as 100,000 people pass through the district. The organization also has a safety team working to keep people safe along with its maintenance team responsible for enhancements such as street lighting and landscaping. UDI hosts Pilates in the Park and Movies in the Park (at Griggs Park) and sponsors other community-wide events. For more information on Uptown Dallas, Inc., visit https://uptowndallas.net/. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Monika Normand