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EMPOWER is pleased to announce Ariel Jones as the newest Director of Permanency Support. Jones will office at EMPOWER’s Dallas office at 1820 Regal Row.

EMPOWER, a non-profit child welfare collaborative, serves as theCommunity-Based Care (CBC) contractor in Metroplex East. This nine-county region includes Dallas and surrounding communities.EMPOWER oversees foster care, case management, kinship, and reunification services. 

Jones is a proud graduate of Jackson State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She also holds a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Mississippi College. Jones brings a wealth of professional experience, having worked as a Counseling/Behavior Specialist with the Mississippi Department of Human Services, the Texas Department of Family Protective Services, and as a Supervisor at Our Community Our Kids.

Outside of her professional life, Jones enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. She has been married for eight years and is a devoted mom to two children who bring joy and excitement to her life. 

“We are thrilled to have Ariel join the EMPOWER family and we are eager to see her succeed in this role as she continues her service to families and children,” said Brittany Pearson, Vice President of Permanency at EMPOWER.

Many local children in foster care need a safe, loving place to call home. To learn more about how you can help these children in need, please visit https://3empower.org/fosterfutures/.

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After an extensive search, the Turtle Creek Chorale (TCC) Board of Directors are thrilled to welcome Dr. Dawson B. Taylor (he/him/his) as the Executive Director of the Turtle Creek Chorale. Dr. Taylor will assume his role on November 1, 2024. 

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are so excited to welcome Dr. Taylor back to Dallas to lead the Turtle Creek Chorale as Executive Director,” said Kevin Housing, Chair. “His professional experience, exceptional leadership and genuine passion for the TCC make him the ideal fit for this role.”

Dr. Taylor joins TCC with extensive leadership experience, previously serving as Designated Minister of Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ in Bethesda, MD and sings as baritone in the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. 

Prior to his role at Westmoreland, Dr. Taylor served as the sixth Senior Minister (2016-2022) and Associate Minister (2013-2015) of Naples United Church of Christ in Naples, FL. Prior to moving to Florida, he served as Executive Minister of Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ in Dallas. During this time, Dr. Taylor was also a part of the TCC as a singing member. He began singing with TCC in fall of 2006, the last season directed by Dr. Tim Seelig. He also served on the TCC Board in 2007 and became chairperson in 2009.

Dr. Taylor is proud to serve as a Trustee of Chicago Theological Seminary where he chairs the Board Affairs Committee and serves on the Executive Committee and Strategic Options Task Force. He has served on numerous not-for-profit boards of directors including Planned Parenthood of Central and Southwest Florida and GLSEN-Collier County. 

Dr. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Centenary College of Louisiana, a Master of Theological Studies from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, and his Doctor of Ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary.

“I am thrilled to be rejoining Turtle Creek Chorale as Executive Director” Dr. Taylor stated. “I am especially excited to partner with my friend Sean Mikel Baugh, the fantastic singing membership, the committed Board of Directors, the talented staff, and generous donors to broaden the mission to entertain, educate, unite, and inspire.”

 

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                                    COPPELL LIONS CLUB VISION SCREENING FOR BACK TO SCHOOL

 

 

Coppell Lions Club were at the Back to School Fair at Irving Bible Church conducting Spot Vision Screening with the club’s  Vision Screening Team led by Lions Tim Decker, Alice Decker, Ron Harrison, Kim Taylor, Kris Pollard, Margaret Meek, Scott Murdock and Debbie Goodwin. Great service project for the Lions. Students received uniforms, backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, Vision Screening, medical assessments and snacks.

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Nearly three decades ago, Half Shells first opened in University Park’s Snider Plaza. Now, as the historic shopping destination is undergoing an upgrade, the team at Half Shells is rewarding loyal diners with a series of amazing specials and promotions.

Beginning on Monday, Sept. 2, Half Shells Snider Plaza will offer the following weekday specials.

On Mondays, Half Shells will extend its popular happy hour all day (regularly 3-6 p.m.). Happy hour offers include:

 

Food Specials

  • $2.25 Gulf Oysters
  • $2.50 select East Coast Oysters
  • $2.50 Chargrilled Oysters
  • $8 Shrimp Nachos
  • $6 Fried Pickles
  • $8 Shrimp & Crab Queso
  • $10 Cheeseburger

Drink Specials

  • $6 Glasses of House Wine
  • $2 off all other Glasses of Wine
  • $5 14 oz. Craft on Draft Beer
  • $6 Gold Margarita
  • $6 Wells
  • $2 off Listed Cocktails

 

 

Each Tuesday, guests can enjoy Half Shells’ Gold Margarita for only $5 all day.

 

Oyster lovers will enjoy Wednesdays at Half Shells, when the restaurant’s popular Oyster Nachos are offered for only $9.99. Additionally, all bottles of wine will be available half-price.

 

On Thursdays, Gulf Oysters will be offered for $12.99 for a half dozen from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

 

Half Shells realizes that construction has changed the locations of parking for the restaurant and is acknowledging that by compensating customers who are parking in the center’s paid parking garage with a complimentary cup of soup with their in-restaurant entrée purchase.

Plus, the restaurant is hoping for loyal guests to get the chance to know new Executive Chef Molly Winkler even better. During the Snider Plaza construction process, guests at Half Shells Snider Plaza can register to win a dinner for 6-8 people prepared by Chef Molly in their home.

The specials are good only at the Half Shells Snider Plaza location.  For more information, visit fishcitygrill.com


ABOUT FISH CITY GRILL AND HALF SHELLS

Fish City Grills and Half Shells are neighborhood seafood joints serving great seafood and cocktails in a comfortable, casual setting. Our tagline says it all; “Friendly folks. Serious Seafood.” We are equally proud of our company culture and the personal relationships we have with our Team Members, our Customers and our neighborhoods.

Fish City Grill and Half Shells have 23 locations throughout Texas, Arkansas, Florida and Oklahoma with more to come!

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Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, and Galleria Dallas is celebrating in three big ways.

 

First, for its next Artist Collective exhibit, Galleria Dallas will host Los Trompos, a traveling interactive art installation created by Mexican artists Hector Esrawe and Ignacio Cadena. The exhibit will be displayed from Aug. 23-Sept. 30 in the recently updated outdoor plaza near North Italia. The outdoor plaza was redesigned earlier this year to provide shoppers with more spaces to gather with friends and family. The plaza features several seating areas and colorful, updated landscaping, making it a natural place to take photos.

 

For Los Trompos, the creators drew inspiration for the collection from the popular spinning top that has been a toy loved by children around the world. The collection features six one-of-a-kind, three-dimensional spinning tops in an array of colors and shapes. The colors on each sculpture are made by fabric woven in a traditional Mexican style. The sculptures are interactive and guests can make them spin.

 

Next, Galleria Dallas will partner with market innovator LuxuryLab Global to create a pop-up shopping experience celebrating the talent and artistry in the Mexican fashion industry. LuxuryLab Global, the most important market intelligence summit for luxury brands in Mexico and Latin America, will bring together Mexico’s top designers and artisans to create a luxury boutique filled with one-of-a-kind finds.

 

The limited-time boutique will feature a carefully curated selection of high-quality products from more than a dozen talented Mexican and Latin American designers including:

  • Eco y Caos – elevated activewear made with style and balance in mind
  • Rock & Jewel – alternative jewelry handmade with 100% Mexican silver
  • José Sánchez – minimalist leather accessories and apparel produced in Tijuana, Mexico

 

 

The public can meet the designers and shop Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 22 from noon to 6 p.m.

Finally, Galleria Dallas will host a themed skate night from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 with a Hispanic Heritage Month focus. Called Frozen Fiesta, the evening will feature music by Latin artists and a chance to skate the night away at Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center. Admission is $12, plus an additional $5 if you need to rent skates.

“We love celebrating all the cultures that make Galleria Dallas the great destination it has become,” said Angie Freed, general manager of Galleria Dallas. “We’re proud to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month in a meaningful way, by sharing art and fashions from Latin America.”

 

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 owned by MetLife Investment Management, managed by Trademark Property Group, Inc.  Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, Texas, 75240.

For Social Media:  @GalleriaDallas #GalleriaDallas @galleriadallasiceskating #galleriadallasiceskating

 

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Food trends may come and go, but basic great food served with a smile will never go out of style. For the soldiers and families at Fort Cavazos, near Killeen, Texas, a diner with deep roots will soon bring fabulous farm-to-table classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Luckys Café, a renowned diner originally founded in Dallas more than three decades ago, will open on Fort Cavazos on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

 

  

The new restaurant, at 761st Tank Battalion Drive, will be operated by franchisee Gilbert Aranza of Java Star, Inc. The 4,917-square-foot space will offer 152 seats for diners. General Manager Brittany Williams is excited to receive guests at the new location.

 

Luckys Café is sure to become a neighborhood favorite because of classic offerings such as hand-breaded chicken fried steak and breakfast all day. The farm-to-table menu uses locally sourced, fresh, clean-tasting ingredients. Luckys will feature daily specials on the blackboard highlighting seasonal favorites.

 

Guests from around the region are invited to dine at Luckys. Civilians wishing to dine should stop at the Visitors Center before the main gate entrance. The desk soldiers onsite will be able to share access once guests share their ID, vehicle registration and proof of insurance.  Continue straight ahead. Luckys is on the left at the corner of the second cross street.

 

The restaurant is proud to partner with local and regional farms that provide the freshest natural ingredients. Popular items include meatloaf, pot roast, chicken and waffle and one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches in the country. The team is excited about the impact it will have on the Fort Cavazos community.

 

“The soldiers and families at Fort Cavazos need a three-meals-a-day place like Luckys Café,” said Aranza, Luckys Café’s licensed operator.  “Like the original Luckys on Oak Lawn in Dallas, the location on post will feature breakfast all day and diner classics for lunch and dinner with farm-to-table ingredients.”

 

 

Luckys Fort Cavazos

761st Tank Battalion Drive, Bldg. 50,

Fort Cavazos, TX 76544

www.luckysdallas.com

 

 

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On August 28th, the League of Women Voters of Dallas held Women's Equality Day, marking the 104th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment at Dallas City Hall. This year's theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” reflected its commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women in the community. Though the actual date of Women’s Equality Day is August 26, the event is held on the Wednesday closest to the date for Dallas City Hall to best accommodate the program.      

Sandy Thornton, League of Women Voters of Dallas president, welcomed everyone. Bryan Adams High School JROTC Color Guard presented the colors. AJ T. Cole recognized sponsors and supporters (see list at end).

Dallas City Council Member Gay Donnell Willis welcomed the 100 attendees and read a resolution with her colleagues including CM Paula Blackmon, CM Jaynie Schultz and CM Kathy Stewart. Other members in attendance were CM Cara Mendelsohn, CM Tennell Atkins, CM Omar Narvaez.

Texas State Representative Jessica Gonzalez (District 104) gave remarks, followed by Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown sharing a resolution.

Texas Women’s Foundation President and CEO Karen Hughes White was the keynote speaker. “Thank you for showing up. Like the suffragists who came before us and all of us who continue the fight for women’s equality, showing up for women and girls is THE single most important thing we can do.”

She added, “According to my dad, I was always finding causes to fight for and always organizing from the first-ever high school homecoming parade at Habersham Central High School – in rural North Georgia – an actual parade, to a five-day tennis marathon that raised $75K for the American Cancer Society AND broke a Guinness World Record. I was 24 at the time.”

White remarked, “How it is possible that in the great state of Texas, with our robust economy – the strongest in the nation – and by some reports, the 8th strongest in the world, how can it be that we rank 47th out of 50 states across 25 indicators of women’s economic security and well-being?” She added that more work needs to be done and announced that Texas Women’s Foundation will soon publish its 5th edition of Economic Issues in Texas in October to share more research. Those wanting to learn more can visit https://txwf.org/.

Special thanks to sponsors: AAUW Dallas, Texas; BURRs; Gabriela Pataro, Joan M. Ridley, Judith Shure, League of Women Voters of Collin County; Mollie Mossman, Future-World Institute; National Council of Jewish Women Greater Dallas; Pamela Tilford Mahomes; Sandy Thornton; Susybelle Lyons Gosslee; The Preston Hollow Democrats; United Nations Association Dallas Chapter; Women’s Council of Dallas County.

About the League of Women Voters of Dallas

The League of Women Voters of Dallas is a nonpartisan organization committed to empowering voters and defending democracy. With a vision of a democracy where every person has the desire, right, knowledge, and confidence to participate in the election process, the League promotes voting as a fundamental right that should be available to all eligible voters. Through advocacy and educational programs, the League of Women Voters of Dallas aims to achieve elections that are free, fair, and accessible. For more information, visit www.lwvdallas.org/

About Texas Women’s Foundation

By working with women, families and communities, Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) is building a stronger, more equitable Texas. TXWF raises funding from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support more than $7.1 million in investments each year that advance economic security and leadership for Texas women and girls through timely research, advocacy, grants and strategic/educational initiatives. Since inception in 1985, TXWF has invested more than $80 million in Texas women and girls.

The Foundation’s statewide research on issues impacting Texas women and girls provides corporate, state and local decision-makers and lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs across the state. Its advocacy, grantmaking and educational initiatives support solutions that help Texas women and girls survive and thrive. In addition, Texas Women’s Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in the gender lens investing movement and has deployed 100 percent of its invested assets – endowments, operating investments and donor-advised funds – in a gendered impact portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits to women and girls. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now

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Shelton alumnus Matthew Rapier (Class of 2014) and Shelton Upper School history teacher Morgan Rapier with their daughter Mary Alice.

By Angelo Piersanti

The Shelton School has been serving the DFW area since 1976. Consecutive generations of families have attended our school, made lifelong friends, and contributed to our success in multitudinous ways. Matthew Rapier, Shelton Class of 2014 alumnus, and Morgan Rapier, Shelton Upper School History teacher, are one of those families.

When Matthew’s needs were not being met in traditional school, his parents transferred him to Shelton by the first grade. He fondly recalls our welcoming environment and supportive teachers, including memories of seeing Shelton School Founder, Dr. June Shelton, around the old campus. Over the years, Matthew participated in theater, football, soccer and choir, which were the perfect outlets for his physicality and creativity. Matthew attended Shelton through twelfth grade.

Matthew was finishing college, and Morgan was in the middle of a teaching internship when they met through a dating app. This led to some long talks, a first date, and eventually marriage. The couple later settled in Plano with their two cats and first child, Mary Alice, who was born last September. Morgan and Matthew recently reminisced on how overcoming setbacks has brought them closer and made them stronger. 

For example, a fire destroyed most of their belongings while they were away on their honeymoon. This unexpected hardship proved to be a defining moment in their relationship. Starting a life together can be difficult enough, but starting from scratch gave them a new perspective on what is essential. This includes building a relationship of trust, communicating clearly and honestly, and leaning on each other’s strengths. 

The little things, like Matthew’s ability to make Morgan laugh and Morgan's ability to find joy all around her, are what they appreciate most. These are also a poignant reminder of what cannot be taken away. Knowing they can absolutely rely on one another has bolstered their confidence in their ability to confront whatever else they may encounter in the future, no matter how difficult. Morgan and Matthew’s relationship also affected their career paths. 

With Morgan’s encouragement to pursue his dreams, Matthew currently works in business development. With Matthew’s influence, Morgan gained a deeper understanding of people with learning differences, far more than she gleaned from her education courses or teacher training. This led to her applying for a position in Shelton’s Upper School, where she has worked since 2019. Today, her experience and compassion continue to shape her approach to teaching.

Morgan and Matthew take great pride in their Shelton connections. Matthew still answers when Shelton calls, whether speaking to a group of parents or sitting down for an interview. Some of Matthew’s best friends are the ones he met early on at Shelton. This tight-knit circle of friends now includes Morgan, and this addition has created fresh opportunities to renew their Shelton bonds. As for Morgan and Matthew, this dynamic duo is ready for whatever may come next.
Patricia Chi
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Coppell XC Varsity Boys Celebrate with Team After

On Saturday, August 24, Coppell High School’s Cross Country teams made their exciting relay debut at the legendary Greenhill/Luke’s Locker 6-Mile Relay! In a thrilling team format, runners broke into groups of four, each tackling 1.5 miles of a challenging course filled with haybales and hills. With teamwork, determination, and incredible team spirit on full display, Coppell’s athletes faced tough competition and strengthened their bonds, celebrating every step of the way. The joy and energy were undeniable as the team came together for this unforgettable cross-country event.

Coach Wren remarked, “This meet was definitely different from the others we’ll attend this year. I wanted to give the kids a unique experience and a meet they could really enjoy. Each runner ran 1.5 miles instead of a 5k, but the course provided a great challenge. Despite missing several runners due to the SAT, those who competed performed very well.”

Individual and Team Highlights

Varsity Boys: 

The team of Srivanth Rudrangi, Tanish Neelapu, Grant O’Neal, and Rohit Kalpathy finished 5th overall with a time of 31:45.62, each runner completing their 1.5-mile leg with impressive times.

Coach Wren added, “We were missing a few varsity runners, but I was pleased with how the team of Grant, Rohit, Srivanth, and Tanish ran. The other varsity team, consisting of sophomores and freshmen—Diego Morales, Sam Meier, Arya Khanna, and Itsuki Pena—competed well against older runners.”

 

Varsity Girls:

The team of Rachel Arrington, Mallory Sherrer, Annie Reeder, and Maya Easterwood finished 6th overall with a time of 38:48.54, competing against more than 35 teams.

Maya and Mallory had the top times for the girls, praised Coach Wren. “The varsity team just missed out on taking home a trophy. Rachel, Mallory, Annie, and Maya all ran well, and I’m proud of their efforts.”

 

JV Boys: 

Both JV Boys A and JV Boys B teams dominated the competition, each taking 1st place overall in their respective divisions.

  • JV Boys Team A: Rodrick Abrego, Myles Metrano, Aiden George, and Jose Murillo finished 1st overall with a time of 34:29.40 in the JV A division.
  • JV Boys Team B: Farhan Mohammed, Christian Todd, Noah Law, and Hugh Harris also claimed 1st place, clocking a time of 36:16.52 in the JV B division.

Coach Wren praised the teams’ performances: “The team of Jose, Rodrick, Aiden, and Myles finished first in the JV A division, and they all ran exceptionally well. The team of Noah, Hugh, Christian, and Farhan won the JV B division. Winning both JV Boys’ divisions was the highlight of the meet.”

 

JV Girls:

The team of Shreya Shah, Rhea Bala, Delanee Mullen, and Ava Garcia finished 4th overall with a time of 44:04.65.

Coach Wren remarked, “Ava, Rhea, Shreya, and Delanee competed hard and earned some hardware for their 4th place finish. Ava Garcia really stood out, running the best time among the JV Girls.”

Looking Ahead

Coach Wren concluded: “The timing of this meet is perfect because it comes the week before an extremely important race at North Lakes Park in Denton, where the District Meet will be held in October. I’m really looking forward to seeing how our kids run on the district course against some of the top teams in the state. I have confidence that with a strong week of practice, they’ll perform well next Saturday at the Marcus Coach T Invitational.”

Our team came together for a strong relay debut, showing determination and teamwork on this tough course. Most importantly, they demonstrated incredible bonding and strategy. Until next time, we'll keep pushing forward!

 

Contact Information
For more details or to support the team, please contact:
Patricia Chi
Email: chi.patricia@gmail.com
Phone: (469) 831-3709

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Left: Mayor of Plano John Muns of Plano meeting John Everett, President and CEO of Legacy Bank & Trust.

Legacy Bank & Trust is excited to announce the opening of its new location in Plano at 437 Coit Road, Plano, TX 75075. This is one of three locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex as the company expands in the region. The other two branches in the Metroplex are located in Fort Worth at 5721 N. Tarrant Parkway and Dallas at 17561 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75287. Legacy Bank & Trust also opened a corporate office in the Uptown area of Dallas at 2401 Cedar Springs, Suite 305, Dallas, TX 75201. 

The Plano community including Mayor John Muns, local businesses, and customers celebrated the branch opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 31.  

“We are pleased to have a presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and look forward to providing customers in the area with the personal service, attention, and commitment Legacy is known for,” says Jeremy Loftin, Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer at Legacy Bank and Trust. “Our bank has been in business since 1907 and has been committed to providing leading services in banking for our customers since the day we opened. Our new branches are designed with a warm, welcoming environment to foster personal relationships with our customers. We hope our surrounding neighbors will stop in to meet us.”

Legacy Bank & Trust offers innovative products and services with personalized, in-house lending services and strong account benefits. With the foundation of providing the best in banking for citizens looking for a trusted local partner and a personalized experience, Legacy offers many innovative services to meet customers' banking needs and a toolkit of resources to support clients in making the right financial decisions for themselves or their business. In addition to Legacy’s trusted services, the Texas branches offer top-of-market certificate of deposit rates and four signature checking account options.