While James Bond may have bolstered the fame of the classic martini with his, “shaken, not stirred,” preference, the current martini of choice is certainly the espresso martini. The caffeinated cocktail has skyrocketed from veritable obscurity to become one of the top 10 most ordered cocktails in the United States this year.

In celebration of National Martini Day on Tuesday, June 19, all four of The Statler’s acclaimed dine and drink venues will offer a classic espresso martini for just $12.

Participating restaurants include Overeasy, the retro-inspired diner in the hotel lobby; Scout, which offers sports-themed fun for all; Bourbon & Banter, the city’s most iconic speakeasy; and Waterproof, the 19^th floor pool bar with the best views in North Texas.

About The Statler

The Statler is an award-winning iconic Mid-Century design masterpiece famed as one of America’s first modern hotels. The Statler brought the limelight back to Dallas with the original 1956 opening that attracted elites from coast to coast and hosted legendary performances by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, The Jackson 5, and others. With the 2017 reawakening, The Statler is now both a hotel and residences, offering retro-forward style and elevated experiences across 159 upscale guest rooms, 219 luxury apartments, and four uniquely concepted dine and drink venues. The Statler Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton is managed by Aimbridge Hospitality and part of the Historic Hotels of America; The Statler Residences is managed by Cushman & Wakefield. The Statler was redeveloped and is owned by Centurion American. For more on The Statler please visit www.thestatlerdallas.com and connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.

About Aimbridge Hospitality
Aimbridge Hospitality is the world’s leading global hospitality management company. A trusted operator of over 80 globally recognized lodging brands and distinctive luxury and lifestyle assets, Aimbridge delivers compelling results for hotel owners by leveraging proprietary data and insights as an authority in key markets and destinations, while creating exceptional guest experiences. Aimbridge continually strives to set the new standard in hospitality excellence, leading the industry into the future through a wealth of unmatched resources and best-in-class supplier agreements, while recruiting and developing top industry talent in all key verticals and geographies. To learn more, visit www.aimbridgehospitality.com. Connect with Aimbridge on LinkedIn.

Moving to a new location is often filled with excitement, anticipation, and the promise of new beginnings. However, amidst the flurry of planning and preparations, it's easy to overlook a crucial aspect: ensuring that your belongings are adequately insured for the journey ahead. Properly insuring your move is not merely a precautionary measure; it's a fundamental necessity to safeguard your possessions against the unexpected twists and turns that may arise during transit. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the significance of insuring your move and provide you with an exhaustive understanding of the various insurance options available to you, empowering you to make informed decisions and embark on your relocation journey with confidence and peace of mind.

The Importance of Proper Insurance for Your Move

Moving, whether it's across town or across the country, involves a multitude of logistical challenges and potential risks. From navigating narrow staircases to traversing bumpy roads, there are numerous opportunities for accidents to occur along the way. Without the appropriate insurance coverage, you could find yourself facing significant financial losses in the event of damage, loss, or theft of your belongings. Proper insurance not only provides a safety net but also grants you the assurance that your prized possessions are protected, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure without the looming specter of uncertainty.

Understanding Your Insurance Options

When it comes to insuring your move, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, you'll need to carefully evaluate your options and select the coverage that best aligns with your needs, budget, and level of risk tolerance. Let's explore the three primary types of insurance coverage available for your move:

1. Basic Carrier Liability: This entry-level insurance coverage is typically provided by moving companies as part of their standard service offerings. Basic carrier liability offers limited protection based on the weight of your items, with coverage typically ranging from a few cents to a few dollars per pound of damaged or lost goods. While this option may suffice for some, it's essential to understand its inherent limitations and consider whether additional coverage is warranted for your specific circumstances.

2. Declared Value Protection: With declared value protection, you have the opportunity to declare the value of your belongings and pay a fee based on that value. In the event of loss or damage during transit, the moving company will be liable for the declared value of your items, up to a specified maximum limit. While this option provides a higher level of coverage compared to basic carrier liability, it's important to note that it may not fully reimburse you for the replacement cost of your belongings, particularly for high-value items or possessions with sentimental value.

3. Full Value Protection: Offering the most comprehensive coverage of the three options, full value protection ensures that your belongings are protected at their full replacement value in the event of loss, damage, or theft during transit. While this level of coverage typically comes at an additional cost, it provides unparalleled peace of mind, knowing that you'll be compensated for the actual cash value of your items or the cost to repair or replace them, whichever is lower. With full value protection, you can rest assured that your most cherished possessions are safeguarded against the unexpected perils of moving.

Tips for Selecting the Right Insurance Coverage

Now that you have a better understanding of your insurance options, here are some essential tips to help you navigate the decision-making process and choose the coverage that best suits your needs:

1. Evaluate the Value of Your Belongings: Before selecting an insurance option, take inventory of your possessions and assess their value. Consider factors such as sentimental value, replacement cost, and depreciation when determining the appropriate level of coverage for your move.

2. Review the Fine Print: Carefully review the terms and conditions of each insurance option, paying close attention to any exclusions, limitations, or deductibles that may impact your coverage. Be sure to ask your moving company or insurance provider for clarification on any points of confusion or concern.

3. Consider Your Budget and Risk Tolerance: While full value protection offers the highest level of coverage, it may not be necessary or feasible for every move. Consider your budget constraints and risk tolerance when weighing the costs and benefits of each insurance option. Remember that investing in comprehensive coverage may provide greater peace of mind in the long run, especially for moves involving valuable or irreplaceable items.

4. Seek Recommendations and Referrals: Don't hesitate to seek recommendations and referrals from friends, family members, or trusted professionals who have experience with moving insurance. Their insights and advice can help you make a more informed decision and avoid potential pitfalls along the way.

Conclusion

Properly insuring your move is an essential step in protecting your belongings and ensuring a smooth transition to your new home. By understanding your insurance options, evaluating your needs, and following the tips provided in this guide, you can make confident and informed decisions that will safeguard your possessions and provide you with peace of mind throughout the moving process. Remember, while moving may be filled with uncertainties, your insurance coverage shouldn't be one of them. Invest the time and effort to explore your options, select the coverage that best meets your needs, and embark on your relocation journey with confidence, knowing that your belongings are in good hands.

So, before you embark on your next move, take the time to explore your insurance options thoroughly and choose the coverage that aligns with your needs and budget. Your belongings and peace of mind are worth the investment. Safe travels!

Premier Designs & Moving specializes in moving services, art installation, and packing and organization. For the past 5 years, Premier Designs & Moving have been securing your valuables and moving them with ease, handling your objects with care, and packing and unpacking your assets so you can focus on the more important aspects of moving. All our packing services are designed to make your move efficient and streamlined. We’re not just any residential moving service, we pride ourselves on providing you with the service you expect from our name. For the best home movers in Dallas, TX, call Premier Designs & Moving at (469) 859-5454.

The 50-member group, representing 20 different North Texas high schools, reflects on year of service and leadership development, while honoring seniors, group leaders, and top achievers 

Founded in 2021, the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) of The Storehouse Community Center was established to provide high school leadership experience while fulfilling the mission of The Storehouse to feed, clothe, and care as neighbors in one community. As the 50 members of the 2023-24 council wrapped up the council’s third year, the group reflected on their accomplishments, recognizing their leaders, and honoring their seniors, along with this year’s three recipients of the David A. Huerta Student Volunteer Award* for the most hours of service: Nina Zucconi, 106 volunteer hours (junior, Plano West Senior High School); Theresa  Wootton, 90.25 volunteer hours (senior, John Paul II High School); and Sarah Cho, 71.5 volunteer hours (junior, Allen High School).

Midway through the academic year, this year’s council was faced with an unexpected scheduling change as The Storehouse shifted to an appointment system for food pantry distribution. Originally meeting only on Saturdays, the group had planned the year volunteering during the morning food distribution, followed by a council meeting eight Saturdays a month. When The Storehouse shifted its schedule, eliminating Saturday distributions, the group had to restructure its plans. The solution involved keeping Saturday mornings for meetings and selecting one of three weekday evenings for the group to volunteer – a potential challenge with high school schedules.

“A big part of leadership is learning to lead through change, especially unexpected change,” said Ben Skye, director of communications and culture and YLC advisor at The Storehouse. “Due to major changes in our food pantry service schedule, our leadership team had to develop a change management plan for the council going into 2024. It was inspiring to see how they came together and got the job done with teamwork and leadership. They learned a powerful lesson this year: even when you do your very best planning, circumstances outside of your control can change and you must adapt.”

The 50 YLC students contributed a total of 2,114.25 hours, an average of 42.385 hours per member. Council members also volunteered across the four programs at The Storehouse, serving in the clothing closet, neighbor care, and education programs on their own accord outside of scheduled service days. 

This year, council members also explored their personal leadership styles using the 16 Personalities report to facilitate discussions about practicing leadership across various areas in life. 

"I really never thought that I could be a good leader,” said Theresa Wootton, a YLC squad leader. “I’m not typically extroverted or charismatic, and I’m not super positive. But I found that I didn’t have to try to be something I wasn’t to contribute and to lead. I've been so grateful to be part of such a diverse leadership team, not for just one, but two years.”

Additionally, sisters Leah Devasia and Tessa Devasia, a senior and a sophomore, respectively, at John Paul II High School, were recognized for achieving 100 percent attendance by participating in all required YLC activities, including a meet and greet, orientation, a summer volunteer session, a midweek food bagging and planning session, eight service days, and eight YLC meetings.

“My experience volunteering at The Storehouse showed me how much time, effort, and communication goes into running an efficient organization,” said Leah Devasia, senior, John Paul II High School. “I hope to handle my responsibilities as well as The Storehouse staff in college and in my future career!”

Fourteen seniors were recognized for their year of service: Lakshmi Aravindan, Charlotte Blank, Leah Devasia, Matthew Farrell, Justin Goodlin, Katherine Happe, Lauren Latham, Adil Miah, Lupe Oloyede, Ajay Raghavan, Henry Rutnam, Ally Troxler, Theresa Wootton, and Shirley Xinyi Yang.

Additionally, five squad leaders, Charlotte Blank, Leah Devasia, Katherine Happe, Ajay Raghavan, and Theresa Wootton, along with five assistant squad leaders, Ava Henry, Carter Jacob, Blair Neumayer, Ally Troxler, and Henry Troxler, were recognized for their efforts in helping plan and execute the YLC's objectives and activities this past year.

The 2023-24 YLC members represented the following 20 high schools: Allen High School, Frisco High School, Frisco Memorial High School, Harmony Science Academy, Hebron High School, Jasper High School, JJ Pearce High School, Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, John Paul II High School, Leadership Prep School – Frisco, Lebanon Trail High School, McKinney Boyd High School, Plano East Senior High School, Plano West Senior High School, Prestonwood Christian Academy, Prince of Peace Christian School, Rick Reedy High School, Shepton High School, The Episcopal School of Dallas, and Wakeland High School.

"This is my second year serving as advisor for the council, and I am so proud to see how the program continues to innovate and grow,” added Skye. “Our student leaders play a major role in strategizing and implementing plans for the year while cultivating an inclusive, diverse, and supportive environment for their peers to interact and serve their community. One of my favorite points of feedback this year was from a student who shared how he always looks forward to coming to the YLC. He shared that even when it was a bad week at school, YLC was always an uplifting place to be!”

The YLC roster is complete for the 2024-25 year, but all high schoolers are invited to sign up and volunteer at The Storehouse. To volunteer, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/volunteer-sign-up.  To learn more about the YLC, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/ylc

“We created the YLC to provide students an opportunity to serve our neighbors while developing life and leadership skills,” said Candace Winslow, CEO, The Storehouse Community Center. “Under the leadership of Ben Skye, our director of communications and culture, the YLC has developed into so much more. Students are not only learning more about themselves, but they are also seeing that they can create positive change in the world. We are beyond grateful for their many hours of service and the love and care they have shown to our neighbors.”

*DAVID A. HUERTA, 21, the award’s namesake, began volunteering at The Storehouse at age 14 after he and his family arrived in Plano as immigrants from Venezuela. He volunteered weekly, helped found the YLC, and is currently a student at the University of Texas at Dallas, majoring in finance. He is a YLC advisor and works part time with The Storehouse team.

# # #

The Storehouse Community Center (formerly The Storehouse of Collin County), is a nonprofit founded in 2009 that provides short-term help and long-term transformation to residents in North Texas through a pathway of programs. Seven Loaves Food Pantry serves around 5,000 families each month; Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet provides clothing at no cost; Project Hope Neighbor Care offers case management and resource referral; and The Academy Education Program provides free and reduced-cost classes to assist with language, job, and life skills development. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 149,064 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. In August 2023, the North Texas Food Bank honored The Storehouse with the Hope for Tomorrow Award, and in September 2023, The Storehouse was named a Dallas Morning News Charity. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

McKinney, TX, is set to come alive with the electrifying sounds of Africa at the upcoming African Vibration Music Festival on Saturday, June 29th. This exciting event, presented by Yolk Magic, promises an unforgettable journey into the rich tapestry of African music and culture.

The festival kicks off at 2 pm and continues until 11 pm CDT at District 121 (6731 Alma Road, McKinney, TX). Music lovers can expect a captivating blend of traditional African rhythms with modern influences, creating a unique soundscape that transcends borders and unites the community.

"The African Vibration Music Festival is more than just a concert," enthuses the event organizer, Yolk Magic. "It's a celebration of community, diversity, and the undeniable power of music to connect us all."

Imagine yourself swaying under the summer sky, surrounded by a vibrant crowd grooving to the infectious rhythms of Africa. This is your chance to shed the ordinary and embrace an extraordinary cultural experience. Don't miss this opportunity to create lasting memories!

The festival boasts a stellar lineup featuring some of Africa's most talented artists, including:

• Thomas Mapfumo
• Sulu Chimbetu
• Mokoomba
• Nsibo
• Sakidi
• Tina
• Niina

Tickets are on sale now BUY NOW

For those seeking a taste of African culture and a night filled with electrifying music, the African Vibration Music Festival is a must-attend event. Grab your tickets, gather your loved ones, and prepare to experience the vibrant energy of Africa right here in McKinney!

Three Shelton teachers and a coach received the 2023-2024 Shelton Parents' Association Recognition Kudos (SPARK) Award at the May 30 Shelton End-of-the-Year Staff Appreciation Luncheon. This is the ninth year that SPA presented the recognition. Awards are based on comments received in the spring parent survey. Each winner will receive a SPARK crystal statue and a check for $500. 

Lower School: Jennifer Drake

Shelton Head of Lower School Christine Davis described Shelton Lower School teacher Jennifer Drake as a team player willing to help in any situation. "Jennifer is always cheerful and flexible, and our division is better for it," Davis said. One Shelton parent commended Drake for being welcoming and encouraging. "She walked alongside us as we transitioned into a new school and environment. She was always accessible to calm any of my fears or my daughter's fears." Another parent said, "Mrs. Drake has a calm demeanor and is patient and kind. She challenged our son unlike any teacher has before."

Middle School: Maria Nikolopoulos

Middle School Head of School Patricia Gallaher described Shelton Middle School teacher Maria Nikolopoulos as a teacher who builds and maintains a solid, meaningful rapport with her students because she takes time to understand their interests and struggles. "She makes students feel seen, heard and valued," Gallaher said. "Some students come to her feeling beaten down, and by the time they leave her room, they begin to believe in themselves. She has warmth, compassion and a sense of humor in the classroom, with high expectations of her students to engage, question and learn from her. She's a team player and is respected by her students and colleagues."

Upper School: Dr. Samantha Cason

Shelton Head of Upper School Jenny Cheatham called Shelton Upper School teacher Dr. Samantha Cason an exceptional teacher and colleague. "Her intelligence and passion for science shine through, and her students truly recognize and appreciate these qualities," Cheatham said. "She's also willing to lend a hand, whether it is to help a student, a fellow teacher or the school community as a whole. We are lucky to have Samantha in our science department."

All Around: Taiesha Olden

Shelton Athletic Director Alan Burt said Shelton coach Taiesha Olden is an organized, dedicated team player. "As the head coach for Cross Country and Track & Field, she is reliable, conscientious, professional and committed," Burt said. "She is also known for her adaptability, cheerful demeanor and her zest for life."