A Dallas institution for more than 35 years, Luckys has long been a supporter of the LGBTQ community. For 2024, Luckys will celebrate Pride Month throughout June with a special commemorative T-shirt and a celebratory cocktail.  

During June, guests can purchase a Lucky’s Pride shirt for only $20. The colorful, playful shirt celebrates a rainbow of inclusion and the diner’s commitment to its Oak Lawn community.

Additionally, the mixologists at Luckys have created a Pride ’Rita, which will be available for $12.75 all month in June. The Pride ’Rita features El Jimador Blanco tequila blended with Chambord, fresh lime juice and agave nectar.

Luckys Dallas

3531 Oak Lawn

Dallas, TX 75219

(214) 522-3500

www.luckysdallas.com

About Consolidated Restaurant Operations

Consolidated Restaurant Operations Inc. (CRO) is a Dallas-based privately held company which operates and franchises 38 restaurants in the United States and United Arab Emirates. More information can be found at www.croinc.com.

DALLAS, Texas, May 21, 2024 –The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden kicked off its fourth annual Black Heritage Celebration on May 18. The celebration, presented by Bank of America, showcased delicious food, fabulous fashion, art, and businesses from the Black community, many of whom have garnered national and international acclaim.

The weekend festivities began Saturday morning with a kickoff reception held in A Tasteful Place. Will McDaniel, Dallas Arboretum board chair, Janet Jack, Black Heritage Celebration committee chair, and DeDe McGuire, honorary chair for the Black Heritage Celebration shared remarks, welcoming everyone and thanking them for their attendance and support.

Events throughout the day included chef demonstrations, live musical entertainment, a curated fashion drop premiered by nationally acclaimed stylist, J. Bolin, and a vendor market with more than 40 Black-owned businesses.

A special thanks to the 2024 Black Heritage Celebration Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: Bank of America
Sponsors: Dallas Mavericks, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority- Alpha Xi Omega Chapter, Frost Bank, The Dallas (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, SHM Architects, BNSF Railway, Dr. Flaxie Fletcher & Dr. Christie Fletcher, Charles Schwab Bank, Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center, McDonald’s of North Texas
Media Sponsors: The Dallas Weekly, Radio One and NBC 5/Telemundo 39
In-Kind Sponsors: National Black MBA Association (Kickoff), Breakfast Brothers (Party on the Plaza)

Photos courtesy of Dallas Arboretum 

Media Contacts: 

Terry Lendecker | VP, Marketing | 214.515.6523 | tlendecker@dallasarboretum.org

Juliette Coulter | The Coulter Group | 214.394.5532 | juliette@coultergroup.com

Sydney Manchester | Comm. Specialist | 214.515.6525 | sydney.manchester@dallasarboretum.org  

On May 19th, the ACAES-GAHD Youth Chapter proved their dedication to the GAHD Dragon Boat Racing Team extended far beyond cheers at the White Rock Lake Race in Dallas.(The city of  Dallas hosted its first Asian Heritage Festival and Dragon Boat race over the weekend.)Their hard work played a crucial role in securing an impressive second-place finish.

Building a Dream Together: Pre-Race Collaboration

Months before the race, a blossoming collaboration saw the GAHD Chapter, led by President Guanyan Li, delve into the world of dragon boating. Not only did they learn the sport’s intricacies, but they also actively participated in developing the GAHD Dragon Boat Team’s training program. Their after-school hours were dedicated to researching, creating a detailed and scientifically sound training schedule in collaboration with the team’s coaches.

Rigorous Training: Dedication and Support

The training itself was demanding. The ACAES-GAHD Chapter joined the dragon boaters for grueling physical conditioning and technical drills. Their support went beyond sweat and exertion. They handled essential logistics, from preparing water and checking equipment to recording training data to optimize future sessions.

Learning by Experience: Honing Skills and Building Bonds

This wasn’t just observation for the youth team members. They actively participated in paddling practice, experiencing the challenges and thrills of the sport firsthand. As they honed their own paddling skills, they learned valuable strategies and techniques from the seasoned dragon boaters, forging a strong bond between the two groups.

Race Day: Enthusiasm and Teamwork Fuel Near Victory

Race day saw the ACAES-GAHD Chapter arrive early, their enthusiastic cheers providing a welcome morale boost to the dragon boat racers as they assisted with final equipment checks. The GAHD Dragon Boat Racing Team delivered an exceptional performance, narrowly missing first place by a mere 0.01 seconds.

Celebrating Perseverance and Teamwork: Recognizing Contributions

The near victory was a testament to the power of teamwork and perseverance. GAHD Dragon Boat Racing Team Captain Jin Li praised the youth team’s unwavering support and positive energy, acknowledging their vital role in the impressive race result.

A Transformative Experience

For the ACAES-GAHD Chapter, the experience was transformative. They gained valuable insights and skills, laying a strong foundation for their future endeavors. ACAES USA President Jan Xie stated, “Guanyan Li and the youth team had a great opportunity to grow and learn, with significant improvements. We hope they continue to serve the community.”

A Shining Example: Inspiring Young People

This successful collaboration between the GAHD Dragon Boat Racing Team and the ACAES-GAHD Chapter serves as a shining example for young people. It highlights the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication, inspiring them to embrace sports and contribute to future achievements.

Turtle Creek Association also Revealed Plans for $1 million of Improvements from the 2024 Capital Bond Program

It is always a treat to attend events and dine surrounded by the significant collection of historical artifacts at the Harlan Crow Library and the Turtle Creek Association’s Azalea luncheon proved to be a most elegant affair.
          
JD Trueblood, President and CEO, Turtle Creek Association and Sharon Ballew, Vice President of Development and luncheon chair, greeted guests as they arrived and were offered passed hors d’oeuvres, champagne and wines at a reception sponsored by Sue Krider of Allie Beth Allman Associates.
          
Joining in the reception were Ann Stuart, PhD, Honorary Chair; Mary Brinegar, Honored Guest; Deborah Stanford, Honorary Chair Emeritus and board chair; Teresa Byrd, who underwrote the décor and served as an advisor along with Barbara Bigham, Carole Ann Brown and Venise Stuart; Karisti Julia with Belmont Village Senior Living on Turtle Creek, print sponsor; Mari Epperson, centerpiece design; and more.
        
Sharon took the stage, welcoming the crowd, and introduced JD. After brief opening remarks, he thanked Chef Mike McCoy, Chef to the Shelters, for preparing the delicious three-course luncheon and for the work Mike is doing to provide monthly meals to over 30 addiction shelters in the DFW area; and recognized Sondra and Kirk Johnson, who was attending in honor of his late mother and last year’s Honored Guest, Eddie Bernice Johnson; thanked Judith Lipscomb as one of the founders of Turtle Creek Association; recognized Sabina Carr, president of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden; Lisa New, CEO of the Dallas Zoo; board members, and more saying it was his honor to add his greetings to everyone.
        
Dr. Stuart said how long ago when she first met JD, they would meet to talk about what color tulips to plant and now they are talking about sustainability. She said, “In the midst of this city of tall buildings, concrete and glass runs a ribbon of water, Turtle Creek. It houses birds, fish, turtles, ducks – a place of beauty for us to enjoy, but it must be preserved and protected,” thanking everyone for their support.
        
After presenting Dr. Stuart with a thank-you gift, JD introduced Betty Reiter, owner of her namesake boutique and sponsor of today’s fashion presentation. Betty described this spring’s fashions as bright, colorful, and full of happiness. Models paraded through the room dressed in fun prints, playful designs, sophisticated and casual ensembles, some matched with hats and fabulous totes.
        
The luncheon included spinach salad with strawberries and raspberry vinaigrette, a main course of airline chicken, parsnip whipped Yukons, broccolini with lemon zest, and a dessert of old-fashioned Happy Birthday indulgent chocolate cake paired with wines and champagne.
        
Addressing the pressing challenges facing Turtle Creek's health, JD emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to tackle these issues. A poignant video presentation followed, highlighting why preserving this urban oasis is crucial for the entire Dallas community.
        
The focus then turned to the organization's priorities, outlined in the recently completed master plan. Key initiatives include enhancing the creek's health and ecosystem, with plans to dredge the creek for the first time in 25 years, address critical bank stabilization, and find a long-term solution to the serious trash issue.
        
Amidst the anticipation, JD shared the much-awaited announcement saying, “I’m thrilled to share with you that TCA has been allotted $1,000,000 from the 2024 Capital Bond Program to be used towards addressing our dredging and bank stabilization efforts." These funds, secured through the efforts of Councilperson Paul Ridley, mark a significant milestone for TCA's advocacy efforts.
        
JD emphasized that the allocation is contingent upon passing the bond, urging everyone to exercise their right to vote. This news marks a significant milestone for the organization, validating its tireless advocacy and dedication to preserving Turtle Creek's beauty and integrity. With the support of its patrons and the broader community, TCA is poised to continue making a meaningful impact for years to come.
        
Guests left with a lovely parting gift sponsored by Betty Reiter, and Home Health Companions.
                
For more information about the Turtle Creek Association and how you can support its mission, visit www.turtlecreekassociation.org.  Link to the above video by Maurice Ballew:
https://vimeo.com/925851583/08c870b623?share=copy
        
About the Turtle Creek Association: The Turtle Creek Association (TCA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding, preserving, and enhancing a 90-acre corridor that serves as Dallas's front yard, renowned for the scenic beauty of Turtle Creek. Despite its significance, Turtle Creek faces challenges as a primary recipient of storm water runoff from the city. With each rainfall, the creek becomes inundated with trash and debris, posing threats to wildlife and impeding its natural flow. TCA has taken proactive measures to address this issue, leading efforts in manual trash removal while actively pursuing a permanent solution. Additionally, we are committed to ensuring the sustainability and aesthetic appeal of Turtle Creek's landscape, especially considering our region's increasingly extreme weather patterns. To achieve this, we are transitioning to native drought-resistant plant species, fostering a resilient and vibrant ecosystem for future generations. Importantly, all of these efforts are being undertaken without city funding. 

Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

Shelton, the largest independent school for students with learning differences, honored the Class of 2024 at graduation on Saturday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. on the Shelton football field. 

Shelton Executive Director Suzanne Stell told the graduates, "We celebrate you, your commitment, the community you have built, your resilience and your persistence." Graduation speaker Chase Miller (Shelton Class of 2014), a Principal at NAI Robert Lynn, told the graduates to "embrace the adventure, have a strong work ethic and work through adversity."

Valedictorian Charles Mitts, who started at Shelton School in the sixth grade, spoke at the graduation about the passion and joy of learning. Charles will major in Business at Indiana University in Bloomington. “Shelton, please accept my gratitude,” Charles said in the graduation program. “The teachers, classmates and friends helped me grow into a more authentic version of myself during my time in high school and always maintained a positive, enjoyable atmosphere both inside and outside the classroom."

Salutatorian Nicole Seale, who attended Shelton since the sixth grade, delivered the benediction. Nicole will attend Texas Christian University, where she is considering majoring in Finance. “Attending Shelton, which is tailored for learning differences, benefitted me and my family," she said in the graduation program. "From the small classrooms that allow for more personalized attention from teachers and the strong sense of community to the inclusive learning environment, Shelton has allowed me to embrace my unique learning style, empowered me to excel academically and confidently and pursue leadership roles."

Students are overcoming the odds and accomplishing great things at Shelton. The 79 members of the Shelton Class of 2024 received 377 acceptances to 114 different colleges and universities and $7,230,196 in merit scholarships. They are headed to 43 different colleges across 18 states and one country. 

Here are some of the accomplishments of the students in the Class of 2024:

• Two of Shelton’s seniors scored a perfect score of 36 on the ACT Reading. 

• Seven scored 30 or higher on the ACT composite, and many scored 30 or higher on the ACT English, Reading, Math, Science and STEM sections.  

• Maya Kamen received two prestigious and competitive scholarships, including the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Levine Scholars Program and the Nancy Ann and Ray L. Hunt Leadership Scholars Program. Maya accepted the UNCC opportunity, which provides full tuition, an $8,000 service grant and four summer experiences, including study abroad and internships.

• Lane McCranie signed to play lacrosse at Southwestern University.

• Four seniors were accepted into competitive Fine Arts programs at the collegiate level: 

• Kathryn Brockette was accepted into the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting program at New York University.

• Addison Peacock accepted a position in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts program at Southern Methodist University.

• Max Innes committed to the five-year Bachelor of Architecture program at Tulane University.

• Jordan Johnson will study in the Visual Art program at Austin College.

Here are Shelton’s Top 10 graduates: 

• Charles Mitts, Valedictorian; college plans: Indiana University at Bloomington, majoring in Business

• Nicole Seale, Salutatorian; college plans: Texas Christian University, considering majoring in Finance

• Lilly Barnett, college plans: Texas A&M, majoring in Engineering

• Ryan Cuzalina, college plans: Texas Christian University, majoring in Biology

• Zoey Degani, college plans: Iowa State University, majoring in Astrophysics

• Sophia Dorward, College plans: Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa, majoring in English or History

• Kylie Gingold, college plans: Texas A&M, majoring in Business

• Lauren Johnston, college plans: Austin College, undecided major

• Jesi Roberts, college plans: University of Oklahoma, majoring in Business

• Sam Rubin, college plans: University of Denver, majoring in Engineering

Stell praised the graduates, saying, "You have demonstrated amazing resiliency. You learned that having a learning difference can also be a gift."