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Carroll Memory Support Neighborhood Residents enjoy innovative, AI-powered Lucynt engagement tools – interactive, dementia-informed games that enhance cognitive stimulation and social interaction. The Lucynt system uses an interactive projector to cast games and activities onto a surface, such as a table, responding to a person’s touch for a fully immersive experience.

New Carroll Memory Support Neighborhood provides a specialized home for those in the earlier stages of dementia, reflecting a rare multi-neighborhood model and person-centered I’m Still Here® philosophy

Juliette Fowler Communities (JFC), a faith-based, intergenerational living community in East Dallas, has expanded its continuum of care with the opening of the Carroll Memory Support Neighborhood, a new residential area designed specifically for individuals in the earlier stages of dementia.

With the addition of the Carroll neighborhood, JFC now offers two distinct memory support neighborhoods, enabling residents to receive care tailored to their stage of cognitive change. Rare among senior living communities in North Texas, this multi-neighborhood model provides early- and late-stage support in environments that promote engagement, dignity, and well-being.

“This new neighborhood is designed for individuals in the earlier stages of dementia, where active engagement—both mental and physical—can help slow progression and promote well-being,” said Nicole Gann, president and CEO of Juliette Fowler Communities. “Our original memory support neighborhood has maintained a consistent waitlist, and we’ve seen a growing demand due to the size of the Boomer generation and earlier dementia diagnoses. We also recognize the strain caregiving places on families.”

The Carroll Memory Support Neighborhood offers a home-like, open floor plan designed to foster comfort, connection, and independence. Bright, airy spaces include a welcoming kitchen, therapeutic dementia-friendly artwork, a peaceful serenity room, and lovely courtyard views. Residents also enjoy innovative, AI-powered Lucynt engagement tools – interactive, dementia-informed games that enhance cognitive stimulation and social interaction. The Lucynt system uses an interactive projector to cast games and activities onto a surface, such as a table, responding to a person’s touch for a fully immersive experience.

The new neighborhood consists of 19 private apartments with four floor plan options, from studio to one-bedroom with living room, reflecting JFC’s commitment to individualized, therapeutic care grounded in the I’m Still Here® philosophy.

“At Juliette Fowler Communities, the I’m Still Here® philosophy is at the heart of how we approach memory support,” added Gann. “Every person, regardless of their stage of dementia, still has purpose, identity, and the ability to experience joy and connection. This evidence-based model helps our team create daily moments of success, dignity, and engagement, ensuring that each resident is seen, heard, and known. The addition of the Carroll Memory Support Neighborhood reflects our continued commitment to offering environments where individuals can continue to flourish—because they are, indeed, still here.”

Residents in the Carroll neighborhood enjoy structured yet flexible days filled with therapeutic activities, social opportunities, and programs that foster connection and purpose. Volunteer opportunities are available for community members interested in leading activities, providing companionship, or assisting with events.

Families and staff also benefit from JFC’s I’m Still Here® and Dementia Friendly Dallas training programs, which build understanding and equip caregivers to create meaningful engagement and communication.

Tours of the Carroll Memory Support Neighborhood are available Monday through Saturday by appointment. Families interested in learning more about individualized care plans and pricing are encouraged to call the JFC admissions office at 214-827-0813 to schedule a visit.

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ABOUT JULIETTE FOWLER COMMUNITIES

Founded in 1892, Juliette Fowler Communities is a faith-based, intergenerational community located in East Dallas, offering independent and assisted living, memory support, affordable senior housing, foster-to-adopt programs, and youth services. Guided by its mission to serve as a place of hope, healing, and transformation, JFC empowers individuals of all ages to thrive through connection, compassion, and care. In addition to providing a home to nearly 500 older adults, Fowler is proud to host the Dementia Friendly Dallas initiative and recently attained I’m Still Here® certification as a program of distinction in cognitive health. Visit fowlercommunities.org or call 214-827-0813.

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The NEW Peppermint Bark Blizzard Treat dazzles the season with holiday cheer.

’Tis the season for the ultimate holiday blizzard treat lineup, featuring the NEW Peppermint Bark Blizzard® Treat and the returning Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard Treat, available through the end of the year. 

The NEW Peppermint Bark Blizzard Treat dazzles the season with holiday cheer. This seasonal treat combines white and milk chocolatey layers sprinkled with peppermint candy cane pieces, blended to perfection with DQ world-famous soft serve. Each red spoonful delivers a burst of cool peppermint bliss – a delightful balance of crunchy and creamy that captures the magic of the holidays in every bite.

The returning favorite, the Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard Treat, is the December Blizzard of the Month. Rolling out alongside the DQ lineup of iconic seasonal offerings, this festive favorite proves no holiday season is complete without cookies. The Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard Treat blends soft sugar cookie pieces, icing with festive sprinkles, and DQ world-famous soft serve. This classic treat is the perfect remedy for those undeniable holiday cravings. 

“Our fans love a Texas-sized reason to celebrate at DQ restaurants in Texas,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “Kicking off the holiday season with two delicious Blizzard treats is the best way to spread cheer and give fans another reason to visit their local DQ all winter long.” 

This holiday season, DQ restaurants in Texas are offering holiday-themed gift cards, perfect for treating friends and family. DQ fans can share the joy this season by giving the gift of Treats and Eats from their favorite DQ restaurant in Texas. 

For more than 78 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

About Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council 

There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries. 

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Uptown Dallas, Inc. New Mural Photo courtesy: Matthew Nelson

Driving into Uptown Dallas feels a little different now. Where once there was a gray, overlooked bridge entrance, visitors are now greeted by a joyful explosion of color—a sweeping mural that celebrates the neighborhood’s spirit and story. The new work, created by McKinney-based artist Andrea Holmes, is the latest effort by Uptown Dallas Inc. (UDI) to reimagine public spaces and foster community pride. It is located at the underpass where the Katy Trail meets Cedar Springs.

Holmes, who has earned the nickname “the bird lady” for her ongoing Wings Across the World 100 Bird Mural Project, is known for turning walls into vibrant ecosystems. For Uptown, she chose the Monk parakeet—a bright green bird that, while not native to Texas, has become an unmistakable presence in Dallas. Flocks can often be seen nesting around White Rock Lake and the Katy Trail, making the parrot both a surprising and fitting emblem for the district.

“I’ve painted birds in Hawaii and Austria, but Uptown gave me a chance to capture something close to home,” Holmes said. “This mural isn’t just about the parrots—it’s about the life of Uptown. People biking, walking dogs, hopping on the trolley. I wanted to celebrate the energy of the neighborhood while weaving in my passion for birds.”

The mural also includes a hummingbird darting through fields of Texas wildflowers, along with Uptown icons like Betty the Trolley and everyday moments—residents carrying groceries, a cyclist on the trail, a dog walker. It’s as much a portrait of community as it is a piece of art.

For Uptown Dallas Inc., the nonprofit that manages and promotes the district, the mural was a chance to create a “welcome mat” unlike any other. “We wanted something that told people they were entering a special place,” said Bailey Criado, events and marketing manager with UDI. “Andrea’s work brought that vision to life. She captured the soul of Uptown—its character, its vibrancy and the pride people feel living here.”

Painting the massive underpass was no small task. Holmes spent four weeks on-site, spray-painting from a boom lift and navigating the challenges of a high-traffic gateway. But the effort was worth it. Passersby stopped to cheer her on, neighbors offered words of encouragement, and trail users shared how much the mural brightened their daily routine.

The project is part of a larger push to elevate Uptown’s public spaces. UDI is working with the City of Dallas and the Turtle Creek Association to repaint surrounding bridge structures, restore medians, and add finishing touches that frame Holmes’s work. A protective anti-graffiti coating ensures the mural will remain vivid for years to come.

For Holmes, it’s one more milestone in her journey to paint 100 bird murals around the world—but this one carries extra meaning. “It’s number six,” she said, smiling. “And it feels like home.”

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/

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The Light Park, the largest immersive drive-through holiday light experience in Texas, is inviting families to celebrate the season while giving back in a meaningful way. Beginning this November, all Dallas–Fort Worth and Houston locations will host Drive & Donate Nights, supporting nonprofit partners that serve local children, families, and pets in need.

On select weeknights throughout the holiday season, guests are encouraged to bring new toys, coats, blankets, warm clothing, non-perishable food items, or pet supplies—depending on the charity spotlighted that evening. Donations will be collected at the entrance, and all items will be delivered directly to participating nonprofit organizations.

As a thank-you, every carload that donates will receive a complimentary HOLIDAY Bundle featuring surprise treats from The Light Park.

“The Light Park was created to bring joy to families during the holiday season—but there are many families in our communities who need more than just holiday cheer,” said Matt Johnson, Managing Partner of The Light Park. “Drive & Donate Nights are our way of giving back in the most festive way possible, and our guests love knowing that their visit brightens more than just the night sky.”

After dropping off their donation, guests continue into the mile-long, synchronized LED experience—complete with dancing light tunnels, mega-trees, holiday characters, and a soundtrack of favorite seasonal hits.

How Drive & Donate Nights Work

  1. Choose a participating Drive & Donate date
  2. Bring an item needed by that night’s charity partner
  3. Drop off during entry
  4. Receive a Holiday Bundle as a thank-you
  5. Enjoy The Light Park’s mile-long show from the comfort of your car

DALLAS–FORT WORTH DONATION NIGHTS

Thankful Thursday — November 13
Benefiting: North Texas Food Bank
Collecting non-perishable food items to support local families.

Warmth Wednesday — November 19
Benefiting: Austin Street Center
Collecting new blankets, socks, and warm clothing for adults in need.

Toy Tuesday — November 25
Benefiting: Community Partners of Dallas
Encouraging donations of new toys, games, and books for children in CPS care.

Santa PAWS — December 2
Benefiting: SPCA of Texas
Collecting pet food, toys, and supplies for animals awaiting adoption.

DALLAS–FORT WORTH LOCATIONS

  • Riders Field, 7300 Rough Riders Trail, Frisco, TX 75034
  • Hurricane Harbor Arlington, 1800 E Lamar Blvd, Arlington, TX 76006
  • Little Elm Park, 701 W Eldorado Pkwy, Little Elm, TX 75068

HOUSTON-AREA DONATION NIGHTS

Thankful Thursday — November 13
Benefiting: Houston Food Bank
Collecting non-perishable food for families across Greater Houston.

Warmth Wednesday — November 19
Benefiting: Star of Hope Mission
Donations of new blankets, coats, and winter accessories for Houston families experiencing homelessness.

Toy Tuesday — November 25
Benefiting: Hatching for Health
Encouraging toys, books, and games to support children with rare and complicated diseases.

HOUSTON LOCATIONS

  • Typhoon Texas Waterpark Parking Lot, 555 Katy Fort Bend Rd, Katy, TX 77494
  • Hurricane Harbor Parking Lot, 21300 Interstate 45 N, Spring, TX 77373
  • Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 N Sam Houston Pkwy W Gate 3, Houston, TX 77064

 

About The Light Park

The Light Park offers nine parks in Texas: Round Rock, Spring, Katy, Sam Houston Race Park, Selma, San Antonio, Arlington, Little Elm and Frisco. Each Park features more than one million LED animated lights and boasts the world’s largest synchronized LED light tunnel. Open from November 7, 2025, through January 4, 2026, shows start at 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (weekdays), and 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (weekends and Christmas week); visitors can enjoy a safe and unique experience as they drive through the one-mile holiday light show curated to seasonal music. To Purchase Online: https://www.thelightpark.com/

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Denton County Magazine

Seeing the increasing need for foster families across the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, Flower Mound resident Lisa Bethea felt called to support children in care. She began fostering, a journey that ultimately led her to adoption.

According to Tommy Jordan, Director of Family and Community Engagement for Our Community Our Kids, the need for foster families remains urgent. “Around 47 children are currently in foster care in Denton County,” Jordan shared. “We need 25 to 50 more homes willing to open their doors and hearts.”

Our Community Our Kids is a child welfare collaborative that supports foster parents and helps children find safe, loving homes across Metroplex West — including Cooke, Denton, Erath, Hood, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Tarrant, and Wise counties.

If you’ve ever considered fostering, now is the time. Learn how you can make a lasting difference by visiting https://ourcommunity-ourkids.org/ to explore foster care resources, training, and support services. To read more about Lisa’s story visit: Denton County Magazine.

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Fred Armisen from Life is BeautifulFestival. Photo Photo Credit: Rolling Stone Magazine

 

Dallas VideoFest is proud to reveal comedian, writer, producer, and musician Fred Armisen as this year’s recipient of the coveted annual Ernie Kovacs Award at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov.22, at the historic Texas Theatre (231 W. Jefferson Blvd. – Oak Cliff, Dallas). A curated selection of Armisen’s TV work will screen after the presentation. Tickets available at VideoFest.org.

The weekend long celebration of the groundbreaking work of Ernie Kovacs and his legacy begins the evening prior on Friday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 pm, also at the Texas Theatre, with a screening of Buster Keaton’s The Cameraman (1928), accompanied live by silent film accompanist Ben Model, archivist/historian for the Ernie Kovacs Television collection. Also screening that night will be Kovacs’ own silent Baseball Film short.

“I am absolutely honored to be a part of Ernie Kovacs’ world in any way,” said comedian Fred Armisen.

“The very first program of our festival in 1987 featured Edie Adams (Ernie’s wife and creative partner) talking about the work of Ernie Kovacs,” said Bart Weiss, founder/artistic director of Dallas VideoFest. “Ernie’s innovative spirit has been with us these 38 years. The Ernie Kovacs Award celebrates those who, much like Kovacs, redefine TV and video as an art form. His comedy constantly bends form, defies expectations, and reimagines how we experience performance and television.”

“Fred Armisen’s unique, off-the-wall comedy is rooted in Ernie Kovacs whacked out characters, snippets of music, bizarre sounds, terminally clueless alter egos and eccentric weirdos,” said Joshua Mills of Ediad Productions, which runs the estate of Ernie Kovacs. “His humor is rooted in cockeyed yet lovable eccentrics, just like the comedy of Ernie Kovacs, which is why he’s so deserving of the 2025 Ernie Kovacs award.”

The Ernie Kovacs Award events coincide with the tragic anniversary of the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy in Dallas on Nov. 22 in 1963. The Texas Theatre, where both weekend events are held, is also the location of the apprehension of assassin Lee Harvey Oswald.

 

ERNIE KOVACS AWARD WEEKEND PASSES & PACKAGES WITH FRED ARMISEN
$23.50 — Friday night: The Cameraman with Ben Model
$28.75 — Saturday night: Fred Armisen Kovacs Award presentation & Screening
$30 — Fred Armisen album 100 Sound Effects
$75 — Both nights with VIP reception
$100 — Both nights with VIP reception + Fred Armisen album 100 Sound Effects Record

ABOUT FRED ARMISEN

Fred Armisen is a comedian, writer, producer, and musician whose career began in the Chicago-based post-punk band Trenchmouth and with the Blue Man Group.

An 11-season veteran of Saturday Night Live, Armisen co-wrote and co-starred in IFC’s Emmy®-nominated series Portlandia, created with Carrie Brownstein; co-wrote, co-starred in, and executive produced HBO’s acclaimed Spanish-language series Los Espookys; and co-wrote, co-starred in, and produced IFC’s celebrated parody anthology Documentary Now.

Currently, he stars in season 2 of Netflix’s Wednesday and voices Elliot Birch in the eighth and final season of Big Mouth. In film, he recently voiced a character in The Super Mario Bros. Movie and appeared in Judd Apatow’s The Bubble. On stage, he tours his innovative live show “Comedy For Musicians But Everyone Is Welcome” and recently completed his Broadway debut in All In: Comedy About Love.

From 2014 to 2024, Armisen served as bandleader for the 8G Band on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers. This fall, Armisen adds a new chapter with the release of his record, 100 Sound Effects. This playful and experimental audio project blends humor and sound in ways that nod to Kovacs’ own absurdist sensibility.

ABOUT THE ERNIE KOVACS AWARD

The Ernie Kovacs Award honors the career and creative achievements of television’s greatest visionaries. Kovacs’ groundbreaking work in the 1950s and early 1960s captured the essence of innovation and elevated television’s artistic possibilities.

The Dallas VideoFest and the Video Association of Dallas introduced the first Kovacs Award at the 1997 festival. Comedian Joel Hodgson of Mystery Science Theater 3000 was the inaugural recipient. Subsequent honorees have included Al Franken, Terry Gilliam and John Cleese (Monty Python), Robert Smigel, Paul Pee-wee Herman” Reubens, Martin Mull, Mike Judge, George Schlatter, Harry Shearer, Michael Nesmith, Dave Foley and Kevin McDonald (Kids in the Hall), Amy Sedaris, and last year’s awardee, Gerald Casale of DEVO.

Actress and Ernie Kovacs’ wife and creative partner, Edie Adams, hosted the award annually until her passing in 2008. Today, her son Joshua Mills oversees Ediad Productions, preserving the legacies of Ernie Kovacs and Edie Adams.

ABOUT DALLAS VIDEOFEST

Dallas VideoFest is one of the longest-running festivals celebrating the art and innovation of video and media. Founded in 1987 by Bart Weiss, the festival showcases experimental, documentary, and narrative works from both emerging and established artists. In addition to screenings, panels, and workshops, Dallas VideoFest honors visionaries in television and video through the Ernie Kovacs Award, recognizing creators who push the boundaries of storytelling, comedy, and visual media. For more information, visit VideoFest.org.

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Soulman’s Bar-B-Que is proud to announce the 10th Annual Thanksgivaway, a beloved tradition that has brought warmth, comfort, and full plates to families across North Texas for the past decade. What began as a heartfelt effort to ease holiday burdens has now become a cornerstone of Soulman’s year-round commitment to community.

For the tenth consecutive year, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que will provide families in need with a complete Thanksgiving feast at no cost. Each selected family will enjoy a meal featuring Soulman’s signature hickory-smoked meats and classic Southern sides, carefully prepared to feed and bring together entire households. Holiday favorites include spiral sliced ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread dressing, and King’s Hawaiian® rolls.

“Reaching the 10-year mark of Thanksgivaway is incredibly meaningful to our team,” said Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que. “This tradition represents the heart of who we are as a company—serving our communities, honoring the importance of family, and sharing great food with those who need it most during the holidays.”

Working alongside local organizations and community partners, Soulman’s invites North Texans to submit nominations for families who could benefit from the gift of a holiday meal. Nominations are accepted at www.soulmans.com/thanksgiveaway beginning November 1st. Entries must include the recipient’s name, reason for nomination, and contact information. Winners will be notified the week of November 17th, with meals available for pickup on November 24th and 25th.

Since its start, the Thanksgivaway has grown into more than just a meal—it’s a symbol of gratitude, hope, and togetherness. “Each year, the response reminds us that the spirit of Thanksgiving goes far beyond our tables,” added Randle.

In addition to the Thanksgivaway, families across Texas continue to enjoy stress-free celebrations by pre-ordering from Soulman’s popular holiday catering menu, featuring bone-in hickory smoked turkey, spiral-sliced holiday ham, savory sides, and homemade pies. Details are available here.

 

About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que

For 50 years, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has satisfied the hardest to please bar-b-que lovers….Texans!  Founded in Pleasant Grove, Texas in 1974, Soulman’s had only a few simple goals—serve great Texas-style BBQ and offer friendly, sincere service.  Soulman’s original family recipes are still the foundation for the company’s success from their 8 different types of meat that are smoked “low & slow” over only hickory wood to their famous homemade sides, including Ranch house beans and Texas style cream corn! Throughout the years, this family-owned and operated company has remained true to its original strive for success and customer satisfaction and is honored to be considered one of the Best Roadside Restaurants in America (2024), Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2024), the Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout  & Delivery (2020) and one of the Best Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2018).

Soulman’s currently owns and operates 21 North and East Texas locations in Allen, Cedar Hill, Fort Worth, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Hurst Grapevine HighwayLancaster, Lewisville, Mabank, Mansfield, Mesquite, North Richland Hills, Quinlan, Red Oak, Rockwall I-30, Rockwall Goliad, Royse CitySulphur Springs, Terrell, and Van. To learn more about Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, visit them online at http://www.soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.

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Copy of Application of Pit Fissure Sealants for D

Numerous accounts of dental assisting’s roots as a profession credit New Orleans dentist C. Edmund Kells with employing his wife in 1885. So helpful was her work that he soon hired the first full-time assistant, Malvina Cueria, a teenager, in his practice.  

While it may seem unimportant today, two women working in a dental office was revolutionary in the late-19th century. Convention dictated that women didn’t receive dental treatments without spousal permission, but the presence of two women in Kells’ office offered comfort and security to many women in his community. Kells’ helpers were so popular, other dentists soon advertised that “ladies in attendance” were working in their practices for the safety of female patients. 

Before long, dental assistant societies grew across the country. The American Dental Assistants Association, incorporated in 1925, continues to lead the profession. Although regulations vary by state, ADAA lists dental assistants’ responsibilities as including, but not limited to, assisting dentists during a variety of treatment procedures, taking and developing dental x-rays and providing patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental procedures. 

Among their many duties, dental assistants administer sealants – thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars – under the supervision of a dentist. The sealants serve as protective barriers against bacteria that cause decay and cavities. 

For the first time, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry will offer Applications of Pit and Fissure Sealants for Dental Assistants. The TSBDE-approved certification course includes two live, interactive webinars and one hands-on session. The first webinar is from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11. The second webinar is from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13. The hands-on session is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, in the Administrative Education Building’s simulation lab of the dental college, 3302 Gaston Ave. 

The course is offered to alleviate preventive care gaps, enhance the dental teamwork flow and improve access to dental care services – especially in underserved communities, said Dr. Raghad Obeidat, assistant clinical professor in public health sciences, who will present the course with Dr. Amal Noureldin, clinical professor and director of the predoctoral program in public health sciences. 

Participants must complete the webinar sessions before attending the hands-on component. Registration is $350. For more information, go to https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0069-0031-2bf8baee4ca740669fc31bf3037c1e7c.  

“This certification allows dental assistants to play a more active role in preventing cavities, the most common chronic disease among children,” Obeidat said. “By expanding their clinical competency through continuing education, we can bring preventive care to more families and reduce disparities in oral health access.” 

The course is open to dental assistants with a minimum of two years of experience. Those who complete the course will earn eight hours of continuing education credit. 

“We built this course to go beyond compliance,” Obeidat said. “It’s about confidence and clinical precision. Participants will leave with the skills to perform sealant applications effectively and safely, making them indispensable members of the preventive dental team.” 

Being trained in the latest practice techniques can pay off for dental assistants. The median pay for dental assistants was $47,300 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There were 381,900 dental assistant positions nationwide in 2024, and the number is projected to increase by 6% within the next decade. 

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This Thanksgiving Day, gather with family and friends for an unforgettable holiday brunch buffet at the Pyramid Restaurant in Fairmont Dallas in the acclaimed Arts District. Indulge in a lavish culinary experience featuring chef-crafted classics from roasted turkey and rich seasonal sides to elegant carving stations and decadent desserts.

With exceptional service, festive décor, live music, and a menu that embraces the very best of the season, it’s the perfect way to give thanks to and celebrate the ones you love, effortlessly. Create cherished memories and make Fairmont Dallas a part of your family’s Thanksgiving tradition.

Seating times are 11 AM, 11:30 AM, 1 PM, and 1:30 PM. Adults are $89 per guest. Children ages 6–12 are $45, while children 5 and under are Free.

Reservations are strongly recommended. To book your spots, please visit Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1825861323369 

The Pyramid Restaurant is located in the Fairmont Dallas at 1717 N Akard St.

 

THANKGIVING BRUNCH BUFFET

Thursday, November 27, 2025

The Prelude: Hors d'Oeuvres

  • Veal Terrine, delicately layered with herbs and fine spices.

  • Mousse de Volaille en Pot. Silky chicken mousse with artisan crostini.

  • Prosciutto-wrapped Figs, finished with aged Pedro Ximénez reduction.

  • Wild Mushroom Tartlets, with Parmesan crème, trout roe, and chive blossom.

  • Chickpea Butter, with Ras el Hanout, cucumber ribbons, and crisp lavash. (Vegan)

From the Sea: A Celebration of Coastal Elegance

  • Ice Globe Display. Lobster salad and chilled prawns presented on crystal ice.

  • Beef Tartare. Hand-cut tenderloin with capers, chimichurri, and lavash crisps.
  • Whole Poached Salmon. Lemon-dill crème, watercress, and citrus garnish.

The Garden Table: Harvest Soups & Seasonal Greens

  • Roasted Beet Salad, with citrus, whipped goat cheese, mint, pistachio, and honeycomb.

  • Endive Salad, with sourdough granola, pecorino, toasted walnuts, Spanish anchovies, and Chardonnay vinaigrette.

  • Arugula & Poached Pears, with Roquefort, candied pecans, and Banyuls vinegar reduction.

  • Winter Kale Salad, with pomegranate, pepitas, Asian pear, marinated tofu, and apple cider vinaigrette. (Vegan)

  • Classic Caesar, with crisp romaine, parmesan, and herb focaccia croutons.

  • Pumpkin Soup en croûte. Velvety spiced pumpkin bisque baked under golden pastry.

  • Mushroom Bisque, with sherry reduction and wild herbs. (Vegan)

The Feast: Carving & Seasonal Accompaniments

  • Black Truffle Roasted Turkey, with sauce périgueux and traditional pan gravy.

  • Skuna Bay Salmon Wellington, with mushroom duxelles, crêpe, arrowleaf spinach, and golden puff pastry.

  • Herb-Crusted Prime Rib, served with fresh horseradish and Bordelaise sauce.

  • Pan-Roasted Caraflex Cabbage, with celeriac purée, saffron, Honeycrisp apple, and toasted pecans. (Vegan)

  • Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing. Brioche, herbs, and roasted vegetables.

  • Sweet Potato Casserole, topped with meringue and toasted pecans.

  • Green Bean Casserole, with wild mushrooms and crispy shallots.

  • Cranberry Relish, with orange zest and winter spice.

  • Black Truffle Mashed Potatoes, made with Yukon gold potatoes and truffle essence.

  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts, with double-smoked bacon and Banyuls vinegar reduction.

  • Heirloom Carrots, with an agrodolce glaze and crushed pistachios.

The Finale: Patisserie & Sweet Indulgence

  • Classic Pumpkin Pie, topped with whipped cream and spiced crumble.

  • Southern Pecan Pie, topped with bourbon caramel and toasted nuts.

  • Sticky Toffee Pudding, topped with butterscotch sauce and vanilla chantilly.

  • Rustic Apple Pie, topped with brown sugar crumble and cinnamon glaze.

  • Assorted Petite Pastries. Chef’s seasonal selection.

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Wednesday, November 19 | 5–10 PM 25% of all dinner food sales donated to Friedreich’s Ataxia Research

At McRae’s, we believe in good food, good company, and good causes — especially when they begin close to home.

When McRae’s owner Mike McRae met Alexis and Richard Penn, longtime guests who shared the story of their daughter Emily, he was deeply moved. Emily was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) at 15, which is a rare, progressive neurological condition that affects balance, coordination, and muscle strength. The diagnosis turned their world upside down, but what followed has been nothing short of inspiring.

Instead of retreating, the Penn family stepped forward — choosing to live with purpose, optimism, and grace. Now 32, Emily is married with four children, and her parents have dedicated themselves to helping other families through the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA).

Since joining FARA, Alexis has watched remarkable progress unfold. What began as a small grassroots movement in 1998 has grown into a global research network funding more than a dozen clinical trials and supporting the first-ever FDA-approved treatment for FA. About 95% of all funds raised go directly to research, driving innovations in gene therapy, protein restoration, and other promising paths toward a cure.

As Alexis shared, “We fundraise because we know research is advancing. When scientists meet our patients face-to-face, it stops being abstract. That human connection motivates the work.” She added, “We’ve been riding this train for 17 years, and we’re not stopping. I tell Emily, ‘You’re going to see a cure in your lifetime.’”

Moved by their story, McRae’s is proud to host Families for a Cure: McRae’s Evening for a Cause honoring the Penn family and supporting FARA’s life-changing mission.

On Wednesday, November 19, we’ll donate 25% of all dinner food sales to FARA, helping fund research that brings hope to families like the Penns and to every person living with Friedreich’s Ataxia.

Join us for an evening of good food, warm company, and shared purpose to move one step closer to a cure.

Reservations are recommended to ensure your preferred seating time and table. While walk-ins are welcome, we encourage guests to reserve in advance. Make your reservation online at www.mcraesamericanbistro.com or call (214) 792-9944.

Families for a Cure — McRae’s Evening for a Cause

  • Wednesday, November 19
  • Dine-in only | 5–10 PM
  • 25% of all dinner food sales donated to Friedreich’s Ataxia Research
  • Enjoy dining in our cozy atmosphere or outside on our covered & heated patio.
  • No flyer needed — all dine-in dinner guests count toward the donation. Explore our menu: https://mcraesamericanbistro.com/menu/

Location & Contact:

McRae’s American Bistro 9913 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218 (214) 792-9944 www.mcraesamericanbistro.com