Staff & Reader Submitted
 
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
DENTON GUYER HIGH SCHOOL - BEST SHOW Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812

Lyric Stage presented the 15th Annual Schmidt & Jones Awards on May 7 at the Moody Performance Hall. The theatre company also gave the Ashley Newman-Schneider Scholarship to the best stage manager.

Scott Guenther, Lyric Stage’s general manager, “Established in 2010 and named after renowned composer Harvey Schmidt and lyricist Tom Jones, these awards honor excellence in high school musical theatre across Dallas-Fort Worth. The evening featured performances by nominated schools, productions and performers, and they were amazingly talented.”

The winners:

BEST SHOW

Denton Guyer High School – Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812                                                                        

BEST ENSEMBLE

Liberty Christian School – Singing in the Rain                                                              

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY 

Liberty Christian School - Presley Anderson & Gigi Plisga – Singing in the Rain                                                    

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN

Denton Guyer High School – Brayden Dorman, Roseanna Medlock, Anna Quigley – Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812                    

BEST SCENIC DESIGN

Denton Guyer High School – Brayden Dorman – Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812                                                                   

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

Rowlett High School - Francine Parcero & Anthony Bedolla - SIX                                  

BEST ORCHESTRA

Wylie High School – Beauty and the Beast                                                         

BEST STAGE MANAGER

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts – William “Mars” Bartell – Sister Act                            

Winner of the Ashley Newman-Schneider Scholarship

Newman-Schneider was an influential presence in the DFW theatre community.

BEST ACTOR

Sean Forman as Man in Chair in The Drowsy Chaperone at North Texas Performing Arts Conservatory; Forman also received a $500 scholarship.  

BEST ACTRESS

Francine Parcero as Anne Boleyn in SIX at Rowlett High School; Parcero also received a $500 scholarship.                 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Bradford Arnold as Wolf in Into the Woods at Grapevine High School                                                                                                  

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Anya Guidry as Alice Beineke in The Addams Family at Cedar Hill High School                                                 

ACTOR IN A MINOR ROLE

Hudson Donnell as LeFou in Beauty and the Beast at Wylie High School                                           

ACTRESS IN A MINOR ROLE

Grace Betts as Race in Newsies Jr at Harvest Christian Academy                                                     

MALE ENSEMBLE PERFORMER

Darren Sanders as Featured Dancer in Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 at Denton Guyer High School      

FEMALE ENSEMBLE PERFORMER

Maria Luiza Viana as Flapper Ancestor in The Addams Family at Cedar Hill High School

A panel of judges, consisting of theatre educators and professional theatre artists, viewed 21 productions of the accepted applicants from schools in Dallas, Tarrant and Collin counties. The panel made nominations and then voted to determine winners. The directors of participating schools also received written production evaluations.

The judging panel, adjudicating and awards are organized and led by the director of the Schmidt and Jones Awards,Amy Stevenson, who is well-known in Dallas-Fort Worth as both an artist and educator.

About Lyric Stage:

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

 

Connect with Lyric Stage

Facebook

Instagram

###

 

Harvey Schmidt & Tom Jones:

Native Texans Harvey Schmidt (composer) and Tom Jones (lyricist) are, perhaps, most known as the creators of  the longest running show in the history of the American theatre, The Fantasticks, which ran Off-Broadway for 42 years and 17,162 performances.

In addition to an Obie Award and a special Tony Award for The Fantasticks, Schmidt and Jones were inducted into the Broadway Hall of Fame at the Gershwin Theatre, and their “stars” were added to the Off-Broadway Walk Of Fame outside the Lucille Lortel Theatre. In 2012, they were inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and in December of 2017 they received the Oscar Hammerstein Award.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Celebrate Dad this Father’s Day at one of North Texas’ most iconic steakhouses, III Forks. The restaurant is offering a great special for dads on June 16, a $49.95 boneless ribeye, normally priced at $74. The steak is served with whipped potatoes, sugar snap peas, off-the-cob cream corn, ripe tomatoes and spring onions. The special is good for dine-in only at the restaurant.

 

 

 

What:                 $49.95 Boneless Ribeye for Dads

 

When:                Father’s Day, June 16, 2024

 

Where:               1303 Legacy Drive, Frisco, TX 75034; (972) 267-1776

 

Info:                   Visit www.3forks.com Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the restaurant at (972) 267-1776.

 

 

 

 

III FORKS CELEBRATES FATHER’S DAY WITH RIBEYE SPECIAL FOR DAD

 

Celebrate Dad this Father’s Day at one of North Texas’ most iconic steakhouses, III Forks. The restaurant is offering a great special for dads on June 16, a $49.95 boneless ribeye, normally priced at $74. The steak is served with whipped potatoes, sugar snap peas, off-the-cob cream corn, ripe tomatoes and spring onions. The special is good for dine-in only at the restaurant.

 

 

 

What:                 $49.95 Boneless Ribeye for Dads

 

When:                Father’s Day, June 16, 2024

 

Where:               1303 Legacy Drive, Frisco, TX 75034; (972) 267-1776

 

Info:                   Visit www.3forks.com Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the restaurant at (972) 267-1776.

 

 

 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Fonzie Quinonez, Installation Manager at Expo Home, Jose Velasquez and Tony Velasquez

What would you do if you saw a man collapse in front of you? We never really know how we would react in a crisis, but hope we would have the peace of mind and training to call 9-1-1 and offer assistance to the person in need until medical help arrived. 

Expo Home Improvement team members Jose Velasquez and his son Tony Velasquez recently were faced with that terrifying situation. They had just finished the installation of a walk-in bathtub and were doing paperwork in their truck when they saw the client fall and strike his head as he bent over to pick up a package at the curb.

“He had a big knot on his head where he’d hit it,” said Jose. “But he didn’t want help.”

They insisted on helping the man to his feet. Tony offered him support and carried the package to the garage for him. Suddenly, the man fell face down again. Tony called 

9-1-1 while Jose attended to the injured man.

“I checked his wrist and neck for a pulse but couldn’t find one,” said Jose. “He was already looking pale, so I started CPR like I’d learned in school. After about a minute he came to.”

They waited on first responders and tried to make the client as comfortable as possible until help arrived. 

“We used a piece of cardboard to shade him from the sun,” said Tony. “We put a roll of tissue under his head and rolled him to his side. He was a little disoriented. He kept asking who we were and what we were doing. We reassured him we were the guys who were just working at his house. We tried to keep him calm.”

“I’m really proud of these guys,” said Fonzie Quinonez, Installation Manager at Expo Home, who was on the phone with his team when the client collapsed. “They could’ve finished a little earlier and they would have been already gone. I thank God they were still there.”

Jose has worked for Expo Home the past 11 years and Tony joined the team four years ago. 

“I just did what anybody would do,” said Jose. “I’m not a hero.” 

Which is exactly the response you’d expect from humble heroes like Jose and Tony.

Expo Home Improvement is a privately held company headquartered in Carrollton, Texas. With a focus on bath and shower remodels, door and window replacements, and home insulation services, Expo Home Improvement is committed to helping Texans create beautiful, safe, and energy-efficient homes. Serving Dallas-Fort Worth, Central Texas, and San Antonio, Expo Home goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service that will help a homeowner enhance their home. The company offers Veterans, senior citizens, public servants, and first responders discounts on all products they offer as an opportunity to serve those who serve others. For more information about Expo Home Improvement, visit expohomeimprovement.com.

Kathy Beazley
Pin on Pinterest
Photo credit Franz Szony

Dallas Pride is proud to announce that acclaimed actor, singer and LGBTQ+ advocate Billy Porter has been named its first-ever Honorary Grand Marshal of the Dallas Pride Parade, set to step off in Fair Park on June 2. 

Porter, a trailblazer in the entertainment industry and an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, has captivated audiences worldwide with his remarkable talent and unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equality. With a career spanning decades, Porter has earned critical acclaim and been awarded  for his roles on stage and screen including an EMMY®, GRAMMY® and two Tony Awards, winning his first Tony for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance as Lola in "Kinky Boots.” 

In addition to his contributions to the arts, Porter has used his platform to advocate for marginalized communities, championing LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice and gender equality. His unapologetic celebration of individuality has made him a beloved icon and an inspiration to millions around the globe. Porter will receive the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award this year, his third, recognizing his dedication as an activist and spokesperson for the LGBTQ+ communities including his work for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and the Entertainment Community Fund, among others.

“We are thrilled to welcome Billy Porter to Dallas Pride,” said Sherrell Cross, executive director of Dallas Pride. “He symbolized the spirit of unity, pride and resilience within the LGBTQ+ community, and will undoubtedly electrify audiences with his spirit and sparkle.”

The Dallas Pride Parade, one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride events in Texas, attracts thousands of participants and spectators each year, uniting people from all walks of life in a vibrant celebration of diversity and acceptance. 

Weekend of Activities

Dallas Pride kicks off on Saturday, June 1, with the Dallas Pride Music Festival from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the Dallas Pride Festival & Parade on Sunday, June 2, at 10 a.m. with a pre-parade festival and activities before the parade begins at 2 p.m. Vendors will have refreshments, DJs will spin, and attendees can engage in Teen Pride and the Family Pride Zone, in addition to enjoying shopping and other fun. The parade is a rainbow feast for the eyes, with outrageous costumes, inventive floats, bands, groups and more marching in support of the LGBTQ+ community in a mile-long event featuring more than 150 parade entries. Admission for the Dallas Pride Parade is free.

Tickets are on sale now for the Dallas Pride Music Festival on Saturday, June 1, which will feature musical headliners CeCe Peniston and Ha Sizzle. A variety of musical and dance performances on multiple indoor and outdoor stages will include singer Lardi B, DJ Sedrick, and other talented entertainers that keep the festivities going. Morphine Love Dion, a contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Aquaria, season 10 winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, will be featured performers who will also wow the crowds at the Dallas Pride Music Festival. Tickets are $10 (+ services fees); admission for children 12 and under is complimentary. To get your tickets, visit dallaspride.org.

The Dallas Pride Music Festival features more than 200 vendors, who will have booths to see and shop at the festival. Family Pride Zone, an area designed for families, will feature several bounce houses, face painting, entertainment for the kids and the Pride Train ride in the Automobile Building at Fair Park. The festival also includes Teen Pride, which fosters a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 19 and their friends to enjoy live entertainment from artists and DJs, and other age-appropriate activities. Local animal rescue groups will also be on-site for guests to meet a possible new furry family member. 

About Dallas Pride

The mission of Dallas Pride is to strengthen, support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. By prioritizing inclusiveness, Dallas Pride fosters a feeling of belonging for everyone from youth to seniors by creating events, initiatives and programs that foster connections between members of the community, its allies and its supporters.

Follow @DallasPride on Facebook, @DallasPrideOfficial on Instagram, @DallasPrideOrg on Twitter, or via the organization’s website, www.DallasPride.org, for all the tea.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Tens of thousands of visitors from around the world make the trek each year to Collin County to visit Southfork Ranch to experience what life might be like as a legendary oil baron. Now, whether they are coming to the famed ranch and mansion or entertaining in their own space, party hosts can bring the big flavors of Texas to their table with catering from Southfork Ranch Catering.

 

Executive Chef Juan Rivas has created an expansive collection of catering menus, with beautiful options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. While there are unique offerings representing our global community here in North Texas, some of the menu’s most exciting highlights celebrate the dining that might have been experienced by the Ewing family for their celebrations at Southfork Ranch.

 

Bobby’s Barbecue celebrates the character brought to life by Patrick Duffy and includes a broad array of Texas-style barbecued meats, including a mesquite smoked brisket, barbecued chicken, smoked sausage and pork ribs. The fabulous smoked meats are accompanied by all the favorite sides like potato salad, creamy cole slaw, beans and a wide array of relish options, all along with Southwestern cornbread muffins. The Ewing theme continues with JR’s Steak Dinner, which starts with a wedge salad served with a cooked-to-order rib-eye. Sides include a loaded baked potato, grilled vegetables and house-made warm rolls. Miss Ellie’s Recipes presents a delicious take on Lone Star favorites. Guests choose between chicken friend steak or chicken with cream gravy. The meal is served with a mixed salad, red-skinned mashed potatoes and seasoned green beans with sauteed onions and applewood-smoked bacon.

 

 

 

The menu celebrates not only the Ewing clan, but also the history of Dallas itself. Plated entrees are named after signature streets in Dallas such as Commerce Avenue, Mockingbird Lane and Greenville Avenue. To bring experiential dining, Southfork Catering offers a wide array of carving stations, including Barbecued Brisket, Whole Prime Rib and Beef Tenderloin. Small plate action stations range from Shrimp & Grits and Braised Beef Short Ribs to Pork Belly and Wild Mushroom Ragout.

 

All meals have the option of ending with a sweet treat. Desert offerings include a traditional bread pudding, strawberries Romanoff and JR’s Triple Threat, a dark and white chocolate chip cookie in the shape of Texas with caramelized bananas and Baileys anglaise.

 

 

 

Southfork Ranch Catering can accommodate groups ranging from 10 to 10,000 people and can be offered throughout the ranch property and across the entire Metroplex. Its expert event coordinators can work to craft a custom menu for any event including all food, beverage and alcohol, and can assist with rentals and other event needs as well.

 

Those interested in learning more about Southfork Ranch Catering can find more information at SouthforkRanchCatering.com or by calling (972) 442-7800.

Stephanie Horne
Pin on Pinterest
Photo Credit: GSUSA Empowering Girl Scouts with tools to understand and express their emotions, the Mental Health Patch program encourages mental resilience.

New Research Reveals Girls as Young as Age 5 Feel Lonely, and It Takes a Toll on Their Confidence

Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas support girls with mental wellness programming and resources

DALLAS, TX, May 14, 2024 -- The vast majority of girls (70%) ages 5 to 13 experience loneliness, and the feeling intensifies with age.* This is just one of the compelling findings from new research by Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), completed in partnership with Wakefield Research. Conducted earlier this spring, the study revealed a troubling rise in loneliness, a feeling that notably diminishes girls' confidence as they grow older.

The data also points to the power of friendship in boosting girls' confidence to try new things they wouldn’t otherwise do alone, and despite the ubiquity of digital devices, these results point to girls' desire for a range of authentic experiences and interpersonal connections.

Key Research Insights:

  • Loneliness Increases with Age:  Survey results show 64% of girls ages 5–7, 67% of girls ages 8–10, and 73% of girls ages 11–13 reported feelings of loneliness.
  • As Loneliness Grows, Confidence Drops:  While 86% of girls ages 5–7 expressed belief in their ability to tackle challenges, this figure drops to 73% among 11–13-year-old girls.
  • Friendship is a Confidence Booster:  For more than half of the girls surveyed (52%), having a friend by their side encourages them to try new things, like talking to a new person or joining a new group.
  • Girls Prefer Real Interactions to Screen Time:  Most girls would prefer to be creative (63%), go outside and play, or spend time with their family (59%) rather than spend all their time on screens.

These findings underscore the urgent need for interventions that foster meaningful connections and self-assurance among young girls. Given the prevalence of loneliness among young girls, Girl Scouts is more important today than ever. Girls of any age can join the organization to form lasting friendships, build self-confidence, and access mental wellness programming—meant to tackle the specific issues today's girls face.

"Empowering girls to thrive through challenges of the digital age and beyond is more critical now than ever," emphasized Jennifer Bartkowski, CEO of Girl Scougts of Northeast Texas. "Our mission is to reverse this trend by continuing to provide core Girl Scout programming and integrating mental wellness education into everything we do, ensuring every girl knows she is part of a community that believes in her potential."

Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (GSNETX) offers a robust suite of mental wellness resources and programming to support girls, council staff, and adult volunteers. GSUSA developed the programming in collaboration with partners like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Supported by grants from Medical City Dallas and the HCA Healthcare Foundation, these programs are available at no cost. An additional $5,000 from Medical City Dallas ensures that all local participants can access these patches for free.

GSNETX is working to destigmatize mental illness, normalize conversations about mental health, and deliver inclusive programs for girls of all backgrounds. As a pioneering council, GSNETX was selected to host a recent video about the 'Mental Wellness Patch', a nationwide initiative. This program is designed to help girls in grades 4-12 recognize and understand their emotions and develop effective strategies for managing mental health challenges. For more information about Girl Scouts' commitment to mental health programming, visit girlscouts.org/mentalwellness.

*The GSUSA survey was conducted online from March 19 to 31, 2024, among 1,000 U.S. girls aged 5 to 13. The data has been weighted to reflect the demographics of the national population accurately.

We Are Girl Scouts

Whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths, make best friends, and rise to meet new challenges. Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas serves girls and adult volunteers across 32 counties. To change the workforce pipeline in STEM and meet the urgent need for female voices and leadership in the fastest-growing sector of the U.S. economy, GSNETX opened the 92-acre state-of-the-art STEM Center of Excellence in 2018. Learn more at gsnetx.org or call 972-349-2400.

Media Contact:
Stephanie Horne
PR Manager, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas
469-994-1629
shorne@gsnetx.org
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Smoky… savory… sumptuous. These words can be used to describe both decadent Texas barbecue and nuanced notes of hand-crafted bourbon. This summer, guests at the acclaimed Omni PGA Frisco Resort will have the opportunity for an exclusive experience that celebrates the heritage of both barbecue and bourbon.

Resort guests can elect to participate in Texas Barbecue & Bourbon: Up Close and Personal, a semi-private education and tasting experience. Participants will gather at the resort’s popular Ice House in the Monument Realty PGA District for a cooking and smoking demonstration with the restaurant’s pitmaster. Each guest will receive a welcome cocktail or mocktail to sip on while watching how to season, trim and wrap an authentic Texas brisket before learning how to smoke the meat to perfection. The demonstration also includes an overview of the smoker, nicknamed Lucille, a Q&A session with Executive Chef Adam Solowitz, and of course, samples of Ice House brisket and a take-home bottle of Ice House’s signature Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce.

 

There’s no better way to cap off an amazing barbecue experience than walking through four decadent pours of Garrison Brothers Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the first legal bourbon to be produced outside of Kentucky. For the final hour, a Garrison Brothers distiller will teach guests how to properly taste the family’s acclaimed portfolio of spirits, while regaling them with Texas bourbon lore!

 

The excitement continues once the guest returns home, where Garrison Brothers will send a custom 3L barrel, perfect for making batched, barrel-aged cocktails.

Texas Barbecue & Bourbon: Up Close and Personal is limited to 12 people per experience and is only available to resort guests 21 and over on Saturdays, May 25 and Aug. 31. A portion of the $250 per person fee will benefit Frisco Family Services. Guests interested in reserving this experience should reach out to a resort Experience Planner at 469-305-4552.

Omni PGA Frisco Resort is a great place to spend summer vacation – whether on a couple’s getaway or with the entire family. With 13 destinations to dine and drink, a curated collection of unique retail outlets and an array of golf experiences for players of all ages and abilities, the 660-acre campus truly offers something for everyone.

This summer, guests at Omni PGA Frisco Resort will experience the “Summer of Glow,” which features exclusive, resort-guest-only activities including weekly drone shows, Glow Parties, Glow Golf on the 10th Fairway Terrace, pool games, complimentary s’mores and more.

 

“Summer of Glow” experiences run from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Reserve your stay now at omnihotels.com/hotels/pga-frisco/specials.

EVENT INFORMATION

What: Texas Barbecue & Bourbon: Up Close and Personal

When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday May 25 and Saturday, Aug. 31

Price: $250 per person

Tickets: Book through an Omni PGA Frisco Resort Experience Planner at 469-305-4552

 

About PGA Frisco

PGA Frisco is a public/private partnership between the PGA of America, Omni Hotels & Resorts, the City of Frisco, and the Frisco Independent School District. The 660-acre campus is a unique destination that includes: two world-class 18-hole championship golf courses, collectively known as Fields Ranch, and a state-of-the-art clubhouse; the Omni PGA Frisco Resort, featuring 500 guest rooms and suites and 10 exclusive four-bedroom Ranch Houses, four pools, destination spa and 127,000 square feet of meeting and event space; the Monument Realty PGA District which features The Swing, a lighted 10-hole short course, The Dance Floor, a lighted 2-acre putting course and an expansive retail, dining and entertainment district, including an outdoor area for concerts and events, the high-tech, data-driven PGA Coaching Center; the Home of the PGA of America and the Jerry J. Ransom Northern Texas PGA Golf House.

 

About Omni PGA Frisco Resort

Opening May 2, 2023, Omni PGA Frisco Resort offers a reimagined destination resort experience for the ultimate getaway. With a wide selection of unique experiences and remarkable year-round programming and activities, the resort provides a diverse and fun-filled destination for guests of all ages. The oasis of the 660-acre PGA Frisco campus, this luxury resort will be both one of the world's leading meeting and conference destinations as well as a bucket list leisure destination featuring two championship golf courses at Fields Ranch designed by Gil Hanse and Beau Welling. With comprehensive resort amenities featuring a signature spa, 13 restaurants and bars, and retail shops - there's something designed for all. Featuring subtle nods to Texas culture, each of the resort's 500 guest rooms and suites and 10 exclusive four-bedroom modern-Texas ranch houses, offer sweeping views of lush surrounds. The resort features more than 127,000 sq. ft of indoor and outdoor space for meetings and events, including 2 ballrooms; 19 meeting rooms; 9 outdoor event venues; and Panther Creek Pavilion, the ideal venue for weddings. Visit omnipgafriscoresort.com or call 469-305-4500 for more information and room reservations. Follow Omni PGA Frisco Resort on Facebook and Instagram.

 

About Monument Realty

About Monument Realty: Founded in 2017, Monument Realty is a next-generation, full-service real estate brokerage based in Frisco, Texas, headquartered at The Star. Named the Number One Best Large Company to Work For by the Dallas Morning News, Monument is the Official Real Estate Company of The Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Dak Prescott, and PGA of America. For more information, visit monumentrealtytx.com and follow Monument Realty on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About the PGA of America

The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of nearly 28,000 PGA Professionals who work daily to grow interest and inclusion in the game of golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

DALLAS, TX May 13, 2024 – Mary Kay Inc., a corporate leader in global sustainability, is strengthening its roots in Lewisville. On May 10, the company partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation and Keep Lewisville Beautiful to host a tree planting event at Railroad Park to celebrate Mother Nature and Mother’s Day.

“Through partnerships with organizations like the Arbor Day Foundation, Mary Kay is making positive environmental impact in ecosystems where we operate around the world,” said Ryan Rogers, CEO of Mary Kay, Inc., and grandson of Mary Kay Ash. “But change starts in your own backyard. We enjoyed ‘sprucing’ up the community by planting trees that will benefit local families for generations to come.”

Mary Kay volunteers planted 60 native trees along the trails and waterways in Railroad Park, symbolizing the company’s 60th anniversary of enriching the lives of women and their families worldwide and protecting the planet. The park is four miles from Mary Kay’s state-of-the art Richard R. Rogers (R3) Manufacturing/R&D Center. Trees planted at this location directly impact Lewisville communities by providing much-needed shade in community spaces, enhancing the beautification of recreational areas, and providing important ecosystem benefits in the Trinity River watershed.

"We are thrilled to see Mary Kay contribute to the tree canopy of Lewisville,” said TJ Gilmore, Mayor of Lewisville. “This initiative is not only a breath of fresh air for our city but a testament to the flourishing partnership between our community and a corporation that continuously gives back. Together, we’re making Lewisville a better place to live and work."

Mary Kay’s partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation stretches back more than 16 years—and in that time, the company has helped plant 1.4 million trees around the world. Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest membership nonprofit dedicated to planting trees.

“The Arbor Day Foundation is dedicated to helping our local planting partners unlock the transformative power of trees in their community,” said Dan Lambe, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees clean our air, cool our cities, and improve the lives of the people around them. We’re happy to partner again with Mary Kay and Keep Lewisville Beautiful to maximize the impact of the urban canopy and inspire more people to engage with nature in a meaningful way.”

Keep Lewisville Beautiful is a local environmental nonprofit that partners with organizations to plant trees and provide residents opportunities to care for Lewisville’s tree canopy on public lands.

“Tree planting is an investment in our community’s future”, said Amy Wells, Executive Director of Keep Lewisville Beautiful. “These trees will help create shade for families visiting Railroad Park, provide habitat to local wildlife, and will provide a multitude of ecological benefits for our local environment. Keep Lewisville Beautiful is excited to partner with Mary Kay and the Arbor Day Foundation to increase Lewisville’s tree canopy and make a visible difference in our community with Mary Kay volunteers. Their donation to our community and KLB will go a long way towards keeping Lewisville beautiful.”

Following the planting, the Lewisville Parks Department is committed to long-term maintenance and upkeep of the trees with supplemental watering, pruning, and care.

Did you know:

  • R3 Manufacturing/R&D Center in Lewisville is named in honor of Mary Kay Inc.’s cofounder and Mary Kay Ash’s son, Richard R. Rogers.
  • Built on 26 acres of land, R3 features state-of-the-art R&D laboratories and cutting-edge manufacturing technology.
  • 57% of products manufactured at R3 are exported to Mary Kay’s international markets.
  • R3 production capacity is up to 1.1. million products per day. The facility boasts 20 product-packaging lines and 21 processing vessels and mixing tanks.
  • R3 is LEED Building Design and Construction Silver-Certified facility.

About Mary Kay

Then. Now. Always. One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 35 countries. For 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com, find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on Twitter.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees. Together with our partners, we have helped plant more than 500 million trees in neighborhoods, communities, cities, and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival. Through our members, partners and programs, the Arbor Day Foundation inspires people across the globe to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.

About Keep Lewisville Beautiful

Keep Lewisville Beautiful (KLB) is a non-profit and award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful. KLB’s mission is to “engage the citizens of Lewisville through service and education to enhance their community environment”. Our vision is to partner with the community to promote environmental quality, making Lewisville the best place to live, work, and play. Annually, KLB volunteers contribute over 10,000 volunteer hours towards litter abatement, environmental education, and beautification programs, and remove 25+ TONS of trash from community green spaces and waterways. Learn more at keeplewisvillebeautiful.org.  

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Today, Hyosung Americas, which has a proud history of global industry-leading innovation in ATM hardware, software and services focused in the financial and retail markets, announced Kunoh Kim as its new Chief Executive Officer.

"Kunoh is a welcome addition, bringing new energy to Hyosung’s banking technology business in North America. His intelligence, business acumen and recent experience driving our fintech and retail technology business in Korea will serve our growing business well,” said Nancy Gail Daniels, Chief Revenue Officer of Hyosung Americas.

Mr. Kim brings more than 26 years of experience in leadership in fintech innovation, including the advancement of Hyosung’s integrated payment solutions and pioneering utilization of big data platforms. Recently, he directed the development of retail hardware and software solutions, self-checkout and smart vending products. Prior to joining Hyosung, Kunoh served as vice president and division leader for business development at Hyosung TNS in Seoul, South Korea. During his tenure, he is credited with the launch of the company’s retail solution products including self-order and self-checkout kiosks. 

Additionally, Mr. Kim also worked for Hyosung Corporation, the parent company of Hyosung TNS and Hyosung Americas, most recently as its director of corporate strategy. Prior to joining Hyosung, Mr. Kim was the director of the convergence business division of SK Telecom in Seoul, where he held multiple positions.

“I am humbled by the positive welcome from the Hyosung Americas team,” said Mr. Kim. “It has been a privilege to contribute to Hyosung's success on a global scale, and I am eager to bring that same dedication and expertise to our operations here in North America. I am confident that with the support of our talented team, we will achieve great things together.”

Mr. Kim is a graduate of Chung-Ang University in Seoul, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in business administration, and Yonsei University, where he worked on his MBA.

Hyosung Americas team members are optimistic about the appointment of Kunoh Kim as CEO. 

“Kunoh's recent stewardship in spearheading transformative ventures at Hyosung, encompassing fintech innovations, integrated payment solutions and big data platforms, showcases an extensive spectrum of business and technological leadership,” said Chief Product Officer Michael Graham. “I am confident that this expertise will fortify our dedication to crafting exceptional human experiences.”

About Hyosung Americas

Hyosung Americas, the world’s leading cash management and payments platform service provider, is the North American subsidiary of South Korea-based Hyosung TNS, Inc. Since entering the North American market in 1998, Hyosung has grown from the largest provider of ATMs in the United States, to offering best-in-class, innovative and transformative technology solutions across the cash management and payments spectrum. Hyosung Americas is headquartered in Irving, Texas, and provides research and development support in its Global Software Center in Dayton, Ohio.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Fallyn Jones New Board Member - NFNL

New Friends New Life (NFNL) announces the induction of three new board members: Fallyn Jones, senior vice president, Citigroup Inc.; Laura Nieto, managing director of corporate responsibility, Southwest Airlines; and Camelia Lopez Shoemaker, prosecutor. The new members began three-year terms April 1 with an optional second term.

Additionally, Crys Kelly, social analytics director, Iris Worldwide, has been named president of the NFNL Circle of Friends (COF) Board, and C. Davis Prescott, senior vice president, First Horizon Bank, is the new president of the Men’s Advocacy Group (MAG). These new officers will serve two years with an optional additional year. First on the agenda for COF President Kelly is the spring fundraising event hosted by Circle of Friends – a Wine Tasting on May 15 while MAG President Prescott is preparing for the annual ManKINDness Breakfast on May 17.

Fallyn Jones has over 15 years of experience in financial services. As senior vice president, senior compliance and ethics officer for Citigroup Inc., she develops and implements operational testing and controls for the company’s Global Ethics Office, with responsibility for business operations in North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle- East, Africa, Latin America, and Mexico. Jones was named to Dallas Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2023, and her passion for the greater community and creating opportunities to advocate for women of color is evident through her commitment and achievements within education, civic engagement, community outreach and senior care. Jones resides in Dallas with her husband, son, and daughter.

Laura Nieto, a 25-year employee of Southwest Airlines, leads the company’s corporate giving and stewardship strategy. Founded on the principles of loving people, building resilience, and living responsibly, she oversees Southwest’s strategic community investments, employee engagement and volunteerism, foundation giving, sustainability programs and social impact initiatives. With a passion for developing innovative programs that engage and empower diverse communities, she is a D&I champion and community advocate. With a love for the outdoors, she is a marathon runner and has completed her quest to become a World Marathon Major Six Star Finisher. Nieto resides in Dallas with her husband and daughter.

Camelia Lopez Shoemaker is a skilled career prosecutor with more than 20 years of experience in the prosecution of complex cyber-crime, fraud, terrorism, and other criminal and civil matters at both the state and federal level.  In addition to the case work, she has experience as a senior leader setting policy and guidance for district and national impact regarding public-private partnerships and is a frequent speaker regarding cybersecurity, digital currency, and intellectual property matters. Camelia resides in Dallas with her husband and children and their 60-pound lapdog, Millie.

"These dynamic leaders bring incredible new expertise and passion to the mission of New Friends New Life,” said Jane A. Rose, board chair. "Their commitment and leadership will be invaluable as we work collaboratively to not only empower and restore the lives of trafficked and sexually exploited women and girls, but also as we bring the stigmatized issue of sex trafficking out of the shadows to educate the community on ways they can engage in the solution.”

The new board members join a diverse board of community representatives including: Jane A. Rose, NFNL Board Chair, General Counsel, Irwin R. Rose & Co. (who is in her second year as chair and will complete her term on March 31, 2025); Adam Cannon, Chief Brand Officer, G6 Hospitality, LLC; Erin Nealy Cox, Partner at Kirkland & Ellis and a former high-ranking U.S. Department of Justice official; Sherri Daniel, Certified Public Accountant; Dr. Cole Edmonson, DNP, RN; Healthcare Executive, Strategic Advisor, and Emeritus Chief Clinical Officer; Kelley Grayson, Regional VP, Provider Network Solutions; Laura Harris, Journalist and Co-Anchor, NBC5; Dr. Millicent Knight, OD, FAAO, FAARM, FNAP; Senior Vice President, Customer Development Group, EssilorLuxottica; Sarah K. Miller, Philanthropist; Paulette Miniter, Associate Attorney, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP; Cheryl Monroe, VP Controller and Treasurer, Mary Kay Inc.; Christa Sanford, Partner, Baker Botts, LLP; Elena Sacca Smith, Group Manager, the Office of Social Innovation, Toyota North America; and Jessica Turner-Waugh, Actor and Community Leader.

For more information, visit newfriendsnewlife.org or call (214) 965-0935.

# # #

About New Friends New Life: Founded in Dallas, Texas, in 1998, New Friends New Life (NFNL) restores and empowers trafficked and sexually exploited teen girls, women and their children, and drives awareness of the issue and its prevalence. The agency’s vision is to create a community where women and girls can soar above the limits of their past and achieve their dreams. In 2023, NFNL served 328 members (clients). NFNL also educates the community and works to eradicate the epidemic of sex trafficking through advocacy, legislative reform and strategic partnerships that address systemic causes. In 2018, NFNL opened a drop-in Youth Resource Center (YRC) in partnership with the Office of the Governor to serve trafficked and high-risk teen girls. Since its opening, we have served 546 girls. In 2015, NFNL organized its  Men's Advocacy Group to engage men in the fight against sex trafficking and exploitation. For more information, visit http://www.newfriendsnewlife.org.