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Holiday Contest! ✨

Share your most inspirational true workplace story for a chance to win a free 9" x 5" tabletop Digital Abstract Office Series Trio.

Enter by completing the survey and submitting a minimum 1,500-word story inspired by time management, communication, or teamwork by 12/24/25.

Winner announced in the January blog and on the @cHerArtwork Facebook page.

Questions: cheryl@cherartwork.com



cHerArtwork.com features a collection of fine artwork by Cheryl, spanning pencil drawings, acrylic paintings, ink, scratchboard, digital AI (DigAI), photography, and sculpture. The work explores a wide range of styles and subjects inspired by animals, nature, geometric forms, and social themes, showcasing both traditional and contemporary approaches across multiple mediums.

Subscribe to @cHerArtwork on Facebook. Still shopping for Christmas? Check out the website for holiday gift specials every day from now until Christmas!


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Texas A&M University College of Dentistry’s tips for a teeth-friendly holiday season

Celebrating the holidays can be both fun and safe for your oral health if you think ahead. Dr. Stephen McDonald, clinical associate professor in comprehensive dentistry at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, and Dr. Partha Mukherji, clinical assistant professor in comprehensive dentistry at the dental college, offer tips to keep your mouth healthy.

 

The holidays are full of family gatherings, parties and other opportunities to eat indulgent foods. However, those holiday treats can wreak havoc in your mouth.

Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas offers tips to help you survive the holiday season with your healthy smile intact, even if you eat a little treat here and there.

Don’t graze on sugary snacks, said Dr. Stephen McDonald, clinical associate professor in comprehensive dentistry. Indulge, rinse with water and be done with it, at least for a while.

“The amount of sugary foods and candy consumed during the holidays isn’t great for your waistline or your blood glucose level, but it probably isn’t the most important factor in regard to your dental health,” McDonald said. “The amount of time that your teeth are exposed to the acid produced by the sugar-ingesting bacteria is the key factor when it comes to cavities or tooth decay.”

Seek snacks low in sugar, such as pears, which stimulate saliva production. Other teeth-friendly foods include unsalted nuts, carrots and avocados.

Keep to a routine

Whether traveling, attending parties or shopping, don’t put off brushing and flossing. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. Floss at least once daily.

“While the ingredients in brands vary, all toothpastes contain mild abrasives that help remove food debris and stains on teeth,” McDonald said. “Look for the ADA Seal when purchasing toothpaste.”

If you are on the go, pack travel-size toothpaste, floss and mouthwash to remove food particles and plaque.

Eat cheese

Pair cheese when choosing cavity-causing foods for in-between-meals snacking. Chewing cheese increases saliva flow and helps clear cavity-causing bacteria and sugar. An Academy of General Dentistry study found that eating cheese kept pH levels elevated for up to 30 minutes.

When the mouth is exposed to low pH for prolonged periods, cavity-causing bacteria can thrive, said Dr. Partha Mukherji, clinical assistant professor in comprehensive dentistry. The range for a healthy mouth is 6.2 to 7.6, slightly acidic to neutral.

Drink water, rather than soda

Drinking water before meals makes you feel fuller and less likely to overeat. If you replace sugary drinks with water, you also wash away food particles, encourage saliva production and reduce the chances of decay.

Keep these tips on your checklist, and you will enjoy all the holiday festivities and enter 2026 with a healthy mouth.

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Mid-Winter Music Festival St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano presents a weekend of chamber music and vocal mastery, bringing Bach’s timeless works to life.

A Weekend of Chamber Music and Vocal Mastery, Bringing Bach’s Timeless Works to Life

St. Andrew Methodist Church will host a Mid-Winter Music Festival January 23–25, offering three concerts that celebrate chamber music and highlight the beauty of J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos. Each concert will offer a unique experience, featuring musicians such as the St. Andrew Chancel Choir and Chapel Singers, soloists, Senior Principal Associate Concertmaster Gary Levinson of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO), and instrumentalists from across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

  • Friday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m.: Ensemble Music with Soloists from the St. Andrew Chapel Singers
  • Saturday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m.: Instrumental Chamber Music with DSO musicians
  • Sunday, Jan. 25 at 3 p.m.: Choral Pieces from the St. Andrew Chancel Choir and Chapel Singers

“While each concert in our Mid-Winter Music Festival features different musicians, the celebrated Brandenburg Concertos serve as the thread connecting them all,” said Taylor Davis, creative director of traditional music and worship, St. Andrew. “From soloists to ensemble performances, and culminating with the full Chancel Choir, these concerts showcase some of the finest musical talent in the metroplex. Join us for one or all three and experience the artistry and joy of chamber music by one of the greatest composers of all time.”

All concerts will be presented in the Sanctuary. Tickets are $20 per concert or $50 for a three-concert pass. Register at  Event Details – St. Andrew Methodist Church. Student discounts and childcare are available.

# # #

 St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is located on 21.2 acres in Plano, Texas, and has more than 7,000 members. The church hosts over 2,000 people each weekend for worship services in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an LED center screen and lighting technology. St. Andrew extends an open invitation for all to be a part of a community ready to embrace faith in Christ that is real, practical, and life changing. Many opportunities are provided to gather on campus and serve locally, regionally, and globally. Through Invite Ministries, St. Andrew’s publishing house, and Beacon of Light, a mental health ministry, St. Andrew offers innovative ways to reach Christians within its congregation and out in the community. The new 300-seat Hasley Chapel provides worship and other gathering opportunities in a scenic and more intimate setting. In 2022 St. Andrew became an independent Methodist Church seeking to live more like Jesus every day and to learn in deeper ways what it means to follow His teachings, live in community, and serve the world. 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call (972)380-8001.

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The Heights Church in Richardson will hold two Christmas Eve worship services on Wednesday, December 24, at 3 PM and 5 PM, welcoming individuals and families from across the community to gather and celebrate the hope, peace, and joy of the Christmas season.

The Heights Church in Richardson will hold two Christmas Eve worship services on Wednesday, December 24, at 3 PM and 5 PM, welcoming individuals and families from across the community to gather and celebrate the hope, peace, and joy of the Christmas season.

Each hour-long service will feature Christmas music and message, a story time for kids and a candle lighting within a family-friendly atmosphere. 

Located at 201 W. Renner Road in Richardson, The Heights Church has long been known for its strong focus on families and its commitment to helping people grow in their faith at every stage of life. The church offers robust kids and student ministry programs that support young people as they learn, ask questions, and develop a deeper understanding of their faith in age-appropriate and engaging ways.

The Heights’ kids and student ministries play a central role in the church’s mission to serve families, offering consistent programming that partners with parents to nurture faith at home and in the church community. This commitment to the next generation has made The Heights a trusted place for families seeking connection, spiritual growth, and support.

Christmas Eve services at The Heights Church are open to the community, who are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for seating and fellowship.

For more information about Christmas Eve services or The Heights Church, visit theheights.org/christmas.

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The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center, a luxury community redefining active adult living through intellectual enrichment, recently took its members on a one-of-a-kind immersive learning experience at George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
As part of its Lifelong Learning series, residents:
  • Participated in a live historical reenactment, stepping into the roles of real figures from Washington’s era, including President George Washington, Vice President John Adams, and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson
  • Engaged in a Situation Room simulation, making decisions based on 18th-century geopolitical crises
Originally developed as an educational initiative for school-aged children, this dynamic program found a new life when a member of The Carnegie reached out to ask if it could be adapted for senior adults. Mount Vernon responded with an enthusiastic yes. The result was a unique offering that blended education, performance, and civic reflection, embodying The Carnegie’s mission to go beyond amenities and foster true engagement of mind and community.
We’ve captured some memorable moments from the event, which you can view here. Interviews with residents and Carnegie leadership are also available upon request.
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On Friday, December 19, guests who show up wearing an ugly sweater can enjoy a FREE mini Blizzard Treat. Offer is exclusive to app users and redeemable in store only at participating DQ locations in Texas.
DQ restaurants in Texas are ringing in the holiday season by celebrating National Ugly Sweater Day across the Lone Star State. On Friday, December 19, guests who show up wearing an ugly sweater can enjoy a FREE mini Blizzard Treat, at participating DQ restaurants in Texas. This one-day offer is available exclusively through the DQ Texas app and must be redeemed in person.
 
There is no better time to bundle up in your favorite ugly sweater, grab a few friends, and beat the winter blues with a visit to your local DQ restaurant in Texas. Whether taking a break from holiday shopping, wrapping gifts, or sneaking in a moment of sweet peace during the holiday bustle, a free mini Blizzard Treat is the perfect pick-me-up.
 
“The holiday season is in full swing, and what better way to celebrate than with a free mini Blizzard Treat at a DQ restaurant in Texas” said Lou Romanus, CEO of the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “Fans can enjoy the DQ Holiday Blizzard Menu that includes the NEW Peppermint Bark Blizzard Treat or the returning Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard Treat.”
 
Looking for something savory to enjoy alongside a mini Blizzard Treat? Guests also can try the all-new DQ Chicken Tenders, made from 100% chicken tenderloin, marinated in a signature blend of spices, coated in golden breading, and cooked to crunchy perfection.
 
For the fans, 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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Trinity High School student recognized for superior academic achievement by The National Society of High School Scholars 
 
ATLANTA, GA- December 9, 2025 -The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) today announced student Keira N Troupe from Arlington, TX, has been selected 
to become a member of the esteemed organization. The Society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship, and community commitment. The announcement was made by NSHSS Co-founder and President James W. Lewis. 
 
"On behalf of NSHSS and our co-founder Claes Nobel, a member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes, I am honored to recognize the hard work, passion, and commitment that Keira has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence," said Lewis. "Keira is now a member of a unique community of scholars - a community that represents our very best hope for the future." 
 
"We are proud to provide lifetime membership to young scholars to support their growth and development," stated Lewis. "We help students like Keira build on their academic success by connecting them with learning experiences and resources to help prepare them for college and meaningful careers." NSHSS members automatically become lifetime members at the time of their initial membership. Each step along the way - from high school to college to career - NSHSS connects outstanding young scholars with the resources they need to develop their strengths and pursue their passions. 
 
Formed in 2002 by James W Lewis and Claes Nobel, a member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes, the National Society of High School Scholars recognizes academic excellence at the high school level and helps to advance the goals and aspirations of high-achieving students through unique learning experiences, scholarships, internships, international study, and peer networks. Currently there are more than two million members in over 170 countries. To help us further efforts that provide students with continued opportunity, please acknowledge NSHSS in any press release mentions by providing a resource link to www.nshss.org. For more information about NSHSS, visit www.nshss.org. 
 
Media Contact
pr@nshss.org
404-235-5500
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The magic of Disney arrives in Dallas this holiday season for a three-week engagement as Disney’s Beauty and the Beast takes the stage at the iconic Music Hall at Fair Park, presented by Broadway Dallas. Perfect for families, date nights, and theater lovers of all ages, this limited-engagement production promises to be one of the most enchanting events of the year.

About the Show

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the celebrated stage adaptation of the Academy Award®-winning animated classic. With breathtaking costumes, whimsical characters, and the unforgettable music of “Be Our Guest,” “Gaston,” and the timeless title ballad, this production brings the heart and magic of the original story to vivid life.

This season’s staging also celebrates the first North American touring in 25 years offering Dallas audiences a special opportunity to experience this beloved musical in a grand theatrical setting.

Performance Dates & Times

December 16, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Music Hall at Fair Park — Dallas, TX

Audiences can choose from a variety of dates, including matinées and evening performances throughout the holiday season. With school breaks and festive gatherings in full swing, this is an ideal time to share the magic with family and friends.

About the Venue

The Music Hall at Fair Park is one of Dallas’ premier performing arts venues, known for its rich history, excellent acoustics, and world-class productions. Its spacious, elegant design makes it the perfect backdrop for a show as visually spectacular as Beauty and the Beast.

Tickets & Planning Tips

Tickets are available through BroadwayDallas.org and Ticketmaster, the official outlets for this production. Because this show is expected to be a major holiday highlight, early booking is strongly recommended.

A few tips:

  • Arrive early to enjoy Fair Park’s seasonal ambiance and ease parking.
  • Weekend and matinée performances tend to sell out fastest.
  • Purchasing from official sources ensures valid entry—Broadway Dallas cannot assist with third-party reseller issues.

Why You’ll Love This Production

Timeless Storytelling: Belle’s journey—from her quiet provincial life to the enchanted halls of the Beast’s castle—remains as moving and magical as ever.

Iconic Music: Experience the songs you know and love performed live with full orchestration.

Broadway-Caliber Magic: Expect stunning sets, show-stopping choreography, and the polished production quality Broadway Dallas is known for.

Perfect for All Ages: Recommended for ages 6+, making it a wonderful introduction to theater for younger audiences.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or creating new memories with your family, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Music Hall at Fair Park is a holiday season must-see. Step into the magic, embrace the wonder, and be our guest for one of the most anticipated theatrical events of the year.

For more information and snag your tickets, visit here.

 

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EMPOWER

Community Partners of Dallas (CPD) will host its annual toy distribution event on Wednesday, December 17, providing holiday support to thousands of children involved in the child welfare system across Dallas County.

Throughout the morning, child welfare caseworkers serving children through EMPOWER will arrive at CPD’s office to select gifts on behalf of the children on their caseloads. Using wish lists submitted by the children, caseworkers help ensure each child receives a thoughtful, age-appropriate gift that reflects their interests.

Made possible through community donations and collaboration with child welfare partners, including EMPOWER, the annual toy distribution supports children during the holiday season while easing the logistical burden on caseworkers and families.

Community members are encouraged to support the effort by donating directly. More information about the toy drive and ways to get involved can be found at:
https://www.cpdtx.org/get-involved/drives/toy-drive/

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Pete Davidson is going to be a dad, and he co-built a custom Honda Odyssey with Tony Angelo and the Stay Tuned Crew as a part of eBay's new "Built to Spec" series.

As a part of the new series, eBay pairs cultural figures, builders, and automotive enthusiasts to deck out custom rides using cars, parts, and accessories all sourced from eBay. For drive, he wanted something that was both practical, comfortable and more than a little cool. It is absolutely no surprise that he chose to deck out a custom minivan.

“I’m about to be a dad, so I figured it was time to drive something practical but not boring... I’ve always used eBay to find just about anything, like classic TV memorabilia and sneakers, so of course that’s where I found my van too.”
Pete Davidson

Turning His Dream into Reality

For Davidson's next chapter, he chose a vehicle known for its comfort, performance and convenience for parents worldwide, the Honda Odyssey. He and eBay tapped Tony Angel and the Stay Tuned crew to source and build his dream combo. They added satin black wheels, new tires, raised it with a leveling kit, and added a power cold air intake and a valved muffler. They also brought the fun with a refrigerator and a vintage VHS player.


Want deck yours similarly with finds from eBay?

Here's what Tony Angelo and the Stay Tuned crew sourced from eBay using the Secure Purchase Program to create his ultimate dad-mobile:


● Nomad 501SB Convoy Satin Black Wheels
● Falken Wild Peak All-Terrain Tires
● Traxda Leveling Kit
● Valvetronic Designs Valved Muffler
● aFe Power Takeda Cold Air Intake
● ARB Retractable Awning with LED
● Dometic CFX3 Refrigerator
● Vintage Sony Portable VHS Player

About The Built to Spec Program

GFX

In a very cool twist, as a part of the "Built to Spec" program, the team sourced and built a second fully loaded van with eBay. This second van is inspired by Davidson's build and made for the purpose of auctioning off to benefit the nonprofit of Pete's choice. Davidson chose the New York based Answer the Call, a group that supports the families of fallen New York City first responders.

How can you help?

To learn more about the build visit ebay.com/builttospec

To bid now through December 19, visit ebay.com/petedavidson. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Answer the Call.