School bells will ring again across Texas soon. As families make their to-do lists for supplies and new clothes, scheduling dental appointments for the entire family should be a priority too.  

Dr. John Safar, clinical faculty in comprehensive dentistry at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, said a healthy smile is essential for a successful school year. He shared five reasons scheduling a dental appointment before school starts – or any other time of year – is important:  

To detect cavities early 

Cavities often develop without causing pain. During your visit, the dentist can identify early decay through a thorough exam and dental X-rays.  

“Treating cavities when they are small is more comfortable, more predictable, and far less costly than waiting until they become painful or require advanced procedures,” Safar said. 

Some schools require back-to-school dental visits, and it’s for good reasons. Cavities – tooth decay – are among the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

“Oral health problems affect school performance and a child’s quality of life,” Safar said.  

Protect gums and bones 

Bleeding gums often signal early gum disease, but bone loss usually progresses quietly.  

“Your dentist will measure your gum pockets, review X-rays, and provide personalized hygiene guidance,” he said. “Early care helps prevent long-term damage and reduces the risk of tooth loss as you age.” 

Children develop gum disease mainly from plaque buildup, the sticky film on teeth from bacteria and food residue. Gingivitis, the most common form of gum disease, is often reversible with proper oral healthcare. 

Adults develop it, too. Periodontitis, a common form of gum disease, involves bone loss around teeth. More than 40% of adults 30 years or over have some stage of periodontitis, the American Dental Association reported. It can be slowed and managed, but periodontitis is irreversible. 

Screen for oral cancers 

Many oral cancers are painless in their early stages. A routine dental visit includes a careful examination of your head, neck and mouth to identify any unusual areas.  

“Early detection greatly improves treatment success and long-term outcomes,” Safar said.  

To monitor previous dental work 

Fillings, crowns and other restorative work can wear down or become damaged over time. Regular checkups ensure dental work remains stable, functional and in good condition — helping you avoid unexpected problems, Safar said. 

To improve comfort, confidence and freshness 

Professional cleanings remove stains caused by colas, coffee and foods, giving your smile a brighter appearance.  

“Your dentist can also help manage dry mouth, identify its causes and provide solutions for persistent bad breath so you feel confident every day,” Safar said. “Start the new school year off with a beautiful smile, whether you’re a student, a parent or a teacher – or all three.” 

Before Texas women could vote, they could pursue a higher education at the Girls Industrial College, a one-building campus in Denton, a rural North Texas community known at the time primarily for agriculture and trade.

Founded in 1901 after years of persistent advocacy by civic leaders and women-led organizations — and graduating just one student in its inaugural class — Texas Woman’s University began as a little-known but ambitious effort to expand educational opportunity for Texas women. Today, it is a nationally recognized, Carnegie-classified R2 research institution and the nation’s first and only woman-focused public university system, with an enrollment of more than 15,000 across campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston and a network of more than 121,000 alumni spanning Texas and beyond. 

This fall, State Fair of Texas visitors will have an opportunity to experience the university’s remarkable history firsthand through “Blazing New Trails: 125 Years of Texas Woman’s University,” a landmark exhibition celebrating TWU’s 125th anniversary. View the TWU history timeline. 

“Texas Woman’s University was founded on a bold idea — that everyone deserves an education that prepares them not simply to participate in society, but to help shape it,” said Texas Woman’s Chancellor Carine  Feyten. “For 125 years, TWU has forged a remarkable legacy of opening doors, expanding opportunity and transforming lives.”  

Drawing from selections housed in the Texas Woman's University Special Collections and University Archives, the exhibit tells the story of more than a century of ambition, resilience, innovation and Pioneer spirit, reflecting TWU's enduring impact on education, healthcare, leadership and opportunity for women and families.

At the heart of the exhibit are selections from The Woman's Collection, one of the nation's oldest and largest repositories dedicated to women's history, alongside materials preserved through the university archives. Established in 1932 and designated Texas' official women's history collection in 1979, The Woman's Collection curates stories ranging from nationally known trailblazers to everyday women whose quieter lives helped shape communities, professions and families across generations.

The "Blazing New Trails" TWU history exhibit includes opportunities to:

• Trace TWU's fascinating history through founding-era documents, early university records and other rarely-seen archival materials that chronicle the university's growth from a small women's college to a nationally recognized university system.

• Explore changing roles for women and the evolution of campus life through historic photographs, campus publications, apparel, uniforms and artifacts spanning more than a century of university traditions, milestones and everyday moments.

• Discover intriguing selections from some of TWU's most celebrated collections, including the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) archive and TWU's renowned cookbook collection.

• Experience stories of innovation, service and leadership through materials reflecting TWU's legacy in healthcare, public service, research and decades of barriers broken and doors opened for women in Texas and beyond. 

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND 

At its core, this exhibit is about people—the administrators, faculty, staff, students and alumnae who changed the landscape of TWU over time and were pioneers in every sense of the word,” said Suzanne Sellers, dean of libraries. “Each piece tells a story of new trails blazed for women—not just in access to higher education, but as entrepreneurs, pilots, politicians, healers and educators who broke barriers in fields that had long excluded them.”  

The story of Texas Woman’s University began long before the institution opened its doors. Throughout the 1890s, civic leaders and women-led organizations advocated for the establishment of a college where young women could receive a practical education at a time when opportunities for women were sharply limited. In 1901, the Texas Legislature authorized the founding of what would become the Girls Industrial College, combining traditional literary education with instruction in domestic sciences, child care and practical nursing.

When classes began in 1903, the institution enrolled 186 students and employed a faculty of 14. Its curriculum reflected both the realities and aspirations of the time, offering courses ranging from photography, bookkeeping and literary studies to horticulture, nursing care, child development and the chemical study of foods. Helen M. Stoddard, Mary Eleanor Brackenridge and Eliza S. R. Johnson served among the university’s original board of regents, becoming the first women to sit on the governing board of a Texas university. Over time, TWU expanded both its curriculum and access, responding to and often shaping expanding opportunities for women in higher education and professional life. Today, Texas Woman’s University is:

• The nation’s first and only woman-focused university system, with campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston.
• A nationally recognized, Carnegie-classified R2 research institution known for student experience, social and economic mobility, academic quality and leadership in nursing and allied health professions, education, arts and sciences, and business.
• Home to recent milestones signaling the university’s growing impact, including the opening of a $107 million Health Sciences Center and the launch of the Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences.
• An institution that continues to advance affordability, first-generation student success, service to student parents, research and workforce preparation for a diverse student body that is nearly 90% women. 

The State Fair exhibit is a highlight of the university’s 125th anniversary celebration, themed “Dreaming Big for 125 Years,” which honors TWU’s history while looking toward its future. Anniversary programming will continue throughout the year, including the Dream Big Festival (Oct. 19–24), featuring student-centered activities, athletics events, lectures, history exhibits, a suffrage musical and the reveal of a new public art installation. The anniversary activities also celebrate the successful conclusion of the Dream Big fundraising campaign, TWU’s first-ever comprehensive campaign, which is expected to significantly exceed its original goal of $125 million. 

Beyond the State Fair exhibit and anniversary celebrations, the public is encouraged to explore the extensive historical collections and archives housed in TWU’s Blagg-Huey Library, many of which are accessible year-round both in person and online. Through The Woman’s Collection and University Archives, visitors can engage with one of the nation’s richest concentrations of women’s history resources, including:

• Women in aviation collections, including the official Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) archive
• The Texas Women’s Hall of Fame collection
• The Texas First Ladies Historic Gown Collection
• The TWU Cookbook Collection, the largest such collection among U.S. academic institutions
• Collections related to 20th-century women’s clubs and civic organizations
• The recently acquired Florence Nightingale Collection
• The papers of women leaders, such as Sarah Weddington, Jane Nelson and Eddie Bernice Johnson

To learn more about TWU’s history, collections and anniversary celebrations, or to make a gift in support of the Dream Big campaign, visit twu.edu/125th-anniversary

Before beer was brewed and before wine became the drink of kings, there was mead.

Crafted by fermenting honey with water and yeast, mead is considered the world's oldest alcoholic beverage, enjoyed for thousands of years by ancient civilizations, celebrated during medieval feasts and forever linked with Renaissance history and folklore. Today, mead is one of the fastest-growing craft beverage categories, as adventurous drinkers, food lovers and experience seekers rediscover its rich history, remarkable versatility and distinctly modern appeal.

That growing interest comes to North Texas for the first time from 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, as the Texas Mead & Music Festival, an event that has become a beloved tradition in Central Texas, makes its North Texas debut at Scarborough Faire in Waxahachie. Tickets are on sale now. A portion of proceeds benefits the Texas Mead Association, supporting education, collaboration and the continued growth of mead making across the state.

Produced by Southwest Festivals, creators of the nationally recognized Scarborough Renaissance Festival and Scarborough's Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival, the one-day celebration invites guests to sip, learn and explore while enjoying award-winning Texas meads, five stages of live music, artisan shopping, educational presentations and several of Scarborough’s Hollow's signature attractions.

"There is no better place to celebrate mead than Scarborough Faire," said Veronica Castelo, general manager of Southwest Festivals. "For decades, guests have associated our Renaissance Festival with mead, history and craftsmanship. The Texas Mead & Music Festival builds on that tradition while introducing visitors to today's incredible Texas mead makers."

A FESTIVAL WORTH THE DRIVE
Located just 30 miles south of Dallas, the Texas Mead & Music Festival is more than a tasting event. This full-day experience features handcrafted meads from 13 award-winning Texas meaderies, live music on five stages, artisan vendors, and opportunities to learn directly from meadmakers and beekeepers.

Festival highlights include:

• Sample handcrafted meads from 13 award-winning Texas meaderies
• Meet the meadmakers behind one of Texas' fastest-growing craft beverage industries
• Enjoy live performances on five stages featuring Texas Country and Red Dirt artists
• Learn directly from experienced meadmakers and beekeepers during educational presentations
• Shop artisan vendors offering handcrafted goods, specialty foods and unique gifts
• Experience several of the upcoming Scarboroughs’ Hollow 's most popular attractions, including the eerie Blackthorn Haunted Castle, the whimsical Trickster's 3D Fun House and the interactive Secrets of Rottingwood Cemetery Scavenger Hunt.

WHAT EXACTLY IS MEAD?
Made by fermenting honey with water and yeast, mead predates both beer and grape wine by thousands of years. While often referred to as "honey wine," it stands in a category all its own. Depending on the honey used and the addition of fruits, herbs, spices or botanicals, meads can range from crisp and dry to rich and sweet, still or sparkling, creating flavor profiles that appeal to wine drinkers, craft beer enthusiasts, bourbon aficionados and adventurous food lovers alike.

Behind every glass is another uniquely Texas story. From Hill Country wildflowers and East Texas forests to mesquite blooms across the plains, locally sourced honey gives Texas meads remarkable diversity and character. Much like grapes influence the flavor of wine, the floral source of honey shapes the aroma and taste of every mead.

MEET THE MAKERS BEHIND TEXAS MEAD
Among the featured meaderies are Dancing Bee Winery, built on nearly a century of Texas beekeeping heritage through Walker Honey Farm; Rohan Meadery at Blissful Folly Farm, Texas' oldest commercial meadery and a pioneer in regenerative agriculture; Breaking Brew Meadery, one of North Texas' first dedicated meaderies and home to award-winning session meads; Fox & Raven Mead, whose literary-inspired creations prove every great mead has a story to tell; and veteran-owned Texas Longhouse Meadery and Valkyrie's Kiss Mead, both recognized for award-winning meads crafted from Texas honey.
Festival guests will also discover the educational mission of Bee Immortal Mead, the creative Texas-inspired flavors of Curmudgeons Mead, the Viking-inspired craftsmanship of Bee & Brew, the collaborative expertise behind RenMead, the Norse traditions celebrated by Vinland Meads and Thorin's Mead, along with emerging producer Lonestar Meadery, each contributing to the remarkable diversity of Texas' growing mead movement.

"People are often surprised by mead," said Carlos Herrera, president of the Texas Mead Association and owner and meadmaker at Texas Longhouse Meadery in Wylie. "It's incredibly diverse, and there's truly something for every palate. The Texas Mead & Music Festival lets people explore meads from across the state, meet the makers and experience firsthand why this ancient beverage is enjoying such a remarkable revival."

LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS
Festival admission includes Mead Education presentations throughout the day in the Harvest Garden, where experienced meadmakers and beekeepers share the fascinating stories behind every glass.
Guests can discover how honey becomes mead, learn about the important role honey bees play in agriculture, trace mead's journey from ancient civilizations to today's thriving craft mead movement and, for VIP guests, learn the fundamentals of home mead making. These engaging presentations offer rare opportunities to interact directly with the experts shaping Texas' growing mead community.

FIVE STAGES OF TEXAS MUSIC
Great mead deserves a great soundtrack.

Live performances will fill five stages throughout the historic Scarborough Faire grounds, showcasing some of the best talent from the Texas Country and Red Dirt music scenes. The lineup includes fan favorite Kin Faux, acclaimed country artist Don Louis, West Texas Americana powerhouse Ronnie and The Redwoods, rising singer-songwriter Henry Merchant and veteran Texas troubadour Matt Hillyer and many others.

TICKETS
Tickets for the Texas Mead & Music Festival are available at TXMeadFest.com.

Adult General Admission (21+) | $38.50 plus tax includes one-day festival admission, six mead samples, a commemorative tasting cup, general admission parking and access to live music, Mead Education presentations, artisan vendors and festival activities.

General Admission (Ages 5-20) | $11 plus tax includes one-day festival admission. Children ages 4 and younger are admitted free.

Guests looking for an enhanced experience can purchase Adult VIP Admission (21+) | $55 plus tax, which includes one-hour early admission beginning at noon, a dedicated entrance, 12 mead samples, a commemorative tasting cup and access to Blackthorn Haunted Castle, Trickster's 3D Fun House and the Secrets of Rottingwood Cemetery Scavenger Hunt.

VIP Admission (Ages 5-20) | $22 plus tax includes early admission and access to the premium attractions. Children ages 4 and younger are admitted free.

Optional experiences include:

• Blackthorn Haunted Castle | $11 plus tax
• Trickster's 3D Fun House | $11plus tax
• Secrets of Rottingwood Cemetery Scavenger Hunt | $7.70 plus tax
• Reserved Premium Parking | $16.50 plus tax

Complete ticket information, schedules and festival details are available at TXMeadFest.com.

ABOUT THE TEXAS MEAD ASSOCIATION
The Texas Mead Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, promoting and advancing the craft mead industry across Texas through education, collaboration and advocacy. Representing commercial meaderies, beekeepers, industry partners and enthusiasts, the association works to increase awareness of mead while encouraging responsible growth of one of the state's fastest-growing craft beverage categories.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST FESTIVALS
Southwest Festivals produces immersive events celebrating history, creativity and community, including the nationally recognized Scarborough Renaissance Festival, Scarborough's Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival and the Texas Mead & Music Festival. Hosted at Scarborough Faire in Waxahachie, Southwest Festivals' events feature live entertainment, artisan marketplaces, interactive experiences, themed attractions, and exceptional food and beverage experiences.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival and Scarborough's Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival were recognized in the 21st Annual Renaissance Festival Awards, earning fan-voted honors as Favorite Renaissance Festival (Southeast) and Favorite Faery/Fantasy Festival, respectively.

Summer weekends are better by the pool, and Sheraton Dallas is turning up the fun every Saturday through August.

Join us from 2 to 5 p.m. for live DJ sets, refreshing poolside cocktails, and a relaxing atmosphere in the heart of downtown Dallas. Whether you're planning a staycation, visiting the city, or simply looking for a new way to enjoy your weekend, our rooftop pool is the perfect place to unwind.

Stretch out on a lounge chair, sip your favorite summer drink, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy the music with friends or family. It's an easy way to make the most of the season without leaving downtown.

We hope to see you poolside this Saturday.