Staff & Reader Submitted
 
Every Car Can Charity
Pin on Pinterest

Every Car Can is proud to participate in North Texas Giving Day 2026, inviting the DFW community to come together in support of students at Texans Can Academies.

This year’s campaign theme is Student Support — a focus on helping students overcome the real-life challenges that can make staying in school difficult. From clothing and hygiene essentials to food, transportation, and educational expenses, Every Car Can is raising funds to help provide practical resources that keep students focused on graduation.

North Texas Giving Day culminates on Thursday, September 17, 2026, with early giving opening on August 27. The annual initiative, organized by Communities Foundation of Texas, brings together donors and nonprofits across North Texas for one of the region’s largest community-wide giving efforts.

“Sometimes a student does not need someone to solve every problem,” said Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, CEO of Every Car Can. “They may simply need help removing the one barrier standing in front of them that day. North Texas Giving Day gives our community a meaningful way to step in and help students keep moving forward.”

Every Car Can, formerly America Can! Cars for Kids, supports Texans Can Academies and its work helping high school students across Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and through its Virtual Academy continue their education and work toward graduation.

For this year’s campaign, Every Car Can is asking North Texans to think about what student support can look like in everyday life: a clean uniform, a meal, transportation to school, hygiene products, or help covering an educational expense. Those small interventions can make a major difference for a student already working hard to stay on track.

North Texas Giving Day is Communities Foundation of Texas’ largest community investment initiative, and participating donations made through the platform go directly to nonprofit organizations.

The DFW community can support Every Car Can beginning August 27 and through Giving Day on September 17 by visiting:

https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/EveryCarCan

“North Texas has always been a community that shows up for its neighbors,” Sutterfield-Jones added. “This is an opportunity to show students that their community believes in them, their education, and what comes next.”

About Every Car Can | www.everycarcan.org

Every Car Can, formerly Cars for Kids, is a vehicle donation nonprofit supporting Texans Can Academies and its mission to help Texas high school students graduate and reach their potential.

North Texas Giving Day

Early Giving Opens: August 27, 2026
North Texas Giving Day: September 17, 2026
Give: https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/EveryCarCan

Kathy Beazley
Pin on Pinterest
Photo credit: Southwest Festivals Scarborough's Hollow will be open Saturdays, Sept. 26 through Oct. 31, plus Sunday, Nov. 1, for a special Día de los Muertos celebration.

Recognized as Favorite Faery/Fantasy Festival at the 21st Annual Renaissance Festival Awards, as voted on by Renaissance festival fans nationwide, Scarborough's Hollow returns this fall with its biggest and most immersive season yet. The expanded fall fantasy festival transforms Scarborough Faire’s 16th century village into an enchanted world of fantasy, folklore and unforgettable autumn adventure

Scarborough's Hollow will be open Saturdays, Sept. 26 through Oct. 31, plus Sunday, Nov. 1, for a special Día de los Muertos celebration. Festival hours are 1 to 9 p.m. at Scarborough Faire, 2511 FM 66 in Waxahachie. Tickets start at $29.70 for adults and $16.50 for children ages 5 to 12, plus tax, and go on sale Aug. 6 at www.ScarboroughsHollow.com.

Expanded for 2026, the festival offers more live entertainment, artisan shopping, seasonal food and beverages, themed environments, immersive attractions and interactive experiences than ever before. From lively village streets to enchanted gathering places, each area has been thoughtfully designed to reveal new experiences throughout the day and into the evening.

"Scarborough's Hollow isn't just another seasonal attraction," said Veronica Castelo, general manager of Southwest Festivals, producer of Scarborough Renaissance Festival and Scarborough's Hollow. "It's an immersive fantasy world where guests become part of the story. Every visit leads to a new discovery, every character has a tale to tell, and every visit offers something different to explore. We wanted to create an experience where people can escape reality for a day and step into a magical world they'll want to visit again and again."

A New Chapter Begins

This season introduces a new chapter in the Hollow's original storyline.

The Three Sisters, Morwyn, Faylen and Slyra, have long protected the balance of their magical realm. Now, a powerful new force has emerged.

Lucian seeks to claim the Hollow for himself, spreading his influence throughout the village and challenging the Sisters like never before. Guests will experience this unfolding adventure through live performances, roaming characters, interactive encounters and immersive storytelling woven throughout the festival grounds.

Discover Something Around Every Corner

Throughout the village, guests can browse handcrafted goods from talented artisans, enjoy seasonal food and beverages, relax in lively pubs, experience live music, comedy and stage performances, and encounter whimsical creatures and colorful characters around nearly every corner.

Visitors are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the Hollow by wearing family-friendly autumn, fantasy, Renaissance or period-inspired attire. Guests looking to complete their look can also shop for clothing, accessories and handcrafted wares from the village's artisan merchants.

Signature Weekends & Seasonal Celebrations

Throughout the season, Scarborough's Hollow will feature special themed weekends that provide guests with even more reasons to return. From celebrating accessibility and honoring talented artisans to festive Halloween activities and a colorful Día de los Muertos celebration, each event offers unique experiences while preserving the immersive fantasy atmosphere of the Hollow.

Deaf Awareness Day – Saturday, Oct. 3

Scarborough's Hollow will celebrate Deaf Awareness Day in partnership with Hired Hands, Inc., reinforcing the festival's commitment to creating an inclusive experience for all guests. American Sign Language interpretation will be available during select performances throughout the day, making the Hollow's entertainment, storytelling and magical experiences more accessible to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Artisan Appreciation Weekend – Saturday, Oct. 17

The festival will spotlight the talented artisans whose handcrafted creations help bring the village to life during Artisan Appreciation Weekend. Guests can meet the makers while exploring unique jewelry, leatherwork, pottery, artwork, home décor, fantasy-inspired gifts and more throughout the Artisan Village.

As a special one-day promotion, guests who spend $250 or more with participating artisans will receive one complimentary admission ticket to either the 2027 Scarborough Renaissance Festival or any remaining 2026 Scarborough's Hollow operating day. Guests must present same-day qualifying receipts totaling $250 or more at the Redemption Booth before leaving the festival. Exclusions apply.

Halloween Celebration – Saturday, Oct. 31

Halloween at Scarborough's Hollow combines beloved fall traditions with immersive fantasy adventures. The first 500 children through the gates will receive a complimentary trick-or-treat bag before collecting treats throughout the village from participating artisan merchants. Families are encouraged to arrive in costume for the Costume Contest, enjoy pumpkin coloring in Kids' Hollow and experience the festival's live entertainment, artisan marketplace, seasonal food and beverages, Blackthorn Castle Haunted House, Rottingwood Cemetery Scavenger Hunt and festive fall photo opportunities.

Día de los Muertos Celebration – Sunday, Nov. 1

The season concludes with a special Día de los Muertos celebration honoring one of Mexico's most cherished traditions. Guests will enjoy live mariachi performances, special cultural programming, colorful face painting and a beautifully crafted community ofrenda honoring the memories of loved ones. Children can decorate Día de los Muertos sugar skull coloring pages in Kids' Hollow, while guests of all ages are invited to participate in the Family Costume Contest before experiencing one final day of live entertainment, artisan shopping, immersive attractions and seasonal food and beverages.

Immersive Attractions

Guests can further enhance their visit with optional attractions and premium experiences available throughout the festival.

Brave souls can enter the ancient Blackthorn Haunted Castle, where Lucian's dark influence has transformed its halls into a foreboding realm filled with eerie encounters.

Families and adventure seekers can explore Trickster's 3D Fun House, a whimsical walk-through attraction featuring colorful illusions, playful surprises and mind-bending twists inspired by Slyra's mischievous magic.

Guests can also uncover hidden clues and forgotten secrets inside the Secrets of Rottingwood Cemetery, an interactive scavenger adventure that becomes even more mysterious after sunset.

Adults 21 and older can elevate their visit with guided Harvest Wine Tastings hosted by Certified Sommelier Flynn Markley or Brews of the Hollow Beer Tastings led by Certified Cicerone® Seamus Norwood.

Admission starts at $29.70 for adults and $16.50 for children ages 5 to 12 plus taxes, with season passes, bundled admission packages and premium experiences also available. Children 4 and younger are admitted free. General parking is included with most adult admission tickets. Reserved premium parking, tastings and select attractions are available for an additional charge.

From whimsical daytime adventures to an enchanting atmosphere after sunset, Scarborough's Hollow offers guests an opportunity to celebrate the magic of autumn through imagination, exploration and unforgettable shared experiences. Whether it is a family's first visit or an annual tradition, every trip promises new discoveries, memorable characters and a little magic around every corner.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival is sponsored by Dr Pepper and Tom Thumb & Albertsons.

For schedules, tickets and additional information, visitwww.ScarboroughsHollow.com or follow SRFestival on Facebook,Instagram TikTok, and YouTube.  

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 recently recognized in the 21st Annual Renaissance Festival Awards, earning fan-voted honors as Favorite Renaissance Festival (Southeast) and Favorite Faery/Fantasy Festival, respectively.

 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Josh Niccolai-Belfi

Hughes Family Tribute Center will present its 12th annual Celebración del Día de Muertos over two weeks, Saturday, October 17 through Monday, November 2, 2026 on select days at Crown Hill Memorial Park and Mausoleum. The cemetery, located in the Bachman Lake area, is traditionally visited by families on Día de Muertos. Celebración del Día de Muertos builds on this cultural custom. Celebración del Día de Muertosis free and open to the public and held at Crown Hill Memorial Park and Mausoleum featuring the historic Art Deco style mausoleum, recognized as a City of Dallas Historic Landmark.

During Celebración del Día de Muertos, Hughes Family Tribute Center will be sponsoring the art exhibition Pathways of Past Lives: The Persistence of Existence which explores the connections between life, death, memory, and rebirth through contemporary art inspired by the traditions of Día de Muertos. Opening Saturday, October 17, and continuing on selected dates through Monday, November 2, 2026, the exhibition will feature a central installation by Josh Niccolai-Belfi, creating a powerful visual focal point. Curated by artist Art Garcia, the exhibition will also include works by regional area artists examining the themes of Día de Muertos.

Celebración del Día de Muertos is a multidisciplinary cultural arts program honoring the artistic and cultural traditions of Dfa de los Muertos through visual art, dance, music, and community engagement. Now in its 12th year, the event builds on authentic traditions and honors families coming to the cemetery and mausoleum to commune with their loved ones who are no longer with us on this earth. A priority goal is to welcome and educate attendees from diverse backgrounds about the meaning and importance of Dia de los Muertos and the ancient Mayan philosophy of the continuum of life and death.

The project will feature a newly commissioned immersive on-site art installation, original choreography, newly designed costumes and scenic elements, live musical performances, a commissioned theatrical reading, and interactive family activities that create an authentic and accessible cultural experience for audiences of all backgrounds. A central artistic component of the project is the site-specific art installation, "Los caminos de las vidas pasadas: la persistencia de la existencia," created by visual artist Josh Niccolai-Belfi in partnership with dancers and choreographers Favian Herrera and Fabiola Sanchez, and acoustic musician Noe Garcia. The installation will center on a sculptural aluminum altar that will serve as both a visual artwork and a performance environment. Dancers wearing original masks designed by Niccolai-Belfi will interact with the installation through choreographed and improvised movement that symbolizes the transition between the world of the living and the afterlife. Live acoustic music will accompany the performances, allowing each presentation to respond organically to the venue and audience. Small commemorative masks created by the artist will be distributed to visitors, extending the artistic experience beyond the performance itself.

Josh Niccolai-Belfi is a Dallas-based painter and sculptor native to the Bishop Arts district of Oak Cliff. He is a Fine Art Conservator and an experienced metal fabricator, welder, and wood worker, working with Dallas-based Van Enter Studio. His early art education included W.E. Greiner, Booker T. Washington HS PVA, and scholarships with the Meadows Museum at SMU. With a studio in the vibrant Tin District area of West Dallas, he maintains a prolific and diverse body of work. Currently, his work is on exhibit at "Texas Sculpts" at the Art Centre of Plano. His work explores sweeping vistas of color and texture that prohibit the eye to remain stationary with encroaching fields of pigment, interrupted peaks and crevasses, a landscape of the imagination.

The central on-site art installation will be accompanied by a visual art exhibition of Dia de los Muertos-themed works by area artists. This exhibit will be curated by Dallas-based artist, Art Garcia. Teatro Dallas has been commissioned to create a theatrical reading to accompany the art installation.

Additional artistic elements will include newly designed costumes, scenic environments, and decorative installations inspired by traditional Df a de los Muertos imagery including butterflies, flowers, calaveras, catrinas, and ofrendas. The Celebraci6n is designed to increase public understanding of the history, artistic traditions, and cultural significance of Celebración del Día de Muertos while providing opportunities for meaningful community participation. Although the holiday has gained widespread recognition throughout the United States, its Indigenous origins and enduring cultural traditions are often misunderstood. This project presents Celebración del Día de Muertos as it has been celebrated for centuries: a joyful remembrance that honors ancestors and loved ones through art, music, ritual, and community gathering.

The traditions of Celebración del Día de Muertos date back more than 3,000 years to the Indigenous cultures of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. Rather than focusing on death as something to be feared, the celebration affirms the continuing relationship between the living and those who have passed. Families gather to honor loved ones through prayer, meditation, flowers, music, food, and ofrendas (offerings), reaffirming the importance of family, cultural identity, and intergenerational connection. By presenting these traditions in an artistic and educational setting, the project promotes cultural appreciation, cross-cultural understanding, and preservation of an important aspect of Mexican and Central American heritage.

The 2026 Celebraci6n will take place at Crown Hill Memorial Park and Mausoleum near Bachman Lake. The cemetery provides an authentic setting that reflects the longstanding tradition of families gathering at burial sites to celebrate and remember loved ones. This meaningful location reinforces the cultural significance of the event while creating a respectful environment for reflection, remembrance, and artistic expression.

Celebración Details

Saturday, October 17 - Monday, November 2, 2026

Free admission

Crown Hill Memorial Park and Mausoleum

9718 Webb Chapel Road, Dallas, Texas 75220

 

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Grand Opening - Pathways of Past Lives; the Persistence of Existence Art Exhibition

Featuring central installation by Josh Nicolaii-Belfy

Installation and Art on view 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Musical/Theatrical Performance at 6:30 p.m.

 

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Pathways of Past Lives: The Persistence of Existence Art Exhibition

1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

 

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Pathways of Past Lives: The Persistence of Existence Art Exhibition

1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

 

Sunday, October 25, 2026

Pathways of Past Lives: The Persistence of Existence Art Exhibition

 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. 

 

Saturday, October 31, 2026

Pathways of Past Lives: The Persistence of Existence Art Exhibition

1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

 

Sunday, November 1, 2026

Pathways of Past Lives: The Persistence of Existence Art Exhibition

1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

 

Monday, November 2, 2026

Pathways of Past Lives: The Persistence of Existence Art Exhibition

Art on view 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Día de Muertos Performances begin at 5:30 p.m.

Kathy Beazley
Pin on Pinterest
Photo credit: Erik Palos, Texas Woman's University Texas Woman's University and Girl Scouts leaders celebrated the partnership during Thursday’s signing ceremony at Texas Woman's University's Brackenridge Hall Auditorium.

Texas Woman's University (TWU) and Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas launched a strategic partnership that creates expanded admissions, scholarship and college readiness opportunities for Gold Award Girl Scouts.

TWU and Girl Scouts leaders celebrated the partnership during Thursday’s signing ceremony at Texas Woman's University's Brackenridge Hall Auditorium. The agreement establishes a framework for ongoing collaboration between the two organizations while strengthening the pipeline of future women leaders through education, leadership and service.

"As Texas Woman's University celebrates its 125th anniversary, this partnership reflects our longstanding commitment to recognizing leadership and expanding educational opportunity for women," said Dr. Carine Feyten, chancellor and president of Texas Woman's University. "Gold Award Girl Scouts have already demonstrated the perseverance, initiative and service that define exceptional leaders. We are proud to recognize those accomplishments and help these young women continue their leadership journey at Texas Woman's."

Through the partnership, eligible Gold Award Girl Scouts will receive admission consideration after completing their junior year of high school, subject to university admission requirements. Additional benefits include merit scholarship opportunities for qualifying students, admission application fee waivers, dedicated admissions counseling, financial aid guidance and college readiness programming. Eligible students also may qualify for TWU's Zero Tuition Guarantee.

Beyond student benefits, the partnership creates new opportunities for collaborative educational outreach, student engagement and leadership development initiatives while increasing awareness of Texas Woman's University among Girl Scouts throughout Northeast Texas.

"Leadership begins long before a young woman arrives on a college campus," said Jennifer K. Bartkowski, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. "Through Girl Scouts, girls develop the courage, confidence and character to lead, and Texas Woman's University will help them build on that foundation through higher education. Together, we're building the leadership pipeline for Texas."

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting and recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable projects that create lasting community impact. Under the partnership, Gold Award recipients will have expanded access to admissions support and educational resources designed to help them successfully transition to college.

As Texas Woman's University celebrates its 125th anniversary, the new agreement reflects the university's continued commitment to expanding educational opportunities and preparing future generations of women leaders through education, leadership and service.

ABOUT TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1901, Texas Woman's University is the nation's largest university system focused on women. Celebrating its 125th anniversary, TWU is a Carnegie-classified R2 institution with campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston, offering programs in the liberal arts and sciences, nursing, health sciences, business and education. The university is committed to expanding opportunity through education, innovation and leadership.

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTHEAST TEXAS

Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas serves girls and volunteers across 32 counties, helping young people build courage, confidence and character through leadership experiences, STEM education, outdoor adventure and community service. The organization operates the first STEM Center of Excellence in the Girl Scout Movement and recently opened the first two Girl Scout DreamLabs in Texas.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

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.” 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Carolina Imperial offering flowers 2025 smaller si

Hughes Family Tribute Center will present its 12th annual Celebración del Día de Muertos over two weeks, Saturday, October 17 through Monday, November 2, 2026 on select days at Crown Hill Memorial Park and Mausoleum. The cemetery, located in the Bachman Lake area, is traditionally visited by families on Día de Muertos. Celebración del Día de Muertos builds on this cultural custom. Celebración del Día de Muertosis free and open to the public and held at Crown Hill Memorial Park and Mausoleum featuring the historic Art Deco style mausoleum, recognized as a City of Dallas Historic Landmark.

During Celebración del Día de Muertos, Hughes Family Tribute Center will be sponsoring the art exhibition Pathways of Past Lives: The Persistence of Existence which explores the connections between life, death, memory, and rebirth through contemporary art inspired by the traditions of Día de Muertos. Opening Saturday, October 17, and continuing on selected dates through Monday, November 2, 2026, the exhibition will feature a central installation by Josh Niccolai-Belfi, creating a powerful visual focal point. Curated by artist Art Garcia, the exhibition will also include works by regional area artists examining the themes of Día de Muertos.

Celebración del Día de Muertos on Monday, November 2, will showcase the musical talents of Carolina Imperial who recently won New Artist of the Year at the Catholic Music Awards held in Rome and was a finalist in Mexico Canta, an initiative of the Government of Mexico. Also featured will be Grupo Pakal - Mayan Performing Arts, a theatrical presentation by Teatro Dallas, Folklorico by Herrera Dance Project, live mariachi bands, and the catrina design skills of Alfa de las Catrinas by Anel Anaya. The event will also include family art activities, children’s entertainment, craft vendors, and food and beverage concessions.

For more information and specific performance and event schedules each day, please visit https://dayofthedeaddallas.com or https://www.facebook.com/HughesFTC

Celebración Details

Saturday, October 17 - Monday, November 2, 2026

Free admission

Crown Hill Memorial Park and Mausoleum

9718 Webb Chapel Road, Dallas, Texas 75220

 

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Grand Opening - Pathways of Past Lives; the Persistence of Existence Art Exhibition

Featuring central installation by Josh Nicolaii-Belfy

Installation and Art on view 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Musical/Theatrical Performance at 6:30 p.m.

 

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Pathways of Past Lives: The Persistence of Existence Art Exhibition

1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

 

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Pathways of Past Lives: The Persistence of Existence Art Exhibition

1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

 

Sunday, October 25, 2026

Pathways of Past Lives: The Persistence of Existence Art Exhibition

 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. 

 

Saturday, October 31, 2026

Pathways of Past Lives: The Persistence of Existence Art Exhibition

1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

 

Sunday, November 1, 2026

Pathways of Past Lives: The Persistence of Existence Art Exhibition

1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

 

Monday, November 2, 2026

Pathways of Past Lives: The Persistence of Existence Art Exhibition

Art on view 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Día de Muertos Performances begin at 5:30 p.m.

 

For Interviews

Donna Miller, Miller Consulting

214-226-1265, dmiller@millerpr.com

 

About Josh Niccolai-Belfi

Josh Niccolai-Belfi is a Dallas-based painter and sculptor native to the Bishop Arts district of Oak Cliff. He is a Fine Art Conservator and an experienced metal fabricator, welder, and wood worker, working with Dallas-based Van Enter Studio. His early art education included W.E. Greiner, Booker T. Washington HS PVA, and scholarships with the Meadows Museum at SMU. With a studio in the vibrant Tin District area of West Dallas, he maintains a prolific and diverse body of work. Currently, his work is on exhibit at "Texas Sculpts" at the Art Centre of Plano. His work explores sweeping vistas of color and texture that prohibit the eye to remain stationary with encroaching fields of pigment, interrupted peaks and crevasses, a landscape of the imagination.

 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
20260427_SC_QuearneyXavierMetrocrestGrant04 (3).jp Dr. Jade Quearney and Xavier Quintero Altuve (Credit: Steven Crow of Texas A&M University College of Dentistry)

Like many 9-year-olds, Xavier Quintero Altuve’s summer vacation involves playing with friends, watching television and maybe hanging out at a pool. Great opportunities for grins. 

But Xavier has more reasons to smile. His healthy mouth is a gift from Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas and partner Metrocrest Hospital Authority in Carrollton. 

It began last fall at Sheffield Elementary School in Dallas. A&M Dentistry dental and dental hygiene students at a routine sealant clinic noticed tooth decay so severe in Xavier’s mouth that they and Dr. Amal Noureldin, the attending A&M Dentistry faculty member, feared he would land in a hospital emergency department if extensive dental treatment wasn’t performed soon. 

“Every member of our team stopped,” said Noureldin, clinical professor and director of the predoctoral program in public health sciences. “We saw a little boy living with extensive untreated decay and pain that no child should have to endure.” 

Worse, other students attending Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District had similar dental problems.  

Noureldin faced a quandary. Funding for the Empowering Smiles Oral Health Initiative, which provides screenings, oral health education and sealants in some CFBISD elementaries and middle schools, can’t be used for extensive dental treatment, and many students’ parents couldn’t afford large dental bills.  

That’s when MHA swooped in as the Tooth Fairy.  

Upon hearing Noureldin’s reports about the CFBISD students’ severe dental problems, the 51-year-old agency, known for collaborating and supporting various community-based healthcare efforts, provided $5,000 to cover all of Xavier’s treatment needs and those of other students.  

“One little girl especially stayed with me,” Noureldin said. “When she smiled, we saw all her teeth had decayed to the gumline. Her teeth were gone, and it was absolutely heartbreaking.” 

Four students’ parents received offers through the Closing the Loop pilot program, and Paola Altuve, Xavier’s mother, was the first to accept. Sharing their story through Spanish-speaking interpreters, Altuve said she took him to a private dentist who extracted one tooth and filled a cavity in 2025; more treatment was necessary, but the plan was cost-prohibitive for her family’s budget.  

The program was a blessing, she said. 

On the recommendation of Dr. Martha Alvarez, clinical faculty in pediatric dentistry, Xavier was immediately paired with Dr. Jade Quearney, who completed her pediatric dentistry residency at A&M Dentistry in 2025 and recently earned a master’s in oral biology. The latter said Xavier needed cavities filled, silver crowns and multiple teeth extracted; most affected were baby teeth, and he remains at risk for more cavities. 

“I was very fortunate that he was super cooperative and very grateful,” said Quearney, who recently became an assistant professor in pediatric dentistry at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics. 

Unfortunately, she’s seen many cases like Xavier’s both in her native Ireland and in A&M Dentistry’s pediatric dentistry clinic.  

Children’s oral health is a growing public health challenge, particularly among low-income and underserved populations. Emergency department visits among children 14 and under for preventable dental problems rose nearly 60% from 2019 to 2022, national nonprofit CareQuest Institute for Oral Health reported in 2025. Visits for nontraumatic dental conditions were more common than injuries involving firearms, motor vehicles or other types of transportation, drowning or poisoning. 

Of those children, nearly 75 percent had Medicaid dental insurance.  

“Recognizing that many children in our community lacked access to regular dental care and a consistent dental home, we saw an opportunity to help address a critical health need,” said John Mahalik, CEO of MHA. “Metrocrest Hospital Authority exists to improve access to healthcare for the people we serve, and this partnership allowed us to transform an identified community need into meaningful care. Every child deserves the opportunity to develop healthy habits, receive preventive dental care, and smile with confidence.” 

A second child recently finished treatment. The two other children didn’t participate in the program.  

Noureldin said the offer of dental treatment remains available to those children. However, she’s researching ways to improve the program and outreach before pursuing more funds and additional patients. 

“As healthcare providers and educators, our responsibility extends beyond identifying disease– it is to ensure that every child has access to the care they need,” Noureldin said. “Xavier’s story reminds us that one act of partnership can change the course of a child’s life. Together with Metrocrest Hospital Authority, we transformed concern into action, pain into relief, and uncertainty into hope.” 

For Xavier’s mother, the care provided is worth more than a healthy mouth. 

“Xavier is everything to me,” she said. “To see him now pain-free and smiling makes me so happy. I (never) imagined we could get this care.”  

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Planning a meeting or conference in Downtown Dallas? Sheraton Dallas is part of the Dallas Downtown Connection, a collaboration of four Marriott Bonvoy hotels that gives meeting planners the flexibility to host events of virtually any size while simplifying the planning process. Together, the hotels offer more than 310,000 square feet of meeting space, 2,700+ guest rooms, centralized planning support, and seamless access to some of the city's most iconic arts, dining, and entertainment destinations.

As the largest hotel in Texas, Sheraton Dallas serves as the cornerstone of the Dallas Downtown Connection. With more than 230,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, 87 breakout rooms, and the capacity to host gatherings of up to 5,000 attendees, the hotel is designed to accommodate everything from executive meetings and corporate trainings to citywide conventions and large-scale conferences.

Located in the heart of downtown and adjacent to the DART rail line, Sheraton Dallas also makes it easy for attendees to experience the best of the city beyond the meeting room. Guests are within walking distance of the Dallas Arts District, Klyde Warren Park, premier restaurants, and entertainment venues, creating opportunities to blend business with memorable Dallas experiences.

Whether hosting one meeting or coordinating a multi-property event, the Dallas Downtown Connection provides planners with the scale, convenience, and hospitality needed to create seamless, successful events, with Sheraton Dallas at the center of it all.

 

Kathy Beazley
Pin on Pinterest
Photo credit Texas Woman's University

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

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Renda Mathew

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) has announced that Renda Mathew has been named Chair-Elect. Mathew will serve a two-year term beginning July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2029. She will succeed Cris Zertuche Wong who continues as Board Chair through June 30, 2027.

As Chair-Elect, Mathew will serve on the Foundation’s Executive Committee alongside Cris Zertuche Wong, President & CEO Karen Hughes White and the following Board Directors:   

*Jana Etheridge – Board Secretary | Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff, Capital One

*Lisette Mendez – Finance Committee Chair | Vice President Finance & Latin America Controller, AT&T

*Aracely Muñoz – Governance Committee Chair | Director, Corporate Partnerships, Children’s Health

*Hattie Hill – Board Director | CEO, Hattie Hill Enterprises

* Holly Tucker – Board Director | Partner, Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory

TXWF also welcomes three new Board Directors:

  • Laura Baldwin: Executive Vice President, WBR Partners
  • Ashleigh Everett: Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Hunt Oil Company
  • Julie Knecht, CPA, MBA: Chief Financial Officer, Texas Instruments

For a complete list of the 2026-27 Board Directors, visit here.

Mathew said, “I’m honored to serve as Board Chair-Elect during such a pivotal time for Texas women, their families, and their futures, and I look forward to working alongside the Foundation’s incredible Board and staff to build #StrongWomenBetterTexas and a strong and vibrant Texas for all.”  

Hughes White added, “We are grateful for the leadership, passion, and support our Board Directors bring to our mission. With their guidance, Texas Women's Foundation has embarked on a new, three-year strategic plan that centers our research as a core competency that informs our grantmaking and advocacy work, as well as our investments in education, leadership training, and workforce development. The plan also calls for increased collaboration with grantees and funders to drive measurable, systemic change and scalable impact." 

About Texas Women’s Foundation:  Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) raises funds from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support nearly $5 million in investments each year to help eliminate the barriers to women’s economic security, stability and success through targeted research and advocacy, intentional grantmaking and leadership programs. Since its inception in 1985, TXWF has invested nearly $90 million in grantmaking in support of Texas women, their families and their futures, and another $25 million in research, advocacy and educational programs for a total impact of $115 million over the last 40 years. As TXWF prepares for its next 40 years, the organization’s vision for a strong and vibrant Texas for all will remain at the forefront of its work. 

TXWF’s targeted research into the issues impacting the economic security of Texas women and families will continue to guide its work. The biannual report on the economic issues that face Texas women and their families provides corporate and community leaders, and state and local lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs across the state. In addition, Texas Women’s Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in the mission-aligned investing movement, deploying 100 percent of its invested assets – endowments, operating investments and donor-advised funds – in a values-based portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits that align with its mission. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now.