The Allen Public Library presents the stunning Bouquet Agate collection of Brad Tanas at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 23.   A member of the Dallas Gem and Mineral Society, Brad presents community educational programs as a snapshot of Texas's geology with a focus on agates and agatized palm woods. Brad observes, “I hope these presentations increase awareness and knowledge of geology and related earth sciences and a higher appreciation of the lapidary arts.  Inspired youth of today may become our geo-scientists of tomorrow.” This presentation will demonstrate how beautiful Bouquet agates form, where to collect and how to cut and polish.  Specimens include rough agate still in host basalt, loose Bouquet nodules as picked up off the ground and finished specimens which includes polished slabs, free form cabs, contoured polished nodules and triplet Bouquet belt buckles. 

Call 214-509-4911 for additional information. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr.

After more than two decades of serving students and communities through vehicle donations, America Can! Cars for Kids has officially entered a new chapter as Every Car Can℠.

The new name reflects the organization's continued commitment to helping students succeed while better representing the impact every vehicle donation can have on a young person's future. Although the brand has evolved, the mission remains unchanged: transforming donated vehicles into educational opportunities, student support services, and workforce readiness programs that help students overcome barriers and reach their full potential.

"This is an exciting moment for our organization," said Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Every Car Can. "Our new name captures what we've always believed—that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and every vehicle has the potential to help make that happen."

The rebrand introduces a refreshed visual identity and messaging designed to better communicate the organization's purpose while strengthening recognition across the communities it serves. Every Car Can continues to operate as a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Texans Can Academies, where proceeds from donated vehicles help fund educational programs and student support services.

To help introduce the new brand, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Iván "Pudge" Rodríguez has joined the organization as its new brand ambassador. Throughout the coming year, Rodríguez will appear in public awareness campaigns and community initiatives designed to encourage vehicle donations and expand support for students across Texas.

Since its founding in 1992, the organization has helped thousands of students pursue high school diplomas, career certifications, and brighter futures by investing in programs that remove barriers to education. Through donations of cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and other vehicles, Every Car Can continues to generate critical funding that directly benefits students and their communities.

While the logo and name may be new, the purpose remains the same: empowering students through education and creating opportunities that last a lifetime.

To learn more about Every Car Can, donate a vehicle, or discover ways to get involved, visit EveryCarCan.org.

Allen Public Library offers an exciting free concert with the Dallas-based Waiting For Julio at 7:30 pm Friday, July 17. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr., in Allen.  Formed 10 years ago, this seven-piece band’s music evolved into an eclectic mix of styles from the 1950’s to the 2000s. Their performances cover rock, blues, reggae, soul, country, and rockabilly.  Performing at a variety of venues including clubs, restaurants, conventions, festivals, major fundraisers, and outdoor venues like The HUB in Allen, group members are a mix of transplants and native sons.

Waiting for Julio comprises Chris Shaw (Birmingham, England) on guitar and vocals, Fred Moss (Washington, DC) on guitar and vocals, Ken McIntyre (May Pen, Jamaica) on percussion and vocals, Tony Pirro (Cleveland, Ohio) on drums and vocals, Ron Lansing (Heath, Texas) on guitar and vocals, Kyle Cole (Garland, Texas) on bass guitar and vocals, and Chase Crenshaw (Garland, Texas) on keyboards and vocals.

Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.

If you're planning to take in the excitement of the international soccer tournament, the Venetian Champions Club at Fairmont Dallas will be open through July 19, offering an indoor viewing experience in the hotel's historic Venetian Room.

The 4,400-square-foot fan zone features a massive 16-by-20-foot viewing screen, multiple TVs, three bars, interactive games, local craft beers, specialty cocktails, and game-day food specials, making it an easy spot to gather with friends or fellow fans.

One of the highlights is the Passport Cocktail experience. Throughout the tournament, guests can "travel" the world one cocktail at a time with drinks inspired by participating countries, including the Netherlands, Japan, England, Argentina, and more. Each featured cocktail earns a passport stamp, and completed passports can be turned in for a chance to win a luxury Fairmont Dallas experience.

Whether you're following every match or simply looking for a fun downtown outing, it's another way Dallas is embracing visitors and celebrating the global energy that's filling the city this summer.

A simple family meal can make a meaningful difference this summer.

From June 29 through July 26, participating Bojangles restaurants are supporting military families, veterans, and first responders through a fundraising campaign benefiting Folds of Honor North Texas. For every Big Bo Box sold, $1 will be donated to help provide educational scholarships for the spouses and children of those who have served our country and communities.

As the cost of college and vocational education continues to rise, these scholarships help open doors for families while honoring the sacrifices made by their loved ones.

Whether you're picking up dinner for the family or grabbing a meal on the go, your order can help support a student's future. The limited-time Big Bo Box includes Bojangles favorites like hand-breaded chicken, made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, Southern fixin's, and Legendary Iced Tea®, and is available in restaurant, through the drive-thru, on the Bojangles app, and via participating delivery services.

If you're planning a Bojangles run this month, it's an easy way to enjoy a meal while helping invest in the next generation of military and first responder families.