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Texas Woman's University Lucy Billingsley, TWU Chancellor Carine Feyten, Henry Billingsley, Chad Wick

It wasn't your ordinary gala.

When some 250 guests arrived at Texas Woman’s University’s Dream Makers Soirée on Oct. 24, they stepped onto a maroon carpet and into an evening designed not just to celebrate donors, but to help illuminate what their generosity is making possible.

Held at the Student Union at Hubbard Hall on TWU’s Denton campus, the event marked the final stretch of Dream Big, the university’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign in its 125-year history. Originally launched with a $125 million goal, the campaign had raised $195 million by the evening of the soirée, including a surprise $2 million matching gift made just before the event began. But the evening's most memorable moments weren't just about the numbers.

Welcomed by music ensembles, soirée guests began with a stop at a champagne wall before making their way down a dramatically draped hallway into a space that felt more like a multimedia museum than a ballroom. Around every corner was another discovery, each illustrating a different dimension of TWU’s academic programs, research, athletics and student support initiatives.

Visitors encountered high-tech patient simulators used in TWU’s nationally recognized nursing and allied health programs, along with equipment used in university clinics to help patients improve their mobility. An immersive presentation followed the journey of a young patient navigating complex health challenges with support from TWU’s community-facing clinics.

Elsewhere, an athletics-themed locker display packed with Pioneer memorabilia proved a popular stop, while a digital airplane representing TWU’s Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences appeared to fly overhead. Students demonstrated the university’s award-winning wearable NASA technology, and an interactive display introduced guests to Minerva’s Market, the university’s free student food pantry.

A miniature theater featuring student thesis and mini-TED talks was an unexpected hit, drawing guests into the ideas and discoveries taking place every day at TWU, which achieved Carnegie R2 research status last year.

The creativity continued over dinner, with performances by TWU’s mariachi ensemble, the university dance team, and theater and music students performing Broadway favorites. A style show featuring nearly 40 models showcased the talents of TWU’s fashion program, while fashion students also put their artistic skills to work creating personalized drawings for guests to take home as keepsakes.

The evening also provided an opportunity to recognize the people behind the campaign’s success. To kick off the program, TWU Chancellor and President Dr. Carine M. Feyten honored leading donors and also recognized TWU Dallas President Christopher Johnson and TWU Houston President Dr. Monica Williams.

Three speakers—TWU Provost Dr. Angela Bauer, student Ligia Souto, and Amy O’Keefe, executive director of the university’s Campus Alliance for Resource Education—offered insight about the campaign’s focus areas: Open Doors, Fuel Innovation and Cultivate Grit. Together, those initiatives are expanding access to student experiences, supporting academic innovation and helping students overcome obstacles on their paths to graduation and careers.

Feyten also highlighted the university’s growing national profile, including a recent The Wall Street Journal ranking that placed Texas Woman’s No. 2 among universities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

“Texas Woman’s is becoming a stronger, more ambitious university,” Feyten told guests. “We are expanding opportunities for students, strengthening our academic programs, increasing our research capacity, and investing in our campuses and facilities. In other words, we are turning dreams into reality.”

She also had a new number to share. “When we launched the campaign, we set a goal of $125 million to mark our 125th anniversary,” Feyten said. “It was a big goal. Then we passed it. And kept going.”

More than 19,000 donors have helped make the Dream Big campaign a historic success even before the final dollar has been counted. But Feyten challenged supporters to dream even bigger.  

“Now there is a new number on the scoreboard: $200 million,” she said. “We are going to keep going through December 31. And I hope everyone in this room will help us get across that finish line.”

Following dinner, guests took to the dance floor to the sounds of the Ice House Band, a popular Dallas-Fort Worth party band. As a parting gift, guests received a print and notecards featuring a painting celebrating all things TWU, created by TWU design team member Alem de la Cruz.  One final visual treat awaited as they made their way to valet parking: a dramatic, illuminated view of Dreams, a new permanent installation of three large-scale sculptures by artist Bianca Beck, who attended the soirée. Commissioned to honor the Dream Big campaign and the donors who made it possible, the artwork provided a fitting final image for an evening devoted to impact and imagination.

For those inspired to help TWU reach its $200 million goal before the campaign concludes Dec. 31, contributions can be made at dreambig.twu.edu.

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EULESS, Texas (October 2026) – Interstate All Battery Center® of Euless will collect nonperishable food donations Oct. 1 through Nov. 25 to support local families through 6 Stones’ New Hope Center. Store manager Kristen Luckie is organizing the store’s first food drive, inviting customers and area residents to help stock the food pantry ahead of Thanksgiving.

Donations can be dropped off during regular business hours at the store, located at 1301 W. Glade Road, Suite 156, Euless, Texas. Requested items include canned vegetables and fruit; canned meats and tuna; peanut butter; pasta and pasta sauce; rice and beans; cereal and oatmeal; macaroni and cheese; and boxed or shelf-stable meals. Other nonperishable food items are also welcome.

“We pride ourselves on the connections we make in the communities we serve, including where we can lend our support,” said Luckie. “I’ve been so impressed with the work the New Hope Center has done to help and give dignity to our neighbors in need, and hope this drive will not only bring donations, but also more awareness of their important work.”

Under the theme “Powering Hope. Fueling Our Community,” the drive will support the New Hope Center, which provides emergency food and essential resources to individuals and families in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford community. Its client-choice food market allows neighbors to select items that meet their families’ needs.

The store will also hold a Black Friday raffle, with donors receiving one entry per eligible food donation when they complete an entry ticket at drop-off. Three winners will be selected at random on Nov. 27. Prizes include a Nebo Davinci 8000 flashlight, a Noco GB40 jump starter and a Noco Big Poppy lantern and power bank.

For more information about the food drive, call Interstate All Battery Center of Euless at 817-283-5778. To learn more about the New Hope Center, visit 6stones.org/new-hope-center.

About Interstate Batteries

For more than 70 years, Interstate Batteries® has powered people down roads, trails and waterways and helped businesses succeed. Best known for its starting, lighting and ignition batteries, Interstate Batteries products have been under car hoods since 1952, each backed by the company’s service, quality and value. Headquartered in Dallas, Interstate Batteries is an industry leader in recycling efforts and a global leader in safe lead-handling practices. Guided by a set of common values, the company’s purpose is to glorify God and enrich lives while delivering the most trustworthy source of power to the world.

About Interstate All Battery Center of Euless, Texas

Interstate All Battery Center® is the franchise division of Interstate Batteries® and provides battery and portable power solutions to commercial and retail customers. Built on Interstate’s more than 70-year legacy of innovation and integrity, each center strives to enrich the communities it serves by providing legendary customer service, top-quality batteries, industry-leading recycling programs and just-in-time delivery through the Interstate Advantage™. Interstate All Battery Center of Euless has served area residents and businesses since 2002.

# # #

 

Media Contact:

Ariel Herr

ariel@angleherr.com

469-235-2708

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Veterans Day 2026: Helping Veterans Live Their Healthiest, Happiest Lives

By Jonathan W. Williams, MD, board‑certified family medicine physician and Associate Medical Director at WellMed Medical Management, and veteran United States Air Force 

Veteran’s Day is Wednesday, November 11, 2026, a time to express our gratitude to the women and men who have proudly served in the military to preserve our freedoms. For many, the holiday can mean a parade down Main Street or honoring veterans in other ways, but for millions of veterans it can be another day struggling with a serious health issue tied to their service. 

Each year, approximately 200,000 leave active duty. After leaving the service, many veterans face a myriad of health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), other mental health challenges, the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI), musculoskeletal injuries, and illnesses due to the physical and mental demands of the career. 

Veteran health issues can be complex and are driven by many factors including age, race, gender, whether the veteran saw combat or not, the geographic location where the veteran served, and the conflict itself.  Veteran statistics on PTSD vary based on the era in which the veteran may have served. At some point throughout their life, seven percent of veterans will have PTSD, affecting female veterans slightly more than male veterans.

 

A veteran’s health profile is unique.  Working as a team with the individual and health care provider can devise a strategy to meet their patient’s health needs. To help veterans live their best lives and improve their health in addition to needed medical and psychological care, it is important to take an approach of healthy living practices and prevention. The U.S. Veterans Administration offers the following evidence-based recommendations:

 

  • Get high-quality sleep each night and seek help for sleep difficulties
  • Keeping your recommended screenings and immunizations up to date
  • Being active in your health care and working with your healthcare team to meet your specific needs**
  • Managing stress
  • Cutting out tobacco use
  • Limit alcohol use*
  • Taking measures to protect yourself and family from harm and injury, including self-harm or domestic abuse***
  • Maintaining a healthy weight and eating right
  • Staying physically active**

 

Veterans Day is a day to honor those who answered the call to serve, and it can also be used as a reminder to our veterans that help is out there whether their wounds are  physical or in the form of mental health challenges, or both. If you are a veteran or take care of someone who served, it’s important to take an active role in your health with your health care provider. *** 

*WELLMED DISCLAIMER: If you do not drink, it is not recommended that you start drinking alcohol.  If you choose to drink, do so only in moderation which is no more than 1 drink per day for women and no more than 2 drinks per day for men.  . Some people should drink less, and some people should not drink at all.

 

**WELLMED DISCLAIMER: Talk with your doctor before significantly increasing your activity level. Ask about the amounts and types of activities that may be best for you. 

***WELLMED DISCLAIMER: If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or others — or know someone having those thoughts — seek help right away. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 — or go to the closest emergency room.

 

To reach a trained crisis counselor, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273- 8255). You may also chat at 988.lifeline.org. 

Veteran’s Crisis Line 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and Press 1 offers live, trained responders to speak with by phone, text (Text 838255), or online chat. The free resource is confidential, available 24/7, and is run by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

 Jonathan W. Williams, MD, is Board Certified in Family Medicine, formerly Board Certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine with WellMed Medical Management since 2021.  He currently serves as the Care Coach Connect Associate Medical Director for DFW-West providing palliative care for patients. Dr. Williams proudly served in the United States Air Force, commissioned in 1990 and in active duty from 1999 through 2002, (during 911), at the rank of Major (O-4).  He brings 30 years clinical and leadership experience to his role as Associate Medical Director at WellMed Medical Management. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed his residency at North Central Texas Medical Foundation - Wichita Falls Family Medicine Residency Program.

 

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Trio Los Vigilantes will recreate the glory of La Epoca de Oro...The Golden Age of Latin American music and cinema at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Allen Public Library.   During the 1950s, Latin American music enjoyed an exciting period of heightened creativity. The Bolero garnered enormous popularity, especially those sung in three-voice harmony by the famous trios of Mexico such as Los Panchos.  Combining Spanish melodrama and sentimentality with American jazz and pop, Los Vigilantes is a rare group that sings classic songs in the tradition of the trios of old.

Inspired by his father who had his own trio in the late 50s in South Texas, Trio Los Vigilantes was organized in Austin, Texas, by Isaac Peña. When Isaac met Mexico City expatriate Luis Angel Ibáñez their mutual affinity for the Bolero became the cornerstone of Trio Los Vigilantes. Aware that the Bolero and the tradition of the Trio had faded decades ago, the two were convinced that their shared vision of nostalgia would captivate the current generation.  Both being baritones, they searched for a tenor to complete the group—a high, pure voice to carry the melody. Though not Spanish speaking, John Pointer, the passion of his voice and his command of Italian (and its similarity to Spanish) made him the ideal candidate for Trio Los Vigilantes.

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the concert is free.  The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr.  Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.    

Kathy Beazley
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Photo credit Peterson Management Group

Get ready to shuck, sip and celebrate! Aw Shucks and Big Shucks Oyster Bars are celebrating all things oysters with the launch of their inaugural OysterFest, a multiweek celebration featuring six specially created oyster dishes available for a limited time at all four North Texas locations (Dallas, Lewisville, and Richardson) through Saturday, Nov. 14.

From crispy fried oyster nachos and Buffalo-style oyster tacos to grilled Gulf oysters topped with lump crab, the OysterFest menu offers creative new ways to enjoy one of the restaurants' most popular seafood favorites. The promotion celebrates the arrival of prime oyster season while inviting guests to explore new flavors, discover interesting oyster facts and learn more about the importance of oyster conservation.

The celebration culminates Saturday, Nov. 14, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Big Shucks on Mockingbird Lane in Dallas, with an afternoon of live music by Hit Factory, oyster tastings, cold drinks, raffles and educational experiences with nonprofit partner Oyster South. From flip-flops to dress socks, everyone is welcome to join the festivities.

"Oysters have been at the heart of Aw Shucks and Big Shucks since we opened our doors in 1983, and we wanted to create something that celebrates that tradition in a fun, new way," said Nick Peterson, CEO of Peterson Management Group. "With OysterFest, guests can enjoy some exciting new oyster creations at all our locations, then come together for a great afternoon of seafood, live music and celebration. We're also proud to partner with Oyster South to highlight the importance of protecting the Gulf Coast waters and oyster habitats that are so important to our industry. We hope OysterFest becomes an annual tradition that our guests look forward to every fall."

Six Special Oyster Creations Available for a Limited Time

The OysterFest celebration extends across all Aw Shucks and Big Shucks locations with six limited-time menu offerings available now through Nov. 14. Whether guests prefer their oysters raw, fried or grilled, the specialty selections deliver bold flavors and creative combinations inspired by the restaurants' Gulf Coast seafood traditions.

The OysterFest menu includes:

  • Fried Oyster Nachos ($12.99): Six crispy fried oysters served atop tortilla chips, generously drizzled with creamy verde sauce and topped with habanero-infused onions.

  • Buffalo Fried Oyster Tacos ($12.99): Two soft corn tortillas filled with Buffalo-style fried oysters and tangy slaw, finished with creamy blue cheese dressing and served with additional slaw.

  • Lump Crab Grilled Oysters ($14.99): Four grilled Gulf oysters topped with succulent lump crab, rich Cajun cream sauce and fresh parsley, served with a lemon wedge.

  • Shrimp Pico Raw Oysters ($17.99): Six fresh raw oysters topped with zesty shrimp pico de gallo, presented in Tajín-rimmed shells over ice with lime wedges.

  • "Dressed" Raw Oysters ($24.99): A dozen fresh raw oysters served over ice with watermelon salsa, ponzu sauce and creamy cilantro sauce, allowing guests to customize each bite.

  • Oyster Shooter "Shucks Style" ($4.99): House-made Michelada mix blended with a choice of draft beer, topped with a fresh raw oyster and served in a chilled, Tajín-rimmed glass with lime.

The specialty menu is available at regular menu prices at all five restaurant locations throughout the promotional period. During the Nov. 14 festival celebration, participating specialty items will be available for purchase through a ticket-based system.

A Shuckin' Good Time: OysterFest Finale Nov. 14

The OysterFest celebration will culminate Saturday, Nov. 14, from 1 to 6 p.m., when the Big Shucks Mockingbird patio transforms into a lively gathering place for seafood enthusiasts, music lovers and anyone looking for a fun afternoon with friends and family.

Guests can enjoy live music from Hit Factory, performing a variety of crowd favorites, along with fresh seafood, cold drinks, oyster tastings and raffles throughout the afternoon.

The event will also feature representatives from nonprofit partner Oyster South, who will share fascinating facts about oysters, Gulf Coast ecosystems and the importance of oyster conservation, including efforts affecting Texas waters.

With its laid-back atmosphere, live entertainment and plenty of seafood, OysterFest brings together everything guests have come to love about Aw Shucks and Big Shucks in one festive afternoon.

More Than Great Seafood: Celebrating Oyster Conservation

While oysters are a longtime seafood favorite, they also play an essential role in protecting and sustaining coastal environments. Through its partnership with Oyster South, OysterFest will help raise awareness about the importance of healthy oyster populations and the coastal communities that depend on them.

Oyster South is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting a thriving oyster community in the South through education, advocacy and connections among oyster farmers, industry professionals and enthusiasts.

During the Nov. 14 celebration, Oyster South representatives will provide educational information about oysters, the Gulf and conservation efforts, helping guests discover why these remarkable shellfish are important far beyond the dinner plate.

For example, a single adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day under ideal conditions, helping improve water quality. Oyster reefs also provide valuable habitats for fish, shrimp, crabs and other marine life, supporting healthier coastal ecosystems.

And there's plenty more to learn about these fascinating shellfish:

  • The "R" rule: The centuries-old tradition of eating oysters during months containing the letter "R" dates to a time when cooler temperatures made oyster harvesting and transportation safer. September through April also remains a popular period for enjoying oysters.

  • Cooler weather, better oysters: As water temperatures drop, many wild oysters develop fuller bodies and desirable flavors, making fall and winter especially popular seasons for oyster lovers.

  • A taste of their surroundings: Much like wine, oysters develop distinct flavor profiles based on their growing environment, including water salinity, minerals and other conditions. This concept is known as merroir.

  • An ancient delicacy: Archaeological discoveries show that people have enjoyed oysters for thousands of years, with oyster shells found in ancient coastal settlements around the world.

  • Small shellfish, big benefits: Oysters are naturally rich in nutrients, including zinc, vitamin B12 and protein.

Through these educational experiences, OysterFest aims to give guests a greater appreciation for the Gulf Coast waters, habitats and communities that help bring fresh oysters to North Texas tables.

For more information about Oyster South, visitoystersouth.com.

OysterFest Event Details

WHAT: Inaugural Aw Shucks and Big Shucks OysterFest Celebration

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, from 1 to 6 p.m.

WHERE: Big Shucks Oyster Bar, 6232 E Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75214

HIGHLIGHTS: Live music by Hit Factory, oyster tastings, specialty seafood, cold beverages, raffles and educational experiences with nonprofit partner Oyster South.

OYSTERFEST MENU PROMOTION: Six limited-time oyster creations available now through Nov. 14 at all five Aw Shucks and Big Shucks locations.

MORE INFORMATION:awshucksdallas.com

About Aw Shucks and Big Shucks Oyster Bars

Since 1983, Aw Shucks and Big Shucks Oyster Bars have been North Texas destinations for fresh seafood, including raw oysters, shrimp, catfish, crab legs, po'boy sandwiches and seasonal crawfish, along with ice-cold beer and other favorites. Known for their casual, eclectic seafood shack atmosphere and welcoming hospitality, the restaurants offer guests a place to relax, gather with friends and enjoy a great shuckin' time. A division of Peterson Management Group, a family-owned and operated restaurant management company, Aw Shucks and Big Shucks have four locations throughout North Texas. For more information, visitawshucksdallas.com. Follow Aw Shucks and Big Shucks onFacebook andInstagram for the latest news and promotions. #shucksdallas

 

 

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DSOL Savor Chairs Sandy Ammons, Beth Thoele, Diann DSOL Savor Chairs Sandy Ammons, Beth Thoele, Dianne LaRoe

Venise and Larry Stuart Announced as Honorary Chairs for The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s Savor the Symphony

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL) is delighted to announce Highland Park residents Venise and Larry Stuart as honorary chairs of the Savor the Symphony An Evening at the Mansion happening on Thursday, November 19, 2026 at the renowned Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek.
        

Chaired by Dianne LaRoe, Beth Thoele and Sandy Ammons, with Patti Flowers as DSOL president, the event promises to be an intimate gathering of tastemakers, community and business supporters to benefit the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and its youth education and community engagement programs.
        

Venise is a past president of the DSOL and a current member of the DSO Board of Governors, a longtime civic leader, and the University of Texas at Dallas’ Distinguished Alumni Award recipient in 2019. Larry was a partner with Hicks, Muse. Larry was one of the original four owners of the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. They are Gold Stradivarius Patrons.
          

Guests will be treated to a cocktail reception, raffle and a gourmet three-course-seated dinner. This 26th annual gala promises to be a feast for the senses with delicious fare, beautiful music and the opportunity to support the DSO in the very special setting of the Mansion, one of Dallas’ favorite culinary destinations. Cocktail attire. Since the founding of Savor the Symphony in the fall of 2000, the event has raised more than a million dollars benefiting the DSO Education and Outreach programs. Since its inception the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League has raised more than $25 million in support of the DSO.
          

Gather your friends and secure your tables now!  Individual Patron tickets are $500 and $1,500 with varying benefits. Patron levels begin at $5,000 up to $100,000. Benefits vary according to the level of purchase. Visit the website for details https://dallassymphonyleague.com/Savor-the-Symphony or contact savor@dallassymphonyleague.com or call Christine Winn at 713-309-5612.
          

Proceeds from the event benefit the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and its youth education and community engagement programs.Funds raised by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League support transformative DSO programs, including:

  • The Cecil and Ida Green Youth Concert Series, which introduces Dallas youth to the inspiring world of classical music through accessible concerts at the Meyerson. Each year, more than 10,000 children participate in these experiences.
  • DSO Cares, which brings the wellness benefits of music to seniors in living facilities, hospitals, community centers and more. Each performance showcases a chamber ensemble of DSO musicians that is free for attendees and community partners.
  • The Kim Noltemy Young Musicians and Young Strings programs, which annually provide free instruments and instruction to 400 children primarily from Southern and East Dallas. Collectively, these programs have served more than 6,800 students and outpace similar youth programs with highly intensive training and a 100% high school graduation and college acceptance rate.
  • Bach’s Lunch, an ongoing adult education series of free, informal talks designed to connect music lovers through a shared passion for classical music.

 

Photo courtesy DSOL. 



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When Dr. Amal Noureldin, clinical professor and director of the predoctoral program in public health sciences at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, envisioned the Empowering Smiles Oral Health Initiative, it was to provide long-needed oral healthcare and education to children and teens in a few underserved schools in Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District. 

What she and her dental and dental hygiene students saw was heartbreaking. 

“We saw second grade-schoolers with decay so bad that the teeth were gone; only gums were left,” she said. “These are preventable conditions that no child should have to experience, which is why what we offer is so important – access to knowledge and care and the hope that early prevention can make a difference.” 

Supported by more than $330,000 in total funding from partner agency Metrocrest Hospital Authority, the initiative provided oral health education and care to 782 students in 13 elementary schools and middle schools in the last two years. More schools than planned. 

There’s more work to do. 

Noureldin, fellow faculty and dental and dental hygiene students are back in CFBISD schools, thanks to an additional $246,000 from MHA. However, this year, they will use some of the funds to provide the same care to senior adults in the Metrocrest area. 

Plans are to provide care in the Metrocrest area, which includes Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison, Coppell and the surrounding communities. Noureldin and MHA will begin working with Metrocrest Services, another Carrollton-based nonprofit, to begin providing care to patients in early 2027. 

More than 150 seniors could benefit in the initial phase, she said. 

“By bringing preventive oral health services directly into senior communities, we’ll reach more people who might otherwise never receive care,” Noureldin said. “Prevention is more effective, less costly, and has the potential to improve overall health and quality of life.” 

Lack of dexterity, medications and chronic health conditions often negatively affect seniors’ oral health. In addition, many seniors battle dry mouth, gum disease and failing or missing teeth. Nearly 13% of adults aged 65 or older had one or more permanent teeth with untreated decay, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report. 

There are financial considerations, too. 

National nonprofit CareQuest’s Institute for Oral Health’s new State of Oral Health in America survey found that 77% of respondents, 60 and older, visited dentists in the last year. However, only 66% reported having dental insurance.  

Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental services, with limited exceptions. However, many Medicare Advantage plans provide some coverage. 

Texas Medicaid generally does not provide comprehensive dental coverage for adults, Noureldin said. That leaves many older adults with coverage limited to emergency or other narrowly defined dental services. 

“Oral health is an essential part of overall health, and a healthier community begins with access to preventive care,” said John Mahalik, MHA’s CEO. “Empowering Smiles has already made a meaningful difference for children and families in our community. By renewing our support and expanding the program to seniors, we’re helping Texas A&M bring education and care directly to people who might otherwise go without it.” 

For Noureldin, offering Empowering Smiles to older adults is a natural next step for an initiative built around prevention. Whether helping a child protect newly erupted permanent teeth or helping an older adult maintain the teeth they have, the goal is the same: Bring preventive care to people where they are and before oral disease becomes more difficult and costly to manage. 

“A healthy smile should not have an age limit,” Noureldin said. “We started Empowering Smiles with children because prevention early in life can change a child’s future. Now, through our continued partnership with Metrocrest Hospital Authority, we have the opportunity to extend that same commitment to seniors. Together, we are reaching across generations to help people in the Metrocrest community preserve their oral health, their comfort and their quality of life.”  

 

Patricia Chi
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Coppell High School’s Cowgirls and Cowboys competed at the UIL 6A Region 1 Cross Country Championship on Monday, Oct. 26, in Lubbock, battling rain and a slippery, muddy course against some of the toughest competition in Texas. Two Coppell athletes earned spots at the State Championship: Maya Easterwood and Sidharth Kerthipati.

 

With more than 180 runners in each race, the Cowboys finished eighth and the Cowgirls placed 14th among 24 schools in a region known for its depth and competitiveness.

 

Individual and Team Highlights

 

Cowgirls Make Historic Return to Regionals 

For the first time in seven years, Coppell’s varsity girls competed at the regional championship as a team. Easterwood led the Cowgirls with a fifth-place finish in 17:55 over 5K, qualifying for State for the fourth time in her high school career.

 

“This varsity girls’ team was the first team to compete at regionals in 7 years. I am so thrilled that they had the opportunity to race today in Lubbock,” Coach Landon Wren said. “I told them that now that we’ve done it, the expectation is we do it every year.”

 

“The girls really left it all on the course today. They competed well in adverse conditions. I’m excited for Maya qualifying for state once again. She is a FOUR-TIME state qualifier. There are not a whole lot of girls that can say that,” Wren added.

 

Finleigh Sanders finished 43rd in 19:21, and Rachel Stumm took 95th in 20:26. Coach Wren praised both for running their best races of the season. Freshmen Mirabelle Sagal (125th, 21:04) and Angie Nguyen (135th, 21:21) gained valuable regional experience. Bishakha Sinha finished 168th in 23:13; Anusha Patki did not finish.

 

Cowboys Place Eighth in Deep Regional Field

The varsity boys delivered a strong team performance, placing eighth out of 24 schools. Kerthipati led the Cowboys with a 19th-place finish in 15:52, securing his place at the State Championship.

 

“I am extremely proud of the varsity boys and their 8th place finish. As a group, we may have run our best race of the year,” Coach Wren said. “It’s an extremely tough region, and they should be proud of their performance.”

 

Seniors Diego Morales (41st, 16:17) and Tanish Neelapu (71st, 16:36) closed their high school cross country careers with strong performances. Itsuki Pena finished 75th in 16:38, followed by Alesh Khowala (84th, 16:47), Sam Meier (95th, 16:53) and Abishek Suresh (110th, 17:02).

 

“I’m excited for Sid and having the opportunity to run at the state meet,” Wren said. He also recognized the seniors’ final races and the experience gained by the returning runners.

 

Regional Championship Results

 

Cowboys — 8th of 24 Teams

 

• Sidharth Kerthipati — 15:52 (19th) — STATE QUALIFIER

 

• Diego Morales — 16:17 (41st)

 

• Tanish Neelapu — 16:36 (71st)

 

• Itsuki Pena — 16:38 (75th)

 

• Alesh Khowala — 16:47 (84th)

 

• Sam Meier — 16:53 (95th)

 

• Abishek Suresh — 17:02 (110th)

 

Cowgirls — 14th of 24 Teams

 

• Maya Easterwood — 17:55 (5th) — STATE QUALIFIER

 

• Finleigh Sanders — 19:21 (43rd)

 

• Rachel Stumm — 20:26 (95th)

 

• Mirabelle Sagal — 21:04 (125th)

 

• Angie Nguyen — 21:21 (135th)

 

• Bishakha Sinha — 23:13 (168th)

 

• Anusha Patki — DNF

 

Looking Ahead to State 

Coppell now turns its attention to the UIL 6A State Cross Country Championship in Round Rock on Friday, Nov. 6. Easterwood and Kerthipati will represent the Cowgirls and Cowboys against the best runners in Texas.

With many athletes returning next season, Coach Wren and the Coppell program are looking forward to even bigger things in 2027.

Congratulations to every Cowboy and Cowgirl who competed at Regionals, and best of luck to Maya and Sid at State!

 

Contact Information

For more details or to support Coppell High School’s Cross Country program, please contact:

 

Patricia Chi

chi.patricia@gmail.com

(469) 831-3709

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What is Carnival Glass?  Learn more about carnival glass with Fred and Elaine Blair at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4 at Allen Train Depot, 100 E. Main.  The original glass was a “poor man’s Tiffany” mass-produced from 1908 until about 1920.  Your grandmother or great-grandmother may have had a yellow-orangish bowl that had iridescence, like oil on water.  Fred and Elaine Blair have been collecting Carnival Glass for over 30 years and have over 1,000 pieces in their collection. Displaying numerous samples of glass, the Blairs will offer information on how to identify pieces, and attempt to answer questions.  If you have an iridized piece of that is conceivably Carnival Glass, bring it to the meeting.  They will try to identify your piece’s pattern and estimate a price range. Prices range from $1 to $250K.  A door prize will be given.  Call 972-740-8017. 

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You know sugar isn’t good for your teeth. Eating it often without brushing and flossing afterward is a recipe for tooth decay. 

In the spirit of Halloween, Jane Cotter, associate professor in the dental hygiene program at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, shared five other startling facts about teeth and oral healthcare.  

Don’t be afraid. Friendly dentists and dental hygienists know how to protect your teeth and save your smile. 

Hair-raising history: Barbers were dentists 

Need both a hair trim and a tooth extracted? If you lived in the Middle Ages, the local barber likely offered both services, according to the American Dental Association’s history of dentistry. They had razor-sharp tools. 

“The barber had nimble fingers and the public’s trust because they already knew how to trim a mustache with a razor without slitting a man’s throat,” Cotter said. “The barber acted fast, and that tooth was gone.” 

Eventually, two groups emerged: surgeons educated and trained to perform complex surgical operations and lay barbers, referred to as barber-surgeons, who performed routine hygienic services, including shaving and tooth extractions, ADA reported. 

There are monsters in your mouth 

About 700 species of microbes live in your mouth, including bacteria and fungi. National Institutes of Health reported that some are helpful, but others can cause tooth decay and gum disease. 

“Brushing and flossing helps, but the harmful microbes will return,” Cotter said. “Keep to a dental hygiene routine, limit sugary foods and drinks and brush your tongue because bad bacteria thrive there.” 

A scary thought: Your children might have cavities 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that half of children have had cavities in their baby or permanent teeth by age 9. The CDC also reported that, on average, 34 million school hours are lost each year because of unplanned dental care. 

“Make sure children are brushing for at least two minutes in the morning and again before bed,” Cotter said. 

Boo! Cavities haunt adults, too 

More than 120 million adults lost at least one tooth due to decay or gum disease, according to CareQuest Institute for Oral Health’s new State of Oral Health in America report. 

“The easiest way to avoid problems is to brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially after meals and before going to bed,” she said. “Floss daily and eat nutritious, balanced meals.” 

In addition, visit your dentist regularly. Dentists often recommend checkups every six months. 

“If you have problems such as frequent cavities, gum disease or diabetes, visit more often,” Cotter said. “The sooner the problems are addressed, the healthier you will be.” 

A spooky truth: Cavities are contagious – sort of 

You can’t catch a cavity from someone else, but cavity-causing bacteria spread through saliva. Kissing and sharing drinks, utensils and vapes are among the ways bacteria can spread. 

“The bacteria can spread even when the other person doesn’t have cavities,” Cotter said. “Maintain good oral hygiene and avoid sharing.”