Driving into Uptown Dallas feels a little different now. Where once there was a gray, overlooked bridge entrance, visitors are now greeted by a joyful explosion of color—a sweeping mural that celebrates the neighborhood’s spirit and story. The new work, created by McKinney-based artist Andrea Holmes, is the latest effort by Uptown Dallas Inc. (UDI) to reimagine public spaces and foster community pride. It is located at the underpass where the Katy Trail meets Cedar Springs.

Holmes, who has earned the nickname “the bird lady” for her ongoing Wings Across the World 100 Bird Mural Project, is known for turning walls into vibrant ecosystems. For Uptown, she chose the Monk parakeet—a bright green bird that, while not native to Texas, has become an unmistakable presence in Dallas. Flocks can often be seen nesting around White Rock Lake and the Katy Trail, making the parrot both a surprising and fitting emblem for the district.

“I’ve painted birds in Hawaii and Austria, but Uptown gave me a chance to capture something close to home,” Holmes said. “This mural isn’t just about the parrots—it’s about the life of Uptown. People biking, walking dogs, hopping on the trolley. I wanted to celebrate the energy of the neighborhood while weaving in my passion for birds.”

The mural also includes a hummingbird darting through fields of Texas wildflowers, along with Uptown icons like Betty the Trolley and everyday moments—residents carrying groceries, a cyclist on the trail, a dog walker. It’s as much a portrait of community as it is a piece of art.

For Uptown Dallas Inc., the nonprofit that manages and promotes the district, the mural was a chance to create a “welcome mat” unlike any other. “We wanted something that told people they were entering a special place,” said Bailey Criado, events and marketing manager with UDI. “Andrea’s work brought that vision to life. She captured the soul of Uptown—its character, its vibrancy and the pride people feel living here.”

Painting the massive underpass was no small task. Holmes spent four weeks on-site, spray-painting from a boom lift and navigating the challenges of a high-traffic gateway. But the effort was worth it. Passersby stopped to cheer her on, neighbors offered words of encouragement, and trail users shared how much the mural brightened their daily routine.

The project is part of a larger push to elevate Uptown’s public spaces. UDI is working with the City of Dallas and the Turtle Creek Association to repaint surrounding bridge structures, restore medians, and add finishing touches that frame Holmes’s work. A protective anti-graffiti coating ensures the mural will remain vivid for years to come.

For Holmes, it’s one more milestone in her journey to paint 100 bird murals around the world—but this one carries extra meaning. “It’s number six,” she said, smiling. “And it feels like home.”

About Uptown Dallas, Inc.

Established in 1993, Uptown Dallas, Inc. (UDI) is a nonprofit organization and public improvement district encompassing one square mile. As one of Dallas’ first true live-work-play communities, Uptown offers vibrant urban living with some of the city’s best views of the notable skyline. UDI aims to increase the quality of life for the 19,000 residents Uptown, hundreds of businesses and property owners, and more than 50,000 workers. On any given weekday, as many as 100,000 people pass through the district. The organization also has a safety team working to keep people safe along with its maintenance team responsible for enhancements such as street lighting and landscaping. UDI hosts Pilates in the Park and Movies in the Park (at Griggs Park) and sponsors other community-wide events. For more information on Uptown Dallas, Inc., visit https://uptowndallas.net/

Seeing the increasing need for foster families across the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, Flower Mound resident Lisa Bethea felt called to support children in care. She began fostering, a journey that ultimately led her to adoption.

According to Tommy Jordan, Director of Family and Community Engagement for Our Community Our Kids, the need for foster families remains urgent. “Around 47 children are currently in foster care in Denton County,” Jordan shared. “We need 25 to 50 more homes willing to open their doors and hearts.”

Our Community Our Kids is a child welfare collaborative that supports foster parents and helps children find safe, loving homes across Metroplex West — including Cooke, Denton, Erath, Hood, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Tarrant, and Wise counties.

If you’ve ever considered fostering, now is the time. Learn how you can make a lasting difference by visiting https://ourcommunity-ourkids.org/ to explore foster care resources, training, and support services. To read more about Lisa’s story visit: Denton County Magazine.

Soulman’s Bar-B-Que is proud to announce the 10th Annual Thanksgivaway, a beloved tradition that has brought warmth, comfort, and full plates to families across North Texas for the past decade. What began as a heartfelt effort to ease holiday burdens has now become a cornerstone of Soulman’s year-round commitment to community.

For the tenth consecutive year, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que will provide families in need with a complete Thanksgiving feast at no cost. Each selected family will enjoy a meal featuring Soulman’s signature hickory-smoked meats and classic Southern sides, carefully prepared to feed and bring together entire households. Holiday favorites include spiral sliced ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread dressing, and King’s Hawaiian® rolls.

“Reaching the 10-year mark of Thanksgivaway is incredibly meaningful to our team,” said Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que. “This tradition represents the heart of who we are as a company—serving our communities, honoring the importance of family, and sharing great food with those who need it most during the holidays.”

Working alongside local organizations and community partners, Soulman’s invites North Texans to submit nominations for families who could benefit from the gift of a holiday meal. Nominations are accepted at www.soulmans.com/thanksgiveaway beginning November 1st. Entries must include the recipient’s name, reason for nomination, and contact information. Winners will be notified the week of November 17th, with meals available for pickup on November 24th and 25th.

Since its start, the Thanksgivaway has grown into more than just a meal—it’s a symbol of gratitude, hope, and togetherness. “Each year, the response reminds us that the spirit of Thanksgiving goes far beyond our tables,” added Randle.

In addition to the Thanksgivaway, families across Texas continue to enjoy stress-free celebrations by pre-ordering from Soulman’s popular holiday catering menu, featuring bone-in hickory smoked turkey, spiral-sliced holiday ham, savory sides, and homemade pies. Details are available here.

About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que

For 50 years, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has satisfied the hardest to please bar-b-que lovers….Texans!  Founded in Pleasant Grove, Texas in 1974, Soulman’s had only a few simple goals—serve great Texas-style BBQ and offer friendly, sincere service.  Soulman’s original family recipes are still the foundation for the company’s success from their 8 different types of meat that are smoked “low & slow” over only hickory wood to their famous homemade sides, including Ranch house beans and Texas style cream corn! Throughout the years, this family-owned and operated company has remained true to its original strive for success and customer satisfaction and is honored to be considered one of the Best Roadside Restaurants in America (2024), Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2024), the Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout  & Delivery (2020) and one of the Best Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2018).

Soulman’s currently owns and operates 21 North and East Texas locations in Allen, Cedar Hill, Fort Worth, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Hurst Grapevine Highway,  Lancaster, Lewisville, Mabank, Mansfield, Mesquite, North Richland Hills, Quinlan, Red Oak, Rockwall I-30, Rockwall Goliad, Royse City,  Sulphur Springs, Terrell, and Van. To learn more about Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, visit them online at http://www.soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.

This Thanksgiving Day, gather with family and friends for an unforgettable holiday brunch buffet at the Pyramid Restaurant in Fairmont Dallas in the acclaimed Arts District. Indulge in a lavish culinary experience featuring chef-crafted classics from roasted turkey and rich seasonal sides to elegant carving stations and decadent desserts.

With exceptional service, festive décor, live music, and a menu that embraces the very best of the season, it’s the perfect way to give thanks to and celebrate the ones you love, effortlessly. Create cherished memories and make Fairmont Dallas a part of your family’s Thanksgiving tradition.

Seating times are 11 AM, 11:30 AM, 1 PM, and 1:30 PM. Adults are $89 per guest. Children ages 6–12 are $45, while children 5 and under are Free.

Reservations are strongly recommended. To book your spots, please visit Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1825861323369 

The Pyramid Restaurant is located in the Fairmont Dallas at 1717 N Akard St.

THANKGIVING BRUNCH BUFFET

Thursday, November 27, 2025

The Prelude: Hors d'Oeuvres

• Veal Terrine, delicately layered with herbs and fine spices.

• Mousse de Volaille en Pot. Silky chicken mousse with artisan crostini.

• Prosciutto-wrapped Figs, finished with aged Pedro Ximénez reduction.

• Wild Mushroom Tartlets, with Parmesan crème, trout roe, and chive blossom.

• Chickpea Butter, with Ras el Hanout, cucumber ribbons, and crisp lavash. (Vegan)

From the Sea: A Celebration of Coastal Elegance

• Ice Globe Display. Lobster salad and chilled prawns presented on crystal ice.

• Beef Tartare. Hand-cut tenderloin with capers, chimichurri, and lavash crisps.

• Whole Poached Salmon. Lemon-dill crème, watercress, and citrus garnish.

The Garden Table: Harvest Soups & Seasonal Greens

• Roasted Beet Salad, with citrus, whipped goat cheese, mint, pistachio, and honeycomb.

• Endive Salad, with sourdough granola, pecorino, toasted walnuts, Spanish anchovies, and Chardonnay vinaigrette.

• Arugula & Poached Pears, with Roquefort, candied pecans, and Banyuls vinegar reduction.

• Winter Kale Salad, with pomegranate, pepitas, Asian pear, marinated tofu, and apple cider vinaigrette. (Vegan)

• Classic Caesar, with crisp romaine, parmesan, and herb focaccia croutons.

• Pumpkin Soup en croûte. Velvety spiced pumpkin bisque baked under golden pastry.

• Mushroom Bisque, with sherry reduction and wild herbs. (Vegan)

The Feast: Carving & Seasonal Accompaniments

• Black Truffle Roasted Turkey, with sauce périgueux and traditional pan gravy.

• Skuna Bay Salmon Wellington, with mushroom duxelles, crêpe, arrowleaf spinach, and golden puff pastry.

• Herb-Crusted Prime Rib, served with fresh horseradish and Bordelaise sauce.

• Pan-Roasted Caraflex Cabbage, with celeriac purée, saffron, Honeycrisp apple, and toasted pecans. (Vegan)

• Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing. Brioche, herbs, and roasted vegetables.

• Sweet Potato Casserole, topped with meringue and toasted pecans.

• Green Bean Casserole, with wild mushrooms and crispy shallots.

• Cranberry Relish, with orange zest and winter spice.

• Black Truffle Mashed Potatoes, made with Yukon gold potatoes and truffle essence.

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts, with double-smoked bacon and Banyuls vinegar reduction.

• Heirloom Carrots, with an agrodolce glaze and crushed pistachios.

The Finale: Patisserie & Sweet Indulgence

• Classic Pumpkin Pie, topped with whipped cream and spiced crumble.

• Southern Pecan Pie, topped with bourbon caramel and toasted nuts.

• Sticky Toffee Pudding, topped with butterscotch sauce and vanilla chantilly.

• Rustic Apple Pie, topped with brown sugar crumble and cinnamon glaze.

• Assorted Petite Pastries. Chef’s seasonal selection.

Around here, community means everything. Dodie’s Rockwall has always been more than a place to eat. It’s where friends gather, families celebrate, and neighbors lend a hand. On Tuesday, November 18, we’re inviting our community to join us in supporting a Forney family whose story of faith and strength has touched our hearts.

Emily was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) at just 15 years old. FA is a rare, progressive neurological disease that affects balance, coordination, and muscle strength. When doctors shared that Emily would likely need a wheelchair by her early twenties, it was one of those moments that stops time — when life suddenly looks different, yet love and determination grow even stronger. Instead of giving in to fear, Emily and her parents, Alexis and Richard Penn, chose resilience and light.

Now 32 and living near the Forney-Heath area, Emily is married with four children. She lives life fully — cooking, caring for her family, and adapting with remarkable strength and grace. As her mother describes it, “So many people facing disabilities have a choice: to live in darkness or in the light. We’ve always chosen the light.”

Through their involvement with the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), the Penn family has seen extraordinary progress firsthand. What began as a small grassroots organization in 1998 has grown into a powerful research network driving more than 13 clinical trials and the first FDA-approved treatment for FA, released just last year. About 95% of every dollar raised goes directly toward research which includes things like genetic therapy, protein restoration, and other promising paths to a cure.

The Penn's believe strongly in what the community and research can accomplish. “We’ve been riding this train for 17 years, and we’re not stopping,” Alexis said says. “I tell Emily — she’s 32 now — ‘You’re going to see a cure in your lifetime.’” For them, fundraising isn’t just about treatment — it’s about faith in the future and the belief that every small act of kindness brings that future closer.

On Tuesday, November 18, Dodie’s will donate 25% of all dinner food sales to FARA in Emily’s honor, helping to fund ongoing studies and provide hope for families living with FA.

Bring your friends, your family, and your appetite — because every meal makes a difference!

Neighbors for a Cure: Dodie’s Give Back Night

Tuesday, November 18

Dine-in only | 4–10 PM

25% of all dinner food sales donated to Friedreich’s Ataxia Research

No flyer needed — all dine-in dinner guests count toward the donation.

Explore our menu: https://dodiesattheharbor.com/menu/