Stan’s Blue Note will heat things up with “Great Bowls of Fire” 13^th annual Chili Cook-off on Sunday, February 16^th. From 2pm-6pm the best self-proclaimed chili chefs across DFW will compete for cash prizes and bragging rights to be crowned the best! What makes this event even better is that we do it for an important cause benefitting Foundation 45 and their efforts to provide mental health services in Dallas/Fort Worth.

How to enter? Register online and your $25 registration fee ($30 day of event) gets you in the competition for bragging rights and a cash prize. Limited spots are available so register your entry soon.

Prepare your showstopping chili! With beans or without, spicy or not, vegetarian or venison – it’s up to you and we will try them all! Just make sure you deliver it to Stan’s by 2:30 on February 16 (see rules online) to be included in the judging. We’ll even give you a Busch Light draft to enjoy when you arrive.

Will you walk away with bragging rights and a cash prize? Two chances to win - People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice winners will be named.

Want to be in on the judging? Anyone can participate in the People’s Choice voting! Bring $10 and you’ll get a spoon, a ballot, and a beer to wash it all down. If you really love chili buy a couple ballots at $10 each.

How can we make it more fun? In addition to great chili, Stan’s will have prizes and gift certificates donated by a variety of local vendors, businesses, and restaurants! With drink specials - $4.25 domestic drafts and $5 fireballs – this is a great way to spend your Sunday.

And because it is Stan’s, you can count on us covering all the games on our big screen! We also add to the fun with pool, darts, shuffleboard, music, and more.

Why? This event is all fun for a good cause. Proceeds from Stan’s 13^th annual Chili Cook-off benefit Foundation 45. Foundation 45 is a suicide, addiction, and mental health awareness group serving the Dallas/Fort Worth creative community by providing free top-tier mental health and recovery services while working to destigmatize the conversation around mental health. 

“This is an important way for us to serve the community” says Bob Myers, General Manager. “The entire staff of Stan’s Blue Note believes in the cause and in our desire to give back to the community that has been a part of our lives for over 50 years.”

Special thanks to our sponsors, Dallas Amputee Network, East Dallas Automotive, Dallas Hemp Co, and Busch Light, for their support of Great Bowls of Fire!

Stan’s Blue Note, Dallas’ oldest continuously operating drinking establishment has been named has been named one of the best bars in DFW and Best Sports Bar.  Learn more about Stan’s on Lower Greenville at StansBlueNote.com

We’ve all heard of “puppy love,” but when you’re literally talking about four-legged friends, that feeling is even better. This Valentine’s Day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Galleria Dallas will host Operation Kindness for a perfect one-day popup experience near the Valentine’s wall on Level 1 next to Apple.

On Feb. 14, Operation Kindness will have adoptable puppies and kittens on hand for adoption at the shopping center. Adoption fees are $205 for dogs and $155 for cats and include spay or neuter before adoption, age-appropriate core vaccinations, microchip and more. Jett, the adorable puppy shown at left, was adopted from Operation Kindness during its holiday pop-up at Galleria Dallas this year.

With each adoption, you’ll receive a beautiful bouquet from Operation Kindness. Additionally, those who would like to support the organization but can’t adopt an animal at this time can purchase a nosegay for $20, with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit.

“Both our shoppers and our team at Galleria Dallas love having these adoptable animals in the center, and we’re proud to help Operation Kindness find loving homes for so many pets,” said Angie Freed, Galleria Dallas’ general manager.

“Especially during the winter, it’s critical that we find homes for as many animals in North Texas as possible," said Ed Jamison, CEO of Operation Kindness. “It means so much to work with Galleria Dallas to introduce our lovable animals to their new families.”

EVENT INFORMATION
What: Petals & Puppies
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14
Where: Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas
Info: galleriadallas.com/programs/events/petals-puppies

About Galleria Dallas
Galleria Dallas is an iconic shopping center with a unique collection of more than 200 retailers, restaurants and experiences including Nordstrom, Macy’s, the world’s only GAP, Banana Republic and Old Navy combo anchor, The Westin Galleria Dallas and the signature Galleria Ice Skating Center. Welcoming more than 12 million visitors annually, only Galleria Dallas delivers the consummate Dallas shopping experience. Visit galleriadallas.com for hours and to learn more about the shopping center. Galleria Dallas is owned by MetLife Investment Management, managed by Trademark Property Group, Inc. Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, Texas, 75240.
For Social Media: @GalleriaDallas #GalleriaDallas @galleriadallasiceskating #galleriadallasiceskating

About Operation Kindness
Operation Kindness, a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization, operates a lifesaving animal shelter and programs to assist people and pets. Founded in 1976, Operation Kindness is a pioneer in Texas for assisting animals in need of veterinary care, companionship and most of all, a home.
In addition to pet adoptions and lifesaving medical care, Operation Kindness’ programs provide foster care for vulnerable animals, behavior and training support for pet parents, affordable veterinary services for community pets, a pet food pantry and volunteer opportunities. To learn more about Operation Kindness, please visit their website at www.operationkindness.org.

PlainsCapital Bank hosted a grand opening event for its new Denton branch, marking a significant milestone after four years of service in the community.

Located at 513 W. Oak Street, the brand-new 4,000-square-foot branch welcomed local officials, community members, clients, and executives from PlainsCapital and its parent company, Hilltop Holdings. Guests enjoyed refreshments, toured the new space, and mingled with the Denton team. The celebration was enhanced by the presence of Mo the Buffalo, the Bank’s beloved live mascot, who greeted attendees at the entrance of the branch.

The Denton team is led by Branch President Ernie McGee and includes two commercial lenders, a commercial loan assistant, a branch manager, and two customer service representatives. After operating from temporary locations, the team is excited to establish a permanent home—a goal that has been in the works since the team’s inception four years ago.

“We are thrilled to open our Denton branch and deepen our commitment to this wonderful community,” said Jeremy Ford, Chairman and CEO of PlainsCapital Bank and President and CEO of Hilltop Holdings. “This new space reflects our dedication to providing outstanding service and building lasting relationships with our clients.”

 Satisfied Employees Celebrate 50 Years of Service Excellence in Dallas/Fort Worth

Berkeys Plumbing, A/C, & Electrical, the Texas-based home service leader, was proudly named among the esteemed Top Workplaces in Dallas-Fort Worth for 2024 by The Dallas Morning News and Medium Giant. The honor is predicated on an extensive employee survey that celebrates excellence in areas such as company leadership, compensation, training, workplace flexibility, diversity, and more.

“At Berkeys Plumbing, A/C, & Electrical, we are proud to be among the esteemed group of 2024 Top Workplaces D-FW winners,” said Bubba Thurman, President at Berkeys. “It’s amazing to work alongside people who make Berkeys a Top Place to Work every day. The satisfaction of our employees is a pillar for why we have been trusted by our customers and community for 50 years and counting.”

Since 1975, Berkeys has remained committed to providing top-tier plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services in North Texas. "I am deeply grateful for the dedication, hard work, and level of care from our employees that have enabled us to thrive and excel in this industry for five decades. This anniversary milestone reflects the trust and loyalty of thousands of valued customers and the dedication of the Berkeys outstanding team, past and present,” said Thurman.

In 2024, the 16th year for the Top Workplaces awards in D-FW, a record-breaking number of nearly 6,900 deserving companies were nominated and more than 127,000 employees were surveyed.

“Anyone in Human Resources will tell you that employees are any company’s greatest asset, said Dana Thomas, Director of HR, IT & Employee Services at Berkeys. “This award reflects that their dedication and hard work met with appreciation has positively impacted the quality and longevity of our organization. “

A Legacy of Excellence

Throughout the past five decades, Berkeys and its employees have stood by its founding principles, which include:

• Exceptional Customer Service: Offering prompt, professional, and friendly service that consistently exceeds expectations.
• Quality Craftsmanship: Delivering reliable and efficient solutions for all home comfort needs.
• Community Involvement: Actively supporting local organizations and initiatives to enhance the well-being of our neighbors.

Reliable and Comprehensive Services and Expertise

Berkeys stands out as a trusted provider of home services and has earned many awards and accreditation in its five decades including: Best in DFW People's Choice Award, the Consumer Choice Award, Southlake Style's Best of Award, Living Magazine's Best of Award, and Southlake Journal's Best of the Best Award. For multiple years, the company has been named one of Dallas Morning News' Top 100 Places to Work DFW and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 1997, underscoring a longstanding commitment to trustworthy business practices by achieving an A+ BBB rating, reflecting reliability and integrity.

Looking Ahead

As Berkeys celebrates this significant milestone, the company reaffirms its dedication to the principles that have defined its success. “We are excited to continue serving our customers with the same expertise and passion for excellence that has brought us to this point,” Thurman added. We know that our legacy of service excellence, accolades, and accreditation reinforces Berkeys’ position as a reliable choice for homeowners for many years to come.”

About Berkeys Plumbing, A/C, & Electrical

Texas-based Berkeys has been providing quality plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, and heating services to homeowners in the Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex since 1975. The company sells America’s top-rated brands of plumbing, AC repair, electrical, and heating equipment known for high efficiency, reliability, and serviceability; and it services all brands and makes of plumbing and air conditioning equipment. All Berkeys plumbers have passed rigorous state plumbing examinations and are licensed by the State of Texas; they understand the complexity of state plumbing codes all the way down to local requirements. Berkeys maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has led the field in area newspapers’ readers’ favorite polls. Berkeys is part of the Wrench Group, a national leader operating in 25 markets across 14 states to provide home repair, replacement and maintenance services specializing in heating, ventilation and air conditioning,

Editors: Please post in all the communities. Thank you.

Students, faculty, and staff kicked off Texas A&M University College of Dentistry’s 120^th anniversary celebration with a Sip and Celebrate party on Jan. 22. They sipped coffee and hot chocolate and ate churros.

The college opened Oct. 3, 1905, as State Dental College with 40 dental students. Total enrollment for 2024-25 is 580 dental students, graduate students, and dental hygiene students.