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For DFW families looking for affordable outings, creative date nights, or something new to explore with the kids, this lineup from The Historic Lancaster Theatre is a gift.

A North Texas Landmark, Reimagined

The building that now houses The Historic Lancaster Theatre has lived many lives — from an 1890s market to a hardware store, grocery store, and even a two‑story feed store. It was once the kind of small‑town theater where teens shared popcorn and maybe a first kiss in the balcony.

A tornado in 1994 nearly erased it, but decades later, owners Ken Arkwell and Ellen Clark stepped in with a vision: restore the space, honor its roots, and elevate it with state‑of‑the‑art design and technology. The City of Lancaster also stepped in with financial support for this project and the Historic Town Square.

Today, the theatre is intimate, beautifully crafted, and ready to welcome audiences back.

A Grand Re‑Opening Filled With Something for Everyone

The April–May programming is intentionally eclectic — a mix of live theater, music, comedy, film, magic, storytelling, dance, poetry, and family matinees. Think classic variety‑show energy meets modern creativity.

Here’s a look at the standout events:

April Highlights

Texas Comedies: Crash at Crush

Saturday, April 11 A musical comedy based on the unbelievable true story of a staged train crash in Crush, Texas. Expect quirky characters, circus energy, and Texas history with a wink.

Nelson Lugo: Deconstructing the Magician

Friday, April 24 & Saturday, April 25 Award‑winning magician and storyteller Nelson Lugo brings his acclaimed hybrid magic‑theater show to Texas for the first time. It’s heartfelt, funny, and perfect for a grown‑up night out.

May Kicks Off with a Film Lover’s Dream

Badass 70s Black Cinema Weekend

Friday, May 1 & Saturday, May 2 A double‑feature weekend celebrating iconic Black cinema — complete with contests, performances, and panels.

Friday:

  • Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970)
  • Sparkle (1976)
  • “Stylin’ Threads” costume contest + live girl‑group performances

Saturday:

  • Cleo Hearn Day celebration on the Square
  • Buck and the Preacher (1972)
  • The Mack (1973)
  • Filmmaker panel featuring top DFW African American creatives, including Snoop Robinson

This is a rare chance to see these classics on the big screen — and immerse yourself in the culture that shaped them.

Comedy, Country Queens & Community Spotlights

John Wildman’s Sketch This! Comedy Show

Friday, May 8 & Saturday, May 9 A brand‑new sketch comedy production created just for the Lancaster stage. Expect silly, smart, and delightfully unhinged sketches — from pillow‑fighting dramas to Hallmark‑meets‑Kung‑Fu chaos.

Shirley Carter’s Royal Women of Country

Friday, May 15 & Saturday, May 16 A powerhouse tribute to Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Linda Ronstadt, and Tammy Wynette. Carter’s deep musical roots (her family helped shape the Chuck Wagon Gang legacy) make this one a must‑see.

Showtime at The Historic Lancaster Theatre

Saturday, May 30 A local twist on the legendary Amateur Night at the Apollo — complete with live music, comedy, and a talent showdown. A perfect night to cheer on rising stars.

More Coming This Summer

Future shows already announced include:

  • Janie Fricke – June 20
  • Confetti Eddie’s 250th Anniversary Star‑Spangled Magic Show! – June 26–27
  • Michael Arrington’s Paul Lynde Show – September 18–19

Why This Matters?

The Historic Lancaster Theatre is more than a venue — it’s a community hub being reborn. It offers:

  • Affordable entertainment
  • Local culture without the long drive
  • Family‑friendly matinees
  • Grown‑up nights out that don’t break the budget
  • A chance to support local artists and small‑town revitalization

It’s the kind of place where you can make memories with your kids, reconnect with your creativity, or enjoy a well‑deserved night out.

Tickets & Info

Visit THLTvenue.com for tickets, schedules, and updates.

 

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Courtesy of the Meadows Museum, SMU

Step into the sights, sounds and savory flavors of Spain as the Meadows Museum, SMU, presents Celebrate Spain 2026 on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 7–8:30 p.m. Free and open to the public, the annual event invites guests to experience an evening of Spanish culture – from artmaking to a bustling mercado – all set against the backdrop of the museum’s nationally renowned collection of Spanish art.

This year’s event pays homage to Málaga and its vibrant heritage, shaped by over 1,000 years of history influenced by Phoenician, Roman, Arab, and Christian civilizations. It is also the birthplace of Bernardo de Gálvez who played a crucial role in the American Revolution by leading Spanish forces to key victories against the British. 

Celebrate Spain features a marketplace with artisan vendors, plus hands‑on art activities for all ages and authentic Spanish cuisine such as paella and tapas. Designed to spark curiosity and connection, the event offers a dynamic way to discover the character and artistic spirit of Spain.

Other highlights include the opportunity for visitors to explore the Meadows Museum’s latest exhibitions including Raimundo de Madrazo, Yáñez: Saint Sebastian Revealed and the third edition of Meadows/ARCO Artist Spotlight: Rubén Guerrero. Volunteer docents will be on hand to provide insights.

“Celebrate Spain brings the creativity and craftsmanship of Spain to life right here in Dallas, Texas,” said Amanda W. Dotseth, Linda P. and William A. Custard Director of the Meadows Museum and Centennial Chair in the Meadows School of Arts, SMU. “This year's event is inspired by the coastal culture of Málaga, birthplace of such notable Spaniards as, Bernardo Gálvez (for whom Galveston is named) and Pablo Picasso. This festive event offers a welcoming way to connect with Spain through its unique art and culture.”

Meadows Museum members receive early access beginning at 5 p.m., including a member‑exclusive concert by the Orchestra of New Spain, with Baroque and classical works by Spanish composers on period instruments. Members also enjoy early access to Spanish food and beverages, the mercado, and artmaking activities located throughout the museum.

Celebrate Spain is presented in partnership with National Tourism Office of Spain, with the support of Málaga Tourism Board, Ben E. Keith, and Dive Costal Cuisine. Mercado vendors will include Fabúla de Alegría, Español, la Lengua Amiga, Rare Freight, and Perillo Tours.

The Meadows Museum is located on the SMU campus at 5900 Bishop Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75205. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Thursday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Parking is free for museum visitors.

While the event is free, registration is required here. For more information, go to meadowsmuseumdallas.org/calendar.

About the Meadows Museum
The Meadows Museum is the leading U.S. institution focused on the study and presentation of the art of Spain. In 1962, Dallas businessman and philanthropist Algur H. Meadows donated his private collection of Spanish paintings, as well as funds to start a museum, to Southern Methodist University. The museum opened to the public in 1965, marking the first step in fulfilling Meadows’s vision to create “a small Prado for Texas.” Today, the Meadows is home to one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Spanish art outside of Spain. The collection spans from the 10th to the 21st centuries and includes medieval objects, Renaissance and Baroque sculptures, and major paintings by Golden Age and modern masters. For more information visit meadowsmuseumdallas.org.

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If you're in Dallas‑Fort Worth area with kids who love fast cars, loud engines, or anything that drifts, mark your calendar. FuelFest is rolling back into North Texas on Saturday, April 25, and it’s bringing a full day of high‑octane fun to Texas Motor Speedway.

This isn’t just a car show — it’s a full‑blown automotive festival blending celebrity appearances, live action, music, and family‑friendly entertainment. And yes, kids 12 and under get in free, which is always a win for single‑mom budgets.

What to Expect at FuelFest This Year

FuelFest has grown into a global automotive celebration, with shows from Tokyo to Los Angeles. Now in its eighth year, the Dallas‑Fort Worth stop promises to be one of the biggest yet.

Here’s what’s on deck:

  • 700+ custom, exotic, rare, and show‑stopping cars
  • Live drifting with pro drivers (and fan ride‑alongs if you’re feeling bold)
  • Fast & Furious stars Tyrese Gibson and Cody Walker making special appearances
  • A live concert on the SPARQ Festival Stage
  • Fitment Industries drift pits with open access so fans can get up close
  • Fast & Furious screen‑used movie cars
  • Interactive racing activities for all ages
  • C4 Energy Taste of Tokyo showcase, bringing a Japanese street‑meet vibe to Texas

And new this year? Lucha Libre Wrestling — high‑flying, masked, wildly entertaining, and guaranteed to be a kid favorite.

VIP Options for Those Who Want a Little Extra

If you’re craving a more elevated experience (or just want a comfy place to recharge between activities), FuelFest offers VIP access with:

  • A private lounge
  • Early admission
  • Premium viewing areas
  • Exclusive merch and swag
  • Auctions and special experiences

It’s a fun way to treat yourself while still keeping the day kid‑friendly.

A Festival With Heart

One of the most meaningful parts of FuelFest is its connection to Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW), the disaster‑relief nonprofit founded by the late Paul Walker. A portion of event proceeds supports their mission to deploy skilled volunteers to communities recovering from natural disasters.

To date, FuelFest has helped raise more than $750,000 for ROWW’s relief efforts across the U.S. and abroad. It’s a beautiful example of car culture giving back — something your readers will appreciate.

Event Details

Location: Texas Motor Speedway, 3545 Lone Star Cir, Fort Worth

Date: Saturday, April 25 ⏰ Time: 1 PM – 8 PM

Tickets: Start at $35; kids 12 and under are FREE

Info & registration: FuelFest.com

Why This Event Works for DFW Families?

FuelFest is one of those rare events that checks all the boxes:

  • Affordable
  • Kid‑friendly
  • High‑energy and outdoors
  • Something for every age
  • A chance to make memories without breaking the bank

Whether you’re raising a budding gearhead, looking for a fun weekend outing, or just want to experience something new, FuelFest brings a little Hollywood, a little horsepower, and a whole lot of joy to North Texas.

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If you’ve been browsing real estate listings lately and felt your jaw drop, you’re not alone.

Home prices across Texas have started to level out, but they are still sitting higher than what most people would call a great deal. And while we all love an upgrade, paying more for less space is not exactly the dream when you are trying to find your next home.

Here is the good news. You may not need to move at all to get the home you have been dreaming about.

Remodeling your current space can give you the lifestyle upgrade you want without bidding wars, packing boxes, or losing out to another offer at the last minute.

Let’s break down why remodeling might be one of the smartest financial and emotional decisions you can make this year.

Over the past few years, home prices across Texas have climbed significantly. Even with some recent cooling, buying a new home is still far more expensive than it was just a short time ago.

When you combine higher interest rates, limited inventory, and strong competition, it creates a challenging environment for buyers. A home that might have cost $450,000 a few years ago could now be closer to $600,000, often with fewer updates or less space.

That is not just frustrating. It can feel discouraging.

Buying vs. remodeling: where does your money go?

It is easy to assume moving is the best way to get what you want. But the hidden costs add up quickly:

  • Closing costs, often 3 to 6 percent of the purchase price

  • Real estate commissions

  • Moving expenses

  • Inspections and appraisals

  • Immediate repairs or updates in the new home

And that does not even account for the emotional side of leaving a home filled with memories.

With remodeling, those same dollars go directly into your own space. Instead of spending tens of thousands just to move, you can invest in a kitchen you love, a bathroom that feels like a retreat, or storage that actually works for your life.

When you buy a new home, there is almost always compromise. The layout may not flow quite right. The finishes may not match your style. You may find yourself planning renovations before you even unpack.

Remodeling flips that dynamic.

You choose the materials, the layout, and the details. You can create a kitchen that functions the way you cook, add storage where you need it, or design a space that truly reflects your style. It is about building a home that fits your life, not adjusting your life to fit the home.

Remodeling is not just about how your home looks and feels today. It can also be a smart long-term investment.

Updates like kitchen and bathroom renovations or opening up living spaces can increase your home’s value and appeal. If you decide to sell in the future, buyers are often drawn to homes that feel updated and move-in ready.

In a competitive market, that can make a meaningful difference.

Moving can be overwhelming. Between searching for the right home, handling paperwork, coordinating timelines, and physically relocating, it can quickly become exhausting.

Remodeling is still a process, but it is one you can manage with the right team. You get to stay in the neighborhood you love, keep your daily routines, and avoid the disruption that comes with starting over somewhere new.

Instead of leaving behind what works, you improve what does not.

When compared to today’s housing market and the cost of moving, remodeling is often the more cost-effective choice.

Spring is also bringing a fresh dose of creativity to Dallas with Spring into Color, hosted by NKBA Texas North Plains on April 15 at Kitchen Design Concepts. The event celebrates the role of color in design, bringing together industry professionals and enthusiasts for an evening of inspiration, networking, and trend exploration. Guests can expect expert insights, vibrant displays, and a chance to connect with others shaping the future of interiors in North Texas. Tickets are available through Eventbrite for those interested in attending.

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Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer (WOKC) is partnering with the V Foundation for Cancer Research as WOKC celebrates its 45th anniversary gala on Saturday, April 25 at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas. The V Foundation is matching $2 million of WOKC gala proceeds to co-fund a total of $4 million in game-changing pediatric cancer research grants.

 

WIPE OUT KIDS’ CANCER SECURES MAJOR COMMITMENT FOR PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH, UNLOCKING $4 MILLION IMPACT 

WOKC and the V Foundation for Cancer Research Partner to Eradicate Pediatric Cancer   

 

Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer (WOKC) is partnering with the V Foundation for Cancer Research as WOKC celebrates its 45th anniversary gala on Saturday, April 25 at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas. The V Foundation is matching $2 million of WOKC gala proceeds to co-fund a total of $4 million in game-changing pediatric cancer research grants. Remaining funds raised from the gala will support WOKC’s year-round programs, including its signature Buddy Bags and Warrior Family Program that provide activities and other much-needed support for kids with cancer and their families, many living under the poverty line. The partnership with the V Foundation underscores WOKC’s continued impact in the pediatric cancer space as the non-profit organization prepares for its gala with the rallying call of “Cancer Does NOT Define ME!” as its theme. 

The research commitment reflects what has set WOKC apart for 45 years: the organization supports children and families in the earliest, most overwhelming moments of a cancer diagnosis while also investing in innovative research that can change outcomes for future patients.

“This $2 million matching opportunity is powerful not only because of its co-funding strength, but because of what $4 million represents in research discoveries for children and families facing pediatric cancer,” said Cindy Brinker Simmons, founder of Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer. “WOKC has always provided comfort and hope for the entire family through its multiple support programs while also relentlessly helping advance research that can lead to better treatments and brighter futures. This match allows WOKC to make an even greater impact in the fight against childhood cancer.” 

“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to accelerating best-in-class research that drives real progress for children and their families battling cancer,” said Roger Ferguson, Chief Marketing Officer at the V Foundation. “We’re proud to work alongside WOKC to fund the most promising scientists on the frontlines of pediatric cancer research.” 

WOKC’s 45th Anniversary Gala will be held with Tatiana and Peter Cancro serving as Honorary Chairs. Peter Cancro is the founder of Jersey Mike’s Subs. Through the enormous generosity of the Cancro’s and Jersey Mike’s since 2010, WOKC has been the recipient of over $6 million from them to further its critical mission to eradicate pediatric cancer. 

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation funds game-changing cancer research grants in North America through a competitive process overseen by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because an endowment covers administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. The V Foundation has granted more than $107 million toward innovative childhood cancer research through the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. 

About WOKC

Founded in 1980, Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer offers comfort and hope to kids with cancer through support programs serving the entire family and funds innovative research leading to new discoveries and treatments in the fight against pediatric cancer. For more information on WOKC, follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or visit WOKC.org.

To learn more about WOKC’s 45th Anniversary Gala, visit wokc.org/gala.

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Courtesy of Your Lensman

A kaleidoscope of colors, flowers, music, dancing and more will transform Klyde Warren Park as the seventh-annual Festival of Joy returns Saturday, April 18, from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Inspired by a global Indian tradition now celebrated in cities around the world, the free family-friendly event kicks off with a vibrant parade and ceremonial chariot pull followed by a day of children’s activities and crafts, yoga, wellness activities, performances, face painting, henna and more. Presented by the popular East Dallas restaurant Kalachandji’s, the Festival of Joy will feature a free vegetarian feast at 5 p.m. and culminate with a soulful concert by returning headliner The Mayapuris at 7 p.m. as the sun sets in the heart of the city.

“Festival of Joy is rooted in tradition, but at its heart, it’s about bringing people together,” said Nityananda Das Adhikari of the Radha Kalachandji Temple. “Each year, thousands of North Texans come together to enjoy music, culture and great food. It’s a celebration where everyone is welcome and invited to take part.”

At 11 a.m., a welcome ceremony with dancing and drumming gets underway at Klyde Warren Park, followed by the “Great Chariot Pull Parade” at noon as hundreds of neighbors grab long ropes to pull a colorful, towering chariot through the Dallas Arts District. New this year, attendees can participate by waving vibrant silk “joy wands” to create a mesmerizing sea of color in what is being called the "Ribbon Wave."

After the procession returns at 1 p.m., guests can enjoy live stage entertainment, browse a bazaar with colorful attire and unique gifts, try on a sari or turban, and explore holistic and healthy living exhibits. From Ayurveda and yoga to traditional crafts, 360-degree photo booths, ask-a-monk sessions, mehndi (henna) and more, attendees can discover a range of rich cultural offerings. Throughout the day, families can enjoy arts and crafts, face painting and decorative gopi dots at the Kids Zone.

At the Street Foods corner, foodies can sample and savor popular Indian snacks such as samosas, masala dosa, channa bhatura and vada pav, along with sweet treats like jalebi and crowd-favorite vegan brownies. The free vegetarian feast offers visitors a taste of the famous Kalachandji’s with dishes such as vegetable pilaf, mixed bean curry, mixed vegetable curry, crispy fryums and a pineapple coconut halvah dessert.

At 7 p.m., The Mayapuris – a U.S.-based kirtan music group – take the stage for a high-energy concert blending Bhakti beats with uplifting global music. Having toured across six continents with big names like Moby and MC Yogi, the group brings an infectious energy whose soul-stirring melodies bring crowds onto their feet.

The Festival of Joy, also celebrated as Ratha Yatra or Festival of Chariots, has been observed annually for more than 3,000 years, making it the world’s longest-running street festival. It is held in cities across the U.S. and major cultural hubs worldwide, including New York City’s Fifth Avenue and London’s Piccadilly Circus.

Admission is free. Klyde Warren Park is located at 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy., Dallas. Paid parking is available in nearby lots. Ride sharing is recommended. For more information and the latest updates, go to festivalofjoydallas.org.

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The St. Jude Career Alliance, a faith-based ministry that offers hope, guidance, and practical tools for job seekers, will offer its next quarterly job search workshop on Saturday, April 18, 8:45 AM to 3:00 PM, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 North Greenville Avenue in Allen, TX  75002.  Titled Empowering Your Career Journey, One Step at a Time, this workshop reflects the post-Pandemic changes in the job search market while incorporating emerging technologies such as AI to refine parameters and identify new opportunities.

 

The Empowering Your Career Journey, One Step at a Time workshop will integrate interactive exercises such as S.T.A.R (Situation. Task. Action. Result.) stories, targeting specific companies, and crafting a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) to enable attendees to differentiate themselves from competitors. Attendees are encouraged to network during breaks and practice skills learned during the sessions.

This workshop is ideal for:

  • People who are unemployed and want an effective job search process.
  • People who want to get back into the job market after an extended career break.
  • People who are looking to do a career shift but are not sure just where to begin.
  •  People who are recent graduates and are looking to land their first job. 

 

Parties interested in participating in this job search workshop will need to register online and pay a $25 fee. The fee will cover the cost of a presentation booklet, as well as lunch, drinks, and snacks. Registered attendees also need to bring a printed copy of their resume to the workshop. In addition, they need to download the Free Version of ChatGPT, the AI chatbot for everyday use, on their cell phones. 

 

The link for Online Registration appears below:

https://osvhub.com/stjudeparish/forms/career-alliance-quarterly-workshop-04-18-26

 

This link connects to a registration form that includes a payment button. Registration forms cannot be submitted until payment is made.

 

The April 18 comprehensive job search workshop will take place in the Lecture Hall on the St. Jude parish campus. Participants should park in the northeast parking lot on Greenville Avenue, enter through the church office doors, and follow the signs inside to the Lecture Hall location. This event is open to all job seekers, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or age. Everyone is welcome!  

 

 The upcoming 2026 St. Jude Career job search workshops will be held:

  • 3Q2026 Saturday, August 1, 2026
  • 4Q2026 Saturday, October 17, 2026

 

For more information:

 

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Thanks to our amazing community for joining us at the DA Diamond Jubilee Gala, we raised over $150,000 in support of our school.  Through your support and incredible generosity, funds went towards tuition assistance and we were able to purchase exciting upgrades to our gym.

Our beautiful gym now features a state-of-the-art digital sound system with wireless microphones, Bluetooth, and echo-reducing technology, along with new fire-rated, moisture-resistant carpet tiles that protect the floor and improve acoustics.

These upgrades make our gym perfect for pep rallies, athletic announcements, camps, cheer events, student award ceremonies and future all-school gatherings like Bingo Night. Thank you to everyone who made these improvements possible for our school community!

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Dr. Howard Cooke will be providing free oral cancer screenings April 15 in Dallas.

In honor of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, two local oral surgery practices will offer free oral cancer screenings. They will be available:

  • April 15 from 2 to 5 pm at Metroplex Surgical Arts – 7988 W. Virginia Dr., Suite 200, Dallas, Texas, 75237
  • April 16 from 11 am to 1 pm at Oral Surgery Associates of North Texas (OSANT) – 540 W. Frontier Parkway, Suite 100, Prosper, Texas 75078.

To participate, arrive at either clinic during its designated date and times, and ask for a free cancer screening. The screenings are part of a joint partnership with the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of oral, head and neck cancer.

April is widely recognized as Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, a time to increase awareness of the condition, risk factors, statistics and screenings. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 60,480 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal (middle throat) cancer – with 13,150 deaths attributed to it – in 2026.

“The good news is oral cancer has a survival rate of 80-90% when diagnosed early, according to the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation. That’s why screenings like this are important,” said Howard F. Cooke, DMD, MS, MBA, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with Metroplex Surgical Arts. “For most patients, we recommend yearly screenings by a qualified healthcare professional as well as monthly self-exams.”

OSANT’s Phillip Newton, DDS, MD, also recommends yearly screenings and monthly self-examinations to most patients. For monthly self-examinations, he recommends using a bring light and mirror to look for anything out of the ordinary, such as lumps, swelling, bleeding, white or red patches, or sores that won’t heal.

“If you find anything out of the ordinary, get it checked out as soon as possible,” said Dr. Newton. “Don’t wait until you’re in pain because you might not feel pain during the initial stages.” 

According to the CDC, some additional symptoms to watch for include difficulty performing daily functions like breathing, speaking and chewing or swallowing food.

The American Cancer Society reports that the average age of people diagnosed with these cancers is 64 and that one in five cases occur in people younger than 55. Some risk factors to consider include smoking and alcohol use, genetic predisposition, nutrition, mouth/face injuries, oral hygiene and certain medical conditions/diseases.

Located in Dallas, Metroplex Surgical Arts is a full scope oral and maxillofacial surgery practice led by Dr. Cooke, who is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, the highest credential that can be obtained in the specialty, according to the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Dr. Newton is also a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He leads OSANT’s Prosper clinic. OSANT has locations in Dallas, Allen, Plano, Cedar Hill, Rowlett, McKinney and Prosper.

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TXWF High Tech Rising

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) has announced that High Tech Rising (formerly High Tech High Heels), a nonprofit incubated at Texas Women’s Foundation 25 years ago, will receive its Special Recognition Award at the upcoming 2026 Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration on April 29.

High Tech Rising is dedicated to achieving equitable representation for women in the STEM workforce, creating pathways for women to achieve economic, security, stability and success in alignment with TXWF’s mission.   

Karen Hughes White, Texas Women’s Foundation president and CEO, said, “We are so proud to celebrate High Tech Rising. What began as a quiet movement led by The Women of TI in 2001 has become a regional force for good, with more than $2 million awarded in scholarships and support for girls in STEM. High Tech Rising is building the next generation of leaders.”

Laura Steffek, president of High Tech Rising, said, “Texas Women’s Foundation’s Special Recognition Award is a powerful milestone as High Tech Rising embarks on our next chapter. Twenty-five years ago, we began as a small group of colleagues at Texas Instruments who saw a critical gap in the STEM pipeline and formed High-Tech High Heels to help solve it. Every young woman deserves the opportunity to pursue the STEM career of her choice, limited only by her talent, aspiration and willingness to do the work. Not all girls have that opportunity today. This award belongs to the pioneers who started this journey in 2001, the hundreds of board members and volunteers who have fueled our growth, and most importantly, the 89,000+ young women we have served.”

In addition to honoring High Tech Rising at the 2026 Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration, TXWF will honor seven outstanding women:

Five Maura “Women Helping Women” Award honorees:

And two Young Leader Award honorees:

Sponsorships, ticket packages and tickets are available for purchase: www.txwf.org/leadership. Forum information: https://txwf.org/join-us/events/lfac-event/lfac-award-leadership-forums/ 

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 “Economic Issues for Women in Texas Report” also 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.

About High Tech Rising:

Founded in 2001 by a group of women at Texas Instruments, High Tech Rising (formerly High Tech High Heels) is a volunteer-led non-profit dedicated to increasing the number of young women pursuing degrees and careers in STEM. Through strategic grants, partnerships, and volunteer engagement, High Tech Rising works to ensure that every young woman has the confidence to pursue a STEM career, limited only by her talents, efforts, and aspirations.

For more information, visit:hightechrising.org