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You don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve gotten away. For a weekend reset in the heart of the city, Sheraton Dallas offers an easy staycation with all the ingredients for a relaxing Dallas escape. Wake up ready to explore, or take your time easing into the day with Good Morning Dallas. Designed to start your morning on a bright, bubbly note, the in-room amenity includes a bottle of Mionetto Prosecco; orange, pineapple, and cranberry juices; and a selection of fresh fruit.

When you’re ready to venture out, Sheraton Dallas’ downtown location puts you close to some of the city’s best dining, entertainment, shopping, and attractions, with a DART station conveniently located across the street. Spend the day wandering through the acclaimed Arts District, catching a game at the American Airlines Center, or watching a dazzling performance at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra before returning to the hotel for a relaxing evening. No packing a suitcase for the airport, no long drive, and no complicated itinerary. Just a little time away, right here in Dallas.

Sheraton Dallas is located at 400 North Olive Street, Dallas, Texas 75201. For more information about the hotel or to book a stay, visit www.SheratonDallas.com.

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On Wednesday, September 30, from 5:30 to 6 p.m., Fairmont Dallas invites Dallasites to move with purpose at Move for Wishes, a special Pilates experience benefiting Make-A-Wish® in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Led by instructor Lisa Torres, the evening will bring together movement, wellness, and community in support of granting wishes for children with critical illnesses.

For a $35 donation, guests will enjoy an invigorating, beginner-friendly guided Pilates class in the historic Venetian Room, along with refreshing mocktails and wellness drinks, cold towels, and a welcoming atmosphere to unwind and connect. Yoga mats will be provided, and guests are welcome to bring their own.

Proof of the $35 donation will be required to participate. 100% of proceeds will be donated to Make-A-Wish America. To donate, visit the website here.

Fairmont Dallas is located at 1717 N Akard St.

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North Texans looking to get an early start on the holiday season will have a new reason to head to Plano this weekend.

Madisonville Christmas Company is celebrating the grand opening of its new Plano pop-up shop on Saturday, September 26, bringing a full day of Christmas shopping, family activities and seasonal fun to 5801 Preston Road.

The celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Santa stopping by from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for photos. The first 100 shoppers will also receive a free gift with purchase, and guests can enjoy complimentary samples of new treats and fresh popcorn throughout the day.

For shoppers who like to make holiday decorating an experience rather than just another errand, the store offers plenty to browse, from Christmas décor and gifts to inspiration for creating a more personalized holiday look at home. Madisonville Christmas Company also offers custom design services, giving customers the chance to get help pulling together everything from a tree to a full seasonal display.

The Plano pop-up is the family-owned retailer’s first physical location in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and will remain open through Christmas.

With Santa, shopping and plenty of holiday atmosphere, Saturday’s grand opening offers an easy excuse to start celebrating Christmas a little early.

Patricia Chi
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It was a busy week for Coppell Cross Country, with the Cowboys and Cowgirls competing at two different meets. A group of 28 runners headed to North Lakes Park in Denton Thursday for the Ray Braswell Invitational, while Coppell’s Varsity teams traveled to Round Rock Saturday for the HOKA/McNeil Invitational.

The two meets offered different opportunities for the team. At Braswell, runners returned to a familiar course and were able to see how much they had improved in just two weeks. At McNeil, Coppell’s Varsity runners gained valuable experience competing on the state course and traveling the day before a race.

Ray Braswell Invitational

Coppell returned to the same North Lakes Park course the team raced at during the Marcus Invitational two weeks earlier, making Thursday’s results a good measure of progress.

Almost every Coppell runner improved from their previous time on the course, and 16 of the 28 athletes recorded personal-best times.

“We took a handful of athletes to the Ray Braswell Invitational on Thursday,” Coach Wren said. “Almost every runner improved their time from their previous time on the same course. Out of the 28 kids that competed, 16 of them ran their personal best times.”

Varsity Boys — 9th Place Overall

Colten Karstendiek led Coppell with a 68th-place finish in 17:44, more than 40 seconds faster than his previous best on the course. Baron Schott and Jake Terry also ran well, helping the Cowboys finish 9th out of 25 teams.

JV Girls — 20th Place Overall

Sehbin Lee and Prajakta Mandal led the JV Girls.

  • Sehbin Lee — 64th, 24:14
  • Prajakta Mandal — 80th, 24:48

JV Boys — 10th Place Overall

The JV Boys finished 10th out of 31 teams in a field of 409 runners.

Top Performers:

  • Austin Shelby — 24th, 18:39
  • Vihaan Chodisetti — 49th, 19:18
  • Mahim Sharma — 93rd, 20:08
  • Brayden Westfall — 107th, 20:16
  • Shourya Bingi — 110th, 20:21

Thirteen of Coppell’s JV boys ran their best times of the year.

 

HOKA/McNeil Invitational

Saturday brought a different experience as Coppell’s Varsity runners competed at the HOKA/McNeil Invitational in Round Rock. Racing on the state course gave the athletes a chance to learn the course while also experiencing what it is like to travel and race the following day.

“We enjoyed having the opportunity to run on the state course,” Coach Wren said. “The course was in great shape. It's important for our kids to not only learn as much as they can about the course, but to experience what it is like to travel and have to race the next day.”

Coach Wren said that experience could also help prepare the team for the regional meet in Lubbock.

Varsity Girls GOLD — 23rd Place Overall

The Varsity Girls GOLD finished 23rd in a talented field. Finleigh Sanders, Mirabelle Sagel, Angie Nguyen and Rachel Stumm led the Cowgirls, with all four racing the course for the first time.

Mirabelle and Angie both recorded personal bests, while Finleigh ran her best race of the season.

“We continue to move in the right direction,” Coach Wren said.

Varsity Boys GOLD — 26th Place Overall

The Varsity Boys GOLD finished 26th, with Tanish Neelapu and Itsuki Pena leading the team after Sid Kerthipati was unable to finish the race.

“We didn't run as well as we were hoping but feel like we gained valuable experience,” Coach Wren said. “I'm confident that the boys will rebound next week and run well at Nike South.”

Varsity Girls SILVER — 23rd Place Overall

The Varsity Girls SILVER finished 23rd and were led by Sabrina Wright. Adeline Mendola and Mackenzie Flournoy both ran their best races of the year.

“I'm proud of the effort all of these girls showed,” Coach Wren said.

Varsity Boys SILVER — 22nd Place Overall

The Varsity Boys SILVER finished 22nd, with Isaiah Assefa placing 64th out of 226 runners. Vihaan Sharma also performed well.

With a few Varsity spots still available, Coach Wren said the competition within the boys team continues.

“There are a couple of Varsity spots still up for grabs and it's good that the boys are battling it out,” Coach Wren said. “Next week is a huge week to help determine who is going to grab those final spots.”

Looking Ahead

Coppell will be back on the road next week, traveling to College Station for the Nike South Invitational.

“I expect for the kids to have a good week of work and run really well next weekend,” Coach Wren said.

With personal bests in Denton and valuable experience on the state course in Round Rock, Coppell wrapped up a busy week with plenty to build on as the season continues.

We’re proud of their efforts, and we’ll keep pushing forward until the next race!

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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Make the most of the Texas-OU showdown with Rivalry Weekend, Elevated at Sheraton Dallas. Located in the heart of downtown, the hotel is the perfect home base for fans looking to turn game day into a full weekend of football, food, drinks, and friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition. With a special weekend rate that includes a 2 p.m. late checkout, fans can sleep off the game-day excitement and enjoy a little extra time in Dallas before heading home.

Before the big matchup, get in the competitive spirit at Draft Sports Bar & Lounge, where flatscreens keep you close to the action, local ice-cold brews are on tap, and chef-curated bar bites are piping hot and fresh. When you’re ready to venture beyond the hotel, explore downtown Dallas, Deep Ellum, the Arts District, and the city’s many restaurants and attractions, all easily accessible from Sheraton Dallas.

Grab your burnt orange or crimson, round up your fellow fans, and get ready for a rivalry weekend filled with big plays, bigger bragging rights, and plenty of reasons to celebrate.

Sheraton Dallas Hotel is located at 400 North Olive Street, Dallas, Texas 75201. For more information or to book a stay, visit www.SheratonDallas.com. To learn more about private events, contact the sales team at DALDHOutletmanagers@marriott.com or call 469-371-1486.

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New to Tennis Program Kicks Off October 12 

Looking for a new way to move, meet people, and carve out time that's just for you? Southlake Tennis Center's New to Tennis program returns October 12, and it's built with women like you in mind — especially moms who have their days free while the kids are at school. 

Tennis has been called the world's healthiest sport, and it's easy to see why. It builds strength, balance, and stamina, all while sharpening focus and relieving stress. But ask anyone in STC's New to Tennis program what keeps them coming back, and you'll likely hear the same two words: fitness and friendship. 

A Class Built for Beginners — and Your Schedule 

You don't need experience, and you don't need to own a racquet collection to get started. New to Tennis is designed from the ground up for adults who are picking up the sport for the first time. Each level is an 8-week class that builds your skills week by week, using smaller courts and beginner-friendly equipment that make learning approachable, not intimidating. 

Priced at $220, the classes run October 12 through December 13, and include a racquet: 

  • Tuesdays, 12:00 - 1:30 PM 

  • Thursdays, 12:00 - 1:30 PM 

  • Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 PM 

  • Saturdays, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM 

Whether you'd rather make it a midweek midday escape or save your court time for the weekend, there's a class that fits. Sign up solo and you'll be welcomed into a class full of fellow beginners — or grab three friends and fill a class of four together, so your first swing on the court comes with familiar faces already cheering you on. All daytime classes are taught indoors, and the Thursday evening class is taught outdoors. Certified PTR teaching professionals lead every class, so you're learning proper techniques from day one in an encouraging, supportive environment. 

More Than a Workout 

What makes New to Tennis different is the community that comes with it. You'll learn alongside other beginners who are in the exact same spot you are — a little nervous, a lot excited, and ready to try something new. Coached match play lets you apply what you've learned in real points, building confidence on the court while building friendships off it. Many players say the class becomes the highlight of their week, and it's easy to understand why: a couple of hours of movement, laughter, and connection, all before pickup time. 

Know a friend who's been curious about tennis but hasn't tried it yet? Refer her to New to Tennis, and once she joins, you'll receive a Pro Shop gift card as a thank-you. 

This fall, give yourself permission to try something for you. Sign up for New to Tennis and Get Better Here. For more information and to register, visit www.southlaketennis.com/new-to-tennis or call 817-421-5605. 

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Journey Exhibition Alan Halliburton, Vanita Halliburton Briley, Kevin Hall, and Amy McCloskey

Grant Halliburton Foundation welcomed 175 guests Sept. 10 to the opening reception for Journey: The Art and Legacy of Grant Halliburton at Center for BrainHealth, part of The University of Texas at Dallas.

The exhibition is now open to the public at no cost through Sept. 25. It is presented in partnership with Center for BrainHealth and curated in collaboration with Business Council for the Arts (BCA).

Held on World Suicide Prevention Day and during National Suicide Prevention Month, the reception brought together Foundation supporters, community leaders, mental health advocates and partners to experience Grant’s creative work and reflect on the mission that grew from his life.

Laura Bloom Gordon, chief marketing officer of Center for BrainHealth, welcomed guests and spoke about the organizations’ longstanding partnership.

“Our partnership with Grant Halliburton Foundation reflects a shared commitment to helping people build stronger, healthier minds and lives,” Gordon said.

During the program, Council Member Laura Cadena presented a Special Recognition from the City of Dallas, signed by Mayor Eric Johnson, honoring the Foundation’s 20th anniversary and its commitment to helping the community recognize and respond proactively to mental health challenges.

Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, thanked the city and reflected on the Foundation’s work during the past two decades. He also spoke about Grant’s drawing Friends, which depicts one young man reaching toward another lying in a quiet neighborhood street.

“For 20 years, we’ve brought mental health education into schools and communities, equipped adults to recognize warning signs and respond with care, and helped families find support,” Hall said. “At its heart, our work is about helping people who are struggling feel noticed and heard and find the help they need.”

Amy McCloskey, a Foundation co-founder and Grant’s sister, collaborated closely with BCA throughout the curation process, contributing a personal understanding of Grant and his work.

“Grant’s life was far too short, but his legacy has extended far beyond his 19 years. Twenty years later, his art is still giving us a way to tell his story—and the Foundation built in his name is still giving people hope.”

Journey features more than 50 of Grant’s original paintings, charcoal works, drawings, and sketches, along with selections from his personal writings and poetry. A Listening Lounge features music Grant wrote and recorded with his high school bandmates.

The exhibition spans three floors of Center for BrainHealth’s Brain Performance Institute building. A first-floor preview introduces visitors to Grant and the Foundation. Most of the artwork and accompanying elements are displayed on the second and third floors.

The exhibition begins with Grant as a young artist, continues through the Foundation’s history and impact, and concludes by asking visitors to consider how they can help carry the work forward.

Since 2006, Grant Halliburton Foundation has reached more than 375,000 students, educators, parents, and professionals through mental health education, suicide prevention training and community resources.

For personalized guidance finding mental health and substance-use providers and resources, call the Foundation’s free Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line at 972-525-8181, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Navigation Line is not a crisis service.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line volunteer. Both services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Visit Journey: The Art and Legacy of Grant Halliburton

Sept. 8-25
Center for BrainHealth
2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas

The exhibition is open Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. Appointments are available on other weekdays by calling Center for BrainHealth at 972-883-3400. The exhibition is closed Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free. Learn more at granthalliburton.org/journey.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

• September 24 | 6–9 p.m.

The Art of Connection: Creativity, Mental Wellness and Brain Health
A Young Professionals Event presented by GHF YP and Think Tank

Center for BrainHealth, 2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas

Grant Halliburton Foundation Young Professionals and Think Tank, Center for BrainHealth’s young professionals group, are partnering to present an evening for guests in their 20s, 30s and 40s. The event will feature networking, a private viewing of the Journey exhibition and a panel including artists and mental health and brain health experts exploring the connections among creativity, mental wellness and brain health.
Register at centerforbrainhealth.org/events.

• September 1–27 | Galleria Dallas
Galleria Dallas Mural: “The Art of Hope: Celebrating 20 Years of Grant Halliburton Foundation”

Created for Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 20th anniversary and National Suicide Prevention Month, this public mural explores how hope grows when a community shows up. Featuring a preview of Grant’s artwork, suicide prevention steps, mental health resources and September events, the installation invites visitors to learn more about the Foundation, discover how to support someone in crisis, find help and explore Journey. The mural is located on Level 1 at the south end of Galleria Dallas near Sephora.

About Grant Halliburton Foundation

Grant Halliburton Foundation is a Dallas-based nonprofit established in 2006 in memory of Grant Halliburton, who lived with depression and bipolar disorder and died by suicide at age 19. The Foundation works to strengthen the network of mental health resources for children, teens and young adults; promote better mental health; and prevent suicide. Through education, resources and support, it equips students, educators, parents and professionals to recognize signs of distress, respond appropriately and connect young people with help. Since its founding, the Foundation has reached more than 375,000 people across North Texas. Its Here For Texas program offers two free resources: HereForTexas.com, a searchable database of mental health providers and resources, and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line, which provides personalized assistance finding care. Learn more at GrantHalliburton.org.

About Center for BrainHealth

Center for BrainHealth®, part of The University of Texas at Dallas, is a nonprofit translational research institute committed to enhancing, preserving, and restoring brain health across the lifespan. Major research areas include the use of functional and structural neuroimaging techniques to better understand the neurobiology supporting the continual growth of cognition, well-being and social connections in health and disease. This leading-edge scientific exploration is translated quickly into practical innovations to improve how people think, work and live, empowering people of all ages to thrive and unlock their brain potential. Translational innovations leverage 1) the BrainHealth Index, a proprietary measure that uniquely charts one's upward (or downward) brain health trajectory whatever their starting level; and 2) Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Tactics (SMART™) brain health training, a strategy-based toolkit developed and tested by BrainHealth researchers and other teams over three decades. The center's landmark longitudinal study, The BrainHealth Project, launched in 2020 with the goal of identifying actionable strategies for optimizing brain health throughout life, uncovering the dynamic relationship between lifestyle factors, biological markers, brain training and cognitive performance. It is co-led by Dr. Sandi Chapman, Dr. Mark D'Esposito, Dr. Geoff Ling, Dr. Ian Robertson, Dr. Vince Calhoun and Tom Leppert, with Georgeann and Adm. William McRaven (ret.) serving as national spokespersons.

About Business Council for the Arts

Since its founding in 1988 by Raymond Nasher as a Dallas Citizens Council initiative, the Business Council for the Arts (BCA) has championed the integration of arts and business across North Texas. Today, under the leadership of Founder’s Chair Nancy Nasher, Board Chair Joel Austin, and CEO Stacie Adams, BCA serves a network of more than 150 organizations committed to strengthening workplaces, classrooms, and communities through the arts. BCA’s programming spans creative workforce development, community engagement, and leadership cultivation. Signature initiatives include On My Own Time™, Art at Work, and the Leadership Arts Institute, alongside committee-driven efforts focused on Arts & Health, Arts & Real Estate, and Arts & Technology. To learn more, visit www.ntbca.org.

 


 

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Journey Exhibition Alan Halliburton, Vanita Halliburton Briley, Kevin Hall, and Amy McCloskey

Grant Halliburton Foundation welcomed 175 guests Sept. 10 to the opening reception for Journey: The Art and Legacy of Grant Halliburton at Center for BrainHealth, part of The University of Texas at Dallas.

The exhibition is now open to the public at no cost through Sept. 25. It is presented in partnership with Center for BrainHealth and curated in collaboration with Business Council for the Arts (BCA).

Held on World Suicide Prevention Day and during National Suicide Prevention Month, the reception brought together Foundation supporters, community leaders, mental health advocates and partners to experience Grant’s creative work and reflect on the mission that grew from his life.

Laura Bloom Gordon, chief marketing officer of Center for BrainHealth, welcomed guests and spoke about the organizations’ longstanding partnership.

“Our partnership with Grant Halliburton Foundation reflects a shared commitment to helping people build stronger, healthier minds and lives,” Gordon said.

During the program, Council Member Laura Cadena presented a Special Recognition from the City of Dallas, signed by Mayor Eric Johnson, honoring the Foundation’s 20th anniversary and its commitment to helping the community recognize and respond proactively to mental health challenges.

Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, thanked the city and reflected on the Foundation’s work during the past two decades. He also spoke about Grant’s drawing Friends, which depicts one young man reaching toward another lying in a quiet neighborhood street.

“For 20 years, we’ve brought mental health education into schools and communities, equipped adults to recognize warning signs and respond with care, and helped families find support,” Hall said. “At its heart, our work is about helping people who are struggling feel noticed and heard and find the help they need.”

Amy McCloskey, a Foundation co-founder and Grant’s sister, collaborated closely with BCA throughout the curation process, contributing a personal understanding of Grant and his work.

“Grant’s life was far too short, but his legacy has extended far beyond his 19 years. Twenty years later, his art is still giving us a way to tell his story—and the Foundation built in his name is still giving people hope.”

Journey features more than 50 of Grant’s original paintings, charcoal works, drawings, and sketches, along with selections from his personal writings and poetry. A Listening Lounge features music Grant wrote and recorded with his high school bandmates.

The exhibition spans three floors of Center for BrainHealth’s Brain Performance Institute building. A first-floor preview introduces visitors to Grant and the Foundation. Most of the artwork and accompanying elements are displayed on the second and third floors.

The exhibition begins with Grant as a young artist, continues through the Foundation’s history and impact, and concludes by asking visitors to consider how they can help carry the work forward.

Since 2006, Grant Halliburton Foundation has reached more than 375,000 students, educators, parents, and professionals through mental health education, suicide prevention training and community resources.

For personalized guidance finding mental health and substance-use providers and resources, call the Foundation’s free Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line at 972-525-8181, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Navigation Line is not a crisis service.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line volunteer. Both services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Visit Journey: The Art and Legacy of Grant Halliburton

Sept. 8-25
Center for BrainHealth
2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas

The exhibition is open Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. Appointments are available on other weekdays by calling Center for BrainHealth at 972-883-3400. The exhibition is closed Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free. Learn more at granthalliburton.org/journey.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

• September 24 | 6–9 p.m.

The Art of Connection: Creativity, Mental Wellness and Brain Health
A Young Professionals Event presented by GHF YP and Think Tank

Center for BrainHealth, 2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas

Grant Halliburton Foundation Young Professionals and Think Tank, Center for BrainHealth’s young professionals group, are partnering to present an evening for guests in their 20s, 30s and 40s. The event will feature networking, a private viewing of the Journey exhibition and a panel including artists and mental health and brain health experts exploring the connections among creativity, mental wellness and brain health.
Register at centerforbrainhealth.org/events.

• September 1–27 | Galleria Dallas
Galleria Dallas Mural: “The Art of Hope: Celebrating 20 Years of Grant Halliburton Foundation”

Created for Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 20th anniversary and National Suicide Prevention Month, this public mural explores how hope grows when a community shows up. Featuring a preview of Grant’s artwork, suicide prevention steps, mental health resources and September events, the installation invites visitors to learn more about the Foundation, discover how to support someone in crisis, find help and explore Journey. The mural is located on Level 1 at the south end of Galleria Dallas near Sephora.

About Grant Halliburton Foundation

Grant Halliburton Foundation is a Dallas-based nonprofit established in 2006 in memory of Grant Halliburton, who lived with depression and bipolar disorder and died by suicide at age 19. The Foundation works to strengthen the network of mental health resources for children, teens and young adults; promote better mental health; and prevent suicide. Through education, resources and support, it equips students, educators, parents and professionals to recognize signs of distress, respond appropriately and connect young people with help. Since its founding, the Foundation has reached more than 375,000 people across North Texas. Its Here For Texas program offers two free resources: HereForTexas.com, a searchable database of mental health providers and resources, and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line, which provides personalized assistance finding care. Learn more at GrantHalliburton.org.

About Center for BrainHealth

Center for BrainHealth®, part of The University of Texas at Dallas, is a nonprofit translational research institute committed to enhancing, preserving, and restoring brain health across the lifespan. Major research areas include the use of functional and structural neuroimaging techniques to better understand the neurobiology supporting the continual growth of cognition, well-being and social connections in health and disease. This leading-edge scientific exploration is translated quickly into practical innovations to improve how people think, work and live, empowering people of all ages to thrive and unlock their brain potential. Translational innovations leverage 1) the BrainHealth Index, a proprietary measure that uniquely charts one's upward (or downward) brain health trajectory whatever their starting level; and 2) Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Tactics (SMART™) brain health training, a strategy-based toolkit developed and tested by BrainHealth researchers and other teams over three decades. The center's landmark longitudinal study, The BrainHealth Project, launched in 2020 with the goal of identifying actionable strategies for optimizing brain health throughout life, uncovering the dynamic relationship between lifestyle factors, biological markers, brain training and cognitive performance. It is co-led by Dr. Sandi Chapman, Dr. Mark D'Esposito, Dr. Geoff Ling, Dr. Ian Robertson, Dr. Vince Calhoun and Tom Leppert, with Georgeann and Adm. William McRaven (ret.) serving as national spokespersons.

About Business Council for the Arts

Since its founding in 1988 by Raymond Nasher as a Dallas Citizens Council initiative, the Business Council for the Arts (BCA) has championed the integration of arts and business across North Texas. Today, under the leadership of Founder’s Chair Nancy Nasher, Board Chair Joel Austin, and CEO Stacie Adams, BCA serves a network of more than 150 organizations committed to strengthening workplaces, classrooms, and communities through the arts. BCA’s programming spans creative workforce development, community engagement, and leadership cultivation. Signature initiatives include On My Own Time™, Art at Work, and the Leadership Arts Institute, alongside committee-driven efforts focused on Arts & Health, Arts & Real Estate, and Arts & Technology. To learn more, visit www.ntbca.org.

 


 

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On Friday, October 30, from 7 to 9 p.m., Sheraton Dallas is hosting A Party to Die For, an immersive, one-night-only murder mystery experience in the hotel’s speakeasy-inspired lounge, The Parlor.

Guests will be transported into a thrilling evening of intrigue, deception, and unexpected twists. Mingle with masked suspects, gather clues, question characters, and work alongside fellow attendees to piece together the evidence and determine whodunit before the final reveal! The event offers an intimate alternative to Dallas’ traditional Halloween parties.

And because no good mystery comes without a surprise, one lucky guest will also receive two complimentary tickets to an upcoming Mixology Monday experience of their choosing at Sheraton Dallas.

Reservations are required and can be booked on the website. Doors open at 6:30 p.m, and the investigation begins promptly at 7 p.m. Prices start at $60. Each ticket includes a guided murder mystery experience, chef-curated hors d’oeuvres and desserts, Venetian-inspired masquerade masks, and complimentary self-parking. Costumes are strongly encouraged for those who want to fully embrace the mystery. 21+ only.

The Parlor is located at Sheraton Dallas (400 N. Olive Street).

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Soulman's Bar-B-Que, the family-owned Texas barbecue institution that has served legendary slow-smoked barbecue since 1974, expanded its East Texas footprint with the opening of its newest restaurant at 938 W. Main Street, Gun Barrel City, TX 75156. The community is invited to celebrate the Grand Opening on Saturday, September 26, featuring family-friendly activities, giveaways, and Soulman's signature Rib Eating Contest. Guests can enjoy a full afternoon of celebration featuring prizes, giveaways, exclusive food specials and the always-popular Rib Eating Contest, where local competitors will battle for barbecue bragging rights.

The opening also delivers on expansion plans that drew statewide attention earlier this year, when MySA described Soulman’s as a “North Texas BBQ empire” in its coverage of the planned Gun Barrel City restaurant. The description reflects a brand that has grown from a single Pleasant Grove restaurant in 1974 into a multi-location North and East Texas barbecue institution while remaining family-owned and focused on its original recipes, hospitality and value

"For more than 50 years, Soulman's has believed that great barbecue has a way of bringing people together," said Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman's Bar-B-Que. "That's why we're excited to join the Gun Barrel City community. We look forward to serving authentic Texas barbecue, welcoming our neighbors like family, and creating a place where memories are made around the table."

Grand Opening Celebration Details:

  • Date: Saturday, September 26
  • Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Location: 938 W. Main Street, Gun Barrel City, TX 75156
  • Festivities Include:
    • Soulman's famous Rib Eating Contest
    • Prizes and giveaways
    • Soulman's merchandise
    • Special food offers
    • Family-friendly activities

The new Gun Barrel City restaurant brings Soulman's award-winning menu to residents throughout the Cedar Creek Lake area, featuring slow-smoked brisket, ribs, sausage, pulled pork, turkey and chicken, alongside the restaurant's beloved homemade sides and famous banana pudding.

That reputation has earned Soulman’s recognition well beyond its home communities. In recent years, the brand has been named among the Best Regional Barbecue Chains to Try at Least Once (2025), Best Roadside Restaurants in America (2024) and Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2024). Across its restaurants, Soulman’s also continues to emphasize the fundamentals behind those honors—great food, attentive service and a welcoming guest experience—while its 2026 company awards recognized individual locations for Best Food, Best Customer Service, cleanliness and operational excellence.

"Opening a new Soulman's is about more than serving great barbecue—it's about being part of the community," said General Manager Erik Rasmussen. "We can't wait to welcome our neighbors, get to know the families who walk through our doors, and build the kind of place where everyone feels at home around the table."

The Gun Barrel City location continues Soulman's steady growth across North and East Texas while remaining committed to the quality, hospitality and family values that have defined the brand for more than five decades.

 

About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que

For more than 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.  With a focus on Faith, Food, and Family, Soulman’s passed-down 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 Regional Barbecue Chains to Try at Least Once (2025), 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, 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 https://www.soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.

 

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