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DALLAS PULSE LAUNCHES INAUGURAL MAJOR LEAGUE VOLLEYBALL SEASON WITH TICKETS

NOW AVAILABLE FOR HOME GAMES AT COMERICA CENTER

 

A new chapter in North Texas sports begins as Dallas PULSE opens ticket sales for its inaugural season. The professional women’s volleyball team will hit the court for 14 home matches at Comerica Center in Frisco, including the franchise’s historic home opener on Saturday, January 10 against Indy Ignite.

Throughout the inaugural season, fans will experience world-class athletes, explosive rallies, and the unmatched intensity of professional volleyball, a sport surging in popularity across the U.S. Every point counts as teams battle through a fast-paced, best-of-five format that will deliver excitement from the first serve to the final point.

“The atmosphere at a professional volleyball match is unlike anything else, it’s fast, it’s loud, and it pulls you in,” said Dallas PULSE CEO & President Grady Raskin. “Fans will experience the intensity up close this season at Comerica Center as Dallas PULSE makes history, ushering in a new era of professional women’s sports in North Texas.”

Dallas PULSE will host 14 home matches at Comerica Center, giving fans plenty of opportunities to catch the action live and cheer on their new favorite team:

Home matches include:

·       Sat, Jan. 10 – Indianapolis 

·       Thu, Jan. 15 – San Diego

·       Thu, Feb. 5 – Omaha

·       Sun, Feb. 8 – Grand Rapids

·       Thu, Feb. 19 – Indianapolis

·       Sun, Feb. 22 – Grand Rapids

·       Fri, Feb. 27 – Orlando

·       Fri, Mar. 13 – Columbus

·       Sun, Mar. 15 – Atlanta

·       Sat, Mar. 21 – San Diego

·       Thu, Mar. 26 – Atlanta

·       Fri, Apr. 17 – Columbus

·       Fri, May 1 – Omaha

·       Sun, May 3 – Orlando

Season and single-game tickets are available on the Dallas PULSE website for all home games at Comerica Center in Frisco. From stocking stuffers to Secret Santa surprises, Dallas PULSE tickets are the perfect gift for any sports fan.

Fans can grab official Dallas PULSE merchandise at dallasPULSEvb.com to be ready for the inaugural season. 

ABOUT DALLAS PULSE

The Dallas PULSE is North Texas’ first women’s professional volleyball team, competing in Major League Volleyball’s 2026 season. Based at Comerica Center in Frisco, Dallas PULSE echoes the energy, and heart of Dallas-Fort Worth – home to one of the nation’s largest and most passionate volleyball communities. For more information about the team, visit Dallas PULSE or follow the team on social media channels at @DallasPULSEVB for schedule updates, roster announcements, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

ABOUT MLV

Major League Volleyball, entering its third season, is the longest-running formal professional volleyball league for women in the United States. Designed to elevate the sport through world class competition, commercial innovation, and cultural relevance, MLV brings together elite athletes, visionary leadership, and global ambition. With alignment to USA Volleyball and a commitment to Olympic development, MLV serves as the premier pathway from professional play to the world stage. 

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Kitchen Design Concepts

As the holidays settle in and another year comes to a close, a lot of homeowners find themselves daydreaming about what they might finally tackle after the decorations come down. A new kitchen. An updated bathroom. Maybe even a whole-home refresh. And almost inevitably, one practical question rises to the top: Can we actually live here while this is happening?

The answer, like most things with remodeling, is that it depends.

Life During a Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is where the day begins and ends. It is where coffee is brewed on sleepy mornings, where backpacks are dropped after school, and where friends seem to gather no matter how large the house. When that space goes offline during a remodel, daily routines feel the change immediately.

For many families, staying home through a kitchen renovation is still very doable with a little planning and flexibility. It usually means getting creative with meals, leaning on convenience foods, and setting up a temporary cooking space elsewhere in the house. A spare bedroom or laundry room can quickly turn into a makeshift kitchen with the basics: a microwave, countertop cooktop, or toaster oven. It’s not glamorous, but it keeps everyone fed and sane until the real kitchen is ready again.

Stocking the freezer ahead of time, using small appliances like air fryers or slow cookers, and keeping expectations realistic all help bridge the gap. It is a season of simple meals and a reminder that the disruption is temporary, even if it doesn’t always feel that way day to day.

Navigating a Bathroom Remodel

Bathrooms present a similar challenge. If your home has more than one, living through a renovation is generally manageable. It may mean slightly shifting routines, sharing the remaining bathroom more generously, or getting up a few minutes earlier to beat the morning rush.

When there’s only one bathroom in the house, though, the experience can quickly become stressful. Tile cutting, hammering, and dust are part of the process, and without another usable space, it can be more comfortable to make alternate arrangements for a short time until the work is complete.

When the Whole House Is Under Construction

Whole-home remodels are a different story altogether. With multiple rooms under construction at once, floors pulled up, walls opened, and major systems being updated, a home can start to feel more like a job site than a living space. Temporary power or water interruptions and the constant presence of crews make daily life tough to manage safely or comfortably.

In these cases, choosing to live elsewhere during construction often offers the most peace of mind. It gives the renovation team room to work efficiently and allows homeowners to avoid the noise, dust, and disruptions that come with such a large project.

In the end, living through a remodel is less about what is possible and more about what feels livable for your family and your routines. Every project is different, and every household has its own tolerance for temporary chaos. The key is knowing what to expect, planning ahead, and remembering that the mess leads to the moment everyone looks forward to most: stepping into a finished space that finally feels like home again.

Stephanie Jennings
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Holidays at the Heard Get a glimpse of the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit

On December 12, 13 & 14, 2025, Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary invites you to step into a unique winter wonderland at Holidays at the Heard. Presented by Plano Tree Care, Join us in McKinney, Texas, where the holiday spirit meets the tranquility of nature and the thrill of dinosaurs.

During this event, visitors will be captivated on a walk along one of the sanctuary's nature trails accentuated by lights and décor. Plus, guests will be able to get a glimpse of the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit. This enchanting evening stroll will offer a magical escape into a world where wildlife and holiday cheer exist in harmony.

This year, we are excited to offer live music performances under the stars in the Heard’s amphitheater that will fill the air with festive cheer, creating the perfect backdrop for your holiday experience. Enjoy live music in our outdoor amphitheater with a selection of festive classics and more. Santa Claus will also make a special appearance each night from 6:30-8 p.m. Capture the joy of the season with fun photo opportunities, where families can create lasting memories.

Join us to celebrate the season and support our commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental education. Proceeds from ticket sales directly benefit our preservation and educational initiatives, allowing us to continue our mission of connecting people with nature and inspiring stewardship of the natural world.

More information and tickets are available now at HeardMuseum.org/Holidays-at-the-Heard, with special discounts available for Heard members. Holidays at the Heard is sponsored by NBC5.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
Founded in 1967, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to bringing nature and people together. Located on a 289-acre nature preserve, the museum
offers diverse educational programs, exhibits, and trails that foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the environment.

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UNT Dallas unveils $100 million STEM facility to a Courtesy of UNT Dallas

The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) marked a major milestone Dec. 2, celebrating the ribbon cutting of its highly anticipated $100 million STEM facility – a transformational academic center designed to strengthen North Texas’ healthcare and science workforce pipeline.

The 120,220-square-foot building, completed just two years after its September 2023 groundbreaking, will welcome students when the Spring 2026 semester begins Jan. 12. It stands as the most consequential addition to the UNT Dallas campus in university history.

University leaders were joined by elected officials, healthcare partners and community stakeholders, along with UNT Dallas students, for the dedication of the four-story complex. Speakers included UNT Dallas President Dr. Warren von Eschenbach; Dr. Michael Williams, Chancellor of the University of North Texas System; State Senator Royce West; and Isabelle Chung, a senior biology major who will graduate next month.

“Today we celebrate opportunity – for our students, for employers across North Texas and for the communities we serve,” said UNT Dallas President Dr. Warren von Eschenbach. “This state-of-the-art STEM facility allows UNT Dallas to help meet urgent healthcare and workforce needs at a time when the demand for nurses and other practitioners continues to dramatically outpace supply.”

Texas continues to experience one of the largest nursing shortages in the country. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the state faces a deficit of more than 48,000 registered nurses in 2025, growing to 50,000 by 2027 and 57,000 by 2032. The unmet demand for RNs will remain a persistent 15-16% gap each year, with hospitals shouldering the greatest need. Additional statewide data shows 64% of Texas hospitals have reduced services due to staffing shortages.

The new STEM facility directly responds to these challenges by expanding UNT Dallas’ capacity to train future healthcare professionals through accelerated pathways to medical and health careers, including nursing, dental, pharmacy, optometry and other fields. These programs are offered in collaboration with UNT Health Fort Worth’s Colleges of Nursing and Pharmacy and the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. The STEM program will be part of UNT Dallas’ School of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The cutting-edge building features 18 classrooms; 12 laboratories, including nine teaching labs and three research labs; a dedicated Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) office; multiple collaborative spaces, faculty offices and a large event venue. The structure also features extensive natural light, energy-efficient design and outdoor study areas that reflect UNT Dallas’ Tree Campus USA designation. Programs housed in the building at launch include biology, chemistry, mathematics and neuroscience.

High-impact instruction will prepare students for careers in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry and optometry, and a robust STEM Pre-Health Professions Program will guarantee medical-school admission opportunities for eligible students.

Smaller class sizes and direct access to faculty will help students develop personalized academic roadmaps, supported by one-on-one mentorship for pre-health majors – many of whom are first-generation college students seeking clear pathways into stable, in-demand and well-paying careers.

The building was designed by Stantec and HarrisonKornberg Architects, with Vaughn Construction serving as general contractor. Funding for the STEM facility was awarded by the Texas Legislature during the 2021 legislative session.

As the only public, four-year university located in the city of Dallas, UNT Dallas continues to expand access and upward mobility for its more than 3,500 students. The new STEM facility strengthens the university’s role in preparing career-ready professionals for high-demand healthcare and STEM fields, while supporting regional employers and advancing economic development in southern Dallas.

UNT Dallas is located in southern Dallas at 7300 University Hills Blvd., Dallas 75241. For more information, go to untdallas.edu.

About UNT Dallas
The newest member of the UNT System, the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) is the city's only public four-year university. Located in southern Dallas and serving more than 3,500 students, UNT Dallas offers students a world-class, innovative education focused on career readiness and socioeconomic mobility. UNT Dallas is passionately committed to developing, nurturing and empowering the next generation of servant leaders in North Texas. For more information about the University of North Texas at Dallas, visit untdallas.edu.

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The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is ringing in the holiday season with a month filled with joyful, family-friendly performances designed to brighten spirits. Throughout December, audiences can experience beloved traditions and new favorites as the DSO transforms the Meyerson into the city’s most festive destination, with exciting shows like Home Alone in Concert, Christmas Pops, Family Christmas Pops, Brassy Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.

  • Home Alone in Concert (Dec 5–7). The fun, mischievous, and adventurous holiday film favorite comes to life as the DSO performs John Williams’ unforgettable score live-to-picture. Audiences can relive the clever antics of Kevin McCallister and the charm of the classic story on the big screen, paired with the emotional depth and excitement of a full symphonic performance. Tickets start at $81.

  • Christmas Pops (Dec 12–21). The DSO’s beloved Christmas Pops returns with all the sparkle, nostalgia, and holiday cheer audiences look forward to each year. Packed with classic carols, festive favorites, surprise guests, and the powerful voices of the Dallas Symphony Chorus, this heartwarming tradition transforms the Meyerson into a winter wonderland of sound. Tickets start at $64.

  • Family Christmas Pops (Dec 13). Designed with younger audiences in mind, Family Christmas Pops offers a magical, kid-friendly spin on the DSO’s holiday tradition. This upbeat matinee, featuring the Dallas Symphony Children’s Chorus, brings families together through sing-alongs, holiday characters, and familiar seasonal tunes, an ideal first concert experience for children and a festive outing for all ages. This special one-hour performance also includes pictures with Santa and so much more. Before the concert at 10 a.m., kids can enjoy hands-on activities, including a holiday-themed instrument petting zoo, winter arts and crafts, photos with Santa, and more! Tickets start at $43.

  • Brassy Christmas (Dec 16). A high-energy showcase of the DSO’s brilliant brass section, Brassy Christmas serves up bold sounds and big holiday fun. This lively program blends seasonal classics with virtuosic brass arrangements, creating a spirited concert full of warmth, humor, and festive flair. Tickets start at $37.

  • New Year’s Eve (Dec 31). The Meyerson becomes the ultimate destination to welcome the new year as the DSO hosts an elegant and uplifting New Year’s Eve celebration. Audiences can toast to 2026 with an evening of dazzling symphonic selections, festive moments, and a joyful atmosphere that sets the tone for a memorable year ahead. Tickets start at $74.

Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center is located in Downtown Dallas at 2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201.

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Garages of America's Carrollton Phase II at 2328 Marsh Lane adds 67 garage suites and six flex office warehouse spaces adjacent to the sold-out original Carrollton development.

Garages of America, the pioneer of luxury garage ownership, is expanding with the opening of Carrollton Phase II at 2328 Marsh Lane. The new community adds 67 garage suites and six flex office warehouse spaces adjacent to the sold-out original Carrollton development. 

The expansion represents the continued growth of Garages of America’s unique concept - customizable, deeded garages for collectors, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists to protect and enjoy their prized possessions in style.  

“Phase I sold out faster than we imagined, proving that the demand for ownership-based garage communities in North Texas is stronger than ever,” said Jack Griffin, co-founder of Garages of America. “Phase II not only gives enthusiasts the opportunity to own their space, but it also introduces a new level of lifestyle amenities with the addition of the P1 Motor Club.”

The P1 Motor Club, a division of Texas Collector Car Storage and Club, will debut its first location within the Carrollton Phase II community, offering monthly car storage, detailing, light maintenance, and concierge services, as well as motorsport excursions for members. 

“Our goal is to make car storage and ownership effortless and enjoyable,” said Tim Noe, CEO of P1 Motor Club. “We’re bringing together people who share a passion for cars, travel, and experiences-whether that’s a track day at Eagles Canyon Raceway or a trip to Monterey Car Week or the Monaco Grand Prix.” 

Earlier this year, Garages of America expanded in Frisco with a second phase. The original Frisco location opened in 2020 with 106 units that quickly sold out, leading to the development of Frisco Phase II, which added another 52 garages. Construction is also underway on additional units in the previously sold-out Garages of America Allen community.

In July, the company broke ground on Garages of America Firewheel where they are building 71 luxury garages and 10 flex office warehouse units off President George Bush Highway near E. Brand Road in Garland. 

Garages of America’s Carrollton community now totals more than 136 garage suites and 11 flex spaces, offering premium features such as 24/7 access, gated security, climate-controlled options, and community amenities for gatherings and events. 

“Our owners enjoy more than just a place to store their cars and showcase their collections,” said Griffin. “They enjoy being part of a community of like-minded people while owning a financial asset that has increased in value. Our steady expansion demonstrates the demand for secure, high-end spaces where our owners can comfortably gather, network, and share their passions.”

 Current and upcoming Garages of America developments include:

  • Allen, TX (Phase II currently under construction)
  • Carrollton, TX (Phase I & II)
  • Dallas, TX (Love Field area)
  • Frisco, TX (Phase I & II)
  • Garland, TX (Firewheel)
  • Katy, TX (Houston)
  • Lakeway, TX (Austin)
  • The Woodlands, TX (Houston)
  • Plano, TX
  • Roanoke, TX
  • Towne Lake, TX (Cypress)

Founded in 2014 by real estate investor Fred Gans and former Le Mans race car driver and developer Jack Griffin, Garages of America pioneered the luxury garage ownership concept with its first community in Plano, Texas. The company has expanded with locations in Dallas, Houston, and Austin. For more information, visit garagesofamerica.com.

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Garages of America's Carrollton Phase II at 2328 Marsh Lane adds 67 garage suites and six flex office warehouse spaces adjacent to the sold-out original Carrollton development.

Garages of America, the pioneer of luxury garage ownership, is expanding with the opening of Carrollton Phase II at 2328 Marsh Lane. The new community adds 67 garage suites and six flex office warehouse spaces adjacent to the sold-out original Carrollton development. 

The expansion represents the continued growth of Garages of America’s unique concept - customizable, deeded garages for collectors, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists to protect and enjoy their prized possessions in style.  

“Phase I sold out faster than we imagined, proving that the demand for ownership-based garage communities in North Texas is stronger than ever,” said Jack Griffin, co-founder of Garages of America. “Phase II not only gives enthusiasts the opportunity to own their space, but it also introduces a new level of lifestyle amenities with the addition of the P1 Motor Lounge.”

The P1 Motor Lounge, a division of Texas Collector Car Storage and Club, will debut its first location within the Carrollton Phase II community, offering monthly car storage, detailing, light maintenance, and concierge services, as well as motorsport excursions for members. 

“Our goal is to make car storage and ownership effortless and enjoyable,” said Tim Noe, CEO of P1 Motor Lounge. “We’re bringing together people who share a passion for cars, travel, and experiences-whether that’s a track day at Eagles Canyon Raceway or a trip to Monterey Car Week or the Monaco Grand Prix.” 

Earlier this year, Garages of America expanded in Frisco with a second phase. The original Frisco location opened in 2020 with 106 units that quickly sold out, leading to the development of Frisco Phase II, which added another 52 garages. Construction is also underway on additional units in the previously sold-out Garages of America Allen community.

In July, the company broke ground on Garages of America Firewheel where they are building 71 luxury garages and 10 flex office warehouse units off President George Bush Highway near E. Brand Road in Garland. 

Garages of America’s Carrollton community now totals more than 136 garage suites and 11 flex spaces, offering premium features such as 24/7 access, gated security, climate-controlled options, and community amenities for gatherings and events. 

“Our owners enjoy more than just a place to store their cars and showcase their collections,” said Griffin. “They enjoy being part of a community of like-minded people while owning a financial asset that has increased in value. Our steady expansion demonstrates the demand for secure, high-end spaces where our owners can comfortably gather, network, and share their passions.”

 Current and upcoming Garages of America developments include:

  • Allen, TX (Phase II currently under construction)
  • Carrollton, TX (Phase I & II)
  • Dallas, TX (Love Field area)
  • Frisco, TX (Phase I & II)
  • Garland, TX (Firewheel)
  • Katy, TX (Houston)
  • Lakeway, TX (Austin)
  • The Woodlands, TX (Houston)
  • Plano, TX
  • Roanoke, TX
  • Towne Lake, TX (Cypress)

Founded in 2014 by real estate investor Fred Gans and former Le Mans race car driver and developer Jack Griffin, Garages of America pioneered the luxury garage ownership concept with its first community in Plano, Texas. The company has expanded with locations in Dallas, Houston, and Austin. For more information, visit garagesofamerica.com.

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The holiday season can be very difficult for families who are experiencing the loss of a loved one. Sometimes the best thing to do is to find comfort and warmth through a community of people who understand the pain and emptiness you feel in a season of "holly and jolly."
 
On Sunday, December 7, 2025, the Hughes Family Tribute Center will host a Candlelight Service of Remembrance. Families can expect to find comfort through music, light refreshments, a small service, and the lighting of candles in honor of loved ones. Whether you have lost a spouse, parent, child, grandparent, sibling, or friend, there is a place for you to find warmth during our candlelighting. We will have an English service starting at 5:00 PM and a Spanish service at 6:30 PM.
 
Another way we offer you to find comfort this holiday season is through our gift of a free memorial ornament of your loved one. To receive this ornament, please RSVP our website https://www.hughesftc.com/candlelight-service-of-remembrance and fill out the RSVP form.
 
We look forward to joining you in creating some light and warmth during your holiday season.
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2024 Event Chairs Jennifer and Andy Scripps and Family

 Join us for a very merry afternoon of photos with Santa, cookie decorating, holiday themed crafts for the young and young at heart! Enjoy delicious food, spirits and libations crafted and sponsored by Wendy Krispin Caterer.  

This event is absolutely purely fun for the kids, lots of fun activities and photos with Santa. It’s a lovely event at the home of Helen and John Carona in a huge covered outdoor area which is tented – so join in rain or shine! – and full of surprises and delicious treats for both adults and the children.  It all benefits the Dallas Historical Society.

Happening on Sunday, December 7th from 1:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.  Exact address will be sent with event confirmation. 

$125 Family of Four, includes 4 photos with Santa. Options include additional photos with Santa, extra adult family members can attend.  Sponsorships are $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 with varying benefits. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased here:
https://www.dallashistory.org/event/cocoa-with-santa-2025/?instance_id=767

Contact:  Office Assistant at Dallas Historical Society: assistant@dallashistory.org or call 214-421-7500.

About Dallas Historical Society

Established in 1922, the Dallas Historical Society is the preeminent organization of its kind in Dallas, collecting, preserving, and exhibiting the heritage of Dallas and Texas to educate and inspire future generations. Housed at the Hall of State in Fair Park since 1938, the Society presents these collections through education programs, exhibitions, tours, access to research materials and workshops. Each year, the Dallas Historical Society is visited by more than 160,000 people and serves more than 20,000 students through guided tours and educational programming at the Hall of State, as well as outreach programs at school locations. More information is available at https://www.dallashistory.org/.

About Hall of State

Built by the State of Texas for the 1936 Centennial Exposition in Fair Park, the Hall of State has hosted events honoring presidents, royalty, heads of state, and other dignitaries for over eighty years. Located just minutes from downtown Dallas, the Hall of State can be rented for private functions ranging from corporate dinners or meetings to weddings or gala social events. Rental fees support the operations of the Dallas Historical Society, which calls the Hall of State “home.” IG: @dallashistory  FB: @DallasHistoricalSociety   

Photos by Thomas Garza.

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Merriman Anderson Architects, a Dallas-based firm known for shaping skylines and revitalizing communities, celebrated the grand opening of its Fort Worth office on October 28. The expansion marks an exciting milestone as the firm grows its national footprint, joining established offices in Dallas, Austin, Charlotte, and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky. The headquarters remains in the heart of downtown Dallas.

“This expansion is evidence of our staff’s talent and our firm’s dedication to in-person collaboration and market presence,” said Milton Anderson, President of MAA. “We are eager to bring MAA's dedication to client service, design excellence, and a family-like culture to our new office in Fort Worth.”

The office is located at 2421 W. Seventh St., Suite 320, in Fort Worth.

Merriman Anderson Architects is an award-winning firm with a wide-ranging portfolio that includes master-planned developments, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, urban housing, office and corporate facilities, hospitality, education, and retail projects.

The firm is no stranger to Fort Worth. Its portfolio includes The Sinclair, Autograph Collection Hotel, and it is currently working on several high-profile projects such as Westbend Residences, a 321-unit multifamily community in the University District. Additional developments are underway in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, highlighting the firm’s long-term commitment to serving clients and communities across the DFW region.