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Celebrate Allen Heritage Guild’s 30th anniversary 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, January 17, at an open house hosted at the Allen Heritage Village Train Depot, 100 E. Main. This event will feature memories, fellowship, and activities showcasing the Guild’s history. 

Beginning as a project of Leadership Allen’s Class 7 in 1995-1996, the Allen Heritage Guild was incorporated in January 1996.  Preserving Allen’s history was the primary goal, and the members immediately began recording stories, gathering vintage photos and restoring historic buildings. 

Filming descendants of Allen’s pioneers resulted in a project known as Recollections and Remembrance. Later, the Guild collaborated with ACTV and produced The Tales of Allen.

Restoration of St. Mary Church, which served as a school and church for Allen’s African American community, was completed in 2002.  Architectural plans for the Allen Heritage Village were then consummated with Allen Parks and Recreation Department, and restoration of the structures ensued. 

Call 972-740-8017 for additional information.

 

 

 

 

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Texas-based Forum Meat Company, a family-owned purveyor of fine meats, is proud to announce the launch of Forum Meat At Home, a new direct-to-consumer offering that brings restaurant-quality meats straight to home kitchens. Forum Meat at Home is your direct link to the premium cuts once reserved for top chefs, luxury hotels, and renowned butcher shops, offering a new way to elevate everyday meals with the highest quality beef, poultry, pork, and game.

For decades, Forum Meat Company’s founders haveserved as key partners to chefs, hotels, private clubs and fine dining establishments throughout Texas, supplying premium beef, pork, poultry, and specialty proteins with unmatched quality and consistency. 

“We’ve always believed that quality meat should be accessible to everyone,” said Todd Winn, co-founder and co-owner of Forum Meat Company. “With Forum Meat At Home, we’re thrilled to be able to now share the same high standards and carefully curated cuts with home cooks.”

Each Forum cut is expertly trimmed, portioned, and frozen at peak freshness for maximum flavor and convenience. Whether you're craving a beautifully marbled Wagyu steak; tender Duroc pork; all-natural, air-chilled chicken or something more adventurous, Forum Meat at Home delivers the same quality chefs demand, right to your door. No trimming or guesswork, just exceptional cuts ready when you are.

Headquartered in Ennis, just 35 miles south of Dallas, Forum Meat Company is a third-generation family-owned business with deep roots in the Texas food industry. Founders Walter Wilkerson and Todd Winn bring more than 60 years of combined experience in meat processing, sourcing, and food safety. Together, they’ve built Forum into a trusted, local supplier for some of the state’s most discerning culinary professionals, and now, they’re extending that legacy to households throughout the country.

“Whether you’re searing steaks for a weekend dinner or stocking up your freezer, we offer artisanal, hand-cut meats you can count on,” said Walter Wilkerson, co-founder and co-owner of Forum Meat Company.

Orders are now available through the company’s website, www.forummeatathome.com, with a selection of offerings that reflect Forum’s commitment to supplying products of the best quality. 

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Celebrate Allen Heritage Guild’s 30th anniversary 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, January 17, at an open house hosted at the Allen Heritage Village Train Depot, 100 E. Main. This event will feature memories, fellowship, and activities showcasing the Guild’s history. 

Beginning as a project of Leadership Allen’s Class 7 in 1995-1996, the Allen Heritage Guild was incorporated in January 1996.  Preserving Allen’s history was the primary goal, and the members immediately began recording stories, gathering vintage photos and restoring historic buildings. 

Filming descendants of Allen’s pioneers resulted in a project known as Recollections and Remembrance. Later, the Guild collaborated with ACTV and produced The Tales of Allen.

Restoration of St. Mary Church, which served as a school and church for Allen’s African American community, was completed in 2002.  Architectural plans for the Allen Heritage Village were then consummated with Allen Parks and Recreation Department, and restoration of the structures ensued. 

Call 972-740-8017 for additional information.

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DALLAS – Vaping is illegal in Dallas’ public and enclosed places, effective Dec. 11, thanks to a city ordinance that expands the city’s no-smoking zones to include the use of all electronic smoking devices. Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned where smoking is already prohibited, such as in all indoor and enclosed spaces and within 15 feet of building entrances and on park property. 

The ordinance, proposed by City of Dallas Environmental Commission and the city’s Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability, was passed last year amid growing concerns about the health dangers of all forms of nicotine consumption.  

Dentists and dental hygienists at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas share in those concerns and routinely see the effects of vaping and e-cigarettes on patients’ teeth. The battery-powered devices are promoted as healthier than traditional cigarettes and chewing tobacco, but users still inhale nicotine and other chemicals. And vapors hit teeth and gums. 

“As a dental public health specialist and certified tobacco cessation counselor, I can tell you vaping is far from harmless,” said Dr. Hoda Abdellatif, clinical associate professor in public health services and director of the department’s Community Outreach Office. “Beyond addiction, it creates a perfect storm for oral disease. And the aerosol cloud doesn’t just affect the user; it exposes people nearby to harmful chemicals, making this a community health concern.” 

Dangers don’t end there. Propylene glycol is commonly used in vape e-liquids and can cause dry mouth. Saliva washes away food particles and neutralizes acids produced by mouth bacteria. A dry mouth, or reduction in saliva, increases the chances of cavities and gum disease, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.  

Vaping also causes mouth sores. Heat, chemicals and flavoring agents irritate oral tissues, leading to ulcers that can be painful and slow to heal, Abdellatif said. Chronic irritation may increase the risks of oral infections and precancerous changes. 

“E-cigarette aerosols contain more than 60 known carcinogenic substances that can contribute to throat irritation,” said Jane Cotter, associate professor in A&M Dentistry’s dental hygiene program. “These chemicals also have a drying effect on oral tissues, creating an environment that allows harmful bacteria to accumulate more readily.”  

Dental professionals would prefer you quit vaping and puffing on e-cigarettes, but here’s some advice to lessen the damage to your oral health: 

  • Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day. Floss once a day. 

  • Drink water after vaping and puffing to avoid dry mouth. 

  • Chew sugar-free gum containing xylitol. It helps prevent cavities by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. 

  • Keep up your dental appointments. Visit a dentist every six months. 

“Your dental health care provider can help you quit your vape habits,” Cotter said. “We are committed to supporting you to reduce your risk for disease and stay healthy.” 

 

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The region’s largest indoor boating event makes a splash with hundreds of boats, exclusive pre-season deals, fan-friendly experiences and Boatgating 101 at Dallas Market Hall

 

The Dallas Winter Boat Show is making waves like never before as it returns to Dallas Market Hall for two back-to-back weekends, January 30–February 1 and February 5–8, 2026. Coinciding with the excitement of Super Bowl weekend, this year’s theme — “Boats, Bowls & Big Waves” — transforms Market Hall into Dallas’ biggest indoor pre-game party on the water, complete with immersive activations, exclusive deals, family fun, and high-energy lake-life inspiration.

Known as “The Super Bowl of Boating,” the Dallas Winter Boat Show will feature more than 600 boats from North Texas’ top dealers, plus the latest in motors, watersports gear, technology, and accessories. Attendees will experience the region’s most comprehensive showcase of lake lifestyle recreation ahead of peak Texas boating season.

As one of the country’s most active freshwater recreation regions, North Texas continues to fuel national boating trends:

  • Texas ranks Top 10 in the U.S. for boat registrations, with more than 625,000 registered boats statewide.
  • The Dallas–Fort Worth region is home to over a dozen major lakes within 90 minutes, driving consistent year-round boat demand.
  • According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), 68% of all boat owners are middle-income households, reflecting the Dallas show’s strong family audience.
  • Recreational boating participation nationwide has reached 100 million Americans annually, with Texas among the fastest-growing markets.

With booming population growth, rising disposable income, and early-year pre-season buying patterns, Dallas has become a national proving ground for new models, lake trends, and emerging boat categories.

“North Texas is one of the fastest-growing boating regions in the country, and this year’s show brings all the energy of Super Bowl weekend into one massive immersive event,” said Bron Beal, Executive Director of the Dallas Winter Boat Show. “Whether you’re a first-time boat buyer or a lifelong lake lover, there’s no better place to get inspired, learn, and score the best deals of the season.”

Attendees can explore:

  • Pontoon boats
  • Wake surf and ski boats
  • Center consoles
  • Jet boats & PWCs
  • Electric innovations
  • Fishing vessels
  • Luxury cruisers
  • Outdoor accessories, docks, gear & more

The show kicks off Opening Night with an exclusive “Boats, Beats & Eats” Media & Influencer Preview Party, featuring DJ entertainment, tailgate-inspired bites, signature beverages, and first access to the boats before the crowds.

 

ABOUT THE DALLAS WINTER BOAT SHOW

For more than 40 years, the Dallas Winter Boat Show has been the region’s largest celebration of boating and the Texas lake lifestyle. Bringing together top dealers, manufacturers, and industry experts, the show offers families and enthusiasts a one-stop experience to shop, learn, and get inspired for the boating season ahead.

 

DALLAS BOAT SHOW DETAILS:

When: January 30–February 1 and February 5–8, 2026

Where: Dallas Market Hall, 2200 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75207

 

Show Schedule:

Friday, January 30, 2026 from 12-8pm

Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 10am-8pm

Sunday, February 1, 2026 from 10am-5pm

Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 3-8 pm

Friday, February 6, 2026 from 12-8 pm

Saturday, February 7,2026 from 10 am- 8 pm

Sunday, February 8, 2026 from 10 am -4 pm

 

Cost & Ticket Information:

Adults:                                 $15

Children (ages 5-13):          $8

Children under 5:               Free

Parking is free of charge

 

Boating Dealers include:

Action Watersports, Big Water Marine, Boaters World Marine Center, Buxton Marine, Carey & Sons Marine, Eisenhower Yacht Club, Fun N Sun Sports Center, Boardco Boats, Marine Max Dallas, Lakeview Boating Center, NXTLVL Marine, Phil Dill Boats, Lake Kings Boats, H2GO Paddle Co, Ridenow Powersports, Slalom Shop, Texas Malibu, Texoma Boathouse, Nichols Marine

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The electric SUV space is growing fast with a variety of options from brands you know and love and those that are new to every automotive space. From that space, the 2026 Jeep Wagoneer S feels different in a way that matters. Instead of overwhelming you with tech just to prove a point, Jeep knows its EV audience. They are dedicated to functional luxury, reliable performance and relatively seamless tech. With the Wagoneer S, Jeep delivered a vehicle focused on making the new technology feel intuitive, elevated, and actually fun to live with.

Most features inside are designed to support your day-to-day life while still feeling modern, luxurious, and future-forward. The mid-range battery delivered around 300 miles of range on a full charge, and the interior lives up to its heritage and feels like a Cherokee with dressed up in its Sunday finest.

Here are five of the features in the Wagoneer S that I enjoyed and helped it stand out from the pack.

A Digital Cockpit and Front Cabin That Feels Clean and Intentional

The moment you step inside the Jeep Wagoneer S, you realize that you are inside a good one. The digital cockpit sets the tone. Screens are expansive but thoughtfully laid out, creating a sense of clarity rather than clutter. Driving information, navigation, and media are easy to see and customize, which means your eyes stay where they should—on the road.

What I appreciate most is how natural it feels. The elevated feel of the interior shines with premium materials accented by an intuitive technology integration. This isn’t tech for the sake of tech. It’s designed to support confidence behind the wheel without demanding constant attention.

A Touchscreen Experience That’s Actually Easy to Use

The central touchscreen is responsive, quick, and refreshingly intuitive. No weird scrolling through endless screens to find the features that you use regularly. Wireless smartphone integration connects seamlessly while menus are simple to navigate, and controls respond instantly. There’s no lag, no unnecessary complexity—just smart design linked with the award-winning U-Connect System that respects your time and adds an extra layer of support.

A gorgeously clear camera makes parking and getting out of tight spaces a breeze. (Teia Collier)

This is the kind of system you can plug in and use immediately, whether you’re heading to a meeting or setting up navigation for an impromptu road trip.

Ambient Lighting That Changes the Mood

Ambient lighting is one of those features you don’t realize how much you love until you experience it and then wonder how did you not realize how fantastic of a gift that it is. In the Wagoneer S, it adds a calm, refined atmosphere—especially during nighttime drives. The cabin already feels relaxed, modern, and quietly luxurious with premium textures, cool contrasts and the signature cool imprint of Jeep echoes throughout.

Customizable ambient lighting adds a smooth touch of beauty to your daily drive experience. (Teia Collier)

It’s subtle, but it completely elevates how the interior feels, turning everyday drives into something more intentional and enjoyable.

Comfort Tech That Works in the Background

 

Smart details elevate the space.

Customizable drive modes make for a versatile drive experience.

The Wagoneer S rides on a nearly silent electric platform that delivers 500HP and an impressive 524lb-ft of torque in the tested Limited trim. The refined and modern SUV is packed with smart comfort and driver-assistance features that do their job quietly and effectively.

Charging is simple. (Teia Collier)

Digital climate controls, advanced safety systems, and the smooth nature of the electric powertrain all work together to create a calm driving experience. The 12.3-inch touchscreen is organized intuitively and serves as an access point for smartphone projection and information while there are additional screens for passenger entertainment and climate control.

Designed for Real Life in a Digital and Physical World

One of the Jeep brand's strengths is clearly thought design features that take into account how people actually live. USB ports are right where you expect them. Cupholders are where they need to be. Drive features are not hidden within complicated screens. Real knobs are still in use, and charging options are easy and accessible. Screens are integrated in a way that feels cohesive instead of overwhelming and confusing. Cargo spaces are generous and fully functional. The design overall is smart and ready for the stuff of real living.

A petite frunk is a smart use of the new available space in the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S. (Credit: Teia Collier)

Rear cargo space that makes sense and still leaves from for the rear seat to stay up and intact. (Teia Collier)

Whether I was doing the multi-school drop off lap, planning a road-trip, carrying for an elder generation or running daily errands, the Wagoneer S adapted effortlessly. I loved that it's tech that fit into my lifestyle instead of forcing me to adjust and adapt to it.

Final Thoughts

Elevated details bring the whole package together. (Teia Collier)

The 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S blends a smart combination of Jeep heritage and the innate luxury of an electric vehicle. It proves that advanced technology doesn’t have to feel cold or complicated, but rather functionally sound and premium without being stuffy or pretentious. It can be warm, intuitive, and beautifully designed with the added edge AWD performance. This is an electric SUV built for people who appreciate innovation but still want comfort, clarity of purpose and ease.

For more information on the 2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, visit here.

2024 Jeep® Wagoneer S Launch Edition

To get a recommendation to a trusted dealer, let us know here.

 

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The Patsy

by

D.J. Hupp

 

An imaginative, fantastical, and totally absorbing alternate vision of the "truth" behind the JFK assassination.

 

The Patsy is author D.J. Hupp's debut novel, and in it he tackles one of the most well-known and much speculated about events in American history: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. The story launches via an alternate timeline that blends historical detail and creative fiction to build an imaginative, exciting account of the events behind Kennedy's tragic death that day. 

In The Patsy, JFK was not the target of an assassin on 11/22/63, but rather went on to successfully fulfill his first four years in office and even won a second term. However, his policies set the US on a disastrous collision course with the USSR, which culminated in worldwide nuclear obliteration, except for a handful of government employees, scientists, and their families who made it into secret underground bunkers where they've survived for the past 19 years. During this time, research on time travel advanced to the point that the bunker leaders developed a plan to send an agent back in time to kill Kennedy before his actions could lead to the eventual destruction of civilization on the planet's surface. 

The main character is 41-year-old Wayne Bronson, a young West Point graduate, when he entered the bunker. An expert marksman, trained on the same bolt-action rifle Oswald owned, he is tapped by the bunker commander to be sent back in time, inhabiting both Oswald's mind and body, in order to implement their plan to kill the president as his motorcade passes through Dealey Plaza past the Texas Book Depository: an event which never occurred in their timeline. The author makes the setting and time period come alive through strategically placed references to books, music, movies, television shows, and iconic Dallas landmarks and institutions. As a contemporary of the time period and a local to boot, the story was a magical trip to the past. I was fascinated by how Wayne's exciting fictional mission was so cleverly woven into the historical record of the actual events, including the known movements of the major figures involved on the days before, during, and beyond the assassination itself, as well as the imagined aftermath of the changes the manipulation of events had on the new present and especially Wayne's life. 

With its clever mix of fact and fiction and the very human reactions of the formerly bunkered characters to their sudden freedom, I recommend THE PATSY to readers of speculative or historical fiction. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

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Vernon Poche and the Ghosts of New Orleans

by Paul Siefkin

Narrated by Hamilton Clancy

Audiobook Review

 

The resilience and rich history of New Orleans are revealed through the exciting post-Katrina adventures of two spunky young residents.

 

Vernon Poche and the Ghosts of New Orleans is a unique and exciting story of two middle-grade explorers in the aftermath of Katrina. Both Vernon and Alisha are lifelong residents of the city and are facing relocation as the adults in their lives look elsewhere for their futures, believing New Orleans is incapable of recovering from the damage of the epic hurricane. Strangers before a chance meeting in the French Quarter, Vernon and Alisha join forces to hunt for rumored treasure with the help and hints of the city's more permanent and ghostly residents. 

The stories of both children are anguishing as they mourn their separate circumstances. Vernon's mother died from cancer some time before the storm, and he frequently visits her gravesite in town. He doesn't want to abandon her and her final resting place by moving with his father to another state. Alisha, who was visiting her grandparents outside the city when the storm struck, was separated from her mother when she was evacuated to Houston during the devastation. Her mother was about to realize her dream of being the featured chef at one of the city's iconic restaurants when the storm hit. 

Life takes an unexpected turn when Vernon meets the mysterious Marie Laveau and her companion, the unusual stray dog, Tonti, while visiting his mother's grave, while his father works downtown to restore necessary services. Following Marie's cryptic instructions and against his father's wishes and the warnings of the National Guardsmen patrolling the area,  Vernon bikes his way around town with Tonti in a box on his handlebars, where he meets the ghosts of some of New Orleans most notable former residents and, eventually, Alisha, who is scoping out the damage and hoping to talk to the restaurant owner to secure her mother's job. The ghostly residents share the rich and varied history of their unique city with the kids and encourage them to discover New Orleans' true treasures as the clock ticks down to Vernon's father's final departure for their new home out of state. 

The story is easy to follow and addictive to listen to. It was easy to get wrapped up in Vernon and Alisha's stories and want to know what was going to happen next. The author's portrayal of their adventures is enhanced by their personal struggles and worries, creating relatable characters for young readers or listeners. At times, the attitudes regarding the Confederate history of the area felt a little heavy-handed, such as when Alisha shuns Vernon for having had an ancestor who fought on that side during the war. However, this creates an excellent opportunity for parents and children to discuss the past and present realities. 

The audiobook edition is narrated by Hamilton Clancy, who gives each character a unique voice. He captured the differences in age, gender, and nationality so well that I often completely forgot this was one person performing them all. It was just as easy to believe I was listening to a famous gospel singer as it was to an 18th-century pirate. While the narration's pace was adjustable, the default setting made it easy to understand and provided ample opportunities to pause as needed, without having to adjust the stopping point later. 

While, as a parent, I have reservations about a book that features children disobeying their parents, it does offer an opportunity to discuss this aspect of the story with my own. However, the disobedience advances the plot, and even Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys were known for taking similar liberties. Still, the dangerous chances Vernon embraces should be addressed. Other than that, the story is unique, mysterious, and ultimately happy. 

I recommend the audiobook edition of VERNON POCHE AND THE GHOSTS OF NEW ORLEANS to upper elementary and middle-grade-age listeners.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through AudiobookReviewer.com. 

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One Gold Ring

Century Cottage Cozy Mystery novella

by

Dianne Ascroft

 

A missing ring, a frantic search, and an imperiled proposal.

 

One Gold Ring is a holiday-themed novella set in the fictional small Canadian town of Fenwater and part of author Dianne Ascroft’s delightful Century Cottage Cozy Mystery series. When Marge Kirkwood carelessly leaves Bruce Murray’s family heirloom, a vintage diamond and ruby gold engagement ring, lying unattended at their table at the local diner, it tragically goes missing just as the ring’s intended recipient, Marge’s best friend, Lois Stone, arrives to join them for breakfast. Frantic to recover the ring without spoiling the surprise of his upcoming yuletide proposal, Bruce and Marge go to great lengths tracking down possible suspects who had access to the ring, with Lois helping them every step of the way. 

This fun novella is a great introduction to this ongoing series, with many of Marge and Lois’s friends and neighbors making cameo appearances as they follow their suspects. A wild chase through the local market, packed with Christmas shoppers, is suspenseful but also studded with comic moments of near misses and unfortunate last-minute escapes. The story had me breathless, wondering if there would be a HEA ending! I enjoyed the characters, setting, and storytelling so much that I look forward to reading the earlier books in the series now. 

I recommend ONE GOLD RING to cozy mystery readers, especially those who enjoy a holiday-themed story and small-town Canadian settings. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

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Breakthrough T1D Lane Olson, Amy Camp, Leigh Burns (photo credit: Lisa Means)

On December 2nd, more than 100 women gathered at a local Dallas country club to play mahjong while raising funds for Breakthrough T1D’s North Texas chapter. With a special visit from Santa Claus, the guests took photos with him amidst the festive decorations. They sipped beverages, enjoyed lunch and played three rounds of mahjong with special prizes for the winners.

Event co-chairs Leigh Burns and Lane Olson welcomed friends and attendees for this creative fundraiser. Burns welcomed everyone, and Olson told of her son who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Local Breakthrough T1D volunteer Adrian Traylor shared how her husband and two stepdaughters have type 1 diabetes and urged everyone to donate funds and purchase a raffle ticket. High school ambassador Donna Chen, who has type 1 diabetes, talked about how she deals with this condition while trying to be a normal student.  

Amy Camp, Breakthrough T1D Territory Director, added, “Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that affects nearly 1.5 million people in the United States, including over 200,000 children. And those numbers continue to grow. With your generosity, we can keep this momentum going and bring us to the day when Type 1 diabetes is a thing of the past.”

This lively event supported research, advocacy and programs that improve the lives of those affected by type 1 diabetes.

Special thanks to sponsors Leigh Burns, Penny Tower Cook, Rachel Finkbohner, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International.

About Breakthrough T1D: Founded in 1970 as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF) and renamed the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in 2001, the organization rebranded in 2024 as Breakthrough T1D to reflect a bold commitment to improving the lives of both children and adults living with type 1 diabetes. As the leading global organization driving T1D research, advocacy and community engagement, Breakthrough T1D accelerates progress toward cures and better treatments while making everyday life easier for everyone affected. The North Texas and Oklahoma Territory comprises the Dallas, Fort Worth and Oklahoma Chapters that host major fundraising events across the region, including the annual luncheon in Dallas, galas in Dallas, Fort Worth, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City as well as local walks in The Colony, Durant, Tulsa, Fort Worth, and Oklahoma City. Visit breakthrought1d.org/northtexasoklahoma, email northtexasoklahoma@BreakthroughT1D.org, or call 214-373-9808.

 (photo credit: Lisa Means)