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KIB Partners with Vizient for 21st Annual Community Day

 

 

(IRVING, TEXAS)— On Oct. 8, Keep Irving Beautiful (KIB) welcomed 34 Vizient, Inc. employee volunteers to Northwest Park, 2800 Cheyenne Street, for the company’s 21st annual “Community Day” event. Employees brought a fresh look to the park bridge and safety fencing by brightening the structures with a new coat of blue paint.  The group’s combined efforts contributed a total of 102 volunteer service hours to KIB.

 

Irving-based Vizient, Inc., is the largest member-owned health care company in the nation.  Community Day is a coordinated company-wide initiative which encourages employees to participate in service projects with nonprofits in the areas where they work.  Last year’s Community Day had 2,310 Vizient employees participate at 297 nonprofit organizations across 193 cities throughout the country, accounting for 12,334 volunteer hours.

 

KIB has been a community partner since 2009, and Vizient employee volunteers have completed several beautification projects throughout the City of Irving. Their efforts have made a lasting and positive impact on the visual appearance of many Irving parks.

 

“Keep Irving Beautiful looks forward to Vizient Community Day every year,” said KIB board member Scott Wilson. “It’s an honor to be chosen as a community partner, and we really appreciate that so many of the Vizient employees choose to volunteer with KIB year after year.  They always do an outstanding job, and we thank them for taking the time to give back to Irving.”

 

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Keep Irving Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the community about litter abatement, recycling, and beautification to help preserve the health and promote the social and economic prosperity of the city. As an award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful, Keep Irving Beautiful reaches out to all sectors of the community, including government, businesses, churches, as well as cultural, educational, neighborhood and civic organizations. For more information on volunteering with KIB or making an activity a “green event,” visit CityofIrving.org/KIB or call (972) 721-2175.

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Get ready for an intense and chilling experience as Theatre Three presents Carrie: The Musical, based on Stephen King's iconic 1974 novel. Audiences will be drawn into the harrowing world of Carrie White, a teenager bullied relentlessly and gifted with extraordinary powers. This gripping co-production with Southern Methodist University runs through November 3rd, 2024, and features a talented cast of young Dallas actors, including students from the University of Texas at Arlington.

In addition to the performance, T3’s gallery will host a special exhibition showcasing visual art by students from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, adding a unique creative element to the production.

Directed by the visionary Christie Vela, Carrie: The Musical delves into the dark realities of high school bullying, religious fanaticism, and the tragic consequences of pushing someone too far. As Carrie uncovers her supernatural powers, a night meant for joy spirals into chaos. This powerful adaptation explores themes of isolation, identity, and empowerment, accompanied by a high-energy score and delivered through captivating, immersive performances. “As artists, we are continuously unpacking experiences, events and images that were formative for  us as kids,” says Vela. “Carrie the novel as well as the film, are two pieces of art that made a huge  impact on me as a young person. Like so many people of my generation, the imagery and language  of CARRIE have become ‘tropes’ in my life that I have taken for granted. I never in a million years  thought that I would be directing CARRIE as a musical no less, at my age and still be gaining very  new and personal understanding about myself. I think that speaks very highly

Musical Director, Vonda K. Bowling shares, “I’m ready for DFW audiences to see our bloody take on this. It’s a privilege to be in the room with these outstanding SMU students and 3 of the best professional actors in town. I have assembled a rocking band (YAY BAND) and we have all determined that every rock musical should include a cello. The music is beautiful, and although there are so many gorgeous melodies in the score, we are consciously working against the beauty and towards the haunting. It’s bound to be a bloody good time.”

The cast includes Jordan Lage as Carrie White, Cara Serber as her fanatical mother Margaret, and some of Dallas’ most talented performers. With stunning choreography, powerful vocals, and eerie stage design, this production of Carrie: The Musical promises to be unforgettable.

Don’t miss out! Get your tickets now at www.Theatre3Dallas.com or contact the box office at 214-871-3300. Theatre Three is located at 2688 Laclede St., Dallas, TX 75201, with complimentary parking available in the nearby AMLI garage.

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Muffins for Puffins

A Seaside Adventure of Friendship and Creativity

by

Rory Haltmaier

 

Fun story and delightfully illustrated!

 

MUFFINS FOR PUFFINS by Rory Haltmaier is a fun, delightfully illustrated picture book for children and features a young puffin and his seaside friends who work together to create a special treat for Puffling’s mother. Puffling is ADORABLE and young children will relate to his desire to make his mother a gift. The ingredients will make you laugh! I loved that when the friends accomplished their task, they kept going, continuing to surprise other mothers with something special for them as well. 

I recommend MUFFINS FOR PUFFINS for readers with young children who enjoy sharing picture books about young animals.

 

See this and other reviews at BOYS' MOM READS!

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Winter Coats Urgently Needed at The Storehouse Children's coats are one of the greatest needs!

Local organizations and businesses are invited to host a coat drive and share the warmth with those in need this winter

Joseph’s Coat, a program of The Storehouse Community Center that provides clothing at no cost, is asking the community for donations of new and gently used winter coats and jackets for all ages. Last year Joseph’s Coat distributed 1,829 coats to men, women, and children.

“As hot as it has been this past summer, it’s hard to believe we will all need winter coats soon, but that time is just around the corner,” said Christi Ferrell, co-director, Joseph’s Coat. “For many families, paying bills, putting food on the table, and supplying other critical needs take priority over purchasing coats, which are essential clothing needed for warmth and wellness. Additionally, warm coats provide confidence and self-worth, especially for children, enabling them to attend school, wait at the bus stop and engage in outdoor activities. The impact of a coat is much greater than many of us may realize.”

The Storehouse invites local businesses and organizations, groups, or clubs to consider hosting a coat drive.

“Volunteers and community members often ask if there are some specific ways they can help, and conducting a coat drive is a wonderful way to make an impact this season,” said Susan Gradick, co-director, Joseph’s Coat. “Many of us likely have a coat or two at home that is no longer worn that could be enjoyed by someone in need! Joseph’s Coat also welcomes monetary donations for purchasing coats needed to accommodate varying sizes and ages. Since our founding in 2009, Joseph’s Coat depends on the generous donations of our community, which enable us to serve our neighbors each week at no cost.”

Donations may be dropped off at the Joseph’s Coat shed, which is open 24 hours, seven days a week, at The Storehouse, located at 1401 Mira Vista Blvd., in the north parking lot. For large donations or anyone needing unloading assistance, clothing closet staff are onsite sorting items and can assist you on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

For anyone interested in volunteering at Joseph’s Coat, please sign up at https://www.thestorehousecc.org/volunteer. For anyone needing clothing, Joseph’s Coat is open on Mondays and Wednesdays by appointment only.

"Time and time again, neighbors express how Joseph’s Coat clothing closet impacts their lives,” added Gradick. “Recently we helped an older gentleman find a jacket, and he exclaimed, ‘It’s like this jacket was made just for me.’ He shared that money was tight and Joseph’s Coat helped him to stretch his budget. Children outgrow clothing and wear things that no longer fit, or they do without. Your gifts of clothing are such a blessing, helping others feel good about themselves and go forward with confidence. So please take a look in your closet or think about conducting a coat drive with your business. Your generosity means everything to those we serve.”

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The Storehouse Community Center (formerly The Storehouse of Collin County) is a nonprofit founded in 2009 that provides short-term help and long-term transformation to residents in North Texas through a pathway of programs. Seven Loaves Food Pantry serves around 5,000 families each month; Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet provides clothing at no cost; Project Hope Neighbor Care offers case management and resource referral; and The Academy Education Program provides free and reduced-cost classes to assist with language, job, and life skills development as well as job partnership opportunities, connecting neighbors to stable, high-quality employment. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 182,000 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. In August 2023, the North Texas Food Bank honored The Storehouse with the Hope for Tomorrow Award, and in September 2023, The Storehouse was named a Dallas Morning News Charity. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

 

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It was a profound honor for the Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) to co-host the 2024 National AANHPI Unity Summit. This gathering provided a unique platform to address the collective experiences, challenges, and aspirations of the AANHPI communities. I was deeply moved by the powerful discussions, particularly the Youth Seminar, which ACAESUSA helped facilitate. Witnessing young leaders from diverse backgrounds passionately engage in conversations about their future left a lasting impression on me. Their energy, courage, and desire to contribute to meaningful change encapsulated the very essence of why we do this work. Pictures

A highlight of this year’s summit was the ACAESUSA art exhibition at Capitol Hill, showcasing artistic talent from around the world. This year’s theme, World of Love, brought together international art submissions. The exhibit not only celebrated cultural expression but also fostered cross-cultural understanding through the universal language of art. It was inspiring to see how art can serve as a bridge to connect and empower communities. The art pieces from the 2024 ACAESUSA International Art Exhibit & Contest will raise funds to support students with autism and mental health challenges. I invite all summit attendees to visit https://acaesusa.org/art-exhibit-%26-contest for more information on how to donate and participate in this impactful event.

The joy and camaraderie shared at the summit banquet were elevated by the ACAESUSA team’s performance of traditional songs. Their heartfelt singing brought a celebratory spirit to the evening, showcasing the beauty of cultural traditions and reinforcing the importance of joy and unity in our work. It was a touching moment that highlighted the deep connections between art, culture, and community.

I also feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to speak at the White House during this summit. It was a humbling experience, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to those who made this possible. During my speech, I shared my wish to end anti-Asian hate, which has deeply affected our communities. It is my hope that through our collective efforts, we can build a society that stands against hate and discrimination in all its forms.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to President Biden for his thoughtful letter to this conference, which added immense significance to the event. I am also grateful to Erika for sending this letter and to the AAPI White House staff (Emily , Krystal and Kota for giving us the opportunity to have a voice at such a prestigious platform.

The unity displayed at the Summit was not only inspiring but also served as a testament to the strength of our communities when we stand together. The themes of advocacy, civic engagement, and cross-cultural understanding resonated strongly, reminding me that, as leaders, we have the responsibility to continue paving the way for future generations.

While I am pleased with how the Summit unfolded, particularly with the impactful youth engagement and cultural exhibitions, there are always opportunities to grow. For future events, I suggest expanding the Youth Seminar to provide even more interactive workshops where young participants can collaborate on actionable plans they can take back to their communities. Creating additional opportunities for mentorship and cross-generational dialogue would also further enrich the experience.

I would also like to express my gratitude to Professor Chang for capturing the Summit’s essence through film. These recordings will serve as valuable resources for reflection and inspiration in the years to come.

As we look forward to the 2025 Summit, ACAESUSA is eager to continue our partnership and contribute to the ongoing mission of strengthening unity among AANHPI communities. We are fully committed to this shared vision and will work tirelessly to ensure that the next summit builds upon the successes of this year.

Thank you to the organizing committee, fellow co-hosts, and all participants for making this summit an unforgettable experience. Your contributions have left an indelible mark, and I look forward to continuing this journey together.

Warm regards,
Jan Xie
President, Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA)

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Puttshack is thrilled to announce its partnership with One Warm Coat, a national nonprofit dedicated to providing free coats to children and adults in need. This collaboration kicks off on October 8, National Share the Warmth Day, and runs until October 29.

Each Puttshack venue will host a coat drive during this period, inviting guests to donate new or gently worn coats that will be distributed directly to a local nonprofit. As a token of appreciation, every donation—regardless of the number of items—will earn contributors a free game card redeemable at any Puttshack location.

Details about the local nonprofits benefiting from this initiative will be shared soon, so be sure to stay tuned on Puttshack’s website and social media channels for updates.

Beth Amodio, President & CEO of One Warm Coat, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "One Warm Coat is thrilled to be teaming up with Puttshack locations nationwide to share warmth with children and adults in need in their local communities."

Alison Schulman, Puttshack's VP of Marketing, added, "Caring Deeply is one of our company values that we live every day, and One Warm Coat is the perfect organization to connect with for this giving season. It’s important to give directly to the communities that we live and work in, and we hope that getting coats to those who need them will make a significant impact. We invite everyone to our venues to donate coats, and as a thank you, we’ll provide a free game card."

In addition to coat donations, guests will also have the option to make financial contributions to One Warm Coat through their "Donate Now" platform. Every dollar donated helps provide warmth to one person in need.

One Warm Coat is a national nonprofit that has been providing free coats to children and adults in need for over 32 years. With a network of 1,500 local nonprofit organizations across all 50 states, One Warm Coat has facilitated the collection of over 8 million coats through community-driven coat drives. The organization also emphasizes fashion circularity and reducing textile waste, helping keep millions of pounds of textiles out of landfills each year.

To learn more about how you can support this initiative and team up with One Warm Coat to share warmth, visit onewarmcoat.org today.

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North Texas’s beloved family-owned and operated meaty mainstay, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, is celebrating five decades of great food, family, and faithful customers.

Beginning on October 19th, 1974 in Pleasant Grove, Texas, family patriarch and Soulman’s founder, Don Hallett, set out with a few straightforward goals: to serve outstanding Texas-style BBQ and provide friendly, genuine service. Soulman’s is built on original family recipes, featuring highly sought-after Beef, Sausage, Hot links, Ham, Pulled Pork, Turkey, Chicken, and St. Louis-style Ribs, smoked "low and slow" over hickory wood, along with their drool-worthy homemade sides prepared in-house alongside their bar-b-que, keeping up the Soulman’s approach to provide the freshest meals to their customers.

The company’s decades of feeding the masses at its 21 North Texas locations have earned accolades in countless best-of lists, including the 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).

“We recognize that what started as a passion has evolved into a business journey that has supported thousands of team members, and fed hundreds of thousands of people, over the past 50 years,” said Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que. “It’s crucial to us that, despite our growth, the authenticity and quality of our food remain as genuine and down-home as they were in 1974 when Mr. Hallett first embraced the family recipes we still use at our 21 Soulman’s Bar-B-Que locations across North Texas. It is also a large part of our foundation that we honor the people and communities we serve and have served us for so many years,” says Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que.

LINK TO VIDEO - https://youtu.be/vtQPozpqpSA?si=ye9c4zUeecx3p0b3

Throughout 2024, Soulman’s has been offering Time Machine Tuesday deals once a month. On October 19th, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que will offer a special legacy Chuck Wagon offering for the first 74 dine-in customers from 5 pm- 9 pm at each of their 21 North Texas locations for only $19.74.  The Chuck Wagon has 1 lb of meat, 2 (16 oz) sides, 3 slices of Texas Toast or 3 buns, and bar-b-que sauce at a savings of more than $16 per order.

“We understand that Texans are hard to please when it comes to bar-b-que. We should know, we are too! That’s why we’re all about giving our neighbors a high quality and delicious meal for the best value, especially on the occasion of our 50th anniversary,” concluded Randle.

 

 

About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que

For 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.  Soulman’s original family 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 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, 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 http://www.soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.

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The Texas vs. OU Red River Rivalry is here! If you’re skipping the crowds at the Cotton Bowl, you’re invited to Galaxy Theatres Grandscape for a decked out watch party of this year’s matchup.

Cheer on the Sooners or hook ‘em horns this Saturday, October 12, at 2:30 PM. One side of Galaxy Theatres Grandscape’s largest theater will be decked out in burnt orange while the other shines crimson!

 

$10 Tickets are available for purchase to reserve your spot today:

  • One watch party ticket 

  • $10 credit to concessions of your choice

  • Decorated theater perfect for photo ops 

Concessions include movie theater favorites like popcorn, sodas, nachos and candy - and of course, gametime favorites like local beers on draft. Enjoy the game from the comfort of a luxury reclining seat, friendly service, clean bathrooms, and best of all, no State Fair of Texas crowds!

Tickets to Friday’s watch party are available here.

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The Texas vs. OU Red River Rivalry is here! If you’re skipping the crowds at the Cotton Bowl, you’re invited to Galaxy Theatres Grandscape for a decked out watch party of this year’s matchup.

Cheer on the Sooners or hook ‘em horns this Saturday, October 12, at 2:30 PM. One side of Galaxy Theatres Grandscape’s largest theater will be decked out in burnt orange while the other shines crimson!

$10 Tickets are available for purchase to reserve your spot today:

  • One watch party ticket 

  • $10 credit to concessions of your choice

  • Decorated theater perfect for photo ops 

Concessions include movie theater favorites like popcorn, sodas, nachos and candy - and of course, gametime favorites like local beers on draft. Enjoy the game from the comfort of a luxury reclining seat, friendly service, clean bathrooms, and best of all, no State Fair of Texas crowds!

Tickets to Friday’s watch party are available here.

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L to R: Mark Riordan, Scottish Rite for Children; Barry Beal, CAPTRUST; Tom Gile, CAPTRUST; Kelly Pattillo, CAPTRUST; Robert L. “Bob” Walker, President & CEO, Scottish Rite for Children; Travis Whitten, CAPTRUST; John Pickett, CAPTRUST; Stephanie Brigger, Scottish Rite for Children.

The check was presented as part of CAPTRUST Community Foundation’s Fifth Annual Giving Day

 The CAPTRUST Community Foundation (CCF) Dallas locations (Sherry Lane and Dallas Parkway) gifted $10,000 to Scottish Rite for Children as part of CCF’s $10,000 donations to 75 charities across the country, totaling $750,000, as part of the nonprofit’s fifth annual Giving Day.

CAPTRUST Dallas representatives John Pickett, Barry Beal, Tom Gile, Kelly Pattillo and Travis Whitten. joined together for the check presentation along with Robert L. “Bob” Walker, President & CEO, Scottish Rite for Children, Mark Riordan and Stephanie Brigger, also of Scottish Rite.

John Pickett, Senior Vice President, CAPTRUST Dallas said, “CCF’s Giving Day is our way of giving a face to our mission to enrich the lives of children in the communities we serve.  We are proud to partner with Scottish Rite for Children to help its young patients receive the very best care with orthopedic conditions and learning disorders.” In addition to the $10,000, CAPTRUST Dallas donated LEGOs, puzzles and 50 backpacks filled with crayons, coloring books and other art supplies. 
    

The CCF is CAPTRUST’s 501(c)(3) foundation, with the mission of enriching the lives of children in the local communities that CAPTRUST serves. For this campaign, CAPTRUST offices identified local organizations representing causes that both benefit children and are important to the respective community.
    

Founded in 2007, the foundation has awarded over $6.25 million in grants to charitable organizations across the country that help children. The CCF’s main source of fundraising is through voluntary employee payroll deductions that are matched by CAPTRUST.

 

About the CAPTRUST Community Foundation
The CAPTRUST Community Foundation was organized in 2007 to provide CAPTRUST employees with opportunities to participate as a group in community outreach efforts. The foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) charity and is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. If you would like to donate or learn more about the CAPTRUST Community Foundation, please call 855.649.0943.

 

About CAPTRUST
CAPTRUST was founded in 1997 as an independent registered investment advisor. The firm provides investment management, financial planning, estate planning, and tax advisory and compliance services for individuals and families. The firm also offers a comprehensive suite of services for ultra-high-net-worth individuals to simplify their financial lives, mitigate risk, and perpetuate their legacies. For retirement plan sponsors, endowments, foundations, and religious entities, CAPTRUST offers investment advisory services, fiduciary support, plan design, provider analysis and fee benchmarking, and employee advice programs.

 

About Scottish Rite for Children
Scottish Rite for Children is a world-renowned leader in the treatment of orthopedic conditions, such as scoliosis, clubfoot, hand differences, hip disorders, sports injuries and fractures, as well as certain related arthritic and neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. Visit www.scottishriteforchildren.org  to learn more.

 

Photo credit: Scottish Rite for Children