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Moving is an emotional journey. It is a journey that requires mental readiness to navigate the emotional waters ahead.

Embarking on a move is akin to setting sail into uncharted seas, where each turn brings a blend of anticipation and uncertainty. It is a journey that requires mental readiness to navigate the emotional waters ahead.

As one transitions from the familiar to the unknown, the process of moving homes becomes more than just a physical relocation—it transforms into a journey of personal growth and resilience, one with the power to redefine one’s sense of place and self.

Anticipating Change

Anticipation of change induces a powerful mix of excitement and apprehension, with thoughts oscillating between possibilities and uncertainties. The emotional turmoil that accompanies moving can be both invigorating and overwhelming, requiring psychological preparation.

In anticipation, individuals might wrestle with the Logistics of Moving and the emotional weight of leaving a cherished home behind. It's crucial to acknowledge these feelings, understanding that such a profound change can precipitate a substantial emotional response, often manifesting as stress or profound reflection.

A profound "psychological relocation" accompanies this physical move, demanding adjustment and adaptation. The human psyche naturally seeks stability, yet it's this inevitable transition that catalyzes personal evolution and resilience.

Emotional Prep for Moving

Moving is not just a physical endeavor—it is a profound emotional and psychological transition that requires preparation and foresight.

On average, an American will move 11.7 times in their lifetime, marking many emotional journeys.

As you prepare to transition spaces, it's important to recognize the spectrum of emotions at play. Acknowledging your feelings of loss or anticipatory anxiety is central to navigating the process healthily and constructively.

Finally, remember that despite the disruptions, moving brings opportunities for new beginnings. It's a chance to redefine your space and, with it, aspects of your life and identity, opening yourself up to new and expansive possibilities.

Managing Expectations

Adjusting to a new space involves setting realistic targets for the emotional arc you may experience. Understand that it’s a gradual adaptation, not an overnight switch.

When envisioning your future home, consider the psychological impact of change. The anticipation of novel environments often pairs with unrealistic ideals, which warrant mindful moderation.

Furthermore, it’s key to anticipate the mix of nostalgia and excitement. While dreaming of the potential your new home holds, make room for the poignant reminiscences of the life you're transitioning from.

Strike a balance between the excitement for the new and the reverence for the past. This equilibrium helps foster emotional resilience and prevent feelings of dissonance once you've relocated.

In essence, tempering your expectations allows for a smoother psychological transition, which complements the physical move, leading to a harmonious resettlement process.

Moving Day Dynamics

On moving day, dispatch with unrealistic expectations and brace for a whirlwind of emotions. Practicalities like delays, misplaced items, and tiredness can amplify stress. Acceptance of these hitches as a part of the journey paves the way for a more tranquil mindset.

The juxtaposition of physical exertion alongside emotional upheaval makes moving day profoundly exhausting. Embrace this challenge with patience and allow for rest; understanding that recovery is just as important as the move itself.

Stress Triggers

Uncertainty looms as a prominent trigger for stress throughout the moving process. What might the new environment hold?

From sorting personal belongings to the fear of property damage, activities associated with moving can generate a heightened stress response, compounding the emotional burden carried by individuals during this transition.

Moreover, the sense of upheaval disrupts established routines, creating a double-edged sword of longing for the familiar and trepidation for the future. This disruption can cast a shadow over the excitement typically associated with the prospects of a new home.

Consider the emotional ties to your current home – attachments to neighbors, communities, and the comfort found in familiar settings. Such bonds, when severed, often lead to feelings of loss and nostalgia, contributing further to stress.

Lastly, financial concerns are a ubiquitous source of stress when moving. The costs interwoven with transportation, services, and new accommodations can exert considerable pressure on one's emotional well-being.

Coping with Chaos

Chaos is an inherent part of moving.

Moving is replete with a series of unknowns and adjustments. The overwhelming sense of disarray can be mitigated through meticulous planning and organization, which are crucial in restoring a sense of control. Indeed, creating a structured approach to tackle the tasks at hand can significantly reduce feelings of disorientation and anxiety.

Maintain perspective amid the frenzy.

It's vital to establish periods of rest amidst the relentless tasks, just as a marathon runner paces themselves. Schedule downtime to recharge and reflect during the moving process. This practice helps preserve mental resilience and prevents burnout, enabling you to maintain clarity and purpose.

Embrace the change; let it propel you forward.

The transition between homes can be a catalyst for personal growth and new beginnings. Embracing this opportunity rather than resisting can turn an otherwise stressful experience into an empowering journey. Remember, relocating is not merely an end but a passage to new horizons and possibilities.

Settling into the New

Navigating the emotional landscape of a new space requires patience and openness. Letting go of the previous chapter allows you to embrace the uniqueness of your new surroundings. Recognizing that it takes time to acclimate, and it is normal to yearn for the familiarity of your previous home, provides a compassionate framework to embark on this phase.

Familiarize yourself with the new space by creating routines that instill comfort and familiarity. Personal touches such as family photos or beloved decor can help transform the unknown into a place that resonates as home. Simple acts of personalization lay the foundation for emotional attachment and a sense of belonging.

Attachment to Space

Our emotional connection to space is often more profound than we realize, woven deeply into our sense of identity and security.

  • Memory Lane: Each room holds echoes of laughter, debates, and quiet moments, layering our psyche with a tapestry of past experiences.

  • Safety and Comfort: A familiar space acts as a sanctuary, a stable backdrop against life's unpredictability.

  • Identity Anchors: Personalized spaces reflect our tastes, achievements, and journey, reinforcing who we are.

  • Habitat for Harmony: Our routines and rituals are often shaped by the physical contours of our living spaces.

The rooms we inhabit are not just walls and windows; they're archives of shared stories and solo contemplations.

It's not simply about relocating possessions; it's about recentering our lives, reshaping our daily patterns, and redefining what home means to us.

Creating Comfort

Creating comfort in a new space is a pivotal step in transitioning from a house to a home.

  1. Prioritize Familiarity: Begin with setting up areas that hark back to your previous living arrangement.

  2. Create Cozy Corners: Identify spots where you can arrange comforting items like pillows, throws, and photographs.

  3. Address Sensory Experiences: Introduce familiar scents and sounds to make the space more inviting.

  4. Organize Thoughtfully: Place everyday items in accessible locations to establish a sense of order.

  5. Personalize Gradually: Introduce personal touches over time to slowly layer your new space with warmth and character.

The simplicity of a well-placed picture or the aroma of your favorite candle can anchor you to the present.

Embracing your new environment step by step allows memories to seep in, merging the old and new in a harmonious balance.

Long-Term Adaptation

It's essential to acknowledge the slow reshaping of bonds with our spaces as we accommodate new routines. Over time, the resonance of our homes grows, becoming a repository for our life's narratives, a cradle for our aspirations.

As months pass, we intuitively start redefining our sense of place—embedding new experiences that lend richness and depth to our domicile. In this crucible of daily living, spaces become infused with personal growth and transformation, giving rise to a profound sense of belonging.

Ultimately, the concept of “home” transcends beyond physical walls to embody layers of emotional depth. This alchemy of space and sentiment is what forges the lasting bond known as 'home'.

Identity and Environment

Our surroundings are a reflection of who we are—our tastes, histories, and aspirations. Transitions in living spaces necessitate not just a physical but an emotional relocation.

  1. Self-Reflection: Understanding the intimate connection between self-identity and your living environment.

  2. Connection: Fostering a bond with the new space by infusing it with personal significance.

  3. Adaptation: Navigating the change and allowing your identity to evolve with the new environment.

  4. Memory Integration: Blending past experiences with the present to build a cohesive sense of home.

  5. Personalization: Customizing the space to reflect individuality creates a sanctuary that resonates with one's essence.

Imbuing a new house with the essence of 'home' can be a profound experience that shapes our sense of self.

The journey toward emotional attachment to a new space is pivotal in forging new chapters of our life's narrative.

Growth Mindset Post-Move

Moving to a new home can signify a fresh start, opening up possibilities for personal growth and new experiences. It’s a time for self-discovery, marking a notable milestone in the timeline of your life.

This transition embodies resilience and adaptability, traits essential for personal development and success.

Yet, it's not merely about the change of address; it's the internal shift (embracing challenges and cultivating new skills) that truly transforms.

With each box unpacked and picture hung, layers of the familiar comfort blanket are reestablished, intertwining past and present into a coherent whole.

This reshaping of your living space acts as a catalyst for reinvention, allowing you to redefine your goals and chart a course for self-improvement and achievement.

Premier Designs & Moving specializes in moving services, art installation, and packing and organization. For the past 5 years, Premier Designs & Moving have been securing your valuables and moving them with ease, handling your objects with care, and packing and unpacking your assets so you can focus on the more important aspects of moving. All our packing services are designed to make your move efficient and streamlined. We’re not just any residential moving service, we pride ourselves on providing you with the service you expect from our name. For the best home movers in Dallas, TX, call Premier Designs & Moving at (469) 859-5454.

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Taste Addison’s decades-long dedication to bringing top-tier performances to North Texas is evident yet again in their 2024 music lineup. From May 31 to June 2, renowned national headliners and talented regional and local artists will perform across six performance areas throughout Addison Circle Park.

 

On Friday at 10:30 p.m., festival goers will get a dose of Y2K nostalgia as Sugar Ray brings their Southern California pop beats to the Taste Addison WFAA Main Stage. Led by Mark McGrath and Rodney Sheppard, the band has sold over 10 million records since their debut. Their sunny tunes, such as the chart topping single “Fly,” will bring a fresh sense of fun, perfect for dancing or simply sitting back and enjoying the show.

   

The party continues on Saturday as the legendary Toadies take the WFAA Main Stage at 10:30 p.m. For over 30 years, Toadies have maintained relevancy with hits that transcend generations. For their debut album, the Fort Worth native band crafted a sound comprised of indie, alternative, punk and metal influences that made them an iconic part of music history – being named one of Rolling Stone’s 50 Greatest Grunge Albums.

Sunday’s headliner is multi-instrumentalist and platinum-selling artist Hunter Hayes. Hayes’ debut album landed him on top of country music charts, and Hayes has since received 5 Grammy nominations. From his first single “Wanted” to his newest release “Song About You,” Hayes combines his country roots with a genre-blending singer-songwriter style. With his memorable melodies and instantly catchy hooks, music enthusiasts of all genres will find something to love when he performs at 4:30 p.m.

The beats continue throughout the 12-acre park with five new performance areas, each with its own vibe, in addition to the main stage. Guests can travel the world as they experience live entertainment from international musicians on the WorldBeats Stage, brought to you by UDR, and various surprise performers on the WorldBeats Balcony. The festival’s first-ever Corkyard and Speakeasy, brought to you by Silver Star Spirits, will provide a live soundtrack of easy listening, jazz, blues and spoken word acts to enjoy while sipping your way through wine and spirit tastings. Sponsored by Whataburger, the Blue Dot Spot, located in the heart of the park, will feature dynamic local and regional talent, including jugglers, dancers and magicians.

 

TASTE ADDISON EVENT INFORMATION

 

WHAT:                Taste Addison, the iconic festival that dates back to 1993, is leaning into the arts. The culinary arts include top-notch Addison restaurants, the performing arts feature national headliners and the visual arts are both creative and immersive. Eats, beats and artistic treats combine to make for a family friendly weekend that includes an experience for every vibe.

 

 

WHEN:                Friday, May 31, 6 p.m. to midnight

Saturday, June 1, 12 p.m. to midnight

Sunday, June 2, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

 

WHERE:              Addison Circle Park

4970 Addison Circle, Addison, TX 75001

The event entrance is located at the corner of Quorum Drive and Addison Circle.

 

TICKETS:             Purchase at www.TasteAddisonTexas.com.

  • General admission: $10 ages 13+, $5 ages 6-12, free ages 5 and younger. Please purchase tickets in advance; onsite purchase is via card only.
  • VIP: $50/$45 presale - includes single day admission, two beverage tickets (valid at Festival Beverage Tents), scheduled Tastings throughout the weekend in the VIP area, private bar and restrooms. VIP tickets are required for all ages to access reserved areas (except for infants 12 months and younger). Limited quantity available. A $75 value.
  • Hotel packages: Book a Taste Addison hotel package and enjoy special rates on quality accommodations, four general admission tickets and two Chow Hall passes good for 5 tastings each. Guests should request a hotel package voucher at check-in at participating hotels to present at the event.

 

FREE PARKING: Colonnade Garage (15305 N. Dallas Parkway)

Addison Circle One Garage (15601 N. Dallas Parkway)

Addison Circle Two Garage (15725 N. Dallas Parkway)

Accessible parking available at DART Transit Center (4925 Arapaho Road)

Rideshare pick-up available at Beckert Park, 5000 Addison Circle.

 

FOR ADDITIONAL INFO: www.TasteAddisonTexas.com

Kathy Beazley
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Photo courtesy of Dallas Pride

Get ready to celebrate! Dallas Pride, the non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening, supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community returns to Fair Park June 1-2, 2024, with an expanded festival and a spectacular parade with the theme of “Unity in the Community.”

“This year’s events are a celebration of the work that is done year-round to uplift the LGBTQ+ community,” said Sherrell Cross, executive director of Dallas Pride. “This year, we expanded our celebration to include even more people who have found the love, support and information we are able to offer as a non-profit whose mission is to lift others. It’s time to party.”

New for this year: By popular demand, the festival at Dallas Pride in Fair Park is now a two-day event, Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2, 2024. Bring the whole family to Fair Park for these all-ages events, which make for a weekend of fun honoring the LGBTQ+ community, its allies, sponsors and supporters. 

The Dallas Pride Music Festival on Saturday will feature a variety of musical and dance performances on multiple indoor and outdoor stages. More than 200 vendors will have booths to see and shop at the festival. Family Pride Zone, an area designed for families, will feature several bounce houses, face painting, entertainment for the kids and the Pride Train ride in the Automobile Building at Fair Park. The festival also includes Teen Pride, which fosters a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 19 and their friends to enjoy live entertainment from artists and DJs, and other age-appropriate activities. Local animal rescue groups will also be on-site for guests to meet a possible new furry family member. 

The Dallas Pride Music Festival is Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10; admission for children 12 and under is complimentary. Tickets go on sale in April at dallaspride.org. Watch Dallas Pride’s social media for daily updates on ticket sales and other event news. Vendor registration is open now, with more details available at dallaspride.org.

Then, on Sunday, Dallas Pride kicks off at 10 a.m. with a pre-parade festival and activities. Vendors will have refreshments, DJs will spin, and attendees can engage in Teen Pride and the Family Pride Zone, in addition to enjoying shopping and other fun. 

The Dallas Pride Parade winds its way through Fair Park on Sunday, June 2, starting at 2 p.m. Free to attend, the parade is a rainbow feast for the eyes, with outrageous costumes, inventive floats, bands, groups and more marching in support of the LGBTQ+ community in a mile-long event featuring more than 150 parade entries. 

Admission for Dallas Pride’s festival and parade on Sunday is free. Paid parking is available at Fair Park, or attendees may take the DART Green Line directly to Fair Park. Parade entry registration is open now (please note that the order of parade line-up is based on the order of completed applications and payments received).

Individuals, companies and organizations that would like to participate in a festival at Dallas Pride on June 1-2 or the Dallas Pride Parade on June 2 can find vendor, sponsor and parade participant registration links at dallaspride.org/registration/.

About Dallas Pride

The mission of Dallas Pride is to strengthen, support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. By prioritizing inclusiveness, Dallas Pride fosters a feeling of belonging for everyone from youth to seniors by creating events, initiatives and programs that foster connections between members of the community, its allies and its supporters.

Follow @DallasPride on Facebook, @DallasPrideOfficial on Instagram, @DallasPrideOrg on Twitter, or via the organization’s website, www.DallasPride.org, for all the tea.

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The artwork is being auctioned off through Give Butter at the U&I website, uandispreadthelight.com/auction.

14 Pieces of Artwork from Dallas Artists Were Donated with the Mission of Reshaping Perception and Fostering Inclusivity for People with Disabilities

  

Artwork from The 30th Annual U&I Dash that was revealed at the nonprofit’s event in Klyde Warren Park Saturday, March 23 is now up for auction. There are 14 pieces of artwork available to the highest bidder that were featured in two distinct areas of the event - the Redefining Disabilities Experience, an immersive art experience, and the Rise Up Live Art Show featuring local muralists who created their pieces onsite. Proceeds from the sale of the artwork benefits U&I’s mission, meeting the needs of disabled individuals in our community. 

Eight distinguished Dallas artists paired up with eight U&I clients - youth and adults with disabilities as well as disabled veterans - to create artwork that redefines what it means to create and collaborate. The artwork is being auctioned off through Give Butter at the U&I website uandispreadthelight.com/auction. The auction will close at 1 pm CST on Wednesday April 3. All sales are final. To learn more about the story of why the artists partnered with U&I, visit U&I’s YouTube Channel at youtube.com/@ui4715

The Redefining Disabilities Experience featured the following artists with U&I clients:

“We brought these eight prominent Dallas artists together with eight of our clients,” said Bobby Cerda, U&I Creative Director. “They got to know each other, and each artist created an original piece of artwork that was featured at The U&I Dash in Klyde Warren Park. The goal was to tell the clients’ story and help put the viewer in their shoes… to feel what it’s like to be an underdog.”

This year’s event theme, Underdogs Run Faster, honored each person's innate creative potential. Each piece of art conveys a message about resiliency, self-expression, and the strength of human connection via vivid colors, complex textures, and distinctive forms.

“We aren’t as different from each other as we might think,” said Dallas artist Kyle Steed, a U.S. Air Force veteran who was paired up with Army veteran Ellington Rucker. “My goal is to interpret El’s life and the embodiment of who he is. Working with a fellow Veteran was a draw. Giving back to the undervalued and helping give a voice to those with disabilities made me want to participate.”

The Rise Up Live Art Show, curated by Ray Butler and powered by The Box Cofeatured local muralists Daniel YanezJD MoorePatricia RodriguezHatziel Flores, and Eliana Miranda who created murals inspired by U&I clients and their daily challenges. Artists Raul Rodriguez and Christopher Machorro, known as Bestu Friendo, teamed up for a joint collaboration and invited the community to participate in the creation of their live mural on the day of the event. 

"Art reflects a world that we don't understand, so to be given this opportunity to collaborate with someone that cannot typically express their creativity has been truly amazing,” said Dora Reynosa, one of the featured artists. “These pieces show how being different can be great and how art forces you to examine things differently.” 

Each artist has given freely of their time, skills, and creations. All of the auction's proceeds—100% go straight to U&I—supporting the organization’s purpose of empowering people with disabilities, encouraging inclusivity in our community, and advancing the idea of redefining disabilities.

In 1951, Jean Walker Bentley overcame cultural barriers and spoke out for disabled children and their families. She started the Children’s Development Center to meet the scholastic and socialization needs of children with special needs. In 1981, the federal government mandated that public schools had the responsibility to educate children with disabilities. The organization evolved to help veterans find employment and provide vocational training for special education students preparing to transition out of high school.

Today, as one of the largest workforce development centers in DFW, U&I continues to meet the needs of disabled individuals by providing vocational training, job readiness training, paid work opportunities and community placement to more than 1000 youth and adults with severe intellectual, physical and/or mental health disabilities. More information is available at uandispreadthelight.com.

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As Easter approaches, Fairmont Dallas’ Pyramid Restaurant and Bar invites guests to an exquisite a la carte brunch on Sunday, March 31 from 11 am to 2 pm. Guests will enjoy the spirit of the season with live music and Easter-themed décor featuring blooming florals, charming bunnies, and Easter eggs.
 
Guests can enjoy a visit from the Easter Bunny, face painting, balloon art, Easter cooking decorating, and a make-your-own mimosa bar.
 
Guests can enjoy a variety of springtime dishes including:
  • Buttermilk Pancakes with Vanilla Spiced Ricotta and Coulis $18
  • Eggs Benedict with Gougeres, Texas Crawfish, and Hollandaise $24
  • Red Velvet Waffles with Pickle Brined Fried Chicken $26
  • Lobster Roll with Kewpie, Shallot, Celery, and Tarragon $24
  • Banh Mi with Braised Pork Belly, Mortadella, Escabeche, Basil Aioli, Basil, Mint, and Cilantro $22
For festive sips, guests will enjoy cocktails from a live bar station including:
  • Easter Spritz with St-Germain, Mint, Prosecco, Chilled Soda Water, garnished with mint and lemon
  • Lemon Meringue with Egg White, Fresh Lemon Juice, Vanilla Syrup, Agave, Vodka, garnished with a Sugar Rim
  • Dark and Stormy Easter Elixir
  • Lavender Margarita
  • Italian Chocolate Martini
Reservations are available on OpenTable. Fairmont Dallas is located at 1717 N Akard St, Dallas, TX.
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Photos by Arun Sharma Your Lensman Photography

Kick off spring with a colorful celebration of spirituality and Indian culture at the fifth annual Festival of Joy. The festival willtake place at Klyde Warren Park (2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy., Dallas) on Saturday April 27, beginning at 11 a.m. and culminating with a live headline stage performance from 7 p.m. on. Presented by acclaimed East Dallas restaurant Kalachandji’s,the Festival of Joy brings togetherthousands of families, young adults and dignitaries for a fun-filled day of bright colors, beautiful flowers and a free vegetarian feast, along with riveting music, dance, and interactive holistic living and cultural exhibits. A variety of ethnic vegetarian foods will also be available for purchase.

New this year is an evening stage performance by popular Indian artist Gaura Vani, an internationally acclaimed multidisciplinary artist fluent in music, film and the visual arts. Vani performs a genre of traditional Indian kirtan music with Western elements such as 12-string guitar, gospel choruses and hip-hop rhythms.

“Dallas is a diverse, forward-thinking city, and the Festival of Joy has become a much-anticipated tradition that brings thousands of people together every year,” said Dallas City Council Member Jesse Moreno, who represents the district where Kalachandji’s and the Radha Kalachandji Temple are located. “The festival is a great way to fully immerse yourself in a holistic experience focusing on mindfulness, fun and harmony.”

The Festival of Joy, also celebrated as Ratha Yatra or Festival of Chariots, has its roots in the ancient Indian bhakti tradition. It has been observed annually for more than 3,000 years in the holy city of Jagannatha Puri in the South Indian state of Orissa, making it the world’s longest-running street festival. It is now held in major city centers worldwide, including New York City’s Fifth Avenue and London’s Piccadilly Circus.

“The energy and joy felt by the thousands who attend reminds us that hope and faith can conquer all. Our lives can be filled with anxiety and fear, or with love and wholesomeness. We strive to build the consciousness of love and oneness with the universe. The Festival of Joy spreads this inner consciousness to inspire others, and we hope more people will come and experience this special celebration of spiritual culture,” said Nityananda Das Adhikari of the Radha Kalachandji Temple.

The festival will start at 11 a.m. with a welcome ceremony at Klyde Warren Park, followed by a parade at 11:30 a.m. through the Dallas Arts District and back to the park at 1:30 p.m. Hundreds of festivalgoers, pilgrims and faith leaders will pull the colorful chariot carrying the sacred deities of Jagannatha, Subhadra and Balarama along the route. Hundreds more will dance, sing sacred mantras and play traditional musical instruments. Devotees believe that if they get the opportunity to pull the ropes of the giant chariot carrying Lord Krishna, known as Jagannatha or the Lord of the Universe, they can obtain eternal service to the Lord in the spiritual world.

After the procession returns to Klyde Warren Park, families and guests can enjoy a free vegetarian feast and live stage entertainment, sample regional Indian street food favorites, visit an ethnic clothing bazaar, and explore holistic living exhibits revealing the spiritual heart of India, featuring Ayurveda, yoga, traditional crafts, mehndi, try-a-sari, ask-a-monk, vegetarian cooking and more.

At 7 p.m., Vani will be featured in a concert performance on the main stage with kirtan (musical mantra meditation) and bharat-natyam (classical Indian dance).

“The Festival of Joy has been a wonderful addition to Dallas’ spring traditions, showcasing our growing diversity and the cultural enrichment that the Indian community brings to the city and our community,” said Kristina Kirkenaer-Hart, VISIT DALLAS’ director of cultural tourism.

Note: Although the free feast and some activities will close at 5 p.m., the Indian street food concessions will remain open during the evening concert.

Festivalgoers who would like to experience more can get info on the Kalachandji Konnect program of daily philosophy classes and kirtan, and continuing education programs in meditation, yoga, Ayurveda and vegetarian cooking.

Go to festivalofjoydallas.com for updates on entertainment and activities.

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Puttshack, the mini golf destination that's taken North Texas by storm, is leading the charge with its high-tech luxury mini golf experience. Their latest venture, a new educational video series, dives deep into the state-of-the-art technology that sets Puttshack apart from the rest and makes them technically, the best.

Puttshack’s cloud-based technology infrastructure offers an entirely new way to experience the fun and nostalgia of mini golf. Featuring their patented Trackaball™ Technology, Puttshack offers a mini golf experience like no other. Each golf ball is embedded with a microprocessor, connecting players to a hands-free scoring system that enhances the competitive and exciting gameplay. The courses themselves are packed with interactive elements and dynamic obstacles, making every round a thrilling adventure. Puttshack Addison now offers two unique experiences: the 9-Hole mini golf courses and the competitive Challenge Hole. The Challenge Hole features custom games and full-service dining in a dedicated suite, providing guests with an immersive mini-golf experience.

“While plenty of people are familiar with the traditional game of mini golf, our tech-infused version of the classic offers a whole new experience for our guests,” said Susan Walmesley, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Puttshack. “We are excited to highlight the best parts of our brand, from the incredibly innovative technology behind the gameplay – such as our one-of-a-kind ball that enables pencil-free scoring on the course – to the elevated dishes and inspired drinks on our curated, chef-led menu.”

Designed to be part educational, part entertainment, “Technically, The Best” is a short-form video series, featuring six episodes that star the brand’s quirky fictional host, Ace Puttman. Each episode, just 30 seconds long, showcases different aspects of the Puttshack experience, from the technology to the food and beverage menu.

And for those looking to win big, the Supertube Sweepstakes will be held from March 18 to April 14. Open to Puttshack Perks members, the sweepstakes offers a chance to win a free round of gameplay or even a Puttshack party for 12. Members can enter simply by playing the game and sinking a Supertube. Supertubes are a course element that gives players a chance to score bonus points and increase the odds of getting a hole-in-one. Those who sink a Supertube during the sweepstakes period will win one free round of gameplay to redeem on their next visit. Guests who score two or more Supertubes will also automatically be entered to win the grand prize, a Puttshack party for 12, inclusive of food and drinks. You can learn more about the Supertube Sweepstakes at puttshack.com/TheBest.

With its family-friendly hours and 21+ atmosphere after 8 p.m., Puttshack Addison is the perfect destination for fun-seekers of all ages. Head over to puttshack.com/Addison to make your reservation and experience the future of mini golf today.

Highland Park Education Foundation
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Paul and Ellen Lee with Jaemie and John Steinmetz

The Highland Park Education Foundation (HPEF) celebrated successfully raising $1.7M
through its annual Mad for Plaid campaign. This amount was pledged by HPEF to the District going
into the 2023-24 school year, upon a request from HPISD to help fund 1% of a 5% raise for teacher
and staff salaries. To celebrate a successful campaign and thank patron donors who made this
possible, the Foundation hosted an evening of gratitude on Wednesday, February 28, at the home of
Joanna and David Iliff on Beverly Drive, with Vista Bank as the event sponsor.

During the reception, guests mixed and mingled while enjoying drinks and appetizers catered by Nick
and Sam’s. Attendees included Bryce Benson, Maryjane and Chris Bonfield, Liza and Jae Ellis, Ellen
and Paul Lee, Kelly and John Diehl, Frances Mitchell, Laurie and Mark Aldredge, Judy and Jim Gibbs,
Catherine Seals, Beth and Nick Peters, Christopher McGuire, Vista Bank President and CEO John
Steinmetz and Sr. Vice President Adam Hefton, HPISD Superintendent Dr. Mike Rockwood and wife
Jené, and HPEF’s Board President Bill Ogle and wife Lisa.

HPEF Executive Director Meg Boyd provided opening remarks and thanked everyone for their
generosity, and then introduced the guest speaker for the evening, HPISD Superintendent Dr. Mike
Rockwood, who joined the District in April 2023. “The Mad for Plaid campaign epitomizes the
incredible community support we have for Highland Park schools,” said Dr. Rockwood. “This
initiative is not only appreciated, but it is vital to ensure our teachers and staff are more
competitively compensated. A sincere thank you to each and every individual who contributed to this
worthy cause.”

The Foundation would like to thank this year’s Mad for Plaid Co-Chairs Kamela and Kenneth Aboussie,
Claire and Andy Baker, Mary Katharine and Martin Gill, and Chris Palmer and Terry Steger. It would
also like to thank our Mad for Plaid Campus Reps, Grandparent Committee, Patron donors ($1,000+)
and MFP Leadership Society donors ($10,000+). We are all “Mad for Plaid!”

2023-2024 Mad for Plaid Leadership Society as of March 6:

Visionary ($50,000+)
Clements Foundation
Judy Jackson Gray, in memory of C.D. Bowlby
La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas
Park Cities Dads Club Teachers Cup

Legacy ($25,000-$49,999)
Kamela & Kenneth Aboussie
Robin & Bernay Box
Simon and Louise Henderson Foundation
Maleiah & Ryan Rogers
The Trinity Family Foundation - Elisa & Stephen Summers

Luminary ($10,000-$24,999)
Anonymous (4)
Lori & Jon Altschuler
Carol & Taylor Armstrong
Heather & Ray Balestri
Stacy & Tyler Burke
MacKenzie & Benjamin Carpenter
Sylvie & Gary Crum
The Dreyfuss Family
The Gwinn Family
Judy & Jim Gibbs
Kim & Chuck Giglio
The Hankins Foundation
The Hegi Family
Jean & Jason Signor
Joanna & David Iliff
Ellen & Clayton Kershaw
Catherine & Chuck Lundberg
Luther King Capital Management
Carolyn & David Miller
Origin Bank
Nancy Poole
Gail & Dan Settle
Catherine & Tom Sharpe
Ann & Jeff Swope
The Trammell Foundation
Vista Bank
The Bill and Katie Weaver Charitable Trust
The Gil and Dody Weaver Foundation
Kathy & John Yeaman

 

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Teddy Cares, A Nationwide Initiative for Homeless Children, Kicks Off

Homeless organization to give bear and book to young children in shelters across U.S.

DALLAS – March 26, 2024 – Homeless recovery center, Dallas LIFE kicks off an initiative today called Teddy Cares™ with the goal of comforting children in homeless shelters across the United States. The initiative is named for a new book entitled Teddy Cares, which is written from the perspective of a teddy bear at a homeless shelter who has been waiting for a special friend to arrive. The book, authored by Dallas LIFE executive director Bob Sweeney, will be given along with a teddy bear to children ages two-to-eight in homeless shelters, serving as tangible symbols of safety and hope for the child and their family’s future.

“Over the years I have seen homelessness not only have a devastating effect on adults but their children as well,” said Bob Sweeney. “These dear little ones struggle to identify with their surroundings in a  shelter setting.  I found the questions they asked were basic, yet so essential to settle their little minds as well as the worry they carried. They struggle with having to go to a new school, eat different foods, sleep in a different bed, and do all this while living temporarily around strangers. I pictured them having a friend to walk them through the process and how great it would be if that friend were a teddy bear.”

The Teddy Cares initiative is being launched in Dallas with book and bear deliveries to, Dallas LIFE, Family Gateway, Genesis Women's Shelter, Union Gospel Mission Center of Hope homeless shelters. Dallas LIFE will host Teddy Cares events at shelters with the goal of providing a bright spot in the children’s day. During the event, children will visit with the Teddy Cares mascot, receive books and bears, and enjoy bear themed activities and refreshments.

Children in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio shelters will receive books and bears this month as well. Dallas LIFE is planning events and Teddy Cares special deliveries for shelters in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma later this year with other states to follow. The organization has the goal of providing books and bears to children nationwide.

“We’re working to bring this initiative to more than 300 homeless shelters across America with the goal of providing them to 1 million children in homeless shelters,” said Sweeney.

The initiative is being supported by generous donors; over 2,000 kids have been sponsored so far but as one-in-three homeless is a child, that leaves hundreds of thousands to be sponsored. Anyone can donate a book and bear to a child for $50 via www.teddycares.org.

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ABOUT DALLAS LIFE

In its 70th year, Dallas LIFE is a homeless recovery center offering services to men, women, families, seniors, and veterans. Dallas Life Executive Director, Bob Sweeney, created the Homeless No More recovery program as a long-term solution to homelessness achieving a nine-in-10 long-term recovery rate, surpassing most national homeless rehabilitation programs. Homeless No More 10-month program curriculum is accountability-based and provides drug and alcohol recovery, classes in anger management; relationship restoration; job readiness; resume preparation and interviewing skills; money management; personal and spiritual growth. The Teddy Cares initiative has the goal of providing every child in a homeless shelter their own teddy bear and Teddy Cares book. The initiative is based on Sweeney’s book entitled Teddy Cares written for children entering a homeless shelter. The book walks children through their new surroundings with the aim of helping them feel more comfortable during their time in a shelter.

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One hundred and ten Shelton students, parents, teachers, coaches and staff worked with the Dallas Sports Commission and CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) to take part in the pregame banner ceremonies at the CONCACAF Nations League Finals on Sunday, March 24, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Shelton was the only school selected to assist on the field during the Final Center Banner Ceremony. Shelton participants were involved in the flag ceremony before the third-place match on Sunday, March 24, at 5:00 p.m. and before the final game at 8:15 p.m.  Thanks to Shelton parent Stacey Segal, Director of Operations for the Dallas Sports Commission, and Shelton Athletics Director Alan Burt for making this opportunity happen for Shelton students, parents and teachers. Leading up to the final ceremony, participants took time to participate in two rehearsals at Shelton. People traveled from all over the world to help run the practices with our Shelton community.