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Kathy Beazley
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Exterior View of Metrocrest's new facility

At the 18th Annual Keyholder Breakfast on March 28, Metrocrest Services will provide an update on its biggest project to date: the non-profit social service agency’s new home under construction in the heart of the Metrocrest area, at Belt Line and Josey. A project more than 50 years in the making, this new facility is an important milestone not only for Metrocrest Services, but also for the community it serves as the need grows exponentially here in North Texas.

“We are passionate about the concept that what is being created is not just a building or a place to meet the basic needs of our community; this 48,000-square-foot space will be so much more,” Tracy Eubanks, CEO of Metrocrest Services, explained. “Our new home is everyone’s new home: This new campus will become a gathering place where our neighbors can seek assistance, take a class, volunteer, learn and grow, a place where the community comes together for positive impact and to connect. It has the potential to be a key component within the social fabric of our community.”

The 18th Annual Keyholder Breakfast is planned for Tuesday, March 28, 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Courtyard Dallas Carrollton and Carrollton Conference Center at 1201 Raiford Road in Carrollton. Open to the public, tickets are $75 (available at https://metrocrestservices.org/khb/). Sponsorships are available starting at $250.

The program for the morning includes a panel discussion with local experts moderated by Metrocrest Services’ own Tracy Eubanks on the factors that contribute to the well-being and quality of life of individuals and communities. The Keyholder Breakfast panel will include:

  • Justin Bashaw, design director, studio director and senior associate with Gensler. An ardent advocate for good design, Bashaw is a skilled designer in base building architecture and adaptive reuse. Dedicated to shaping the world, his work focuses on improving the human experience with projects that are highly contextual to the site, the local ecology and communities they impact. Some of Bashaw’s recent projects include: The City of Farmers Branch Manske Library, City of Frisco Public Library, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas East Dallas Club, Toyota Music Factory, Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters at The Star, and, most importantly, the new home for Metrocrest Services.
  • Hee Soun Jang, Ph.D., associate professor of public administration at The University of North Texas. Dr. Jang’s primary research focus is cross-sector collaboration and the role of non-profit organizations in the public sector. Her research advances knowledge about the role of non-profits in public service and, resource development that can improve organizational effectiveness and public service delivery. Dr. Jang is co-author of the book Public-Nonprofit Collaboration and Policy in Homeless Services, published in 2022. Her research has been funded by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, IBM Center for the Business of Government and Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity. She has served the Denton County Homeless Service Leadership Team as a board member.  
  • Joseph W. Dingman, MBA, CPA, financial executive and community innovator. Dingman is a financial executive with more than 40 years of experience in commercial real estate investment management, mostly with his own firm serving German clientele. In 1991, Dingman co-founded the Catholic Housing Initiative (CHI) which currently has more than 1,100 units of affordable rental housing in Dallas area, with other projects in development. He is particularly proud of the two St. Jude Centers which offer apartments paired with intensive casework to formerly homeless individuals. He was the Catholic Foundation's 2020 honoree for his contribution to affordable housing in Dallas, and has been active in local policy formation as a citizen and as an appointed member of several public boards. A resident of Farmers Branch, Dingman and his wife, Carol, have two financially and emotionally independent adult daughters in leadership positions who taught him to listen to women and value their points of view.

In 2005, Metrocrest Services (then Metrocrest Social Services) launched its annual Keyholder Breakfast. The name pays homage to the original Metrocrest Services logo, which featured a key and the tagline, ‘the key to preventing homelessness.’ As Metrocrest Services continues to grow and develop in the community, the Keyholder Breakfast celebrates the agency’s roots, and asks everyone to remember that community support is KEY to creating a thriving community for all.

Metrocrest Services promotes well-being and independence through programs for individuals, families and seniors that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence. Expected to open in the spring of 2023, the new home for Metrocrest Services will bring all of the organization’s services under one roof, creating convenient access for clients and volunteers alike with the largest expansion the non-profit has had in its 50-plus-year history.

“While the need we are serving has never been greater, the dedication of our staff, volunteers and community supporters continues to grow to meet that challenge,” Eubanks said. “We’re excited to create a place where they can do their best work, improving the lives of our friends and neighbors here in the Metrocrest community.”

The new campus of Metrocrest Services will be located on 4.6 acres of property near the intersection of Josey Lane and Belt Line Road in Carrollton. A 48,000-square-foot facility will become a welcoming hub for all of the agency’s daily operations, including providing access to nutritious food, workforce development and financial literacy, rent and utility assistance, senior services and other programs for individuals, families and seniors that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence. The campus will also include shared space for complementary service providers to support clients from one central location and a volunteer center offering greater access to opportunities for community engagement. Bringing all Metrocrest Services programs under one roof, the new campus will allow for improved efficiency in all operations, and will house the expanded programs that the non-profit has launched to meet today’s elevated need while planning for the future.

The new campus for Metrocrest Services is being funded by a $15.8 million capital campaign, Building Our Future. To date, more than $14.8 million has been committed. Members of the community are encouraged to visit msbuildingourfuture.org to pledge their own support for the capital campaign. Every gift makes a difference and helps to create a place that serves Metrocrest neighbors in need with dignity and respect.

Metrocrest Services, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing programs for individuals, families and seniors that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence. Programs include rent and utility bill assistance, financial and budgeting assistance, food pantry, employment coaching and transportation, minor home repairs and home-delivered meals to benefit seniors. Additionally, Metrocrest provides programs focused on children including holiday gifts and summer food. For more information, visit www.metrocrestservices.org

Kathy Beazley
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Photo credit Peterson Management Group Blue Goose Cantina's Greenville Avenue Location

Peterson Management Group, the parent company of Blue Goose Cantina, announced today that it will be closing its original location, located at 2905 Greenville Avenue in Dallas, following its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration during the Pub Crawl/Block Party on Saturday, March 11, 2023, and closing blow-out the following weekend. The Greenville doors to the iconic Tex-Mex favorite will shutter on March 19. The family-owned and operated restaurant will seek a new location in the Greenville Avenue/East Dallas area while also focusing on continued growth in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, including the newly opened Grand Prairie location, the eighth in its Gaggle.

Recently, the Greenville Avenue building was purchased from long-time owners Fred Reisberg Investments Ltd. After negotiations, Peterson Management Group was unable to reach an agreement for lease renewal with the new owner.

“It has been our pleasure to serve neighbors at our Greenville Avenue location for the past 39 years,” says Nick Peterson, CEO of Peterson Management Group. “There have been countless memories created by neighbors who have visited since my dad, Bob Peterson, and Scott Holyfield opened Blue Goose in 1984. Everything from date nights, family outings and after-work happy hours have been created here. We are appreciative of the Fred Reisberg Family Trust, and the valuable relationships we have made through the decades.”

The closing of the Greenville Avenue location will be a fiesta of great memories. Beginning March 13, Blue Goose will be celebrating the nearly 40 years of excellence. Blue Goose will encourage all who have made memories, friends, spouses and suspect first dates, to celebrate at Blue Goose on Lower Greenville, one last time…until the next time!!

All employees will be offered positions at other Blue Goose Cantina locations and at Aw Shucks, the sister restaurant chain at Peterson Management Group.

Peterson further adds, “Blue Goose is growing, including our new Grand Prairie location, which will be our largest location in North Texas. And, we’re equally excited about the possibility of a new Greenville Avenue area location in Dallas. There’s so much to celebrate!”

Established in 1984, Blue Goose Cantina brings together fantastic made-from-scratch Mexican food, legendary cocktails, top-notch service, a fun atmosphere, and a kick-ass attitude. A division of Peterson Management Group, a family-owned and operated restaurant management company, Blue Goose currently has seven North Texas locations with an additional location opening in Grand Prairie in early 2023. For more information, visit BlueGooseCantina.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news. #bluegoosecantina

ABOUT PETERSON MANAGEMENT GROUP

Peterson Management Group is a family-owned and operated restaurant management company with 12 restaurants located across North Texas. Founded by Bob Peterson and Scott Holyfield, two guys with larger-than-life personalities, it all started in 1983 with the eclectic seafood shack restaurant Aw Shucks Oyster Bar. They are the best places in North Texas to get raw oysters, shrimp, catfish, crab legs, po'boy boy sandwiches, a nice cold beer, and some tasty crawfish when in season. In addition to Aw Shucks and Big Shucks, Peterson Management Group opened Blue Goose Cantina in 1984, where fantastic made-from-scratch Mexican food, legendary drinks, top-notch service, a fun atmosphere and a kick-ass attitude come together. The restaurant chain has repeatedly been voted the best in North Texas for its winning combination of food, fun, and signature margaritas. Today, Nick Peterson, son of Bob, leads the family business, serving as its CEO. For more information, visit PetersonManagementGroup.net.

Kathy Beazley
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A host of new restaurants are bringing new flavor to The Shops at Legacy, Plano’s original lifestyle destination.

“Our guests enjoy the variety of flavors and experiences they can find here in The Shops at Legacy,” said Kelsey Ishmael, director of property marketing and business development for The Shops at Legacy. “With so many incredible options, there truly is a restaurant for every person and occasion. We are excited to continue to expand our selection.”

Truluck’s opens this summer in The Shops at Legacy to offer the freshest seafood available in a setting that creates memorable moments for guests. Truluck’s is located at 7161 Bishop Road, Suite G1, in The Shops at Legacy in a 9,135-square-foot space next to the Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center. More information can be found on the restaurant’s website at www.trulucks.com.

Opening in March, Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya is dedicated to serving traditional, authentic Japanese ramen. Kizuki’s delicious and flavorful broth is created from roasting bones before boiling, giving the ramen a superior taste and fragrance that is unique to the industry. Kizuki is located at 5760 Legacy Drive, Suite B4, in a 2,736-square-foot space between Starbucks and Bob’s Steak and Chop House. More information is available on the restaurant’s website at www.kizuki.com.

Craft & Vine Taproom and Eatery will offer a welcoming atmosphere with an extensive selection of more than 72 local beers, wines and sours when the restaurant opens this spring. The restaurant’s “farm to fork” philosophy showcases the best of modern American cuisine in chef-created dishes and shared plates. Craft & Vine is located at 5800 Legacy Drive, Suite C-1, in a 4,947-square-foot space just south of Kendra Scott. More information is available on the restaurant’s website at www.craftandvine.restaurant.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, the award-winning New York-style pizzeria, will open in The Shops at Legacy in early March. Using only the freshest ingredients, a secret recipe pizza sauce, handmade mozzarella cheese and dough, Grimaldi’s serves traditional pizza (as it began in Naples, Italy) in an upscale yet casual, family-friendly pizzeria. The intense heat of the oven evenly bakes the pies to create Grimaldi’s famous crispy and smoky thin crust that Zagat has voted best pizza year after year. Grimaldi’s is located at 5717 Legacy Drive, Suite 110, in a 3,676-square-foot space near Chipotle. More information is available on the restaurant’s website at grimaldispizzeria.com/location/the-shops-at-legacy/.

About The Shops at Legacy

Located in the heart of Collin County in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex suburb of Plano, Texas, The Shops at Legacy is owned and operated by Kite Realty. This open-air, mixed-use development boasts 90 specialty retail shops and restaurants, including brands such as Kendra Scott, Urban Outfitters, Benefit Cosmetics, Del Frisco's Grille, Bob's Steak and Chop House, Mi Cocina, and the Angelika Film Center, a five-screen boutique cinema featuring independent specialty films. To learn more, please visit ShopsatLegacy.com or call 469.467.9995. Connect socially with Shops at Legacy via its Facebook or Instagram.

About Kite Realty Group Trust

Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE: KRG) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) and one of the largest publicly traded owners and operators of open-air shopping centers and mixed-use assets. KRG’s primarily grocery-anchored portfolio is located in high-growth Sun Belt and select strategic gateway markets. The combination of necessity-based, grocery-anchored neighborhood and community centers, along with vibrant mixed-use assets makes the KRG portfolio an ideal offering for both retailers and consumers. Publicly listed since 2004, KRG has nearly 60 years of experience in developing, constructing and operating real estate. Using operational, investment, development, and redevelopment expertise, KRG continuously optimizes its portfolio to maximize value and return to shareholders. As of December 31, 2022, KRG owned interests in 183 U.S. open-air shopping centers and mixed-use assets, comprising approximately 29 million square feet of gross leasable space. For more information, please visit kiterealty.com.

Kathy Beazley
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A host of new restaurants are bringing new flavor to The Shops at Legacy, Plano’s original lifestyle destination.

“Our guests enjoy the variety of flavors and experiences they can find here in The Shops at Legacy,” said Kelsey Ishmael, director of property marketing and business development for The Shops at Legacy. “With so many incredible options, there truly is a restaurant for every person and occasion. We are excited to continue to expand our selection.”

Truluck’s opens this summer in The Shops at Legacy to offer the freshest seafood available in a setting that creates memorable moments for guests. Truluck’s is located at 7161 Bishop Road, Suite G1, in The Shops at Legacy in a 9,135-square-foot space next to the Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center. More information can be found on the restaurant’s website at www.trulucks.com.

Opening in March, Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya’s philosophy is to serve the most traditional, authentic and delicious Japanese ramen that guests can have outside of actually flying to Japan. Kizuki prepares its fare in a Japanese style, utilizing a unique method of roasting bones before boiling, an approach similar to the French style of making consommé. Kizuki says it is the first in the Japanese ramen industry to employ this method, which results in a rich, flavorful broth that is fragrant and full of depth. Kizuki is located at 5760 Legacy Drive, Suite B4, in a 2,736-square-foot space between Starbucks and Bob’s Steak and Chop House. More information is available on the restaurant’s website at www.kizuki.com.

Craft & Vine Taproom and Eatery will offer a welcoming atmosphere with an extensive selection of more than 72 local beers, wines and sours when the restaurant opens this spring. The restaurant’s “farm to fork” philosophy showcases the best of modern American cuisine in chef-created dishes and shared plates. Craft & Vine is located at 5800 Legacy Drive, Suite C-1, in a 4,947-square-foot space just south of Kendra Scott. More information is available on the restaurant’s website at www.craftandvine.restaurant.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, the award-winning New York-style pizzeria, will open in The Shops at Legacy in early March. Using only the freshest ingredients, a secret recipe pizza sauce, handmade mozzarella cheese and dough, Grimaldi’s serves traditional pizza (as it began in Naples, Italy) in an upscale yet casual, family-friendly pizzeria. The intense heat of the oven evenly bakes the pies to create Grimaldi’s famous crispy and smoky thin crust that Zagat has voted best pizza year after year. Grimaldi’s is located at 5717 Legacy Drive, Suite 110, in a 3,676-square-foot space near Chipotle. More information is available on the restaurant’s website at grimaldispizzeria.com/location/the-shops-at-legacy/.

About The Shops at Legacy

Located in the heart of Collin County in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex suburb of Plano, Texas, The Shops at Legacy is owned and operated by Kite Realty. This open-air, mixed-use development boasts 90 specialty retail shops and restaurants, including brands such as Kendra Scott, Urban Outfitters, Benefit Cosmetics, Del Frisco's Grille, Bob's Steak and Chop House, Mi Cocina, and the Angelika Film Center, a five-screen boutique cinema featuring independent specialty films. To learn more, please visit ShopsatLegacy.com or call 469.467.9995. Connect socially with Shops at Legacy via its Facebook or Instagram.

About Kite Realty Group Trust

Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE: KRG) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) and one of the largest publicly traded owners and operators of open-air shopping centers and mixed-use assets. KRG’s primarily grocery-anchored portfolio is located in high-growth Sun Belt and select strategic gateway markets. The combination of necessity-based, grocery-anchored neighborhood and community centers, along with vibrant mixed-use assets makes the KRG portfolio an ideal offering for both retailers and consumers. Publicly listed since 2004, KRG has nearly 60 years of experience in developing, constructing and operating real estate. Using operational, investment, development, and redevelopment expertise, KRG continuously optimizes its portfolio to maximize value and return to shareholders. As of December 31, 2022, KRG owned interests in 183 U.S. open-air shopping centers and mixed-use assets, comprising approximately 29 million square feet of gross leasable space. For more information, please visit kiterealty.com.

Kathy Beazley
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Photo credit: Peterson Management Group Blue Goose specializes in its famous margaritas with more than 15 varieties and delicious concoctions.

National Margarita Day is Wednesday, February 22. Blue Goose Cantina will be partying it up with amazing margarita deals all day at ALL seven DFW locations (Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, Grapevine, Highland Village, McKinney, and Plano)! Celebrate America’s favorite cocktail with $5 House Rocks Margaritas, $5 House Frozen Margaritas, and $5 Skinny Margaritas. All locations will have fun photo booths from 6:00-9:00 p.m., plus a special tequila bottle giveaway for one lucky guest (over 21-years-old) at each location. Blue Goose specializes in its famous margaritas with more than 15 varieties and delicious concoctions, including the Hibiscus Margarita, the Paloma Margarita (grapefruit), the Mango Margarita, as well as the classic margarita.

Established in 1984, Blue Goose Cantina brings together fantastic made-from-scratch Mexican food, legendary cocktails, top-notch service, a fun atmosphere, and a kick-ass attitude. A division of Peterson Management Group, a family-owned and operated restaurant management company, Blue Goose currently has seven North Texas locations with an additional location opening in Grand Prairie in early 2023. For more information, including menu and locations, visit BlueGooseCantina.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and promotions. #bluegoosecantina

Kathy Beazley
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Photo credit Peterson Management Group Crawfish Platter from Aw Shucks and Big Shucks

On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, which is Fat Tuesday, Aw Shucks/Big Shucks will be partying it up with some amazing deals all day to kickstart Lent season at ALL five locations (Dallas, Frisco, Lewisville, and Richardson), plus a rockin’ Mardi Gras Block Party at the Richardson Big Shucks location from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. with Decades, a live party band playing Zydeco, jazz, pop, oldies, and rock & roll. All Shucks locations will be offering free beads, $3 Drafts, $15 Draft Pitchers, $5 Margaritas, and crawfish specials.

Continuing the party, Shucks will offer crawfish specials for Ash Wednesday along with an all-day seafood lunch special. Every Friday during Lent a $8.99 Tilapia special is available all day, featuring two perfectly grilled tilapia filets with a side of white rice and a medley of vegetables. Don’t miss out on the fresh seafood and fun this season!

Since 1983, Aw Shucks and Big Shucks Oyster Bars have been the best places in North Texas to get raw oysters, shrimp, catfish, crab legs, po'boy boy sandwiches, a nice cold beer, and some tasty crawfish when in season. With its eclectic seafood shack atmosphere, guests are guaranteed to have the best shuckin’ time. A division of Peterson Management Group, a family-owned and operated restaurant management company, there are five locations in North Texas. For more information on Aw Shucks and Big Shucks, visit awshucksdallas.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and promotions. #shucksdallas

Kathy Beazley
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The North Texas Irish Festival returns to Dallas’s Fair Park March 3-5, bringing with it all the music, dance and culture that this exciting, family-friendly event in the rich tradition of Irish and Celtic culture. 

One of the largest Irish festivals in the U.S., the North Texas Irish Festival is a family-friendly event featuring live music, dancing, storytelling, chef demonstrations and more on multiple stages, indoors and outdoors, in Fair Park. Attendees will also enjoy horse shows, sheepherding demonstrations, beer and whiskey tastings, genealogy research opportunities, animal rescue groups, shopping, child-friendly entertainment, and free arts and crafts for the kids. This indoor-outdoor festival takes place rain or shine. 

“It’s music, it’s food and drink, it’s dance, it’s people connecting with each other,” said Sheri Bush, president of the Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc., the organization that produces the North Texas Irish Festival and provides music and dance scholarships to local students. “There truly is something for everyone here. The volunteers who put their heart and soul into this festival are excited to share it with everyone.” 

The largest cultural celebration in DFW, the North Texas Irish Festival is produced annually by hundreds of volunteers, some of whom have volunteered for decades, often alongside generations of their families.  

Also returning this year is the North Texas Irish Festival Fun Run, a jaunt through the beautiful grounds of Fair Park on Saturday, March 4, at 8 a.m.  This family-friendly fun run is perfect for runners or walkers of any age or ability, and also for dogs! All registered participants will receive a T-shirt, a “bottle opener” medal, one ticket to the North Texas Irish Festival, and two beers after the run if they are of legal drinking age. This non-timed 5K fun run will benefit Friends of Fair Park and the Southwest Celtic Music Association. More information and a link to registration are available here.

Music, dancing, whiskey tastings, horse displays, Celtic storytelling, animal rescue groups, Shepherd’s pie, Irish stew, dozens of activities for kids and child-friendly entertainment, and chef demonstrations are all found at this family-friendly festival.

Music

The roots of the North Texas Irish Festival are in its celebration of music. This year, the North Texas Irish Festival will feature performers including national headliners Sliabh Notes, The Logues, Rory Makem, Moors & McCumber, and Celtic Aire; and regional performers 5 Second Rule, Behan, Beyond the Pale, Boxing Robin, C. Michael Price, Cleghorn, Colin Urwin, Emerald Accent, Goldring, Jiggernaut, Kinfolk, Plunk Murray, Reel Treble, River Driver, Slugger’s Rule, Sombati, The Selkie Girls, The Whalers, Threadneedle St, Tuatha Dea, Tullamore, Vintage Wildflowers, and Wolf Loescher.

Dance 

The rhythmic magic of Irish step dancing is enchanting to watch and to tap your toe right along with. Celtic music will come alive in the steps of dancers of all ages, including those from The McLane School of Irish Dance and the Shandon-O’Regan Irish Dance Academy, who will delight audiences. Irish step dancers perform on a dedicated dance stage and also with musical performers throughout the festival.

Chef Stage

Chefs doing their own modern take on traditional Celtic fare, or using traditional ingredients in new ways, delight audiences who love to learn and sample the fare on the chef stage. And don’t miss special mixology demonstrations on Friday night!

Kids 

Urchin Street at the North Texas Irish Festival is a special place where kids can find entertainment, education, play and fun, including crafts, music, dance, storytelling, magic and mystery. Storytellers -- or “Shanachie” – will perform traditional Irish stories in the way that the Irish learned of their history for hundreds of years.  

Pets

The North Texas Irish Festival is pet-friendly! From dogs to rabbits, cats and even a squirrel or two, attendees bring leashed pets to the festival to enjoy indoor and outdoor festivities. Need a new best pal? Animal rescue groups at the North Texas Irish Festival are happy to introduce you to animals to see if you might have a new “fur-ever” friend.

Hours, Admission and Location 

Gates open on Friday evening, March 3, at 6 p.m.  Hours are 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday; 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 4; and 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 5.

Admission is FREE on Friday from 6 to 7 p.m.; $15 after 7 p.m. A one-day ticket is $25 on Saturday or Sunday at the gate, while a weekend pass is $45. Discount tickets are available at area Tom Thumb and Albertsons stores for $20 for a one-day ticket. Children under 6 are FREE when accompanied by an adult family member. Seniors over 65 or current military members (with valid military ID) receive $5 off all gate prices. Pets are allowed in on a short leash. Leprechauns (in full ceremonial dress and carrying pot of gold) are FREE.

Tickets will be available online at www.NTIF.org, at Tom Thumb and Albertsons stores, and at the gates on the days of the event.

Parking is available in and around Fair Park, or attendees can take the DART (take the Green Line!) to the front entrance of Fair Park and the North Texas Irish Festival. Detailed directions and parking tips are available at www.ntif.org. The public can call (214) 821-4173, or visit www.ntif.org for more information or to volunteer to work at the festival. 

Social

Connect with the North Texas Irish Festival at:

About the Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc.

The Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc. (SCMA) is the producing organization for the North Texas Irish Festival. Almost 1,000 volunteers will help in organization, promotion and execution of this year's festival. The first such festival was held on March 5, 1983, at the legendary Nick Farrelly’s Lounge on Oak Lawn and was billed as the First Texas Céilí. This event was so popular that it has continued every year since on the first weekend in March as the North Texas Irish Festival. Shortly after the first festival, the all-volunteer Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc. was formed to promote the study, performance and preservation of traditional Celtic music, dance and culture. In 1984, the event was moved to Fair Park and its name changed to the North Texas Irish Festival. The Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit cultural corporation headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and serves a five-state regional area. The organization maintains a web site at www.scmatx.org. 

Kathy Beazley
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Photo courtesy of Closet Factory DFW

January is National Get Organized Month, and the “G” and “O” in “Get Organized” tell us that it’s GO time in creating the home of our dreams in 2023. The best part? Making a few key decisions helps you to create a system for your spaces that is both achievable and sustainable.

Here are a few tips on how to get started in some key areas of your home:

Pantry Purge: For many of us, it’s “out of sight, out of mind,” but when it comes to food storage and accessibility, a pantry that allows you to know your inventory of food and supplies at any given moment is helpful. Not only does it make meal planning easier, but you may also find that you make more nutritious food choices and save money by not spending on duplicate items. To get started, take everything out of your pantry. Check expiration dates, dispose of anything outdated, and consider donating unopened, still-good food that just doesn’t fit your diet or lifestyle. Clean shelves and assess your space. Consider using clear bins to group similar items -- breakfast items, snacks, cereal, or baking, for example – and corral food types together for easy grab and go. Also consider whether under-shelf storage in the form of pull-out spice racks, wire baskets, adjustable shelves and or hangers might help create storage options for some of your supplies.

Create a real-life inbox/outbox: Designate a space for clutter-on-the-go. This could be a shelf or a small closet where you can drop things short-term that will eventually need a home in your house, or things like unopened mail. This is also a great place to stash your purse or any items you take in and out of the home with you. Here, you can also temporarily store items that need to go back to someone else – that item you need to return to the store, the book you’re going to lend a friend, etc. Give these things a short-term home by creating a dedicated space so that clutter doesn’t live all over your kitchen counters or living room surfaces. Innovative solutions custom-fit to your space, such as pull-out bins or rolling shelves in cabinets, create dedicated spaces that are easy to use and also out of sight.

Home office makeover: If you didn’t have a home office prior to the pandemic, there’s a high likelihood that you need one now. If your home office is in a room that serves multiple functions – for example, in a guest bedroom or primary bedroom – consider using a Murphy bed to create the kind of flexibility you need to allow the room to do double duty. Beds take up the most square footage of any piece of furniture in our homes, and tend to dominate a room. A Murphy bed lifts that bed off the floor and stores it in an attractive cabinet that easily blends with others. Bonus: It makes a great Zoom background!

Use the “one in/one out” rule: To not get overwhelmed with stuff, consider implementing the “one in/one out” rule. Get a new pair of boots? Donate your old ones. Did your child get a great new toy? Perhaps a few older toys can be donated. When purging happens on a regular basis, it becomes less overwhelming and more consistently matches your lifestyle.

Get the garage done. This often-overlooked space is one that gives people great joy when it’s organized well. Why? Especially in Texas, many of us enter and leave our homes through our garage, meaning we see it at least twice a day. Also, garages are typically blank canvases with little organization already built in. The downside is that they can easily become a dumping ground for all the things you don’t know what to do with. The upside is that a well-organized garage can seriously maximize your home storage when done correctly. Start by giving it a good clean, and then consider calling a designer who is a space planning expert. That person can help you decide what can go where, and what cabinetry, hanging items, or other storage solutions will allow you to make your garage a function, floor-to-ceiling space. A slatwall is a great way to hang tools, chords and other items off of the floor to free up space.

Pull together the playroom. An organized playroom does a couple of things: It saves you the headache of living in the midst of toys under your feet, and also teaches children a valuable lesson about organization that will serve them well in life. Using clear bins and drawers customized to your cabinet space, created a dedicated space for the little tyke’s lovies. Once you’ve established a system, work with your children to show them how to put things away, and make this a regular part of playtime. Have them help you until they understand how and where to put things, and make it a game or a race that you do together.

Conquer the closet. The closet of your dreams is within reach, and makes getting ready each day easier and a lot more fun. Start by figuring out what you truly wear. Don’t know where to begin? Reverse all your hangers to put the hook facing you and, when you wear an item and return it, turn the hanger the right way (rounded part toward you) and in just a few short months, you will begin to see which items you reach for. Or, do a purge and place items you don’t think you wear often in garbage bags in a spare closet or in your garage. If you find you need something that’s in the bag, you can pull it out, but set a date in six months or so when you will donate the bags, and mark that date on your calendar. Velvet jewelry tray inserts in drawers as well as tilt-out laundry hampers can help maximize space. Love your clothes but hate your space? The truth is that most homes were not built with the kind of closets that afford you the flexibility and design needed to make the most of your space. Call an expert in space planning who can show you how to add functionality, storage space, lighting and design to create the space of your dreams.

Book a complimentary consultation with a design expert from Closet Factory DFW who can show you how your home’s space can be maximized to fit your lifestyle. With custom-designed solutions handcrafted right here in DFW and installed by trusted expert professionals, Closet Factory DFW helps you create accessible luxury in your own home. www.closetfactorytexas.com

Kathy Beazley
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NAMI North Texas 2023 Board President and Vice Pre

NAMI North Texas, a chartered affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and NAMI Texas, has announced its 2023 new leadership and members. Heading up the board as president for a one-year term is Dr. Joseph Guillory from the University of Texas at Southwestern with Dr. Mohammad 'Pasha' Rahman taking on the role of vice president. Rahman is the Director of Pharmacy Services at Medical City Green Oaks Hospital in Dallas.

Joining Guillory and Rahman as board members are Nicole Bowers returning as secretary, Paul Sloane returning as treasurer, Heather Bianchi, ShaRonda Young Calderon, Alyse Ferguson, Phyllis Finley, Deborah Goodall, Todd Gyure, Courtney Jaimes, Isaac Padilla, and Claudia Smith.

Founded in 1982, NAMI North Texas, a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible nonprofit organization, advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need. Serving Dallas, Collin, Denton, and Rockwall counties; NAMI North Texas provides essential and free education, advocacy and support group programs. For more information, visit www.naminorthtexas.org.

Kathy Beazley
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Photo credit: Avondale Dealerships Young teenage women from the National Charity League – Southlake Chapter learn about car maintenance from Mercedes-Benz of Grapevine

On Tuesday, January 10, Mercedes-Benz of Grapevine, a part of the Avondale Dealerships family, hosted a basic car maintenance class at their 1300 Texan Trail location for young teenage women from the National Charity League – Southlake Chapter.

After a welcome and introduction by Zach Gilbert, general manager of Mercedes-Benz of Grapevine, shop foremen Ryan Beck and Geoff Fisher covered topics like vehicle safety, driving etiquette and roadside assistance. The teens also learned what to do when you get pulled over, how to change a tire, jumpstarting a battery, and what key items to keep in your vehicle. This was a great learning opportunity since most of the girls are 15 to 16 years of age and are just beginning to drive.

“Teaching basic car maintenance to teenagers to ensure they are safe on the road and their car stays in tip-top shape is a very important life lesson,” states Gilbert. “Mercedes-Benz of Grapevine is honored that we can help National Charity League and other teens assume greater responsibility for their car.”

Getting their own car is a right of passage for many teenagers. After getting a license and selecting the right car, the next step for them is to learn how to conduct simple car maintenance. In the end, keeping a car maintained can go a long way toward keeping it–and teen drivers–safe on the road.

Avondale has provided monetary and volunteer support to hundreds of North Texas charities over the last 30 plus years. The company typically focuses on partnering with organizations whose goals mirror the following Avondale Spirit pillars – Service, Passion, Integrity, Respect, Innovative, and Trust.

About Avondale Dealerships

Avondale Dealerships is part of Avondale Group, an innovative business led by a team with decades of success and experience in the automotive industry. Avondale is supported by members who have an incredible spirit for delivering an elevated client experience. The Spirit of Avondale runs deep and is channeled in multiple ways to care for the local community. Avondale Dealerships operate Mercedes-Benz of Grapevine, Porsche Grapevine, Sprinter Grapevine, Aston Martin Dallas, Bentley Dallas, Koenigsegg Dallas, McLaren Dallas, Maserati Dallas, Pininfarina Dallas and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas. In addition, the company manages Avondale Collision & Repair, and Avondale Select, a subscription service for luxury vehicles. For more information, please visit: https://www.avondale.com. 

About National Charity League -  Southlake Chapter

National Charity League (NCL) -  Southlake Chapter is a group of mothers and daughters who have come together in a commitment to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences. Members shall reside in the city of Southlake, Texas, or attend Carroll ISD schools. Like all NCL chapters, Southlake aims to foster the mother-daughter relationship by serving its communities together. Since its inception in 1997, the Southlake Chapter of NCL, Inc. has continued its commitment to the core values of NCL, Inc. and its vision to develop strong women leaders serving and impacting communities today and for generations to come. For more information, visit https://www.nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/southlake/.