Blue Goose Cantina is turning up the heat on National Margarita Day, Thursday, February 22, 2024, with irresistible drink and queso specials across all seven of its locations in locations in Frisco, Plano, Highland Village, McKinney, Grapevine, Fort Worth, and Grand Prairie. Celebrate this festive day with a fiesta for your taste buds. For a wallet-friendly $3 each, patrons can enjoy both the house frozen and on-the-rocks margaritas, wells, and the beloved queso dip. It's a celebration of flavors that won't break the bank.

But that's not all – Blue Goose Cantina is introducing a limited-time drink special, just in time for the occasion. Say hello to "Mi Cariño," a cranberry-champagne margarita that will steal your heart. This delectable cocktail boasts Astral Blanco tequila, cranberry juice, a champagne floater, a splash of Blue Goose's special Diablo juice, and is garnished with lime and cranberries served on the rocks. Mi Cariño is available exclusively from February 1 to March 31 for $13, offering a delightful twist to the traditional margarita.

Whether you're a margarita aficionado or simply looking for a reason to indulge in some cheesy goodness, Blue Goose Cantina's National Margarita Day celebration promises an unforgettable experience. Gather your friends and head to your nearest Blue Goose Cantina location to savor the flavors of this special day without burning a hole in your pocket. Cheers to margaritas, the unforgettable Mi Cariño cocktail, queso, and good times!

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 in Frisco, Plano, Highland Village, McKinney, Grapevine, Fort Worth and Grand Prairie. For more information, including menu and locations, visit BlueGooseCantina.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and promotions. #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 eclectic seafood shack restaurants, Aw Shucks and Big 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 cocktails, 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.

NAMI North Texas, a chartered affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and NAMI Texas, has announced its 2024 new leadership and members. Joining the NAMI North Texas board are the following:

Lakeesha Browne is the CEO and Principal Accountant at LV Browne, CPA.  She has more than 25 years of experience as a CPA.  During her professional career, she has spent seven years as Controller for two well-known local nonprofits, CitySquare and Catholic Charities of Dallas.  Ms. Browne has participated in NAMIWalks, advocated for the rights and vulnerabilities of the mentally ill, and currently serves on the steering committee for the Mental Wellness Alliance of North Texas. Ms. Browne will be serving as treasurer for NAMI North Texas.

Khadijah Ibrahim is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for Medical City Green Oaks where she is currently serving as a Program Director.  Ms. Ibrahim brings with her more than 12 years of experience in a mental health clinical setting and has supported NAMI North Texas through her participation in NAMIWalks, the signature fundraiser for the nonprofit.

Lee Pierson is the Chief Attorney over the Dallas County District Attorney's Office Mental Health Division. Since 2011, he has handled cases involving competency, sanity and defendants who have a mental health diagnosis, many times co-occurring with substance abuse disorders.

Monserrat Mata is currently a Parent Educator and Case Worker at Avance North Texas where she provides advocacy and social support services for under-served and under-resourced families in the Dallas area.  Ms. Mata has been a key player in facilitating a partnership between NAMI North Texas and Avance to strengthen mental health education and awareness among the people they serve.

Felecia Wadsworth is a passionate family member, retired teacher and former NAMI North Texas Board Member and Youth Programs Coordinator.  Since leaving her position as Youth Programs Coordinator at NAMI North Texas, Mrs. Wadsworth has continued to be a strong legislative mental health advocate and champion volunteer for NAMI North Texas.

Elected for one year terms, the 2024 officers were also elected and confirmed. Returning to the board as president is Dr. Joseph Guillory from the University of Texas at Southwestern and Dr. Mohammad 'Pasha' Rahman was re-elected as vice president. Rahman is the Director of Pharmacy Services at Medical City Green Oaks Hospital in Dallas. Newly-elected officers include ShaRonda Young Calderon, the program director for Blue H.E.L.P. will serve as secretary, while Alyse Ferguson, an attorney with Rosenthal, Kalabus & Therrian, will serve as treasurer. Other returning board members include Heather Bianchi, Phyllis Finley, Officer Todd Gyure, Courtney Jaimes, and Isaac Padilla.

Founded in 1982, NAMI North Texas, a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible nonprofit organization, advocates for equitable access to mental health services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community of 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.

While Santa may reside at the North Pole, the epicenter of holiday magic was brightest at Metrocrest Services, where the community shared donations, time and care with those in need. Through the Metrocrest Services Holiday Program, 1,031 families who might not have otherwise had a reason to celebrate felt remembered and valued this past holiday season.

“It is remarkable what we can do together,” said Caitlin Hardegree, marketing and communications director of Metrocrest Services, “and this past holiday season was proof that we can make a difference for our friends and neighbors, ultimately providing them with services that put them on a path to self-sufficiency. Some holiday magic along the way also helps, too!”

Like Santa’s workshop come to life, the Metrocrest Services Holiday Store opened its doors to clients of Metrocrest Services December 9-20. Toys and games for children of all ages, bicycles and helmets, clothing, personal care items and much more were available for caregivers to select from for their children, at no cost to them. The store was stocked with donations from generous community members.

A fun, festively decorated space complete with Christmas trees, holiday music and spirited volunteers made the experience bright for Metrocrest Services clients. In all, 2,402 children received gifts chosen just for them – children who, otherwise, might not have had anything under the tree – and caregivers experienced the joy of selecting and gifting something their child would love.

“Thank you for making my kids’ Christmas special!” Claudia, a client of Metrocrest Services, remarked to volunteers and staff.

In addition to the holiday store, Metrocrest Services also offered a senior gifting program that allowed the community to create and donate gift baskets with specific local senior citizens in mind. These elaborate gift baskets held everything from soft and cozy items like new robes, slippers and blankets, to delicious cookies snacks, items for the home, gift cards, personal notes and cards, and much more. The baskets were then delivered to seniors’ homes, giving volunteers an opportunity to visit and spread holiday cheer. In all, 69 seniors from the Metrocrest community who otherwise might have felt forgotten over the holidays received holiday spirit and some special gifts.

“Best Christmas we’ve had in a long time,” remarked a senior who received a basket.

Making this holiday season sparkle was the dedication of Metrocrest Services staff, donors to the program and volunteers. Seven hundred and thirty-two volunteers gave of their time and energy during this past holiday season to help those in need, contributing 2,135 volunteer hours.

“We are grateful that people took time out of their busy holiday season to help us make magic for those in need,” Hardegree said. “The smiles on the faces of the people who came through our doors are proof that we are making a difference, and that is truly because of the support our organization receives from the community. We hope everyone keeps the holiday spirit in their hearts throughout the year as we help individuals on their path to self-sufficiency.”

Now headquartered in Carrollton, Metrocrest Services has welcomed even more clients into its new home this year – people who are in need of everything from food to feed their families to help with rent and electrical bills, job training and other needs. In the last four months of 2023, the non-profit agency experienced a 50 percent increase in new food pantry clients – people who have never asked for help from Metrocrest Services before – over the same timeframe last year.

Metrocrest Services provides wrap-around services all year long – meaning it helps clients with the many aspects of getting on the road to independence, including providing assistance with food, rent, job skills, financial education and much more. Metrocrest Services is well-positioned to help area residents in need. The non-profit agency relies on donations of funding and volunteer time from the community. To get involved, visit metrocrestservices.org/donate

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 metrocrestservices.org.