Take steps at 2023 NAMIWalks North Texas to raise awareness for mental health and stop the stigma. The walk also celebrates mental health recovery, honors those who have lost their lives to mental health conditions and raises funds for the nonprofit. This year's goal is to raise more than $175,000. The walk takes place on Saturday, May 6 at 9:00 a.m. at Riders Field in Frisco.

The power of our mission is being felt as never before. The achievement of "Mental Health for All" has never felt this critical yet closer to being realized. It's not how far we walk on May 6, but how far we've come to make our milestones count. With your support and high spirits, we intend to make an unprecedented impact on mental health in our community. NAMIWalks 2023 represents a powerful chance to leave a significant mark on the local mental health landscape. Whether you're a previous participant or a new voice waiting to be heard, we're pretty sure you'll find the festivities inspired and inspiring.

There is no registration fee for the walk. All participants are encouraged to collect donations from family members, friends, co-workers, business associates and other mental health advocates. All walkers raising $100 or more receive a NAMIWalks North Texas event t-shirt. To participate, donate or support a team, visit naminorthtexas.org/namiwalksntx.

NAMIWalks North Texas includes free parking and activities for kids. The fundraiser is pet-friendly. 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 naminorthtexas.org.

At the 18^th 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 18^th 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

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.

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

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:

• Facebook: @NTIFSCMA
• Twitter: @NTIF_scma
• Instagram: @NTIF_SCMA

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.