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Bill Minick today announced his decision to retire as chairman of PartnerSource at the end of March 2021. Jennifer Hurless, president of PartnerSource, will continue in her current role leading this company that has proven better business comes from caring for injured workers. 

“One major result of Bill’s efforts is a profound shift in how to deliver prompt, outstanding medical care and better benefits to injured employees, and work through any concerns they may have,” noted Hurless. “We are honored to continue his legacy as PartnerSource moves toward its fourth decade in business with a strong position in the industry.” 

Bill Minick began his professional career as a corporate and tax attorney for nine years with major law firms, developed many of the first alternative dispute resolution programs for employment-related claims, and led the Dallas property and casualty insurance operation for a global insurance broker. But Minick is best known for pioneering Texas injury benefit plans and growing PartnerSource into the leading consulting firm for competitive alternatives to traditional workers’ compensation.  

Minick has a track record of individual and team successes, advising dozens of Fortune 500 companies in retail, food service, healthcare and transportation on their workers’ compensation programs. He has fostered industry partnerships to deliver best-in-class benefits and liability insurance coverage, better medical outcomes for over one million injured workers, and billions of dollars in economic development.

Minick has multiple law and insurance licenses, with degrees from Abilene Christian University, Pepperdine University and Southern Methodist University. He has worked extensively in state and federal government affairs and public relations, developed trade groups (see ARAWC.org) and program designations (see QCARE.org), participated in university-led and other independent research initiatives, written new laws and regulations, and motivated workers’ comp system improvements in multiple states. He has written extensively for national publications (like Risk & Insurance, WorkCompCentral, WorkersCompensation.com, Business Insurance and Insurance Thought Leadership) and been a featured presenter at major insurance, legal and workers’ compensation industry conferences (like the National Workers’ Compensation & Disability Conference, Workers Compensation Institute, Workers Compensation Research Institute, Risk & Insurance Management Society, CLM, State Bar of Texas, National Academy of Social Insurance and Self-Insurance Institute of America).

“I am grateful for all the client and industry relationships developed over the years,” Minick said. “And I’m most grateful for having worked with an incredibly talented PartnerSource team of attorneys and claim, information service and administrative professionals. They will continue to innovate and deliver outstanding service under the highly capable leadership of PartnerSource President Jennifer Hurless.”

Although retiring from PartnerSource, Bill is active in many charitable and civic causes, including service as secretary of Kids’ Chance of Texas, a judge of the Comp Laude Awards, a trustee of Abilene Christian University, and a board member of the Men’s Advocacy Group of New Friends New Life. He will also remain active in writing, speaking, and serving within the injury benefit and workers’ compensation industries through collaborations that advance better outcomes for injured workers and employers. 

About PartnerSource

PartnerSource is the leading provider of a responsible alternative to traditional workers’ compensation for businesses operating in the state of Texas. The company dedicates deep talent from a team of more than 30 experienced employees to provide end-to-end strategies that are easy to use, fiscally responsible, and driven by the purpose that better business comes from caring for injured workers. Based in Dallas, Texas, PartnerSource provides industry leadership and education through its annual conference and participation in numerous workers’ compensation industry events, awards and associations that support people injured on the job. PartnerSource is also a proud supporter of the Kids’ Chance of Texas scholarship fund, which is dedicated to bettering the lives of injured workers and their families. More information about PartnerSource is available at PartnerSource.comor by calling (214) 239-4586.

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Fajitas & Ritas Celebration Kicks off Monthly Margarita Features; $5 Frozen Margaritas and Swirls available for to-go orders

The delicious taste of fresh-squeezed juices meets premium tequilas in hand-made margaritas that are as refreshing as they are authentic. Uncle Julio’s celebrates National Margarita Day on Monday, February 22, with the start of its Fajitas & Ritas Celebration, offering the best way for guests to enjoy two of Uncle Julio’s favorite signature items.

National Margarita Day also serves as the kick-off to a year of celebrating hand-made margaritas. Each month, Uncle Julio’s will feature a different fresh fruit-driven margarita. The Grapefruit Margarita will be the star on National Margarita Day: Starting with freshly squeezed grapefruit and limes, the hand-squeezed fruit juice is then paired with 100% agave Lunazul Tequila and St-Germain. For an even more elevated experience, guests may choose to add a Premium Tequila Floater (in a fresh lime cup!) of either Lunazul Silver or Exotico Reposado to their Grapefruit Margarita or any other Uncle Julio’s Margarita. The Grapefruit Margarita is available for $11.50 and, where permitted by law, the Premium Tequila Floater can be added for just $2.

Also new during the Fajitas & Ritas Celebration at Uncle Julio’s is a dine-in special which allows guests to enjoy Uncle Julio’s signature mesquite-grilled Steak Fajitas with a special twist: Guests can order any Uncle Julio’s Steak Fajitas or Steak Fajita Combo and take home an addiitonal order of Steak Fajitas for half price (at Uncle Julio’s locations in Texas, guests can take home an order of Steak Fajitas for $10 with their qualifying dine-in purchase)! This special runs through March 30, 2021, and is for dine-in guests only. 

Guests placing to-go orders at UncleJulios.com can get $5 Frozen Margaritas and $5 Frozen Swirls to enjoy at home for their own National Margarita Day celebrations.

Uncle Julio’s serves made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine, using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes to bring its signature taste to life in everything from mesquite-grilled meats to hand-crafted margaritas. Guests find memorable dining experiences and delicious flavor whether they are dining in-restaurant, on the patio, or ordering to-go.

Headquartered in the Dallas, Texas area, the first Uncle Julio’s opened in 1986 and continues to expand to define the polished casual Mexican industry. To find a location near you or to peruse the mouth-watering menu, visit UncleJulios.com, or connect with Uncle Julio’s on Facebook @UncleJuliosandInstagram @UncleJuliosMexican.

 

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Music, dance, and Celtic culture, all easily accessible via your device

The 39thAnnual North Texas Irish Festival will celebrate the long, rich tradition of Irish and Celtic culture through a modern medium: the internet. The all-new virtual festival will include the music, dance, cultural and culinary activities that are the hallmarks of one of the country’s largest and most well-respected cultural festivals. On Saturday, March 6, fans of the festival can enjoy six channels of Celtic culture live on NTIF.org from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“This new format allows us to bring the festival to our fans in a way we have never done before,” said Sheri Bush, president of the Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc., the non-profit organization that produces the North Texas Irish Festival and provides music and dance scholarships to local students. “While we respect the need to socially distance, we know that viewers will feel close to the performances of these talented artists we will showcase.”

For the first time in festival history, Ireland is streaming performances to Texas! On March 6, viewers will be able to watch the “Live from Ireland” channel on NTIF.org with special band performances from the Emerald Isle. From 12 - 6 p.m. the channel features seven bands and dance performances from County Donegal Ireland. Then, from 6 – 9:30 p.m., the Live from Ireland channel of the North Texas Irish Festival will feature performances from bands ZoDoMo and Altan.

Music

The heart and soul of the North Texas Irish Festival is the music. This year, the many different stages festival-goers typically enjoy will now be virtual, allowing viewers to see a wide variety of styles at the click of a mouse on one of the many different channels. Featured musical performers include: Sarah Copus, Reel Treble, Beyond the Pale, Irish Rogues, Behan, Sluggers Rule, North Texas Caledonian Pipes and Drums, Kinfolk, Selkie Girls, Jiggernaut, Vintage Wildflowers, Cleghorn and Tullamore. On the Live from Ireland channel, viewers will find ZoDoMo with Zoë Conway, Donal Lunny and Mairtín O' Connor, Dermot Byrne and Irish headliner Altan.

Other musical performers making appearances on the livestream are: Sliabh Notes, Brian McNeil, Eileen Ivers, The Wee Heavies, EJ Jones, Wolf Loescher, Celtic Aire, Ed Miller, Rich Brotherton, Sombati and the North Texas Irish School of Music.

Dance & Cultural Channels

If you are a fan of the hit show “Riverdance,” then you are familiar with the rhythmic magic of Irish step dancing. Dancers of all ages from a variety of Texas dance schools will entertain on the North Texas Irish Festival virtual event. Also available on the livestreams will be North Texas chefs spilling some of their best Celtic culinary secrets as they perform their own modern takes on traditional Celtic fare. Storytellers will perform traditional Irish stories in the way that the Irish have learned of their history for hundreds of years, and horse and dog experts will show the incredible work that they do with their animals. Documentaries and other cultural content will also be shown on the livestream channels. The Irish love their animals, and so the festival will continue its long-standing tradition of featuring animal rescue groups. Tune in, and you might find a new best friend!

How to Enjoy the Festival

The North Texas Irish Festival will be on Saturday, March 6, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., virtually at www.ntif.org. Five of the six channels will be complimentary. The Live from Ireland channel will require a minimum donation of $40 to the Southwest Celtic Music Association (SCMA), the producing organization of the North Texas Irish Festival. Access to attend a music workshop will be available for $25.

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Sponsors

The North Texas Irish Festival is presented by the Southwest Celtic Music Association. Additionally, the festival is sponsored by NBC 5, Entercom, YOLO TX, Donegal County Council, Tom Thumb, Albertsons, Scarborough Renaissance Festival, Glendalough Irish Whiskey, Guinness and Teelings Whiskey.

About the Southwest Celtic Music AssociationInc.

The Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc. (SCMA) is the producing organization for the North Texas Irish 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. 

 

 

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Beautiful notecards feature work donated to non-profit by North Texas women artists 

 What are you gifting your gals for Galentine’s Day? Mommies In Need, a North Texas non-profit, is asking everyone to celebrate the love they have for the ladies in their life with a great gift that also benefits moms in need. Beautiful packs of notecards featuring art from North Texas artists make perfect Galentine’s gifts, or to carry messages of heartfelt appreciation to the ladies you love. Sales of the notecards support Mommies In Need’s mission of providing community, childcare and compassion to moms battling their own health crisis. 

“A community of amazing women is what helped us start Mommies In Need,” said Natalie Boyle, CEO, who founded the organization after battling her own health crisis and vowing to help other women through theirs. “As women show love for the friends, sisters, moms, grandmothers, aunts, teachers, colleagues and others who make their lives better, we hope they will consider gifting them something special that also helps moms in need. These women need all the love and support we can give them right now.”

Sold in packs of 10 for only $25, the Mommies In Need notecard collection features artwork by 10 North Texas artists, all talented women who have donated the use of their pieces to benefit the organization’s mission. Gift packs of notecards to the ladies in your life, use them as hostess gifts, or send each of your gals a heartfelt, handwritten note on one of these beautiful cards. Each pack of notecards features works by:

    • Sarah Todd, a Dallas artist whose work combines elements of timeless art techniques with a contemporary edge and features 24K gold leaf. @sarahtoddart
    • Helen Lary, a mixed media abstract fine artist based in Dallas.
    • Caitlin Peters, an abstract and impressionist painter based in Dallas, who studied art at TCU and the Lorenzo de’ Medici Art Institute in Florence, Italy.
    • Alana Kay, a resin artist who captures emotions, memories and moods into colorful pieces that can be digitally transformed into apparel, accessories and home décor. @alanakaylatiolais
    • Julianne Harris, who creates custom fine art for homes and families around the country. 
    • Melissa Carpenter, a figurative abstract artist who uses alcohol inks and acrylics. @Melissa_Carpenter_Art
    • Kimberly Wylie, an acrylic mixed media fine-art painter and fine-art photographer based in Dallas. 
    • Paula Molberg, a mixed media artist in Dallas who sells notecards, journals and other art in her Etsy shop.
    • Carolyn Joe, who creates large-scale, vibrant abstract paintings in Dallas and is represented by Maestri Gallery. @carolynjoeart
    • Scarlet Reaganowner Kristi Kennimer, a contemporary artist creating large-scale abstract oil paintings depicting happiness, who paints custom commissions, offers Home Art Labs and collaborates with designers for specialty applications. @scarletreagan

While showing support for the women we love is nothing new, the concept of “Galentine’s Day” was created in 2010 by the character Leslie Knope of “Parks and Recreation” as she gathered a group of her closest gal pals for a brunch of waffles and love. “Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style,” Leslie says in the episode. “Ladies celebrating ladies.” Today, Galentine’s is celebrated before Valentine’s Day as a way to show appreciation to the women in our lives.

When Natalie Boyle struggled with cancer and other health issues while also caring for newborn twin girls, it was the women in her life she called on for help. Mommies In Need was born in 2014 to help other moms out there get the help and hope they need when they are battling their own health crises. To date, Mommies In Need has provided more than 25,000 hours of care at no cost to families, all funded by the generosity of donors.

“The love of our mom is the first love we know,” Boyle said, “and we come to realize, throughout our lives, how important it is to celebrate the ladies we love who are always there to help, to heal, and to love us. We are eternally grateful to the women who have made this organization their life’s work, and to those who continue to show support to women whom they have never even met. We are honored to celebrate all of them this Galentine’s Day.”

Mommies In Need is a non-profit organization that relies on the generous support of compassionate individuals, foundations and businesses that recognize the value of the services Mommies In Need provides to families. Among its many supporters are The Crystal Charity Ball, The Simmons Sisters Fund at the Dallas Foundation, The Constantin Foundation, Hamon Charitable Foundation, The Meadows Foundation, The Moody Foundation, The Perot Foundation and Comerica Bank, as well as in-kind partners The Beck Group and Winstead PC. More information about Mommies In Need is available on its website and through its Facebook and Instagram. Notecards are available for purchase at mommiesinneed.org/shop.

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Green Brick Partners Inc. in partnership with Meritage Homes, has closed on the purchase of approximately 2,400 homesites with a total build-out value of circa $640 million for the development of Eastridge, Princeton, Texas’ newest residential community. The community will be a 50/50 partnership between Meritage Homes and Trophy Signature Homes, a subsidiary of Green Brick Partners. The 547-acre community will feature a mixture of 40’, 50’, and 60’ single-family homesites. 

Eastridge will be located at the corner of Longneck Road and New Hope Road East in Princeton, about 40 minutes northeast of Dallas. The community will be in close proximity to several area highways including Highway 121, U.S. 380, and Highway 75, allowing residents to benefit from both a short commute and a small-town atmosphere. 

"The Eastridge development is going to be a great addition to the City of Princeton. The developer has a clear understanding on what it takes to bring in a quality development. With the amenities, parks, hike and bike trails, property for emergency services, and good quality builders, I am confident that Eastridge will be a success, and a place where the citizens of Princeton can raise their families and experience enjoyment for a lifetime," said Princeton City Manager Derek Borg. 

Upon completion of the multi-phase community, Eastridge will include an amenity center and nearly 90 acres of parks and open spaces for residents to enjoy. 

“Demand for homes in north DFW has continued to grow exponentially, and Princeton is no exception,” said Jed Dolson, chief operating officer and executive vice president of Green Brick Partners. “We have seen remarkable interest from buyers in our neighboring Brookside community, and knew that growing our presence in Princeton was the next step in meeting the market’s growing need for quality homes.” 

Trophy Signature Homes will be offering their Trophy and Texas Tree Series of homes with 3-5 bed and 2-4 bath plans averaging 2,000 square feet. As with every Trophy Signature Homes community, all upgrades including engineered wood floors, cooktops with built in ranges and café hoods, will be included as standard features. The homes will be priced competitively, starting in the mid $200’s to the $300’s. Each home constructed by Trophy Signature Homes is built following the company’s tried and true values of effort, commitment, and respect, translating into supreme attention to detail and unparalleled focus on every home buyer. 

“We view this as a tremendous opportunity to expand our footprint of energy-efficient, thoughtfully designed, affordable homes in Princeton,” said Austin Woffinden, Dallas division president at Meritage Homes. “An exciting opportunity for future homeowners, Meritage homes at Eastridge are projected to start in the low $200,000s, with access to exclusive onsite amenities and sought-after McKinney schools.” 

Meritage Homes plans to build approximately 1,200 single-family LiVE.NOW. ®homes in Princeton, offering buyers a wide variety of floorplans that will be built on homesites ranging from 40’ - 60’. With demand for new homes increasing among first-time buyers who want to escape escalating rents, Meritage offers a streamlined homebuying experience for first-time buyers by providing a one-stop shop for sales and design at the community. With Meritage Homes’ LiVE.NOW. ®offerings, buyers can select quick move-in options featuring the latest design trends. Designed to appeal to families or empty nesters, homes are expected to start in the low $200,000s. Every home Meritage builds in its 25 DFW-area communities showcases the company’s commitment to providing incredibly energy-efficient homes that help customers save on utility bills. 

The land for Eastridge was sold by an affiliate of Astra Development. Davey Davis represented the seller as broker, and Kimley-Horn & Associates serves as the land planner and civil engineer on the project. 

In July 2019, Astra Development purchased the property, a portion of which was located in unincorporated Collin County and the remainder in the City of Princeton’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. Over the next 18 months, the City of Princeton worked with Astra to solve jurisdictional issues and extend utilities approximately two miles to serve the project. A development agreement was approved by Princeton in October 2020, allowing Astra to obtain approval of a favorable concept plan for the project, along with a Public Improvement District and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, creating substantial value for Green Brick Partners and Meritage. 

“We believe these entitlements will make this the most competitive project in Princeton for these builders, while allowing for a high-quality, master-planned community within the expanded city limits of the City of Princeton,” noted Justin Bono, founder and president of Astra Development. Astra Development currently controls approximately 2,500 acres for future residential development in various locations across Collin and Denton counties which are expected to yield more than 7,500 future lots. 

Eastridge is anticipated to open for presales in late 2022. For additional information please visit www.trophysignaturehomes.comand www.meritagehomes.com. 

About Astra Development 
Astra Development acquires land and develops residential projects in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and other select markets.  Astra Development is committed to investing in and developing only quality projects that achieve targeted returns for the company and its investors. To contact Astra Development, please visit the company’s  website. 

About Meritage Homes Corporation 
Meritage Homes is the seventh-largest public homebuilder in the United States, based on homes closed in 2019. Meritage offers a variety of homes that are designed with a focus on first-time and first move-up buyers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The Company has designed and built over 135,000 homes in its 35-year history, and has a reputation for its distinctive style, quality construction, and award-winning customer experience. Meritage is the industry leader in energy-efficient homebuilding and a seven-year recipient of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year for Sustained Excellence Award since 2013 for innovation and industry leadership in energy efficient homebuilding. For more information, visit www.meritagehomes.com. 

About Green Brick Partners 
Green Brick Partners, Inc. (Nasdaq: GRBK) is a diversified homebuilding and land development company. Green Brick owns five homebuilders in Dallas, Texas (CB JENI Homes, Normandy Homes, Southgate Homes, Trophy Signature Homes), as well as a controlling interest in homebuilders in Atlanta, Georgia (The Providence Group), Port St. Lucie, Florida (GHO Homes), and Dallas, Texas (Centre Living Homes). Green Brick also owns a noncontrolling interest in Challenger Homes in Colorado Springs, Colorado and retains interests in related financial services platforms, including Green Brick Title, Providence Group Title, BHome Mortgage, and Green Brick Mortgage. The Company is engaged in all aspects of the homebuilding process, including land acquisition and development, entitlements, design, construction, marketing, and sales for its residential neighborhoods and master planned communities. For more information about Green Brick Partners Inc.’s homebuilding partners, please visit https://greenbrickpartners.com/team-builders/. 
  
Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
Any statements in this press release about Green Brick’s expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, prospects, financial condition, assumptions or future events or performance that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “predicts,” “potential,” “expects,” “future,” “positioned,” “believes,” “projects,” “estimates” and similar expressions, as well as statements in the future tense. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding (i) the Company’s strategies for development of new and existing communities, (ii) the number of new homes that will be provided from the land acquisition and (iii) that this land acquisition will position the Company to deliver value oriented homes. These forward-looking statements involve estimates and assumptions which may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the Company’s business, as well as other external factors, which could cause future results to materially differ from those expressed or implied in any of these forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to: (1) adverse impacts from general economic conditions, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the responsive actions taken by federal, state and local public health and governmental authorities, (2) competition in the homebuilding industry; (3) changes in consumer price sensitivity or or decreased demand for the Company’s homes or finished lots; (4) availability and cost of labor and raw materials; (5) a failure to recruit, retain or develop highly skilled and competent employees; (6) an inability to develop or sell communities; (7) government regulation risks, including zoning and density regulations; (8) a lack of availability or volatility of mortgage financing; (9) severe weather events or natural disasters; (10) difficulty in obtaining sufficient capital to fund the development of these communities at commercial rates or at all; and (11) poor relations with community residents.;. For a more detailed discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company please see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2020 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Passionate about supporting the community, dentistry practice invites everyone 

to help those most often overlooked

 

Even with masks on, there were smiles all around. Celebration was in the air as a team of staff from MINT dentistry thanked the dedicated staff of Healthcare for the Homeless – Houston (HHH), and on Thursday presented the non-profit with a special gift: more than 20,000 disposable medical masks that the organization will use in its dental and medical practices and will also be providing to residents in supportive or temporary housing.

Each mask was an acknowledgement of a MINT dentistry patient’s visit to MINT dental practice, allowing the dentistry practice’s patients to participate in supporting a worthy cause while also caring for their own health. “It is an honor for MINT dentistry to be able to provide masks for the community,” noted Clint Rachal, CEO of MINT dentistry. “We would like to thank our amazing patients and staff for making this possible. Donating masks to those in need in honor of our patients was truly rewarding for all involved. MINT is always eager to find ways to give back and to share that joy of giving with others, too.”

HHH is focused solely on providing care for individuals who are experiencing homelessness, tailoring its clinical model and services to meet the distinct and often complex health and social needs of those the organization serves. HHH takes a holistic approach in providing integrated services, which include medical care, mental health services, addiction counseling, case management and dental care. Offering health, hope and dignity, HHH serves people without a fixed permanent residence, including individual residing literally on the streets; under bridges; in parks, vehicles and abandoned buildings; as well as those utilizing emergency shelters, residential treatment programs, temporary housing or people who are “doubled up” with friends or family and without the means to secure a permanent residence.

“We are so grateful for the generosity of MINT dentistry,” Carlie A. Brown, executive vice president of HHH, said. “Those who are without stable housing or who are living in supportive housing are often in need of new masks to help keep them safe, but they lack consistent access to them. This means a lot in terms of being able to protect themselves from COVID-19.” The masks donated by MINT dentistry will be used to help keep shelters, bunk houses, encampments and supportive housing sites safer by helping to mitigate community spread, Brown explained.

“Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston is truly doing the Lord’s work,” Rachal said. “As we toured their facility, we were inspired by all they do to uplift those in our society who are often overlooked. We encourage the community to join MINT and others who have chosen to support this incredible cause.”

To find out more about the work of HHH, or to learn how you can help, please visit homeless-healthcare.org.

MINT dentistry serves patients through 18 locations in the Houston area, providing exceptional dental services at affordable prices for everyone. The company also offers free teeth whitening with PPO dental insurance.For more information on MINT dentistry, please visit MINTdentistry.comor call 833.879.6468 to make an appointment. 

 

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Astra Development is pleased to announce that an entity affiliated with its company sold 145 acres of land on the north side of Denton to home builder D.R. Horton. The deal, which closed December 10, will establish a new neighborhood development at the northeast corner of Stuart Road and Long Road called Stuart Ridge. Upon full build-out, Stuart Ridge is projected to be valued at more than $150,000,000. 

Stuart Ridge is a shovel-ready project platted for 561 single-family lots just north of Loop 288. In working with the City of Denton, Astra Development has obtained the approval of construction plans and a final plat for 163 lots in the first phase of the development. 

“The property’s location in the extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of the City of Denton created unique challenges in terms of obtaining necessary approvals,” said Justin Bono, founder and president of Astra Development, “but we welcomed the opportunity to put our industry experience to good use in creating solutions that brought this project to fruition. Astra worked closely with the City of Denton on the creation of this development, and are pleased to be able to turn it over to D.R. Horton to carry the project forward.” 

Davey Davis represented Astra Development in the deal with D.R. Horton. Kimley-Horn & Associates serves as the land planner and civil engineer for the project. 

Astra Development has owned the property that became Stuart Ridge since November 2019 through Denton Stuart Ridge LLC, but has been working on approvals for project for more than two years. Development of Phase 1 is expected to start immediately. 

In late 2018, Astra Development sold 91 acres approved for 390 single-family lots to the east of Stuart Ridge to Beazer Homes. Beazer Homes and Trendmaker Homes are anticipated to open the Stark Farms community for sale this month. 

Astra Development currently controls more than 1,800 acres for future residential development in various locations across Collin and Denton counties, which are expected to yield more than 6,000 future lots. 

Astra Development acquires land and develops residential projects in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and other select markets.  Astra Development is committed to investing in and developing only quality projects that achieve targeted returns for the company and its investors. To contact Astra Development, please visit the company’s website. 
 
 
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With vaccines getting approved and out, support of airline industry is critical to recovery 

Tens of thousands of aviation workers are hanging their hopes this holiday on Congress acting fast to pass a $908 billion bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill that includes $17 billion for four months of payroll support for aviation workers. Some airlines have already furloughed, leaving workers without jobs. Dallas-based Southwest Airlines--for the first time in the airline’s history--sent WARN Act notices to approximately 6,800 of its aviation workers this December, including 1,500 flight attendants.

“Our highly-trained men and women in the air and on the ground need this support,” Lyn Montgomery, president of TWU Local 556, the union of Southwest Airlines flight attendant, said. “We urge Congress and the public to support front-line aviation workers by advocating for this relief funding.”

TWU Local 556 joins other aviation unions in advocating for federal support that would provide a desperately-needed bridge to this spring, when the positive effects of the vaccines will begin to be felt. Also, distribution of vaccines will require the transportation of critical people and immunizations all over the country, something the airline industry is poised and ready to help accomplish.

To save jobs, flight attendants have already stepped up to help Southwest Airlines in unprecedented ways. In the spring of 2020,more than 5,000 flight attendants of the Dallas-based carrier took extended leaves or voluntary separations, reducing flight attendant headcount by 32 percent. These voluntary actions helped result in $1.1 billion saved for Southwest Airlines in 2021, according to the company. Yet, just weeks before Christmas, 1,500 Southwest Airlines flight attendants received WARN Act notices that their jobs could be in jeopardy in early 2021.

“Flight attendants are doing what they can to help. Members of TWU Local 556, flight attendants of Southwest Airlines, are serving customers bravely during the pandemic, and those that could afford to have stepped up to take voluntary leave or separation programs to reduce costs. We ask for the public’s help in advocating for federal support that is badly needed,” Montgomery said.

It’s not just jobs on the line: the critical infrastructure that is air travel not only carries economic recovery on its wingtips, but also facilitates the critical travel of people and vaccines.

Please contact your elected representatives and encourage their support of this bipartisan relief action. Help is needed now!

About TWU Local 556

The Transport Workers Union of America Local 556 (TWU Local 556) represents more than 16,000 flight attendants at Southwest Airlines. The mission of TWU Local 556, through collective bargaining, is to provide adequate wages, retirement, and safe working conditions for its members. The union promotes legislation and engages in other activities to safeguard the economic security and social welfare of working people, to protect each member from unjust discipline and to promote the well-being and continued employment of all members. www.twu556.org

 

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Goats and Animals as a Christmas Gift

Gifts that Change Lives in World Vision Gift Catalog – Teach Kids the Meaning of the Season and help Families in DFW Struggling from Pandemic

In a year that has been especially challenging and uncertain, World Vision is urging families to choose hope, embracing the meaning behind the season, and finding joy in helping others. Through World Vision’s Gift Catalog, people can not only help those in need around the world, but also those right here in North Texas, while relishing in the true meaning of the season.

Gifts of animals like alpacas, goats, chickens and ducks, sheep, beehives, fishing kits and more are  available in World Vision’s Gift Catalog, which features more than 100 life-saving gifts, ranging in price from $16 to $50,000. Items include handmade gifts, livestock, water filtration systems, economic empowerment services, access to medicine, clothing, school supplies and more. Owning animals provides vital nutrition to children and families from food like milk and eggs, and brings income from the sale of food and wool. Shoppers give the gifts in their loved one’s name and send a personalized card describing the gift and its impact, while World Vision delivers the animal to the families in need. Through this program, the catalog offers a powerful way to make a long-term difference.

Trying to teach kids the meaning of the season? Many families use World Vision’s Gift Catalog as a teaching tool, giving children a tangible way to learn about the needs of others. 

The catalog also offers a way to help our friends and neighbors right here in North Texas: This year’s catalog includes Family Emergency Kits,14,000 of which have been given to families in North Texas, reaching more than 70,000 people struggling from the effects of COVID. These kits provide non-perishable food for a family of five and are being distributed here and across the U.S. in partnership with churches and schools to reach those who need it most. World Vision works from a domestic response warehouse located in North Texas, on Orr Boulevard in Grand Prairie, employing North Texans and offering a place to volunteer to help others, as well.

Also located in North Texas is the World Vision Teacher Resource Center (TRC) program, which provides new school supplies, backpacks, clothing, and other classroom resources to students in schools across DFW with 70 percent or higher poverty rates. Many teachers and other school staff come to a World Vision warehouse facility or mobile TRC and "shop," free of charge, for the products most useful to their students and classrooms. During Covid-19 in 2020, World Vision has added mobile distribution to get the supplies to DFW schools in need.

“In our own neighborhoods and churches, we see the economic hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are moved to help. My prayer for this Christmas is even as we may be more isolated physically, God will use this moment to bring us closer to his heart for those desperately in need, who are often unseen and forgotten,” said Edgar Sandoval Sr., president and CEO of World Vision U.S.

It’s an especially critical year for children in the world’s toughest places. Due to the economic impact of the pandemic and shutdowns, more than 70 million more people could be pushed back into extreme poverty – the first rise in global poverty since 1998. World Vision is estimating this could put up to 10 million children at risk of famine if immediate action isn’t taken.

World Vision partners with Gifts with a Cause,a fair trade organization that provides a sustainable income to artists in developing countries. Each artisan receives a living wage, a safe place to work, business development training and opportunities to build long-term business relationships in their communities. 

This year, Emmy® Award-winning actor, producer and author Patricia Heaton; actor, director and producer Melissa Joan Hart; Sadie Robertson Huff, TV personality and best-selling author; Leanne Ford, interior designer, author and HGTV star; and Wé McDonald, singer and author, all have items featured in the catalog. Each woman lent her unique style to the design of a beautiful artisan-made gift. 

Proceeds from the handcrafted gifts in the catalog go to the World Vision Fund, which addresses specific, urgent needs in World Vision’s humanitarian work that empower people out of poverty. Launched 25 years ago, the World Vision Gift Catalogis one of the most popular gift-giving platforms for families across the United States. 

 

To order from World Vision’s Gift Catalog visit www.worldvision.org or call 1-855-WV-GIFTS (1-855-984-4387). 

 

 

 

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The holiday season has officially begun! As you string the lights and sing the carols, enjoy the most heartwarming season of the year with gifts that make a difference. The Mommies In Need Gift Guide has wonderful presents for everyone on your list.

Idea: Gift some sparkle from Kendra Scott

Perfect for: Those special ladies in your life

Beautiful jewelry that gives back to the causes we love most is the very heart of Kendra Scott. Gift special ladies in your life with a piece she will cherish. On December 4 and 5, Mommies In Need receives 20 percent of proceeds when you use the code GIVEBACK-0LQ9.

“We make a choice to see the good in every day – in the mirror, in each other, and in our communities. When we see the good that’s possible, together, we can create it.”  - Kendra Scott

Idea: Give the Gift that Gives Back

Perfect for: That thoughtful person you adore, a mom or grandmother, or even corporate holiday gifting

The gift to give this year is one that acknowledges our many blessings and helps others in need. With a gift to the Mommies In Need Holiday Giving Campaign, you can provide childcare for a parent battling a health crisis and take at least one big worry off their minds.

Donations of any size are acknowledged with a dedicated bowwith their name on it on the giving wall at Annie’s Place. Donations of $100 or more, or sign-ups for monthly donations, are acknowledged with a special bell featuring their name on our giving wall. Mommies In Need Founder and CEO Natalie Boyle will be reading off names on special Facebook Lives throughout the month of December, so tune in to hear yours!

Additionally, donors who give $25 or more may request a new Mommies In Need gift card to be sent to the person they are honoring with their donation (or we can send it to you and you can tuck it inside a Christmas package as an added surprise!). Your recipient can keep the card as a special memento of your gift to them, while your thoughtfulness provides a day of care for a family in need.

Donations are tax-deductible and any dollar amount helps. (Did you know that $25 provides a day of care at Annie’s Place?) To learn more or to make a gift, click here.

Idea: Gift Beautiful Notecards 

Perfect for: Teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, or for anyone who loves to write beautiful notes

Send your sweetest thoughts on beautiful notecards from Mommies In Need, or gift these to that hostess or teacher. Available in packs of 10 for only $25 (plus shipping), these beautiful notecards each feature a piece of art in the very first Mommies In Need Art Collection. Ten North Texas artists—all talented women—have contributed their art to benefit our mission to provide childcare, community and compassion to parents battling a health crisis. This pack of 10 notecards has 10 different beautiful pieces of art to admire, making this a perfect gift for yourself or someone special in your life. Gift cards are available here.

Idea: Gift a Virtual Visit with Santa

Perfect for: The littles in your life – children, grandchildren, neighborhood friends

Don’t miss this: The Big Guy in Red will make an appearance at Annie’s Place on Sunday, December 13, live from the Mommies In Need Facebook page. Sponsored by Comerica Bank, Santa will read a holiday story for all of the good little boys and girls at 1 p.m.

Then, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on December 13, Santa will be doing individual live virtual visits with the kiddos in your life. Parents will even receive a keepsake photo of the visit. Advance registration is required (click here). And because Comerica Bank covered Santa's travel expenses from the North Pole, the suggested donation of $20 goes directly to the Mommies In Need mission of caring for the children of parents battling a health crisis!

The staff and volunteers of Mommies In Need wishes everyone a happy, healthy holiday season.