MINT dentistry’s goal of putting smiles on people’s faces doesn’t stop during a pandemic: To help a community in need, the dentistry practice is providing groceries for people who are experiencing food insecurity. MINT dentistry founder Dr. Field Harrison and his wife, Sabrina Harrison, have joined employees and volunteers to give away boxes of groceries to people who line up in their cars at a MINT grocery giveaway, an initiative the dentistry practice has been doing on Saturdays. This week’s giveaway is at the MINT dentistry office in Garland, at 4441 Bass Pro Drive, #200, on Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to noon.

“Need groceries? Just show up,” Dr. Harrison said. “We just wanted to do our very small part and try to help people out.”

During the event, 500 boxes of groceries purchased by MINT from Minnie’s Food Pantry will be given away, each containing a week’s worth of food. People can simply line up in their vehicles to receive a box (touch-free, from volunteers wearing masks), and a message of hope. Each box contains a week’s worth of meals and includes non-perishable items like spaghetti, rice, peanut butter, canned goods and more. The box also contains something important for a healthy smile: a full-sized tube of toothpaste from MINT dentistry.  

Dr. Harrison and Sabrina have been shocked at reports on the news about all the people who have lost jobs and are hungry due to this pandemic. They immediately decided that they needed to help, and devised a plan for MINT dentistry to fund grocery giveaways from Minnie’s Food Pantry at MINT dentistry offices. Through several weeks of grocery giveaways, MINT dentistry has provided more than 2,000 boxes of food to local citizens in need. 

Though the cause of hunger is serious, the grocery giveaway events have a celebratory vibe: MINT dentistry employs a local DJ to play music, volunteers dance while they assist, and people hold signs with messages like “We Love You.” There are smiles all around, waves from volunteers, and honks from appreciative recipients, who find something else in their box when they arrive home – a personal message from MINT dentistry that expresses best wishes and a prayer for the recipients of the box.

Through his community service and through his dental work, Dr. Harrison is passionate about healing pain—whether that’s dental pain, spiritual pain, mental pain, loss of dignity, or financial pain. Even before he graduated from dental school, Dr. Harrison was volunteering in a clinic offering free dental care in South Dallas, and traveling to Romania with other doctors and dentists to end a village's suffering with tooth and jaw pain. Since founding MINT dentistry with the conviction that outstanding dental care should be affordable to everyone, Dr. Harrison continues to give back, including providing free dental care to soldiers who've suffered grievous tooth and jaw injuries in combat. Dr. Harrison and Sabrina Harrison are devout Christians who welcome those of all faiths, and who believe strongly in giving back to their communities.

Dr. Harrison encourages everyone to continue their regular dental check-ups because regular dental care is one of the best things you can do for your immune system.

“Having your teeth cleaned and controlling the bacteria in your mouth helps protect you from systemic diseases and boost your immune system,” Dr. Harrison explained. “We are encouraging everyone to do what they can to keep themselves healthy, which is incredibly important right now.”

MINT dentistry has also started offering more appointment availability by taking Saturday appointments. Because dentist offices were closed due to quarantine for so many weeks, many people are struggling to get in to see their dentist. To help provide availability to top-notch dental care, MINT dentistry has created additional appointment options to accommodate more patients.

Since its opening in 2009, MINT dentistry has been at the forefront of every major advance in dentistry. MINT dentistry was among the first adopters of the new IMAX porcelain veneers, the first to introduce team dentistry, the first to combine iPads with movies and leather massage chairs, the first to take the fear out of dentistry, the first to offer luxury dentistry that is truly affordable, and the first to bring the price of veneers down to earth. MINT dentistry now has more than 50 locations in Dallas and Houston, with skilled support staff that have introduced discount and dental insurance to thousands without insurance or those whose insurance has let them down. MINT dentistry has been named the “Best Family Dentist” two years in a row by Consumer’s Choice and has earned more than 36,000 5-star Google reviews. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, visit MINTdentistry.com or call 214-821-MINT

Plano’s original lifestyle destination,The Shops at Legacy, is proud to be a member of the greater Collin County community. Now, through a partnership with the Junior League of Collin County (JLCC), a special shopping and dining event on September 4-5 will allow everyone to contribute to the excellent work that the JLCC does to benefit non-profits in the area.

WHAT: Legacy Lifts Up, in partnership with the JLCC, is a special shopping event that will raise money to support JLCC’s non-profit work in Collin County. On September 4^thand 5^th, net proceeds from participating retailers and restaurants at The Shops at Legacy will benefit initiatives of JLCC.                               

WHEN: September 4^thand 5^th, 2019 

*Did you know that Friday, Sept. 5, is the International Day of Charity?*

WHERE: The Shops at Legacy in Plano. Participating retailers include: Apricot Lane, D’Hierro, Ella Bleu, Honey Bare, Madison Reed, Oil & Vinegar, Scout & Molly’s, TravisMathew, and City Surf Fitness (donation collection point). Participating restaurants include: Copper Bottom Grille at The Marriott Legacy, Kilwins, Olivella’s, Rustic Jewel at The Marriott Legacy, Del Frisco’s Grille (Wednesday only), and Mi Cocina (Wednesday only).

WHO: JLCC has partnered with The Shops at Legacy for this special event. JLCC is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Melanie Perkins, president of JLCC, will be happy to provide commentary, as will Kelsey Ishmael, director of marketing for The Shops at Legacy.

Anyone who loves shopping, dining, or serving excellent local causes can participate in Legacy Lifts Up – just come to The Shops at Legacy and enjoy!

WHY: Supporting the work of JLCC benefits many organizations across the Plano area and beyond. The JLCC is comprised of visionary women who are the agents of change in our community. On any given day, our members are providing job readiness training to survivors of domestic violence, offering life-skills training to young adults who have aged out of foster care, or mentoring first-time juvenile offenders currently serving probation. These incredible women play an important role in shaping the future of the community.

In the 43 years, JLCC has contributed more than 760,000 volunteer hours and $7,252,726 in direct impact funds to the community through non-profit organizations serving Collin County. 

At the heart of the JLCC mission is volunteerism.  JLCC is a group of 900 women strong committed to developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.  Not only does the community benefit from their individual contributions through JLCC, the valuable leadership skills are carried throughout the members’ lives expanding the impact multifold.   JLCC focuses on signature impact areas of Family Violence, Literacy, Health, Children and Youth and Quality of Life. 

WHAT ELSE: In addition to raising funds for important work in the community, the event will be fun and festive for all. On both days, shoppers can enjoy live entertainment outdoors from 5 to 8 p.m. During each of the two days of Legacy Lifts Up, post to Instagram and tag #LegacyLiftsUp to be entered to win a $100 gift card to The Shops at Legacy! Three winners will be selected on Friday, Sept. 6.

There is no better way to celebrate International Day of Charity (Sept. 5) than helping others in need – and having a great time doing it!

Have questions about JLCC or want to know more about getting involved? The JLCC will be hosting a booth on-site at The Shops at Legacy during the event to answer questions and welcome the community.

For more information, please visit shopsatlegacy.com/events-promotions/events#1104

Family-friendly run to benefit YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas at Klyde Warren Park

 Start your Independence Day on the right foot with Five on the 4^th, a family-friendly event benefiting the YMCA of Greater Dallas, is back after a successful inaugural event last year. Registration is open now for the event, which takes place at Klyde Warren Park on July 4^th, with races and walks beginning at 8 a.m. New for this year is a 5K distance added to the event, which has something for every walk/run level.

“The vision is for this event to be your new July 4^th family tradition,” Paul Lambert, president of runDallas, noted. “runDallas is pleased to offer this fun event as a way for everyone to enjoy the holiday together while we celebrate the traditions that are uniquely American.”

Don your red, white and blue for the Five on the 4^th, a family-friendly event that is the best way to kick off your Independence Day holiday. There is a distance for everyone to enjoy, from a 5-mile run to a 5K run, to a two-mile walk and multiple races for kids of all ages, with patriotic DJ music throughout the courses. Face painting, balloon artists, watermelon-eating contests and more await, so make plans to join Five on the 4th a fun, festive day! 

Registration  is open now for the event, which will take place Thursday, July 4, 2019, at 8 a.m. at Klyde Warren Park at 2012 Woodall Rogers Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75201. Entry fees start at $10 for the kids’ races, $34 for adults for the 5K run, and $39 for the 5-mile run for adults.  For a complete list of child and adult races and entry fees, please visit the website. 

Proceeds from the event will benefit the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Funds raised support the YMCA’s Safety Around Water program, which provides basic, life-saving swimming skills to children in under-resourced apartment communities around Metropolitan Dallas. The Y is committed to helping provide water safety skills to help reduce childhood drownings in North Texas. 

Participants receive timed entry into the 5K or 5-mile, or non-timed entry into the 2-mile walk or kid’s race. Participants also receive a choice of a tank top or short-sleeved shirt, a finisher medallion, family-friendly activities, and admission to the after-party featuring music, food and more (including a complimentary 26.2 Brew for adults 21 and up). 

Five on the 4^th is the perfect event to enjoy with your four-legged family members, as well! Dogs can participate for free in the 2-mile walk with their owners, and receive a commemorative bandana and their very own racing bib. Dogs can also enjoy complimentary cooling stations at Klyde Warren Park. 

The 2019 Five on the 4th is proudly supported by: Andrews Distributing Cheer, 26.2 Brew, UCAN and Baylor Scott & White Health. 

Find the 2019 5 on the 4th on Facebook @runDallasTX, on Twitter @runDallas, and on Instagram @runDallasTX.

 Come say ‘Hola, chicas!’ to these chicks living their best lives, at a special way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Join us for A Peep at the Coops, a one-day tour of private urban chicken coops in North and East Dallas. This year, it’s Peepin’ La Vida Loca, a 10^thanniversary celebration,on this urban chicken experience tour set for May 5, which will allow you to chick out the eggcellent hen houses right here in Big D.

Some of the most innovative coops for raising chickens in the city are featured on the tour, and experts will be on-hand to answer all of your questions about urban chickens. The family-friendly event also features an Urban Market with local artisan and food vendors, community information booths, live entertainment, food trucks and other activities that the whole family will enjoy.

A Peep at the Coops is the largest fundraiser for Moss Haven Farm, a 501(c)(3) outdoor learning garden and STEAM curriculum enrichment for students located at Moss Haven Elementary. Moss Haven Farm is entirely supported by community and corporate support. 

WHAT:            A Peep at the CoopsUrban Chicken Coops Tour and Urban Market

WHEN:            Sunday, May 5, 2019 (What better way to enjoy Cinco de Mayo with su familia?), 

Tour: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Urban Market 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE:          Moss Haven Farm, 9202 Moss Farm Lane, Dallas, TX  75243

*Tour begins at Moss Haven Farm, where tour tickets can be purchased and maps picked up, and Urban Market is held*

WHO:              Families from all over North Texas to attend and enjoy kid-friendly activities 

                        Urban chicken raisers across North and East Dallas will provide their expertise 

                        Moss Haven 4H students will show off chickens and coops at Moss Haven Farm to visitors

TICKETS:         Tickets can be purchased for $15/person online at www.aPeepAtTheCoops.org(for a $2 discount, use code CINCO), or in person at Moss Haven Farm during the event. Kids under 12 are free (children must be accompanied by an adult).

WHAT ELSE:  The event will also include:

• Tour of seven urban chicken coops located throughout East Dallas
• Food from Steel City Pops, Gepetto’s Pizza, Scot’s Café and Kona Ice

• Performances by FMJH’s Sound Express, local choirs, students from Zound Sounds and dancers from Lake Highlands Dance Academy
• Chicken yoga
• Special presentation at 1 p.m. from Daniel Cunningham, the Texas Plant Guy, on edible landscapes
• Unique handmade items from local artisans for shopping
• Raffle items include a farm-to-table dinner for six by Personal Chef Juan Laugerud, signed cap and draft cards from Patrick Mahomes, a full Invisalign treatment from Dr. Bill Blandford of Energy Square Dental, and Warhol Wobbler by Pallavi Gaitonde.

THE COOPS:   Seven outstanding urban chicken coops are on the tour:

Bienvenidos! - Moss Haven Farm- This impeccably-designed educational coop allows the 500 Moss Haven Elementary students to learn about chickens and coop care. Most of the hens are hatched in kindergarten classrooms. The 4H Club, with its 30 student members, participate in caring for the coop and learn chicken husbandry with an eye toward competition. They train with a master gardener to become proficient in different breed characteristics and have even shown the chickens at the State Fair of Texas. In fact, the Moss Haven 4H Team won “Best Egg Contents” in 2016 and 2017 at the State Fair of Texas, competing against more than 50 other entrants. All Moss Haven Elementary classes, grades K-6, attend weekly farm lessons where they tend their class vegetable bed while our hens look on. 

El Sol– This solar-powered coop allows its family to leave for vacation for up to a month and only needing someone to collect eggs -- energy-efficiency at its finest! 

La Isla Bonita– This coop is named after a dearly departed hen, and features a flock of five hatched hens who are all Christmas chickens, born between December 24 and 26. The coop is not only beautiful, but also extremely functional and easy. 

The Whole Enchilada- The coop is large and features a fence down the center that creates a makeshift racetrack. It gives the girls nine hen girls who call this their casa something to do and makes it easier to incorporate other birds into the flock. 

El Sombrero- Come for the hens in the side yard and stay for the fully edible garden in the backyard! After attending this very tour five years ago, this coop’s owner, a master gardener, became interested in raising hens for eggs and as pets. The large coop boasts four big, pampered hens and five baby chicks, and also features a fig tree which not only provides sweet treats but also lots of shade in the dog days of summer. 

Los Huevos– After reading an article in The Dallas Morning News, this coop owner became interested in having fresh eggs in his own backyard. And with eleven hens spanning ten breeds, not only does he have plenty of eggs, but the eggs are also varied in both size and color. This coop features an automated waterer and a rodent-proof feeder that opens when the chickens step on the plate, and has a full-size door and a double roost at the back.

Los Pollos De Verano(“Chickens of Summer”) - This family-friendly coop is the perfect home for eight spoiled hens. The child-friendly design allows the family’s three kids to be involved with caring for the chickens and the coop itself.  

SOCIAL:          http://www.aPeepAtTheCoops.org

Facebook.com/APeepAtTheCoops: The Urban Coop Tour

Twitter (@PeepAtTheCoop)

Check out the goodness growing all year long at Moss Haven Farm via www.mosshavenfarm.org.