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Jo Trizila
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Operation Kindness Seeks Veterans to Pair with Companion Pets

North Texas No-Kill Shelter and Pets for Vets Program Are Partnering to Help Transition to Civilian Life

Operation Kindness – the original and largest no-kill animal shelter in North Texas, and North Texas Chapter of Pets for Vets, is currently seeking veterans to assist with the transition into civilian life. The Pets for Vets program is dedicated to supporting veterans and providing a second chance for shelter dogs by rescuing, training and pairing them with veterans who could benefit from a companion animal. As the official Pets for Vets North Texas Chapter, Operation Kindness will train, socialize and match companion dogs with veterans in North Texas at no cost to the veteran.

“Many veterans returning home suffer with emotional and physical injuries that make the transition into civilian life difficult,” says Jim Hanophy, Operation Kindness CEO. “It is our goal to help ease this process by providing deserving veterans in North Texas with a companion animal. We believe trained companion animals will provide a source of friendship and comfort that many of our service men and women need.”

A professional trainer from Operation Kindness will meet with North Texas veterans to discuss what type of companion dog each wants. The trainer will identify one that’s appropriate for the veteran’s needs, lifestyle and personality. For example, if the veteran is less mobile, the trainer looks for dogs that require less physical exercise. The trainer then works with Operation Kindness and its network of rescue and shelter partners to thoroughly evaluate each dog’s temperament, breed, age, socialization skills and overall well-being to find the right match for the veteran. Once a dog is selected, the trainer takes it home to socialize and train it before introducing it to the veteran. Veterans interested in pairing with a companion animal can contact Tomi Tucker, the Operation Kindness Pets for Vets program coordinator at ttucker@OperationKindness.org or visit, http://www.operationkindness.org/opk/homepage/pets-for-vets/.

“We use only positive reinforcement in our training program, and the training process is tailored to the needs of the veteran and the animal, because we want our dogs to fit seamlessly into the veteran’s daily life,” explains Tomi Tucker. “This may include desensitization training to wheel chairs or crutches, or even teaching the dog to recognize and assist with panic or anxiety disorder behaviors.”

As part of the program, Operation Kindness also provides the veteran with supplies and equipment such as a crate, food and water bowls, and grooming supplies to help the dog and owner start their new life together. Throughout the process, the trainer provides ongoing support to the veteran and continues to make home visits to assist with training techniques. All of this is done at no cost to the veteran.

Pets for Vets is a nonprofit organization founded by animal trainer Clarissa Black. The national organization has 22 chapters in 18 states, two of which are in Texas – in the Houston and North Texas areas. Operation Kindness, the North Texas chapter, is the first animal shelter nationwide to be granted chapter status. For more information on Pets for Vets, visit www.pets-for-vets.com.

Founded in 1976, Operation Kindness is the original and largest no-kill shelter in North Texas. Its mission is to care for homeless cats and dogs in a no-kill environment until each is adopted into responsible homes and to advocate humane values and behavior. Operation Kindness has saved nearly 80,000 animals since its inception. The shelter cares for an average of 300 animals daily, with another 100-150 animals in foster homes, and assists nearly 4,500 dogs and cats each year. Learn more about Operation Kindness at http://www.OperationKindness.org or on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/Operation-Kindness/30251945822).

 

Jo Trizila

The Dallas Independent School District has endorsed the Tacky Box Set for use in classrooms. Chris Phelps, Tacky Box founder and crusader for kindness, was notified of this significant achievement by Dr. Sylvia Lopez, Director of School Counseling for the district.

"The purpose of this letter is to verify the Tacky Box, LLC materials have passed our screening process and are highly endorsed and recommended for counselor and school use. It is our opinion that these materials will assist our educators in creating a kinder and more respectful school culture by enabling students to correct their own inappropriate interactions with peers, stated Dr. Sylvia Lopez."

"We are excited about partnering with Chris Phelps and the Tacky Box organization to build a caring school climate and ultimately a more respectful society."

The Tacky Box Set helps educators encourage a message of respect and kindness to children at an impressionable age, in both words and deeds, while the child has fun. Children need guidance in developing the ability to self-police acceptable and non-acceptable words and behaviors.

Through the Campaign for Kindness, Phelps is currently seeking funding to supply every kindergarden through second grade  classroom in Dallas ISD with a Tacky Box classroom set and this endoresment by the district takes this dream one step closer to reality.

Campaign for Kindness is a collaborative effort to make the world a kinder place, one child at a time, by providing elementary school teachers and counselors with Tacky Box Sets to use in the classroom. Supporters of the campaign believe that:

  • It’s time to make the world a kinder place.
  • Real change begins with children.
  • The key to creating a world in which we treat each other kindly is to teach children the power of words and actions at a young age, before the world makes its mark.

Educators at the elementary level have a unique opportunity to direct every single child towards kindness, regardless of their home environment, thus creating critical mass (collective consciousness) that can change the world.

The overarching goal is to create a national ripple effect of kindness as more and more children learn to distinguish between kind and “tacky” words (and actions) and make the choice to be kind.

Phelps says, “Children are exposed to many things beyond our control when they’re away from us, especially in school, so it’s our responsibility to proactively teach them to handle the tacky words and actions they will hear and see on their own. We are so grateful that the counselors of Dallas ISD share our vision for a kinder world. Through this partnership and our ongoing Campaign for Kindness, we are getting closer and closer to making that vision a reality.”

Jo Trizila
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The American Advertising Federation  Dallas (AAF) is pleased to announce the 2015 recipients of the Morris Hite Scholarship. This year’s selection process resulted in a tie for the annual $3,000 award. Sue Han, a junior attending Southern Methodist University, and Kelsey Morrison, a junior attending the University of Texas at Dallas, were each presented with a $1,500 scholarship at the AAF Dallas luncheon, held at the Hilton Campbell Center on January 13.

“Sue and Kelsey are extraordinary students who are highly deserving of this scholarship for their creative and academic talents. I look forward to watching their careers grow in the Dallas advertising industry,” said Larry Brantley, president of AAF Dallas.

The Morris Hite Memorial Scholarship presented by Tracy Locke is designed to recognize, promote and encourage academically talented students of advertising and related disciplines – helping them to complete their college studies. A panel of three experienced advertising professionals select a recipient for the scholarship, which is awarded annually each spring. To receive the $3,000 scholarship, students must be exceptional students who carry an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, submit a diverse and unique portfolio of work, and complete an essay that describes where they want to grow in the field of marketing and communications.

Founded in 1908, AAF Dallas is nearly 1,000 members strong and is affiliated with the Tenth District of the American Advertising Federation, part of AAF’s national network of more than 200 ad clubs and 40,000 professionals. AAF Dallas, AAF’s 2010-2011 Division 1 Club of the Year, strives to elevate the success of the advertising community through innovation, creative excellence, collaboration, professional development, education and philanthropic endeavors. To find out how to get involved in the Dallas ad community, visit www.aafdallas.org, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AAFDallas, Twitter https://twitter.com/AAFDallas and Instagram http://instagram.com/aafdallas.

Jo Trizila
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In the past month, many national media outlets have focused on stories about Texting Slang that Every Parent Should Know. Most parents know the acronym LOL means 'laugh out loud' and BRB is 'be right back.' But many don’t know that TDTM means ‘talk dirty to me’ and PIR means ‘parents in room.’

How do you talk to your kids about this whole new language that is erupting on social media? Many of these acronyms are used to solicit inappropriate photos between teens, but how do we curb it from an early age?

“I call these terms tackronyms when I talk to my kids, 5 and 7 years old, about what is appropriate to text,” says Chris Phelps, a Dallas mother and founder of the Campaign for Kindness, a program whose overarching goal is to create a national ripple effect of kindness as more and more children learn to distinguish between kind and “tacky” words and actions and make the choice to be kind.

“Many parents provide their kids with phones at younger and younger ages because of necessity. If we don’t teach the lessons of common decency from an early age, the boat can be easily missed.”

Most parents agree that children are sponges, and there are steps every parent takes to create an environment conducive to good language and behavior both in person and on-line.

Before children learn habits they need to hide from their parents, take the opportunity to provide them with tools to self-police tacky words and behavior from an early age. Many books and tools are available to help parents start their elementary-aged children down the right path. One that stands above the rest, Margo’s Magnificent Choice – winner of the 2014 Silver Nautilus Award, “is a well-written story that teaches kids about the power of words and the impact of making good choices. When combined with a Tacky Box, the story makes a very effective and hands-on parenting tool and proves that learning about kindness can be very fun,” according to National Children’s Book Review.

As recently as last fall, many Dallas-area elementary schools took part in an incubator project anchored by Margo’s Magnificent Choice, and the reception by parents and educators was overwhelmingly positive. Currently, there are developments to bring the means and method to as many Dallas ISD elementary students as possible.

Perhaps, actions like this will lead to more UR2K (you are too kind) and less WAI (what an idiot).

Jo Trizila
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Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, a 40-year-old North Texas dining institution, has named Dallas-based TrizCom Public Relations as its PR agency of record.

Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman’s, says, “With three new locations opening in 2015, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que is embarking on a big year of announcements. With TrizCom in our corner, we will be keep our communications with the public and media on-time and on-target. We feel like our long-standing history in North Texas means we think beyond the plate and this partnership falls in line with that tradition.”

“We’re excited to partner with Soulman’s Bar-B-Que. They have a unique business philosophy and menu offering that helps them stand out from their competition – not to mention really good,” said Jo Trizila, president of TrizCom PR. “We’re thrilled to be part of their team and look forward to growing with them.”

For more than 40 years, Soulman's Bar-B-Que has satisfied the hardest to please barbecue lovers…Texans! Their selections of meats are cooked “low and slow” over hickory in a time-honored tradition: beef brisket, ham, hot links, sausage, turkey, chicken, pulled pork and, the crowd favorite, ribs. Ranch House Beans and Spicy Cream Corn are among the delicious homemade sides.

Soulman’s currently owns and operates 15 North and East Texas locations in Cedar Hill, Dallas, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Lancaster, Mesquite, Quinlan, Richardson, Rockwall (2), Royse City, Terrell, Van and Allen – the newest location. To learn more about Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, visit them online at http://www.soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.

Jo Trizila
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Massage Envy Spa and IKEA share a common goal – both want customers to have an enjoyable experience. For the third year, IKEA has hired Massage Envy Spa to provide complimentary chair massages for customers on March 7, 201, from 1-3 p.m. Two licensed massage therapists will be on-site each hour. Shop at IKEA and let the kids play at SMALAND, get a massage from a Massage Envy Spa licensed massage therapist and grab a Swedish meatball dinner – it’s a Swedish trifecta. This event is part of IKEA'S fourth annual BYOF (Bring Your Own Friends) Day, a national in-store shopping experience which includes exclusive deals, in-store activities, giveaways and lots of fun. 

Log on to http://www.massageenvy.com/regions/TX/Dallas.aspx to find the nearest Massage Envy Spa clinic. All clinics are open seven days a week.

Massage Envy Spa, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor, and through its franchised locations, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage in the United States. The national franchise is dedicated to providing professional and affordable therapeutic massage and spa services to members and guests with busy lifestyles at convenient times and locations. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy Spa has more than 1,000 franchise locations in 49 states and over 1.5 million members.  In addition, the average unit volume for a franchise location is $1.35 million. Through its national partnership with the Arthritis Foundation, Massage Envy Spa has raised more than $3 million in four, one-day Healing Hands for Arthritis events. The company was recently ranked #1 Best Franchise with an initial investment of $500,001 and up by Forbes, #79 in Franchise Time's Top 200, #54 in Entrepreneur's 2014 Franchise 500 and #24 in its Fastest Growing Franchise rankings. Massage Envy Spa is a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and was named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise. For more information, visit MassageEnvy.com.

Jo Trizila
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Grenadier Homes Identifies Top Five Construction Trends for 2015
Good Builders Provide What New Home Buyers Want

With a new year under way, builders are looking to what the future will bring. John Egnatis, co-founder and CEO of Dallas homebuilder Grenadier Homes, has identified the top five trends for new home construction in 2015.

“Not only do we see changes in what we can provide to homeowners over time, but what homeowners want in their homes evolves,” Egnatis states. “Technology plays a part in what builders can offer, but we are also seeing a practical side from buyers.”

For 2015, expect to see these top five trends in new home construction.

Open spaces are going one step further. In addition to the open kitchen, builders are adding windows and windowed doors to let the outdoors inside, especially for those who have incorporated a dedicated outdoor living space in their home. This is in addition to welcoming front porches that take living space outdoors.

We’re seeing smaller footprints, and not just for downsizers. Buyers are recognizing that, unlike the McMansion trend that boasted as much space as possible, smart use of existing space – including specialized storage, especially in kitchens and closets – has as much livability as larger homes that seem to be on steroids. These plans are created with the idea that “everything has its place.”

New technologies and flex spaces offer a variety of options. Buyers are opting for pocket offices – small dedicated nooks in the house – in this era of laptops and tablets.

The popularity of media rooms is declining rapidly, especially ones that are on second floors. Homeowners are recognizing that dedicated media rooms can be wasted and isolated space, so they’re building them as an accessible adult game room.

Maintenance-free communities are becoming very popular for empty nesters and busy professionals. The “lock and leave” lifestyle is appealing to many buyers.

Grenadier Homes designs and builds semi-custom, custom, patio and town homes throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. It is recognized throughout the industry as a leader in customer satisfaction, workmanship, integrity, innovation and perseverance. Although the company was founded in 1990 by Anthony Natale and John Egnatis, Grenadier Homes can trace its roots back to the 1960s when Natale’s father, Nick, built a custom-designed home for the Egnatis family. Natale and Egnatis became neighbors and close friends, frequently playing ice hockey together on Grenadier pond. The build had a major impact on both of them, and later they created Grenadier Homes with that in mind – to make a positive difference in people’s lives through homebuilding. For more information, visit www.grenadierhomes.com.

Jo Trizila
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Explore the opportunity to network in the DFW corporate communications world, while enjoying great drink specials and sumptuous appetizers in the company of like-minded professionals. Attendance is free, but participants are encouraged to register online in order to plan accordingly. Register here:  http://www.cvent.com/events/february-happy-hour/event-summary-7ce42cfacef34fafb2e31b788136fb63.aspx. Enjoy complimentary appetizers, drink specials featuring $3 drafts, $4 wells and $5 house wines in a dedicated space for AAF members.

Founded in 1908, AAF Dallas is nearly 1,000 members strong and is affiliated with the Tenth District of the American Advertising Federation, part of AAF’s national network of more than 200 ad clubs and 40,000 professionals. AAF Dallas, AAF’s 2010-2011 Division 1 Club of the Year, strives to elevate the success of the advertising community through innovation, creative excellence, collaboration, professional development, education and philanthropic endeavors. To find out how to get involved in the Dallas ad community, visit www.aafdallas.org, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AAFDallas, Twitter https://twitter.com/AAFDallas and Instagram http://instagram.com/aafdallas.

WHEN

Thursday, February 18, 2014 from 5:30-8:00 p.m.

WHERE

Primebar

2520 Cedar Springs Road

Dallas, TX 75201

Valet parking is available for $7 or self-parking is available surrounding the venue

Jo Trizila
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Operation Kindness, the original and largest no-kill animal shelter in North Texas is offering $25 off all pet adoptions. February 9-14, help a dog, cat, puppy or kitten experience freedom in their new forever home. You must mention this offer when adopting. Adoption fees are $125 for cats/kittens and $175 for dogs/puppies. Adoption fees help cover the costs of caring for the animals at Operation Kindness — such as food, medicine, tests, spay/neuter surgery, other surgeries, medical procedures, rehabilition and recovery. Any dontions over the stated adoption fees are greatly appreciated. On, average Operation Kindness spends more than $380 for each animal in their care. With the adoption of every animal, adopters receive the following: 

  • Adoption counseling to help the adopter select the dog or cat best suited to his/her needs, family and home environment
  • Pet care and educational materials
  • Temporary carrier for cats
  • Temporary leash for dogs
  • Operation Kindness tag with animal ID
  • Microchip ID and lifetime registration
  • Rabies tag for animals over four months of age
  • Pet care starter kit with food samples and helpful information
  • Spay or neuter surgery (if not previously done due to young age or medical reason)

In order to adopt an animal from Operation Kindness, you must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Have a valid, government-issued photo ID with your current address on it
  • Be able to verify that you can have a pet where you live

 

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Monday – Noon to 7 PM

Tuesday - Closed
Wednesday – Noon to 7 PM

Thursday – Noon to 7 PM

Friday - 11 AM  to 5 PM

Saturday – 11 AM to 5 PM

Sunday - 11 to 5 PM 

Jo Trizila
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For Boat Buyers, DFW Winter Boat Expo Is the Time and Place to Buy
Break in Sales Tax with Trade-In, Low Interest Rates and Flexible Financing Offer Positive Financial Opportunity

Sales at the 2015 DFW Winter Boat Expo are expected to increase this year as the economy rebounds, consumer confidence increases, positive financing options continue  and as buyers are reminded that there is an opportunity for buyers with a trade-in to get a tax break. The boat expo will run Jan. 30 – Feb. 8, 2015, at Dallas Market Hall.

“We want to be sure boaters know that one hundred percent of the trade-in value on your current boat is tax free. Boaters will only pay tax on the difference between the trade-in and the new boat purchase,” says Bron Beal, Executive Director of 2015 Winter DFW Boat Expo. He continues, “This can mean big savings for customers wanting to upgrade and reinvest in boating as a lifestyle.”

Sales tax on the difference is not the only reason why a winter boat show and the current economic situation are a great time to buy a boat. “Boats are manufactured differently than cars. If you want to customize your boat, you need to order it early enough that it will be ready for spring launch,” Beal advises.

“Interest rates are still low, and financing is available. Boats do not depreciate like automobiles and can be financed longer, allowing buyers to afford more boat than they realize.”

Presented by the United Boat Dealers of North Texas, the DFW Winter Boat Expo will have more than 450 all new 2015 boat and watercraft models on display and available for purchase from 20 North Texas boat dealers during 10 consecutive days. Nearly 100 different vendors will have booths.

The DFW Winter Boat Expo is one of the only private boat shows in the country and is the only show in the North Texas region and Oklahoma City. And while many people tend to think of Texas for its horses and cowboys, it may come as a surprise to learn that Texas is the No. 2 boat state in the country, behind Minnesota.

Dallas Market Hall is located at 2200 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207. Parking is free.

Dates and hours for the DFW Winter Boat Expo are:

           Jan. 30 – Feb. 8, 2015

           Monday – Thursday, noon – 8 p.m.

           Friday, 3 – 9 p.m.                                                          

           Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

           Sunday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

           Sunday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

 

Ticket Information:

           $12 Adults, $6 Children, Under 5 Free

           Tickets for the show are only available at the door

On Friday and Saturday nights, women and children are FREE after 6 p.m.