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Expo Home Improvement, through its philanthropic arm, Collective Way, is calling on North Texans to support Christian Community Action (CCA) during North Texas Giving Day on Thursday, September 18. As one of the region’s largest giving events, North Texas Giving Day brings together thousands of donors to raise millions for local nonprofits, creating lasting impact in communities across North Texas.

For more than 50 years, Christian Community Action in Lewisville has been a cornerstone of hope for families in crisis. Each year, CCA provides food, housing, financial assistance, and vital support services to thousands of families, helping them stabilize during emergencies and build long-term self-sufficiency. From operating one of the largest food pantries in the region to offering comprehensive programs that address education, employment, and housing, CCA empowers families to rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience.

Through Collective Way, Expo Home Improvement has partnered with CCA for years to ensure children and families in the community receive the resources and care they need. This support has included food drives, financial contributions, and employee volunteer efforts to strengthen CCA’s mission of transforming lives.

“Christian Community Action is more than a food pantry or a crisis resource—it’s a place where families find hope when they need it most,” said Paul Dietzler, CEO of Expo Home Improvement. “On North Texas Giving Day, we have an opportunity to come together as a community to support an organization that changes lives every single day. Every gift, no matter the size, helps CCA provide stability and dignity for families right here in North Texas.”

Donors can make a contribution directly to CCA’s North Texas Giving Day campaign at: https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/Ccahelps.

About North Texas Giving Day

Founded by Communities Foundation of Texas in 2009, North Texas Giving Day is the largest regional online giving event in the nation. The event inspires people to give generously to nonprofits that make North Texas a stronger and more vibrant community. In 2024, North Texas Giving Day raised more than $60 million for nearly 3,000 nonprofits.

About Expo Home Improvement

Expo Home Improvement is a privately held company headquartered in Farmers Branch, Texas. With a focus on bath and shower remodels, door and window replacements, and kitchen remodeling, Expo Home Improvement is committed to helping Texans create beautiful, safe, and energy-efficient homes. Serving Dallas-Fort Worth, Central Texas, San Antonio, and Houston, Expo Home goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service that will help a homeowner enhance their home. For more information about Expo Home Improvement, visit expohomeimprovement.com.

 

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Mattie Parker; Mayor of Fort Worth and Johnny Campbell; President and CEO City Center Management, along with several first responders.

City Center Fort Worth hosted the Fourth Annual 9/11 Memorial Tower Climb today, Saturday, September 13 in downtown Fort Worth. The event commemorated the lives lost on September 11, 2001, as hundreds of first responders ascended the Bank of America Tower at 301 Commerce Street.

The climb began at 8:47 am, followed by a moment of silence at 8:46 am, marking the time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. 

Participants from City Center Security, local law enforcement and fire departments climbed to the 30th floor in the tower three times, then on the fourth round stopped at level 20, replicating the 110-story climb of the World Trade Center. Each climber wore a lanyard bearing the photo and name of a first responder who was lost in the line of duty on September 11, 2001.

The community showed up and participated in the day's festivities. Fort Worth Police Department displayed their Lenco BearCat armored vehicle used by its SWAT team and the Fort Worth PD Recruiter truck. Dogs from their Critical Incident team were also onsite allowing attendees to interact with the dogs for a source of comfort and companionship throughout the event.

The Fort Worth Fire Department had their Fire Safety House onsite for families to experience and even try to get out of a room with ‘smoke’. In addition, the North Richland Hills Fire Department had a fire truck on display. 

Attendees enjoyed complimentary ice cream from La’ Creamian and Starbucks coffee during the event. 

City Center displayed a 20x20 quilt featuring the American flag comprised of individual photos of those who perished on 9/11.

The timeline of the day’s events included:

8:10 am Participant Group Photo

8:15 am Opening Ceremony

8:46 am Moment of Silence – All Pause

  • North Tower Hit by American Airlines Flight 11

9:03 am Moment of Silence – All Pause   

  • South Tower Hit by United Airlines Flight 175

9:37 am   Moment of Silence – All Pause   

  • Pentagon hit by American Airlines Flight 77

9:59 am  Moment of Silence – All Pause   

  • South Tower Collapses

10:03 am   Moment of Silence – All Pause   

  • United Airlines Flight 93 Crashes in Shanksville, PA

10:28 am   Moment of Silence – All Pause   

  • North Tower Collapses

12:00 pm  First responders finish and the event concludes.

Photos from previous Tower Climbs can be found here: 2024, 2023, and 2022.

Of the 2,977 victims killed in the 2001 attacks, 415 were first responders, including 343 firefighters; 37 Port Authority and New Jersey police officers; 23 New York City police officers; eight private EMTs and paramedics; three New York State Court Officers; one New York Fire Patrol officer and one FBI Special Agent.

Over the course of three hours in 2001, 121 engine companies, 62 ladder companies and 27 fire officers were deployed to the scene. All off-duty firefighters were recalled—the first time the FDNY issued a total recall in more than 30 years.

City Center is the premier business address with Class A office space in downtown Fort Worth. Comprised of the Bank of America Tower and the Wells Fargo Tower, the two iconic towers offer stunning views of Fort Worth, connected parking and an on-site private club with fitness center. More info atcitycenterfw.com/.

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Marissa and Charles Tall, along with their two children, welcomed seven nieces and nephews

Expo Home Improvement put its commitment to the community into action this July, transforming two bathrooms for a North Texas family in need. 

Marissa and Charles Tall, along with their two children, welcomed seven nieces and nephews into their home after receiving legal custody due to difficult circumstances. Their household of eleven quickly grew, and while they had enough space for sleeping arrangements, the bathrooms desperately needed upgrades to serve the large family. 

“When we connected with Marrissa and Charles, it was clear our team could step in to help this family,” said Toni Young, Director of Care and Outreach at Expo Home Improvement. “Our work goes beyond home renovations–it’s about serving our neighbors. Helping this family create a more functional and comfortable home was an honor for our team.”

The Expo Home team installed two new showers, upgraded vanities, and new flooring in both bathrooms. To bring a little extra summer fun, Expo Home gifted the family with a summer basket that included beach towels, Dairy Queen gift cards and admission to Hawaiian Waters with a cabana for the day. 

This project demonstrates how the team at Expo Home Improvement uses their craftsmanship and compassion to give back to the community and connect with neighbors across North Texas.

Projects like this are part of a larger mission at Expo Home Improvement to help others which recently launched its 8th Annual Expo Home Heroes initiative, created to honor a Veteran by providing a brand-new, accessible shower or bath. The veteran hero chosen will receive a bath or shower remodel featuring accessible enhancements and updated design elements, all customized to meet the unique needs and preferences of the individual. The winner will be announced on October 1st. 

About Expo Home Improvement

Expo Home Improvement is a privately held company headquartered in Farmers Branch, Texas. With a focus on bath and shower remodels, door and window replacements, and kitchen remodeling, Expo Home Improvement is committed to helping Texans create beautiful, safe, and energy-efficient homes. Serving Dallas-Fort Worth, Central Texas, San Antonio, and Houston, Expo Home goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service that will help a homeowner enhance their home. For more information about Expo Home Improvement, visit expohomeimprovement.com.





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Cerulean Blue Coffee House September Cookie of the Month: Peanut Butter

Cerulean Blue Coffee House is leaning into a classic comfort flavor this season with the debut of its September Cookie of the Month: Peanut Butter. 

The Peanut Butter cookie strikes the perfect balance of sweet and salty, featuring a crumbly base blended with plenty of peanut butter. Each cookie is golden on the edges, soft in the center, and packed with rich, nutty flavor. It’s the ultimate treat for those who love all things peanut butter – satisfying, indulgent, and only available through the end of September.

“Peanut butter is a perfect addition to any creation when it comes to baking,” said Jessica Dietzler, Chief Baker at Cerulean Blue Coffee House. “Our Peanut Butter cookie is all about enjoying those craveable sweet-and-salty flavors wrapped up into one perfect bite.”

Along with the limited-time cookie of the month offerings, customers can enjoy two other Cerulean Blue staples: the Chocolate Chunk and The Caramel White Chocolate cookie. New food offerings are also joining the menu this month, including the crispy chicken biscuit sandwich, grilled chicken sandwich, and acai bowl.

Located at 420 Parker Square Road in Flower Mound, Cerulean Blue is a family-owned coffee house featuring breakfast and lunch including sandwiches and salads in a spacious, yet warm and cozy environment. 

Cerulean Blue features comfortable seating, soft lighting, two fireplaces, and a calming ambiance for conversations, relaxation or productivity. Beyond serving excellent coffee, Cerulean Blue’s mission is to be a cornerstone of the Flower Mound Community by hosting events and fostering relationships.

Cerulean Blue Coffee House provides a water filtration system to a family in Central America for every 10 pounds of coffee sold. Each system produces 100,000 gallons of clean water, and is deployed by Serve Hope International.

About Cerulean Blue

Cerulean Blue is a community-focused coffee house in Flower Mound’s Parker Square. It offers a welcoming ambiance, a variety of high-quality beverages and pastries, and a space designed to foster connections within the community. Cerulean Blue is owned by Paul and Jackie Dietzler, owners of Expo Home. For more information, visit CeruleanBlue.com, or on the social media platforms Instagram and Facebook.

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NEW Dr Pepper® BBQ Patty Melt

TWO TEXAS LEGENDS UNITE: DQ RESTAURANTS IN TEXAS DEBUTS NEW DR PEPPER BBQ PATTY MELT


Texans love big flavor, and DQ restaurants in Texas are serving it up with a legendary twist with the NEW Dr Pepper® BBQ Patty Melt. Starting September 1, this limited-time menu item will be available through mid-October, while supplies last, at participating DQ restaurants in Texas.

The highlight of the patty melt is the signature Dr Pepper BBQ sauce, a masterful blend of sweet and tangy, and of course, those distinctive Dr Pepper flavors Texans have known and loved for generations. 

Built on two slices of warm, buttery Texas toast, the Dr Pepper BBQ Patty Melt features a juicy, pure-beef patty topped with American cheese, crispy bacon, two golden onion rings, and a sweet & spicy jalapeno relish, all finished with the Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce. This line-up of ingredients features big, bold, in-your face flavors guaranteed to satisfy from start to finish. 

“The only thing Texans will love more than enjoying a delicious DQ burger, is one topped with our bold, signature Dr Pepper BBQ sauce,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “The new Dr Pepper BBQ Patty Melt brings together two Texas legends in one irresistible bite.”

For the ultimate sweet-and-savory pairing, enjoy the NEW Dr Pepper BBQ Patty Melt alongside the September Blizzard of the Month, the NEW OREO® Reese’s Blizzard Treat. This Blizzard Treat features another iconic duo, blending OREO cookie pieces and chunks of Reese’s® Peanut Butter Cups in world-famous DQ soft serve for another can’t-miss sweet treat experience.

For more than 75 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

About Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council 

There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries. 

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Expo Home improvement is committed to creating kitchens that meet the needs of the customer’s requests and personal style.

Expo Home Improvement, Texas’s leading cabinet refacing specialist, has expanded services to meet rising homeowner demand for kitchen refresh. 

“Our customers asked for more than just cabinet refreshes–they want new countertops, backsplash, sinks, faucets, and even garbage disposals,” said David Price, Vice President of Production. “Our expanded capabilities allow Expo Home Improvement to deliver personalized kitchen spaces that go beyond cabinet refacing.” 

This expansion comes at a time when kitchen renovations remain one of the most expensive and time-consuming home improvement projects. The U.S. kitchen remodeling services market exceeded $19 billion in 2024 and continues to grow. 

Instead of spending $40,000 - $100,000 or more on a complete kitchen remodel, homeowners can turn to Expo Home Improvement for cosmetic updates that enhance appearance and functionality without changing the overall layout–at a fraction of the cost. While a full remodel can take three to six months, Expo Home Improvement can refresh cabinets, counters, backsplash, and hardware in just days. 

Items such as countertops and backsplash can be sourced from manufacturers, providing customers with a wide selection of colors and finishes to suit their style.

Known for delivering exceptional craftsmanship and top-tier results, Expo Home improvement is committed to creating kitchens that meet the needs of the customer’s requests and personal style.

To learn more about Expo Home Improvement’s kitchen remodeling services, visit expohomeimprovement.com.

About Expo Home Improvement

Expo Home Improvement is a privately held company headquartered in Farmers Branch, Texas. With a focus on bath and shower remodels, door and window replacements, and kitchen remodeling, Expo Home Improvement is committed to helping Texans create beautiful, safe, and energy-efficient homes.

Serving Dallas-Fort Worth, Central Texas, San Antonio, and Houston, Expo Home goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service that will help a homeowner enhance their home. For more information about Expo Home Improvement, visit expohomeimprovement.com.

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M&M cookie of the month (1).jpg August Cookie of the Month: Chocolate M&M

Cerulean Blue Coffee House is saying goodbye to summer and hello to the back-to-school season. The neighborhood staple coffee house has debuted its August Cookie of the Month: the Chocolate M&M. 

The Chocolate M&M cookie is a cocoa-based, soft-baked treat with colorful M&Ms mixed into the batter. The star of this chewy, decadent cookie is the classic, chocolate-coated candy, the M&M – sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. This cookie is the perfect selection for an after-school snack, coffee break, or anyone looking to add a little sweetness to their day. 

“We created the Chocolate M&M Cookie to be the perfect mix of rich chocolate and colorful candy crunch,” said Jessica Dietzler, Chief Baker at Cerulean Blue. “As kids head back to school, we wanted to offer a cookie that will make the perfect after-school-pick-me-up for both parents and kids.”

Along with the limited-time cookie of the month offerings, customers also can enjoy summer drink specials available through August 31, including the Chocolate Coconut Latte and Strawberry Hibiscus Lemonade. Stop by and sample these seasonal favorites before they’re gone. 

Located at 420 Parker Square Road in Flower Mound, Cerulean Blue invites guests to stop and enjoy a beverage or treat any time of day. In addition to the exceptional baked goods, the family-owned and operated establishment features breakfast and lunch items such as sandwiches and salads in a spacious, yet warm and cozy environment. 

Cerulean Blue features comfortable seating, soft lighting, two fireplaces, and a calming ambiance for conversations, relaxation or productivity. Beyond serving excellent coffee, Cerulean Blue’s mission is to be a cornerstone of the Flower Mound Community by hosting events and fostering relationships.

In addition, Cerulean Blue provides a water filtration system to a family in Central America for every 10 pounds of coffee sold. Each system produces 1,000,000 gallons of clean water, and is deployed by Serve Hope International.

About Cerulean Blue

Cerulean Blue is a community-focused coffee house in Flower Mound’s Parker Square. It offers a welcoming ambiance, a variety of high-quality beverages and pastries, and a space designed to foster connections within the community. Cerulean Blue is owned by Paul and Jackie Dietzler, owners of Expo Home. For more information, visit CeruleanBlue.com, or on the social media platforms Instagram and Facebook.




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NEW Reese’s Peanut Butter Caramel Craze Blizzard® Treat

 

Escape the heat in August with the NEW Reese’s Peanut Butter Caramel Craze Blizzard® Treat, available through August 31 at participating DQ® restaurants in Texas.

Each spoonful of the Reese’s Peanut Butter Caramel Craze Blizzard Treat is the perfect mix of rich peanut butter and smooth, creamy caramel. The craveable creation features chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, salted caramel chocolate truffles, and world-famous DQ soft serve. Chocolate and peanut butter are already a classic combo, but with caramel in the mix, it’s an instant summer classic treat. 

This summer marks a legendary milestone for DQ® restaurants in Texas as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic Blizzard® Treat – the spoonable sensation redefined frozen desserts in 1985 and has been flipping frowns into smiles ever since.

The Blizzard Treat made an instant splash with fans across America, selling more than 100 million in its first year alone. Known for its thick, creamy texture, this signature treat is served with the iconic red spoon. 

Pair the NEW Reese’s Peanut Butter Caramel Craze Blizzard Treat with the perfect meal, pair it with classic favorites like the Hungr-Buster®, Chicken Strip Country Basket®, BeltBuster®, or The Dude® Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich.

For more than 75 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

About Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council 

There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries. 

 

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Thursday, July 31, participating DQ® restaurants across the U.S. will celebrate Miracle Treat Day, a special one-day fundraising event supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Beat the Texas heat and help local kids – one Blizzard® Treat at a time. On Thursday, July 31, participating DQ® restaurants across the U.S. will celebrate Miracle Treat Day, a special one-day fundraising event supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® in DFW benefitting Children’s Health and Cook Children’s. 

With each Blizzard Treat purchased, $1 or more will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Participating in Miracle Treat Day makes it easy to give back – simply enjoy the iconic sweet treat and help provide critical, lifesaving equipment and pediatric healthcare resources for children across Texas. The Miracle Treat Day annual event at participating DQ locations raises funds and awareness for 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the U.S. and Canada.

DQ fans can satisfy their Blizzard Treat craving and support their community when they stop by their local DQ for a delicious Blizzard Treat. The limited-edition 2025 Summer Blizzard Treat menu includes:

●      NEW! Dipped Strawberry Cheesecake Blizzard Treat

●      NEW! Mixing Bowl Mashup Blizzard Treat

●      S’mores Blizzard Treat

●      Cotton Candy Blizzard Treat

●      Confetti Cake Blizzard Treat

This summer also marks a legendary milestone as DQ restaurants celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the iconic Blizzard Treat – the spoonable sensation that redefined frozen desserts in 1985 and has been flipping frowns into smiles ever since. 

For 78 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

About Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council 

There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries. 

About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals was founded more than 40 years ago with the vision to Change Kids’ Health, Change the Future. We’ve raised over $9 billion for 170 children’s hospitals by empowering and engaging with local communities and businesses – and we’re not done yet. All donations benefit local member hospitals to fund what’s needed most, like critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids’ and families’ minds at ease during difficult hospital stays, and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services. Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and your local member children’s hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org.

 

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Cerulean Blue Coffee House is serving up a slice of summer, one cookie at a time. This July, the beloved community coffee house will debut the ultimate Cookie of the Month: the Strawberry White Chocolate. 

The Strawberry White Chocolate cookie is a soft and chewy, treat baked with creamy white chocolate pieces. Each bite blends the richness of white chocolate with the fruity zing of strawberries, mixed right into the batter for a burst of sunshine in every bite. Bright, sweet, and just a little indulgent, this baked treat is summertime in cookie form.

“The Strawberry White Chocolate cookie was created with summer days in mind,” said Jessica Dietzler, Chief Baker at Cerulean Blue. “Whether you’re headed to the lake, lounging poolside, or enjoying a summer evening on the front porch, this cookie is the perfect addition to your summer adventure.”

Located at 420 Parker Square Road in Flower Mound, Cerulean Blue invites guests to stop and enjoy a beverage or treat any time of day. Along with the limited-time cookie of the month offerings, customers can enjoy two other Cerulean Blue staples: the Chocolate Chunk and The Caramel White Chocolate cookie. 

In addition to the exceptional baked goods, the family-owned and operated establishment features breakfast and lunch items such as sandwiches and salads in a spacious, yet warm and cozy environment. Cerulean Blue features comfortable seating, soft lighting, two fireplaces, and a calming ambiance for conversations, relaxation or productivity. 

Beyond serving excellent coffee, Cerulean Blue’s mission is to be a cornerstone of the Flower Mound Community by hosting events and fostering relationships. 

In addition, Cerulean Blue provides a water filtration system to a family in Central America for every 10 pounds of coffee sold. Each system produces 1,000,000 gallons of clean water, and are deployed by Serve Hope International.

About Cerulean Blue

Cerulean Blue is a community-focused coffee house in Flower Mound’s Parker Square. It offers a welcoming ambiance, a variety of high-quality beverages and pastries, and a space designed to foster connections within the community. Cerulean Blue is owned by Paul and Jackie Dietzler, owners of Expo Home. For more information, visit CeruleanBlue.com, or on the social media platforms Instagram and Facebook.