Park Place Lexus Grapevine recognized Grapevine Colleyville Independent School District Teachers of the Year, Laura Jean Couch and Aaron Greer. Couch was named Collegiate Academy Elementary Teacher of the Year and Greer was recognized as Secondary Teacher of the Year for GCISD.

The two Grapevine Colleyville ISD teachers were offered their choice to drive a Lexus IS or NX for the 2024 summer, two tickets to a Texas Rangers game with a parking pass and access to the Lexus Lounge that includes an “all you can eat” buffet and drinks of choice. The teachers also received four passes to the Dallas Arboretum, $100 gift card to Southlake Town Square and other Park Place swag.

“We believe in the transformative power of education,” said Charles Owen, Park Place Lexus Grapevine General Manager. “Supporting the dedicated teachers at Grapevine Colleyville ISD is our way of investing in the future of our community.”

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA. For more information, visit parkplace.com. 

Park Place Lexus Plano recognized Plano Independent School District Teachers of the Year, Meghann Sciples and Mitch Stobee. Sciples was named Elementary Teacher of the Year and Stobee was recognized as Secondary Teacher of the Year for PISD.

The two Plano ISD teachers were offered their choice to drive a Lexus IS or NX for the 2024 summer, deluxe detail and tank of gas for the winner’s vehicle, two tickets to a Texas Rangers game with a parking pass and access to the Lexus Lounge that includes an “all you can eat” buffet and drinks of choice. The teachers also received four passes to the Dallas Arboretum, and other Park Place swag.

“We celebrate the teachers who commit their time, energy and resources to building the next generation of leaders,” said Chris Brunner, Park Place Lexus Plano General Manager. “We recognize the long hours our teachers work in their selfless drive to educate our children. Park Place Lexus has supported the Teachers of the Year program in Plano ISD for many years, and we applaud all the teachers for their passion and dedication to educate.” 

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA. For more information, visit parkplace.com. 

Dads provide a special kind of love and support to those around them, so they deserve an equally special day of recognition. They are known to work hard, but sometimes they need time to relax as well. The ultimate gift for Dad this Father’s Day is time spent with those he loves, and Hawaiian falls is the perfect place to do so. 

To celebrate Father’s Day, Dads get free admission at Hawaiian Falls waterparks in Mansfield, Roanoke, and Waco Sunday, June 16. 

“We want Dads to use this time to take a break and just relax,” said Hawaiian Falls Marketing Director Ron McKenzie. “Dads can kick their feet up, ride water slides and splash around in the wavepool with their family. Hawaiian Falls is the perfect spot to celebrate and make memories with the people you love this Father’s Day.”

Whether it’s the lazy river or a water slide, Hawaiian Falls has something for everyone to enjoy! On Father’s Day, Hawaiian Falls want to make Dad feel celebrated while creating an environment that Dad will love. All Dads are welcome to participate in Olympic-style games with special prizes. Dads can also enjoy special prices on Craft beers, cocktails and snacks. 

Other upcoming Hawaiian Falls 2024 special events include: 

• Champions Day – July 23 Champions (individuals with special needs) and their families will have exclusive access to the parks from 9 AM – 10 AM. Champions tickets are FREE, and family companion tickets are only $10 (limit for four) for the whole day. 
• World’s Largest Swimming Lesson – June 20
• Sunsets @ Hawaiian Falls (Mansfield & Roanoke Locations Only) – June 21 is the first ever after-hour Date Night event with exclusive park access including food and special prices on drinks. 
• Half-way to Christmas – June 25 has Christmas-themed activities all day long, including visits with Santa, holiday food and drink, plus, guests will receive a FREE one-day return admission ticket for our Thanksgiving weekend holiday celebration. 
• Independence Day – On July 4^th all Active and retired service members receive FREE admission (with valid Military ID) all day long. 
• National Waterpark Day – July 28 daily admission will be half price and 

Season Pass Holders can bring a friend for just $10. 

For information about special events, operating hours, directions, tickets, and season passes, visit hfalls.com. 

U&I is known for providing training and job opportunities for veterans and people with disabilities. But it is also a creative resource for companies and individuals who need professional quality screen printing. 

“Our press has six heads and can print up to six colors,” explains Marcos Vargas, U&I senior screen printer and designer. “We can print on many different fabrics, including cotton tee-shirts, uniforms and even Quick-Dry materials. We pride ourselves in our quality and attention to detail.”

The U&I Print Shop uses state-of-the-art technology to achieve the highest level of detail and color. Whether a client is looking to create eye-catching promotional materials, personalized team uniforms or trendy fashions.

The print shop also offers employment opportunities for U&I clients. “Our concept of inclusion extends throughout U&I,” continues Vargas. “There are many levels of disability…even invisible disabilities that are not apparent at a glance. Our mission is to fit the job around the person. When you find the right person, you want to empower them.”

“Ultimately, we want to be the largest supplier in Dallas for socially conscious buyers,” concluded Vargas. “With our messaging and mission, we’re looking for companies and individuals who want to partner with our cause.”

In 1951, Jean Walker Bentley overcame cultural barriers and spoke out for disabled children and their families. She started the Children’s Development Center to meet the scholastic and socialization needs of children with special needs. In 1981, the federal government mandated that public schools had the responsibility to educate children with disabilities. The organization evolved help veterans find employment and provide vocational training for special education students preparing to transition out of high school.

Today, as one of the largest workforce development centers in DFW, U&I continues to meet the needs of disabled individuals by providing vocational training, job readiness training, paid work opportunities and community placement to more than 1000 youth and adults with severe intellectual, physical and/or mental health disabilities. More information regarding the print shop is available at uandispreadthelight.com/print-shop.

TEXAS COUNTRY ARTIST JOSH ABBOTT AND DQ RESTAURANTS IN TEXAS DO IT AGAIN WITH A NEW COLLABORATION

Josh Abbott and DQ® restaurants in Texas do it again with another exciting collaboration. The two Texas icons have come together with the Josh Abbott Meal featuring the country singer’s favorite childhood meal which kicks off April 29 and runs through May 26 at participating DQ restaurants in Texas. 

“I am from a little town called Idalou outside of Lubbock, Texas and Dairy Queen was always my go to spot growing up,” reminisced Josh Abbott, lead singer of the Josh Abbott Band. “Whether I was heading to Dairy Queen after a basketball or football game, or going to Dairy Queen with my Grandpa, I have a lot of great memories with the brand.” 

The Josh Abbott Meal features a 4-piece Steak Finger Country Basket, a mini M&M’s® Milk Chocolate Blizzard® Treat, a refreshing Iced Tea, and a collectible limited-edition Josh Abbott cup, available at participating restaurants while supplies last.   

When it comes DQ, Josh said he gravitated to the steak finger basket growing up because it was unique. “You can go to a lot of places with burgers or chicken, but Dairy Queen has the variety, and I loved the steak fingers.”

“Texans work hard and play hard, and when they are hungry, they come to DQ restaurants in Texas for their favorite Treats & Eats,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “We have enjoyed working with Josh the last couple of years who brings his nostalgia and passion for Dairy Queen into this new initiative.” 

The two Texas icons joined forces in 2022 to create a fresh new sound for DQ restaurants in Texas with one of the most recognizable jingles in the Lone Star State, “That’s What I like About Texas.”  The country music star brought his distinctive style to the jingle which has been a staple for the past two decades. 

Today, Josh is building DQ memories with his own kids. He and his family recently visited a DQ location where he introduced his children to the Blizzard Treat. “Watching their faces, that sugar rush and the joy was a really cool moment! We filmed it and I am so glad we have that on camera now,” said Josh. 

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 DQ 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 Josh Abbott

Josh Abbott founded the Josh Abbott Band (JAB) in 2006 while attending Texas Tech University. The seven-piece group cut its teeth as a hard-touring act with hooky melodies that deliver real-world stories. The Josh Abbott Band released their seventh studio LP Somewhere Down The Road in January 2024. Produced by Dwight A. Baker (Flatland Cavalry), the new album is their first full-length since 2020 and is the first featuring a newly reconfigured lineup. The band is currently on tour across the country. Visit joshabbottband.com for tour dates. 

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 nearly 600 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, including the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas.