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A total solar eclipse will cross Texas on April 8 and for many Texans, the skies will go completely dark as the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth blocking the face of the Sun. During this celestial event, which occurs only once every 375 years in any given place, Dairy Queen restaurants in Texas will celebrate by offering a free DQ® Sandwich Treat while supplies last at participating restaurants. 

The offer is only available through the DQ Texas mobile app on Monday, April 8 for new and existing DQ Texas app users. DQ fans can enjoy the cool sensation of the world-famous soft serve, nestled between two chocolate flavored wafers.

“The total solar eclipse is a significant event in Texas,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “There is no better way to celebrate with family and friends on the day of the eclipse than enjoying a DQ Sandwich, which happens to be lunar shaped.”

The total eclipse enters Texas at Eagle Pass at 1:27 pm (CST) and will travel 480 miles through the Lone Star state in about 25 minutes, leaving Texas at 1:52 pm (CST). There are hundreds of Texas cities who will experience the solar eclipse from South Texas to Central and North Texas. 

When watching the total solar eclipse, viewers must always look through safe solar viewing glasses. The DQ Sandwich or regular sunglasses are not appropriate safety glasses.

Fans also can enjoy the Blizzard of the Month fan favorite flavors, Brownie Batter and Frosted Animal Cookie. 

The Frosted Animal Cookie Blizzard will bring back childhood nostalgia as you indulge in vanilla soft serve, pink confetti frosting, and animal cookies. The Brownie Batter Blizzard Treat features the world-famous vanilla soft serve, blended with rich brownie batter and chewy brownie dough pieces. 

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 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. 

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Photo Credit: Monica Carpenter

Annual Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival Set for April 19-21, 2024

 

The 72nd Annual Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival, presented by the Ennis Garden Club, is returning to the heart of historic downtown Ennis beginning on Friday, April 19 and continuing through Sunday, April 21. Throughout the weekend, the festival will feature an array of events and live music, in addition to a breathtaking display of Texas bluebonnets across 40 miles of pathways. 

Daily admission for the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival is $5 per person with children 12 and under free. During the month of April, there is no charge to enjoy the 40 miles of driving trails. The Railroad and Cultural History Museum will be open for guests to enjoy along with arts and crafts vendors, children's activities, and a wide selection of cuisine.

Entertainment on the Main Stage Friday, April 19 includes Magen Miller, Katrina Cain Trio, Brad Thompson Trio and Disco Cowgirl. 

Saturday’s lineup features Chant Duplantier, Ginny Mac Duo, Jon Christopher Davis Trio, Fleetwood Journey and headliner, Reputation: The Eras of Taylor Swift. 

Suzy & Woodrow along with Midnight Thirty and Monte Montgomery round out the Main Stage entertainment on Sunday, April 21.  A complete lineup of entertainment and activities is online at bluebonnettrail.org/.

Spring into Art, an art exhibit housed at the Ennis Welcome Center, will feature The Garden Woven, a celebration of the imagery, familiarity and passion for gardening and weaving. The art show highlights the creative Fiberography works of artist Christine Guernsey through Friday, May 3, 2024. The artist’s intricate process includes printing on cotton fabric, cutting into strips and meticulously weaving them together with a warp of 800 plus individual sewing threads on a simple four harness floor loom. 

The Ennis Welcome Center will be open seven days a week in April to help guide bluebonnet seekers to get the most out of their visit.  For daily bluebonnet updates, contact the Ennis Welcome Center at (972) 878-4748 or follow Visit Ennis, Texas on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Bluebonnet fans can also follow Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival on Facebook.

Visitors are encouraged to download the free Ennis Y’all app to get the best route for the specific day of their visit or check online at bluebonnettrail.org. The app also provides recommendations on the best places to shop, dine and stay. A current map and information will also be located at the Ennis Welcome Center, located at 201 NW Main. 

While in Ennis, make plans to visit the Downtown Ennis Bluebonnet Market, located on N. Dallas Street, open every Saturday from 8am to noon April through October.  The market features fresh produce, baked goods, hand-spun pottery, jewelry, clothing, artisan gifts and family-friendly live entertainment.   

Ennis was named the Official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas and the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas by the 1997 State Legislature. Visitors can experience 40 miles of mapped bluebonnet trails during the entire month of April. These trails are the oldest known trails in the state of Texas. Along the route, visitors will enjoy tree-lined country roads, longhorn cows, horses and, of course, bountiful fields resplendent with colorful wildflowers. 

The staff encourages visitors to call, email, or visit the website for the latest status of the bluebonnets before driving out to the trails. Status updates are available online at bluebonnettrail.org and on the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails FestivalFacebook page. 

Ennis is located 25 miles south of downtown Dallas on Interstate 45. For everything Ennis, download the free Ennis Y’all app or go to VisitEnnis.org.  

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The artwork is being auctioned off through Give Butter at the U&I website, uandispreadthelight.com/auction.

14 Pieces of Artwork from Dallas Artists Were Donated with the Mission of Reshaping Perception and Fostering Inclusivity for People with Disabilities

  

Artwork from The 30th Annual U&I Dash that was revealed at the nonprofit’s event in Klyde Warren Park Saturday, March 23 is now up for auction. There are 14 pieces of artwork available to the highest bidder that were featured in two distinct areas of the event - the Redefining Disabilities Experience, an immersive art experience, and the Rise Up Live Art Show featuring local muralists who created their pieces onsite. Proceeds from the sale of the artwork benefits U&I’s mission, meeting the needs of disabled individuals in our community. 

Eight distinguished Dallas artists paired up with eight U&I clients - youth and adults with disabilities as well as disabled veterans - to create artwork that redefines what it means to create and collaborate. The artwork is being auctioned off through Give Butter at the U&I website uandispreadthelight.com/auction. The auction will close at 1 pm CST on Wednesday April 3. All sales are final. To learn more about the story of why the artists partnered with U&I, visit U&I’s YouTube Channel at youtube.com/@ui4715

The Redefining Disabilities Experience featured the following artists with U&I clients:

“We brought these eight prominent Dallas artists together with eight of our clients,” said Bobby Cerda, U&I Creative Director. “They got to know each other, and each artist created an original piece of artwork that was featured at The U&I Dash in Klyde Warren Park. The goal was to tell the clients’ story and help put the viewer in their shoes… to feel what it’s like to be an underdog.”

This year’s event theme, Underdogs Run Faster, honored each person's innate creative potential. Each piece of art conveys a message about resiliency, self-expression, and the strength of human connection via vivid colors, complex textures, and distinctive forms.

“We aren’t as different from each other as we might think,” said Dallas artist Kyle Steed, a U.S. Air Force veteran who was paired up with Army veteran Ellington Rucker. “My goal is to interpret El’s life and the embodiment of who he is. Working with a fellow Veteran was a draw. Giving back to the undervalued and helping give a voice to those with disabilities made me want to participate.”

The Rise Up Live Art Show, curated by Ray Butler and powered by The Box Cofeatured local muralists Daniel YanezJD MoorePatricia RodriguezHatziel Flores, and Eliana Miranda who created murals inspired by U&I clients and their daily challenges. Artists Raul Rodriguez and Christopher Machorro, known as Bestu Friendo, teamed up for a joint collaboration and invited the community to participate in the creation of their live mural on the day of the event. 

"Art reflects a world that we don't understand, so to be given this opportunity to collaborate with someone that cannot typically express their creativity has been truly amazing,” said Dora Reynosa, one of the featured artists. “These pieces show how being different can be great and how art forces you to examine things differently.” 

Each artist has given freely of their time, skills, and creations. All of the auction's proceeds—100% go straight to U&I—supporting the organization’s purpose of empowering people with disabilities, encouraging inclusivity in our community, and advancing the idea of redefining disabilities.

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 to 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 is available at uandispreadthelight.com.

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Parks Open May 4th & 5th for Season Passholders

Hawaiian Falls announced new attractions and enhanced amenities at its waterparks in Mansfield and Roanoke for the 2024 Season, which kicks off in early May with a sneak peek for Season Passholders. 

“We are thrilled to bring new attractions, ride enhancements and guest amenities to our Texas parks this summer,” said Ron McKenzie, Chief Marketing Officer, Hawaiian Falls. “Our waterparks are extremely popular within the communities they serve. We are continuing to invest in the parks, so families have a safe and fun environment to create memories now and in the future.”

NEW ATTRACTIONS

Hawaiian Falls Roanoke will introduce the Wahoo Wave, a fun and exciting family water ride designed to deliver just the right amount of excitement for thrill seekers while making sure the ride finishes with a refreshing splash to complete the experience. 

Hawaiian Falls Mansfield will introduce the Lava Launch, a new take on the exhilarating drop capsule experience. Venture if you dare to the top of Mount Doom, a dormant Hawaiian volcano. Enter your launch capsule where you’ll anxiously await a sudden free-fall, plummeting to escape a massive volcanic eruption just as Mount Doom erupts into a fiery finish! 

In both Mansfield and Roanoke, the parks will debut Ohana Hall. (Ohana is Hawaiian for family.) Mansfield will offer a 2,500 square-foot outdoor shaded food and beverage facility and Roanoke a 4,500 square-foot facility. Ohana Hall will be a place for families and friends to gather for food, refreshing drinks or adult beverages.  

Season Passes 

2024 season passes are on sale now and include unlimited visits to all three Texas Hawaiian Falls waterparks and other amazing perks. Season passholders will enjoy an exclusive sneak peek weekend on May 4th & 5th.

Summer Jobs

Hawaiian Falls is now hiring applicants 15 years of age and older to work in a safe, fun environment. There are opportunities for first-time job seekers, students, teachers, single parents, extra wage earners and senior citizens to become Hawaiian Falls Ambassadors. 

Ambassadors enjoy flexible hours and schedules to fit their availability and receive a complimentary Season Pass plus four daily admission tickets each month they work to bring friends and family to enjoy the waterpark.For more info and job descriptions, visit hfalls.com/employment

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

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U&I and the SPCA of Texas have partnered for The 30th Annual U&I Dash on Saturday, March 23 at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas. The event kicks off early Saturday morning with a dog-friendly 5K & 1 mile race through the Dallas Arts District then shifts gears to become an art and music festival from 4 to 10 pm.

As part of the collaboration, the SPCA of Texas will host a dedicated booth at The Dash from 7 to 11 am, offering attendees the opportunity to meet and adopt adorable dogs. There also will be an opportunity for the community to learn how they can make a difference in the overwhelming crisis of shelter overcrowding by fostering a dog. Fostering is free and it is not a long-term commitment.

"We need to look at people with disabilities the way our pets do, with unconditional love,” said Hugh Breland, CEO of U&I. “Dogs don’t see disabilities, they see human beings. During the event, we are connecting anyone who would like the unconditional love of a dog with the SPCA.” 

Having a pet, whether a Shepherd or a Sheltie, can provide happiness to anyone, but veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can benefit greatly from pet ownership. After giving a life to service, it might be difficult to leave the military and rejoin the regular workforce. Veterans can adopt a dog from the SPCA of Texas for free or at a reduced cost simply by presenting their service ID.

The community is invited to stop by the U&I Live Screen-Printing Booth and get a t- shirt printed featuring the SPCA pup named Kong from 4 to 10 pm. 

The SPCA of Texas is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to preventing and prosecuting animal cruelty. Every year, the Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit looks into hundreds of reports of animal abuse, neglect, hoarding, commercial breeding, animal fighting, and other forms of animal maltreatment in order to better serve the community in North Texas. They collaborate closely with neighborhood law enforcement and animal control organizations to help rescue and care for animals that are the victims of abuse or neglect. 

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 to 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 is available at uandispreadthelight.com.

 

# # #

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Artists Partner with U&I Clients to Visually Tell Their Stories

 

The 30th Annual U&I Dash will be held Saturday, March 23 at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas. The event kicks off early Saturday morning with a dog-friendly 5K & 1 mile race through the Dallas Arts District then shifts gears to become an art and music festival from 4 pm to 10 pm.

From stimulating visual art exhibits and pulsating live music to tantalizing food and drink by Mi Cocina, a Shop Local market, the McDonald’s Midway, and the Michaels Creativity Zone, there will be something for every member of the family. Admission to the afternoon festival is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted to support U&I’s mission of empowering individuals with disabilities and those with barriers to work to achieve their highest level of employment and independence. 

REDEFINING DISABILITIES EXPERIENCE

An immersive art show, eight local visual artists have partnered with eight of U&I’s Underdogs – Veterans and clients with disabilities who have been undervalued for far too long.

“We brought these eight prominent Dallas artists together with eight of our clients,” said Bobby Cerda, U&I Creative Director. “They got to know each other, and each artist is working on an original piece of artwork that will be featured at The Dash. The goal is to tell the clients’ story and help put the viewer in their shoes… to feel what it’s like to be an underdog.”

When finished, the eight artworks will be on display in the Redefining Disabilities Experience immersive art show. Each artwork will measure eight-foot by four-foot and will be auctioned off after the event. Proceeds from the sale of the artworks will benefit U&I’s mission.

“We aren’t as different from each other as we might think,” said Dallas artist Kyle Steed, a U.S. Air Force veteran who was paired up with Army veteran Ellington Rucker. “My goal is to interpret El’s life and the embodiment of who he is.”

Steed, a self-taught painter and muralist, is just one of the 15 artists who have donated their time to this event. From the intimate scale of his sketchbooks and polaroid photography to the monumental scale of his murals and paintings, the common thread of his work lies in the exploration of the relationship between the human body and the landscapes we inhabit.

“Working with a fellow Veteran was a draw,” continues Steed. “Giving back to the undervalued and helping give a voice to those with disabilities made me want to participate.”

In addition to Steed and Rucker, the Redefining Disabilities Experience will feature the following artists and U&I clients:

  • Magdiel Lopez & client Gina Garza
  • Temi Coker & client Joann Maduagwa
  • Dora Reynosa & client Jose Garcia
  • Agustin Chavez & client Gilbert Gonzalez 
  • Carlos Donjuan & client Bryan Shed
  • Mariell Guzman & client Kathy D’Elena
  • Eric Rodriguez (Drigo) & client Marquise Nash.

MICHAELS CREATIVTY ZONE

U&I has partnered with Michaels Stores to bring art to life in this area which will feature the Rise Up Live Art Show, curated by Ray ButlerLocal muralists Daniel Yanez, JD Moore, Patricia Rodriguez, Hatziel Flores, and Eliana Miranda are creating murals inspired by U&I clients and their daily challenges. Artists Raul Rodriguez and Christopher Machorro are teaming up and invite the community to participate in the creation of their live mural on the day of the event. 

Each of the muralists will start at 4 pm and will work throughout the day at Klyde Warren Park on March 23 where the artwork will remain on display until the end of the event at 10 pm. The murals will be auctioned off after the event with proceeds benefiting U&I.

The Michaels Creativity Zone also includes Inspiration Stations for the community to explore their creative side with craft projects, and a massive Underdog Wall giving visitors the opportunity to share their underdog story and how they have overcome obstacles.

MCDONALD’S MIDWAY

Local artist Jennifer Wester has partnered with U&I to create the McDonald’s Midway, an interactive playground for kids that brings the favorite menu items to life such as the Hashbrown Swing, Nugget Cornhole Toss, Little Arches Slide, and French Fry Fort. There also will be three immersive photo op stations including a life-sized McDonald’s Happy Meal, the Apple Pie Dessert and Breakfast at McDonald’s

Event sponsors include NAI Robert Lynn, Mi Cocina, Michaels, Kumar/McDonald’s, Klyde Warren Park, Veritex Community Bank, Park Place Dealerships, SPCA of Texas, The Box Company, Artwork 10, Interior Runway, and Pink Porch Productions. 

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 to 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 is available at uandispreadthelight.com.

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Free Cone Day has become an anticipated annual tradition for DQ® restaurants in Texas, symbolizing the arrival of warmer weather and the joy of indulging in delicious frozen treats. This year, DQ restaurants in Texas will share smiles and sweetness with a free small plain cone at participating Dairy Queen restaurants on Tuesday, March 19, the first official day of Spring.

“Texans know spring has arrived when they feel the warmth of the sun, bluebonnets begin to appear and Free Cone Day has arrived at DQ restaurants in Texas,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “Creating family memories are priceless so we offer our biggest fans an opportunity to gather and enjoy a treat together on Free Cone Day.” 

Plan a date with family and friends on March 19 to enjoy the world-famous DQ soft serve and celebrate the arrival of spring in Texas! Fans can share their favorite photos and tag @DairyQueenTX with the hashtag #freeconeday. 

Throughout March, fans also can enjoy the Mint Brownie Blizzard® Treat which features the world- famous DQ soft serve blended with brownie pieces, choco chunks and cool mint to create the perfect Blizzard Treat to enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day. 

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 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.  

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Easter eggs and baskets. Family gatherings and holiday meals. The only thing to complete a perfect Easter celebration is a delicious dessert so hop on over to your favorite DQ® restaurant in Texas or call today to pre-order a DQ cake for the holiday. 

The legendary cake features Dairy Queen® signature soft serve with a variety of unique Easter designs. Vanilla or chocolate flavors are currently available in an 8-inch or 10-inch cake. Fans can pre-order a DQ Easter Cake from their favorite DQ restaurant in Texas up to 24 hours in advance of the desired pick-up date. 

The Easter Cake is available at participating DQ restaurants in Texas now through March 31.

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.

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. 

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Men of Nehemiah is an All-Male Residential Recovery Program in South Dallas

“Fighting a disease you can’t see is like slap-boxing Godzilla,” says Dion, a former U.S. Army sniper who is battling addiction at Men of Nehemiah, a nine-month-long, all-male addiction treatment center in South Dallas that combines professional counseling with Biblical discipleship and military discipline.

“I found out about Men of Nehemiah at another rehab place. I interviewed by phone with Men of Nehemiah, and three days later they accepted me. But I thought I could handle it on my own after 28 days at the other rehab. Two weeks later I was back in jail. When I got out 35 days later, I relapsed again.”

Dion found himself homeless and passed out behind a dumpster, overdosing all alone behind a strip mall. “Some random stranger came out of Burger King and ‘Narcan-ed’ me. I don’t remember his face. Honestly, it might have been an angel. Just as suddenly, he was gone. I had to call 911 myself. When I look back on it, it gives me chills.”

While recovering in the hospital, Dion found a Men of Nehemiah brochure on the counter and took it as a sign. “I called and they had a bed for me, so I came over right away. And I’m glad I did.”

Looking back, Dion found himself floundering in high school. “I got cut from my high school baseball team my sophomore year,” he explained. “I met some people who introduced me to weed and drinking. So, it got to the point three years into my high school experience that my parents said, ‘you’re not going back to that school.’ I got my diploma online and signed up to join the Army when I was barely 17.” 

Dion graduated Army Airborne School and was assigned to a scout platoon at Fort Hood. After Sniper School, he was assigned to a scout unit. “I actually got handed my sniper rifle on my 18th birthday. There were nine men, including me, in my unit. For the next two years, we did everything together. I mean everything. I knew their mothers, fathers, wives, kids…everything about them. The camaraderie we had was something I’d longed for a long, long time.”

Dion and his squad deployed to Afghanistan, and for the next six months they excelled in their missions. They attained ‘elite’ status. Meanwhile, an 11-year-old Afghan boy was always hanging out when they returned from a mission to their Forward Operating Base. “We called him ‘Taki.’ We’d play soccer with him and give him candy and stuff.”

“On one particular mission, we went out and it was a very bad firefight. We got back, and we were kind of shook up. Well, every time we came back, Taki was always there, but he wasn’t there this day. So, we’re all huddled up at the bottom of the hill, and I hear my name called out from one of our commanders at the top of the hill. So, I turn and start walking up the hill. I’m about hallway up, and I look to the right, and there goes a soccer ball past me…and all of a sudden, I feel this extreme heat behind me, and this strong force slammed me to the ground! I’m not sure how long I was unconscious, but I got up, turned around, and my whole entire squad was gone! The enemy strapped a suicide vest to an 11-year-old boy and basically took my whole family! And for a long time, I thought the only reason I’m still here is I must’ve screwed something up on the mission for me to be called to the top. I messed up and my life was saved. For the longest time, I thought I should have died with them.”

Dion wasn’t allowed to go home right away, so he missed all his brothers’ funerals. But when he made it home, he went to each of their families. “Half of the families appreciated that I came and brought them trinkets, but the other half looked at me as the bad guy. And I had to just eat it. It took a toll on me.”

He turned to alcohol. “It was easy to get and easy to take. And I continued drinking after I left. I never got the help that I needed. I sought it through other friends, but none of them could ever amount to the brothers I’d lost. I was 20 when I got back, and I was drinking heavily for the next five years.”

“Then I got in a really bad motorcycle accident and the doctor gave me prescription pills, and I was hooked. The pills made me feel whole again. Painkillers were the ultimate downfall of my life. It was basically just to bury my past. Then someone introduced me to heroin and all the feelings went away. I lost my job. I lost my family. I was in and out of jail. And I really didn’t care if I was going to die.”

Men of Nehemiah has changed Dion. “At Men of Nehemiah, they build this community around you, and they throw so much love at you that it’s almost like that 17-year-old kid inside me is excited again. Because I’m fighting this war of disease with these brothers around me. They’ve changed my life for the better. I’m excited for the next stage.”

Kit Case of Dallas is Dion’s mentor. “In 2019, I dropped a friend with a heroin addiction off at Men of Nehemiah and they saved his life,” said Case. “What they’re doing is just a tremendous accomplishment. When I see the quality of the people who lead this program, it’s just an incredible opportunity to be part of something that God’s using to save lives. Now I can’t stay away.”

“I had an emotionless Dad growing up,” said Dion. “By the grace of God, Men of Nehemiah  gave me Kit, a man with some experience in life. The first thing he said to me was: ‘Open honesty. Don’t lie to me and I won’t lie to you.’ I respect that.”

“Mentorship is huge,” said Jim Ramsey, CEO at Men of Nehemiah. “A lot of men have rebuilt the values they held. Mentors give them confidence. Sometimes it’s helpful if a mentor has himself battled addiction. But it’s not a pre-requisite. A mentor is really just a friend with a purpose.”

Dion says he understands now that the event in Afghanistan is not the defining thing about him. “I’m alive for a reason. I have to honor those that fell. And I’m getting to a point where I can do that. My faith has grown every day that I’ve been here. God and I are tight. And he’s not like a normal God. He’s like the whole Army in one!”

In 1994, Pastor Louis Harrell, a former US Army Colonel, founded Men of Nehemiah in New Orleans to deliver his wayward son, Louis Harrell, Jr., from the grip of addiction. After being restored, Louis Harrell Jr. relocated to North Texas, where he launched Men of Nehemiah in South Dallas with the help of Roger McCasland, President and CEO of Operation Relief Center.

Today, Men of Nehemiah has helped more than 1,500 men find paths to recovery. Research compiled in 2022 affirmed that 61% of men who graduated from Men of Nehemiah prior to 2020 stayed sober for at least two years. Of the men who graduated from the program in 2022, 100% were employed when they left the program, and each man had a savings account. Throughout 2022, the men completed 11,148 hours of community service. More information is available at menofnehemiah.org.

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Event Features 5k Run/One-Mile Walk & Festival With Live Music, Art to Redefine Disabilities

 

The 30th Annual U&I Dash will be held Saturday, March 23rd at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas featuring a 5K & 1 mile benefiting U&I’s Underdogs -- those with disabilities who have been underestimated and undervalued for far too long.

Early registration is available online at thedash24.com. Race day registration and packet pickup begins at 7:00 am and the race will start promptly at 8:30 am. The 5K fee is $35 for adults 18 & over. The one-mile fee is $25 for adults 18 & over. The fee for 5k or 1 mile is $15 for children 17 & younger. Included in the fee is a custom competition medal, a dry fit-style running shirt, race bib, and for participants 21 years and older, a Mi Cocina Mango Margarita at the finish line. DJ D-Train will be setting the mood to keep the celebration going at the dog-friendly race. 

“We’re redefining disabilities,” said Hugh Breland, CEO of U&I, a 72-year-old nonprofit that empowers individuals with disabilities. “Many of the clients we serve have been designated as unemployable and have been told they can’t work. We know they are capable of so much more. Our organization provides employment, housing, transportation and vocational training for veterans, adults and youth with disabilities. This race will help fund programs to assist the most vulnerable across DFW and beyond.” 

The 5K is chip-timed, and age group awards will be presented during the post-race ceremony. Age group categories include: Overall Male and Female; Male Masters; Female Masters; as well as Male & Female First to Third Place in the following age categories: 9 & under; 10 – 19; 20 – 29; 30 – 39; 40 – 49; 50 – 59; 60 – 69; and 70+.

The course will wind through the Dallas Arts District and Uptown neighborhoods.  The post-race ceremony and celebration includes a DJ, face painting, balloon artists, a Mi Cocina food truck, the McDonald’s Midway interactive playground, the Redefining Disabilities art exhibit, and the U&I Underdog Wall presented by Michaels for participants to sign their name. 

The festivities continue later in the day with the U&I Dash Festival from 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm at Klyde Warren Park. There will be fun activities for the whole family with DJ Sober mixing live alongside a full line-up of amazing musicians, the McDonald’s Midway featuring games, face painting and interactive activities; culinary delights and spirits by Mi Cocina; live art demonstrations by local artists and items for sale by Dallas-makers and brands in the Shop Local Lane. 

The lineup of performing artists include DJ Sober, Dorrough, Tay Money, Lil Earl, Ash Tag, Carrissa Cruz, Muriel, EJ Galvez, DJ Ari, and Mayta. 

Explore the “Redefining Disabilities Experience” immersive art show and experience the Michaels Creativity Zone featuring the Rise Up Live Art Show and Inspiration Stations. Admission to the family-friendly festival is free and open to the public. Donations are suggested to help U&I fulfill its mission of supporting members of our community with disabilities. 

Visual artists featured at the event are Magdiel LopezTemi CokerCarlos DonjuanKyle SteedDora Zeneth ReynosaMariel Guzman, Agustin Chavez aka Dummy FreshHatziel, and Drigo. Each artist is donating their work to be auctioned off to the public with proceeds going to U&I.

Event sponsors include NAI Robert Lynn, Mi Cocina, Michaels, Kumar/McDonald’s, Klyde Warren Park, Veritex Community Bank, Park Place Dealerships, SPCA of Texas, The Box Company, Artwork 10, Interior Runway, and Pink Porch Productions. 

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 to 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 North Texas, 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 about U&I is available at uandispreadthelight.com.

 

 

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