Around here, community means everything. Dodie’s Rockwall has always been more than a place to eat. It’s where friends gather, families celebrate, and neighbors lend a hand. On Tuesday, November 18, we’re inviting our community to join us in supporting a Forney family whose story of faith and strength has touched our hearts.

Emily was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) at just 15 years old. FA is a rare, progressive neurological disease that affects balance, coordination, and muscle strength. When doctors shared that Emily would likely need a wheelchair by her early twenties, it was one of those moments that stops time — when life suddenly looks different, yet love and determination grow even stronger. Instead of giving in to fear, Emily and her parents, Alexis and Richard Penn, chose resilience and light.

Now 32 and living near the Forney-Heath area, Emily is married with four children. She lives life fully — cooking, caring for her family, and adapting with remarkable strength and grace. As her mother describes it, “So many people facing disabilities have a choice: to live in darkness or in the light. We’ve always chosen the light.”

Through their involvement with the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), the Penn family has seen extraordinary progress firsthand. What began as a small grassroots organization in 1998 has grown into a powerful research network driving more than 13 clinical trials and the first FDA-approved treatment for FA, released just last year. About 95% of every dollar raised goes directly toward research which includes things like genetic therapy, protein restoration, and other promising paths to a cure.

The Penn's believe strongly in what the community and research can accomplish. “We’ve been riding this train for 17 years, and we’re not stopping,” Alexis said says. “I tell Emily — she’s 32 now — ‘You’re going to see a cure in your lifetime.’” For them, fundraising isn’t just about treatment — it’s about faith in the future and the belief that every small act of kindness brings that future closer.

On Tuesday, November 18, Dodie’s will donate 25% of all dinner food sales to FARA in Emily’s honor, helping to fund ongoing studies and provide hope for families living with FA.

Bring your friends, your family, and your appetite — because every meal makes a difference!

Neighbors for a Cure: Dodie’s Give Back Night

Tuesday, November 18

Dine-in only | 4–10 PM

25% of all dinner food sales donated to Friedreich’s Ataxia Research

No flyer needed — all dine-in dinner guests count toward the donation.

Explore our menu: https://dodiesattheharbor.com/menu/

Rockwall, TX - J.E.R. Chilton YMCA announces with gratitude, that Atmos Energy recently donated a generous gift of $10,000 to Angel Camp, a program of the Rockwall YMCA dedicated to providing authentic summer camp experiences for special needs youth in and around Rockwall County.

The donation, announced following a presentation to Atmos Energy employees on May 28, 2025, goes a long way to providing this important program at no cost to the camper’s families.

For Eva Hummel, Manager of Public Affairs for Atmos Energy, this is an important program that she has witnessed to be life changing. “Service to the community is at the forefront of everything we do,” says Hummel. “When we first learned of Angel Camp, we knew it lined up perfectly with our “Fueling Safe and Thriving Community” initiatives and hearing more really opens our eyes to why we support this wonderful program. Our employees are excited to volunteer at Angel Camp once again.”

The $10,000 donation has a significant impact, ensuring these young people receive an opportunity to grow, connect with others, and create lasting memories.

“Speaking for our staff, the campers, and certainly their parents, we are appreciative of Atmos Energy’s partnership,” says Harold Young, Executive District Director. “Their generosity directly impacts the quality and the accessibility of our program offerings.”

Over six weeks each summer, Angel Camp offers activities the participants might not otherwise experience. Through field trips (horseback riding, sailing Lake Ray Hubbard aboard Sail With Scott, bowling at Shenaniganz, fun at Jungle Trek, Urban Air, and others) and onsite activities of canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, games, and swimming, Angel Camp provides educational and engaging activities in a safe environment, while also promoting friendships, confidence, and socialization.

For J.E.R. Chilton YMCA, Young says, “The gift from donors like Atmos is transformational for us to provide on-going services to the special needs community.”

The J.E.R. Chilton YMCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. J.E.R. Chilton YMCA offers a variety of programs to the surrounding area including Safety Around Water, health and wellness, youth sports, seasonal and summer camp, Angel Camp for special needs, childcare programs, special events, youth leadership, and more.

The countdown is on for one of Rockwall County’s most anticipated events of the summer! The 2nd Annual Gone Country Music Fest, presented by Michael Joyce Properties, returns Saturday, July 19—and this year, it’s bigger, bolder, and moving indoors to the beautiful Tate Farms of Rockwall.

Hosted by Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County, the festival delivers more than just music—it’s a community celebration supporting the Senior Life Center Capital Campaign, a vital initiative to meet the growing needs of local seniors and individuals with disabilities.

This year’s star-studded stage will be headlined by Billie Jo Jones, fresh off her win as Female Vocalist of the Year at the Texas Regional Radio Awards. With her commanding stage presence and signature sound, Billie Jo promises to bring down the house with a heartfelt, high-energy set.

Joining her are four Texas-based acts who each bring their own country grit and soul to the spotlight:

Nate Burnham – Americana storytelling with a modern edge

Matt Fisher – Crowd favorite known for his soulful Southern twang

Johnny Lyons – Classic country charisma meets rock ‘n roll swagger

Austin Valladarez – Rising talent with a fresh, bold sound

It’s all happening at Tate Farms, a working horse and cattle ranch turned concert venue, located at 12992 FM 548 in Rockwall County. Doors open at 6 p.m., with a full night of music, dancing, raffles, vendor shopping, and a cash bar.

Of course, no Texas party is complete without BBQ—legendary pitmaster Eddie Deen will be on hand to serve up a dinner you won’t forget.

Limited tickets and sponsorships are still available and selling fast. Don’t miss your chance to support a worthy cause while enjoying an unforgettable night of country under the stars—indoors!

Learn more or secure your spot at
http://www.rockwallmealsonwheels.org

Buckle up, North Texas! The Southern Drag Boat Association (SDBA) is bringing the Fastest Show on Water to Lake Crook in Paris, Texas for a weekend packed with roaring engines, extreme speed, and high-octane excitement you can feel in your chest.

SDBA Drag Boat Races take place May 16–18, 2025.

These boats hit over 200 MPH—and when they launch, you’ll hear it before you see it. This is the wildest, loudest, most thrilling weekend of the year!

What to Expect:

• Top SDBA racers from across the country
• Blistering speeds and side-by-side finishes
• Full Pit Access included with every ticket
• Food trucks, vendors, live music, and plenty of fun
• BYOB + Cooler-friendly (details below)
• Family-friendly & dog-friendly – bring your kids, bring your pup!
• Chill by the lake or grab a shady spot and soak it all in

Tickets:

Buy Online & Save (includes Pit Pass):

• Single-Day Pass – $25
• Weekend Pass – $50

At the Gate:

• Single-Day – $30
• Weekend – $60
• Kids 10 & Under – FREE

Cooler Policy:

• Coolers welcome!
• $10 per cooler with a single-day ticket
• FREE with a weekend pass
  (No glass. BYOB responsibly!)

Cheers to Mom on her special day! Dodie’s Cajun Diner on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard offers an amazing view with an even more amazing Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday, May 11 from 11am-2pm.

First, treat mom with a special cocktail of $4 Mimosa, Tequila Sunrise, or Bloody Mary as she takes in the gorgeous scenery with her favorite people! But don’t forget why you are here – our special brunch buffet suits the queen that she is.

Choose from perfectly seasoned Cajun favorites like Crab Cake Benedict with chipotle hollandaise, Beignet French Toast with Smoked Gouda Grits, or our Chicken Fried Chicken brunch plate. Don’t miss the fan-favorite Chicken & Waffles with amaretto maple syrup!

Mother’s Day seating fills up quickly so reserve a table today so Mom can sit back, relax, and enjoy a day reserved just for her.

The award-winning Dodie’s Cajun Diner is located at 2067 Summer Lee Drive on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard in Rockwall offering stunning views of the lake while you dine indoors or outside on the patio. Featuring authentic Cajun favorites and a festive New Orleans vibe, Dodie’s is the place to celebrate with family or friends. Visit us at Dodie’s Cajun Diner or call 972-771-0004 for more information.