FRISCO, TX – May 26, 2017) The Frisco Family YMCA proudly invites all active military personnel and first responders, as well as those who have served before to enjoy the Y for free next week with their families. From Monday, May 29 through Friday, June 2 use our YMCA facilities free of charge by simply presenting a valid military ID as our thank you for your service.

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.  Anchored in 23 North Texas communities, the Dallas Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.ymcadallas.org

From beginner to advanced, the Y Rock Sprint Triathlon has something for everyone

(ROCKWALL, TX – May 23, 2017)

The Y Rock Sprint Triathlon, presented by the Sports Medicine Center at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall, is coming Sunday, June 25 to the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall. Registration for the triathlon is underway at playtri.com/yrock, where you can also find additional details and the bike and run course maps.

In addition to the regular trio of challenges, there is also a 5K and 1-mile fun run new this year, sponsored by Modern Woodmen. Sign up at playtri.com/yrockrun.

The event will kick off with a 6:00 a.m. practice, and the race will begin at 7:00 a.m. Awards will be presented at 9:30 a.m. The course officially closes at 11:00 a.m. for all participants. The courses this year will all be on-road, a change initiated last year when the former Dirty Rock off-road triathlon became the new Y Rock Triathlon.

Y Rock participants will receive finisher medals, ice cold water, and a free meal after they celebrate their final strides across the finish line.

Net proceeds from the Y Rock benefit the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA, whose mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The funds help ensure that everyone is able to participate in Y programs, regardless of their financial situation.

A six-week Y Rock Training Program has been underway since May 15 to help prepare race participants for the Y Rock. The program includes indoor cycling, running and swimming (Monday 6-7 a.m. swim, Wednesday 6-7 a.m. run, Friday 6-7 a.m. indoor ride). Those interested in joining the training in progress may still do so, but the full rate of $149/Y member or $199/non-Y member applies. All participants also receive a free quick bike tune. Participants must be 13+ years old, but beginners are welcome!

To inquire about the training program, race sponsorship opportunities, volunteering, or anything else related  to the Y Rock, contact John Ibrahim at 972-772-9622 or jibrahim@ymcadallas.org.

JER Chilton YMCA selects father of the year

(ROCKWALL, TX – 17 May 2017)

So many fathers make such a big impact on the people in their lives that it’s strange to think that Father’s Day was not always celebrated. However, the tradition was not started until 1910, when Sonora Louise Smart Dodd decided to create a day to honor her father, William Smart. William raised his children as a single father after his wife died in childbirth with their sixth child. Sonora realized the strength and selflessness that her father displayed was worthy of celebration and worked with the Spokane YMCA and the Spokane Ministerial Association to create a day where fathers could be honored and recognized. June 17, 1910 was proclaimed Father’s Day by Spokane’s mayor because it was Smart’s birth month.

To celebrate Father’s Day and its connection to the YMCA association, each year the Dallas YMCAs accept nominations from family and community members for fathers who have made a significant impact in the lives of children in the community. The fathers that win the nominations are honored at their local YMCA as well as at an association-wide event.

This year, the J.E.R Chilton YMCA at Rockwall has awarded the annual Father of the Year 2017 title to Shane Cariker.

Cariker was nominated by his wife Brittney Cariker, out of thankfulness to her husband for introducing her and their children to Christ.

She described Cariker as “committed to being the best father by investing in his marriage.”

“He leads his family and others in faith, finances, and fitness by being Christ's' witness,”Brittney Cariker said in her nomination essay. “Not only are the people in his home important to him, but he also carries the burden of those who are not saved that work for him. He tries to serve them by showing them Jesus in his every day caring actions.”

Cariker is the supervisor at eight Domino’s Pizza locations, but always makes time for church with his family and to attend a weekly a marriage ministry to continually strengthen his bond with his wife. In his down time, Brittney Cariker said he has logged “thousands of miles” on YMCA treadmills.

 “Staying spiritually fit is a lifetime commitment that reaps rewards for generations to come,” her essay concludes. “Another piece of his living legacy is in the wisdom he has taught his family and others about the importance of being physically fit and active.”

According to Gordon Echtenkamp, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, it’s not easy to select just one Father of the Year.

“Every year we receive so many outstanding nominations for this award,” said Echtenkamp. “Narrowing the field is always a difficult task, yet we realize what wonderful and positive parenting is happening on a daily basis in our community.”

Congratulations to Shane Cariker and all other YMCA Father of the Year winners!

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.  Anchored in 23 North Texas communities, the Dallas Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.ymcadallas.org

 (Rockwall, TX – March 22, 2017) Mudbug season is in full swing and that can only mean one thing – time for the All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish Fest at the Rockwall Harbor, benefiting J.E.R. Chilton YMCA’s Angel Camp for children with special needs.

The annual fundraising event, presented by Dodie’s Cajun Diner, sells out each year as hundreds gather on the eastern shore of Lake Ray Hubbard to enjoy mudbugs, music, and merriment for a good cause.

Last year, the record-setting turnout helped raise more than $5,000, allowing area kids with special needs to participate in the Y’s summer day camp program at no cost to the families. Dodie’s dished out more than 2,300 pounds of crawfish at the event.

This year’s festivities will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 23. The Big Daddy Band will take the stage at noon and play until the party ends at 4. There will be steaming platters of fresh crawfish, corn and potatoes – served up alongside mouthwatering red beans and rice and jambalya.

“The crowd and the crawfish are expected to be bigger and better than ever,” said Dan Keils, Dodie’s General Manager. “Our Mudbug mascot will make a special appearance, and there will be plenty of raffle prizes and giveaways to round out a day of fun on the patio with friends and family.”

Mike McRae and Gabe Nicolella, Dodie’s co-owners, introduced the Crawfish Fest in 2013 as a way to celebrate crawfish season while supporting the local community. This will be the fourth year that the Crawfish Fest has benefited Angel Camp.

“We are grateful to Dodie’s and the community for supporting our kids. The Angel Camp program creates an environment that allows young folks to explore and enjoy new experiences like sailing, swimming, archery, riflery, and horseback riding – with the support that their special needs require,” said Bonnie LaVielle, Executive Director of the Rockwall Y. Angel Camp runs for six one-week sessions throughout the summer. To learn more, contact LaVielle or Angel Camp Director Melissa Cotner at 972-772-9622.

Crawfish Fest tickets are limited and on sale now for $35/adults; $15/kids ages 6-12 (under age 6 admitted free). Dodie’s homemade mac and cheese and corn dogs will be available for kiddos who prefer not to partake of the all-you-can-eat crawfish.

Get your tickets now at DodiesCrawfishFest.com, or call 972-771-0004 for more information.

Submitted by BRN Media. 

Valentine’s prix fixe menu to be served Friday through Tuesday, Feb. 10-14

Treat your Valentine to an evening of fine dining, live music and cocktails at Table 13 in Addison. Located at Belt Line and Inwood Road, Table 13 offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience in a distinctive, upscale atmosphere reminiscence of the early 1960’s.

To celebrate, a chef-prepared prix fixe Valentine’s menu will be offered Friday, February 10th through Tuesday, February 14^th. Couples will be treated to a vintage-inspired four course meal, classic showroom style entertainment (see times), and a beautiful long stem rose – only $75 per person (plus tax and gratuity).  

The romance begins with a shared appetizer of Bacon Wrapped Dates, Chilled Shrimp Cocktail, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, or Beef and Bleu Crostinis. Follow that with Lobster Bisque, Table 13 House Salad, Caesar Salad, or Center Cut Wedge Salad. Entrée choices include Sea Bass, Lemon Caper Chicken, Scallops, Surf ‘n Turf, Delmonico, Double Bone Hand Cut Pork Chop, or Filet Mignon. The dessert menu features Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Espresso Gelato, or Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

In addition to the prix fixe Valentine’s menu, Table 13’s regular menu will also be available on Friday, Feb. 10; Saturday, Feb. 11; and Monday, Feb. 13; however, the Valentine’s menu will be Table 13’s exclusive offering on Sunday, Feb. 12 and Tuesday, Feb. 14. 

Frank Obregon will perform live beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Whether singing in Italian, Portuguese, Spanish or English, Frank delivers the inner magic of each song with unique style. On Saturday, the ever popular Marc Toussaint will steal your heart with his classics starting at 6:30 p.m. David Slater will perform Sunday beginning at 6. Classically trained jazz pianist Scott Bucklin will provide Monday’s entertainment. Marc Toussaint returns to the stage at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Valentine’s Day.

For reservations, call 972-789-9558. No OpenTable or online reservations accepted for this special Valentine’s weekend. For the full menu, entertainment line-up, and more information, visit Table13Addison.com.

Submitted by BRN Media.