Dallas For Worth TX 7 by The 55 Spotlight

DALLAS FORT WORTH TEXAS | VOL. 7

INSIDE THIS

RECOMMENDED

WHAT ARE ANNUITIES?

An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the

same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.

There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.

FIXED ANNUITY

A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.

VARIABLE ANNUITY

A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.

INDEXED ANNUITY

An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.

WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?

It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much

income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.

FENG SHUI

IN

COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATES TOURNAMENT

JUNE 3 - 9

JUNE 10 - 16

JUNE 17 - 23

JUNE 24 - 30

JULY 1 - 7

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 15 - 21

JULY 22 - 28

JUNE 29 - AUG 4

AUG 5 - 11

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday + Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

U.S. Open #

AUG 12 - 18

AUG 19 - 25

AUG 26 - SEP 1

+ Signature Event

* Schedule subject to change

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

Travelers Championship + Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

Rocket Mortgage Classic Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, Michigan

John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois

Genesis Scottish Open ^ The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

TBA Event TBA, TBA GOLF

Barracuda Championship Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, California GOLF

3M Open

TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Olympic Men’s Golf Competition # Le Golf National, Paris, France GOLF

Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina

EDEX CUP PLAYOFFS

FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee

BMW Championship Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Rock, Colorado

TOUR Championship East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DALLAS FORT WORTH

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

JUNE

JUNE 25 | FOODIE

TOUR

Saddle up for an adventure through Fort Worth’s Stockyards and a finger-lickin foodie tour. Let your guide entertain you with the rich history of the Wild West and the ghost stories of the legendary Fort Worth Stockyards. As the hoofbeats settle, indulge in a funfilled foodie tour with Texas-sized tastings at three hand-picked restaurants, and a freshly baked sweet treat for dessert. It’s a belly-busting adventure served with a side of history and a whole lot of Texan flair! For more info visit: foodtoursofamerica.com

JULY

JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE

DAY

Dallas and Fort Worth celebrate America’s birthday with colorful parades, picnics, and pool parties during the day and fantastic fireworks at night. Visit the area’s largest parks such as Dallas Arboretum or Klyde Warren Park for their special programs, go for a refreshing dip at Twin Point

Park Beach, or spend the day on carnival rides at the famous Fair Park. However you want to enjoy your Independence Day Dallas has something for you! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/36XxETC

JULY 13 | ROCKIN’ THE RIVER

Rockin’ the River is just one of many live music events that occur along the Trinity. Whether you want to tube, paddle or kayak or grab a chair and just kick back on the beach, this annual summer concert series held Thursday evenings from July to August offers fun for everyone. For more info visit: rockintheriverfw.com

AUGUST AUG 30 - 31 | JAZZ FESTIVAL

A three day festival that features an array of renowned music artists from around the world where patrons will experience a gumbo of jazz, blues, R&B, soul, pop and neo-soul music. Also, there will be a showcase stage for Promising Young Artists from the Dallas/Fort

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DALLAS FORT WORTH

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Worth area schools and music programs in day-long back-toback performances. For more info visit: tbaalriverfrontjazzfestival.org

AUG 31 | BEATS & EATS FEST

Get ready for Labor Day weekend, Bedford! We will be rockin’ with the return of Bedford Beats and Eats Fest, featuring the Randy Rogers Band. This free event will feature a fantastic line-up of performers, a kid’s zone, activities, vendors, plenty of food trucks, alcohol, and more. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/rsxcj9yy

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 12 - 14

| GRAPEFEST

The greatly anticipated annual festival is the largest wine festival in the Southwest and was to be held in Grapevine’s Historic Main Street District. Each year the city bands together to plan four days of family-friendly festival fun where residents and visitors sip and sample premium Texas wines

and champagne while enjoying live entertainment, festival food and so much more. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2s3cu7mf

OCTOBER

OCT 11 - 13 | ART FESTIVAL

Calling all art lovers! See downtown transformed into an art mecca filled with paintings, sculptures, jewelry, music, and food trucks. Enjoy this fun weekend exploring the work of different artists. For more info visit: artcolonyassociation.org

OCT

- 30 | RENAISSANCE FEST

Transport yourself back in time! Eat and play like royalty as you experience performers, international fare, hundreds of merchants, and the enchanting atmosphere of a 16th century English village. For more info visit: texrenfest.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DALLAS FORT WORTH

NOVEMBER

NOV

1 - 3 | FILM FESTIVAL

The Lone Star Film Festival in Sundance Square is the signature event of the Lone Star Film Society. The five-day festival takes place every year in Fort Worth, Texas and presents some of the most anticipated films of the year. For more info visit: lonestarfilmfestival.com

NOV 2 - 3 | JAPANESE FESTIVAL

Plan to attend a family-friendly event in the Fort Worth Botanic Garden with extensive support from the Fort Worth Japanese Society. We invite visitors to celebrate in the Japanese Garden while exploring the arts and culture of Japanese in the Fall. For more info visit: fwbg.org

NOV 9 - 10 | ARTS FESTIVAL

The Turtle Creek Arts Festival is a two-day arts festival in Reverchon Park in Dallas, Texas this fall. The festival will showcase approximately 100 local and regional art-

ists and crafters of all disciplines at the historic park that is just steps away from the Katy Trail. For more info visit: turtlecreekartsfestival.com

DECEMBER

DEC 1 - 27 | PRAIRIE LIGHTS

If you want to see as many lights as possible, this twinkling drivethrough wonderland in the Dallas suburb of Grand Prairie never disappoints. Every year, folks pile in by the carload to cruise through four million lights and hundreds of custom displays set along 2 miles of path. And as if that weren’t enough, the place boasts the world’s largest animated light tunnel at the end of the drive. For more info visit: prairielights.org

JANUARY

JAN TBA | FILM FESTIVAL

The Denton Black Film Festival has grown into a five-day event that allows you, our guest, to immerse yourself in some of the best artistic showcases of Black cine-

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DALLAS FORT WORTH

ma, music, spoken word, art and more. Once again, we invite you to visit, bring a friend and experience culture. For more info visit: dentonbff.com

JAN 17 - 30 | DRODEO

This Thing is Legendary! It’s not just a slogan. It’s why the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is the most authentic western lifestyle experience anywhere since 1896. The rodeo also has livestock and horse shows, kid-friendly activities and exhibits, live music, carnival midway, shopping, great food and much more. It’s exciting, it’s fun, it’s 23 days of what makes Fort Worth the greatest city in Texas! For more info visit: fwssr.com

FEBRUARY

FEB TBA | TASTE OF DALLAS

North Texas’s largest summertime food festival is back and it’s a menu of fun that will delight the palates of people of all ages. And it’s always hot and fresh with something new, and this year is no

exception, with a special Foodie Experience event to begin a weekend of delights. For more info visit: tasteofdallas.org

FEB 15 | FITNESS 5K

The Form Follows Fitness 5K is Dallas’ Best 5K event showcasing downtown’s iconic architecture. Run through the region’s cultural life, Uptown, The Arts District, West End and through the skyline and glass high rise buildings with award winning architecture. Plus a legendary after party at Klyde Warren Park featuring live music, great food samples, and tasty craft brews from around Dallas Fort Worth! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/38yUTUz

MARCH

MARCH 1 - 2 | IRISH FESTIVAL

North Texas Irish Festival is held once a year since 1983 in Dallas, Texas. The festival’s events that take place in Dallas’ historic Fair Park attract thousands of visitors who reach the place for an au-

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DALLAS FORT WORTH

thentic Irish culture and atmosphere. Enjoy concerts that are held on several stages performed by local and guest artists from surrounding states, drummers groups, dance and music! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3CVRLMY

APRIL DATES | TITLEHERE

The three-day Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival honors the distinctive nature of Fort Worth cooking, food, beverage and culinary traditions in a multi-day festival infusing historic venues and homegrown flavor with celebrated local chefs, culinary professionals and wine makers into one taste-filled weekend. For more info visit: fortworthfoodandwinefestival.com

APRIL 10 - 13 | ARTS FESTIVAL

We cordially invite you to apply to the Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival, the largest, nationally ranked arts festival in the country. Fort Worth’s signature festival features

corner booth spaces with diverse artists. Come walk around and enjoy all the beautiful art that Fort Worth has to offer! For more info visit: mainstreetartsfest.org

MAY

MAY TBA | MAYFEST

Mayfest is the biggest party in Fort Worth! Four days of live music, festival food, carnival rides, performing arts, pet adoptions, more than 60 Art and Gift Market vendors, free children’s activities, special attractions - the list goes on and on! For more info visit: mayfest.org

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT

SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

MAY 25 - SUN 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 26 - MON 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 26 - MON 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 27 - TUE 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - TUE 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 29 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 29 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SUN 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - MON 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 03 - TUE 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 03 - TUE 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 04 - WED 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 04 - WED 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 05 - THU 3:00 PM 1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’

JUN 06 - FRI 2:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 06 - FRI 5:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 07 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single

JUN 08 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single

DATE

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

JULY 1 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 2 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 3 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 4 - THUR 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 5 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 6 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 7 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 8 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 9 - TUE 11:00 AM

JULY 1- WED 11:00 AM

JULY 11 - THU 1:00 PM

Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals

Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final

JULY 12 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals

JULY 13 - SAT 2:00 PM

JULY 14 - SUN 2:00 PM

Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final

Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final * Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

BANANA DATE NUT BREAD

• 3 ripe bananas mashed

• 2 eggs

• 1 stick butter

• 1 cup unbleached flour

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped

• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan

• Cream butter and date mixture

• Add eggs one at a time, beating well

• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture

• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts

• Pour mixture into the bread pan

• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean

• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack

TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful

If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,

comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.

Here are a few amazing train trip options:

JACOBITE TRAIN

If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.

BERNINA EXPRESS

In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.

SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM

In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.

In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.