Junior League of Dallas (JLD) Milestones Luncheon Co-chairs Heather McNamara and Elizabeth Gambrell revealed that award-winning actor and New York Times bestselling author Rob Lowe will be the featured speaker at the annual Milestones Luncheon set for Friday April 14, 2023, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. Sponsors of the 2023 Milestones Luncheon include The Kohl Foundation, presenting sponsor; Sewell Automotive Companies, speaker sponsor; and Origin Bank, VIP reception sponsor.

Rob Lowe’s iconic career spans four decades in film, television, and theater. He is also an acclaimed author. Rob has been nominated for two Emmys, six Golden Globes, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards in which he won two. He has starred in the ‘80s classics St. Elmo’s Fire, About Last Night, and The Outsiders, as well as television classics such as The West Wing and Parks and Recreation. Rob’s incredibly diverse career also includes scene-stealing work in Behind The Candelabra, Austin Powers, and Tommy Boy. His two memoirs, Stories I Only Tell My Friends, and Love Life, are both New York Times bestsellers. He has taken his first memoir and made it into a touring show called Stories I Only Tell My Friends: Live!, which has received rave reviews throughout the country and sold out in London.

Most recently, Rob directed and starred in a reimagining of the Oscar nominated classic, The Bad Seed.  He executive produced and starred in Holiday In The Wild, which was one of the most downloaded movies of the year for Netflix. He also hosts the mental challenge competition series Mental Samurai on FOX. In 2019, Rob joined with Ryan Murphy as executive producer and star in the hit drama, 911 Lonestar, which began its third season in January 2022 and is consistently one of the top-rated shows in all of television.

In 2020, Rob launched his podcast Literally! With Rob Lowe, now on the third season. The irreverent yet thoughtful podcasts are conversations with the leaders in the world of entertainment like Oprah Winfrey, Chris Pratt, Gwyneth Paltrow, Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Aniston, and others. Rob launched another new podcast, Parks and Recollection, in 2021. Co-hosted with show runner Alan Yang, the podcast is a behind the scenes look at each episode of the celebrated comedy classic, Parks and Recreation.

“We are excited to have Rob Lowe join us for this year’s Milestones Luncheon and in our new location at the Omni Dallas Hotel,” said Heather McNamara, 2023 Milestones Luncheon Co-chair. “Rob is an iconic actor, producer, and author who dedicates significant time to numerous causes and nonprofit organizations, specifically related to women’s health. Rob has been quoted saying: ‘The great thing about giving back is the more you give, the better you feel.’ We couldn’t agree more and are thrilled to welcome him for what we know will be an engaging and entertaining conversation.”  

The Milestones Luncheon is an annual fundraiser benefiting the Junior League of Dallas Community Service Fund that serves as a platform to raise awareness for the programs and issues supported by the JLD and to recognize the impact and achievements of its volunteers. Proceeds from The Milestones Luncheon allow the JLD to grant approximately $1 million annually to the Dallas community.

The 2023 Milestones Luncheon will take place Friday, April 14, 2023, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. Luncheon tickets are $250 each, and VIP tickets are $400 each. Sponsorships are available and start at $1,000. For underwriting information or to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.jldallas.org/milestones-luncheon/.

To sweeten the spooky season, AYA Medical Spa will offer special treats throughout the month of October. Book your appointment now because these deals are to die for! 

-       Receive 30% off all masks, including Revision Pumpkin Mask and Revision Pore Purifying Clay Mask. Shop online with code: TREAT30

-       Shed the Dead with 20% off all Chemical Peels

-       Pre-pay for a future Diamond Glow Treatments and receive $50 off!

-       Save 20% on all treatments and products by presenting your Partners Card, benefiting The Family Place, between October 28^th and November 6^th.

With cooler temperatures and fall weather on the horizon, your skin may need a little more love and attention as the seasons change. To usher in fall, AYA™ Medical Spa will offer seasonal specials during its fall open house September 12-16, 2022.  These deals will be hard to beat!

• 20% off all Skincare (Shop online with code DALLASFALL22)
• Botox $11/unit
• Dysport $3/unit
• Jeuveau $9/unit
• Filler and Kybella- Buy one, get one free (mix and match!)
• 25% off Laser Hair Removal Initial Fees
• 25% off Microneedling
• 25% off all PRP Therapy
• 50% off CoolSculpting (8 cycles or more)
• 25% off Sciton Laser treatments, including Halo, BBL and Moxi

Patients can bank treatments to use throughout the year. The first 50 patients to spend $1,000 or more will receive a swag bag filled with full-size and travel sized products. Limit one bag per customer.  Scheduled in-person, virtual and phone consultations available.

AYA Medical Spa is open by appointment only, Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 6825 Snider Plaza, Dallas, Texas 75205. To schedule an appointment, call (469) 202-4478 or visit AYA Medical Spa’s website

WestEdge Design Fair, a three-day event showcasing exceptional modern design in an environment designed to engage, entertain, and inspire, has announced its schedule of educational programming, as it makes it Dallas debut September 16-18, 2022. Leading names in the design industry will share their insight and discuss a variety of topics within the Convo By Design Programming Lounge, a space designed and outfitted by several design brands.

“We are thrilled to partner with some of the industry’s top leaders and tastemakers to bring a dynamic, educational program to our first WestEdge Design Fair in Dallas,” said WestEdge Design Fair Principal Megan Reilly. “Since launching WestEdge in Los Angeles more than seven years ago, we’ve seen tremendous growth in the creativity, innovation and progress within the design space and are excited to share those developments through thought-provoking discourse and conversations.”

The 2022 schedule features a back-to-back series of talks co-produced by WestEdge and Convo By Design, a podcast media outlet celebrating all things design and architecture related. All talks will take place in an environment furnished by Model No. and curated by WESCOVER, a shoppable platform that supports artists and designers, and their unique, meaningfully made items. The Fair’s programming schedule includes the following line-up:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

12:30-1:30 PM

Age of Influence | Media Strategies for Creatives

Every successful creative knows the importance of having a professional digital presence. Keeping up with trends and changing algorithms, coupled with creating engaging content can be tedious and time-consuming. Learn marketing strategies and best practices for image editing, copyrighting and video creation to amplify your media presence.

Moderated by: Josh Cooperman, Convo By Design and Featuring: Sara Malek Barney, BANND/DESIGN; and Melanie Venture, The Dove Agency

2:00-3:00 PM

The Pivot | Adjusting Design Business Strategies for Changing Times

How are you adapting to the design business changes brought on by the past two years? Are you working harder than ever before? Are you constantly checking on delivery dates, and specifying and re-specifying due to repricing and discontinuations? Wondering how to capture a bigger audience in social media, and upgrade your clientele? Hear from designers who have scaled up, scaled down, and successfully adapted to the changing business climate.

Moderated by: Sara Malek Barney, BANND/DESIGN and Featuring: Ann Jackson, Ann Jackson Art; and Laura Umansky, Laura U Design Collective

3:30-4:30 PM

Design Perspectives: A One on One Conversation with Chad Dorsey

Chad Dorsey has established himself as one of the top designers in the business today, with offices in both Dallas and Los Angles. Influenced by travel and his roots in music, automobiles and growing up in Tennessee, Chad will share his style of “relaxed luxury,” and the lessons learned along the path of his design journey.

Moderated by: Josh Cooperman, Convo By Design and Featuring: Chad Dorsey, Chad Dorsey Design

5:00-6:00 PM

Standing Out, presented by WESCOVER

Learn how top creatives are pushing the boundaries of design by sourcing unique and thoughtfully designed products for their projects.

Moderated by: Hilary Sessions, Head of Partnerships + PR at WESCOVER and Featuring: Kristin Marino, KozyKasa; Byron Risdon, Byron Risdon LLC; Kevin Wildes, Model No.; and Nosheen Iqbal, WESCOVER Creator

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

11:30 AM-12:30 PM

Curated Conversations: Art + Design, presented by Patron Magazine 

Art and design go hand in hand. Learn from the experts how to seamlessly incorporate your art collection (no matter how big or small) into your interior design.

Moderated by: Terri Provencal, Patron Magazine and Featuring: Claire Crowe, Claire Crowe Collection; Eddie Maestri, Maestri Designs; Botond Laszlo, MHM Design; Simon Waranch, Artist; and Ree Willaford, Galleri Urbane

1:00-2:00 PM

Designing for Wellness Inside and Out  

The concept of ‘healthy design’ is a constantly evolving idea as new technology comes to market and the ideas around wellness continue to evolve. As the pandemic continues to change the way we live, explore more ways that your interior design can support a healthy lifestyle.

Moderated by: Brenda Houston, Brenda Houston Design and Featuring: Christina Garcia, Layered Dimensions; Shelly Rosenberg, Shelly Rosenberg Studio; and Philip Vanderford, Studio Thomas James 

2:30-3:30 PM

Perspectives: Design One on One with Ryan Saghian

Internationally renowned and award-winning designer, Ryan Saghian has been the designer of choice for elite clientele that include actors, musicians and athletes. Ryan has a gift for translating luxury into exquisitely designed homes personalized for the individual client’s tastes and lifestyle. Enjoy a chat with one of the most expressive and exciting designers working today. Following the talk, Ryan will be signing copies of his new book, Unapologetically Chic.

Moderated by: Josh Cooperman, Convo By Design and Featuring: Ryan Saghian, Ryan Saghian Interior Design

4:00-5:00 PM

Your Canvas For Outdoor Memories

Join this fun, engaging and interactive presentation led by Urban Bonfire’s Co-Founder and President, Ryan Bloom, on how to turn decks, backyards and rooftops into activated outdoor cooking and entertaining spaces. Learn about trends, best practices in design, materials, cooking appliances and countertop surfaces to maximize design, creativity, and longevity.

Featuring: Ryan Bloom, Co-Founder and President, Urban Bonfire

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

11:30 AM-12:30 PM

Perspectives: Design One on One with Sherry Hayslip

Multi-award-winning interior designer Sherry Hayslip has earned a stellar reputation for her innovative designs, sophisticated style, personal approach, and the multi-faceted way she tackles every project. She understands the value of taking the time to find one of-a-kind pieces, selecting the perfect art, and finding ways to translate the desired mood and tone for each space to create residences that are both beautifully grand yet still feel like home.

Moderated by: Josh Cooperman, Convo By Design and Featuring: Sherry Hayslip, Sherry Hayslip Interiors

2:30-3:30 PM

Perspectives: Design One on One with Benjamin Johnston

A true Texas design talent, Benjamin earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Texas A&M and Masters of Architecture from University of Texas at Austin. He spent time in Japan working with Cesar Pelli & Associates, but as every good Texan does, came home to helm his eponymous firm. Now based in Houston, Benjamin’s firm has worked on projects in 9 countries, 12 states and 27 cities around the world.

Moderated by: Josh Cooperman, Convo By Design and Featuring: Benjamin Johnston, Benjamin Johnston Design

The Fair will also feature a series of programs hosted in the SKS Culinary Pavilion, sponsored by Signature Kitchen Suite. Guests can enjoy chef demonstrations and tastings from leading chefs and culinary personalities, sharing insight on sous-vide cooking technologies. All programs kick off Friday, September 16 and lead into the fair’s venue-wide Opening Night Party from 6-9 p.m. The evening, a benefit for Ronald McDonald House Dallas and Dwell with Dignity, includes libations, delicious bites, entertainment and shopping from the 100+ unique art & design exhibitors, including those from the co-located Artexpo Dallas.

General admission access throughout the weekend will run Saturday, September 17 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. One ticket allows guests access to both WestEdge Design Fair and Artexpo. All educational programs are included in the price of admission, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. One-day tickets are $20 if purchased in advance and $25 at the door. Multiple-day tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door. Opening night party tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the door. Design trade professionals with credentials may receive complimentary admission with pre-registration. For event details and tickets, visit https://westedgedesignfair.com. For press registration, please click here.

DALLAS LUTHERAN SCHOOL NAMES STEPHEN EGGOLD NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL

Lifelong Lutheran Educator Brings Wealth of Leadership Experience to the School

Stephen Eggold has been named the fifth new Head of School of Dallas Lutheran School (DLS), the board of trustees of the north Dallas private school recently announced.

Eggold brings more than 38 years of Lutheran school education experience with him to Dallas and is excited about his return to Texas. “I am truly blessed and excited to join the team at Dallas Lutheran School. As we embark upon this incredible journey together for the future of our students, I am emboldened by the passion and enthusiasm of our students, parents, staff, board members and alumni. And, it is nice to return to the great state of Texas!”

 “The board of trustees and myself are absolutely thrilled to welcome Stephen Eggold to our family community here at Dallas Lutheran School. He brings a wealth of Lutheran education administration and leadership to our school. We are excited for our future and know we are in good hands with Stephen’s leadership,” said Mindy Hail, president of the Dallas Lutheran School Board of Trustees. “As we embark upon our Arise & Build capital campaign, now is the time for new leadership of our school to take us to the next level of our growth. We have complete confidence that Stephen is the right person to help us achieve our goals. We welcome him to our team here at Dallas Lutheran School and look forward to working with him.”

Most recently, Eggold served as principal of Green Park Lutheran School in Mehlville, Missouri, a St. Louis suburb, for eight years. Upon Eggold’s arrival in 2014, the private school served 163 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. In 2017, the school added a Pre-K 3- and 4-year-old program.  Through a $250,000 capital campaign, the school was able to bring in new teachers and staff, balanced the budget, enhanced technology, changed academics in core classes and expanded electives. Enrollment grew to 225 students from Pre-K through eighth grade, with that number being higher to start the 2022-23 school year.

Change is nothing new to Eggold. Previously, he was principal of Lutheran High School in San Antonio from 2007-2014. Inheriting a similar situation as here in Dallas, Eggold hit the ground running, implemented a culture change, and secured a major $3 million donor gift to construct a new building, locker rooms and a cafeteria.

“When I arrived in San Antonio, we were in portables just as we are here in Dallas. We built specialty classrooms to accommodate our students and were soon able to get everyone back on campus and in a new building and new gymnasium.”

Eggold then began what is a popular refrain throughout his career: a culture change. The previous church located on the property sold the land to the high school, and the school moved into a temporary location prior to Eggold’s arrival. The environment had declined and there were about 92-95 students, and within a short period of time, enrollment decreased to 62 students. However, once administrators implemented a new culture focused on the new building, core values and technology, the school grew to 110-115 students.

Eggold sees a similar situation here at Dallas Lutheran. “I think any bold change or initiative focused on improving or enhancing the environment for students must come with a certain type of culture change. And, certainly here with the aftermath of the 2019 tornado that significantly damaged our campus and the tremendous impact it has had on our student family community, we are going to go through a culture change. However, that doesn’t mean we must sacrifice who we are as a school.”

Dallas Lutheran School empowers students to discover their God-given potential, and its vision is to change the world through Christ-centered education. Eggold believes this “Christ-centered educational approach will deliver well-rounded students and not only prepare them for college and their next steps, but it will place them at the center of the learning process to prepare them to be the best person they can be.”

DLS’ Arise & Build capital campaign is raising funds to replace the school classrooms and administration building after the campus was hit by the October 2019 tornado that destroyed a wide path of north Dallas. Students have been housed in temporary portable buildings since shortly after the tornado. The school is attempting to raise money for a Phase 1 development focused on exterior-facing classrooms, entries and hallways, a visual arts building, art studios, computer and science labs, library, Talent Zone, study center and administrative offices surrounding spacious courtyards offering an open campus learning environment. The completion of Phase 1 will accommodate 250 students, and future phases include plans to expand classrooms to hold up to 360 students, an athletic field and performing arts center and chapel. 

“This is a crucial point in the history of Dallas Lutheran School. A new capital campaign to rebuild our school is daunting in today’s environment, but it is a challenge we must meet head on, “ Eggold added. “There is an old saying that if you want to be a big-boy school you need to act like it. And we do not run from the challenge. You need to have all the tools in the toolbox to deal with the situation. Sometimes you need a hammer and other times a screwdriver or wrench. But that’s life. At some point you’re going to need to use the right tools to get through life.”

Eggold notes that “Donors are huge to the success of the school, and the approach for donors here is simple. We have to state our case that we have an opportunity and now is a great time. The students need this. The families need this. They can be backing a winner. I think it is a win for the school and a win for the donors. And as we create the culture we want, we’ll have more and more people who want to sign up and be a part of that. I believe Dallas Lutheran is a winner and can be an even better winner. Donors can connect with that. Getting in front of them and cultivating those relationships and telling our story is huge so hopefully they can step forward and join us in our journey.”