This first anniversary issue of the Dallas Metroplex edition of Natural Awakenings is cause for celebration and acknowledgment of all of you that have made this magazine possible. I am flooded with joy, excitement and pride for what we have accomplished together and the anticipation of more amazing years to come.

Because of you—our readers, advertisers, distributors and other fans—we have introduced the Dallas Metroplex and North Texas communities to cutting-edge information that is enabling thousands of our friends and neighbors to realize the healthy and sustainable lifestyles they desire. We have discovered that this robust, yet fragmented, community of kindred spirits wants to be better connected. And we have uncovered a pent-up demand for the timely and actionable news and know-how provided by our national and local editorial contributors.

We feel privileged to be a hub for all of this. We also understand our responsibilities to continue to drill deep for meaningful insights from experts and to widen our collective reach, in order to strengthen our communities and help ensure a healthy and sustainable future. Together, we are learning to better care for people and the planet, and I am grateful for my role in this God-given mission.

This past year has been one of the best of my life. The rewards are many, including the opportunity to welcome a new North Texas Natural Awakenings franchise in Denton and Collin counties. We hope for another sister magazine for Tarrant County next year.

In sync with this month’s special focus on Men’s Wellness, we serve up a doable Guy’s Guide to daily health in our national feature, and dare a discussion of male menopause by local expert Dr. Guy Francis. We also have fun exploring underutilized eco-friendly transportation options, including e-bikes and DART—our world-class light-rail rapid transportation system; it’s a timely reminder, considering that the nine-county North Texas region currently has a non-attainment status for Environmental Protection Agency air quality standards.

To mark this significant anniversary, we are making some significant changes, based on readers’ feedback. Next month, you will notice a snazzier, yet still eco-friendly, cover. Next month, we’ll also begin to feature a new Business in the Green department, to spotlight substantive, interesting and innovative work done by Metroplex companies to promote sustainability and preserve and protect our environment.

As the geographic headquarters of the greatest number of Fortune 500 Companies outside of New York, Chicago and perhaps Los Angeles, it’s only appropriate that we culminate this second-year campaign by announcing the Green Business of the Year next June. We also plan to launch a dazzling new interactive website, to both increase exposure for our advertisers and partners and provide readers with additional timely articles and updates.

Thank you. Thank you all for everything.

Blessings,

Bernice Butler, Publisher