Richardson Life Magazine Issue 14

Letter From the Publisher

As we wrap up 2025, we want to take the chance to thank you for welcoming Richardson Life Magazine into your homes and for sharing your stories and businesses with us. Richardson is a vibrant and exciting place to call home and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our city. If it’s anything like 2025, it’s going to be another good one!

Bringing our readers an additional two issues this year was one of my highlights. Richardson Life Magazine started out as a quarterly publication in 2023 and our staff quickly realized there was so much more to share about this incredible city, so we moved to a bi-monthly in 2025. This allowed us to also bring you the inaugural issue of the Best of Richardson. Not only was it fun to see the readers rally behind their favorite businesses and people, but also get to celebrate with them at our Best of Richardson winners event. Stay tuned for our announcements around the start of Best of Richardson 2026.

From all of us here at Richardson Life Magazine, we want to wish you the happiest holiday season and thank you for reading, supporting, and sharing Richardson Life Magazine.

Bring on 2026!

Kyla Obert Publisher, Richardson Life Magazine

Headshot photo credit: Chelsea Green, The Joyful Green

Letter From the Editor

Friends,

As this issue of Richardson Life finds its way to your reading stack, I hope you are bursting with excitement about the holidays and looking forward to 2026. I always treasure the extra time spent with family and friends in the midst of all the busyness surrounding the season.

If you’re like me and you always hope to be a better version of yourself in the new year, you’ll definitely want to read our guest column by Lorraine Brock, founder of Get Organized! and Richardson resident. This woman is a powerhouse when it comes to juggling a “large” small business, handling a busy household, and still making time for herself. Lorraine has been organizing things since she was just a little girl and offers concrete suggestions for all of us.

Not only will Lorraine get us organized, but Ashlee Simpson, who grew up in east Richardson and is now an elite gymnast who has competed and won on the world stage, reminds us of the importance of discipline and determination. Ashlee is such a delightful young woman whose desire to be not only an elite athlete—and hopefully an Olympian in 2028—but also a 4.0 student at UCLA

is truly inspiring. You’ll read about her in our Sports Spotlight.

The Parmerlees are our Movers & Shakers this month. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mark Parmerlee, founder of Golden Tree Restaurants, and his son Michael recently. Both men, along with younger son Matt, do so much good in our city and beyond. Alongside them you’ll learn about Altrusa International of Richardson, also doing incredible philanthropic work and making such a difference in our community.

One of my personal favorite stories is how the lovingly crafted “The Town Musicians of Richardson” came to be and how artist Gigi Miller made it her mission to have Richardson stakeholders affiliated with the Richardson Animal Shelter be a part of the mosaic sculpture. It’s definitely worth the drive to the shelter to see it…and who knows? You might pop in to the newly renovated shelter and discover your next best friend!

Wishing you all a Happy New Year filled with hope and laughter!

Cover Photography Credit: RD Images

For Advertising Questions, please email mobert@hylogroup.com

For Editoral Requests, please email pmotte@hylogroup.com

Special Thanks

Laurie Garvie, RIchardson ISD, Deborah Dobbs, Amy Taylor, Mark, Michael and Matt Parmerlee, Nicola Hobeiche, Shereen El-Domeiri, Gigi Miller, Lorraine Brock, Altrusa International of Richardson, Mollie Romness, and Ashlee Sullivan

Mike and Kyla Obert

Patti Otte

Headshot photo credit: Chelsea Green, The Joyful Green

THE RICHARDSON SCENE

Richardson Chamber’s October Member Connections event at Assurnet Insurance Agency

Guests of Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital at the annual Methodist Richardson Medical Center Foundation Call for Compassion Gala

Heidi Harris in front of the Teachers' Free Little Library she created at Arapaho Classical Magnet

Leadership Richardson ROCs celebrating 30 years

Attendees at grand re-opening celebration for The Boys and Girls Club of Dallas at Richardson

RSO Percussionists performing at The Monarch in Richardson - through the Healing Notes Program

LR alumni board members and volunteers at a recent celebration honoring the newest class

Samantha Mills, Rebecca Poynter, Ginger Mayo and Mary Bedosky at a recent Rotary happy hour at Lockwood Distillery

Halloween Spirit at Jeng Chi Restaurant

City Manager Don Magner addressing the Canyon Creek HOA annual meeting attendees

Leadership Richardson Class 41 members enjoying their October welcome reception

RSO Sunset Serenade Concert at UTDallas on October 19

Richardson Chamber of Commerce members at a recent North Texas Collin Count Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce event

Mama and Papa Teng of Jeng Chi, the King and Queen of Mooncake, making CBS National News in October

Volunteers at the Local Good Pantry on Family Serve Day

Annual Boo Bash benefitting Network

Heights Park Neighborhood Association’s annual Oktoberfest & Chili Cookoff

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Making Room for JOY

Between school shows, cookie swaps, and neighborhood lights, the holidays in Richardson are full of energy, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

This season always reminds us that “home” isn’t just an address; it’s the people and moments that fill it. It’s the neighbor who drops off cinnamon rolls, the local barista who knows your coffee order by heart, and the friends who turn an ordinary evening into a new tradition.

As realtors, we get to see how community comes to life here. Families put down roots, neighbors become friends, and milestones big and small are celebrated along the way. There’s something so special about watching Richardson shine a little brighter this time of year!

Amid the wrapping paper and busy schedules, we hope you’ll pause to enjoy it all - the laughter, the connection, and those simple moments that make this season feel truly special.

Here’s to making room for the little joys, and to another year of calling Richardson home.

Happy Holidays from Kobs & Martin

Local realtors, neighbors, and proud members of the Richardson community

( 9 7 2 ) 9 7 8 - 3 2 8 7 h e a t h e r @ k o b s a n d m a r t i n . c o m

( 9 7 2 ) 9 7 8 - 9 1 8 7

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

A YEAR OF GREAT STORIES 12 BOOKS TO READ IN 2026

Information provided by Laurie Garvie, 2025 Richardson Reads One Book Board President

Each year, Richardson Reads One Book selects one book for our community to read together. This year, we were delighted to connect with our community through Rowan Jacobsen’s fascinating book "Wild Chocolate." The Board extends our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported our mission and attended our events.

As we look ahead to the holiday season, we’re pleased to share a list of additional favorite books our Board enjoyed reading this year—perfect for gift-giving or for treating yourself. We encourage you to shop at our wonderful partner, the Barnes & Noble Bookstore on Campbell Road in Richardson, and we kindly ask that you keep our cause in mind for your end-of-year giving.

Here’s to a joyful new year filled with great stories that bring us together!

“Wrong Place Wrong Time” by Gillian McAllister

“A time-travel story told backward as Jen relives the days leading up to a murder. It’s twisty and thought provoking.”

– Vrena Patrick

“Listen for the Lie” by Amy Tintera

“Entertaining murder mystery about sarcastic, irreverent Lucy accused of murdering her best friend and the podcaster who wants to uncover the truth.”

– Regina Harrison

“Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live” by Susan Morrison

"I loved this intriguing and well-written perspective on how Lorne Michaels built the institution that transformed the landscape of comedy forever."

– Laurie Garvie

“Under the Same Stars” by Libba Bray

“I loved seeing the three timelines come together in this exceptional young adult historical fiction and how the characters intertwined without knowing.”

– Ashleigh Osborne

“The Names” by Florence Knapp

“This book presents the life of a boy and his family from three possible timelines, all based on different names his mom could give him. It was powerful to see how one small choice could have such a large impact on the future.”

– Heidi Harris

“Heart the Lover” by Lily King

“This quote from the book says it all for me: 'She wanted to live a life full of feeling, even if it hurt—especially if it hurt. To feel was to be alive, and she would take the ache over the emptiness any day.'

– Jessica Cashiola

“By the Time You Read This: The Space between Cheslie's Smile and Mental Illness—Her Story in Her Own Words” by April Simpkins with Cheslie Kryst

“It’s a walk through an amazingly accomplished woman’s successes and her struggle with depression and mental illness, mostly from her perspective. It also reflects on her life as a Black woman in white worlds (as an attorney and pageant winner) and the imposter syndrome she had in both.”

– Kristen Schascheck

“Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins

“I loved this book because it’s a gripping prequel that reveals Haymitch’s heartbreaking past and shows how his fight in the Quarter Quell shaped the mentor we meet in The Hunger Games.”

– Jennifer Davidson

“My Friends” by Fredrick Backman

“It is wonderfully written and profoundly insightful about characters and relationships with tears and clever humor.”

– Terry Parsons

“All the Colors of the Dark” by Chris Whitaker

“This story was so many things: a thriller & mystery, a love story, a saga reaching across decades, and through it all the characters root you in what is happening and what's ahead. The writing was striking, unfolding aspects of the story in unique ways, and drawing you into the relationship between Patch & Saint and the journeys they both travel.”

– Erin Selfridge

“Broken Country” by Clare Leslie Hall

“I appreciated its compelling characters and the ambiguity of the story with its tug of war between love and duty reminiscent of 'The Bridges of Madison County.'”

– Patti Otte

“Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follett

“I’ve had this tomb of a book on my shelf for years and finally decided to check out the audio version from the library to see if it’s worth the time. Just listen to the first few chapters and see if you agree that it is!”

– Elizabeth Simpson

“The Wedding People” by Allison Espach

“It was insightful without being very heavy.”

– Sonali Patnaik

“Here One Moment” by Liane Moriarty

“This book captured a lot of universal truths about loss, seizing the moment, appreciating the fragility of...everything, and the ways we all impact each other for better or worse, but in a truly unique story.”

– Keri Samples

EXPERIENCE RISD’S MAGNET SCHOOLS

Information provided by Richardson Independent School District

Richardson ISD magnet schools offer specialized programs, with a focus on interest-based pathways designed to engage students in unique opportunities that meet their interests.

The magnet programs in RISD are available for students in elementary, junior high and high school, and they are a dedicated magnet school or a magnet program within

a school. Areas of focus include: advanced math and science, technology, leadership, the arts, and law.

Unlike neighborhood schools that serve students based on residential zones, magnet schools are open to students outside their attendance zone, as long as the family resides in Richardson. Parents have an opportunity to choose a magnet school that meets their child’s interest.

Students in the Richardson High School Law Magnet during a mock trial

Learn about RISD’s Magnet Program Offerings by Campus:

Elementary:

Arapaho Classical Magnet

Magnet Program Open to Grades K-6 Theater, digital media arts, House systems, fine arts, broadcasting

Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet Magnet Program Open to Grades K-6 Leadership-focused magnet

MST Magnet

Magnet Program Open to Grades K-6 Math Science Technology Magnet Elementary, House systems, gifted and talented strategies

Campus tours are taking place from December 2025 through February 2026. For dates and to register for a tour, visit: risd.org/ magnetschools/elementary-checklist/.

The online application is open from December 1 to February 28.

Junior High:

Richardson West Junior High Arts, culinary arts, theater arts, visual arts, and robotics Grades 7 and 8

Westwood Junior High Math, science, and leadership magnet. Grades 7 and 8

Learn more at www.risd.org/ magnetschools/junior-high-checklist/.

High School:

Richardson High School Magnet Program Grades 9-12

Arts, law, and science

The online application is open from January 13 to January 31, 2026.

More information can be found at www.risd.org/magnetschools/ high-school-checklist/.

All RISD magnet programs require an application. Eligibility and application processes vary by grade level.

Arapaho Classical Magnet students working on designs in theatre class

Westwood Junior High Leadership 2 students training to be Wolf Camp counselors

How Does the Magnet Program Benefit Students?

In the words of Yanira Salguero, a senior at Richardson High School’s magnet program who has gone through a magnet program since junior high at Richardson West Junior High:

“The Law Magnet program at RHS has prepared me for the future in so many ways. Not only have I learned about all the things that make up our laws and rights, but Mr. Bufkins’ class has also taught me how to be prepared and responsible when it comes to making

decisions because decisions have rewards or consequences. I will forever be grateful to the RHS Law Magnet program and Mr. Bufkin for showing me how to be responsible, reliable, hardworking, and, most importantly, how to be an amazing citizen overall!”

Westwood Junior High Principal

Katie Mottram shares more about the benefits of magnet programs. She states, “Magnet programs give students the chance to explore what excites them most while building a strong academic foundation.” She goes on to say, “They

allow students to learn alongside peers who share their interests and passions, thereby creating a community where curiosity and collaboration thrive. At Westwood, we see our students grow not just in knowledge, but in confidence as learners and leaders. Parents should look for a magnet program that fits their child’s interests and learning style and where students are both challenged and supported. When students find a program that nurtures their strengths and connects them with others who share their drive, they truly thrive.”

Magnet Program Expansion

RISD is currently studying ways and opportunities to expand our district’s magnet program, with the goal of offering students more interest-based pathways and experiences. The expansion to the magnet program would focus on three areas:

• Improvement in current magnet programming and systems

• Increased choice programming

• Expansion of inter-district transfer options

Learn more about the magnet experience in RISD at risd.org/magnetschools/.

Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet students greeting guests for the Veterans Day celebration

MST Magnet Students engaging in a collaborative activity about Newton's 3 Laws of Motion

Richardson West Junior High students in robotics class

HEALTHY LIVING

CANCEL EVERY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION EXCEPT ONE

By Deborah Dobbs, MA

Last summer, I spent a week in New Orleans at a writer’s conference. One evening, a couple of us walked the French Quarter with an author who knew NOLA like the back of his hand.

Despite being a frequent visitor to The Big Easy, I felt like I was experiencing the city for the first time. Every band was fantastic, every bite was delicious, and every new place was exciting. At the Bourbon “O” Bar, I tasted my first Pimm’s Cup while a spectacular band sang Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day” and one of my new friends shouted, “You look so happy!”

He was right. I was feeling pure joy. I also couldn’t recall the last time I’d felt it.

We’re busy. We’re tired. We’re doomscrolling, over-scheduling, and wearing our best “I’m fine” faces. Joy can feel like a luxury, a fleeting emotion at best, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

I think we all could use a little more joy, so I have a radical proposal for 2026: one resolution. Not 10 goals, 75 Hard, or anything “Atomic.” No vision boards or 5:00 a.m. wakeups required.

JUST MORE JOY. EVERY SINGLE DAY. Researchers like Barbara Fredrickson refer to an “upward spiral,” where one spark of joy widens our world, makes us braver, kinder, more creative, and happier, which naturally leads to more joy. Next thing we know, joy comes effortlessly.

JOY STARTS WITH GRATITUDE. Did you know your brain cannot feel anger and gratitude at the same time? Those emotions are neurochemically

incompatible. It’s also possible to diminish anger by writing down or saying (or whispering) what you’re grateful for. Trust me; it works. Recently, I changed my nighttime routine to include writing gratitude in my journal. I could tell a difference in my mood and energy within two days! For this to work, however, gratitude must be authentic. (Faking it can have the opposite effect.)

A simple act of gratitude changes how we experience joy and connection over time. A 2016 brain-imaging study

by Prathik Kini and colleagues showed that writing a single gratitude letter can leave a lasting mark on the brain. Three months later, people who wrote the letters lit up reward centers in their brains more strongly when feeling or expressing thanks, compared to those who didn’t.

Give your gratitude a power-boost by writing it by hand. Handwriting slows you down, helping you truly feel and remember the good moments more deeply than typing ever could.

Functional MRIs reveal that handwriting lights up more areas tied to emotion and memory, making the joy from gratitude “stick” longer.

OTHER INGREDIENTS FOR JOY

In addition to gratitude, there are lots of ways to add joy to our lives. While an Internet search provided lots of ideas, I wanted tips from people I knew, so I reached out to some RLM readers and my team at The Counseling Place. I asked them to share simple things they

do to add joy to their lives. Here are their responses:

TEN TIPS FOR BUILDING THE UPWARD SPIRAL:

• Open the Windows (in the car or your home)

• Watch Reels of Babies Laughing

• Gaze at the Clouds

• Spend Time in Nature (Stand Barefoot in the Grass)

• Dance Spontaneously

• Scream Sing in the Car

• Overtip a Server

• Order the Fancy Drink

• Take the Long Way Home (Notice Something or Beautiful)

• Do/Wear Something Special (without waiting for a Special Occasion)

SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS

Set yourself up for success by setting reminders, such as sticky notes on the fridge and bathroom mirrors. Consider adding “More Joy” to your daily calendar. Keeping a running list of what works might come in handy on those days you’re struggling. Plus, by next December you’ll have a whole diary of proof that, although challenges arose and even rocked our world, life indeed felt good. Now, there’s a resolution that can actually stick.

Deborah Dobbs, MA serves as Executive Director of The Counseling Place and has been part of the Richardson community since 1973. A published author of psychological thrillers (available on Amazon or directly from Anatolian Press LLC), she also has several screenplays in the works. Deborah loves scuba diving, fly-fishing with her husband, drinking Irish whiskey and smoking the occasional cigar. And if she loves you, she’ll cook for you.

COMMUNITY LEADER SPOTLIGHT

AMY TAYLOR

Director of Volunteer Services, Methodist Richardson Medical Center

TELL US ABOUT YOUR POSITION AT METHODIST RICHARDSON.

I serve as the Director of Volunteer Services at Methodist Richardson, where I manage nearly 200 active volunteers across several programs. I’m always looking for more people who want to give back to the community. Our daily volunteers serve one four-hour shift each week and help with escorting patients and visitors, restocking supplies, answering questions in the surgery waiting area, selling popcorn to support our junior volunteer program, and stepping in wherever the hospital needs support. Our unit volunteers are college students pursuing careers in medicine. They volunteer one four-hour shift a week for at least a year and work directly with nurses and techs to learn what hospital life is really like.

I also partner with our Chaplain to support pastoral care volunteers who offer spiritual comfort through prayer, communion, or simply listening. Our

pet therapy volunteers and their dogs complete rigorous training before visiting staff, patients and visitors to bring comfort during stressful moments. Each summer, our junior volunteers— local high school students—work alongside our daily volunteers and get a great introduction to healthcare service.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT YOUR JOB? IS THERE A PARTICULAR MOMENT THAT STANDS OUT IN YOUR MIND WHERE YOU TRULY FELT YOU WERE MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE?

This truly is the best job. I get to work with people who want to be here and bring incredible life experiences with them. From high school students exploring medicine to retirees who simply want to help others feel more at ease, every day feels meaningful.

One moment that stands out is when I nominated volunteer Jerry Nichols as a Richardson Real Hero. He won, but the celebration was delayed due to Covid.

As his health declined, I received early access to his award video and was able to share it with him before he passed. It meant so much to give him that recognition.

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT PATH LED YOU TO RICHARDSON?

I was born and raised in Richardson and graduated from RHS. I attended Texas A&M (Whoop!) and earned a degree in speech communication and marketing with plans to work in radio and TV. After college, I returned to Richardson and worked in marketing and promotions for 93.3. I later moved into cable TV, working with HBO/Cinemax during the Sopranos and Sex and the City era and then with Oxygen Network. After my first child was born, I joined the Eisemann Center as the Assistant Manager for Marketing and Development so I wouldn’t have to travel as much. That role connected me with Methodist Richardson and when the

Amy Taylor and her fellow Leadership Richardson Class 32 members

Director of Volunteer Services position opened, I applied and was hired!

HOW ARE YOU CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN RICHARDSON?

I serve on the Cultural Arts Commission and am active in the Leadership Richardson Alumni Association and the Chamber. I was part of LR Class 32, which we proudly refer to as the BEST CLASS—and we mean it. Many of our members were highly engaged in community groups at the time and still are. Several of us remain close friends and even travel together. I’ve been to Disney, on a cruise, to Hawaii, and on several road trips with fellow “32ers.”

I enjoy serving on the Cultural Arts Commission, at which I help review public art submissions, including assisting in the selection of the new artwork at the Richardson Animal Shelter. I participate each year in the nonprofit arts grant process, and I also volunteer at the Cottonwood Arts Festival, supporting local artists and community programming.

WE’D LOVE TO KNOW YOU ON A PERSONAL LEVEL…CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?

My family is small but close. My parents live in Canyon Creek and my sister lives in Dallas. My dad likes to joke that Richardson used to be a “This is my daughter Amy” community and now it’s more of an “I’m Amy’s dad” community. My daughter is a Plano Senior High graduate and now attends the University of Oklahoma, majoring in aviation. My son is a freshman at Vines High School, where he is a percussionist and part of the Wildcat Collegiate Academy. We also have two rescue dogs, Argo and Indie. Indie came from the Richardson Animal Shelter and if my son didn’t stop me daily, we’d probably have several more.

WHEN YOU AREN’T WORKING, HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends, traveling, volunteering

locally, and going to live music events. Daily dog walks and workouts are my “me time” and help me reset.

I’m usually drawn to warm destinations with sand and waves, but one of our best family vacations was in Yellowstone this past summer—even

though it snowed on the first official day of summer. It was beautiful and unexpected. I also love concerts and musicals throughout the year. Wildflower! is one of my favorite annual events and having it right across the street is a bonus.

Amy and her family on a recent family trip to Yellowstone

Amy and a team of volunteers at Methodist Richardson Medical Center

TAX-SMART STRATEGIES FOR HIGH-I N COME EARNERS

If your household income comfortably exceeds six figures, you already know the tax code wasn’t written with sympathy for success. Yet most affluent couples still leave five- and six-figure opportunities on the table each decade simply because they aren’t optimizing the tools that already exist. Below are four strategies worth exploring before the next filing season.

1. Maximize—and sometimes supersize—retirement contributions. For 2025 you can defer up to $23,500 into a 401(k) or 403(b), plus a $7,500 catch-up if you’re 50 or older; those aged 60-63 may qualify for an $11,250 “super” catch-up. Dual-income couples who also own side businesses can layer on a solo-401(k) or cash-balance plan, to help maximize total tax-deductible savings.

2 . Use today’s bracket to fund tomorrow’s Roth dollars. With the 2017 tax cuts set to potentially sunset after 2025 (legislation is pending as we speak, however), current brackets may be the lowest you’ll see for some time. Roth conversions, done in manageable amounts,

By Holly Clapp, CFP®

that fill the 24 % or 32 % bracket each year can help reduce future required minimum distributions down the road and build taxfree income.

3. Give where it matters, deduct when it counts. A donor-advised fund lets you front-load several years of charitable gifts in a single high-income year, harvesting a large deduction now while granting dollars to favorite causes later. If you’re 70½ or older, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) let you send up to $108,000 directly from an IRA to charity in 2025, satisfying RMDs and keeping the income off your 1040.

4 . Turn concentrated gains into diversified generosity. Highly appreciated stock or a low-basis business interest can trigger a hefty capital-gain bill. Contributing part of that position to a charitable remainder trust or charitable LLC may spread taxes over years, generate an immediate deduction, and provide a lifetime income stream to you before ultimately benefiting charity.

B onus tip: If you have a high deductible

medical plan, don’t ignore the humble Health Savings Account. Max-funding an HSA ($8,550 family limit in 2025) offers a rare “triple tax-free” benefit—deductible going in, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses. Your Next Move

The best tax plan is personal, proactive, and done before December 31. If your 2025 income is tracking higher than expected, let’s run a mid-year projection and identify which of these ideas could keep more of your success compounding for your family—and for the causes you care about. Let us help you explore these and other ideas, along side a qualified tax professional.

I f you need an introduction to a good tax advisor, please leverage me for a referral.

This material is for educational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author. Holly Carroccio is a registered representative of and offers securities and investment advisory services through MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. www.SIPC.org Nexus Advisors, LLC is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services, LLC, or its affiliated companies. OSJ address: 14241 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1200, Dallas, TX 75254; 972.348.6300. Neither MML Investors Services, LLC nor any of its subsidiaries, employees or representatives are authorized to give legal or tax advice. Consult your own personal attorney legal or tax counsel for advice on specific legal and tax matters.

CRN202810-9670195

Two Leaders, Two Generations, A Lasting Legacy

By Patti Otte

If you follow business or civic life in Richardson, the last name Parmerlee has probably crossed your radar more than once. It might be through Golden Chick, a fundraising golf tournament, a Rotary project, a YMCA initiative, or a Leadership Richardson event. The name shows up in many corners of the city— but not because of a single personality.

In Richardson, the Parmerlee presence is a two-person engine: Mark, the longestablished business leader who built

Golden Tree Restaurants into a regional force and anchored his life and work in Richardson; and Michael, who has spent the past decade carving out his own path as a civic organizer, nonprofit leader and relationship-builder across the city.

The story of the Parmerlees isn’t about succession. It’s about parallel influence—a father whose business and philanthropic reputation helped shape modern Richardson, and a son whose civic involvement has cemented his

place as an outstanding leader in the community.

This is not a family passing a baton. It’s a father-son duo working side by side, each in his own lane, carrying the same ethos of integrity, service, and commitment to community.

MARK PARMERLEE: THE BUILDER

Mark Parmerlee is the President/CEO/ Chairman of Golden Tree Restaurants. His restaurant career began humbly

Mark Parmerlee

Michael Parmerlee

as a dishwasher, giving him firsthand appreciation for every role within the foodservice industry. In 1989, he purchased Golden Fried Chicken and began reshaping the Texas-born concept into what is now Golden Chick. Throughout the past 36 years as its CEO, Mark has guided the brand through multiple evolutions. His tenure has been marked by resilience through economic downturns, industry shifts, and even a global pandemic.

In 2024, Golden Chick had a team of 6,254 employees and is on track to surpass 250 locations by 2025. Mark’s leadership is defined by a balance of vision and pragmatism: championing franchisee profitability, maintaining food safety and quality control, and advancing training programs like “Every Guest, Every Time.”

A charismatic, approachable man, Mark Parmerlee is steady, honest, generous with his time, and the sort of businessman who thinks community responsibility isn’t optional — it’s simply what you do. His dad’s early influence guides his life and decision-making. States Mark, “My dad was the most honest person I have ever known and a real steady Eddie. He worked hard to provide for his family and had a very even keel personality. He helped set a great example as a moral compass.”

Parmerlee made the decision early on to place the company headquarters in Richardson. The decision wasn’t trendy, but he believed in the city’s schools, its location, its business ecosystem, and its “big small-town feel.” “Richardson had the right mix,” Mark says. “Good people, good schools, a city government that supports businesses.” His sons attended Spring Valley Elementary, Westwood Junior High and Richardson High School—a full RISD upbringing. When the chance came to buy an entire office campus in Richardson, Parmerlee didn’t hesitate. The family now owns all five buildings in the Arapaho Gardens complex and are currently remodeling the fifth one into executive suites for Golden Tree.

A LIFE OF CHARITABLE GIVING

Even as CEO of a fast-growing company, Mark consistently tied Golden Chick’s presence back to local support. The Arapaho location’s popular funnel cake fundraiser, where fifty cents of each sale goes to nearby schools for items outside tight public-school budgets, is the kind of small, tangible project Mark values. “I still love getting letters from teachers or principals,” he says. “It reminds you that little things matter.”

Golden Chick also helps sponsor Richardson golf tournaments and chamber events. Mark once served on

the Richardson Chamber board and has spent years in youth leadership through Scouting—from Scoutmaster at the troop where his two sons each earned their Eagle Scout rank to his current role serving on the Executive Board of Circle 10 Council. As co-founder of the Sporting Clays Invitational, he has helped raise more than $7 million for ScoutReach, funding uniforms, scholarships, and opportunities for underserved youth.

Mark also donates generously to causes supporting first responders and community organizations across Texas. His belief that “fast food is honorable work” has made him a champion of mentoring and promoting from within, building pathways of opportunity for thousands of Golden Chick employees. This combination of personal resilience, servant leadership, and civic engagement makes him a role model both within and beyond the restaurant industry.

Parmerlee’s guiding principle has always been clear: “Be honest. Be respectful. Be caring.” If that sounds simple, that’s because Mark Parmerlee makes it look simple. But anyone who has watched him manage a restaurant company, lead charitable projects, mentor young people, and run a ranch on the side knows it comes from discipline, not ease.

AN ACTIVE LIFE BEYOND THE BOARDROOM

A little-known fact about Mark is that he’s a two-time liver transplant recipient, with his last transplant more than twenty years ago. Over time he has thankfully been able to discontinue all anti-rejection medications. Having his liver replaced twice hasn’t slowed him down! When asked about what he enjoys doing in his free time, Parmerlee laughs and states, “Ha! You are assuming that I have any free time. At 70, I still work long hours (often nights and weekends), but I like landscaping and gardening, so I always seem to be working at those two things at home.” And at the family ranch near Lake Texoma, Mark chops wood, trims trees, raises cattle, drives a tractor and a skid steer, splits firewood, and doesn’t mind getting dirty. He’s currently building a waterfall system using water

Circle Ten Council Annual Sporting Clays Tournament, featuring Golden Chick as the title sponsor. Mark Parmerlee pictured third from left

from one of the ranch’s eleven ponds. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, playing games/cards and hiking.

When asked about retirement, Mark reflects, “My wife, Diane, has been very supportive of my professional life, including its ups and downs. She would like to see more of the world and I would like to do it while we are still physically able.” Looking toward retirement is partly for that purpose. He also plans to focus more on philanthropy. “I’ve had a blessed life,” Mark says. “I want to give back more time, not just support from a distance.”

Unlike many second-generation leaders, Michael didn’t simply follow his father’s path. He forged his own, deeply rooted in community service long before he joined the Golden Tree Restaurants leadership team as President and Associate General Counsel of GFC Leasing Corp, LLC

His résumé of local involvement is extensive:

• Immediate Past President of Richardson East Rotary Club

• Current Assistant Governor for Rotary District 5810

• Board Member of the Richardson Family YMCA

• Active member of the Leadership Richardson Alumni Association

Mark talks about the rest of his life with excitement and has started preparing the company for his eventual departure by “working harder to work less,” he says. His next chapter won’t be an ending, but rather a long-deferred beginning.

MICHAEL PARMERLEE: THE CONNECTOR

If Mark is the builder, then Michael is the connector: the person who knows everyone, the person who shows up, the person who quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) moves pieces together across Richardson’s civic landscape.

• Advisory Board Member for Leadership Richardson

He’s an enthusiastic “Class 33—THE BEST CLASS!” Leadership Richardson cohort. His philanthropic leadership is relational, built on conversations, collaborations and showing up reliably in dozens of community spaces.

LEADERSHIP RICHARDSON’S INFLUENCE

Michael speaks about Leadership Richardson with the respect of someone who has spent years in its orbit. “LR is special because it brings together a wide variety of people—young and old,

An example of Golden Chick's philanthropic commitment to community

Michael Parmerlee and other Richardson East Rotary Club members volunteering at Network.

lifelong residents and newcomers, many cultures and experiences. Regardless of how long you’ve lived in Richardson, you learn so much. I’ve been in/around Richardson basically my whole life and graduated from RISD schools and UTD, but I still learned a lot of things I didn’t know about. You also get a lot of special access to things you wouldn’t if you weren’t a participant—without giving away too much, I will say Richardson certainly looks a lot different riding along with RPD Friday night from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am! Also, I think an underrated aspect of the program is the personal leadership development,” states Michael.

As a ROC (mentor), he has enjoyed watching committees reach the moment where “it all clicks”—the point when purpose becomes clear and planning becomes execution.

MICHAEL’S LOVE FOR RICHARDSON

Ask Michael about Richardson’s strengths and he gives an enthusiast answer. He talks about the city’s location: the transit lines, the accessibility, the proximity to Dallas without being absorbed by it. He appreciates that it houses a world-class university and is the headquarters location for many national and international companies. He describes the way you can walk into a restaurant, a meeting, or a festival and almost always run into someone you know. He emphasizes that Richardson residents “get it”—that people here understand a great city doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people contribute.

That last part feels personal to him. “I choose organizations based on the people I serve with,” he says. “Rotary, the YMCA…these are groups where the people align with my values. Service is most meaningful when you’re surrounded by people you enjoy and respect.”

Michael describes himself as funny, optimistic, and curious, a combination which shows up in small ways. He’s a marathon runner who tracks his races with meticulous spreadsheets, a lifelong reader who blends fiction with professional development audiobooks,

and a guy who once auditioned for Jeopardy! only to be sabotaged by a fire alarm at the W Hotel in Austin. He also likes to listen to podcasts and audiobooks and read books from people who have good ideas to share even if he doesn’t know them personally.

LOOKING AHEAD

While Mark is eyeing the horizon of retirement—more ranch time, more travel, more hands-on philanthropy— Michael is in expansion mode. Both Mark and Michael are helping guide Golden Tree Restaurants into new ventures, especially in real estate. Mark says the company would also like to add another Golden Chick or two within the city and he’s been keeping an eye out for additional real estate investment types (strip centers, self-storage, office, multifamily).

Philanthropically, Michael is diving deeper into Rotary and adding international Rotary service to his resume. Early next year he’ll be in Camaguey, Cuba, helping build a baseball field. A cruise-based district Rotary conference opened his eyes to the global impact Rotary clubs can have. Personally, he’s looking forward to more running, more reading, and more intentional use of downtime, a habit he says he’s working to strengthen.

In the long term, Michael has a big vision: a Parmerlee family foundation. “It would allow us to take what we’ve already done in the community and scale it,” he says. A foundation would give structure to the family’s philanthropic work—combining Mark’s decades of giving, Michael’s civic network, and a shared belief in longterm investment in the place that raised them.

LEAVING A LEGACY

Some families build legacies. The Parmerlees build momentum. Mark’s story is not fading—it’s evolving. Michael’s rise is not on his father’s coattails—it’s self-made. Father and son operate in different spaces, with different strengths, different styles, and different spheres of influence. But the overlap— the belief that Richardson is worth

MATT PARMERLEE

Younger brother Matt Parmerlee is also a part of the Golden Chick family. He recently began serving as the Director of Development for Rock Strategic, which operates Jack in the Boxes, Golden Chicks, and Hawaiian Bros. Matt was a member of LR 36 and still maintains chose ties to the people in his class.

Matt is part of the fraternal order of Masons. He is a member of Washington Masonic Lodge #1117, named after George Washington. The Masons are a fraternal organization that “takes good men and makes them better,” states the youngest Parmerlee. In Richardson, the Masons put on a Hero’s Breakfast for first responders, give scholarships to students attending college, and try and help out where they can in the community.

investing in—is what binds their stories together.

Mark anchored his company and his family in this city decades ago. Michael is now one of the people shaping what Richardson will look like in the next decade. And in that intersection—builder and connector—the Parmerlees have become one of Richardson’s most quietly influential families. They show up. They serve. They care.

Matt, Mark and Michael Parmerlee

WHAT WE'RE LOVING LATELY

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How Counsel Brew Co-Founders Bring Insight and Fun to Airwaves BREWING CHANGE

By Patti Otte

Tell us about yourselves.

We’re Shereen El-Domeiri and Nicola Hobeiche, co-founders and co-hosts of the podcast Counsel Brew, which launched in May 2024. A new episode drops every two weeks and every conversation feels like the best kind of coffee date: equal parts meaningful, surprising and fun.

We are both attorneys working as in-house counsel and proud graduates of SMU Dedman School of Law. Although we grew up in Texas, we each have large extended families living overseas, which keeps our worlds and perspectives beautifully wide. We didn’t actually meet in law school but right after graduation, when we ended up

studying for the bar exam in the same library corner. Since then, our careers have intertwined more times than we can count; sometimes Nicola was the boss, sometimes Shereen was, and sometimes we worked side by side.

We’re both moms, proud children of immigrants, and lifelong believers in the power of humor, caffeine and connection to get through life’s curveballs. Both of us are strong believers in supporting our communities through our time spent in civil service and our involvement in professional and community organizations.

What inspired the two of you to create Counsel Brew, and how did your shared love of coffee become part of its identity?

When our last roles together ended, we knew we wanted to create something that kept our partnership (and laughter) going, but with a purpose: to inspire others and ourselves. We wanted to take all the experiences and knowledge we have gained over the last 20 years and create a safe and inspiring space to share it with the next generations. We also wanted to highlight some of the everyday heroes around us, whose stories may not always find a platform to be shared widely.

The “brew” part of Counsel Brew comes from a similar tradition we both grew up with: pausing midday, even for just ten minutes, to share coffee or tea with family. It’s a ritual of connection our parents taught us and one that we adopted together for ourselves

Nicola Hobeiche (l) and Shereen El-Domeiri (r), founders of Counsel Brew

many years ago, which we now hope to pass on to our kids and community.

Your podcast focuses on “paths to badassery.” What is it, and what stories are you most drawn to when selecting your guests?

“Badassery” isn’t about titles or resumes. It’s about resilience, authenticity, experience, and the courage to keep rewriting your own story. We’re drawn to guests who have faced challenges with grit and grace, who laugh at the messiness of it all, and who lead with heart. Every path to badassery is a little different and that’s what makes the conversations magical.

How has your legal background influenced the show’s tone, topics, or conversations?

Being lawyers has shaped how we listen, ask questions, and look for the “why” behind every story. We’re naturally curious (and maybe a little nosy), but in the best way. We approach each conversation with structure, empathy and a dash of cross-examination flair, but we also know when to ditch the script and let the moment breathe.

Just like every case or matter we work on professionally, our experiences have taught us that there are so many layers to a person’s story. Something wonderful lies in every person’s unique experience that can help guide others in their own path to success in life, whether personally or professionally. While our podcast has three key questions—our guest’s favorite brew, their path to badassery, and something ridiculous they have encountered along the way (stupid sh*t)—we embrace the fact that we never quite know where a conversation will take us with our guests since they aren’t rehearsed ahead of time.

You interview women and professionals from a wide range of fields.

We love stories that stretch across industries and experiences, from attorneys and CEOs to doctors, artists

and community advocates. We look for guests who are doing meaningful work, who have taken unexpected turns, and who aren’t afraid to talk about the hard parts. We tap into our own networks, receive recommendations, and sometimes hear about somebody that just gets us excited to make the “ask” to join us for an episode.

Counsel Brew also reflects the idea of taking a purposeful pause. That pause is everything. Whether it’s ten minutes with a cup of coffee or an hour recording an episode, or a few days at the end of the year planning what’s to come, it’s our reminder to slow down, connect, reflect and dream. Professionally, it helps us refocus on what matters. Personally, it’s a way to show our kids, and ourselves, that you don’t have to run on empty to do meaningful things.

What have you learned about working together as co-hosts?

After working together in four different jobs, we’ve learned that balance is key and humor is non-negotiable. Counsel Brew is a wonderful reminder to us about how much we enjoy laughing together. We also trust each other’s instincts completely. Shereen brings deep empathy and intuition and Nicola brings precision and comic timing. Together, we’ve mastered the art of reading each other’s thoughts (and eye rolls) without missing a beat.

Looking ahead, how do you envision Counsel Brew growing or evolving, and what impact do you hope it continues to have on women in business and beyond?

We want to keep building a community around real conversations that celebrate growth, vulnerability and joy. We are actively looking to grow the podcast and incorporate sponsorships, which would allow us to continue to grow our audience. We are also working on a project focused on professional development for attorneys transitioning to in-house counsel that the podcast has inspired,

among a few other projects in the works because we can’t seem to get enough of finding ways to work together! Our hope is that Counsel Brew continues to remind anyone listening, especially our women listeners, that there’s strength in connection, beauty in imperfection, and always time for another cup.

Shereen El-Domeiri

Nicola Hobeiche

THE TOWN MUSICIANS OF RICHARDSON

Gigi Griffin Miller’s Inspirational Mosaic Masterpiece

By Patti Otte

By the time visitors have reached the front door of the Richardson Animal Shelter to drop off donations, adopt a pet, or volunteer their time, they’ve already met its unofficial greeters: a playful tower of colorful animals crafted in vibrant mosaic tile. The figures shimmer with ceramic textures, jewel-like colors, and whimsical expressions that feel lifted from a children’s book. And in a way, they are.

This cheerful sculpture, titled “The Town Musicians of Richardson,” references a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, “The Town Musicians of Bremen,” in which a group of abandoned animals band together, leave behind their old lives, and set off toward a new one. It’s the perfect parallel for a city animal shelter—a place where unwanted pets arrive uncertain and leave with new families, new homes, and new futures.

A Welcoming Emblem for a New Chapter

The installation is part of the shelter’s 2025 renovation, which includes a new façade, expanded staff offices, refreshed restrooms, and a more inviting entrance. Commissioned through the City’s Public Art Master Plan, the sculpture reinforces the idea that even practical municipal services can be places of care, hope and personal connection.

Handcrafted ceramic mosaic tiles used in "The Town Musicians of Richardson"

Community Hands in the Clay

Although Miller designs and builds her sculptures herself, she intentionally invites local involvement. For the Richardson installation, she hosted a community tile-making event for volunteers, fosters and shelter staff. To include those unable to attend, Miller left clay at the shelter so those who missed the event could still participate. Every piece was later picked up, fired, and installed into the base of the sculpture.

The entire sculpture is made of ceramic mosaic tiles that Miller crafts by hand. Pet prints of animals who were being fostered or adopted, memorial tiles, beloved pets of all kinds…their names are forever memorialized in the sculpture. One tile honors Miller’s own dog, Trixie, a golden retriever rescue, who passed away during the project. For Richardson, she chose to make the base’s decorative “flowers” the site of these meaningful additions. “That’s where all the memories are,” she explains— literally forming the foundation for the animals above.

Built With Purpose, Built to Last

Miller’s work is known for durability as well as sentiment. Her Kerrville, Texas, mosaic “The Fish” survived catastrophic flooding last summer after being submerged under 20

feet of water and debris as the river raged. Its resilience turned it into a local symbol of hope, which brings Miller some measure of comfort, given that she grew up spending her own childhood summers at Camp Mystic.

All of Miller’s mosaic masterpieces are time-consuming to create, but “The Town Musicians of Richardson” presented a unique challenge during construction. Because it would not fit through the garage door of her studio, Miller spent months working outdoors in the Texas heat, with shade sails and fans running nonstop. She insisted on the scale: something large enough to catch the eye of drivers, and colorful enough to draw them toward “the real treasures,” the adoptable pets inside.

What Public Art Means in a Place Like This

Miller’s artistic practice is rooted in community development and what she calls “creative placemaking.” She firmly believes civic involvement fosters inclusion and personal investment in shared spaces. For every major work she creates, she plans events that allow residents of all ages and abilities to participate.

Her philosophy centers on the idea that public art should feel like it belongs to the people who encounter it every day. As she puts it, “There’s something magical about art that is community-made. It transcends the individual tiles and creates a sense of place. A community work of art can be a place to return to and serve as a reminder that I existed here in this special place and time.”

And Miller doesn’t measure art in dollars or square footage. “Art is transformative,” she says—especially when it lives where everyday life happens: outside a shelter door, near kennels and .adoption rooms, greeting the next openhearted family deciding to give an animal a new home.

"The Town Musicians of Richardson"

City Council member Jennifer Justice taking a closer look

A FRESH START

My Simple, Sanity-Saving Approach to Getting Organized

By Lorraine Brock, Founder of Get Organized!

I’ve been organizing things since I was big enough to reach a kitchen cabinet. While other kids were out riding bikes, I was rearranging and organizing my bedroom. (I know, I know.) By high school, I lived by my calendar and discovered that managing time and tidying spaces came naturally to me. Eventually I married my high school sweetheart, homeschooled my kids, and turned my passion into a profession.

People often ask where this organizing bug came from. The answer:

my dad. He was a truck driver with an old-fashioned desk calendar that ruled our household. Everything—bank deposits, weekly plans, important papers—lived under a corner of that thing. It wasn’t pretty, but it worked. He believed you didn’t need fancy tools when duct tape and coffee cans could get the job done. From him, I learned that organizing doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be functional.

And now, all these years later, I help people do just that.

What People Get Wrong About Organizing

Many folks believe they know exactly what their organizing problem is— until someone like me walks in and sees a completely different issue. A fresh pair of eyes can catch patterns you’ve stopped noticing: emotional attachment, lack of systems, no designated home for anything, or plain overwhelm.

Before (insert) and after pictures of a craft room organized by Brock and her team

One of the biggest misconceptions? That organizing is mostly about “making things look pretty.” I love pretty. But beauty is not function. You can have all the matching bins in the world and still be buried under clutter. I always bring clients back to the basics: Does this work? Does it make your life easier?

Where to Start? With a Brain Dump.

January brings out the best intentions—you buy the planner, the color-coded pens, maybe even the fancy label maker. But before you start matching all that Tupperware, do this one thing:

Dump your brain.

A brain dump is not a to-do list. It’s everything rattling around in your mind:

• “Get the tires checked.”

• “Figure out the family holiday schedule.”

• “Call the plumber.”

• “Wax the brows!”

Work tasks, home tasks, someday tasks—put it all down. I like doing it daily for 15 minutes while sipping on my

Texas sweet tea. Use a spiral notepad or a digital app to dump your brain. But the key is getting it out of your head.

Your brain was not designed to be a storage unit.

Take a minute to do your own practice brain dump. For starters, choose just five items to focus on. Not 25—just five. For example:

1. Go to Sam’s and get cash.

2. Pick my granddaughter’s birthday cake flavor.

3. Clean out my file cabinet.

4. Order winter boots.

5. Schedule a doctor’s appointment.

Step Two: Schedule It—Don’t Just Plan It

This is where people fight me. But hear me out: your calendar must become your actual working scheduled to-do list. Planning is vague. Scheduling is concrete.

Open your calendar and assign each item a spot—today, next Tuesday, or

two weeks out, whenever. Estimate how long it will take. The calendar doesn’t lie. It shows the true picture of your life so you can make better decisions.

And if something pops into your head midweek? Capture it immediately on your spiral notepad or digital app. Then later add it to the calendar when you do your daily brain dump list so it doesn’t float around in mental limbo.

How

to Keep the Momentum

Going January motivation is real—but so is February fatigue. My number one tip?

Get an accountability partner. Someone who’s trying to get organized too. You don’t need to swap closets; just swap encouragement,

Before (insert) and after pictures of a closet redesigned by the team at Get Organized!

check-ins, and maybe the occasional “Did you REALLY schedule that dentist appointment yet?”

Adopt three simple daily habits:

1. Put things back where they belong.

2. If you’re out of something, add it to a list immediately.

3. Review your calendar multiple times a day.

What If You Feel Like You Don’t Have Time?

If you don’t make time to get organized, you’ll always feel like you’re treading water with your chin barely above the surface. Disorganization affects relationships, finances, opportunities and health. But once you invest the time, the payoff is huge. You save money, reduce stress, and stop missing deadlines or chances to get ahead.

The best defense against chaos is preparation.

Getting Kids Involved (Without the Drama)

If you have kids, start early. Do organization with them, not for them. And here’s my favorite trick: Start the bedtime routine earlier so kids can pick-up and put-up before bedtime. If bedtime is 8:00 p.m., start room pickup at 7:30. Suddenly your home will start looking less cluttered.

A Few Tools I Love

Trends come and go, but core organizing principles stay the same. Still, some modern helpers such as these apps are worth using:

• Out of Milk – great for lists

• OneNote – like a digital five-subject notebook

• Key Ring – stores all your reward and loyalty numbers

At Get Organized!, we’re growing too—I’m launching The Get Organized p odcast and creating a subscription library of training videos for fellow professional organizers. It turns out even organizers need…organizing.

Handling Sentimental Items

This is the emotional landmine of organizing. And this part can be tricky. I walk clients through four basic questions:

1. When will you use it?

2. Will you display it?

3. Will your adult children (or someone else) actually want it?

4. Is it meaningful genealogy or memorabilia?

If the answer to the first questions is “I don’t know” and the other three are a “no,” it may be time to let it go. And yes. It stings to realize that your grandkids may not value or want to keep your grandfather’s stamp collection. It’s a hard reality that’s better for you to deal with than them once you’re gone.

What I’m Working on Right Now

Personally, I’m currently tackling two big projects: planning for retirement and organizing my physical photos. (Yes, even professional organizers have “that one area.”)

If you take nothing else from this column, remember this: Start with the basics. Plan. Schedule. Prepare. Give yourself room to breathe by creating systems that truly support your life— not systems that just look good on Instagram. This year let’s get off the hamster wheel and onto solid ground. You don’t need perfection. You just need 15 minutes a day to dump your brain and place the items you dumped on your calendar. Oh, and a beverage of your choice.

Lorraine Brock, DFW Professional Organizer and owner of Get Organized! not only organizes cluttered homes and life's but provides an array of services such as digital organization like your photos and videos and Interior Design Services. With a unique way of helping clients, she looks at what is under your clutter, in other words what is causing your clutter. "Some of my clients need to go back to the basics of what will keep them and their household more organized"; time management is a great place to start.

FOCUS ON PHILANTHROPY

ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL OF RICHARDSON

Women united by service, driven by kindness, and making a positive impact

Information provided by Altrusa Richardson members

When we talk about Altrusa International of Richardson, we’re really talking about the power of women coming together with intention, compassion, and a shared desire to make our community better. Many people know Altrusa as an international service organization, but here in Richardson, it’s also a home base—a place where purposeful work and genuine friendship meet. We serve because we love our city, and we do it side by side, forming bonds that often last a lifetime.

Our theme this year is Teamwork, Friendship, Service... and those three words truly capture the spirit of who we are. Whether we’re assembling books for local students, honoring women leaders, or celebrating a birthday at Ability House, we show up together—with enthusiasm, with kindness, and with the confidence that even small acts can spark meaningful change.

A Welcoming Community of Women Who Want to Give Back

With roughly 70 members, Altrusa Richardson is a diverse group of women representing different professions, ages and backgrounds. What unites us is the belief that our time and energy can help build a stronger, more connected Richardson. Membership is open to women in the community who share this passion. Some of us joined because we knew someone in the club; others discovered Altrusa while looking for a more hands-on way to serve. But regardless of how we arrived, we stay because of the bonds we build through our work.

There’s a phrase we often repeat among ourselves: “We’re not just members—we’re Altrusa sisters.” That sense of sisterhood becomes clear once you’re in the room with us. We celebrate each other’s milestones, lift each other through challenges, and cheer each other on. Service is what brought

Altrusa members celebrating a successful KAN day of work

us together, but friendship is what keeps us strong.

Committees That Turn Compassion Into Action

The heart of our organization lies in our committees. Each year, we gather to reflect on past efforts, consider new ideas, and choose the projects that will guide our work. Because different committees focus on different community needs, members can get involved with the causes that resonate most personally.

The Community Outreach Committee is one of our busiest groups, and their calendar always fills quickly. They recently helped distribute school supplies at the RISD Backpack Bash, ushered at the Richardson Reads One Book author event, supported the Warren Center’s Fantasy Football fundraiser, and participated in the Richardson Nonprofit Fair and Culture in

the Core. They organized a team for the Alzheimer’s Walk for the Cure, donated coats and peanut butter to Network of Community Ministries, facilitated the Apple Tree Court auction for senior residents, worked with Lone Star Book Movers, and put together birthday and holiday celebrations for residents of Ability House—a home for adults with cerebral palsy that holds a special place in our hearts.

Another committee that beautifully reflects our values is the Kindness Committee, which focuses on projects that promote empathy and connection. Through a partnership with Richardson ISD, we help establish Choose Kind Libraries in elementary schools—spaces filled with books that encourage students to lead with compassion. Thanks to a recent grant, we will welcome a children’s author this spring to visit several schools and share their work.

One of our largest efforts, the KAN (Kindness Action Network ) Weekend, has grown into a multi-partner experience with a variety of service opportunities. During KAN, we’ve assembled kits for the international nonprofit Days for Girls, worked with Blue Star Moms to support military families, collected books for the RISD Intake Center, and recognized groups in the community who exemplify kindness.

Some years we’ve treated first responders to cookies as they reported for duty; other years we’ve hosted pet adoption events or crafted badge pulls for nurses. Each KAN Weekend looks a little different, but the goal is always the same: to spread kindness widely, meaningfully, and creatively.

Our Leadership Committee also plays an important role by organizing workshops and programs that help both

Altrusa members getting ready for the Apple Tree Court auction

our members and the community grow as leaders and innovators.

And because friendship is a vital part of who we are, we balance our service with bonding. We have a book club, a bridge group, and a monthly Lunch Bunch—opportunities to connect, recharge and enjoy one another’s company outside of volunteer commitments.

Honoring Women and Fueling Change: The Outstanding Women of Today Luncheon

Every October, our club hosts its only fundraiser of the year: the Outstanding Women of Today luncheon. Although it’s a fundraising event, it’s also one of our most meaningful traditions. Each year, we honor women from across the region who have excelled in fields such as small business, education, healthcare, government, and nonprofit leadership. We are constantly inspired by the honorees—women who not only excel professionally but uplift others through their work.

The luncheon allows us to raise the funds needed to support dozens of service projects throughout the year, as well as scholarships for Richardson ISD seniors and students who live within the Richardson city limits. We know firsthand how important these scholarships are and it brings us joy to invest in the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

Partnerships That Strengthen Our Mission

Over the years, Altrusa Richardson has built strong, lasting relationships with organizations across the community. We frequently collaborate with the Alzheimer’s Association, the Warren Center, Richardson ISD, Ability House, the City of Richardson, Network of Community Ministries, and many more. These partnerships help us expand our reach and deepen our impact.

Some of our most meaningful moments come from these

Altrusans filling backpacks with school supplies for the RISD Backpack Bash

Altrusans at the Alzheimers Walk

connections—when we’re stocking bookshelves in a school, cheering for Ability House residents at their holiday party, or supporting a nonprofit’s fundraiser. We’ve learned that true service often grows out of long-term relationships, where trust, consistency, and collaboration create lasting change.

Our Mission in Action

For us, service takes many shapes. Sometimes it looks like packing backpacks on a hot summer day to make sure students start school prepared. Sometimes it’s ushering at a community reading event, celebrating literature and learning. Sometimes it’s the laughter shared at an Ability House birthday party or the excitement of a child discovering a new book in their Choose Kind Library.

Our mission is alive in these small moments—moments when we witness someone feel cared for, recognized, or

A Shared Commitment to Making a Difference

Altrusa Richardson is, at its core, a community of women who believe in the power of service. We believe that

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kindness matters. We believe that time is a gift. And we believe that when women work together with intention, we can improve lives—our own included.

For more information, visit the Altrusa Richardson website at altrusarichardson.com.

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The Gift of Travel TRAVEL

By Mollie Romness, 2025 Best of Richardson Travel Agent

Looking for a unique gift idea this holiday season? Consider the gift of travel and give an experience that provides adventure, quality time together, and memories that become part of your family’s story. A few years ago, we started a tradition of giving our kids a trip every Christmas, revealing the destination on a wrapped poster board under the tree. The excitement of unwrapping it has become a favorite family moment. With that in mind, here are some perfect destinations for gifting this year.

For your young children

Beach vacations are ideal for little ones and I would recommend Turks & Caicos as an exceptional choice for the travel-minded family. There, you’ll find calm, shallow turquoise water and soft sand that’s perfect for little feet…and

more than enough activity to keep the adults entertained, too.

Resorts such as Beaches Turks & Caicos make everything easy with kidfocused perks like a waterpark, Sesame Street activities and kid-friendly dining. They also have a kids’ clubs and shaded pools so parents can truly relax. If you want to explore beyond the resort, head into town to expose your kids to local culture at the Thursday Night Fish Fry, try island dishes at local restaurants, and browse artisan markets. A nonstop flight from DFW gets you to the beach in just a few hours—ideal for kids who can’t sit still for long!

For your teenagers/young adults

For this age group, the ideal gift is an active vacation that allows your high school/college aged kids to have a

sense of independence and discovery in a safe and trusted location. London makes an excellent choice, especially if it’s their first time in Europe. With no language barrier and a city full of iconic landmarks, London feels adventurous without being overwhelming.

We have our kids handle navigating the subway system, aka “The Tube,” where it’s fun to watch them gain confidence and learn real-life skills along the way. For an unforgettable outing, add tickets to a “football” match at Arsenal or Chelsea to experience the electric energy of the Premier League. And if you want to extend the adventure,

hop on the Eurostar—Paris is just a 2.5-hour train ride away, making it the perfect combo trip.

For your spouse or a honeymoon/anniversary

We have two key goals here: mark an occasion with something very special and RELAX. The Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka and India, feels like a dream brought to life with turquoise water, powder-soft sand, and complete seclusion.

Overwater bungalows offer private decks and direct ocean access, creating an intimate setting to relax and reconnect as a couple. You can spend your days snorkeling with vibrant marine life, lounging in overwater hammocks, or enjoying candlelit dinners under the stars. For a deeper connection to the

destination, visit nearby local islands to experience Maldivian culture through markets, traditional dishes, and music— making it a romantic and exotic getaway for you and your special someone.

For your multi-generational family

Time to set sail because the perfect trip for a family of the young and young-at-heart is an Alaskan cruise. From watching glaciers calve in Glacier Bay to spotting whales and bald eagles along the Inside Passage, an Alaskan cruise offers breathtaking scenery and unforgettable wildlife moments for every age.

A cruise is one of the easiest and most rewarding multigenerational trips to gift because it keeps everyone together yet gives each person the freedom to enjoy what he or she likes.

While kids enjoy water slides, kids’ clubs and endless activities, adults and grandparents can relax with spa treatments, shows, or quiet time by the pool. With meals, entertainment and transportation included, families can focus on spending time together instead of planning logistics.

No matter where you go, travel creates priceless memories and invaluable experiences with which nothing purchased on Black Friday can compete. A thoughtful and well-planned trip is not just a gift to be opened this holiday season, but rather a gift that can open the world to the ones you love. It’s

Mollie Romness

SPORTS

By Patti Otte

Remember the name Ashlee Sullivan. It’s one that may appear on the podium at the Olympics someday. This fall, Ashlee left her longtime home in east Richardson and headed to California—trading familiar routines, Fourth of July fireworks at Breckenridge Park, and dancing "The Nutcracker" at The Eisemann Center for a brand-new adventure as a freshman at UCLA. After years of training in North Texas gyms and building her elite gymnastics career at

Metroplex Gymnastics, she’s now stepping into a fresh chapter as a Bruin.

A Personality Built for Competition

By her own definition, Ashlee is outgoing, driven and kind. She was drawn to gymnastics because of its dynamic nature, one which matches her own personality. She has a special spark, an upbeat and infectious energy.

In addition to being an outstanding athlete, Ashlee is also a self-proclaimed book nerd who loves to read and is happy with coffee, a pastry and a great novel. Her all-time favorite read is " Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief " and she’s devoured everything and every universe author Rick Riordan

has created. Her most recent read is "The Poppy War" by R.F. Kuang. Born into a close-knit family, Ashlee remains devoted to mom Lori, dad Jim and sister Emilee, a first-year medical student at UT Southwestern in Dallas.

Discovering Gymnastics —All In for Gymnastics

Ashlee’s path to gymnastics greatness began at ASI Gymnastics in Garland when she was just a little girl. She went up to Level 3 at ASI, then did a short stint at Texas Champions followed by WOGA, finally landing at Metroplex Gymnastics in Allen. By age 11 or 12, she had embraced a full-time training schedule. Dance was out. Traditional school was out. She was headed to competition on a world stage.

Ashlee gives her parents tremendous credit for their sacrifices on her behalf: missed family vacations, hours of driving Ashlee to and from practice, financial investment, sitting through hours of meets, and so much more. A

cumulative effort of mentorship shaped Ashlee, but she credits coach Marni Futch at Metroplex Gymnastics with being her biggest influence. Futch’s philosophy—love for life first, sport second—shaped everything: Ashlee’s mindset, her resilience, and her ability to see gymnastics as something to enjoy rather than simply conquer.

Her teammates at Metroplex were Ashlee’s home base. “We were together eight hours a day,” she laughs. “They weren’t just friends—they were family.” Thanks to those friends, Ashlee had the chance to attend football games, go to prom, and do other “normal” high school activities in spite of attending Texas Connections Academy online and training full time.

An Early Career Marked by Grit, Breakthroughs and Comebacks

Ashlee’s elite resume reads like a seasoned veteran’s: Winter Cup champion, multi-year U.S. Senior National Team member, and

international competitor in Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. At an elite meet in Switzerland this past fall, she swept floor, all-around, and bars, a standout performance for any gymnast, let alone a young woman who had just finished high school and was navigating a move to college life. She is one of 15 American women competing at an active senior level for the US National team, for which gymnasts have to qualify through competition every six months.

States Ashlee, her strongest event is floor, followed by vault, bars and beam. Ashlee thrives on big performance energy—and on reframing nerves as excitement, a mental strategy she learned from Coach Futch. “Think of competing like you’re about to go on a really cool trip,” she says. “Don’t be fearful. Be excited!”

Her ascent hasn’t been easy. She’s broken her back twice, after slowdeveloping stress fractures. She dislocated her elbow competing in Italy in 2022, an injury that took six months to get her back on bars and nine months to return to full strength. Yet she kept going, rebuilding each time with quiet determination. “It’s definitely a mental game,” she says. “You have to love it enough to fight your way back.”

Making UCLA Home

When college recruiting began, Ashlee knew exactly what she wanted: a school which combined elite

academics and elite athletics. UCLA offered that duality—and the moment she experienced the team culture and coaching staff, she was ready to commit. She loves the beautiful campus, living in LA, the coaching staff and girls, the family atmosphere, and the fact that her fellow gymnasts are all committed to bettering themselves.

Now a freshman, she’s already embraced the demanding student-athlete routine. Her day starts at 6:45 a.m. with athletic training center check-ins and a daily wellness survey, followed by three hours of practice and an hour of weightlifting and cardio. “UCLA looks at the whole person,” she says. “Physically, mentally, emotionally—they take care of you.”

Afternoons are reserved for schoolwork—she’s currently in online classes and will transition to in-person courses in the spring—and evenings are for dinner with friends and studying before an early bedtime around 8:30 pm. Ashlee also hopes to continue pursuing elite gymnastics while competing for the Bruins—rare, difficult, and exactly the kind of challenge she enjoys.

A Bruin With Big Ambition

Ashlee hopes to help lead UCLA to a national championship, score a perfect 10 on one or all of her events, and consistently maintain a 4.0 GPA. The 2028 Summer Olympics are also in her sights. Beyond gymnastics, she plans to major in communications and then go to law school.

Through it all, Ashlee returns to an attitude of gratitude. “Peace and joy follow gratitude,” she reflects. “No matter what happens in my gymnastics career,” she says, “I know I have the life skills and the personality to make the best out of any situation.” She’s dynamic—just like the sport she loves— and she brings a mix of grit, humility and charm to every arena she enters. If Ashlee’s early years are any indication, she’s at the beginning of a very exciting life story.

DEC 2025 - FEB 2026

Richardson Chamber of Commerce Grand Opening Holiday Celebration

DEC 11

Thursday 5:30 – 7:30 pm

DEC 12-14 & 19-21

Saturday and Sunday 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Chamber staff is unpacking and getting resettled at 411 Belle Grove following the completion of a $1.4 million renovation of our offices! The nine-month project included updating the building's layout to create a more efficient and welcoming space for visitors with expanded event and meeting spaces and a striking and prominent exterior that reinforces the Chamber’s role as a leader in the local business community. Celebrate the holidays and this historic milestone with us! Free for Chamber members, $20 for nonmembers. For more information, visit business.richardsonchamber.com/events/details/grand-opening-holiday-celebration-13166.

Location: Richardson Chamber of Commerce, 411 Belle Grove

Santa’s Village at Huffhines Park

Santa’s Village, a long-standing tradition in Richardson, features a diminutive town of the North Pole, complete with post office, library, fire station and more. Of course, no visit to the North Pole would be complete without a visit with Santa Claus himself! Attendees can also enjoy live performances, holiday photo ops, crafts & other activities, and delicious holiday treats.

Location: Huffhines Park, 1500 Apollo Road, Richardson

DEC 13

Sunday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Santa Brunch

Head on over to Lockwood Distilling Co. to meet Santa this year. Bring your own camera and snap a free picture with Santa! Reservations are highly encouraged! For more information, make a reservation at resy.com for a table at Lockwood during that time.

Location: Lockwood Distilling Co., 506 Lockwood Drive, Richardson

DEC 20-21

Saturday 2:00 pm

Sunday 2:00 pm

The Tuzer Ballet “Nutcracker” in its 40th Anniversary Year

Tuzer Ballet presents its 40th annual production of the holiday ballet, Peter Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” Whether you are experiencing it as a family tradition or discovering the magic for the first time, the memory of this beloved ballet will stay with you forever.

Come and be transported to the wondrous world of swirling snowflakes, magical gifts and the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Professional soloists and bright young dancers light up the stage with some of the most technically advanced choreography by Pat and Tanju Tuzer. For tickets, visit eisemanncenter.com.

Location: Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson

Free Monday Mahj at Lockwood Distillery

JAN 5, 12, 19, 26

Mondays 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

JAN 16 - FEB 15

Showtimes vary

JAN 31

Saturday 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

FEB 7

Saturday 7:30 pm

Join us most Mondays at Lockwood Distillery in Richardson to shake off the workday and get those mahjong wiggles out! Bring your tile set, NMJL card, and your best game face (smiles count as strategy). Need a card? I’ve got a few on hand. Tiles hit the table at 11, babe—don’t miss it! Don’t have tiles but want to play? Bring it on! When you arrive, if you do not find a seat, please find Erin Thomas. There is room at our table for you.

Lockwood is awesome to host us for free; let’s show them some love by ordering an appetizer or lunch to go!

Location: Lockwood Distilling Co., 506 Lockwood Drive, Richardson

"To Kill a Mockingbird" at The Core Theatre

Dramatized by Christopher Sergel. From the book by Harper Lee Come and see the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, brought to life is this touching dramatization of Harper Lee’s classic “To Kill A Mockingbird.” Set during the 1930s, the novel follows Scout, her brother Jem, and their widowed father, lawyer Atticus Finch. While Scout and her brother are fascinated by their reclusive neighbor Boo Radley, Atticus takes on the defense of a Black man, Tom Robinson, who is falsely accused of raping a white woman. The trial reveals the Deep South's deep-seated racism, and the children learn about prejudice, morality, and empathy through these events. Tickets can be purchased by visiting thecoretheatre.org.

Location: The Core Theatre, 518 West Arapaho, Unit 115, Richardson

Winter Leadership Workshop Luncheon: Essential Communication Skills for Leaders

Leadership is more than making decisions—it’s about inspiring and empowering those around you. At our exclusive Winter Leadership Workshop Luncheon, we’ll explore the skills and characteristics shared by effective leaders that foster a culture of success and excellence in your organization. Tickets are $40 and available at altrusarichardson.com. The delicious catered lunch will also provide gluten-free and vegetarian options. Our speaker/workshop leader for 2026 is Melinda Guravich, Senior Account Director for Sunwest Communications.

Location: First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 North Central Expressway

Richardson Symphony Orchestra’s “The Legends of Country”

Saddle up for a Texas-sized tribute to iconic country legends with timeless hits from Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, and more. Sing along and two-step in your seat as the music captures the true spirit of classic country music, blending nostalgia and the essence of Americana into an unforgettable evening. Tickets can be purchased at eisemanncenter.com.

Location: Hill Performance Hall, Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson

Does your organization have an event that you’d like to see published in the “Out & About” section of Richardson Life Magazine? If so, please forward the information to pmotte@hylogroup.com. We’d love to share your event with the community!

Pictured: Reduction: “Wave”, 2017, Kondo Takahiro, Japanese, b. 1958, Molded and cast white porcelain under clear glaze and “Silver Mist”; kintsugi gold lacquer repair, 83 × 62 × 42 cm., On loan to Crow Museum of Asian Art, On Loan from the Carol and Jeffery Horvitz Collection, L2025.3.42.

This exhibition is organized by the Crow Museum of Asian Art of The University of Texas at Dallas based on an exhibition originally presented by the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami, guest curated by Joe Earle.

We are grateful to Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz, whose generosity and enthusiasm made this exhibition possible.