Richardson Life Magazine Issue 1

Spring is in the air and, as much as I love the colder months, the budding trees and fresh green grass poking through the thatch in my yard remind me that the Richardson landscape is about to wake up once again. Springtime makes me think of hope, renewal, bright and breezy days and, of course, sunshine!

In the spirit of spring, we welcome you to the pages of Richardson Life Magazine, a brand new city-wide publication designed to delight you with stories of our amazing city. In this quarterly magazine, we will highlight the movers and shakers, the civic leaders, the philanthropies and businesses which make Richardson such a lovely place to “live, work and raise a family,” as Chamber President Kim Quirk reflects in our Civic Leader Highlight.

In our inaugural issue, we are especially excited to bring you the stories of three very influential Richardson leaders: Coach Mark Malcolm, a legendary Richardson educator, and Evan and Sally Batt, owners of Lockwood Distilling Company. In very different ways, Coach Malcolm and the Batts are shining stars in Richardson. And Desiree Johnson of Justin Thyme Homes, our Women in Business spotlight, is modernizing local homes one renovation at a time.

Not only are we focused on the people of Richardson but also the nonprofits and City services which make Richardson such a unique place to reside. In these pages, you’ll learn about the Richardson Civic Art Society, the ongoing Methodist Medical Center expansion, the Richardson Adult Literacy Center and the newly redesigned Richardson Senior Center. We’ve also included an update on the renovations at the Canyon Creek Country Club and three city trail maps to inspire you toward healthy living.

You’ll find a calendar of upcoming events and a section entitled the Richardson Scene, which showcases all of you as you attend various Richardson events. Think “Star Tracks” in People magazine but with a decidedly more down-to-earth feel. We’re sure you’ll recognize a friend or neighbor in the Scene and hopefully be inspired to get out and about these next few months.

We are especially grateful to the advertisers who are taking a chance on our brand-new publication because they believe in our mission of connecting the Richardson community. Thanks to their financial support, we are able to tell the stories that matter, the stories that make our city great.

Richardson Life Magazine is for you! We want to hear from you about people you’d like to see highlighted, organizations you love, upcoming events we should include in our calendar and more. Enjoy!

Special Thanks

Publisher

Kyla Obert

Editor

Patti Otte

Ad Sales

Obert

Wilson Allen, Jan Arrant, Sally and Evan Batt, Daniel Burdette, Desiree Johnson, Melanie Lipscomb, Cheryl Mabry, Coach Mark Malcolm, Andrea Overturf, Lisa Parelli-Monaghan, Kim Quirk, Susan Talbot, The City of Richardson

Cover Photo Photographer

Katie Schmidt, Reef Taylor Productions

For Advertising Questions, please email mobert@hylogroup.com

For Editoral Requests, please email pmotte@hylogroup.com

Managing Partners Mike and Kyla Obert

Patti Otte

THE RICHARDSON SCENE

Richardson’s vibrant community hosts an array of civic, social, educational, philanthropic and business events throughout the year. Welcome to “The Richardson Scene,” where we will highlight events happening each quarter in our city. If you would like a future event to be included, please send submissions to thescene@hylogroup.com.

Richardson East Rotary luncheon

Women in Leadership

To Be Like Me

FUMCR Dessert Theater

Leadership Richardson

Chamber Delegation in Austin

Shady's Burgers

Leadership Richardson Class 38

Wetlands & Wildscape volunteers

RSO Post-Concert Reception

Chinese New Year

NETWORK Board of Directors

P.E.O. Chapter EZ in Richardson

Richardson Community Chorale

Cub Scout Pack 871

RROB Board Meeting

NETWORK Senior Career Fair

Texas A&M Singing Cadets at FUMCR

Women in Leadership panel

NETWORK Career Fair

Methodist Richardson Medical Center Growing Again to Better Serve You and Your Family

By Jan Arrant, Director of Community & Public Relations

It’s not somewhere you plan to go. But when emergencies happen, you want to go somewhere close to home that you trust to return you and your loved ones to good health. That is why Methodist Richardson Medical Center is expanding to better serve you.

The $46 million project will add two new floors totaling about 80,000 square feet, which will accommodate the hospital’s pharmacy and laboratory. Another 25,000 square feet will be remodeled to expand the existing Emergency Department. That space will include additional trauma treatment areas and eighteen new ER beds.

“More than 50% of our admissions come through our Emergency Department, so it’s essentially the

front door of our hospital,” says Methodist Richardson President Ken Hutchenrider, FACHE. “We are expanding to allow our ED to more effectively serve our growing region.”

Methodist Richardson is unique because it serves such a large population. More than 1.1 million people live within the hospital’s service area. That makes Methodist Richardson a medical hub for northeastern Dallas County, Collin County and parts of Rockwall County.

Emergency Departments across the nation are experiencing an overall increase in patient volume and the ED at Methodist Richardson is certainly a part of that trend, averaging 55,000 visits per year. This year, the Emergency Room at the campus located at the

intersection of George Bush Highway and Renner Road has seen more than 150 patients daily. That’s a 12% increase over the previous year.

STATE OF THE ER

The Texas EMS Trauma & Acute Care Foundation (TETAF) recently designated Methodist Richardson as a Level III trauma center. What does that mean to you? It means the hospital has 24-hour immediate coverage by emergency medicine physicians and the prompt availability of general surgeons, specialists and anesthesiologists. If you fall off a ladder while cleaning the leaves out of your gutters, for example, you can rest assured paramedics will take you to a facility like Methodist Richardson

"Methodist" Blue Sand Groundbreaking Ceremony

where they know staff will be available and ready at any time - day or night365 days a year.

“Trauma is a leading cause of death in people ages 1-44,” says Methodist Richardson Trauma Director Stuart Johnston, MD, FACS. “Access to highquality trauma care in our area can mean the difference between life and death.”

Requirements of Level III trauma centers include:

• 24-hour immediate coverage by emergency medicine physicians and the prompt availability of general surgeons and anesthesiologists

• A comprehensive quality assessment program

• Transfer agreements for patients requiring more comprehensive care at a Level I or Level II Trauma Center

• Back-up care for rural and community hospitals

• Continued education of the nursing and allied health staff and the trauma team

• Involvement with prevention efforts and active outreach program for its referring communities

The hospital also recently earned its certification as a comprehensive stroke center. Certified comprehensive stroke centers meet standards to treat the most complex stroke cases. It’s the highest level of stroke care which includes:

• Comprehensive stroke performance measures

• 24/7 neuro-intensive care unit

• 24/7 operating room

• Endovascular and imaging services

• Advanced imaging capabilities

• Available personnel trained in vascular, neurological, neurosurgical and endovascular procedures.

PLANNING FOR GROWTH

This most recent project is the third major expansion for the hospital since it opened nearly nine years ago. In 2018, Methodist Richardson underwent an $85 million expansion project, which included the 104,000 square foot addition of two new floors. The project also added the hospital’s ninth operating room and a seven-story parking garage. The new facilities opened in late December 2019,

just months ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“That timing was fortunate, but growth is no accident,” Hutchenrider says. “It’s about preparing for the future with a strategic master plan that reacts to the evolving needs of our communities.”

Methodist Richardson offers personalized healthcare services for every stage of life and every state of health, from a level III neonatal intensive

care unit to highly specialized cancer treatment and everything in between. It’s about advanced care that’s close to home. Care that you trust.

Guided by the founding principles of life, learning and compassion, Dallas-based Methodist Health System (Methodist) provides quality, integrated healthcare to improve and save the lives of individuals and families throughout North Texas. Twelve hospitals proudly carry the

Methodist Health System brand, as owners or through affiliation. More than 50 Methodist Family Health Centers and Methodist Medical Group specialty physician office locations are among the facilities served by the nonprofit Methodist Health System, which is affiliated by covenant with the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Additional information is available at http://MethodistHealthSystem.org.

Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System.

Richardson Civic Art Society

…the oldest arts organization in our community

By Patti Otte

Since its founding in 1966 as the first arts organization in Richardson, the Richardson Civic Art Society (RCAS) has had one stated purpose: to organize and support projects that further creative visual art and artists. The group is instrumental in fostering an appreciation for art within the broader community and has created a community wherein local artists can come together for fellowship and learning.

In the more than fifty years since its inception, RCAS has hosted a monthly meeting during their active months – September to May – every single year. Even during the months of COVID quarantine, RCAS continued to meet, adapting to a virtual platform.

Membership is open to all local artists in the Dallas/Ft Worth area, but most active members are from areas close to Richardson: Garland, Sachse, Murphy and Wylie, to name

RCAS is funded in part by the city of Richardson through the City of Richardson Cultural Arts Commission.

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.

— Pablo Picasso

Photos By Michael Archer

a few. Monthly meetings are open to the public and run by the all-volunteer membership, known as the “heartbeat of RCAS.” At each meeting, RCAS hosts a professional artist who gives a demonstration and discusses his or her craft.

Monthly meetings are always held on the third Tuesday night of the month. Currently meetings are taking place in the Tower 2600 commercial building near Richardson’s Eisemann Center. A

year-round gallery wall of members’ artwork is on display in Tower 2600.

In addition to monthly meetings, RCAS organizes and installs several art shows and sales throughout the year. Members display and sell their work in a variety of venues both in Richardson and surrounding areas. Solo shows hang at the Heights Recreation Center year-round and at Huffhines Rec Center most of the year. All pieces are on sale to the public.

Currently RCAS artists are preparing to celebrate Richardson’s 150th anniversary at a Spring Show entitled “The Spirit of Richardson.” Pieces by local artists will hang in the third floor gallery of the Richardson Public Library from April 1-29. On April 17, Mayor Paul Voelker will be presenting the Mayor’s Award to one of the artists at a public reception.

Entries to the show will fall into one of three categories: the Spirit of Nostalgia, the Spirit of Community Service, or the Spirit of Excellence. Budding artists under the age of 25 will, for the first time, have their very own category. The Richardson Art Council Award will be given to the best piece done by an emerging artist.

Thanks to RCAS, Richardson residents can encounter mesmerizing art in a variety of venues throughout the year. The 57th Annual Regional Show, currently open for entries, will hang at the Eisemann Center from April 27 – May 29. This particular show is open to all artists within the state of Texas. Eighty pieces of art will be juried in and displayed. All artwork will be for sale and the “Best in Show” winning artwork will be purchased by RCAS and presented to the City of Richardson for their permanent collection.

RCAS continues to beautify the walls of Richardson’s public spaces through 2D art while simultaneously providing local artists space to display and sell their creations. To become a member, to provide financial support to the organization, or for more information about the Richardson Civic Arts Society, visit http://richardson-arts.org.

An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision.

— James McNeill Whistler

Happy are the painters, for they shall not be lonely. Light and colour, peace and hope, will keep them company to the end of the day.

— Winston Churchill.

RICHARDSON’S MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Editor’s Note: Movers and shakers are people who make things happen, influencers whose energy creates positive change. They’re always busy and often pioneers in their respective fields. In each issue of Richardson Life Magazine , we will highlight an individual, couple or group of people who we feel fits this definition. If you would like to nominate a mover and shaker to be celebrated in the pages of the magazine, email pmotte@hylogroup.com.

EVAN AND SALLY BATT

By Patti Otte

Back in 1874 when Arthur O’Shaughnessy introduced the idea of movers and shakers in his poem Ode , he was referring to poets and musicians…the “influencers” of his age. He labelled his creative peers movers and shakers because they “shook” the foundations of conventional thinking thanks to their vision and imagination.

Ask any regular at Lockwood Distilling Co. whether Sally and Evan Batt fit the description and you’ll likely be regaled with tall tales about Evan’s shenanigans and hear unbridled enthusiasm for Sally. No matter which

person you ask at Lockwood, customer or team member, the story is the same: “nicest people ever,” “loads of fun,” “never met a stranger.”

So how did a couple of kids from Texas A&M who met on a Pi Kappa Phi Date Party bus ride to New Orleans become worthy of such admiration? It’s a great story. Sally and Evan’s journey literally began on that bus. Both had gone to the party with other dates—strictly friends, they both assured me—but quickly just clicked. Sally says she “fell in love with Evan Batt on that bus ride and never looked back.” The trip was so

The Batt family in San Diego

Batts at Lockwood

special that Evan ended up proposing to Sally in New Orleans. Henry Lee Tennessee was their New Orleans taxi driver for almost twelve years and is immortalized in a massive painting hanging on their living room wall.

The “Big Easy” became a regular destination for the Batts and still inspires their business decisions twenty years later. Why? The answer lies in what Evan and Sally enjoy so much about New Orleans. They love the Louisiana hot spot for its funky vibe and friendly people. They love the live music and constant energy. And they love the way New Orleans welcomes folks of all generations. There’s something for everyone in NOLA. Lockwood feels like that. 90-year-olds and 20-year-olds both want to host their birthday parties there!

Just ask regulars Ashley and Janeye. The two friends are Lockwood’s selfproclaimed Very. First. Customers. And talking to them about Lockwood is like talking to the Batts about New Orleans. The two friends consider Lockwood to be a “home away from home.” When the signs went up that Lockwood was having a soft opening, Ashley says they “peeled out of the driveway to go give it a try.” She remembers, “From that first night, walking into Lockwood felt like walking into the living room at your best friend’s house. Evan and Sally make everyone feel at home and

important,” a sentiment echoed later by Big Tony.

Big Tony, as he is known to everyone, works at Lockwood. He doesn’t have an official title—or at least he says he doesn’t. When asked what his role is at the distillery, he replies, “Great question! No one really knows but we all know I’m super important to the brand and instrumental in keeping the party going!” And that’s what it’s like to work with Evan and Sally. Imagine your best weekend in New Orleans happening right here in Richardson. That’s the vibe the couple has created. Says Big Tony, “Sally has a smile and

attitude that won’t let you have a bad day. She is also extremely smart and an amazing mother. Evan is driven with a laser-like focus; he wants the best out of you and won’t accept anything less! I can honestly say I don’t know where I would be without the Batts and I’m not the only person who can make that statement.”

It wasn’t always as easy as the Richardson business owners make it look. The pandemic tested the Batts. Bars and restaurants began failing once COVID turned the world upside down. But instead of throwing in the towel, Evan and Sally kept Lockwood

Ashley and Janeye with Lockwood Team

2021 Batt Family Christmas Card

Hand Sanitizer for First Responders

open and started making hand sanitizer. Hundreds of gallons of it. And donating 400 gallons to the Richardson Police and Fire departments not because someone asked them to, but because that’s simply who they are. They also delivered meals to nurses on the COVID front lines.

As scary as that time was for small business owners throughout Richardson, the Batts never even considered closing their doors… they had too many people depending on them. They wanted to keep their team earning a living during COVID and that reality, according to Evan, was stressful but motivating.

The couple decided the best way forward would be to thrive, not just survive, and that creating a culture of positivity would be the key to their success. People were scared.

They were stuck in their homes and missing the camaraderie of others. So the Batts brought live music to Lockwood’s front porch and hosted parking lot concerts in the middle of a pandemic. Customers brought chairs and blankets and their dogs and their kids and sat outside a safe distance from one other and began to feel alive again. According to Sally, Lockwood was the only venue with musicians playing live during COVID.

Once the crowd grew from a handful to a parking lot full, the serving staff needed a way to quickly find their customers. So Sally sent out a request for trophy donations. The next thing customers knew, they were being handed a 1st place t-ball trophy or a cheerleading trophy from 1973 with a number on top as a means of identification. The ease in which the

Batts ingeniously pivoted during the pandemic built confidence within the community and earned their customers’ and employees’ devotion. Says Sally, “We found our identity as a company during COVID. We got stronger and decided that joy was a necessity, so we created a culture of positivity at Lockwood.”

Once the pandemic ended, the couple had to convert the dining room back to an indoor restaurant and event space. During lockdown, Evan had turned the interior of Lockwood into a warehouse for their many house made creations while the doors were literally closed to the public. It was filled with boxes and bottles and packing supplies. So they pivoted once again. They expanded distribution into the empty space next door and opened the doors once again. They kept live music on the patio Thursday-Sunday but welcomed folks inside for the first time in two years.

Given how busy the Batts are running a successful Richardson business, one might wonder if their kids Jane and Russ ever see them. Not only do they see them, but they inspire them! Evan and Sally have passed down their love of community and festive spirit to the next generation of Batts. Daughter Jane calls it “the Batt Brand.” When thinking about what it means to be a Batt, she responds,

Party in the Parking Lot

Best of Big D 2022

“Being a Batt is exciting and fun and we stick together. And I love everyone… even my brother.” That’s high praise coming from a nine-year-old!

The Batts prioritize family above all else. And they don’t just have fun…they create it! Their Christmas cards are the stuff of legends and the kids come up with the ideas. Last year’s card was inspired by the Savannah Bananas, a travelling baseball team the kids love. And every five years, Evan and Sally get married again…not really, but they celebrate by renewing their vows. At five years, they went to New Orleans, at ten to Charleston. For their fifteenth anniversary, the celebration was local. Said Big Tony, “The Batts decided they wanted to have something fun, funky and downright silly to celebrate their fifteenth wedding anniversary and I was lucky enough to preside over the

renewal ceremony. It was a BLAST!” Big Tony loves the Batts so much that he got ordained just for the “Denim and Diamonds” themed event.

Evan and Sally have made all the smart business moves in Richardson. They diversified during hard times. They work closely with the City and make it a priority to support other local businesses. They joined the Chamber of Commerce and Sally serves on the Chamber board. She was a member of Leadership Richardson Class 35. They’ve supported a variety of charitable causes, even hosting a spin class in the parking lot of Lockwood to raise money for ovarian cancer research. But their greatest contribution to Richardson is the community they have created at Lockwood and the joy they spread every day just being Batts.

2022 Christmas Card

"Denim & Diamonds" Anniversary

RICHARDSON’S Hiking and Biking Trails

Courtesy of City of Richardson Parks & Recreation Department

Living a healthy lifestyle in Richardson is easy thanks to the City’s investment in its many parks and trails. There are 87 miles of trails and walkways across Richardson, including 6 miles of soft surface trails. Richardson continues to make improvements to existing trails and has plans for future growth.

One such improvement is the installation of trail markers at both the Spring Creek Nature Area and Breckinridge Park. These markers indicate where emergency calls for assistance can be made if a trail user runs into trouble in those parks. The markers are located where the possibility of being in a remote area of the park is high. The City coordinated with local police and fire departments to make the project happen.

The Trail-Way Master Plan map has been created by the City to outline the development of trails that will link existing trails within Richardson to one another and to adjacent cities. According to the City’s website, the proposed linkage will provide avenues for alternative modes of transportation such as walking and biking between home, work, school, shopping and mass transit.

The All-Trails Map marks the existing multi-use trails with solid lines, which are 8-12 feet wide trails that can accommodate pedestrians, rollerblades and bicycles but are not always suited for fast bicycling.

The proposed multi-use trails, shown as dashed lines, will also be 8-12 feet wide paths suitable for both pedestrian and bike traffic. The bikeways (in lines of yellow circles) are routes through the City that indicate preferred routes through the community via bicycle based on scenic and safety value. Bicycles on bikeways are on the street as legal vehicles subject to all public safety regulations.

For a full view of the many amenities the Parks and Recreation Department offers its citizens, visit https:/cor.net/departments/parksrecreation/parks-trails.

Maps provided by City of Richardson Parks & Recreation Department

Editor’s Note: In each issue of Richardson Life Magazine , we will focus on philanthropy that is making a difference in our community. If you would like to nominate a nonprofit to be celebrated in the pages of the magazine, email pmotte@hylogroup.com.

RICHARDSON ADULT LITERACY COUNCIL

Changing Lives and Building Bridges

By Patti Otte and Daniel Burdette

One of Richardson’s not-forprofit shining stars is the Richardson Adult Literacy Center (RALC). Founded in 1990, RALC’s purpose is to transform lives by providing English as a Second Language and workforce readiness programs to adults who live and/or work in the Richardson community and desire to learn or improve their ability to speak English. RALC operates on the Theory of Change: by improving their students’ English language proficiency and workforce readiness, RALC will positively change their students’ families and the communities in which they live.

RALC reaches potential students by partnering with local organizations and businesses to share the programs that the Center offers. Working through

local faith-based communities, community-based organizations, schools and libraries, the team at RALC strives to reach as many people as possible. They also use a variety of social media platforms, email, flyers and posters to disseminate information.

But word of mouth seems to provide the best marketing. States RALC Board of Directors President Daniel Burdette, “Our students are our biggest fans and help spread the word about the wonderful benefits of enrolling with RALC.”

Burdette has been volunteering at RALC since 2012; he has served on the board for approximately three years and was elected to the position of President in January 2023. When Burdette is asked what makes him

most proud to be associated with the nonprofit, he replies, “In addition to ESL classes, RALC offers Workforce Readiness classes (one of the primary reasons students indicate as their motivation for learning English) as well as a Citizen Preparation Course, in partnership with the law firm Berry Appleman & Leiden.

Another amazing thing about RALC is that all of our ESL teachers are volunteers! It never ceases to amaze me how generous our friends and neighbors are with their time and energy, and what a positive impact they make in our community.”

As the community of people seeking their services grows, RALC is recognizing that the demand for services now surpasses the bandwidth of their current staff. Three out of the

RALC Program at Richardson High School

four staff members only work parttime, so an expansion of services will require converting some additional staff to full-time positions. In 2023, the RALC board hopes to promote greater awareness in the community of the services offered, expanding their support from corporate sponsors and local donors so that they have adequate budgetary means to provide services to even more Richardson residents.

The first three months of 2023 have been busy ones at the Center. Currently 317 students are enrolled in ESL classes and 25 are registered for the Citizenship Preparation Course. In addition, more than 50 students are registered for a series of Digital Literacy classes. On top of teaching, RALC hosted a retreat and elected new board members. Book Club and Beginning and Advanced Writing & Conversation classes began.

RALC is also finalizing plans for their upcoming annual Murder Mystery fundraiser to be held April 1. They are launching a new website, training volunteer teachers, hosting a kickoff for those new teachers, and hosting roundtable discussions which will give teachers a chance to share best practices with one another.

Thanks to the team at RALC, adult students will improve their employability, become more engaged in their children's educations, and enhance their civic engagement, thereby becoming more independent and integrated into the community. RALC students consistently report that the combination of ESL education, community mentorship, and post-

RALC education help them to achieve their goals.

RALC is just one of many incredible nonprofits in Richardson. When Burdette, a dedicated Richardson volunteer, is asked what makes him want to be a part of RALC and the greater nonprofit community, he replies, “I believe in the idea from scripture that ‘to whom much is given, much will be required’ and feel that Richardson provides so many impactful ways to give back

and elevate our community. My wife Catherine and I have found that if you express an interest in serving in Richardson, whether it be through a nonprofit, a faith community, a city commission or board, or your local neighborhood, you will be put to work! We love living out our family motto in Richardson: Work hard. Play hard. Give back.”

To learn more about the Richardson Adult Literacy Center, call 972.644.5119 or visit http://ralc.org.

RALC Board Retreat

Victor DeVila

RALC Students

Spring 2022 RALC Graduates

IT’S STORM SEASON

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROOFING CONTRACTOR

By Lisa Parelli-Monaghan

Spring is here and local homeowners know that means potentially severe weather. For anyone who owns a residential property or commercial building, they know the time will eventually come when they will have a need to hire a roofing contractor for roof maintenance, repairs or full replacement. But choosing a roofing contractor is no easy task. The current state of the roofing industry is highly competitive and anyone who is in the process of selecting a roofing contractor, especially after a storm, must know what to look for in terms of state compliance, experience and affiliations. When selecting a qualified roofing contractor, homeowners should take into consideration the following questions:

Does the roofing contractor have liability insurance?

When selecting a roofing contractor, it is extremely important for the property owner to ask if the roofing company has worker’s compensation insurance coverage on all of its employees. Roofing contractors who do so demonstrate excellent business practices. They show a willingness to pay for the protection of their customers, their employees and their company. Consumers should also ask for proof of liability insurance coverage. When getting multiple roofing estimates, a property owner should question a drastically lower bid. It could indicate minimal or even no insurance coverage. Keep in mind that in the State of Texas, roofing contractors are not required to be licensed.

Does the roofing contractor obtain proper permitting from the city in which the job is being done?

When roofing contractors apply for a permit, they demonstrate a willingness to do the work according to state and local building codes in addition to having the in-progress and final work inspected by a representative of the municipality.

Is the roofing contractor compliant with OSHA’s (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) fall protection regulations?

A property owner should ask several safety-related questions before selecting a roofing contractor: Is the contractor 100% compliant with OSHA’s safety standards? Has the roofing contractor been issued any fines by OSHA? Are the roofing installers tied-off on the roof? Is there an on-site safety monitor?

Property owners need to be aware of the possible consequences of hiring a roofing contractor that does not comply

with OSHA’s fall protection regulations. If the roofing crew has already been issued a warning by OSHA for not being tied-off and they are cited again, OSHA can issue a stop-work order right in the middle of the roofing job. The crew could be in the middle of re-nailing the plywood deck and if they are not compliant, they could be taken off the roof immediately. The property owner would be left with the headache of having to hire another roofer to complete the job.

How many years has the roofing contractor been in business?

A contractor who has been in business for ten to fifteen years has amassed an incredible amount of experience, knowledge and trustworthiness. The roofing industry is an ever-changing landscape. Building codes, products, installation methods and even warranties can change from one year to the next. A roofing contractor who has been in business for several years knows how important it is to stay abreast of the changes in the industry. Furthermore, because Texas does not require licensing, the state is home to an abundance of underexperienced, storm-chasing roofers.

Does the roofing contractor understand and explain the warranties associated with the roof being installed?

Speaking of warranties, most property owners are not aware that roofing contractors must be trained and certified in product knowledge and installation procedures by roofing material manufacturers to be able

to offer the manufacturer’s product warranty. The property owner is taking a risk in terms of future problems if they don’t verify who is liable for roofing product defects or shoddy workmanship. If a roofing contractor tells a potential customer they are going to guarantee the work, then it is very important for the owner to get it in writing on the estimate/contract.

When a property owner is in the process of asking friends, family and neighbors for roofing contractor recommendations, he or she should inquire about the responsiveness of a roofing contractor to a warranty situation. Did the contractor acknowledge the problem as a warranty repair? Did they make sure the property owner was 100% satisfied before they closed the warranty ticket? A workmanship warranty and a manufacturer’s product warranty are the roofing contractor’s way of telling the property owner, “We are here for you if anything goes wrong.”

Is the company trained and certified in whichever roofing system you are interested in installing?

For every type of roofing material from shingle to tile to TPO, a different set of installation instructions exists.

It is not entirely uncommon for a contractor to say he or she can do the job just to get the job. When selecting a roofing contractor, the property owner is advised to visit the manufacturer’s website and look specifically for a link to certified roofing contractors in their area. The roof is 40% of the investment in a building. It is critical that the property owner selects the most qualified roofing contractor who is familiar with the roofing system you wish to have installed.

Does the roofing contractor belong to associations affiliated with their business?

Last on the checklist are the roofing contractor’s affiliations with well-known entities such as Better Business Bureau, Angi, NARI, The Good Contractors List and their local Chamber of Commerce in addition to memberships with various roofing manufacturer and contractor associations. A roofing contractor who is a member of local and national associations is a roofing contractor who has nothing to hide.

Property owners should be prepared to complete a three-step process when selecting a roofing contractor. Step one: do a substantial amount of

pre-estimate appointment homework based on the seven-point checklist. Step two: call the roofing contractor, ask questions and set an estimate appointment. Step three: confirm that the contractor has a physical office location and office staff. Many a deal has been sealed once the property owner has peace of mind knowing they have done their due diligence and have selected the most qualified and most trustworthy roofing contractor for their roofing project.

Homeowners Must Pay Full Deductible

As of September 2019, homeowners are now required to pay their full roof replacement deductible. Under Texas House Bill 2102, roofing contractors who offer to waive a homeowner’s deductible on their property insurance policy could face jail time. HB 2102 requires roofers to include boldfaced language in their contracts stating that homeowners must pay the deductible under their property insurance policy. The law makes it a criminal offense for a roofing contractor to pay for, waive, absorb, rebate or offset an insurance deductible. An insured policyholder also violates the law if they knowingly submit or allow a claim with a waived or reduced deductible.

Does auto insurance cover tree branches that fall on your car?

Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage (some companies call it “other than collision”)

Editor’s Note: In each issue of Richardson Life Magazine , we will highlight an individual who has made a difference in the lives of Richardson Independent School District students. If you would like to nominate an educator, email pmotte@hylogroup.com . Our inaugural spotlight shines on Coach Mark Malcolm, a legendary teacher and coach. He was nominated by Pastor Clayton Oliphint of First United Methodist Church Richardson. Several of Coach Malcolm’s former players interviewed for this story played on Coach Malcolm’s 1983 Apollo Junior High School eighth grade football city championship team.

Mark Malcolm MVP COACH

Tell us about your early years. Where did you grow up and what was your early family life like? When did you know you wanted to teach and coach?

I was born in Odessa, TX, to parents who were both educators. My father Bill had been a teacher and a coach at Texas High in Texarkana, moved to Odessa, and became a principal in Brownfield and then Richardson. He retired as an Assistant Superintendent.

My mother was an art teacher at Texas High in Texarkana, where she met my father. She then became an elementary school teacher. My brother Matt was born in Brownfield. On my birthday in 1967, we drove through a hailstorm and a tornado for my parents to interview in Richardson. I attended Greenwood Hills, North Junior High, and J.J. Pearce, graduating in 1975. I was blessed to have the powerful influence of good teachers and coaches in my life. Grown men still called my father Coach. All of these factors drew me to teaching and coaching, which are really the same thing. Where did you attend college and did you play college football?

I am a 1979 Texas Tech graduate. I did not play football past junior high. I tell people often that I don’t coach because I was a good or successful athlete. I coach because the men

who coached me changed my life. Even from the vantage point of a skinny bench-sitter, what my coaches accomplished in building our team seemed magical to me.

We’d love to get to know the Malcolm family…

My wife Kim and I met teaching at Apollo Junior High in 1979. She taught French and was the department head at Apollo and then JJ Pearce before becoming Richardson ISD’s LOTE (Language Other Than English) Curriculum Director. We married over Labor Day in 1980. We have two children who are Mohawk, North, and JJ Pearce graduates. Our son Major Rob Malcolm,

Mark Malcolm is the kind of teacher and coach every student should have at some point in his or her life. Someone who is passionate about helping the student understand the concepts and gain information, but who is just as interested in his or her character development and well-being. I love that so many of Coach Malcolm’s former students come back to see him and acknowledge his impact in their lives. He is a difference maker who has shaped generations of young people in RISD and beyond.

– Pastor Clayton Oliphint

USMC, is a Naval Academy graduate. He and his wife Vanessa and their daughter Cora live in California. Our daughter Reverend Hailey Malcolm is an ordained Presbyterian minister. She and her husband David York live in Michigan.

Coach Malcolm and his wife Kim

Coach Malcolm remembers every play, every kid, every story. He has coached generations of kids that are today 55+ years old all the way down to 13 years old that will all tell you their team was his favorite team or a story about their season was one that he always talks about. That's roughly 40+ years of teams of kids playing football, basketball and other sports that will tell you the same thing.

– former player Brent Burton

Tell us about your teaching career. I have coached football for forty-four years and taught academic classes for forty-three of those, even when I was a high school head coach. I started as an English teacher and, counting summer school, I have taught every secondary English class from grades 7 through 12. I have taught both parts of U.S. History, Economics, Government and World History. Teaching is a performance art with an element of improvisation. As you engage your students, the lesson changes from one class to another. It is always interesting and often magical.

Name three adjectives which best describe you.

I am the wrong person to select these, but I hope that people would describe me as passionate, relational and caring.

You have mentored so many young people. Did you have a mentor of your own growing up?

Two of the best teachers I ever had were at North Junior High. Coach Larry Robertson taught me from the first day that you can always do more than you think you can. My English teacher D. Ann Gorman taught me to love the art and discipline of good writing.

Coach Malcolm teaches every bit as much about character, integrity and honor as he does about football. And he coached some of the best teams in RISD history at Apollo Jr High in the 80’s alone. A true legend. People throw around the GOAT acronym a lot, but he really is that. Year after year, pouring his heart and soul into his craft, and doing it at such an exceptional level – if this man is not in the Hall of Fame, then there shouldn’t be one. I’m beyond grateful that he was my coach and my teacher. And now as a 52-year-old father of three myself, I’m truly honored to call him my friend. Words cannot express how much I admire, appreciate and respect this legend of a man.

– Ben Rogers of Ben & Skin Show

Coach Malcolm on the sidelines

Coach Malcolm would be the first to say that he is the product of two exemplary parents. His father was a longtime RISD principal and administrator who was legendary throughout the city for his memory of students and parents. Coach Malcolm is blessed with his father’s memory of people and sporting events and has continued his parents’ legacy by being a constant presence at weddings and funerals of former students and parents. Coach Malcolm’s resume is outstanding and includes many city championships throughout his six decades of coaching, but I believe that his greatest attribute is his genuine interest in the lives of his former students

– former player Mike Henderson

What do you love best about coaching? Is there a particular moment, game or player that stands out in your mind? If so, please share a story or two or three with us.

What I love most about coaching is the relationships that are built by laboring together to accomplish a complex task. I have been blessed to be surrounded by many great teachers, coaches and young people. I have always promised that if our players do the hard work we ask, then they will always be welcomed back, and that if they need me, I will be there.

Kim and I have gone to many weddings, welcomed many babies and, sadly, attended many funerals. That our grown athletes still take an interest in an old football coach is a wonderment and a blessing to me. When I get to coach or even be around the children of former students and players, it is indescribably satisfying. This year at North Jr. High has been brimming with those incredible experiences.

How is teaching/coaching different now than it was in 1979?

My feeling is that the kids are not fundamentally different, but they are being raised in a culture that does not value or even recognize experience or expertise. People watch TV and think they could teach or coach. I would compare that to watching Grey’s Anatomy and thinking you could do surgery.

2022 North Jr High game

1991 Apollo team at City Finals

One of the greatest things about Coach Malcolm was how much he loved getting an IBC Cream Soda and competing to see who could make more shots into a trashcan with a wadded-up piece of paper. I remember doing it as a student in his class and as a fellow coach in the coaches’ office. All somebody had to say was, ‘Coach! You up for a shooting contest?’ and it was on! He would stop whatever he was doing and we would go at it

– fellow coach Trent Starnes

What do you like best about teaching and living in Richardson?

This is my thirty-sixth year to teach and coach in Richardson. I am a product of the Richardson School District, as are my brilliant wife Kim (a Lake Highlands graduate) and our amazing children. My life has been shaped by growing up in Richardson. It is a welcoming community that is always reaching for a better future.

Of all the coaches and players you have met in professional football, who has inspired you the most and why?

I was blessed to be influenced by the RISD coaches who came before me and went out of their way to mentor me: Jerry Bishop from Pearce, Allan Holladay and Harold Hill from Berkner, and Winston Duke from Richardson.

Of course, all coaches from my era have looked up to Dallas Cowboys Coach Tom Landry. He was a great coach, yes, but unlike those who brag about the hours they work away from their families, Coach Landry was a great husband and a great father as well. Surely those traits matter more at the gates of Heaven. Additionally, I have

Coach Malcolm’s legendary status as a Coach on the gridiron and court overshadowed his legendary status as a teacher of English and History. Whether he was teaching the finer points of the triple option or the framework of the US Constitution, he did so with civility and respect that endeared multiple generations of students and athletes in a manner befitting the double legend that he is.

– former student and player Jeremy

been influenced in my understanding of the game by being able to be around Coach Hal Mumme, the creator of the Air Raid offense.

Off the field, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy most? How do you spend your free time when you aren’t at school-related functions?

I love to read. I am a writer. I plan to write a memoir after I coach for the last time.

Thomason

Do you have a mantra that guides you? If so, will you share it with us?

“Earth is a task garden. Heaven is a playground.” – G.K. Chesterton

“The secret of all victory lies in the organization of the non-obvious.”

– Oswald Spengler

What do you hope to be remembered for by those who have known you?

His coaching was teaching: he cared and he tried.

Coach Malcolm's family

Desiree Johnson

Owner, Justin Thyme Homes

I’m Desiree Johnson, founder of Justin Thyme Homes. I’d like to share how I went from being a marketing director, flying all over the world and managing brands for Fortune 500 companies that included Dr. Pepper, T-Mobile and American Airlines, to becoming a general contractor and owner of my own construction company. I feel lucky to be based in Richardson and I hope that my story inspires other women who are looking to reinvent themselves.

If you had told me twenty-five years ago that I would be a General Contractor, I would have laughed uproariously. But looking back, most of my life and work experiences seem to have been preparing me to become a GC. My story began when I was a kid and my dad worked for some large international companies. We left the United States when I was three and moved to Puerto Rico, then to Brazil and finally to London. I spent twelve years abroad with my family, returning stateside when I was fifteen. As such, I became fluent in Spanish, a skill which would benefit me greatly as my career trajectory changed.

Fast forward to 2004 when my husband Brad and I built our first home in the Texas Hill Country. I designed the home to scale on graph paper and then, with string and spikes, staked out every room – all while carrying my son Hatch in a Baby Bjorn on my back. I wanted to see how the home would fit within the trees, the land and the view. As a result

of that early planning visit, I ended up flipping the entire layout of the house for the sake of a big oak tree.

As much as I loved that home, we had to leave it behind as we embarked on a new journey when we were transferred to Dallas for Brad’s job. We knew very little about the metroplex but wanted our new home to be close to Brad’s work, which was in Richardson. I was consulting from home so had no commute. We also wanted a great school district for Hatch. Our realtor kept taking us to newer neighborhoods further north, showing us generic homes with nice big closets.

Much to our realtor’s dismay as he attempted to steer us elsewhere, we ended up buying on Flat Creek Drive in Richardson’s desirous Canyon Creek neighborhood. It fit our criteria and we loved all the big trees and the fact that the homes weren’t “cookie cutter.” It was truly a blessing…we’ve never lived anywhere so friendly and inviting and

Renovation by Justin Thyme Homes

so were able to make friends easily and quickly integrate into the community.

Over the years we have purchased rental properties and moved twice more in Richardson. In those houses, I overhauled everything from foundations to layouts, electrical, plumbing and more, all while making the homes beautiful and juggling my corporate workload. As friends and neighbors saw the results of the renovations, they began to request my services. I attribute their enthusiasm not only to my design choices but also to my ability to re-imagine a home and provide creative space solutions with better layouts. Sometimes the new vision requires making big changes such as taking out walls or moving entire HVAC systems.

About ten years ago, while my husband and I were still renovating homes as a side business, I began to realize that my corporate job was coming to an end. For the first time, we were so busy with renovations that we had to hire a general contractor to help on one of our homes. What a poor experience that was! The GC didn’t proactively communicate with us, didn’t manage the budget accurately,

and completely lacked creativity, a skill I took great pride in on my own renovation projects.

Shortly thereafter I remember saying to Brad one night, “You know, I am really good at this renovation business. I know I can deliver a great experience, especially for women who like proactive communication and a partner to bounce ideas off regarding their design choices. Plus, my corporate job is coming to an end...I don’t know when, but it’s coming.” Soon after that pivotal conversation, I began formalizing my company and stepped up my side renovation jobs in preparation for my departure from the corporate world.

As fate would have it, most of my marketing team and I were let go two and a half years later. Thanks to that earlier conversation with Brad, I was ready! Even though the pay didn’t initially match what I was used to earning in corporate America, I’ve never regretted the change to business ownership. Home renovation and remodeling is my passion. It combines my previous business and management experience, my foreign language aptitude, and my creative skills.

Photos courtesy of Desiree Johnson

Room After Completion

Now that I have my own business, I find it easy to manage complex schedules, deadlines and multiple crews. I over-communicate with my clients. If a customer emails me, it’s rare that I don’t respond within an hour. To minimize monetary surprises, I create detailed up-front budgets (which I walk a client through before a contract is ever signed).

In this industry, being successful means having a great crew and I’ve worked with some of my regular team members for more than eight years. Because I am fluent in Spanish, I can effectively manage and easily communicate with some incredible crews who are most comfortable speaking in Spanish.

Our business model allows us to be highly competitive on pricing for larger renovations, especially with whole home gut jobs or large kitchen remodels. Women in particular love working with us because we are able to help with design choices in a very accommodating style.

I chose Richardson as a place for my business because of its location and proximity to home. I like to show up on site almost every day (often multiple times a day), so living close is key. But more importantly, I love owning a business in Richardson because the city is filled with people who are down to earth, genuine and just really good people. Over the years, I’ve worked in Lake Highlands and other areas in the metroplex, but I don’t find the clientele quite as reasonable and as easy to work with as those living here. I end up becoming friends with so many of my Richardson clients and that just hasn’t happened in other cities.

I absolutely love owning a construction business right here in Richardson. I wouldn’t go back to my big corporate job for the world. I’m glad I had that career, but now it’s time to stick to jeans, tennis shoes and the opportunity to beautify home after home in Richardson. If you’d like more information about my business, Justin Thyme Homes, visit http://JustinThymeHomes.com.

Room Before Completion

Karina Llergo: Cottonwood Art Festival's Featured Artist for Spring Show

The City of Richardson is excited to announce that Karina Llergo, a multicultural heritage artist, will be featured at the spring Cottonwood Art Festival, set for May 6-7 at Cottonwood Park. A panel of jurors reviewed artwork from hundreds of artists competing in fourteen categories before choosing Llergo to represent the spring event.

Born and raised in Mexico City, Karina Llergo studied with famed Mexican artist Roberto Cortazar and portraitist Enrique Estrada, who both

saw great promise in the young artist. She holds a B.A. in graphic design and has advanced degrees in multimedia, animation and abstract art. Even though Llergo continued to pursue art in her free time, she enjoyed a highly successful corporate career in Mexico before moving to American in 2007. At that time, she transitioned to pursuing art on a full-time basis.

Still based in Chicago more than a decade after arriving from Mexico, Llergo has earned numerous Outstanding Achievement and Best

of Show awards at distinguished art shows throughout the United States.

A lifelong dancer, competitive swimmer and yoga practitioner, Llergo’s paintings reflect her passionate interest in the human form; she turns human figures into fluid entities on canvas. Says Llergo, “With my art, I continually seek fresh ways to capture the magic of energy through the motion of the human body…I weave dance, air and water into my paintings to achieve an otherworldly likeness.

Excerpted from Richardson Today publication

Cottonwood Art Festival

Children's ArtStop at Cottonwood Art Festival

My goal is that when you look closely at one of my pieces, you will not only see the ethereal images and feel their essential vitality, but also be moved to generate positive forces in your own life.”

Llergo will be joined by more than 200 artists at the semi-annual juried Cottonwood Art Festival, a celebration of unique art, live music and food. Artists display in a variety of mediums,

including jewelry, digital, 3D mixed media, wood, sculpture and more. Children have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the festival as well. The ArtStop Children’s Area boasts fun activities such as the basics of weaving, creating with clay, painting and more.

Visitors who come hungry to Cottonwood will enjoy tasty festival

favorites but will also find delicious new items this year. Entry into Cottonwood is FREE, including free parking. The festival will be open Saturday, May 6, from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm and again on Sunday, May 7, from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. More information about the Cottonwood Art Festival can be found at http://cottonwoodartfestival.com.

Featured Artist Karina Llergo

CANYON CREEK COUNTRY CLUB

Richardson Oasis Undergoing Major Renovation

By Andrea Overturf

Canyon Creek Country Club, located in the heart of the Canyon Creek neighborhood, offers a variety of member privileges, including a championship 18-hole golf course, 13 outdoor tennis courts, 4 indoor courts, 10 outdoor pickleball courts and a resort-style pool experience. This family-friendly club offers year-round children’s programming, creative culinary experiences from an award-winning chef, and a variety of social venues.

A multi-million dollar club reinvention is now in progress and on track to be completed in phases throughout 2023 as the club celebrates

sixty years! Big changes are happening at CCCC:

• Pool – The entire resort style pool area, including the adults-only area and kids’ amenities, is being upgraded with new surfaces, furniture and improvements to the bar and cabanas. Opening in late May.

• Golf – A completely refined golf experience is underway with updates to the original course design plus a fleet of new golf carts. Opening late fall 2023.

• Clubhouse – A refreshed dining concept will be unveiled along with the addition of an all-new modern

fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment. Both will have gorgeous views of the upgraded golf course.

A lovely patio area offers several seating options to enjoy a meal or drink with scenic views of the golf course. The Terrace Room is the perfect spot to host a celebratory dinner. I love that there are many spaces within the club to connect with friends and family or to have a quiet lunch and catch up on emails. The tennis lounge is a personal favorite, a cozy spot tucked away near the outdoor tennis courts.

Even with construction taking place, the club’s doors are still open. Golf

CCCC Pickleball Courts Dedication

members can still play at select Invited Clubs locations. Tennis is in full swing (the courts were upgraded last year), 10 new pickleball courts just opened, and a full schedule of special member events, including Easter, Mother’s Day and more, keeps members busy. Canyon Creek Country Club is also the site of the immensely popular annual Fourth of July Parade and afterparty sponsored by the Canyon Creek Homeowners Association.

Why we joined CCCC

Our family loves that the country club resides in our local area and has something for everyone in our family. Ryan and Andrew play golf and we were looking for somewhere nearby where they could play often but enjoy other activities as well. The pool scene was also a huge draw for us. Typically,

we join a pool in the summer to have a place to cool off on hot summer days. CCCC has three pools: a main resort style pool with diving board and water slide, a children's pool and splash pad, and an adults-only pool. Private cabanas are available to rent and there’s an outdoor bar as well.

From special dinners to golf and tennis tournaments to trunk shows to dive-in movies, the social calendar is filled with opportunities to connect with friends or meet new ones. I like to browse the Club Life App each week to see what's happening. It's an easy way to reserve tee times, view the calendar/hours and more. Canyon Creek Country Club is truly a Richardson gem.

Photography: Dannielle Rankin / AD Media

Andrea Overturf is the founder of the lifestyle blog Loubies and Lulu. She is a content creator focused on fitness, healthy living, style, travel, family, local attractions and more. Andrea and her husband Ryan have lived in Richardson since 2005 and have two children, Marisa (20) and Andrew (12). Find her at loubiesandlulu.com, @loubiesandlulu on Instagram and Facebook!

Canyon Creek Country Club Clubhouse Upgrades

SPOTLIGHT ON CIVIC LEADERS

How are Chamber Presidents chosen and how long is the term of service?

A Chamber President is the CEO of the organization. The position is neither an elected one nor is it governed by term limits. Instead, the Chamber President is hired and managed by a Board of Directors.

What makes the Richardson Chamber of Commerce unique and what aspects of the Chamber make you most proud?

We are so fortunate to have not only a breadth of members but also a depth, with numerous companies that have been with us for a very long time. What sets us apart are our stalwart leaders who are passionate about Richardson and keeping it vibrant. So many former Chairpersons are still actively engaged, a true gift you don’t see in all cities.

How has the Richardson Chamber evolved over the years in terms of scope and responsibility?

We are very proud of how the Chamber has evolved as an organization and developed very strong partnerships with our City, school districts, institutes of higher education and local businesses. Together we strive to continually enhance our community and make it the best place to live, work and raise a family. We may be a little biased!

Do you collaborate with any other Chambers of Commerce in the Metroplex? If so, what does that partnership look like?

We partner to a degree around regional topics or concerns. When necessary, we collectively tackle issues impacting the northern part of the state. Our voices become even more important during legislative years when we present a unified stance for or against proposed policies. I have personally found other Chamber Presidents to be excellent resources who are willing to share best practices and ideas.

KIM QUIRK

President & CEO, Richardson Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Leadership Richardson 972-792-2809 • kim@richardsonchamber.com

As President and CEO of the Chamber, much is written about you in terms of your professional qualifications and work history. Share with us something about you that your official bio doesn’t reflect.

I grew up in Richardson, went to school here all twelve years, and moved back so my kids could do the same. I’m so proud that my son and daughter-in-law now reside here too. As for my role as Chamber President, I am a firm believer that if you empower people to do a job, give them a voice, and provide guidance and tools, they will amaze you every day with their achievements and ideas. While “my” ideas may be good, “our” ideas can be great. It is a true privilege to be part of the Richardson way.

What do you hope to achieve during your tenure at the Chamber and what are the Chamber’s goals for 2023?

After a year of constant change and a total reorganization of our committees

and structure, I hope that 2023 bears the fruits of our labors – enhanced member services, more member engagement and some fantastic, fun and informative events. Our theme for the year is “REIMAGINED.” After a hard look at what was working and what wasn’t, we now have an incredible road map for 2023. We are focusing especially on small businesses, retail establishments and nonprofits. In some exciting news, we are planning a “facelift” for the Chamber. We are in the early phases of design but expect it will be quite an upgrade to the current facility.

From your perspective, what are the most exciting changes happening in Richardson this year? What can citizens look forward to in 2023?

The redevelopment and revitalization we are seeing across the City is very exciting and we can all be tremendously proud. Just look at downtown Richardson, now called the CORE District, and how that has

changed with more excitement to come. The IQ is another enhancement; here, technology is meeting redevelopment. We are also seeing the Silver Line being built right before our eyes. But we would not be where we are today without the excellence in education available to us. From pre-K to Ph.D., our partners are definitely top-tier and forward-thinking.

Is there anything else you would like the citizens of Richardson to know about the Chamber of Commerce, about you, or about Richardson?

Whether you’re a member or not, the Chamber is a great resource for the business community. We have a plethora of programs and events to enhance any sized business and assist its employees.

For more information about Kim Quirk or the Richardson Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at http://richardsonchamber.com.

Kim and Kristen Ceaser at Leadership Richardson event

The Quirk Family

SHADY’S BURGERS & BREWHAHA CELEBRATES TEN YEARS

ANNIVERSARY SHENANIGANS MARCH 31 – APRIL 2

By Melanie Lipscomb

The award-winning Shady’s Burgers & Brewhaha, a family-friendly neighborhood restaurant and bar, will celebrate ten years on April 1. The Best Burger in Dallas winner, according to the Dallas Observer’s Best of 2022, opened in 2013 in the Canyon Creek neighborhood of Richardson, Texas. Then, in 2015, a second Shady’s location opened in Richardson’s Lake Highlands. Both casual dining restaurants are still neighborhood favorites and Dallas destinations for many burger lovers.

Five neighborhood friends became business partners when they decided one evening to come together to

give families, friends and neighbors a unique place to gather while serving scratch kitchen favorites, local beers and the best margaritas in town.

“We set out 10 years ago to build a neighborhood place with a great patio that served a variety of fresh dishes and cold beverages. We are excited to reach this milestone and look forward to another ten,” said Shady’s partner Don Bouvier.

Shady’s will kick of the anniversary weekend Friday, March 31 at 3:00 pm with a continuous Happy Hour that will run through Sunday evening. In addition, Shady’s will debut their new light lager, Slim Shady’s, created by

The Hood Burger

the Oak Highlands Brewery specifically for Shady’s in honor of the ten-year anniversary. “We are excited to introduce this new, flavorful, namesake beer to our customers and friends,” said Bouvier. “We know our guests are going to love it as much as we do.”

Both Shady’s locations will celebrate all weekend long with giveaways, drawings, new merchandise, music

and more. “We invite all our customers and friends to come out and celebrate with us by raising a glass to ten years,” said partner Greg Cooney. “The five partners have a lot to be thankful for, including our supportive families, stakeholders and the entire Shady’s team! We love to serve and we love our guests. They’ve become our Shady friends.”

CCBC Enterprises is the parent company of Shady’s Burgers & Brewhaha and The Fifth Fireside Patio & Bar. The three restaurants are casual dining restaurants and bars with a focus on becoming neighborhood destinations that serve scratch food, local beers and cocktails.

TWO CULINARY GEMS. ONE GREAT COMPAN Y.

Fun times at Shady's Lake Highlands

The Tailgater Burger

The Richardson Senior Center A Special “Village” Within our City Limits

By Patti Otte

In 1945, General Douglas MacArthur was tasked with overseeing the rebuilding of Japan following World War II. He did so from his walnutpaneled sixth floor office in Tokyo’s Dai Chi Life Insurance Company building. For inspiration, General MacArthur posted pictures in his office of Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln as well as a copy of his favorite poem by Samuel Ullman entitled “Youth.”

In his timeless poem, Ullman envisions youthfulness as a state

of mind, not the number of years a person has lived. He believed in embracing a spirit of wonder at every stage of life and experiencing beauty and cheer at every opportunity. It’s as if the founders of the Richardson Senior Center shared Ullman’s understanding of a life well-lived and, consequently, created a gathering place for those citizens aged fifty and older to continue truly living. Led by its energetic and enthusiastic Program and Senior Center Manager Susan Talbot, the thoughtfully redesigned

Senior Center is home to a “village” of friends and neighbors who truly care about one another and are finding ways to enjoy this season of life together.

Founded in 1993, the Senior Center moved to its current, convenient location at 820 W. Arapaho Rd. almost two years ago. Housed in a former bank building, the Senior Center boasts several flexible meeting spaces/classrooms, a fitness center, a pool room with three oft-used pool tables and spots for onlookers, a great

Central gathering area

The Robin's Nest gift shop

Senior Center classroom

selection of books and puzzles, four computers for members’ use, and a café which serves a light lunch every weekday. A small gift shop called the Robin's Nest is filled with items handmade by members 50+ and run exclusively by those same seniors.

The facility is clean, fresh and cheerfully appointed, a place where the magic of belonging happens Monday through Saturday thanks to the people who work and volunteer at the Richardson Senior Center. Susan Talbot and her team handle not only programming but also ensure that the visitors who use the facility feel at home and take advantage of its many opportunities for growth and enrichment. Susan strives to know each member well: she memorizes their names, their stories, their joys and even their sorrows. She calls each member by name because she believes in the importance of being known. Her self-proclaimed goal is to nourish the minds, health and wellbeing of each of the 400-500+ active members of the Senior Center.

Frequent visitor Vivian Marino discovered the Center thanks to a move her parents made from Pittsburgh, PA, to Richardson to care for their grandchildren. At first the couple stayed close to home between times with family. Once they began visiting the Senior Center, however, their lives in Richardson changed in a beautiful way. Vivian’s mom began teaching ceramics at the Center and her dad taught line dancing to the other seniors. Vivian’s mom organized the Saturday night dances which still happen today. The couple were active at the Center for more than twenty years.

After retiring from teaching in 2011, Vivian followed in her parents’ footsteps and joined the Senior Center as well. When asked what she would like Richardson residents to know about it, Vivian, now aged 77, replies, “I want the citizens of Richardson to be aware of the TREASURE that they have right here in our community. We learn from the younger members and we are

"Youth is not a time of life - it is a state of mind. It is not a matter of red cheeks, red lips and supple knees. It is a temper of the will; a quality of the imagination; a vigor of the emotions; it is a freshness of the deep springs of life. Youth means a temperamental predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over a life of ease. This often exists in a man of fifty, more than in a boy of twenty."

enriched by the wisdom of our older members.”

Joe Keffer, now 75 years young, lost his beloved wife of 50 years in March of 2021. While dealing with his grief, a loss of identity, purpose and friends, he began looking for an environment in which he could find intellectual, social and physical activities. The journey led him to Richardson’s Senior Center. There he found “the most fascinating people: lawyers, scientists, professors, investors and travelers.” Says Joe, the Center “provides a place to go; it is a reason to get out of bed in the morning and to live life again.”

Vivian and Joe are just two of the countless seniors whose lives have been blessed by the Richardson Senior Center. For more information about the Center or to purchase a membership, call 972.744.4800 or visit http://cor.net. You’ll find the Senior Center within the Parks & Recreation Department’s information.

“Senior citizens have a very diverse set of needs. Aging does not diminish our desire for a meaningful life; we need to stay active, engaged and connected. Social interaction is essential to prevent loneliness, isolation and even depression…Education and lifelong learning keep seniors involved and challenged. Many seniors still have the desire and capability to be of service to others as teachers and caregivers. The Richardson Senior Center is a unique facility where these needs are addressed daily.”

Samuel Ullman from “Youth”

– Joe Keffer

Senior Center Manager Susan Talbot

Cafe at the Senior Center

Richardson’s city-wide calendar is filled with opportunities to learn, have fun and give back in the place where you live. If you know of a future event you would like to see posted in “Out & About,” please email calendar events to pmotte@hylogroup.com.

APRIL/MAY 2023

APRIL 1-29

Richardson Civic Art Society

RCAS Spring Show entitled “The Spirit of Richardson.” Pieces by local artists celebrating Richardson’s 150th anniversary will be displayed for the public. A reception with Mayor Paul Voelker will be held on April 17 at 4:30 pm.

Location: Third Floor Gallery, Richardson Public Library, 900 Civic Center Drive

APRIL 1

Saturday • 7:00 pm

APRIL 15

Saturday • 8:00 pm

APRIL 15

Saturday • 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

APRIL 15

Saturday • 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

APRIL 22

Saturday • 6:00 – 10:00 pm

Ocean's 150 - A Murder Mystery Comedy Fundraiser

Join Richardson Adult Literacy Center for a night of mystery! Bid in the silent action and immerse yourself in this year’s Murder Mystery while enjoying complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres. All proceeds benefit the Richardson Adult Literacy Center and its programs.

Location: Richardson Senior Center, 820 W Arapaho Road

Richardson Symphony Orchestra Season Finale Concert

Joyce Yang, 2005 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Silver Medalist, returns by popular demand to perform Brahms’ First Piano Concerto.

Location: Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Drive

City of Richardson Annual Trash Bash

Join the annual city-wide community clean-up event. For more information, including times and locations for Electronics Recycling & Document Shredding, visit http://cor.net/trashbash.

Location: First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expressway

150th Anniversary Photo Scanning Event

Adult patrons can bring their historical Richardson photos to be scanned and added to the City’s Local History collection. Any Richardson photos are welcome, including events, people, street views, buildings, parks. Attendees may also receive digital copies of their scanned photographs.

Location: Basement Training Room, Richardson Public Library, 900 Civic Center Drive

Richardson East Rotary Club Games & Gala

A chance to learn about Richardson East Rotary Club during festive evening supporting many community projects. Ticket required.

Location: St. Paul Parish Center, 900 St Paul Drive, Richardson

APRIL 24 -

MAY 2

MAY 6

Early Voting

Election Day

Saturday • 7:00 am – 7:00 pm

APRIL 28

Friday • 7:00 pm

APRIL 28

Friday • 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

APRIL 29

Saturday • 10:00 – 5:00 pm

APRIL 30

Sunday • 2:00 – 5:00 pm

MAY 6

Saturday • 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

MAY 7

Sunday • 10:00 pm – 5:00 pm

MAY 19

Friday • 6:00 pm – 12:00 am

MAY 20

Saturday • 11:00 am – 7:00 pm

MAY 21

Sunday • 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

2023 General Election

A chance to vote on a variety of items which directly impact Richardson, including electing a new Mayor, voting for City Council members, RISD Board of Trustees and the Bond Election for City Hall replacement.

Location: Go to http://cor.net/elections to determine your voting location.

Richardson Community Chorale Spring Performance

Join the RCC at “From Opera to Broadway,” the organization’s spring show. The Richardson Community Chorale is a non-auditioned musical ensemble that has members of all ages and experience levels. The concert is free and open to the public.

Location: First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expressway

Friends of the Richardson Public Library Book Sale

The library’s biannual book sale returns. Thousands of books, CDs, DVDs and other media for sale at great prices.

Location: Basement Program Room, Richardson Public Library, 900 Civic Center Drive

Cottonwood Art Festival

Cottonwood Art Festival, a juried semi-annual art show, features work from the nation’s top visual artists. Family-friendly event with art, music and food. Pets on leashes welcome at this annual outdoor festival.

Location: Cottonwood Park, 1321 W. Beltline Road

Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival

One of Richardson’s most celebrated annual festivals. It’s all about the music…and then some. Three days filled with music, food, festival activities and fun!

Location: Galatyn Park Urban Center, 2351 Performance Drive