Staff & Reader Submitted

BOOK REVIEW: INVISIBLE JUSTICE (KYLE MCMANN & GRAHAM KURLAND MEDICAL THRILLERS, #1) by Gary Brown MD

KAREN SIDDALL — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 17:38:10 Z

Invisible Justice

Kyle McMann & Graham Kurland Medical Thrillers, #1

Gary Brown, MD

A riveting tale of dedicated doctors and vigilante justice.

Invisible Justice is the first book in author Dr. Gary Brown's electric new Kyle McMann & Graham Kurland Medical Thrillers series, and readers will be glued to their seats as this exciting story unfolds. The story is so well done and polished that I was surprised and delighted to learn this is the author's fiction debut!

After losing her younger brother in an unsolved crime of violence, Dr. Kyle McMann struggles with guilt that she failed to save his life when he showed up in the ER where she was working. Other medical professionals who have also suffered similarly tragic losses join together to form the secret group called The Tribunal, where the members agree to enact retribution for victims whose perpetrators have escaped justice. Made up of medical doctors and two former Navy SEALs, The Tribunal's methods of punishment are ingenious, undetectable, and strive to fit the crime they are avenging. But a new doctor at the hospital where Kyle works has brought his own brand of brilliance to his job and is often only steps behind Kyle in figuring out what is wrong with the patients who were The Tribunal's targets. Relying on The Godfather's adage, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer," Kyle sets out to get close to Dr. Graham Kurland, only to discover a real connection forming between them.

After her devastating loss, Kyle McMann suffers her own medical emergency and is lucky to have survived. But as soon as she's able, she makes up any lost time, thriving while researching, writing, and advancing her career until she's one of the youngest department heads at her teaching hospital in Philadelphia. Graham Kurland, a decorated veteran, enters the medical profession after successfully preserving his family's business and serving in the military. He gives his new career his all, and it shows. I loved that these two middle-aged go-getters are both in a position to pursue their mutual attraction freely. They make a great couple, and their scenes together are fun and flirty, but with an underlying tension as Kyle tries to keep Graham from discovering her secret agenda and the true nature of The Tribunal's targets' afflictions.

The story is told through multiple points of view, and not just those of the two main characters. Good guys and bad guys alike have a part of the narrative, so readers know, without a doubt, who's who. The good guys have moments where they struggle with their actions but are convinced they are doing the right thing. The bad guys are overtly evil people, and the deeds attributed to them are heinous and shocking at times. The ingenious methods of retribution that the doctors on The Tribunal develop will take your breath away. The author writes with authority but explains medical details so clearly that even untrained readers can follow the plot: gripping and graphic, without delving too deeply into the science or relying on jargon that might go over the layperson reader's head.

With its compelling plot and engaging, complex characters, I recommend INVISIBLE JUSTICE to readers of medical thrillers.

For this, other reviews, and giveaways, visit by blog!

BOOK REVIEW: HALVYN DAWN (BLOOD BECOMING, #1) by Gail Waterhouse

KAREN SIDDALL — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 17:34:02 Z

Halvyn Dawn

Blood Becoming, #1

Gail Waterhouse

Edgy, futuristic paranormal murder mystery!

Blood Becoming: Halvyn Dawn is the first book in author Gail Waterhouses new futuristic paranormal crime thriller series, Blood Becoming, and it nails you to your seat from the very beginning, eager to discover the truth behind the murders. Detective Chief Inspector Eleanor Moore investigates a series of unusual murders in which the victims are eerily and methodically drained of blood. The first two deaths, a sister and brother, occur aboard the Mar Despierta, a ship carrying the desperate fleeing survivors of an environmental disaster in Puerto de Málaga, Spain, including Eleanors own son. Jamie Moore is the only individual who has been seen interacting with the deceased pair and naturally puts him at the top of the suspect list. But as the deaths continue, Eleanor discovers there may be a connection to a widely distributed vaccine with some surprisingly far-reaching and hastily covered-up side effects.

DCI Eleanor Moore is renowned as a no-nonsense investigator but has recently suffered some personal setbacks. She is a very engaging and relatable main character. Although a clear conflict of interest exists, she must investigate the deaths of the Adebayo siblings even though her own son is among the passengers and suspects. She manages a large team, but her right-hand man is Detective Sergeant Zain Malik, also very likable, and they handle her sons involvement like everyone else. They have their work cut out for them, as anyone on board the ship is a suspect, and there are few guaranteed criteria to rule anyone out.

The story provides a first-person narrative from the shadowy, anonymous killer, who describes the hunger and need they feel and the details of their first kill: an accidental kill they never meant to happen, but one that initiated an unprecedented desire for blood. The author enhances the killers vampire-like addiction with a twist as they also receive the memories of the victim, vibrant, vivid, and as seductive as the hunger-assuaging blood.

The 2046 near-future English setting includes expected changes and advancements, but the world remains quite familiar. Its close link to present reality makes the revelations Eleanor uncovers all the more frightening and believable.

I recommend BLOOD BECOMING: HALVYN DAWN to readers of paranormal crime thrillers.

For this and other reviews and giveaways, visit my blog!

Hook Em or Boomer Sooner: Rivalry Weekend Takes Over Dallas

Culver Public Relations — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 17:06:47 Z

Make the most of the Texas-OU showdown with Rivalry Weekend, Elevated at Sheraton Dallas. Located in the heart of downtown, the hotel is the perfect home base for fans looking to turn game day into a full weekend of football, food, drinks, and friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition. With a special weekend rate that includes a 2 p.m. late checkout, fans can sleep off the game-day excitement and enjoy a little extra time in Dallas before heading home.

Before the big matchup, get in the competitive spirit at Draft Sports Bar & Lounge, where flatscreens keep you close to the action, local ice-cold brews are on tap, and chef-curated bar bites are piping hot and fresh. When youre ready to venture beyond the hotel, explore downtown Dallas, Deep Ellum, the Arts District, and the citys many restaurants and attractions, all easily accessible from Sheraton Dallas.

Grab your burnt orange or crimson, round up your fellow fans, and get ready for a rivalry weekend filled with big plays, bigger bragging rights, and plenty of reasons to celebrate.

Sheraton Dallas Hotel is located at 400 North Olive Street, Dallas, Texas 75201. For more information or to book a stay, visit www.SheratonDallas.com. To learn more about private events, contact the sales team at DALDHOutletmanagers@marriott.com or call 469-371-1486.

BOOK REVIEW: MAYBE YOU LIED by Jennifer Sadera

KAREN SIDDALL — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:08:49 Z

Maybe You Lied

Jennifer Sadera

Mounting tension and long-held secrets kept me riveted to my seat!

Maybe You Lied, a new psychological thriller by Jennifer Sadera, blends an engaging, vulnerable main character with a mysterious setting and suspenseful plot to deliver a tale that kept me glued to the page and reading long into the night. After the death of his mother, young Will Lockhart falls on hard times, earning a dreaded and inevitable eviction notice. But as he gathers important documents in preparation for the coming changes, he discovers a deed, in his deceased father's name, for a house he knew nothing about.

At the urging of his family's attorney, he drives two hours away to see if it's a viable option for his new home. Vacant and little more than a cabin, Will is just about to explore further when an angry older man approaches him, demanding to know his business. But when he gets a good look at Will's face, this stranger seems to recognize him and turns fearful, his agitation precipitating a sudden medical emergency for which Will summons an ambulance, perhaps saving the man's life.

Feeling guilty for triggering the man's condition, Will doesn't correct the man's housekeeper, who soon arrives on the scene. Instead, he takes her to the hospital behind the ambulance and waits with her for the update from the doctors. Neither does he come clean when he meets the man's only daughter, Penelope, who believes the story that he just came across him, unconscious, in the wooded area around the vacant cabin. Will settles into his new home, and he and Penelope get closer. Her father's condition remains critical, and he continues to be unable to offer an alternative scenario. Will is living on borrowed time as he tries to uncover the story behind the house and the man's extreme reaction to his arrival.

The author drew me in from the very start with the shocking hints of what the very young Will may have seen of his older sister, Ange, and kept me rooted in place with her depiction of him at 21, suffering through survivor's guilt over the death of his mother in a car accident which occurred while he was driving. With his older sister's loss followed by his father's departure from the family when Will was only five, it had always been just him and his mother. The tension gradually builds as he is evicted from the apartment they shared after his long recovery from the injuries he himself sustained in the accident. Each twist in the plot heightens the suspense and shifts the story's trajectory, keeping me guessing and riveted for what's to come. I really felt for this character and was immediately invested in what he was experiencing, needing to know the answers to all the secrets he encountered as much as he did. I was absolutely not disappointed.

Sadera's writing style is clean, easy to read, and immersive, painting a vivid picture of what's unfolding around this vulnerable, sympathetic main character. Once I picked up the story, I was in for the duration and glued to the book well past any reasonable bedtime.

I recommend MAYBE YOU LIED to readers of psychological and domestic thrillers.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

BOOK REVIEW: FLIMFLAM FAIRY (MAGICAL COZY MYSTERY BOOKSTORE, #1) by Elizabeth Pantley

KAREN SIDDALL — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 08:00:00 Z

Flimflam Fairy

Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore, #1

Elizabeth Pantley

Fun beginning for this new paranormal cozy mystery spin-off!

Flimflam Fairy is the first book in veteran author Elizabeth Pantley's new Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore series featuring new business owners Willa Treadwell and Lucy Young, longtime friends who have retired but surprisingly find themselves at loose ends until they discover the most perfect resolution. In this series opener, readers learn about the store's magical functions and watch as Willa and Lucy jump in with both feet on their first journey literally inside a book and race against time to save a young fairy's life.

Willa and Lucy are personality opposites: Lucy is a spontaneous, colorful extrovert, while Willa is more reserved and cautious. But in the effort to get them in possession of their new-to-them bookstore and off on their first adventure, we really don't learn too much background about these two main characters; in fact, we are halfway through the book before we even see their surnames. Still, a comfortable familiarity grows, and they are a likable pair, each with quirks and strengths they play to throughout the story.

The series is a spin-off of the author's previous Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club but works well as a standalone. However, the earlier series is a 'must-read' for paranormal mystery fans who enjoy a literary-themed tale. This book focuses on the front-end process of supplying reading material to the magical libraries and book clubs across the series' world.

Willa and Lucy get the first look at new publications and are to vet their suitability for inclusion in the libraries. Yet behind-the-scenes secrets remain to unfold. As in the previous series, there is a talking cat and a crossover pink lizard character, an olm named Bob, who makes an early appearance to explain the functions and rules of bookstore ownership to the two women.

As before, there is plenty of good camaraderie and the sharing of delectable meals as the gals, along with their experienced cat companion, Banjo, go about their mission to save a life or solve the murder of a much-loved fairy in the magical setting of Whisperglow Village. While Banjo is attuned to the ways of the book journeys, the two women must quickly adjust to becoming characters in a novel they are experiencing from the inside out.

A new twist in this book journey is a time-travel element that gives the main characters the chance to change the story's outcome altogether. This surprising left turn jolts the new investigators into action, adding another layer of suspense and a race against time. Will Lucy, Willa, and Banjo be able to track down the Flimflam Fairy and avert a murder in time?

I recommend FLIMFLAM FAIRY to readers who enjoy literary-themed paranormal cozy mysteries, especially fans of the author's previous series.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

Grant Halliburton Foundation Welcomes Community to Journey Exhibition Following Opening Reception

Juliette DC — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 16:42:08 Z

Grant Halliburton Foundation welcomed 175 guests Sept. 10 to the opening reception for Journey: The Art and Legacy of Grant Halliburton at Center for BrainHealth, part of The University of Texas at Dallas.

The exhibition is now open to the public at no cost through Sept. 25. It is presented in partnership with Center for BrainHealth and curated in collaboration with Business Council for the Arts (BCA).

Held on World Suicide Prevention Day and during National Suicide Prevention Month, the reception brought together Foundation supporters, community leaders, mental health advocates and partners to experience Grants creative work and reflect on the mission that grew from his life.

Laura Bloom Gordon, chief marketing officer of Center for BrainHealth, welcomed guests and spoke about the organizations longstanding partnership.

Our partnership with Grant Halliburton Foundation reflects a shared commitment to helping people build stronger, healthier minds and lives, Gordon said.

During the program, Council Member Laura Cadena presented a Special Recognition from the City of Dallas, signed by Mayor Eric Johnson, honoring the Foundations 20th anniversary and its commitment to helping the community recognize and respond proactively to mental health challenges.

Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, thanked the city and reflected on the Foundations work during the past two decades. He also spoke about Grants drawing Friends, which depicts one young man reaching toward another lying in a quiet neighborhood street.

For 20 years, weve brought mental health education into schools and communities, equipped adults to recognize warning signs and respond with care, and helped families find support, Hall said. At its heart, our work is about helping people who are struggling feel noticed and heard and find the help they need.

Amy McCloskey, a Foundation co-founder and Grants sister, collaborated closely with BCA throughout the curation process, contributing a personal understanding of Grant and his work.

Grants life was far too short, but his legacy has extended far beyond his 19 years. Twenty years later, his art is still giving us a way to tell his storyand the Foundation built in his name is still giving people hope.

Journey features more than 50 of Grants original paintings, charcoal works, drawings, and sketches, along with selections from his personal writings and poetry. A Listening Lounge features music Grant wrote and recorded with his high school bandmates.

The exhibition spans three floors of Center for BrainHealths Brain Performance Institute building. A first-floor preview introduces visitors to Grant and the Foundation. Most of the artwork and accompanying elements are displayed on the second and third floors.

The exhibition begins with Grant as a young artist, continues through the Foundations history and impact, and concludes by asking visitors to consider how they can help carry the work forward.

Since 2006, Grant Halliburton Foundation has reached more than 375,000 students, educators, parents, and professionals through mental health education, suicide prevention training and community resources.

For personalized guidance finding mental health and substance-use providers and resources, call the Foundations free Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line at 972-525-8181, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Navigation Line is not a crisis service.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line volunteer. Both services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Visit Journey: The Art and Legacy of Grant Halliburton

Sept. 8-25
Center for BrainHealth
2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas

The exhibition is open Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. Appointments are available on other weekdays by calling Center for BrainHealth at 972-883-3400. The exhibition is closed Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free. Learn more at granthalliburton.org/journey.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

September 24 | 69 p.m.

The Art of Connection: Creativity, Mental Wellness and Brain Health
A Young Professionals Event presented by GHF YP and Think Tank

Center for BrainHealth, 2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas

Grant Halliburton Foundation Young Professionals and Think Tank, Center for BrainHealths young professionals group, are partnering to present an evening for guests in their 20s, 30s and 40s. The event will feature networking, a private viewing of the Journey exhibition and a panel including artists and mental health and brain health experts exploring the connections among creativity, mental wellness and brain health.
Register at centerforbrainhealth.org/events.

September 127 | Galleria Dallas
Galleria Dallas Mural: The Art of Hope: Celebrating 20 Years of Grant Halliburton Foundation

Created for Grant Halliburton Foundations 20th anniversary and National Suicide Prevention Month, this public mural explores how hope grows when a community shows up. Featuring a preview of Grants artwork, suicide prevention steps, mental health resources and September events, the installation invites visitors to learn more about the Foundation, discover how to support someone in crisis, find help and explore Journey. The mural is located on Level 1 at the south end of Galleria Dallas near Sephora.

About Grant Halliburton Foundation

Grant Halliburton Foundation is a Dallas-based nonprofit established in 2006 in memory of Grant Halliburton, who lived with depression and bipolar disorder and died by suicide at age 19. The Foundation works to strengthen the network of mental health resources for children, teens and young adults; promote better mental health; and prevent suicide. Through education, resources and support, it equips students, educators, parents and professionals to recognize signs of distress, respond appropriately and connect young people with help. Since its founding, the Foundation has reached more than 375,000 people across North Texas. Its Here For Texas program offers two free resources: HereForTexas.com, a searchable database of mental health providers and resources, and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line, which provides personalized assistance finding care. Learn more at GrantHalliburton.org.

About Center for BrainHealth

Center for BrainHealth®, part of The University of Texas at Dallas, is a nonprofit translational research institute committed to enhancing, preserving, and restoring brain health across the lifespan. Major research areas include the use of functional and structural neuroimaging techniques to better understand the neurobiology supporting the continual growth of cognition, well-being and social connections in health and disease. This leading-edge scientific exploration is translated quickly into practical innovations to improve how people think, work and live, empowering people of all ages to thrive and unlock their brain potential. Translational innovations leverage 1) the BrainHealth Index, a proprietary measure that uniquely charts one's upward (or downward) brain health trajectory whatever their starting level; and 2) Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Tactics (SMART) brain health training, a strategy-based toolkit developed and tested by BrainHealth researchers and other teams over three decades. The center's landmark longitudinal study, The BrainHealth Project, launched in 2020 with the goal of identifying actionable strategies for optimizing brain health throughout life, uncovering the dynamic relationship between lifestyle factors, biological markers, brain training and cognitive performance. It is co-led by Dr. Sandi Chapman, Dr. Mark D'Esposito, Dr. Geoff Ling, Dr. Ian Robertson, Dr. Vince Calhoun and Tom Leppert, with Georgeann and Adm. William McRaven (ret.) serving as national spokespersons.

About Business Council for the Arts

Since its founding in 1988 by Raymond Nasher as a Dallas Citizens Council initiative, the Business Council for the Arts (BCA) has championed the integration of arts and business across North Texas. Today, under the leadership of Founders Chair Nancy Nasher, Board Chair Joel Austin, and CEO Stacie Adams, BCA serves a network of more than 150 organizations committed to strengthening workplaces, classrooms, and communities through the arts. BCAs programming spans creative workforce development, community engagement, and leadership cultivation. Signature initiatives include On My Own Time, Art at Work, and the Leadership Arts Institute, alongside committee-driven efforts focused on Arts & Health, Arts & Real Estate, and Arts & Technology. To learn more, visit www.ntbca.org.

Grant Halliburton Foundation Welcomes Community to Journey Exhibition Following Opening Reception

Juliette DC — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 16:42:08 Z

Laura Bloom Gordon, chief marketing officer of Center for BrainHealth, welcomed guests and spoke about the organizations longstanding partnership.

Our partnership with Grant Halliburton Foundation reflects a shared commitment to helping people build stronger, healthier minds and lives, Gordon said.

Amy McCloskey, a Foundation co-founder and Grants sister, collaborated closely with BCA throughout the curation process, contributing a personal understanding of Grant and his work.

The exhibition begins with Grant as a young artist, continues through the Foundations history and impact, and concludes by asking visitors to consider how they can help carry the work forward.

Visit Journey: The Art and Legacy of Grant Halliburton

Sept. 8-25
Center for BrainHealth
2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

September 24 | 69 p.m.

The Art of Connection: Creativity, Mental Wellness and Brain Health
A Young Professionals Event presented by GHF YP and Think Tank

Center for BrainHealth, 2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas

About Grant Halliburton Foundation

About Center for BrainHealth

About Business Council for the Arts

BOOK REVIEW: AND THE WALLS CAME TUMBLING DOWN by W.M. Gunn

KAREN SIDDALL — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 20:05:32 Z

And the Walls Came Tumbling Down

W.M. Gunn

Ingenious, exciting, and convincing alternate history!

And the Walls Came Tumbling Down is the first novel in a new alternate history trilogy by W.M. Gunn, offering a mesmerizing vision of the world and WWII if reality hadnt unfolded the way it did. With an original mix of fictional characters and historical figures, plus fantastical imagery and accounts of early World War One battle experiences, I was hooked the whole time and never disappointed by the resulting tale.

The story unfolds through some seemingly unrelated storylines; the book opens in 1914 on the frontlines of Belgium, skips to the rise of Hitler and the birth of a child near the aviation training fields of Fort Worth, and then whips the reader back to the time of Moses, the end of his wanderings in the desert and his imminent death, and back again. Each encapsulated thread was immersive and made for compelling reading, but disparate; the authors plan for them remained a mystery until he magically made them converge into a riveting whole.

The action sequences are well choreographed and easy to follow, and the vivid descriptions of places and historical details woven into the narrative add so much color, putting the reader in every scene. Best yet, though, are the characters themselves, because they truly came alive. Naturally, theyre not all pleasant people, and my skin still crawls just thinking about one character in particular, who wasnt physically in the story that long!

The plot juxtaposes the stories of a German family: Jürgen Kretz, a WWI flying ace and war hero, and his motherless twin boys, Manfred and Wolfgang, with the American Maxwell family, the father, Connor, also a WWI flyer, and his son, Allen, whose mother died during his birth. The sons follow in their fathers footsteps and fight their own battles in WWII. Jürgen, a bitter, angry survivor of his war, passes along his opinions to his sons, whose mother was a Jew. She passed away during the 1918 Influenza epidemic while Jürgen was away fighting, and he blames her wealthy Jewish parents for not doing enough to save her. This belief tips him over the edge to extremism, and he eventually becomes a willing pawn (and unwitting sacrifice) in Hitlers early schemes to attain power. Interestingly, one twin absorbs and champions his fathers vitriolic ideals while the other avoids his fanaticism and sides with his heritage. But the transfer of beliefs, based in fact or not, from one generation to the next is on full display.

If youre not a WWII historian, keep in mind this is an ingenious tale of alternate history, and the author deftly mixes factual events and historical figures with fictional events and characters. His convincing and immersive writing style makes it impossible to tell (unless you already know) which is which in some cases. Of course, I sincerely hope everyone knows how D-Day actually turned out.

I recommend AND THE WALLS CAME TUMBLING DOWN to readers of alternate history, historical fiction, and family sagas.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Literary Life Book Campaigns.

A Masquerade Murder Mystery Is Coming to Downtown Dallas This Halloween!

Culver Public Relations — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:07:39 Z

On Friday, October 30, from 7 to 9 p.m., Sheraton Dallas is hosting A Party to Die For, an immersive, one-night-only murder mystery experience in the hotels speakeasy-inspired lounge, The Parlor.

Guests will be transported into a thrilling evening of intrigue, deception, and unexpected twists. Mingle with masked suspects, gather clues, question characters, and work alongside fellow attendees to piece together the evidence and determine whodunit before the final reveal! The event offers an intimate alternative to Dallas traditional Halloween parties.

And because no good mystery comes without a surprise, one lucky guest will also receive two complimentary tickets to an upcoming Mixology Monday experience of their choosing at Sheraton Dallas.

Reservations are required and can be booked on the website. Doors open at 6:30 p.m, and the investigation begins promptly at 7 p.m. Prices start at $60. Each ticket includes a guided murder mystery experience, chef-curated hors doeuvres and desserts, Venetian-inspired masquerade masks, and complimentary self-parking. Costumes are strongly encouraged for those who want to fully embrace the mystery. 21+ only.

The Parlor is located at Sheraton Dallas (400 N. Olive Street).

BOOK REVIEW: VACANCY (THE DUST, #2) by Jann Alexander

KAREN SIDDALL — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 20:53:05 Z

Vacancy

The Dust, #2

Jann Alexander

Secrets and second chances exact a price.

Vacancy is the second book in Jann Alexanders West Texas-set womens fiction series, The Dust, and in this novel two women at different points in their lives face tragedy and second chances, finding common ground in their losses. Keep a box of tissues at hand as these characters quickly wedge their way into your heart.

Helen McCabe, the middle-aged, widowed kindergarten teacher, is shocked by her husbands sudden death, suffering the uncertainties and questions it prompts. In her grief, she becomes entangled in the life of one of her small students, a winsome, shy girl named Jillie, and concerns herself well beyond the boundaries shed normally recognize. Charlene Simpson, Jillies mother, has been trapped in an abusive relationship with Jillies deadbeat, drunk of a father, and a new pregnancy is the last thing she needs. Not only is he in no position to welcome another child into her tenuous living situation, but her boyfriend, Ray, who didnt want Jillie or Mick, his young teenage son from an earlier marriage, is going to take out his displeasure on her with his fists. Both women have drifted through their lives up to this point, and their conflict over Helens excessive interest in Jillie motivates both to seek a better way. A terrible accident reveals they have more in common than they ever thought.

Alexanders characters are strong and vividly crafted, and their choices drive the plot. I was immediately drawn into these two womens lives, waiting for the next shoe to drop because of the ominous foreshadowing from the beginning of the book. The descriptions of the struggling, dusty West Texas town of Hartless are cinematic, and the harsh extremes of the High Plains weather add another layer of challenge to everyones daily existence. The towns name itself hints at what the besieged young single mother may find there when the dust settles.

I recommend VACANCY to readers of womens fiction, especially those who want strong female protagonists and character-driven stories.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Literary Life Book Campaigns.

SPARK! Hosted SPARKtacular to Raise Funds for Scholarships

Juliette DC — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:34:05 Z

SPARK! hosted SPARKtacular, a fundraiser at the home of Carrie and Blake Rowling to raise funds to inspire creativity in students. Event co-chairs were Kristi and Ron Hoyl and Melissa Sherrill and Ross Martin. Honorary chairs were Beth and Chuck Thoele.

Local Dallasite singer songwriter Sarah Johnson sang and played guitar in the backyard while guests visited and enjoyed the delicious food from Roots Hospitality: Pimento Cheese Arancini, Crispy Mini Pork Tacos, Watermelon & Feta Salad, Ahi Tuna 'Poke Style', Grilled Shaved Beef Tenderloin Slider, Whipped Goat Cheese & Focaccia Toast and a Grazing Table.

Meg Bittner, SPARK! president and CEO, welcomed everyone and encouraged them to visit SPARK!, which was designed and built by artists to encourage creativity in children. Creative learning is rare, and in Title 1 schools, students might receive one hour of art per month, if theyre lucky. We raise funds for Title 1 school scholarships, so that they can attend a field trip at SPARK! By the end of the year, we will welcome more than 20,000 people to our place. Creativity is not a must have; its vital to our youth.

Melissa Sherrill, SPARKtacular co-chair, added, Thank you to Carrie and Blake for hosting us. Thank you to Beth for all you do. I love SPARK!, especially taking my littles there. Every child should have an opportunity to come experience SPARK!, whether its open play, a field trip or a birthday party.

Kristi Hoyl SPARKtacular co-chair, said, SPARK! doesnt happen without philanthropy, and we thank you for supporting us. Please continue to bid on the silent auction items to raise even more funds. The next artist could be one of these students whose future is transformed through your support.

Auction items included a Two Night Stay the Joule Dallas, "Practice in Release", Abstract Painting by MCat Davis, Bottega Veneta Cassette Crossbody donated by Neiman Marcus, Two Suite Tickets to the Thanksgiving Day Game (Cowboys vs. Philadelphia) with Cowboys Legend Timmy Newsome, Chroma Canvas & Custom Abstract Painting by Alyssa Burge, Five Night Stay in a Private Villa in Punta Mita, Mexico, Passed Appetizers & Four-Course Menu curated by Roots Hospitality paired with up to six bottles of wine from Sonoma Time, and 35 Guest Birthday Party at SPARK! Dallas.

To date, SPARK! has hosted 105 schools and organizations serving nearly 7,000 students on field trips during the 2025-2026 school year, with more than 51% of students from Title 1 schools. Nearly 40% of the open play admissions are from Museums for All attendees (reduced admission for families that receive government benefits such as SNAP, WIC and Medicaid).

Special thanks to sponsors:

Imaginator: KPMG, Beth & Chuck Thoele

Explorer: The Addy Foundation, Kristi & Ron Hoyl, Melissa Sherrill & Ross Martin, VanAmburgh Family Foundation

Valet: Sewell Automotive Companies

For additional sponsors and host committee, visit https://sparkdallas.org/sparktacular/

For more information on SPARK!, visit https://sparkdallas.org/.

(photo credit: Nancy Lovell)

SPARK! Hosted SPARKtacular to Raise Funds for Scholarships

Juliette DC — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:34:05 Z

Special thanks to sponsors:

Imaginator: KPMG, Beth & Chuck Thoele

Explorer: The Addy Foundation, Kristi & Ron Hoyl, Melissa Sherrill & Ross Martin, VanAmburgh Family Foundation

Valet: Sewell Automotive Companies

For additional sponsors and host committee, visit https://sparkdallas.org/sparktacular/

For more information on SPARK!, visit https://sparkdallas.org/.

(photo credit: Nancy Lovell)

SPARK! Hosted SPARKtacular to Raise Funds for Scholarships

Juliette DC — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:34:05 Z

Special thanks to sponsors:

Imaginator: KPMG, Beth & Chuck Thoele

Explorer: The Addy Foundation, Kristi & Ron Hoyl, Melissa Sherrill & Ross Martin, VanAmburgh Family Foundation

Valet: Sewell Automotive Companies

For additional sponsors and host committee, visit https://sparkdallas.org/sparktacular/

For more information on SPARK!, visit https://sparkdallas.org/.

(photo credit: Nancy Lovell)

Legacy West and Fitness Ambassadors Announce Inaugural Rooftop Sweat + Social

Susan Friedman — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:56:46 Z

Fitness Ambassadors is bringing its signature community-driven approach to wellness to Plano this fall with a new community fitness experience taking place Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Legacy West. Legacy West, located at 5908 Headquarters Dr., Plano, TX 75024, will welcome guests for a morning of movement, shopping, wellness and social connection.

Called Rooftop Sweat & Social, the inaugural event, presented by Kinective Fitness, is designed to bring together movement, social connection and lifestyle experiences in one elevated setting, transforming the Legacy West rooftop into a vibrant wellness destination featuring back-to-back fitness classes, curated brand activations, shopping and a dynamic vendor marketplace.

The event is part of Fitness Ambassadors' continued expansion across North Texas as the organization celebrates its 10-year anniversary and evolves into a broader lifestyle and wellness platform centered around movement, community and culture.

"Over the past decade, we've seen firsthand how powerful movement can be in bringing people together," said Mai Lyn Ngo, founder of Fitness Ambassadors. "Rooftop Sweat & Social is designed to create an environment where guests can move their bodies, discover new brands, connect with others and experience wellness in a way that feels approachable, social and fun."

"At Legacy West, we're always looking for innovative ways to activate our public spaces and create memorable experiences for our guests," said Liz Gallagher, director of property marketing and specialty leasing at Legacy West. "Partnering with Fitness Ambassadors allows us to bring together fitness, wellness, retail and hospitality in a way that reflects the energy and sense of community that define Legacy West. We look forward to welcoming both longtime visitors and first-time guests for this inaugural festival."

Throughout the morning, guests will move through four signature workouts led by some of North Texas' leading fitness studios, beginning with an all-levels yoga flow from YogaSix, followed by strength training with Sweat440 Prestonwood, Mat Pilates with JETSET Modern Pilates West McKinney and a high-energy boxing workout led by KINECTIVE Fitness.

Following the workouts, attendees are invited to stay for a rooftop social hour featuring a live DJ, recovery opportunities, shopping, product sampling and immersive wellness experiences.

"Legacy West has become one of North Texas' premier destinations for lifestyle, dining and community experiences, making it the perfect backdrop for this event," Ngo said. "We're excited to bring together an incredible mix of fitness, wellness and retail partners while introducing new audiences to everything Legacy West has to offer."

In addition to the workout programming, the Legacy West Vendor Village will showcase a curated mix of fitness, beauty, wellness, retail and culinary brands designed to encourage guests to stay, explore and engage throughout the experience.

Festival attendees can expect:

Four rooftop fitness classes led by premier local studios
Product sampling, tastings and exclusive giveaways
Beauty and wellness activations
On-site shopping experiences
Post-workout food and beverage offerings
Networking and community-building opportunities

Participating partners include Kinective Fitness (Presenting Sponsor), BE So Selfish, Earls Restaurant, Hotworx Addison, OVME, and PopStroke, with additional partners and activations to be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets

General Admission tickets are $15 and include:
Access to all four fitness classes
Curated swag bag filled with partner products and exclusive offers
Vendor Village and brand activations
Product sampling and interactive experiences

VIP Tickets are $35 and include:
Everything included with General Admission
Take-Home Yoga Mat
Access to VIP Section for all four classes
Access to Exclusive VIP Lounge access to all fitness classes, the vendor marketplace, sampling experiences and activations.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

Event Details

Rooftop Sweat & Social at Legacy West
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
9 a.m. 1 p.m.
Legacy West Rooftop
Plano, Texas

Schedule

8:30 9 a.m. | Check-In + Marketplace Opens
9 a.m. 1 p.m. | Vendor Experience
9 9:35 a.m. | Yoga Flow with YogaSix
9:50 10:25 a.m. | Strength Training with Sweat440 Prestonwood
10:40 11:15 a.m. | Mat Pilates with JETSET Modern Pilates West McKinney
11:30 a.m. 12:05 p.m. | BODYCOMBAT with presenting sponsor KINECTIVE Fitness

While many events remain free and open to the public, Fitness Ambassadors Social Club offers optional membership tiers for those looking to plug in more consistently. With a community of over 200 members, the platform provides added perks like early access, partner offers, and invites to curated experiences. Membership starts at $20 per month for the basic tier, with a premium option available at $49 per month, creating a natural extension of the community that blends fitness, social connection, and lifestyle. Click here to join the club.

Founded by Mai Lyn Ngo, Fitness Ambassadors is a Dallas-based community platform redefining how people experience fitness, connection, and lifestyle. What began as grassroots group workouts has evolved into a citywide social club, hosting weekly events, brand partnerships, and curated experiences that bring people together across neighborhoods. Guided by its core pillars, Active, Aligned, Alive, Fitness Ambassadors creates welcoming, inclusive spaces where movement becomes a catalyst for connection, discovery, and community. For more information, please visit www.fitnessambassadors.com.

Legacy West, known as the most successful development in North Texas history, includes 343,000 square feet of retail; 435,000 square feet of office space; and 1,300 multi-family units. The mixed-use project located in Plano, Texas is home to national and international corporate office tenants, a 303-room Renaissance Hotel, luxury retail brands, a 55,000-square-foot artisan Food Hall, plus more than 20 restaurants and eateries to choose from. Legacy West is the destination of choice for work, live, shop, play and dine in North Texas. www.legacywest.com

BOOK REVIEW: BOUND BEAUTY (WYLDER TALES, #3) by Jennifer Silverwood

KAREN SIDDALL — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:59:44 Z

Bound Beauty

Wylder Tales, #3

Jennifer Silverwood

Overflowing with magic, cursed power, witches, shapeshifters, demons, old gods, passion, loyalty, sacrifice, and love.

Bound Beauty is the third novel in author Jennifer Silverwoods Wylder Tales series, dark, seductive stories of magic, cursed power, witches, shapeshifters, ghosts, demons, ancient gods, passion, loyalty, sacrifice, and love in its many forms: a fantastical reimagining of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale. In this story, Vynashas tale comes full circle as she returns to Bitterhelm to finish what was always meant to be.

Vynasha, determined to protect her nephew, Wyll, her brother, Ceddrych, and the other young ones shes come to love, has studied the magicks of Soraya and Thea, hoping to gain the knowledge and strength needed to oppose the forces of Bitterhelm. While it goes against the grain, she perseveres with Sorayas teachings and is helplessly drawn by her desire for Balos, whom she knew as Ferox back in Bitterhelm. The stress she is under is palpable throughout the story as the danger mounts, and she is thrust back into Grendels world and forced to confront what is truth and what are lies. I loved how the tables eventually turned, but I felt the enormous cost to Vynashas very nature.

The authors world-building and storytelling are atmospheric and cinematic; the setting is so vivid I felt as if I were in the moment with each narrator. The magic system relies on runes and physical manipulation that feels ancient, with its true power still largely hidden.

The story is dark and tragic and without the ending most often presented in Beauty and the Beast retellings, making those other tales seem insipid by comparison. But if youre down for a story full of strong women, shaped by tragic experiences and powerful emotions, this is definitely the version for you. I recommend reading the series for the most enjoyment and the clearest understanding of the action and motives.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Literary Life Book Campaigns.

Beckers Spine Review Hails Collin Countys Dr. Krishna Satyan as a Neurosurgeon to Know

Krista Simmons — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:00:00 Z

Beckers Spine Review has named Collin Countys Krishna Satyan, MD, to its latest list of Neurosurgeons to Know. It identifies 20 neurosurgeons across the country who are making an impact on the field through clinical innovation, research and leadership, according to Beckers. The list is part of an ongoing series recognizing neurosurgeons who are helping to drive progress in neurosurgery, while advancing research, refining surgical techniques and training the next generation.

A Frisco resident, Dr. Satyan is the director of skull base surgery at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Plano, and a neurosurgeon with Dallas Neurosurgical & Spine in Plano. He is one of only two Texas neurosurgeons on this list and the only neurosurgeon from the DFW Metroplex.

Dr. Satyan is an accomplished brain and spine surgeon, who has been in practice for more than a decade. His care philosophy centers on listening to the patient and providing highly personalized treatment options. He specializes in degenerative spine disease, traumatic spine injuries, metastatic disease and the resection of primary spinal cord tumors.

When patients come in with a problem and Im able to fix it, to correct whats bothering them, thats the best feeling, notes Dr. Satyan.

Dr. Satyan earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Stanford University, studying mechanical engineering. Afterward, he earned his M.D. from the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He completed his internship in general surgery and his residency in neurosurgery at Baylor College of Medicine. After that, Dr. Satyan completed his fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University.

Dr. Satyan is a member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and is board certified by The American Board of Neurological Surgery. Prior to moving to Texas, Dr. Satyan was a practicing neurosurgeon with the Center for Neuro and Spine in Akron, Ohio.

Beckers Spine Review Hails Collin Countys Dr. Krishna Satyan as a Neurosurgeon to Know

Krista Simmons — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:00:00 Z

When patients come in with a problem and Im able to fix it, to correct whats bothering them, thats the best feeling, notes Dr. Satyan.

Texas Womens Foundation Announces Tory Burch Foundation President Tiffany Dufu as Keynote Speaker

Juliette DC — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 20:28:09 Z

Texas Womens Foundation (TXWF) announces its 41^st Annual Luncheon honoring The Boone Family Foundation and featuring Tiffany Dufu, president of Tory Burch Foundation, on Friday, November 13 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel (2201 N. Stemmons Frwy., Dallas, TX 75207). The conversation will be moderated by Nina Vaca, Pinnacle Group founder, chair and CEO and TXWF supporter.

Texas Womens Foundations Luncheon co-chairs are Marty McDonald, founder of Boss Women Media Group and Elle Olivia, TXWF board member and 2025 Tory Burch Fellow; and Lisa Tran, Ed.D., senior assistant dean of executive education & strategic partnerships for SMU Cox School of Business and Orchid Giving Circle leader.

As president of the Tory Burch Foundation, Dufu is empowering women entrepreneurs through access to capital, education and community through the Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program. In addition, she is the bestselling author of Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less and a nationally recognized leader in advancing women and girls. She has been named to Entrepreneurs 100 Powerful Women and Fast Companys League of Extraordinary Women, and has helped raise more than $25 million to support women and girls.

Texas Womens Foundation President and CEO Karen Hughes White said, We hope youll join us for our 41^st Luncheon. The work Tiffany Dufu is leading at the Tory Burch Foundation is incredibly significant. Like Texas Womens Foundation, the Tory Burch Foundation believes in the power of investing in women to drive meaningful and lasting change in her life and the lives of those around her. Theres great synergy between our organizations and the missions we serve.

Tiffany Dufu said, I am honored to speak at Texas Womens Foundations luncheon since we have a similar mission of advancing womens economic power by supporting entrepreneurs who are fueling the economy and creating meaningful impact in their communities. Several years ago, I spoke at their BEST SELF leadership event for middle and high school girls, so Im excited to return and support the impact that the Texas Women's Foundation continues to make.

Special thank you to speaker sponsor Target and The Suzanne Ahn, M.D. Speaker Endowment Fund at Texas Womens Foundation.

About Texas Womens Foundations Annual Luncheon: This signature event is hosted annually in support of Texas Womens Foundations work to remove the barriers to economic security, stability and success for Texas women and their families. The mission is achieved through research, advocacy, intentional grantmaking and evidence-based programs made possible by the Foundations generous donors. For those interested in supporting this years partner or patron, please contact Joy Busch at luncheon@txwf.org or jbusch@txwf.org. Visit https://txwf.org/ luncheon/ for more details.

About Texas Womens Foundation: Texas Womens Foundation (TXWF) raises funds from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support nearly $5 million in investments each year to help eliminate the barriers to womens economic security, stability and success through targeted research and advocacy, intentional grantmaking and leadership programs. Since its inception in 1985, TXWF has invested nearly $90 million in grantmaking in support of Texas women, their families and their futures, and another $25 million in research, advocacy and educational programs for a total impact of $115 million over the last 40 years. As TXWF prepares for its next 40 years, the organizations vision for a strong and vibrant Texas for all will remain at the forefront of its work.

TXWFs targeted research into the issues impacting the economic security of Texas women and families will continue to guide its work. The biannual report on the economic issues that face Texas women and their families provides corporate and community leaders, and state and local lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs across the state. In addition, Texas Womens Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in the mission-aligned investing movement, deploying 100 percent of its invested assets endowments, operating investments and donor-advised funds in a values-based portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits that align with its mission. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now.

KelticDead Music Latest Posts: Gypsy Davey

Shaun That KelticDead Guy — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:09:15 Z

KelticDead Music Project
Gypsy Davey

The KelticDead Music Initiative provides on-line, music-education as free Video and PDF Story Broadsides
of music that is part of the Celtic-Folk-Americana-Seafaring cultures.
All of the projects are performed by volunteer musicians as live, acoustic instrumentation and voices.
No AI or Synthetic instrumentation to provide the authentic music by real musicians.

Story Behind Gypsy Davey

I am frequently amazed at how relevant old Folk songs are with current events. This Celtic-Folk song comes out of Scotland during the 16th through 19th Centuries concerning the intense hatred Scotland had against the Gypsies (a shortened generic classification from 'Egyptians'). There is some confusion and contention with the Irish "Travelers." Travelers are NOT Gypsies, though both were considered migrant workers at times throughout the British Isles and Europe. There was a period of time in Scotland, that if a Gypsy was caught he (or she) was hung or drowned immediately. And, anyone consorting with Gypsies were persecuted as was the case of the young girl in the attached folk song. But why was there so much hatred of the Gypsies?

As cited on the internet, the broad classification of "Gypsies" referred to the Barbary Pirates or Corsairs that came out of Morocco in northern Africa. They were "Muslim Slavers" (as they were also called) who were connected with Muslim/Islamic countries in Northern Africa and the Middle East. These Muslim Pirates had strongholds in Spain, Morocco, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and others from the 14th Century and into 19th Century. Barbary Pirates often made "slave" raids in parts of the Mediterranean, like Italy, France, Greece, as well as into Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, and into the north seas of Norway, Finland, and others. The Pirates demanded protection money of ships, and if not paid, these pirates would kill all those who opposed them and made slaves of those who were captured (primarily women) to be sent to buyers in places like the Morocco Slave Markets. They also collected and sold slaves from England and the Americas (Caribbean primarily). Blond, blue eyed girls from Finland were highly prized, as well as red-headed, green eyed girls out of Scotland and Ireland. There were also markets for young boys as catamites for the elites in England and Europe ... even into the 20th Century.

These Muslim Slavers also supplied slaves into the Americas. It was President Thomas Jefferson who was the first to refuse to pay the "protection money" to these pirates, and that led to the American war against the Barbary Pirates in 1801-1805. Part of the U.S. Marine Corps Hymn references this war in the phrase "... to the shores of Tripoli."

For a more complete story write-up visit the KDM Story Broadside at

https://kelticdeadmusic.org/story-broadsides/

You'll also find the free PDF sheet music arrangement of the song in the Story Broadside.

For this and other High Definition KDM Music visit

https://on.soundcloud.com/S5yn0PugDcWXGoHjTq

Thank you for being with the KelticDead Music Initiative
Shaun, That KelticDead Guy

Junior Achievement of Dallas and Richardson ISD Open JA Discovery Center at Greenwood Hills

Junior Achievement Dallas — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 17:37:54 Z

Junior Achievement of Dallas (JA Dallas) and Richardson Independent School District (RISD) opened the JA Discovery Center at Greenwood Hills Learning Center on Thursday, Aug. 27, with a ribbon-cutting followed by a community open house. The experiential learning center is a hands-on financial literacy and career readiness space where students run a simulated city and build a personal budget.

Every RISD fifth grader and every RISD seventh grader will participate in learning experiences at the center. That totals 5,000 students in the first year, and more than 7,500 annually at full capacity.

Speakers in the ribbon-cutting ceremony included:

Tabitha Branum, superintendent, Richardson ISD
Chris LaTurno, president and CEO, JA Dallas
Angie Lee, executive director of student success and leadership, Richardson ISD
Wendy Stewart, board chair, JA Dallas

Attending the evenings celebration were Richardson Mayor Amir Omar, Richardson ISD board of trustee members, JA Dallas board of directors members, community sponsors of the JA Discovery Center and students who attend RISD schools and their families.

The center is built as a small city with familiar Richardson-area landmarks like Main Street and storefronts sponsored by area businesses including CORE Construction, Credit Union of Texas, FedEx, Glenn Partners, Richardson ISD, State Farm and Toyota.

RISD fifth graders will spend weeks in the classroom on business and economics, then come to the center for JA BizTown. They apply for jobs, run the storefronts, open bank accounts, pay taxes, meet payroll and take out and repay business loans.

Seventh graders will come for JA Finance Park beginning in spring 2027, where they build a personal budget, evaluate financial choices and manage real-life scenarios tied to income and expenses.

"At The JA Discovery Center, we aim to help young people see themselves and opportunity differently," said LaTurno. "Its about a fifth grader realizing they could own a business someday, and a seventh grader understanding that the smart financial choices they make today can shape the life they build tomorrow. "The fifth grader who discovers maybe I could own a business someday. The seventh grader who begins to understand that the choices they make today can shape the life they build tomorrow."

The JA Discovery Center also revives a piece of district history. RISD previously ran its own simulated city, Enterprise City, at Canyon Creek Elementary starting in 1985, and generations of RISD graduates still name it as a favorite school memory.

"One of the most difficult moments as a superintendent just a few years ago was making a recommendation to consolidate schools, and this school, Greenwood Hills, was one of them," said Branum. "But we delivered a promise that we were going to continue to invest in it and make it something special for their students and for generations to come. We have taken a space that, if we allowed, could be empty of dreams, and instead it hosts a whole new generation of dreams,"

"The open house ran from 6 to 8 p.m. with guided tours, a DJ, giant games, face painting, the Richardson Library outreach van and food provided by the Credit Union of Texas Community Grill. The first student sessions at the JA Discovery Center begin Sept. 15.

About Junior Achievement of Dallas
Junior Achievement of Dallas (JA Dallas) inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy. For more than 70 years, the nonprofit organization has provided students across the region with hands-on learning experiences focused on financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship. During the 202526 school year, JA Dallas served 28,300 students with the support of 1,782 volunteers who gave 205,448 hours of their time. Since its founding, JA Dallas has reached more than 1.3 million students across the region. Research shows that JA alumni are more likely to pursue higher education, feel confident managing money, experience career success and start businesses. For more information, visit jadallas.org.

About Richardson Independent School District
Richardson Independent School District (RISD) serves 35,000 students across 49 schools with a strong commitment to academic excellence and student growth. Focused on its North Star Goal for every student, teacher and leader to meet or exceed their academic growth goals, RISD provides innovative learning opportunities through comprehensive academic programs, including magnet and career-focused pathways. RISD's focus on achievement, innovation and whole-child development prepares students for success in college, careers and life.