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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
The 2024 holiday season is finally here! And Richardson Life is dedicated to the events and activities, people and places which make Richardson a great place to live, work and shop during this festive time of year, starting with Richardson’s annual Gobble Hobble 5K/1M Fun Run, to be held the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Even if you haven’t registered for the race, you can come out to Galatyn Park to see participants start and/or finish this fun event. You can also cheer walkers and runners on at any point along the trail, which runs through the Spring Creek Nature Area.
As always, Santa’s Village and performances of The Nutcracker at the Eisemann Center make the season merry and bright. We share the genesis of Santa’s Village in this issue and spotlight Chamberlain Ballet, whose Company will be performing The Nutcracker over Thanksgiving weekend.
Two Richardson leaders who give generously of their time and talents to our city, Gerald Bright and FUMCR Senior Pastor Clayton Oliphint, are featured in this issue. Both men are such inspirations and lead with servant hearts, preferring service over celebrity. We’re hoping that you’ll feel called to give back to the Richardson community if you don’t already after having read their stories.
Do you love Friday Night Lights and all the pageantry that goes along with halftime at Texas football games? Richardson ISD Executive Director of Fine Arts Jeff Bradford shares with our readers the magic that is halftime at our RISD high schools and gives us a sneak peek into RISD’s upcoming holiday traditions.
These special stories and many more await you in the pages of this HOLIDAY issue of Richardson Life Magazine. And, as always, we hope you’ll show your financial support to the advertisers who make this magazine a reality by shopping, dining and investing locally. Keeping your dollars local during the holiday season keeps Richardson strong!
Wishing you all the best this holiday season,
Patti Otte
Patti Otte
Editor in Chief
Featured Story
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Richardson Movers and Shakers
Gerald Bright
By Patti Otte
Albert Einstein once said, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” Beloved community leader Gerald Bright has been quietly serving throughout Richardson for years and was recently bestowed the honor of being named Richardson’s 2023 Citizen of the Year. However, Bright prefers to serve in the community outside the glare of the spotlight. In spite of his preference for privacy, Bright believes in being a beacon for others who might also consider giving of their time and talents in a volunteer capacity.
EARLY YEARS
The youngest of five children, Bright was born and raised in the Hamilton Park Community of north Dallas. States Bright, “I was blessed to grow up in a wonderful home with a close family and was also fortunate to live in a tight knit community, where you knew your neighbors and their families, and they knew you as well. I can certainly say I was a product of my home and community, both of which I appreciate.”
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CIVIC LEADER Dr. Clayton Oliphint Pastor, Leader, Family Man, Bridge Builder By Patti Otte Tell us about yourself. What path led you to the position you hold today at FUMCR? I was born a Methodist preacher’s son in Louisiana and my family moved to Texas when I...
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