The Town Musicians of Richardson: Gigi Griffin Miller’s Inspirational Mosaic Masterpiece
By the time visitors reach the front door of the Richardson Animal Shelter—whether to drop off donations, adopt a pet, or volunteer—they are greeted by an unofficial welcome committee: a playful tower of colorful animals crafted in vibrant mosaic tile. These figures shimmer with ceramic textures, jewel-like colors, and whimsical expressions. This cheerful sculpture, titled “The Town Musicians of Richardson,” references the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, “The Town Musicians of Bremen.” In the tale, abandoned animals’ band together, leaving their old lives behind for a new future—a perfect parallel for a city animal shelter, where unwanted pets arrive uncertain and leave with new families and new beginnings. A Welcoming Emblem for a New Chapter The installation is part of the shelter’s 2025 renovation, which includes a new façade and a more inviting entrance. Commissioned through the City’s Public Art Master Plan, the sculpture reinforces the idea that municipal services can be places of care, hope, and personal connection. Community Hands in the Clay Although artist Gigi Griffin Miller designs and builds her sculptures herself, she intentionally invites local involvement. For the Richardson installation, she hosted a community tile-making event for volunteers, fosters, and shelter staff. Every piece crafted by residents was later fired and installed into the base of the sculpture. The entire piece is made of ceramic mosaic tiles that Miller crafts by hand. Memorial tiles, pet prints of fostered animals, and the names of beloved pets are forever memorialized in the sculpture. Miller chose to make the base’s decorative “flowers” the site of these meaningful additions. “That’s where all the memories are,” she explains, literally forming the foundation for the animals above. Built With Purpose, Built to Last Miller’s work is known for durability as well as sentiment. Her mosaic “The Fish” in Kerrville, Texas, famously survived catastrophic flooding, becoming a local symbol of resilience and hope. The scale of “The Town Musicians of Richardson” presented a unique construction challenge, forcing Miller to work outdoors in the Texas heat for months. She insisted on the size—something large enough and colorful enough to catch the eye of drivers, drawing them toward “the real treasures,” the adoptable pets inside. Public Art and Creative Placemaking Miller’s artistic practice is rooted in community development and what she calls “creative placemaking.” She firmly believes civic involvement fosters inclusion and personal investment in shared spaces. Her philosophy centers on the idea that public art should feel like it belongs to the people who encounter it every day. As she puts it: “There’s something magical about art that is community-made. It transcends the individual tiles and creates a sense of place. A community work of art can be a place to return to and serve as a reminder that I existed here in this special place and time.” Miller concludes that “Art is transformative,” especially when it lives where everyday life happens: outside a shelter door, near kennels and adoption rooms, next to the open-hearted families deciding to give an animal a home. Want to read more stories like this? Visit Richardson Life Magazine.
Mark & Michael Parmerlee: Two Generations of Leadership Shaping Richardson, TX
The last name Parmerlee is synonymous with business and civic impact in Richardson, TX. The Parmerlee presence is a powerful two-person engine: Mark, the long-established business leader who built Golden Tree Restaurants into a regional force; and Michael, who has spent the past decade carving out his own path as a civic organizer and connector. The story of Mark and Michael is not about succession, but about parallel influence—a father whose business and philanthropic reputation helped shape modern Richardson, and a son whose deep civic involvement has cemented his place as an outstanding community leader. They work side by side, each in his own lane, carrying the same ethos of integrity, service, and commitment to the city. Mark Parmerlee: The Builder and CEO of Golden Chick Mark Parmerlee is the President/CEO/Chairman of Golden Tree Restaurants, the parent company of the Golden Chick brand. Starting his career as a dishwasher, Mark purchased Golden Fried Chicken in 1989 and has guided the concept through multiple evolutions over 36 years. Today, under Mark’s leadership, Golden Chick employs over 6,254 people and is on track to surpass 250 locations by 2025. His tenure is defined by prioritizing franchisee profitability, food safety, and advancing training programs. Anchoring Golden Chick in Richardson Mark made the critical decision early on to place the company headquarters in Richardson. Believing in the city’s schools, location, and its “big small-town feel,” the family eventually purchased all five buildings in the Arapaho Gardens complex, anchoring the company permanently in the city. Mark’s sons attended Spring Valley, Westwood, and Richardson High School (RHS), solidifying his commitment to RISD. A Life of Charitable Giving and Service Mark consistently ties Golden Chick’s presence to local support. The Arapaho location’s popular funnel cake fundraiser donates fifty cents of each sale to nearby schools. Mark has been a champion of youth leadership through Scouting, serving as Scoutmaster and currently on the Executive Board of Circle 10 Council. As co-founder of the Sporting Clays Invitational, he has helped raise over $7 million for ScoutReach, supporting underserved youth. Mark’s guiding principle is simple: “Be honest. Be respectful. Be caring.” Resilient Leader and Future Philanthropist A little-known fact is that Mark is a two-time liver transplant recipient, with his last transplant occurring more than twenty years ago. Despite his resilience, Mark is preparing the company for his eventual retirement to focus on travel, landscaping, his ranch, and, most importantly, philanthropy. He plans to give back more time, not just support from a distance. Michael Parmerlee: The Connector and Civic Leader If Mark is the builder, then Michael Parmerlee is the connector—the person who shows up reliably across Richardson’s civic landscape. Michael forged his own path through community service before joining Golden Tree Restaurants as President and Associate General Counsel of GFC Leasing Corp, LLC. Michael’s extensive local involvement includes: Immediate Past President of Richardson East Rotary Club and current Assistant Governor for Rotary District 5810. Board Member of the Richardson Family YMCA. Active member of the Leadership Richardson Alumni Association and Advisory Board Member. An enthusiastic alum of Leadership Richardson (LR) Class 33. Michael emphasizes that he chooses organizations based on the people he serves with: “Service is most meaningful when you’re surrounded by people you enjoy and respect.” He loves Richardson for its transit lines, accessibility, the presence of UTD, and the community’s understanding that a great city requires contribution. A Shared Legacy and Future Vision While Mark is eyeing retirement, Michael is in expansion mode. Both leaders are guiding Golden Tree Restaurants into new real estate ventures, including potential new Golden Chick locations within the city. Philanthropically, Michael is deepening his involvement with Rotary, including adding international service with an upcoming trip to Camaguey, Cuba, to help build a baseball field. The long-term vision is a Parmerlee family foundation. This foundation would allow them to take their decades of combined giving and civic network and scale their philanthropic work, providing a structured, long-term investment in the city that raised them. The Parmerlees are not just building a legacy; they are building momentum. Mark anchored the company in Richardson decades ago, and Michael is now one of the key leaders shaping what Richardson will look like in the next decade.
Altrusa Richardson: Women United by Service, Driving Positive Community Impact
When we talk about Altrusa International of Richardson, we are talking about the power of women uniting with intention, compassion, and a shared desire to make our community better. Many know Altrusa as an international service organization, but here in Richardson, it’s a home base where purposeful work and genuine friendship meet. We serve because we love our city, and we do it side by side, forming bonds that often last a lifetime. Our theme this year is Teamwork, Friendship, Service—three words that capture the spirit of our club. Whether we’re assembling books for local students, honoring women leaders, or celebrating a birthday at Ability House, we show up together with enthusiasm, confidence, and kindness. A Welcoming Community of Women Who Want to Give Back With roughly 70 members, Altrusa Richardson is a diverse group of women representing different professions, ages, and backgrounds. What unites us is the belief that our time and energy can help build a stronger, more connected Richardson, TX. Membership is open to all women who share this passion. Regardless of how members discovered the organization, they stay because of the bonds built through service. As a phrase we often repeat states, “We’re not just members—we’re Altrusa sisters.” Service brings us together, but friendship is what keeps us strong. Committees That Turn Compassion Into Action The heart of our organization lies in our committees, allowing members to focus on causes that resonate most personally. Community Outreach & Local Partnerships The Community Outreach Committee is one of our busiest groups. They recently supported the RISD Backpack Bash and the Richardson Reads One Book author event. Key partnerships include: Supporting the Warren Center’s Fantasy Football fundraiser. Participation in the Richardson Nonprofit Fair and Culture in the Core. Organizing a team for the Alzheimer’s Walk for the Cure. Donating coats and peanut butter to Network of Community Ministries. Facilitating the Apple Tree Court auction for senior residents. Hosting birthday and holiday celebrations for residents of Ability House, a home for adults with cerebral palsy that holds a special place in our hearts. The Kindness Committee and KAN Weekend Another committee reflecting our core values is the Kindness Committee, which promotes empathy and connection. Through a partnership with Richardson ISD, we help establish Choose Kind Libraries in elementary schools, providing books that encourage students to lead with compassion. One of our largest endeavors, the KAN (Kindness Action Night) Weekend, has grown into a multi-partner experience. During KAN, we assemble kits for nonprofits, collect books for the RISD Intake Center, and recognize groups in the community who exemplify kindness. We’ve spread kindness through creative acts, from treating first responders to cookies to crafting badge pulls for nurses. The goal is always the same: to spread kindness widely, meaningfully, and creatively. Leadership and Socializing Our Leadership Committee organizes workshops that help our members and the community grow as leaders. We also balance our service with bonding through a book club, bridge group, and a monthly Lunch Bunch—strengthening the sense of sisterhood. Honoring Women and Fueling Change: The Annual Luncheon Every October, our club hosts its only fundraiser: the Outstanding Women of Today luncheon. This is one of our most meaningful traditions, honoring women from across the region who have excelled in fields like small business, education, healthcare, and nonprofit leadership. We are constantly inspired by these honorees who not only excel professionally but uplift others. The luncheon allows us to raise the necessary funds to support dozens of service projects throughout the year, as well as crucial scholarships for Richardson ISD seniors and students residing within the Richardson city limits. We joyfully invest in the next generation of leaders and changemakers. A Shared Commitment to Making a Difference For us, service takes many shapes: packing backpacks, ushering at reading events, or sharing laughter at an Ability House birthday party. Our mission is alive in these small moments—moments when we witness someone feel cared for, recognized, or empowered. Altrusa Richardson is a community of women who believe in the power of service. We believe that kindness matters. And we believe that when women work together with intention, we can improve lives—our own included. For more information and to get involved, visit the Altrusa Richardson website at altrusarichardson.com.
Leading with Heart: Amy Taylor on Volunteer Services at Methodist Richardson and Community Engagement in Richardson, TX
Directing Volunteer Services at Methodist Richardson Medical Center As the Director of Volunteer Services at Methodist Richardson, Amy Taylor oversees a vital team of nearly 200 active volunteers, consistently seeking dedicated individuals who wish to give back to the community. Her department supports several key programs: Daily Volunteers: Commit to a weekly four-hour shift, handling essential tasks like escorting patients and visitors, restocking supplies, and supporting the surgery waiting area. Unit Volunteers: College students pursuing careers in medicine who commit to a year-long, weekly four-hour shift, gaining direct experience working with nurses and healthcare technicians. Pastoral Care: Volunteers who partner with the Chaplain to offer spiritual comfort. Pet Therapy: Rigorously trained volunteers and their dogs providing comfort to staff, patients, and visitors during stressful moments. Junior Volunteers: Local high school students who participate each summer to gain an introduction to healthcare service. Amy emphasizes that working with people who are so committed to helping others is the best part of her job, citing the recognition of volunteer Jerry Nichols as a Richardson Real Hero as a defining, meaningful moment. Richardson Roots and Career Path A true local, Amy was born and raised in Richardson and is a proud RHS graduate. She holds a degree from Texas A&M and initially pursued marketing and promotions in radio and cable TV (working with networks like HBO/Cinemax and Oxygen). Her path shifted toward community involvement when she joined the Eisemann Center, which eventually led her to the Director of Volunteer Services position at Methodist Richardson. She describes the role as a “perfect fit” that allows her to help people directly within a healthcare setting. Deep Community Involvement in Richardson and Plano Amy’s commitment extends far beyond the hospital. She is highly involved in community leadership and the arts: Cultural Arts Commission: She actively serves here, helping to review public art submissions (including the new artwork at the Richardson Animal Shelter) and participating in the annual nonprofit arts grant process. Leadership Richardson: A proud member of Class 32, she is actively involved in the Leadership Richardson Alumni Association and maintains strong ties with her classmates. Richardson Chamber: An active member, supporting local business and community development. As her family is zoned to Plano ISD, Amy is also involved with Leadership Plano and the Vines High School Band Booster Committee and PTA, demonstrating her wide-ranging commitment to the local education system across both Richardson and Plano. Personal Life and Holiday Traditions Amy lives in the area, maintaining a small but close family unit. Her daughter is an aviation major at the University of Oklahoma, and her son is a percussionist at Vines High School. The family also includes two rescue dogs, Argo and Indie (Indie adopted from the Richardson Animal Shelter). In her free time, Amy enjoys local volunteering, attending concerts (like the annual Wildflower! festival), and traveling to warm destinations. For the holidays, her family keeps it simple: attending a Christmas Eve service followed by lasagna and Uno at her house, then gathering at her parents’ home on Christmas Day. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Methodist Richardson Volunteer Services to learn more about their programs.