Art: The Universal Language of Health and Healing
Can anything transcend language and geography better than art? It’s a cornerstone of human expression, a connector of people to their emotions, histories and communities.
Art in your Backyard
On September 24, 2024, The University of Texas at Dallas cut the ribbon to the long-anticipated first building of the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum, a multi-phase arts and performance complex for the UT Dallas campus.
Rozie Deloach-Zimmerman (Owner and Principal Luthier at Caraway Strings)
My family has been involved in the orchestra world since before I was born: my mother was a public school orchestra teacher and my father started a separate instrument rental business in the Arlington area, in his later years.
Beril Berk (Executive Director, Dialogue Institute Dallas)
Beril Berk—attorney, leader, and tireless volunteer—is making a meaningful difference in Richardson. Almost eight years ago, Berk moved to the U.S. after working as a corporate attorney in Turkey.
Ally Haynes-Hamblen (Executive Director, Eisemann Center)
I grew up in Denver, Colorado, in a family of artists, so my interest in the arts was from birth, essentially. I earned my bachelor’s degree in theater from the University of Denver and after graduation moved to the east coast to start working professionally.
Mariachi Magic
Berkner’s Mariachi Orgullo was formed in spring of 2022 as an after school program by Lydia Villarreal, the Orchestra director at the time. The following school year, Mariachi became a class.
Richardson’s 2025 Chinese New Year Celebration
Chinese New Year is also known as the Lunar New Year because the date of the celebration follows the lunar calendar. The origin of Chinese New Year celebrations can be dated as far back as 3,500 years.
Healthy Eating
Farm To Table Benefits of Eating Fresh, Local and Sustainable by Patti Otte Farm-to-table eating is about more than just fresh ingredients—it’s a movement that supports local agriculture, embraces sustainability, and cuts down on the environmental impact of long food supply chains. Imagine biting into a tomato, still warm from the sun, or enjoying a crisp lettuce leaf harvested just hours before the meal. In Richardson, some citizens experience farm-to-table eating on a small scale by shopping at local farmers’ markets or growing their own gardens. Bednar’s Vision Thanks to entrepreneur Jeff Bednar, owner of Profound Microfarms in nearby Lucas, Richardson residents without gardening space or a green thumb can experience the benefits of farm-fresh, sustainably grown produce through his farm’s convenient delivery services. An entrepreneur at heart, Bednar first managed his dad’s car wash business in Plano and then started a career in real estate buying and flipping houses. But he wanted a more sustainable family business. Profound Microfarms was conceived out of Bednar’s desire to share his passion for fresh and local produce and truly sustainable agricultural practices while making a difference in his community. According to Bednar, “All of our farmers are practicing organic, sustainable or regenerative practices. I love our community of passionate farmers, ranchers, food producers, chefs and home delivery customers looking to support local.” Profound Microfarms Bednar’s vision became such a success that they now tour 5,000-6,000 people per year through their farms. And in 2018, Bednar and his team received a USDA grant to create a local “food hub.” A food hub is simply a business that helps small farmers grow by offering a combination of production, distribution and marketing services. Initially, the hub’s online store was only open to professional chefs. But now residential customers can shop there too! Profound Microfarms partners with other producers committed to sustainable practices, thereby providing customers with a wide variety of products which can be purchased weekly for delivery to Richardson every Friday. For more information about the benefits of farm-to-table eating and Profound Microfarms, visit http://profoundfoods.com. To receive a delivery in Richardson any given Friday, orders must be placed by noon on Wednesdays.
Curtis Poovey (City of Richardson Fire Department Chief)
I grew up in Rowlett back when that town was considered country and so small there wasn’t even a store to buy a pair of socks. We grew up riding horses, fishing and running around the woods. I was drawn to the fire service early in life. Both my father and brother were firefighters. After being around them and hearing their stories, I knew that firefighting was the career for me.
Still in The Game
What to do when you’ve retired from working and don’t want to just sit around watching TV? It’s a question many retired people have and it’s not so easy to find something worthwhile and enjoyable. That is, unless you are a softball player and know about senior softball leagues.