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Brianna Ruelas Music

Brianna, you are such a talented and multi-faceted entrepreneur…musician, speaker, author, wife, mom. For those who don’t know you, how would you describe yourself and your business?

Richardson Interfaith Alliance

Building Bridges Across Communities of Faith By Patti Otte On the fourth Thursday of every month, a diverse group of faith leaders gathers to have lunch, share fellowship, and exchange ideas. For this hour, the group builds relationships and respect. Business is conducted, future plans are made, and a guest speaker presents a program centered around items of concern to all, including topics close to home, such as hospital and school districts, police and fire departments, City government and services, safety and equality. They also discuss broader issues facing the world at large, like human trafficking, race relations, refugees and immigration. Time is then devoted to questions and answers, a significant part of the bridge-building process. After the monthly meetings, attendees disseminate information to smaller pockets of faith communities throughout Richardson. This thoughtfully created organization is known as the Richardson Interfaith Alliance (RIA). It was formed in 2012 and, according to RIA Chair Niranjan Hanumanna, who has served in that position for the past five years, the “purpose of the Richardson Interfaith Alliance is to increase respect of all faiths through education and increased awareness and to coordinate and enhance faith-based services for the betterment of OUR community…As the mission statement states, Richardson Interfaith Alliance is striving to achieve enhanced understanding amongst peace-loving residents of this great city!” Richardson Interfaith Alliance is a zero-cost forum for leaders from a variety of faiths to share their wisdom and commit to promoting compassion and unity. They are tasked with providing solutions to problems pertaining to faith issues within Richardson. One way they look for solutions is to discuss how people of various faith perspectives address topics such as conflict resolution and forgiveness. As of this time, approximately 40 groups are involved with RIA. They range from Buddhist to Christian to Islamic to Jewish to the Baha’i Faith and many unitarian groups as well, such as the Sai Center & Meditation Center. Richardson Interfaith Alliance’s steering committee consists of 8-10 individuals who work in the background to keep the group on track. Thanks to Niranjan Hanumanna’s leadership and a committed steering committee, the group has survived de-spite an aging member population and numbers which dwindled during COVID; thankfully, the group is currently growing back to its pre-COVID participation. One of the cornerstones of the group centers around compassion in action. RIA has a compassion in action director, a program director and a youth group leader, a position which is currently vacant. The City of Richardson partners with the RIA on several cultural and public safety initiatives, including Trash Bash. Beyond working with the city, the group participates in Feeding Children Everywhere, National Day of Prayer and other charitable initiatives. With a wide representation of different faith communities working together, RIA does its part to see Richardson flourish through a common thread of loving one’s neighbor. According to steering committee member Rev. Dr. April Bristow, “Central to RIA’s mission is the charter for compassion. At the heart of compassion is a recognition of pain and dis-ease in the world and a conscious and intentional effort to ‘be with’ others in ways that are healing, to help individuals and communities move to wholeness. I am proud to be a part of efforts that seek to build rather than tear down.” Through the thoughtful work of the Richardson Interfaith Alliance, the cross-cultural ties that bind Richardson citizens together have grown stronger every year.

ROBERT AND LISA GRINSFELDER RISD

RISD EDUCATORS’ CORNER Editor’s Note: In each issue of Richardson Life Magazine, we highlight individuals who are making a difference in the lives of Richardson Independent School District students. If you would like to nominate someone to be showcased in this section of RLM, email pmotte@hylogroup.com.   Unsung Heroes Making a Lasting Impact in RISD Schools Through the We Read Together Program By Patti Otte   To say that Lisa and Robert Grinsfelder love Richardson – their family, their friends, their church, the wider community — would be an understatement. These two are making a difference by volunteering their time and talents to RISD schools and their impact on RISD students will be a lasting one. Lisa and Robert Grinsfelder have become unsung hometown heroes in their retirement years, even though they aren’t comfortable with that description. Lisa grew up in Richardson, attended school here, graduating from RHS, and then returned upon finishing college. Robert came to RISD in the ninth grade and attended Lake Highlands High School. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Richardson’s Troop 890. Robert recalls, “RHS was king of the hill back then. Lake Highlands wanted to beat them when we could because we were the little guys!” After both attending Texas Tech, where they met and fell in love, Robert and Lisa came back to Richardson to live, work and raise a family. Lisa dedicated her life to teaching science, first at Forest Meadow for 25 years and then at Berkner for the last 13years of her career. Robert proudly remembers, “Lisa was the teacher who helped with everything financially for the kids…she had a personal ‘slush fund’ for her students which she used to fill her desk drawer with snacks, school supplies, and anything else kids might need but might not be able to afford. Lisa laughingly states that she received a raise by retiring because she no longer had to set aside money for the slush fund! Both Lisa and Robert are passion-ate about public education in general for having been products of it. Theystate, “We are big advocates of public education and strong supporters of teachers and staff in schools. The stronger our schools are, the stronger our community, state and country is.” Upon retirement, the couple became very involved at First United Methodist Church Richardson, where they now chair FUMCR’s Children First program. The Children First team established a reading program with FUMCR partner schools Mark Twain Elementary and Greenwood Hills Elementary to make a difference in the lives of students. Church members read to pre-k through second grade students, help on campus workdays, and provide sup-port to the local PTAs. For the past two years, FUMCR’s congregation has made possible the donation of a book for each student to take home at the end of the fall semester and 1-2 books for the spring semester with the goal of creating a library in each home. Almost 10,000books have been given since the pro-gram began. States Robert, “Purchasing books has had a tangible impact at Greenwood Hills and Mark Twain.” This spring FUMCR and Children First are spending $2600 to provide the book The Wish Tree to all the students at Greenwood Hills. Librarian Kim Sierra brought the concept of “Greenwood Hills Reads One Book” to the school Each family receives a lesson plan to accompany the book and which chapters to read. The book deals with racism, kids not feeling welcome, and more relevant topics. The art department has made a tree in the hallway and students are putting wishes on it. Dr. Carrie Thomas, Director of Community Engagement for RISD, realized that the Children First’s reading model could be expanded into an RISD reading program and she solicited the Grinsfelders’ help to make it happen. In the spring of 2022, RISD piloted We Read Together. Reading specialists came up with curriculum. The Grinsfelders helped recruit volunteers, who were then trained by the District on different techniques to use with readers. The program is now in its third year and data indicates that the program is helping students to be on track with their reading by the time they reach third grade. Lisa and Robert believe that reading is just one component of the program’s success. Says Lisa, “It’s having another adult in the student’s community – a mentor who cares about him or her – that helps the child experience success.” The program now boasts approximately 100 adult volunteers, but the District has big plans for We Read Together. They hope to have 600 volunteers at the end of 2024 and expand to more campuses throughout the District. The Grinsfelders credit RISD top leadership for embracing the program. It’s an “every student, every teacher, every day” school philosophy which fosters inclusiveness and respect.   If you would like to join the Grinsfelders help a child in RISD have a brighter future through We Read Together, it only takes one hour a week. Become a champion outside the classroom. For more information about the We Read Together program or to register to volunteer for this outstanding program, visit risd.org .   

Network Launches

Network of Community Ministries New MENTAL HEALTH and WELLNESS SERVICES By Patti Otte   Network is responding to alarming mental health statistics in Texas by introducing mental health and wellness services to their existing programming. This initiative aims to address the gap in mental health care accessibility, providing compassionate and evidence-based services at no cost to those in need. In Texas, 3.3 million adults are diagnosed with mental health conditions and a staggering 55% of adults with mental health conditions cannot or do not seek the necessary treatment. Key components of the program include the addition of three full-time mental health professionals — a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)as a Clinical Case Manager and two Li-censed Master Social Workers (LMSW)for individualized therapy. Network has also partnered with a contract psychiatrist to provide wraparound, multi-disciplinary care. These services are offered at no cost, and for as long as services are needed. Comprehensive screenings for depression and anxiety, as well as a Self-Sufficiency Survey, help to identify specific needs. Additionally, Parent Café, open to all neighbors, is a program that provides a safe space for parents to enjoy a meal, take a break, and discuss their success-es and challenges among a group of peers. While parents participate in the program, childcare activities are offered. Adding mental health services to Network’s existing program is de-signed to break down barriers to access, offering free, unlimited counseling sessions to those who need it most. Funding from the City of Richardson and the Ruth Ann Marmion Charitable Fund makes this program possible. For more information about Network and its mental health and wellness services pro-gram, please contact Amanda Pels, Chief Strategy Officer, at 972-234-8880 ext. 109 or email her at apels@thenetwork.org.  

Sports Spotlight

BEN & SKIN Radio Celebrities with Richardson Roots By Patti Otte Most folks don’t get to earn a living chatting and laughing with their best friend. But that’s exactly what Ben Rogers and Jeff “Skin” Wade have done every day since 2008 on their wildly popular radio show “Ben & Skin.” Says Ben, “The best part of being a radio personality is that I make a living goofing off with my best friend. Our conversations aren’t entirely different from the ones we had way back in high school — only now we make a living having those same ridiculously immature conversations. If you’re a sports fan, you’ll have heard of Ben & Skin. They’ve etched their names into the annals of sports talk radio, bringing a dynamic and entertaining flair to the airwaves. Based in Dallas, this dynamic duo has cultivated a devoted fan base with their unique blend of sports analysis, humor and genuine camaraderie. But what folks may not know is that the radio hosts both grew up in Richardson. I first met Ben working on RLM’s story about Coach Mark Malcolm as both Ben &Skin played on Apollo Junior High School’s championship football team under Coach Malcolm. Ben has so many fond memories of growing up in Richardson. He recalls, “We had the amazing playground with the giant monster at Huffhines Park. We had Huffhines Recreation Center. We had that big, beautiful creek where you could go on any number of adventures. And, of course, I loved Richardson Square Mall, which featured a movie theater, an arcade and the first Chick-fil-A. And who can forget about the greatness of Twin Rivers’ arcade games and batting cages!” For other locals, Ben’s memory of being a kid at a time when Richardson police officers carried around Dallas Cowboys trading cards and gave them to kids who knew to ask for them will bring back fond memories. And, says Ben, “It created a cool relationship with the po-lice department as the Dallas Cowboys were obviously everything to us.” One of the key elements of Ben &Skin’s success is their ability to seamlessly blend sports commentary with humor. While many sports talk shows focus solely on the game, Ben & Skin inject a healthy dose of laughter into their broadcasts. Listeners are not only treated to insightful analysis but also toa lively banter that reflects the hosts’ genuine friendship. Ben calls Skin the most talented person he has ever known, stating, “Skin’s incredibly intelligent with a razor sharp wit…but also a beautiful, kind person who cares a great deal about people. On top of how utterly hilarious this man is, he’s the first person I go to for real life advice, or to talk about things that are heavy.” In addition to their on-air chemistry, Ben & Skin have successfully adapted to the changing media landscape. They’ve embraced digital platforms, connecting with their audience through social media, podcasts and live streaming, multi-platform approach has allowed them to reach a broader audience and stay relevant in an era where traditional radio alone might not suffice. As if the time they spend working together isn’t enough fun, Ben & Skin are now the proud owners of the brewery Rollertown Beerworks in Celina. It’s so successful that the team (Ben & Skin and their partners) are breaking ground on a new brewery headquarters in Frisco at the end of March. Despite their success, Ben & Skin remain humble and grateful for the support of their fans, both on the radio and at Rollertown. This down-to-earth attitude has endeared them to listeners and patrons alike, fostering a sense of fun and camaraderie wherever the duo goes. If you haven’t already discovered Ben & Skin, now’s the time. You don’t know what you’re missing!    

Don Magner (City Manager of Richardson)

Don-Magner

I was born and raised in New Orleans. I developed an interest in government and politics in high school, largely because of the unique nature of both in Louisiana. I developed a strong belief that local government should be managed by professionals who, above all else, are committed to integrity and service.

Richardson Library Back in Business

A temporary Homes for Beloved City Service By Patti Otte While the City of Richardson’s original library undergoes its much anticipated transformation, citizens can once again enjoy the Richardson Library’s approximately 235,000 items in its new, albeit temporary, 29,000 sq. ft. home. The space has been thoughtfully designed to maximize the space and create a welcoming environment for its patrons. The recently opened library is housed in space adjacent to the new City Hall, but it can be tricky to find, almost hiding in plain sight. 2360 Campbell Creek Boulevard is its street address, but visitors can easily access the library via a driveway entrance off Plano Road. As potential guests travel northbound on Plano Road from Campbell, the library can be found on the west side of the street just a few turn-ins north of Calloway’s Nursery. Alternately, the entrance off Plano Road is just south of the light at N Greenville Avenue. At first glance, the building can be mistaken for an office warehouse, but the City has installed informative signs around the complex, indicating entrances for the library, the new City Hall, and the City Hall annex. Many aspects of the library have remained the same. Residents can still check out or drop off physical materials and InterLibrary Loans are once again available. Notarial services and programming for adults, teens and children are back in full swing. Guests will also have the benefit of complimentary WiFi with hotspots for checkout. The library’s business center includes a laptop kiosk for use within the library; both black & white and color printing; a copier; and 3D printing. Tables, chairs and study carrels are scattered throughout the library for adults, teens and children. New computer work stations   Children’s Area And while the new facility does not have meeting spaces for the public, it does have both a story time room and a conference room for library programming. Guests will, however, encounter a few changes. Due to its size, the temporary location does not have private study areas and will not be accepting donations. The library does have laptop computers for checkout, but no longer has desktop computers for public use. The library’s impressive 11-bin automated sorter helps streamline the circulation process for staff members. It uses RFID tags to sort and check in items and prints out hold slips if the item has a hold request. Circulation staff members then match up the slip with the item and place it on the hold shelf for the patron. Items are sorted by their collection and location within the building, making it easier and quicker to get them back on the shelf for the next visitor. Most items are available to check out for three weeks. BOOKbabble “to go” bags have an extended check-out time of six weeks. Lending periods for Interlibrary Loans are set by the lending library. States Library Director Jennifer Davidson, “Our goal is for the community to feel proud to have a place that promotes learning, inclusivity, and equal access to knowledge, aiding in personal growth and community well-being.” Mission accomplished, Ms. Davidson. For more information about the library’s many programs, visit http://cor.net/library. Tables and study carrels for public use Library’s 11-bin automated sorter     LIBRARY LOCATION & HOURS: 2360 Campbell Creek Boulevard Richardson, TX 75082 Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Friday – Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Sunday 2:00 pm – 6:00

A New Beginning for J.J Pearce

Recently, J.J. Pearce High School has undergone an “out with the old and in with the new” transformation. Anyone familiar with the school has endured these changes over the last three years. Plans for the renovation of the school date as far back as 2019.