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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.

Altrusa International of Richardson, Inc.

By Jean Stuart and Patti Otte Nationally-renowned biochemist and cancer researcher Helen Dyer once stated, “Volunteering is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.” A group of women in Richardson lives by that motto. They are members of Altrusa International of Richardson, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization operating in the city since 1967. These dedicated volunteers are shaping the future through acts of service and giving. Founded in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1917, Altrusa International, Inc. has 392 clubs worldwide in 19 countries, 36 of which are in Texas. The name “Altrusa” was coined from ALT (altruism) and USA (United States), reflecting the patriotism of the WWI era in America. Altrusa International of Richardson, Texas, Inc. was presented with a charter on May 23, 1967. The club is governed by officers and a board of directors. Currently, there are more than seventy regular members plus emeritus members. Altrusa Richardson hosts the “Outstanding Woman of Today… Builders of Tomorrow” awards luncheon, a fundraiser held annually in the fall. The awards luncheon recognizes the tremendous achievements of working women— women of leadership—who exemplify determination and innovation and have made an outstanding contribution in their field and have “Hearts for Humanity.” Monies raised by the event fund the club’s service projects and contributions for the following year.       Altrusa founding a choose Kind library in Kenya Altrusa hosts party at Ability House Altrusan delivering coats to Network   Last year alone, among many other altruistic acts, Altrusa Richardson accrued 14,045 hours of service (a $478,343 value if hours were paid). In addition, they funded $13,000 in scholarships and $12,000 in grants to community nonprofits, donated 500 emergency food kits and 270 coats to NETWORK, and set up and maintained 20 Choose Kind libraries in RISD. Altrusa Richardson’s target population is children, elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged persons. Jean Stuart, current vice president who will become president in the 2024-2025 term, adds, “We search for need. We have adopted a home that cares for six adults with disabilities; we celebrate their birthdays with gifts and cake and celebrate/decorate for holidays (i.e. Halloween and Christmas). We call Bingo and hold auctions (with paper money and gifts we provide) at local area senior assisted living facilities. We celebrate Kindness Weekend every April, during which we not only spread kindness but also involve the city and other organizations.” Choose Kind Library funded by Altrusa “It is not enough to be good. Altrusans must be good for something” – Mamie L. Bass, Altrusa’s first national president     Preparing gifts to give female veterans   Stuart goes on to say, “Altrusa is different because, while we donate some money to others, most of what we do is hands-on, meeting those we are serving, while loving what we do. It seems that all our projects are filled with laughter and camaraderie. We say join us for fun, friendship, kindness, service and community.” The organization hopes to grow and will be hosting ‘recruitment’ events in the next few months. They have many upcoming projects and welcome others to help them better serve the community. Furthermore, Altrusa Richardson is now opening the Grant application process for the year and looking for community nonprofits who might apply for those grants. For more information about Altrusa Richardson, visit http://altrusarichardson.com.   Altrusa Richardson Encourages Area Nonprofits To Apply For Grants Altrusa International of Richardson announces that applications are now being accepted for grants to qualifying area nonprofits for the 2023-2024 grants cycle. Grants typically range from $1,000-$1,500. Monies provided by Altrusa grants must be used by awardees for specific projects benefitting the community and disbursed no later than May 31, 2024, unless otherwise reported. A fillable application form and submission instructions are available on the Altrusa website at http://altrusarichardson.com/grants Additionally, reminder letters are being sent to 501(c)(3) recipient organizations who received funding last year. The deadline for submitting a grant application is August 31, 2023. Applications will be reviewed by the grants committee. Funding recommendations will then be submitted to the Altrusa International of Richardson Foundation, which will make the awards. Grantees will receive notification by October 31, 2023. If you need more information about the grant submission process, please contact Grants Committee Chair Mary Shiroma at 214-914-3634 or by email at maryshiroma@outlook.com.

Arts & Culture in Richardson

ENJOY THE SHOW! CELEBRATING RISD’S OUTSTANDING HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE PROGRAMS What better way to say goodbye to summer and hello to the new school year than by shining a spotlight on Richardson ISD’s topnotch high school theatre programs. You’ll find something for everyone in your family in the variety of shows these outstanding directors and their students plan to perform this year. Pearce Theatre Pearce Theatre has been entertaining audiences for fifty years. In fact, recently actors from the very first show done at Pearce came to the school and found the places they had signed their names under the stage so many years ago. During those early years, Pearce Theatre was run by the legendary director Lynn Zednick Shaw, commonly known to her students as “Zed.” She passed away in 2009, leaving the program in the capable hands of Director Heather Biddle. Biddle, a class of ‘95 Pearce graduate, has always been active in theatre, dance and performing. That the stories they tell touch lives and help people have conversations that they might not otherwise have been brave enough to undertake is what makes Biddle so proud to be involved in theatre. She states, “We give a place to all students at Pearce. I also run our adaptive needs theatre program and we make sure that ‘All Means All’ when it comes to the art and beauty and joy of theatre.” Biddle believes in “adopting” students who aren’t traditional theatre kids and providing them with a whole new world. Danezion Mills is one such student. He was, according to Biddle, a great kid with an uncertain future. She encouraged him to try theatre, which he did. However, challenges in his personal life threatened to derail his future. So Danezion was ‘adopted’ by the extended theatre family and its supporters in the community. He not only ended up attending Texas State and their top tier theatre program, earning a BFA in Theatre, but he is now living and working in Los Angeles as a professional actor. Besides positively impacting individual students, Pearce Theatre is also a pilot program, meaning that it gets firstrun shows from all the major licensing companies in New York, according to Biddle. Their most recent pilot was Mean Girls High School Version, which they took to the International Thespian Festival, otherwise known as “Nationals,” this spring. Still seven months away from the completion of its brand-new theatre, Biddle is having to be flexible and the season is still in flux. Biddle did share that the fall show will not only be a high school premiere, but in fact a regional premiere as they will perform it for the first time in the entire southern region. And in February, Pearce students will be performing in collaboration with the Richardson Theatre Collective for a children’s show, Finding Nemo Kids. Our entire family loved being part of the theatre community at Pearce High School. Theatre provided two of my sons a place where they could challenge themselves, make mistakes, learn new skills, gain confidence, and develop lifelong friendships. The program and the directors made such a positive impact on them that they are both pursuing acting in college. – Tiffany Hoodenpyle, Pearce Theatre mom Biddle is thankful to be able to continue to tell stories and be part of the community’s lives. She states, “Thanks for hanging in there with us as we travel from space to space waiting for our new theatre to open. Thanks to the incredible people at Richardson High School and the Theatre Collective for housing us so many times this past year. And to the Allen Performing Arts Center for opening their doors to us as well. Theatre is such a community and we are so blessed to be part of it.” For more information about the Pearce Theatre program, visit http://pearcetheatre.org Mean Girls Photo Credit: Amy Abney     RICHARDSON THEATRE COLLECTIVE AT RICHARDSON HIGH SCHOOL Chicago Photo Credit: Cripple Bypass Photography The Theatre Magnet at Richardson High School has existed for decades. About ten years ago, it split into two different magnets—the Theatre Performance Magnet and the Technical Theatre Magnet. In 2019 the program was rebranded into the Theatre Collective at Richardson High School. According to its department chair and director Erik Archilla, its mission is to “foster an inclusive learning community of theatre artists for the purposes of profound student growth and meaningful community engagement.” The Collective operates like a college department in that each year the students learn new skills and can grow in their chosen paths. In the Technical Theatre Magnet, students focus on design, stage craft, or theatre management. In the Theatre Performance Magnet, students learn acting, then branch out into playwriting and directing. During their senior year, students choose a career path of acting, directing, playwriting, theatre education, or theatre administration. Archilla loves working with high school aged students, specifically at RHS. He says, “Our students are incredible. They are so eager to learn more, and it is so exciting to see the lightbulbs go off in their brains when they get a concept. The amount of growth we see from freshmen to senior year is incredible. And watching them take ownership of their work is truly inspiring… It gives me goosebumps every time and I am so stinkin’ proud of each of them.” He is also proud that fourteen Collective students who won superiors at the Texas Thespian Festival and qualified to compete at Thespian Nationals this past summer. All of the Collective’s directors are working professionals in their field and bring real-world experiences to the classroom. They also share their networking connections with their students. Archilla says, “I think one of the things I am most proud of is that we have had many of our students go on to become theatre teachers themselves, some even in RISD. One of our directors, Emily Whitman, graduated from our program.” Whitman enthusiastically states, “Theatre kids are SO. MUCH. FUN. There is never a dull day at