Staff & Reader Submitted

BOOK REVIEW: THE TERRA COTTA THEFT (SUCCULENT SLEUTH COZY MYSTERY, #0.5) by Iris March

KAREN SIDDALL — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:32:35 Z

The Terra Cotta Theft

Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery, #0.5

Iris March

Unique introduction to the series' characters as children.

When money from the register at Patty's Plant Place suddenly goes missing, how will Grandpa Will discover who the thief is among those present in the store? This is the tricky question Will Flores faces when the stack of twenties disappears, and there are plenty of suspects, both employees and customers, to consider and rule out.

The Terra Cotta Theft is a prequel to author Iris March's fun and satisfying Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery series, featuring Will's granddaughters, Molly, May, and Shannon (the twins' cousin), and their families and friends. This story introduces the main characters as children, other characters that will become recurring faces in later books, and the business that will eventually become theirs.

A short story, the plot sets up the series' background and establishes close family relationships and long-held ties with their customers and neighboring business owners. There is a cozy, comfortable hometown-family feel right away, and I was easily drawn into the story. The characters are regular people, engaging and familiar, with no one over the top. My interest was immediately piqued by the prospect of reading about their further adventures as adults.

I recommend TERRA COTTA THEFT to readers of cozy mysteries, especially fans of the SUCCULENT SLEUTH series.

Readers can obtain their own copy of the story by signing up for the author's newsletter on her website at https://irismarchbooks.com/newsletter-sign-up/.

For more reviews, visit my blog at Boys' Mom Reads!

DQ Restaurants In Texas Welcome Back The Drumstick Blizzard Treat This June

Mary Jane Coker — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:17:57 Z

School is out for summer and DQ restaurants in Texas have the perfect reason to add a sweet treat to your summer plans. This June, the fan-favorite Drumstick® Blizzard Treat returns as the June Blizzard of the Month for a limited time through June 30.

This nostalgic summer treat blends choco-covered Drumstick pieces with DQs world-famous soft serve. The sweetness from DQs signature soft serve with the salty crunch of peanuts brings those iconic flavors of a classic Drumstick cone to the next level.

Just one red spoonful of the Drumstick Blizzard Treat will have DQ fans coming back for more. This Blizzard Treat captures the ultimate feeling of summertime nostalgia, bringing back memories of neighborhood bike rides, afternoons at the pool, backyard cookouts, and all the sweet moments that make summertime the best time.

It is always exciting to bring back a fan favorite like the Drumstick Blizzard Treat, said Lou Romanus, CEO of the Texas Dairy Queen Operators Council. The sweet and salty flavor combination is hard to beat, making it the perfect treat to enjoy with friends and family this month.

For fans wanting an extra taste of nostalgia , DQ restaurants in Texas are also serving up the Breakfast Treat Collection, featuring the Choco Frosted Donut Blizzard Treat, Fruity Pebbles Shake, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch Dipped Cone.

For more than 78 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, X or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

About Texas Dairy Queen Operators Council

There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries.

BOOK REVIEW: THE CORPSE BY THE CREEK (SUCCULENT SLEUTH COZY MYSTERY, #3) by Iris March

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 31 May 2026 15:14:44 Z

The Corpse by the Creek

Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery, #3

Iris March

Volunteers on a stream monitoring outing find a dead body.

The Corpse by the Creek is the third book in author Iris March's fun and comfortable Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery series, featuring two twin sisters and their cousin who own and operate a small-town plant nursery they inherited jointly from their grandmother, who started the business. With the nursery's parking lot adjoining that for a trailhead of the Buckeye Trail, the women are often the first to know if there's trouble on the trail, even more so when one of them discovers the body of a murder victim while out learning to monitor the local waterways.

When Molly and her husband, Scott, are walking the route on part of the Buckeye Trail to their next stream monitoring site with their trainer, Heath Reed, they come across the body of a man in a suit lying face down and deceased. Soon, the victim is identified as a much-disliked property developer who has been riding roughshod over tenants' feelings in the commercial buildings he has been acquiring in the area, including those next door to Patty's Plant Place. Feeling somewhat invested in what happened to the man, Molly, May, and the rest of the gang at the nursery begin snooping around. But things become critical when they discover that cousin Shannon was the man's real estate agent for many of his recent acquisitions, and the police detective on the case is looking hard in her direction.

Molly is an interesting and earnest young woman, and though she runs her own business, she still finds the time and dedication to participate in worthwhile, altruistic endeavors, such as volunteering for water monitoring with Scott. They are both inspired and renewed by spending time in the great outdoors and want to make a difference. Her twin sister, May, is the busy mother of two school-age children and manages the administrative side of their business, as well as the deep dives into internet research they need to solve this crime. Although close to her sister, as one imagines, May tended to be critical of Molly's every move in this story, while Molly and Shannon, who is normally the sisters' joint antagonist, finally had a genuine moment to air their thoughts and feelings. Hopefully, this is a turning point in the cousins' relationships, and May is not stepping in as a replacement source of tension.

The story moves along at a brisk pace, with the murder victim's discovery occurring early on and the sisters deciding right away to investigate. Since May's husband, Detective Joe Sato, is not assigned to the case, they have lost their special connection to what is officially happening. They are warned off, but did a pretty good job of lifting information and clues from legitimately available sources and targeted chats with people they know who had deals with the dead man. They also were pretty good about taking another person with them whenever they went off on one of their investigatory fishing expeditions. With the victim's terrible reputation, there was no shortage of suspects to rule out, and the big reveal, while in a public place, was still a doozy.

Although this is the third book, it works well as a standalone, so readers new to the series can read and enjoy it on its own. I recommend THE CORPSE BY THE CREEK to cozy mystery fans, especially those who enjoy gardening, plants, or advocating for water quality.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

Texas A&M University College of Dentistry shares 5 things your dentist knows from your mouth

Stephanie Patrick — Sat, 30 May 2026 16:18:00 Z

Mouths tell dentists a lot about peoples oral hygiene habits. Dr. John Safar, clinical faculty in comprehensive dentistry at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, shared five things they reveal to dentists.

Whether youre flossing

Flossing right before your dental appointment doesnt fool the dentist. The dentist knows you skipped flossing for months.

Puffy, swollen and bleeding gums are signs you arent flossing, Safar said. Bleeding gums are signs that plaque has been sitting there for a while. Hardened tartar between teeth, bad breath, and even early cavities in those tight spaces are also clues.

Healthy gums are pink and smooth, and they dont bleed with gentle brushing or flossing.

Its never too late to begin a flossing routine to help remove the bacteria your toothbrush cant reach and keep your gums firm, healthy, and comfortable, Safar said.

If you may have cancer

When you go to the dentist for your twice-a-year cleaning, its more than maintaining a healthy mouth. The dentist is looking for signs of cancer.

Swollen lymph nodes and lumps are red flags, he said. Unusual sores that arent healing or lesions or white patches on the inside of the mouth or gums are also concerning.

That you snore

The shape of your tongue can reveal how well you breathe at night. If you snore, you might notice little waves or dents along the sides of your tongue. This is called a scalloped tongue, and it can happen when your tongue presses against your teeth because your airway is slightly restricted during sleep, Safar said.

Treatment could be as easy as fabricating a custom snoring device, he said.

A scalloped tongue can also be caused by teeth grinding, a naturally larger tongue, dehydration, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, or sleep apnea.

If sleep apnea is a concern, your dentist can work with your medical doctor or a sleep specialist to decide whether further testingsuch as a sleep studywould be helpful, Safar said.

That youre anemic

Pale gums or a pale, smooth or sore tongue can be signs of anemia, often caused by low iron. Without enough iron or vitamin B12, mouth tissues can look pale, feel tender and become more prone to infection; a severe B12 deficiency may cause a beefy red tongue. If untreated, it can lead to nerve problems such as numbness or tingling in hands and feet. Anemia can also change how things taste, sometimes causing a metallic taste.

A blood test can determine the diagnosis of this easily treatable condition, Safar said.

Nearly 10% of people over the age of 2in the U.S. have anemia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That you have a soda habit

Soft drinks are acidic and can slowly wear away tooth enamel. With repeated exposure, they can start to affect the underlying dentin and even some fillings.

You dont need to give them up completely, but limiting how often you sip them is key, Safar said. Water, milk, and unsweetened tea are the safest everyday choices, while sodas, sports drinks, and citrus juices are best saved for occasional use. If you do have them, drink them with meals, avoid sipping over long periods, and rinse with water afterward.

Early enamel softening can often be strengthened again with fluoride and saliva, he said. Once enamel or dentin is worn away, the loss is permanent and needs dental treatment for repair.

A Local Family Just Launched the App Park Cities Has Been Waiting For

Jen Munoz — Fri, 29 May 2026 20:39:07 Z

It starts with a stomach-drop. You call your dog and he doesnt come. The next hour turns into panic - photos uploaded to Facebook, posts dropped in Nextdoor and every neighborhood group within range - a fear that doesnt ease until your furry family member is back safely at home.

Park Cities residents Jen and Zach Munoz know that feeling, and they set out to fix it. Their app, Furmiliar Faces, launched this spring as a private, hyperlocal pet registry designed specifically for neighborhoods like ours and the project has been a family affair from the start, with the Munoz boys, Cole and Jaxon, knocking on doors across Park Cities to invite neighbors in. The problem the Munoz family is addressing is more common than most pet owners realize.

According to AKC Reunite, roughly 1 in 3 pets go missing at some point in their lifetime and most of the time it isnt dramatic. A lawn crew props the gate. A delivery driver doesnt fully latch the door. A kid runs in from the pool and forgets to close it behind them. Park Cities is luckier than most: local police carry microchip scanners, which can get a chipped pet home in minutes. But the chip is only as good as the registration behind it. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that roughly 40% of microchipped pets arent registered in an active database, and that the leading reason chipped pets dont make it home is an out-of-date phone number on file. AVMA research found that lost dogs with current chips are returned at a rate of 52%, compared with just 22% without and for cats the gap is even more dramatic, 38% versus less than 2%. When the chip fails, the only thing left is whether a neighbor recognizes the face on the loose.

Park Cities is a neighborhood where people actually know their neighbors, said Jen Munoz, who co-founded the company with her husband Zach. They wave on walks. They remember your dogs name. But even here, theres a gap. When a pet slips out, the neighbors who could help have no idea who he belongs to or how to reach you.

Furmiliar Faces closes that gap. Pet owners sign up, register their pets, and the neighborhood quietly learns who they are. If a dog ever pulls a Houdini, the people who spot him already know his name, know his family, and know how to get him home. No frantic posting. No waiting and hoping. Just a faster path back.

Here's how it works: every pet on the block gets a profile - photo, name, breed, color. Spot a loose dog and think you know who it belongs to? Filter the registry by breed and color to find them, and ping the owner directly. Don't recognize the dog? Snap a photo and trigger a stray-pet alert to nearby Furmiliar Faces households. Either way, the owner hears in seconds, not hours.

The Munoz family started Furmiliar Faces in Park Cities, and will be opening Furmiliar Faces up block by block. Households in other neighborhoods can sign up too - theyll be the first to know when the registry reaches their street. Signing up takes about 60 seconds at www.furmiliarfaces.app and is free, always. Even households without pets are encouraged to join. Every set of eyes on the block makes the whole network stronger. For questions or to learn more, contact support@furmiliarfaces.app.

BOOK REVIEW: WEIRD STORIES OF STRANGE WOMEN by Christine Hart

KAREN SIDDALL — Fri, 29 May 2026 16:56:44 Z

Weird Stories of Strange Women

Christine Hart

A great collection of spooky short stories featuring women at various stages of their lives.

Weird Stories of Strange Women by Christine Hart is an enthralling collection of unusual, spooky tales featuring women at various stages of adulthood: maiden, mother, crone. These bite-sized stories are perfect for reading when you dont have a lot of time to delve into longer works, and are so well written and self-contained, youll still come away satisfied from every entry. Hart provides four stories of varying lengths and plots for each phase of womens adult lives, and each delivers an entertaining reading experience.

While the maiden stories focus on younger protagonists and the mother tales, of course, feature women in their child-rearing era, the crone phase may be something of an oddity or unfamiliar to some readers. These stories tell of women in their middle or later years who have embarked on new independent lives, focused on themselves, having done their time as caretakers. I enjoyed all the stories, no matter the life phase they represented, though elements of some will resonate more with readers going through similar stages of life. The Crystal Miners, the first story in the book, and Her Lunar Bloom really gave me the shivers, though.

I recommend WEIRD STORIES OF STRANGE WOMEN for readers of short stories with a spooky twist.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

BOOK REVIEW: DEAD MAN'S GOSPEL by Reno Bachman

KAREN SIDDALL — Fri, 29 May 2026 16:21:52 Z

Dead Man's Gospel

Reno Bachman

This gritty Western fiction tale absolutely stuns with carefully crafted prose, an eye for vivid mental images, and a compelling plot.

In Dead Man's Gospel by Reno Bachman, Timothy Gospel, a damaged young man who grew up in the orbit of a charismatic and powerful man known as The Preacher, is on the trail of one of his former associates, the outlaw queen, Mad Dog Maggie. Maggie had once shown Timothy and his mother a small but inexplicable kindness when they needed it most, and with vengeance-seeking men hunting him, he hopes to find sanctuary with her one more time. Meanwhile, two Pinkerton men have been commissioned to track down the Black Gunman, who is wanted for murder. As his trail overlaps Timothy's, the Pinkertons are reeled into both cases, but will justice be served when the journeys finally converge?

Once again, author Reno Bachman absolutely stuns with carefully crafted prose and an eye for vivid mental images. You quickly realize Timothy Gospel is wounded beyond the physical marks left by The Preacher's deliberately inflicted burns, punishment meted out for the theft of a loaf of bread. Timothy also carries the voice of the (now) dead Preacher in his head, his constant companion and antagonist. The voice takes over at times, and when Timothy regains awareness, he discovers he's committed terrible acts while declaiming scripture.

On his trail (because Timothy is traveling in the wake of the elusive Black Gunman) are the two Pinkerton men, Bates and Harker. Their initial assignment is to apprehend the gunman, but as they search for his whereabouts, they are encouraged to include Timothy Gospel in their hunt, as he has killed the son of a powerful and influential man with connections to make that happen.

The travels of the pursued and pursuers take them through the post-Civil War West, a landscape with few and far between small towns, many abandoned and derelict or the hidden havens for outlaws, with vast expanses uninhabited by while settlers, yet populated nonetheless by indigenous peoples. The author imbues every step of their journeys with the feeling that they are being watched and tracked, only one wrong move from disaster.

While a satisfied reader, I did have some issues with the story's readability, as the page layout made it difficult to follow conversations at times. Having to re-read passages really slowed the flow of the dialogue and, consequently, the book itself. Additionally, the author doesn't identify some characters by name when they are first introduced, instead using the generic "a man" or "the man." Later, when new names were mentioned without introductory context, I had to backtrack to figure out who he meant, not knowing whether they would prove to be pivotal characters later or not.

This book follows the trail of consequences established by events in the author's previous work set in this universe, The Boy, so readers should read that novella before jumping into this story, and although this book doesn't end in a cliffhanger, a late-hour plot twist guarantees there's more story yet to come.

I recommend DEAD MAN'S GOSPEL to readers of Western fiction.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

BOOK REVIEW: THE VIVALDI CIPHER (VATICAN SECRET ARCHIVE THRILLERS, #1) by Gary McAvoy

KAREN SIDDALL — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:27:38 Z

The Vivaldi Cipher

Vatican Secret Archives Thrillers, #1

Gary McAvoy

A centuries-old art theft and forgery operation is uncovered at the Vatican.

The Vivaldi Cipher is the first book in author Gary McAvoys riveting new series, the Vatican Secret Archives Thrillers, and reunites two sleuthing partners from his earlier Magdalene Chronicles, Father Michael Dominic and Hana Sinclair. While on a working holiday in Venice with his good friend, investigative reporter Hana Sinclair, Jesuit priest Father Michael Dominic is consulted by his old seminary friend on a tricky matter regarding the sanctity of the confessional and the devastating information he received during a dying mans last confession.

Father Carol Rinaldi had been called to the bedside of the capo of the Veneta Camorra (Venetian Mafia), whose regular confessor was unavailable. With fear in his eyes, he revealed the details of a centuries-old art theft and forgery operation that had been swapping valuable works from the Vatican Museums collection for forgeries right under the nose of the Holy See. His last request is that his confessor put an end to it all. But if the mans story is true, and how could it not, how could this have been going on undiscovered for so long without insider help? The answers may come from an unexpected source, hidden within the musical works of the famed Venetian composer and priest, Antonio Vivaldi himself. But as Michael, Hana, and their friends begin to ask questions, they soon discover someone will do anything to keep this operation a secret, including committing murder.

Father Michael and Hana are both such engaging characters, long-time friends whove been through a lot together, and it was interesting watching them navigate their strictly friends relationship amid the suspense and danger that ensued. A warning: the author is not afraid to sacrifice high-profile characters for his story, and that really ups the stakes in an already high-stakes affair.

The plot escalates quickly, and the action keeps going nonstop. The authors vivid descriptions of the iconic settings around Venice and during Carnival really brought the mental images I constructed to life (while also providing important tips for those considering a visit to the ancient city). As the reader knows from the start what the crime is, who at the Vatican is actually involved in this old, established scam becomes the important question.

Although this book continues a partnership from an earlier trilogy, it works well as a standalone, and readers new to the characters should be able to read and enjoy this new adventure without having to hunt down the previous books first. However, it sure did make me want to when I was done!

I recommend THE VIVALDI CIPHER to readers of mysteries and thrillers, especially those who enjoy stories involving the clergy or the Catholic Church.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

BOOK REVIEW: SINNER'S PRAYER (DAN RANDOLPH/GREG ZHU MYSTERY, #2) by Dwain Lee

KAREN SIDDALL — Thu, 28 May 2026 16:54:21 Z

Sinner's Prayer

Dan Randolph/Greg Zhu Mystery, #2

Dwain Lee

An unresolved 40-year-old disappearance becomes a case of murder.

Sinner's Prayer is the second book in author Dwain Lee's Dan Randolph/Greg Zhu Mysteries and takes the series in a more serious, grittier direction than the debut, as a 40-year-old disappearance becomes a murder case. When Parkvale Presbyterian Church must make repairs to the plumbing under a mid-1980s renovation, workers find more than a water leak; they also uncover human remains buried under the foundation. Working on the theory that the victim is someone associated with the church, the police turn to Pastor Dan Randolph for information that might lead to the corpse's identification. They soon discovered the victim was a very active former parishioner but a divisive figure among the rest of the church family at that time: some of whom weren't shedding any tears over his demise.

Told via a dual timeline, the events leading up to the actual murder are set in 1985, with the eventual discovery of the body occurring in the fall of 2024, in the days leading up to the presidential election. In the 1985 storyline, readers are introduced to the figures involved in the traumatic circumstances of ongoing sexual abuse of kids in the youth group by a trusted leader. This earlier timeframe paints a picture of what the LGBT community faced at that time. AIDS was an epidemic, with rampant misinformation, fear, and death everywhere, and many gays and lesbians remained closeted rather than being able to live their lives authentically.

In 2024, Dan is neck-deep in shepherding the church family through the discovery of what was going on right under everyone's noses and the feared ramifications of a second Trump term for the LGBT community. Just as the nation was divided, so were the members of Parkvale Presbyterian, and emotions are high. Within days of the discovery under the church flooring, a long-time, much-beloved church member loses her adult son, a young man fondly remembered by the parishioners but with a traumatic history with the dead man, to suicide. Dan becomes a target of some of the frustration, and he wonders whether he's helping anyone at all as his second career as a minister approaches retirement. Peeks into Dan and Greg's daily life reinforces what a strong, loving partnership they've found and nurtured. Along with Greg's business and craft as a luthier, a musical thread is woven throughout the story, with a curated playlist of songs to introduce each chapter as well as musical numbers that were featured in the events of the plot.

This second outing is built on tough, possibly triggering topics for sensitive readers: sexual abuse, spousal abuse, religious institutions' historical responses to allegations of such, acceptance of LGBT parishioners, and the religious beliefs regarding suicide. While the plot involves a complex cold-case murder, most of the story's suspense and tension center on these issues. Their impacts are pivotal, with paralyzing moral and ethical struggles that prevented much-needed action.

While not a cozy mystery nor a typical cold-case investigation, SINNER'S PRAYER has elements of both and will appeal to mystery readers looking for a serious, grittier tale, especially those interested in historical settings and church- or LGBT community-based stories.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

The Storehouse Community Center Youth Leadership Council 2025-26 Sets Records

Elizabeth Lenart — Thu, 28 May 2026 14:18:46 Z

Forty area high school students contributed more than 2,161 volunteer hours while leading innovative service projects, including a six-school drive that collected 2,503 coats and winter clothing items

The Storehouse Community Center celebrated a record-breaking year for its Youth Leadership Council (YLC), whose 40 student leaders contributed more than 2,161 volunteer hours and spearheaded a massive six-school clothing drive that collected 2,503 coats and winter clothing items for neighbors in need. The accomplishments were recognized during the organizations year-end celebration honoring extraordinary service, leadership development and collaboration among students representing 16 North Texas high schools.

Founded in 2021, the YLC continues to grow as a leadership pipeline for young nonprofit and community leaders. This year, the council achieved its highest level of service to date, with members averaging 54 volunteer hours each far surpassing the programs annual 30-hour commitment.

This years Youth Leadership Council members demonstrated what is possible when young people are empowered to lead with compassion, creativity and purpose, said Candace Winslow, CEO of The Storehouse Community Center. When I see a student in that green YLC shirt, it tells me they already understand that true leadership begins with service. The next nonprofit leaderthe next CEOis sitting in this room, and we are incredibly proud to help shape their journey.

Throughout the year, YLC members gained hands-on experience learning about each of The Storehouses core programs, including food assistance, clothing resources, education, social services and workforce partnerships. Students interviewed program directors and worked through real-life case studies focused on problem-solving and community impact.

In addition to volunteering in the food pantry and across various Storehouse programs, students organized and led the Warm Hearts with Warm Coats campaign, a six-school clothing drive effort that united Plano West Senior High School, John Paul II High School, Prince of Peace Christian School, Hebron High School, Shepton High School and Frisco Memorial High School under a shared theme and branding initiative featuring hand-painted fireplace collection boxes created by the students. The extraordinary community-wide effort collected 2,503 winter clothing items and coats for neighbors in need, more than quadrupling last years YLC collection total of 562 items.

The council also hosted an end-of-year socks and underwear drive, collecting 284 essential items for neighbors in need. Additionally, the YLC students prepared hundreds of protein bites to fuel adult learners in the Academy ESL program, which meets for four hours every Saturday morning across two intensive twelve-week semesters from August to May.

At the year-end celebration, The Storehouse recognized three recipients of the David Huerta Student Volunteer Award*, presented annually to students who not only complete the highest number of volunteer hours, but also exemplify The Storehouses values of service and leadership:

Lucas Gonzales, John Paul II High School 185.25 hours
Alberto Ramos Hinojosa, John Paul II High School 129.75 hours
Javier Alonso, John Paul II High School 111 hours

This marks the first year that all three award recipients surpassed 100 service hours.

The organization also honored 15 graduating seniors completing their service on the council:

Asil Miah, Plano West Senior High School

Ava Henry, John Paul II High School

Brad Bai, Plano West Senior High School

Colin Goodlin, Plano West Senior High School

Fletcher Stall, Fairhill School

Ipsita Devalla, Plano West Senior High School

Isaias Gonzalez, Harmony High School

Joshua Eappen, Frisco Memorial High School

Magere Bodo, Frisco Memorial High School

Misha Kandukuri, Plano West Senior High School

Saanvi Gundala, Plano West Senior High School

Sanjitha Bandi, Plano West Senior High School

Surabhi Halbe, Plano West Senior High School

Tessa Devasia, John Paul II High School

Tyler Adams, John Paul II High School

During the celebration, graduating senior Tessa Devasia, valedictorian of the John Paul II High School Class of 2026, reflected on how her experience with the YLC transformed her understanding of service and leadership.

Through volunteering at The Storehouse, Ive learned that service has a way of changing you, said Devasia. It taught me that helping others isnt always about doing something big or extraordinary. Sometimes its just showing up, giving your time and being willing to serve wherever youre needed.

Senior Brad Bai also reflected on his four years of service on the council, the friendships he formed with students who share a passion for helping others, and how the experience transformed his understanding of leadership.

I have learned that leadership means taking the initiative to help others and lift them up, showing up to serve neighbors in need, welcoming someone new and stepping forward to do what is right, said Bai. The YLC has given me an incredible experience through meeting new people, building lasting friendships and helping me grow into the person I am today.

These students continually inspire me with their willingness to step forward, solve problems and serve wherever there is a need, said Ben Skye, director of communications and culture and YLC advisor at The Storehouse. What makes this group so special is not only the incredible amount of service they provide, but the compassion, leadership and teamwork they demonstrate along the way. They are learning that leadership is about showing up for others, working together to meet challenges and making a meaningful impact in their community.

The YLC season begins each August with orientation and concludes each spring with the year-end celebration, recognizing students for their service, leadership and dedication to strengthening the community through The Storehouse mission to feed, clothe, and care for neighbors in need.

While the YLC roster is complete for the 202627 year, The Storehouse welcomes all high school students to volunteer. Students who have completed 30 lifetime volunteer hours at The Storehouse are eligible to apply for the YLC in April each year. To sign up, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/volunteer-sign-up. To learn more about the Youth Leadership Council, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/ylc.

# # #

*DAVID A. HUERTA, 23, the awards namesake, began volunteering at The Storehouse at age 14 after he and his family arrived in Plano as immigrants from Venezuela. He volunteered weekly, helped found the YLC, and is a graduate of University of Texas at Dallas with a bachelor's degree in finance. Huerta is now a financial analyst with Windstar Properties.

The Storehouse Community Center (formerly The Storehouse of Collin County) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community through food, clothing, resources, education, and employment support. By creating strong partnerships and offering transformational programs, TSCC works to address the root causes of food insecurity and empower neighbors to achieve self-sufficiency. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 166,124 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

BOOK REVIEW: THE LAST FATAL HOUR by Jan Matthews

KAREN SIDDALL — Wed, 27 May 2026 19:24:30 Z

The Last Fatal Hour

Jan Matthews

A newlywed society matrons secret investigation into the mysterious death of an old friend uncovers more than she ever imagined.

The Last Fatal Hour is an excellent new historical mystery by author Jan Matthews and follows the efforts of newlywed Leona Gladney to discover what caused the death of her elderly, longtime friend, society matron Daphne Van Wyn, who died suddenly one night under suspicious circumstances, and her jewelry was stolen. Warned away from involving herself in the police investigation by both the lead detective and her husband, Leona is unable to leave it alone when Daphnes grandson and heir accuses her of taking the jewelry. Shunned by all of Brooklyn society, her determination to find out what happened the night of Daphnes death is further cemented when the grandsons wife approaches her with suspicions that her husband is somehow involved in his grandmothers death.

Leona Gladney is one of the most intriguing main characters Ive encountered in forever. The granddaughter of a renowned poet, abolitionist, and Transcendentalist, Leona, at age 17, ran away from her boarding school, disguised herself as a young man, joined the Union Army, and fought alongside regular soldiers until she was discovered after being wounded at Gettysburg. She struggles with what is now called PTSD, suffering moments where she believes shes back on the battlefield. Her mothers family comes from the social elite of Boston, who covered for her absence from school and home by claiming she was serving as a nurse for the battlefield wounded. She met, married, and eventually lost her beloved husband, Jack, and their only child. After a period of mourning, she has recently remarried. Her new husband, Brooklyn businessman and widower, Gil Gladney, is charming and quite taken with his wifes social status. She adds to her household budget by writing essays and reviews for a local paper, but secretly pens a military-adventure series featuring two young soldiers, Ned and Zed, based on boys she served with who come home. She is interested in publishing her wartime memoirs, but anonymously, as she has never revealed that part of her past to her new husband.

Gil is a traditionalist in their marriage and does not share his burdens with his new wife easily, such as how bad their current financial situation is since his business partner absconded with all their liquid assets. He does not understand Leonas strengths or determination to uncover the truth behind Daphnes death, and spends too much time away from home, working in the city. Throughout the book, I wondered what secrets Gil was keeping from Leona, but I enjoyed their early but infrequent cozy evenings at home together.

Once compelled to take up her own inquiries, Leona makes some major headway in discovering who was behind Daphnes death, answers seemingly denied to the professional police investigator, Detective Gideon Day. I enjoyed how her friend, Ruth Appelman, insisted on accompanying her on her more questionable forays when she could. But her going alone into the house of the spiritualists had me on the edge of my seat every moment. Major plot twists elevate this historical mystery to a 5-star reading experience for me.

I recommend THE LAST FATAL HOUR to readers of historical mysteries.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

DSOL 2026 Fashion Notes LimonCELLO featured Mackenzie Brittingham, Fashion Design Award Honoree

Sharon Adams — Wed, 27 May 2026 15:02:11 Z

Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, the 2026 Fashion Notes LimonCELLO featured Dallas own Mackenzie Brittingham as the Fashon Design Award honoree, who brought her signature couture craftsmanship and statement-making aesthetic to life in a most splendid fashion show.

Benefiting the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League celebrating its 80^th Anniversary, the event was chaired by Meredith Allen Connally, Amy Green and Elizabeth St. Marie who were joined by Honorary Chairs Anne and Bill Seanor and DSOL President, Claire Catrino.

The event was a vibrant celebration of spring, style, and the power of the arts. This beloved annual happening brings together Dallas leaders, philanthropists, and tastemakers for an inspiring morning in support of the Dallas Symphony Orchestras education and outreach initiatives.

At the Meyersons entrance, patrons were greeted by the valet sponsored by Avondale Dealerships and Jewelry Sponsor de Boulles signature yellow vehicle literally bursting with blue, green and yellow flowers, echoing the Italian-inspired LimonCELLO theme.

Entering the main hall, guests stopped by the beautiful blue, yellow-and-white tiled backdrop for photos, took a chance on their favorite raffle items, and sipped on Prosecco and the days signature Limoncello and Aperol spritzes as they enjoyed passed hors doeuvres. As a special treat, a separate vignette served a decadent crème brûlée cheesecake espresso martini and ladyfingers, also sponsored by Avondale Dealerships, all the while being serenaded by the Dallas Symphony Young Strings cellists Vincent Ramirez Boyce and Carlos Vargas.
         The centerpiece of the room was the opulent fashion show entrance which was framed by two towering arches of lush greenery accented with lemons and flowers in all shades of yellow, placed at the top of the main stairway. In tune with the blue tiled theme, the fashion show seating was set with clear acrylic chairs sporting the same design on the backs, a scene that wowed the crowd with its high style.

Welcoming guests on behalf of the League, Claire thanked everyone for their support, saying that when fashion and music come together, something extraordinary happens! She said, As we were planning this event, we embraced the theme LimonCELLO honoring both the Dolce Vita of Italy where the cello was invented as well as the DSOs Young Strings students whose dedication to their craft inspires us all. Continuing, Claire said, This season has been one of incredible momentum and meaningful impact, and I feel deeply grateful to be a part of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League, a league that continues to grow, evolve and make such a difference in our community.

Meredith thanked the honorary chairs, and in addition to the sponsors already mentioned, added special thanks to Floral Sponsor 3V Events, and Media Sponsor, PaperCity.

Amy enthusiastically recognized Mackenzie as the Fashion Design Award honoree and with heartfelt gratitude, gave a special shout out to the host committee, saying that with their help, todays event is a sell-out!

Elizabeth presented Claire with a gift on behalf of all of the chairs. Gifts of appreciation were also given to Anne and Bill as honorary chairs and to the chairs in honor of their hard work on the event over this past year.


Michelle Miller Burns, DSO Ross Perot President & CEO said, We are thrilled to be part of another stunning Fashion Notes event this year. Fashion Notes beautifully brings together creativity, community and purpose, and we are so thankful to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League and all of the volunteers who made it possible. Their passion and generosity help the DSO thrive, both on stage and throughout the community.

The fashion show was a beautifully curated fashion presentation of Mackenzies couture designs, beginning with Calvert Collins-Bratton, emcee, welcoming the crowd and introducing the first models, DSOL President Claire Catrino with her two daughters, Grace and Katherine; followed by Faith Baldwin and her daughter Blake; Mackenzies youngest sister, Madison Lacy, with her daughter, Hallie; chair Meredith Connally with her son, Allen; Gloria Steves; chair Elizabeth St. Marie with her daughter Charlotte and son, William; chair Amy Green; and Anne Seanor, Honorary Chair.

The music hit a crescendo as the fashion show began, spotlighting 55 different looks in luxury evening wear and custom gowns for mothers of the bride and groom, debutantes, and distinguished socialites. In 2018, Mackenzie launched her Fur Collection, which made an appearance draped over the shoulders of models in dazzling gowns along with her collection of exotic handbags. Designed with the same couture mindset, each handbag is meticulously crafted with exceptional materials and attention to detail.

The custom collection presented during the show drew inspiration from Italys landscapesfrom the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast to the rolling hills of Tuscanyand translated a strong sense of place into couture form.

Flowing beaded gowns captured the movement of coastal waters, while structured silhouettes reflected the architectural elegance of historic villas. A palette of soft citrus hues, airy ivories, and rich blue tones echoed the LimonCELLO theme, complemented by intricate draping, hand-finished details, and globally sourced textiles that spoke to Italys heritage of craftsmanship. Each look reflected a distinct momentfrom golden hour along the Mediterranean to the ease and elegance of an Italian summer eveningcreating an immersive runway experience that felt both transportive and deeply personal.

The finale brought a rousing round of applause as Mackenzie walked the runway, waving to friends and taking the stage. Flanked by models in fashions from the finale, she was presented with a huge bouquet of gorgeous flowers.

Being recognized by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League in this way is incredibly meaningful to meespecially after such a beautiful and inspiring event, Mackenzie said. Seeing the collection come to life on the runway, surrounded by a community that values both artistry and philanthropy, was truly special. Fashion Notes represents the heart of what makes Dallas so unique, and Im deeply honored to have been part of this years initiative.

At the luncheon, tables were topped with mixed cloths in delightful designs of greenery with lemons, green and yellow tiles complemented by country-style pressed glasses and centerpieces of bright yellow tulips and softly-hued hydrangeas.

The first course, or Primi, was a traditional caprese salad with a delicious balsamic glaze. Secondi was a lemon garlic chicken penne pasta in a zesty cream sauce with asparagus and lemon. Dolci was a perfect trio of desserts: lemon meringue, lemon posset and a classic tiramisu.

Fashion Notes continues to be one of the Leagues most anticipated events of the season. Proceeds directly benefit programs that introduce young musicians to the orchestra, expand access to music education, and strengthen the cultural fabric of our community.

Sponsors also included: LimonCELLO Maestro: Mackenzie Brittingham, Anne and Bill Seanor. Amalfi Sonata: Meredith Allen Connally; Cortez Resources, Claire Catrino; Penderys Inc., Amy Green. Capri Virtuoso: Faith Baldwin, the Brittingham Family; Caroline Harrison Loehr, Elizabeth St. Marie and Gloria Steves. Positano Aria: Lori Allen, Marena Gault, Sara Woodall.

Proceeds from Fashion Notes benefit the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and its youth education and community engagement programs. Over the past 40 years, the DSOL has raised more than $25 million in support of the DSO. To learn more about DSOL and its membership benefits and events, visit www.dallassymphonyleague.com

Funds raised by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League support transformative DSO programs, including:

The Cecil and Ida Green Youth Concert Series, which introduces Dallas youth to the inspiring world of classical music through accessible concerts at the Meyerson. Each year, more than 10,000 children participate in these experiences.

DSO Cares, which brings the wellness benefits of music to senior living facilities, hospitals, community centers and more. Each performance showcases a chamber ensemble of DSO musicians that is free for attendees and community partners.

The Young Strings and Kim Noltemy Young Musicians programs, which annually provide free instruments and instruction to 400 children primarily from Southern and East Dallas. Collectively, these programs have served more than 7,000 students and outpace similar youth programs with highly intensive training. Young Strings students have a 100% high school graduation and college acceptance rate.

Bachs Lunch, an ongoing adult education series of free, informal talks designed to connect music lovers through a shared passion for classical music.

About Mackenzie Brittingham:
              Mackenzie Brittingham is a Dallas-based designer and founder of her namesake luxury atelier, recognized for custom couture, bridal, eveningwear, luxury outerwear, and bespoke accessories.
         Known for a highly personalized design experience and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, Brittingham creates one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to lifes most meaningful momentsfrom weddings and galas to philanthropic events, milestone celebrations, and private commissions.
         Her work spans custom bridal gowns, mother-of-the-bride dressing, debutante presentations, cocktail attire, black-tie eveningwear, day-to-night wardrobe pieces, and specialty occasion dressing. In addition to couture apparel, Brittingham also offers custom fur designs, statement outerwear, and an evolving line of handcrafted luxury handbags and accessories.
         Celebrated for refined silhouettes, exceptional fit, and globally sourced textiles, Brittingham blends timeless elegance with modern femininity. Drawing inspiration from travel, architecture, old-world glamour, and Italian craftsmanship, each design is developed through an intimate collaborative process that honors both the client and the artistry of the garment.
         A longtime supporter of Dallas philanthropic and cultural communities, Brittinghams designs have been featured at many of the citys most prominent galas, charitable events, weddings, and social occasions. Through her growing atelier, she continues to shape a new chapter of bespoke luxury fashion in Texas while mentoring emerging creatives and championing craftsmanship for the next generation.

(Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio and Thomas Garza.)

Youth Support Center Marks First Year of Impact, Serving 335 North Texas Youth and Young Adults

Elizabeth Lenart — Wed, 27 May 2026 13:00:39 Z

Juliette Fowler Communities, R3 Student Outreach and East Dallas Christian Church celebrate one year of transformative support for youth ages 10 to 24

One year after launching its expanded East Dallas partnership, the Youth Support Center (YSC) is celebrating a year of life-changing impact for North Texas youth and young adults. Through a collaboration between Juliette Fowler Communities (JFC), R3 Student Outreach and East Dallas Christian Church, the center has served 335 youth in its first year, providing education, workforce development, counseling referrals and wraparound support under one roof all at no cost.

Located at 4210 Junius St. on the campus of East Dallas Christian Church, the 4,371-square-foot Youth Support Center was created to remove barriers for youth ages 10 to 24 who face challenges such as foster care transitions, justice involvement, housing instability and lack of educational access. Approximately 35% of its participants have aged out of foster care, and 60% have been justice involved.

In its first year, the center delivered:

Services to 335 youth and young adults in 2025
2,640 hours of tutoring for 120 youth
49 high school diploma graduates
35 IBM micro-credentials earned
30 graduates who secured employment or enrolled in college
Wraparound support for 220 youth, including food, clothing, bus passes and school supplies
A 78% completion rate in training and education programs - 30 percentage points higher than local averages for similar student populations, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 2023 Link, and the Texas Education Agency (TEA), 2023 Link

One year ago, we hoped this partnership would create a stronger safety net for vulnerable youth and young adults, said Juliette Fowler Communities President and CEO Nicole Gann. Today, we are seeing lives changed through education, mentorship, encouragement and practical support. This center represents the evolution of our 134-year mission because it expands how we walk alongside young people as they heal, grow and build brighter futures.

The biggest difference between where we started and today is that we have become an integrated, needed resource for our community where youth and organizations are depending on us to continue our work, said Juan Ramos, founder and executive director of R3 Student Outreach. When a young person walks through our doors today, they feel at home, safe and they find a place of belonging.

Ramos said the biggest needs in East Dallas remain access to flexible education pathways, workforce certifications, food, clothing and trauma-informed support.

In Dallas, current programming still reaches only a fraction of disconnected youth, added Ramos. Our no-red-tape model matters because it helps young people get what they need quickly, without falling through the cracks. We also recognize that no two young people are alike, so our programs are designed to adapt to each individuals needs rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach.

One student success story that reflects that impact is an 18-year-old single mother of two who was justice involved and referred through Dallas County probation. She overcame family hardship, housing instability, and utility shutoffs to earn her high school diploma in December.

Without this program, I didnt think I could do it, she shared. This was the best thing Ive ever done for myself. It took me over six months, but I am very thankful for this opportunity of finally graduating.

The Youth Support Centers first year also confirmed the strength of its community-based partnership model. Since launch, more than 10 community partners have joined the effort, helping provide referrals, resources and specialized support. Demand has grown so significantly that the center has occasionally had to pause registration due to capacity.

While we believe that Fowlers deep roots and trusted presence in this community strengthen collaborative community partnerships, we know they would not be successful without our compassionate and dedicated partners working hard day in and day out, said Lisa Mumford, director of programming, JFC. For generations, Juliette Fowler Communities has brought people together to care for neighbors in need, and that strong foundation helps programs like this grow, creating lasting change in the lives we serve.

Today, we are so thankful as we watch more and more youth being served and supported through our combined efforts, said Rev. Allison Drake, senior pastor, East Dallas Christian Church. There are too many places where youth can slip through the cracks, and we know the Youth Support Center is providing a place for them to land.

Looking ahead, the Youth Support Center plans to strengthen services for younger youth ages 12 to 18 through R3 Excel programming and expand its Nu Generations Private School into a full-semester option while continuing fast-track diploma opportunities.

To support the Youth Support Center or learn more about programming, visit r3student.org/dallas or call 469-921-0481.

# # #

ABOUT JULIETTE FOWLER COMMUNITIES (JFC)

With a 134-year history of caring for all ages, Fowler's intergenerational mission creates a unique purpose-driven retirement culture in the heart of Dallas. Home to almost 500 older adults, JFC hosts the Dementia Friendly Dallas initiative and is accredited as a Connected Community of Distinction through Hopeful Aging, embracing the Im Still Here® philosophy reflecting its commitment to compassionate, high quality dementia care. Young women in danger of homelessness live at Fowler in the Ebby House residential program, and over 700 children, youth and families receive resources through Fowler's Children, Youth, and Family Services. Fowler is adding a Bezos Academy affordable Montessori program for young children in the fall 2026. Since 2022, JFC has been honored as a Generations United Program of Distinction and has continued to maintain this designation each year. As the premier national recognition for high-quality intergenerational programs, the distinction recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and evidence-based impact in bringing generations together. Visit fowlercommunities.org or call 214.827.0813.

R3 STUDENT OUTREACH

Founded in 2019 in San Antonio, Texas, R3 exists to bring renewal, revival and restoration to the minds and hearts of youth and young adults. In middle school, Juan Ramos, R3 founder and executive director, was severely bullied by classmates and teachers. Carrying the burdens of these past experiences, he never forgot the need for youth support. In 2019 after learning of youth suicides due to bullying, Ramos took action, and with the help of friend and partner, Angela Brown Williams, he opened R3 Student Outreach, which has served more than 10,000 youth and young adults since opening. This faith-based agency has expanded services into North Texas in partnership with Juliette Fowler Communities and provides tutoring, workforce development, certifications, mentorship, food, clothing and resources helping those aged 10 to 24 excel in personal development and academic pursuits at no cost. Visit r3student.org/dallas or call 469-921-0481.

PHOTOS: Rare Footage and Cultural Legacy Take Center Stage at Bergman in Dallas Documentary Event

Dana Cobb — Tue, 26 May 2026 17:02:59 Z

An influential cross-section of Dallas arts patrons, filmmakers, alumni, and cultural supporters gathered on May 20 for an exclusive first-look presentation of the upcoming Ingmar Bergman documentary from acclaimed filmmaker Keith Maitland, celebrating both the legendary Swedish directors cinematic legacy and Dallas unique role in preserving a remarkable chapter of film history.

Held at the historic U.S. Post Office & Courthouse in downtown Dallas, the invitation-only evening served as both an intimate preview of the documentary and a successful fundraiser supporting the films continued production. Funds raised during the event will help support Maitlands upcoming fact-finding and research trip this summer to Bergmans estate in Sweden, where the creative team will continue gathering historical insight and contextual material for the film.

Guests included alumni and supporters connected to Southern Methodist University, The University of Texas at Austin, the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce Texas, and a broad network of North Texas cultural advocates and film supporters.

The documentary draws from rare archival footage captured during legendary filmmaker Ingmar Bergmans historic 1981 visit to SMU as the inaugural recipient of the Meadows Award. The footage includes nearly four hours of intimate conversations and master classes with students, believed to represent the longest filmed interview Bergman ever participated in.

The evening featured select clips from the documentary, followed by a live conversation between Maitland, Bergman in Dallas producer Daniel Laabs, and Swedish producer André Persson discussing Bergmans artistic influence, the significance of the archival footage, and the global cultural impact of the iconic director.

Bergmans influence reaches far beyond cinema, said Maitland during the event. His storytelling shaped generations of filmmakers, artists, writers, and even modern Swedish pop culture. To uncover this remarkable footage in Dallas and share it with audiences today feels both surreal and incredibly meaningful.

The event also highlighted the enduring place Bergman holds within Swedish cultural identity. Widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in cinematic history, Bergmans work helped define Swedens global artistic reputation throughout the 20th century. His films, including The Seventh Seal, Persona, and Fanny and Alexander, continue to influence contemporary directors, television creators, theater artists, and broader Scandinavian popular culture.

Special recognition was given to longtime Dallas arts advocate Pat Porter for her connection to the original Meadows Award programming and her ongoing support of arts and cultural preservation in North Texas. Organizers noted that the rediscovery and restoration of the SMU archival footage would not have been possible without decades of stewardship by individuals connected to the university and Dallas arts community.

Presented in partnership with the Honorary Consulate of Sweden Dallas and the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce Texas, the evening reinforced the strong cultural ties between Sweden and North Texas while celebrating Dallas often overlooked contributions to film history and documentary preservation.

The upcoming documentary continues production and is expected to further explore Bergmans creative philosophy, his influence on generations of filmmakers, and the extraordinary archival discovery housed for decades within SMUs film archive

Texas and the American Revolution - USA 250

Tom Keener — Mon, 25 May 2026 19:00:00 Z

Texas State Historian Dr. Richard McCaslin discusses how Spanish Coahuila y Tejas played a pivotal role in helping American patriots secure independence from Great Britian at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at 300 N. Allen Drive.

A former Texas State Historical Association professor of Texas history at the University of North Texas, McCaslin has written or edited twenty-two books, including Tullis Award-winner Tainted Breeze: The Great Hanging at Gainesville, Texas, October 1862 and Pulitzer nominee Lee in the Shadow of Washington.

Dr. McCaslin observes, Without the support of several nationsmost notably France, Spain, and the Netherlandsthe United States would never have won its independence from Great Britain. Gov. Bernardo de Gálvez of Spanish Louisiana, an officer with experience in and support from Texas, contributed to the patriot cause with a successful military campaign on the Gulf Coast that led the British to return Florida to Spain, reversing a territorial loss of twenty years earlier.

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, DAR Bernardo de Gálvez and Allen Quilters Guild, the program is free. Call 214-509-4911 for more information.

Shelton Parents' Association Presented A Check for $1,800,000 to the School

Lisa Kresl — Mon, 25 May 2026 13:52:36 Z

The 2025-2026 Shelton Parents Association leadership, including Co-Presidents Kimberly Kahn and Leigh Erin Lundy, Stampede Auction Co-Chairs Mandy Evans and JoAnna Sudbeck and Director of Volunteer Relations & Events Shelly Lloyd, who together presented a check for a record-breaking $1,800,000 to Shelton Executive Director Suzanne Stell at the SPA End-of-the-Year Breakfast on May 20, 2026.

In addition to the historic 50th Anniversary Stampede Auction, Shelton Parents Association events during the 2025-2026 school year included the 50th Homecoming tailgate party and drone show, Lunch with Dads, Sky Ranch, back-to-school parties, Books & Bagels, Boots & Bling, Pi Day, Thankful Thursdays, staff appreciation lunches, Teacher Appreciation Week, Holiday Happiness and more.

Funds raised by the SPA support tuition assistance, the Shelton Endowment Fund, campus security, the new auditorium, scholarships, mental health and more. In addition, funding supports a wide range of division and program needs, including Lower School literacy and Montessori materials; Middle School geometry, language arts, math and science materials; Upper School evaporative coolers for the chicken coop, a forensic anthropology set and a horizontal projectile launcher to investigate kinetic energy; Fine Arts musical instruments, cameras and lighting boards; and Athletics equipment including a cold and compression therapy unit, treadmills and cheer uniforms.

The SPA Co-Presidents for 20262027 are Bethard Hearne and Brettne Hemley. We are grateful to our wonderful Shelton parents!

During the SPA End-of-the-Year Breakfast, Shelton Executive Director Suzanne Stell thanked members of the SPA. "Thank you for your unwavering support and for creating an organization that is so inclusive and welcoming to new parents. None of this could've happened without the involvement of all of our parents."

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW: FIRST WOMAN by Aren Cappella

KAREN SIDDALL — Mon, 25 May 2026 05:03:02 Z

First Woman

Aren Cappella

Gentle, harmonious, and beautiful origin story.

First Woman by the late Aren Cappella is a lovely picture book with a gentle story of humankinds origin. It is told in the style of a Native American fable and illustrated with beautiful and vivid images of animals and pristine natural spaces. A prologue introduces the tale and tells of the source of the story and the circumstances of the author. This heartfelt tribute is poignant and precious, and the intimate knowledge conveyed by the authors spouse will speak to adult readers.

The plot is simple and straightforward, with intentional repetitions, which slowly builds the tale toward its finale. The illustrations are a perfect complement to the narrative, with my favorite being the clever use of shadows to reveal the animal that each of Mother Wolfs pups will eventually become.

I recommend FIRST WOMAN for reading aloud to children of all ages.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.

Texas A&M University College of Dentistrys orthodontics leader receives the Brophy Award

Stephanie Patrick — Sun, 24 May 2026 12:53:00 Z

Dr. Larry P. Tadlock, head of orthodontics at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, received the James E. Brophy Award April 30 at the American Association of Orthodontists annual session in Orlando, Florida. The award is given annually to an orthodontist who renders distinguished service to orthodontics and the AAO.

Tadlock, a graduate of the then-Baylor College of Dentistry Class of 1984, served as general chair of the 2022 AAO Annual Session. He also served as director of the American Board of Orthodontics from 2011 to 2020 and was ABO president from 2018 to 2019.

Serving as a director of the ABO is one of the greatest privileges of my professional life, he said. Serving as general chair of the 2022 AAO Annual Session was challenging but successful because of the herculean efforts of the AAO staff and other AAO leaders, especially then-AAO President Ken Dilleay.

Tadlock joined A&M Dentistrys faculty in 2000 at the urging of Dr. Rolf G. Buzz Behrents, who was the orthodontics departments chairman. Behrents was scheduled to receive the AAO Lifetime Achievement Award in Orthodontic Research on May 3 at the annual session, but he passed away April 24.

Tadlock, who received both his masters and an orthodontic specialty certificate from whats now UTHealth Houston, was in private practice in Keller and North Richland Hills for more than 30 years. Hes received numerous awards, including ABOs Dale B. Wade Award of Excellence in Orthodontics in 2025; its presented to a senior clinician and board-certified orthodontist who demonstrates exceptional dedication to orthodontics.

This national recognition reflects Dr. Tadlocks long-standing commitment to excellence in orthodontic education and service to the profession, said Dr. Lily T. García, dean of A&M College of Dentistry. As one of my dental school classmates, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand his dedication and leadership, and I am proud to see him receive the prestigious James E. Brophy Award from the American Association of Orthodontists.

Orthodontics is the most prevalent dental specialty, the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute reported in 2025. About 5% of U.S. dentists are orthodontists.

Keller Volunteers Spend Saturday Preparing Veterans Memorials for Memorial Day

Ashley Hernandez — Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 Z

Most people driving through Keller on Saturday morning probably didn't notice the work happening behind the scenes.

While many residents were starting their holiday weekend, a group of volunteers from the Keller Lions Club gathered at the Keller Veterans Memorial and Mt. Gilead Cemetery with gloves, tools, and a shared purpose: making sure Keller's veterans memorials are ready for Memorial Day.

More than a dozen volunteers spent the morning cleaning, landscaping, and performing maintenance at the memorial sites where families, veterans, and community members will gather to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

The effort is part of an ongoing partnership between the Keller Lions Club and the City of Keller. According to organizers, the city provides materials while Lions Club members volunteer their time throughout the year to maintain the memorials.

What started as a grassroots effort several years ago has grown into a recurring community project that reflects something Keller has long been known for: neighbors working together to preserve the things that matter.

Among those volunteering Saturday morning were local business owners, veterans, civic leaders, and residents who simply wanted to give back to the community.

For Keller Lions Club President Larry Lodge, a veteran himself, the work carries a deeper meaning.

"Memorial Day is personal for those of us who served," Lodge said. "These memorials represent the lives and sacrifices of men and women who served our country, including those who never made it home. Taking care of them is one small way we can honor their legacy and ensure future generations understand the value of service, sacrifice, and freedom."

The volunteers focused their efforts on both the Keller Veterans Memorial located near Keller Parkway and Highway 377 and Mt. Gilead Cemetery, which will host Keller's annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony on Monday.

As the morning wrapped up, freshly cleaned memorials, trimmed landscaping, and American flags stood ready for the families and community members who will visit over Memorial Day weekend.

In a time when community can sometimes feel divided, Saturday's effort served as a simple reminder that honoring those who served is something that still brings people together.

Keller's Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony will be held Monday, May 25, at 10:30 a.m. at Mt. Gilead Cemetery.