Staff & Reader Submitted

Dallas Hua Yun Chinese Orchestra at Library-FREE

Tom Keener — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 19:00:00 Z

The ancient Chinese believed music could purify people's minds. Test that theory one yourself while enjoying traditional Chinese music with the Dallas Hua Yun Chinese Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 9, at the Allen Public Library, no tickets nor reservations.

The free concert will feature multiple soloists on traditional Chinese instruments that include plucked, mouth-blown, and bowed string. The soloists are Dan Wang with "Sheng", Yuxin Mei with "Pipa," and Daniel Chen with "Erhu", "Gaohu", and "Banhu.

Dedicated to Sino-American cultural exchange, Dallas Hua Yun Chinese Orchestra is the most prominent Chinese music group in the DFW metroplex. Under the direction of James Wang, the band features a variety of traditional Chinese instruments. The concert will feature multiple soloists on traditional Chinese instruments that include plucked, mouth-blown, and bowed string.

The orchestra, which has held an annual concert at the University of Texas at Dallas since 2014, promotes Chinese traditional music education and inspires the pleasure of Chinese music with international audiences. It serves the community through many local events such as the Plano AsiaFest, Crow Museums Chinese Spring Festival, and other venues.

Serving as conductor, Dan Wang was a national competition winner and renowned player of Sheng (a traditional Chinese polyphonic pipe wind musical instrument), she started a professional conductor career in Tianjin Opera and Dance Theatre.

Dr. Yuxin Mei, the Pipa soloist, is the founder and director of Chinese Ensemble at University of North Texas and garnered a PhD in music from UNT.

Daniel Chen, the first chair of Huayun Chinese Orchestra, is a hugely talented performer for all two stringed instruments.

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the concert is free. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr. Call 214-509-4911.

Plano Doctors Prep for World Spine Day 2026, Provide Tips for Better Back Health

Krista Simmons — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 10:00:00 Z

Dallas Neurosurgical & Spine doctors Jeremy Denning, MD, and Krishna Satyan, MD, are gearing up for World Spine Day, by providing tips for better back health. World Spine Day, which is observed annually on Oct. 16, aims to raise awareness of spine pain and related conditions.

Back pain is widely reported as the leading global cause of disability and one of the worlds most common medical conditions. Lower back pain alone affects more than 619 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

These are staggering statistics and something that we want to help change, says Dr. Denning. There are a lot of things that you can do at home to reduce pain and improve back health small changes that can make a big difference.

Dr. Denning and Dr. Satyan are both fellowship-trained and board-certified neurosurgeons in Plano. They agree that one of the most common causes of back pain is also one that can often be addressed at home without medical intervention: poor body mechanics. Body mechanics is the coordinated use of muscles, bones and the nervous system to maintain posture, balance and efficient movement. Improper body mechanics can lead to back pain, stress, stiffness and even chronic conditions such as degenerative arthritis.

Maintaining proper body mechanics is key to maintaining good back health, and body mechanics covers a wide variety of things, notes Dr. Satyan. For example: your sleep position. If you sleep on your stomach, you can cause your neck to twist, straining your neck and musculature. In addition, it can lead to increased strain on your lower back. Instead, try sleeping on your back or your side to keep your spine more aligned.

Another potential body mechanics issue is related to the prolonged use of cell phones, tablets or other handheld electronic devices. This issue affects people of all ages and is becoming more and more prevalent amongst younger generations, says Dr. Satyan.

When we hunch over our electronic devices for extended periods, it puts a lot of pressure on the muscles and ligaments in our necks and backs, which can lead to discomfort, chronic pain and even permanent changes in posture, says Dr. Satyan. Sit or stand up straight and take regular breaks to stretch and move around.

Instead of using handheld electronic devices, whenever possible, Dr. Satyan recommends using a computer. To be most effective, he suggests one that sits on a flat surface with an eye-level screen.

If you have the option, try using an eye-level computer screen, whenever possible. When youre looking straight at the screen instead of down, theres less pressure on your back and neck.

When viewing a computer screen, Dr. Denning recommends changing positions every so often. This will also help improve back health.

If youre sitting at a computer for long periods of time, you need to be able to change positions every so often to help prevent back pain and stiffness, says Dr. Denning. Consider using a Swiss exercise ball, instead of a chair, or try a stand-up desk. If those arent an option for you, then just stand a little more, whenever you can. Once an hour, every hour-and-a-half or so, stand up, stretch and walk around for a minute or two. If you need an excuse for walking around, use that time to get a glass of water. This also helps you to stay hydrated, and proper hydration is one of the most important things you can do for your health.

Dr. Denning explains that while staying hydrated helps with back health and overall health, different people need different amounts of water. When determining how much water to drink, a wide variety of variables need to be carefully considered, such as personal activity levels, weight, existing medical conditions and salt intake.

Staying hydrated helps keep the muscles, organs, joints and even the discs in your back healthier, says Dr. Denning. But different people need different amounts of water to be properly hydrated. You dont want too much or too little you need just the right amount, and the right amount is different for everyone. If you arent sure how much you need, talk with your doctor or nutritionist.

Both doctors agree that dedicating regular time to stretching and exercise can also help ensure better back health.

Exercise strengthens bones and muscles and helps increase blood flow and oxygen throughout your body, including your back. Both core strengthening and cardiovascular exercise are important for maintaining good back health. Focus on the extensor muscles, which are the muscles that hold the body upright, notes Dr. Satyan. Start out small, so you dont overdo it, and consider asking a friend to join you. It can be more fun and help keep you motivated.

For people who arent sure where to start, Dr. Denning recommends neck rolls and shoulder rolls.

Theyre easy to do and can be done virtually anywhere, he says. You can also try side planks or face-down planks. I try to do these in my office in between patients, a few times a day. It doesnt have to take up a lot of your time or be overly involved. Just a little more movement here and there can go a long way toward improving your back health, both short- and long-term.

About the doctors:

Both doctors are board certified by The American Board of Neurological Surgery. Dr. Denning is a neurosurgeon with Dallas Neurosurgical & Spine and chief of the neurosurgery department at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Plano. Dr. Satyan is a neurosurgeon with Dallas Neurosurgical & Spine and the director of skull base surgery at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Plano.

TWU concludes historic Dream Big campaign with six-day festival

Kathy Beazley — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 13:03:58 Z

Texas Womans University (TWU) will celebrate the successful conclusion of Dream Big, its historic first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign, with a week of public festivities in Denton, Dallas and Houston. Launched in celebration of TWUs 125th anniversary, by years end the campaign will significantly surpass its original goal of $125 million, raising $191 million to date to expand student opportunity, fuel academic and research innovation, and support the universitys continued growth.

Festival highlights include TWU history exhibits, two original stage productions, interactive mural and video projects, a history-flavored cooking demonstration, a Paup Lecture on womens sports and a special gymnastics exhibition, among a host of other activities. The festival will also include a groundbreaking celebration for the upcoming athletic complex named in honor of TWU alumna Dr. Dawn S. Chaney, as well as the unveiling of a new campus art installation inspired by the supporters of the Dream Big campaign. Most events are free.

WHEN/WHERE

OCT. 19-24, 2026
Texas Womans University (Denton, Dallas and Houston)

Full schedule: https://events.twu.edu/event/dream-big-festival

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Make your mark on TWU:

OCT. 19: Community Mural (Student Union at Hubbard Hall - South Stairwell, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
Help paint a community mural designed by TWU students.

OCT. 22-23: 125th Celebration Photo Wall (Student Union at Hubbard Hall, 6-8 pm on Oct. 22; 4-6 p.m. on Oct. 23)
Add a printed photo of a favorite TWU memory to an interactive logo wall and participate in a special anniversary video montage.

TWU history up close (and tasty):

OCT. 19-24: 125 Years of Pioneering New Trails (Exhibit at the Blagg-Huey Library - 1st-2nd floors)
Explore the universitys fascinating history through an intriguing collection of photographs, letters, and other treasures.

OCT. 19-24: 125 Years of Academic Evolution (Exhibit at the Blagg-Huey Library - Den)
Trace TWUs academic journey from the original four courses to todays five colleges.

OCT. 20: Special Collections and University Archives Open House (Blagg-Huey Library - 2nd floor, 1-4 p.m.)
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at rare books, WASP artifacts, and university history.

OCT. 22: A Taste of TWU History (Neva Hudiburgh Cochran Wellness Kitchen, 10:30-noon)
Join TWU Libraries and the Department of Nutrition & Food Sciences for a culinary demonstration inspired by the universitys renowned cookbook collection.

Big ideas and bold conversations:

OCT. 19-24: Research Symposiums | Graduate Open Houses |TEDxTWU Salon (See website for event details)

OCT. 20: The Next Play: Leadership in Womens Sports (Student Union at Hubbard Hall - Southwest Ballroom,
7 p.m.)
This special installment of TWUs acclaimed Paup Lecture Series explores leadership and the business of womens sports. Dallas Sports Commission executive Monica Paul will headline the conversation, joined by two-time FIFA Womens World Cup champion Brandi Chastain and Dallas Trinity FC president and founder Charlie Neil. Tickets required.

Dream Big becomes public art:

OCT. 17: Dreams Sculpture Opening
Three new large-scale sculptures commemorating the impact of the Dream Big campaign, created by noted artist Bianca Beck, will make their debut as a permanent campus art installation near the amphitheater along North Bell Avenue.

A new era for Pioneer athletics:

OCT. 23: Dr. Dawn S. Chaney Athletics Complex Groundbreaking (Pioneer Soccer Park- Entrance, 11 a.m.)
TWU will celebrate the upcoming construction of a new athletics complex named in recognition of a transformational $10 million gift from three-time TWU alumna and philanthropist Dr. Dawn S. Chaney.

Pioneer athletics in action:

OCT. 23: Special Gymnastics Practice Viewing Party (Dance-Gymnastics Lab Building - 3rd Floor, 2 p.m.)
Experience an action-packed, up-close look at TWUs 14-time national champion gymnastics program.

OCT. 23: Artistic Swim Exhibition (Pioneer Hall Pool, 3 p.m.)
TWUs top-ranked artistic swimming team will present a thrilling swim exhibition.

OCT. 21: Goals, Beats, Eats (Pioneer Soccer Park, 5-6 p.m.)
Enjoy limited edition giveaways, music, free food trucks and games, plus cheer the Pioneers as they take on Lubbock Christian. Stick around for a post-game contest with a $2,500 scholarship prize!

OCT. 23-24: Pioneer Volleyball (Kitty Magee Arena - 6 p.m. on Oct. 23; 2 p.m. on Oct. 24)
Cheer the Pioneers as they face Lubbock Christian and Midwestern State, at matches featuring special fan experiences. Volleyball Tailgate at 5 p.m. on Oct. 23 at Pioneer Hall.

Pioneers on stage:

OCT. 21-25: The Night Witches (Redbud Theatre - evening and matinee performances)
This TWU-original work is inspired by the legendary all-female Soviet bomber pilots of World War II. Tickets.

OCT. 22-24: The Suffragist (Margo Jones Performance Hall -evening and matinee performances)
A new musical about Alice Paul explores the fight for womens voting rights. Tickets.

125 years of art and artists:

OCT. 23: Alumni Art Show and Reception (Fine Arts Annex - East and West Galleries, 5-7 p.m.)
Celebrate TWUs visual arts legacy at a reception featuring two anniversary exhibitions: the Distinguished Alumni Invitational Exhibition (Sept. 28-Oct. 24), showcasing work by more than a dozen accomplished alumni artists, and the TWU Visual Arts Juried Alumni Exhibition (Sept. 28-Oct. 24), featuring emerging, mid-career and established alumni working across a range of media.

Honoring local history:

OCT. 20: Quakertown Memorial Ribbon Cutting (near the East Campus Pavilion, 10 a.m.-10:30 a.m.)
TWU will dedicate a new memorial honoring Quakertown, the historic Black neighborhood displaced in the 1920s, with historical storytelling and the unveiling of a commemorative exhibit.

Houston and Dallas celebrations:

OCT. 19: Past & Present Unite: Celebrating 125! (TWU Dallas noon-1 p.m.)
Celebrate 125 years of TWU with food, fun, photo opportunities and Pioneer pride.

OCT. 20: Rise & Dream Breakfast: Celebrating 125 Years of TWU (TWU Houston 8-11 a.m.)
Start the day with breakfast and a celebration of TWUs past, present and future.

For the complete festival lineup, visit: https://events.twu.edu/event/dream-big-festival

ABOUT TWU:
Texas Womans University is the nations largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation on contributions in nursing, healthcare, education, the arts and sciences, and business. TWUs inclusive culture prioritizes experiential learning, leadership, service, discovery, and health and well-being, and national media have recognized the university as a top college for student-parents, veterans, and social mobility. In 2024, TWU eclipsed a $125 million goal in its ongoing fundraising effort, DREAM BIG, which supports programming, equipment, scholarships, and faculty. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visit dreambig.twu.edu or twu.edu, or connect with TWU on Facebook @TexasWomansUniversity, Instagram @txwomans, Twitter @txwomans, and LinkedIn @texaswomansuniversity.

Lifelong Employability Begins with Job Search Workshop in Allen

Martha Jane Brounoff — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:00 Z

Do you feel that your career is at a crossroads? Are you trying to move forward or expand in a different direction, but are not sure how to go about it? If so, come join the St. Jude Career Alliance at its comprehensive, faith-based job search workshop on Saturday, October 17, 8:45 AM to 3:00 PM, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 North Greenville Avenue in Allen, TX 75002. Titled Empowering Your Career Journey, One Step at a Time, this workshop reflects the post-Pandemic changes in the job search market as well as feedback from Career Alliance workshop attendees over the past two years.

The Empowering Your Career Journey, One Step at a Time workshop will integrate interactive exercises such as S.T.A.R (Situation. Task. Action. Result.) stories, targeting specific companies, and crafting a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) to enable attendees to differentiate themselves from competitors. Attendees are encouraged to network during breaks and practice skills learned during the sessions.

This workshop is ideal for:

People who are unemployed and want an effective job search process.
People who want to get back into the job market after an extended career break.
People who are looking to do a career shift but are not sure just where to begin.
People who are recent graduates and looking to land their first job.

Parties interested in participating in this job search workshop will need to register online and pay a $25 fee. The fee will cover the cost of a full-color, spiral-bound copy of the presentation, as well as lunch, drinks, and snacks. Registered attendees also need to bring a printed copy of their resume to the workshop. The link for Online Registration appears below:

https://www.osvhub.com/stjudeparish/forms/career-alliance-quarterly-workshop-10-17-26

This link connects to a registration form that includes a payment button. Registration forms cannot be submitted until payment is made.

The October 17 comprehensive job search workshop will take place in the Lecture Hall on the St. Jude parish campus. Participants should park in the northeast parking lot on Greenville Avenue, enter through the church office doors, and follow the signs inside to the Lecture Hall location. This event is open to all job seekers, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or age.

The 2027 St. Jude Career job search workshops will be held:

1Q2027: Saturday, January 20, 2027
2Q2027: Saturday, April 10, 2027
3Q2027: Saturday, July 24, 2027
4Q2027: Saturday, October 24, 2027

For more information:

Visit the St. Jude Career Alliance website at https://stjudecareeralliance.com;

Email careeralliance@stjudeparish.com;
Call the St. Jude parish office at 972-727-1177.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Culver Public Relations — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 10:19:44 Z

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-specific death among Texas women

By Dr. Monica Juarez-Gonzalez, WellMed at Oak Cliff

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer death among Texas women and the leading cause of cancer-specific death among Texas women. It accounts for 31 percent of all new female cancer cases each year. An estimated 24,258 Texas women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2026 and an estimate 3,840 are expected to die from breast cancer this year.

While it primarily affects women, about one percent of cases occur in men. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it's important to understand your risk, recognize potential symptoms and stay current with recommended screenings.

Mammograms, x-rays of the breast, are especially important because they may detect breast cancer when there are no apparent symptoms. When symptoms of breast cancer develop, they may include:

New lump in breast or underarm (armpit)
Changes in size or shape of breast
Thickening or swelling in parts of the breast
Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
Pain in any area of the breast
Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
Redness or flakiness in nipple area or breast

For women at average risk, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a mammogram every two years beginning at age 40 through age 74. Those with a family history or other risk factors may need earlier or more frequent screening.

Although breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. It is a good idea to talk with a doctor about potential benefits and risk factors that come with various types of screenings such as mammograms.

Find a Health Center is a helpful tool for finding local mammography centers. Check to see that the imaging facility you choose is certified and accepts your insurance. Many organizations offer free mammograms and breast screenings.

The health and medical professionals at WellMed advise talking with your doctor to discuss health history, recommended preventive screenings and any symptoms you may be experiencing. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a timely reminder that staying informed and prioritizing routine screenings can play an important role in protecting your health.

Monica Juarez-Gonzalez, DO, practices family medicine with WellMed at Oak Cliff. She is board-certified by ABFM and uses a holistic care approach. Her grandfather inspired her to pursue a career in medicine. Watching him positively impact the lives of others as a "Curandero" encouraged her to follow in his footsteps. Dr. Juarez-Gonzalez believes in getting to know her patients' social, emotional and spiritual lives and physical conditions to fully understand their health state. She is drawn to family medicine because she can provide quality continuity of care across the life spectrum. She strongly believes in treating everyone with kindness, respect and dignity. She also believes in extending care to the less fortunate through yearly mission trips. Following medical school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Dr. Juarez-Gonzalez completed her residency at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Resources:

BOOK REVIEW: ROCKET GIRL (KICK JOHNSON MYSTERY, #1) by Diane Vallere

KAREN SIDDALL — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 20:45:27 Z

Rocket Girl

Kick Johnson Mystery, #1

Diane Vallere

A riveting space race mystery in a nostalgic Dallas setting.

Rocket Girl is the first book in Diane Vallere's delightfully nostalgic Kick Johnson Mystery series, set in an exciting, booming 1960s Dallas, Texas, during the first year of the Kennedy administration. Kathleen "Kick" Johnson, a recent widow, soon discovers her new life as a single woman is an unfair, uphill battle without a male head of the household. Banking, credit, and major appliance purchases were suddenly beyond her reach, and ready funds were soon to run out. While Trudy, her older sister, urged her to return to her old job at the airplane parts firm and find another husband there, Kick longed for independence and equity as she charted her own course for the future. Thinking she may have finally found her niche as a math aide at the top-secret Center for Rocket Science Research, Kick's dream career is almost over before it has even begun when she stumbles across the body of one of the research engineers. Things get even dicier when Kick discovers the murdered man may have had a connection to her late husband, who died in a tragic workplace accident at the airplane parts firm.

Kick is an engaging, sympathetic main character, thrust into the unpleasant realities of women's financial plight in the 60s. Equality for women has come a long way when comparatively viewed, yet there are still ridiculous constraints and prejudices at play today. Kick flourished under her older sister's care and sacrifices, and while she is aware of this on a superficial level, it takes deep consideration to understand what this meant for Trudy. Her older sister had, in effect, given up her teenage and young adult years to provide a secure home for her when their widowed mother had passed away at an early age. The sisters' relationship is evolving, and the changes are painful for both young women. Still, they keep returning to each other to work through their feelings and shape their shared vision for the future.

Growing up, Kick's interests and strengths lay in science and math, uncommon for girls of the era, so they were ignored or discouraged rather than nurtured. It was satisfying to watch this character blossom as she found a comfort zone with the people and in the tasks supporting the NASA missions. It may be surprising to some to note the racial integration among the female staff then, though the directors and managers were solidly all white males.

The plot gets edgy right away with Kick experiencing the financial discrimination against women and the quick discovery of a murder victim at her new workplace. With the divisive political climate and the rocket center's absolute need for secrecy in their work, rumors of stolen plans and traitors add another layer of mystery and danger. Kick doesn't know who she can trust as she investigates a secret connection between the dead man and her late husband, whom she's coming to realize kept his own secrets. As she gets closer to the truth, she also gets closer to a new relationship with a handsome, friendly engineer also working at the rocket center.

The 1961 Dallas setting is fresh and still nostalgic, with the author imbuing the city with the excitement and explosive growth of an up-and-coming urban center. Mentions of real locations and historic figures were fun, though some were sobering, as they couldn't help but foreshadow the tragic history to come two years later. The author creates a solid framework of clues that sharp-eyed armchair detectives will enjoy putting together, and the final resolution proves highly satisfying.

I recommend ROCKET GIRL to readers of historical mysteries.

For this and other book reviews, visit by blog, Boys' Mom Reads!

St. Andrew Methodist Church Invites Community to Experience SOAR, a Unique Origami Art Installation

Elizabeth Lenart — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:11:51 Z

More than 1,500 hand-folded origami doves and cardinals fill three worship spaces following churchs 40th anniversary

Following its 40th anniversary celebration, St. Andrew Methodist Church is inviting the community to experience SOAR, a one-of-a-kind origami art installation featuring more than 1,500 hand-folded doves and cardinals suspended throughout three worship spaces.

The installation uniquely named SOAR by St. Andrew was unveiled during the Sept. 12-13 milestone weekend, which brought the congregation together to reflect on four decades of ministry and look toward the future. Each bird is sponsored by a member of the congregation in honor or memory of someone special.

Similar origami installations have been featured in churches around the world, but St. Andrew is only the fourth church in the United States and the first in the Southwestern U.S. to host one, as well as the first to feature cardinals alongside the doves.

Designed by Taros Origami Studio in Brooklyn, New York, SOAR was installed by artists who spent weeks at St. Andrew individually attaching the birds to large nets and suspending them high above the worship spaces, creating the effect of flocks soaring overhead.

During SOAR tours, you will see hand-folded origami doves and cardinals soaring above in the sanctuary: doves representing the presence and power of the Holy Spirit and cardinals reminding us of the faithful saints who make up the church, past and present, said Rev. Arthur Jones, senior pastor, St. Andrew. Its a visual representation of this spiritual reality: God's Spirit moving in concert with his saints to accomplish his mission on earth. It is an honor to share this special installation with our community.

SOAR will remain on display through January 2027. Guided tours will be offered the first Thursday of each month from 11 a.m. to noon: Nov. 5, Dec. 3 and Jan. 7. Please register for your tour date at standrewmethodist.org/SOAR. There is no admission fee. Visitors should enter through the sanctuary doors at 5801 W. Plano Parkway.

Each guided tour will include a welcome and overview of SOAR, a discussion of the symbolism of the doves and cardinals, and time for reflection. Tour participants will also receive a complimentary songs of SOAR Spotify list (via QR code), curated by Taylor Davis, creative director of traditional music and worship at St. Andrew.

Private tours are also available for groups of 12 or more. Contact Jordan Wonsmos for more information or call the church office at 972-380-8001. For more information about SOAR and upcoming tours, visit standrewmethodist.org/SOAR.

Founded in 1986 by the late Rev. Robert Hasley, St. Andrew began with a meeting of 20 people in a Plano home. Its first worship service was held at Shepton High School, where it was attended by 500 people. In 1990, the church family marched from Shepton to the building site, where a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the first building phase. After moving to its current Plano campus in 1991, the church continued to grow through expanded worship, facilities, community outreach and mission work. Four decades later, St. Andrew welcomes more than 2,000 people each weekend and continues to look for new ways to serve its congregation and community.

# # #

St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is an independent Methodist congregation in Plano, Texas, with more than 8,000 members. St. Andrew is committed to faith that is real, practical, and life-changing, while offering opportunities for traditional and contemporary worship, discipleship, and service locally, regionally, and globally. The church is home to Invite Ministries, its publishing house, and Beacon of Light, a mental health ministry. St. Andrew is a community of people seeking to live more like Jesus every day and to learn in deeper ways what it means to follow His teachings, live in community, and serve the world. 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75093, www.standrewmethodist.org, (972) 380-8001

Breakthrough T1D Announces New Territory Executive Director

Juliette DC — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 17:19:09 Z

Breakthrough T1D North Texas Area has announced Lindsay Pittard as its new territory executive director for the Dallas, Fort Worth and Oklahoma Chapters of Breakthrough T1D.

With more than 20 years of nonprofit and community leadership experience, Pittard brings a strong track record of strategic leadership, territory management, fundraising, corporate partnerships and community engagement. Her career has centered on bringing people, organizations and resources together to advance mission-driven work and create meaningful community impact.

Most recently, Pittard served as Vice President of Operations & Strategy for the Womens Business Council Southwest (WBCS), providing executive oversight across certifications, business development, community partnerships, events, programs and communications. She supervised key organizational initiatives including relationship cultivation of more than 80 corporations, 1,400 women-owned businesses and numerous community organizations, delivering more than 50 events annually.

Her career includes leadership experience with ALSAC/St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital and the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, where she developed extensive expertise in peer-to-peer fundraising, corporate engagement, community relations and nonprofit leadership. During her time with ALSAC, Pittard played a key role with the Minden St. Jude Auction, supporting the town of Minden, Louisiana, through a significant milestone as the auction raised more than $1 million for the first time under her leadership. The memorable achievement reflected the power of strong community relationships, dedicated volunteers and a shared commitment to the St. Jude mission.

Pittards career has been defined by a passion for bringing people together around a shared purpose. She said, Im incredibly honored to join Breakthrough T1D and to have the opportunity to continue serving the North Texas and Oklahoma communities. Throughout my career, Ive seen the extraordinary impact that happens when passionate people, businesses and communities come together around a shared mission.

A proud Louisiana State University graduate, Pittard has called the Dallas-Fort Worth area home for many years. She lives with her husband, Andrew, a native of DFW, their two children, Jackson and Charlotte, and their two-year-old dog, Winston.

She joins Breakthrough T1D at its busiest time of year with events set for the next couple of months. The community is invited to join Breakthrough T1D at any of these events to support the organizations fundraising efforts.

Oct. 10 Lubbock Walk

Nov. 7 Dallas Walk, Oklahoma City Walk

Nov. 8 Tulsa Walk

Nov. 14 Fort Worth Walk, Durant, OK Walk

Nov. 19 Dallas Luncheon

Dec. 1 Dallas Mahjong

About Breakthrough T1D: Founded in 1970 as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF) and renamed the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in 2001, the organization rebranded in 2024 as Breakthrough T1D to reflect a bold commitment to improving the lives of both children and adults living with type 1 diabetes. As the leading global organization driving T1D research, advocacy, and community engagement, Breakthrough T1D accelerates progress toward cures and better treatments while making everyday life easier for everyone affected. The North Texas and Oklahoma Chapter, based in Dallas, hosts major fundraising events across the region, including the annual luncheon in Dallas, galas in Dallas, Fort Worth, Tulsa and Oklahoma City as well as community walks in The Colony, Fort Worth, Lubbock, Durant, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City. Visit https://www.breakthrought1d.org/dallasfortworth/, https://www.breakthrought1d.org/oklahoma/, email northtexasoklahoma@BreakthroughT1D.org, or call 214-373-9808.

Park Place Dealerships Opens Applications for Season of Giving

Carolyn Alvey — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:59:52 Z

Park Place Dealerships has launched the 6th Annual Season of Giving, offering up to a total of $100,000 in grants to nonprofits across Dallas-Fort Worth. Eligible organizations are invited to apply at parkplacecares.com through October 23. Grant recipients will be announced the week of November 16.

To be considered, nonprofit organizations must meet the following criteria:

Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Support one of Park Place Cares four pillars of giving: Education, Medical Research, Childrens Advocacy, or the Arts
Serve at least one of the following counties: Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Grayson, Parker, Rockwall, Kaufman, Hunt, Hood, Wise and Johnson
Havent already received donations or in-kind support from Park Place in 2026
Submit application no later than October 23, 2026

Season of Giving gives us an opportunity to learn about nonprofits doing meaningful work throughout North Texas and support them through grants, said Kara Connor, Community Engagement Manager at Park Place Dealerships. Over the past five years, weve seen how that support can help organizations serve their communities. Weve also built relationships that continue well beyond the grant itself, and we look forward to meeting this years applicants.

Since 2020, Park Place has donated half a million dollars to 103 nonprofits supporting causes that align with Park Place Cares pillars.

Among the 19 organizations selected in 2025 was Fort Worths Adriana's Angels, which provides emotional support to children and families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis. The nonprofit used the Season of Giving grant to create Surprise! Packs for children in the hospital.

Frisco Fastpacs also received a grant to further the organization's mission of providing weekend meal packs to at-risk children who rely on supplemental food assistance. Frisco ISD was able to provide 250 weekend meal packs, and 1,875 meals to at-risk children within the school district.

Families to Freedom received funding to help provide safe transportation for individuals who are escaping domestic violence. Park Place continued this partnership in 2026 by holding a Car Seat Drive across all 11 dealerships, collecting new and gently used car seats for Families to Freedom to use.

Evergreen Life Services, which serves and advocates for adults with intellectual disabilities, also received grant funding. Park Place strengthened this partnership during National Volunteer Week in April, when Members went beyond financial support and participated in a hands-on backyard makeover. See the full 2025 list here.

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and employs more than 1,400 members. Park Place Dealership operates three collision centers, an auto auction, and nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. For more information, visit parkplace.com.

Last Call: Make Rivalry Weekend a Dallas Getaway

Culver Public Relations — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:21:49 Z

Last call, football fans! The Texas-OU showdown is almost here, and theres still time to turn game day into a full weekend of rivalry-fueled fun with Rivalry Weekend, Elevated at Sheraton Dallas. Located in the heart of downtown, Sheraton Dallas puts fans in the middle of the action with easy access to football, food, drinks, and plenty of opportunities to show off your team pride. The special weekend rate also includes a 2 p.m. late checkout, giving fans a little extra time to recover from the rivalry excitement before heading home.

Keep the competition going at Draft Sports Bar & Lounge, where flatscreens keep you close to the action, local ice-cold brews are on tap, and chef-curated bar bites are served fresh. Then, venture out to explore downtown Dallas, Deep Ellum, the Arts District, and more. So, whether youre shouting Hook Em or Boomer Sooner, nows the time to rally your crew, grab your burnt orange or crimson, and book your rivalry weekend before its too late.

Sheraton Dallas Hotel is located at 400 North Olive Street, Dallas, Texas 75201. For more information or to book a stay, visit www.SheratonDallas.com. To learn more about private events, contact the sales team at DALDHOutletmanagers@marriott.com or call 469-371-1486.

BOOK REVIEW - LOOKING PAST DEMENTIA: LEARNING FROM THOSE WHO LIVE WITH IT by Marysue Moses

KAREN SIDDALL — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 20:31:19 Z

Looking Past Dementia:

Learning From Those Who Live With It

Marysue Moses

Inspirational, informative, and useful tips, shared with care and love.

Looking Past Dementia: Learning From Those Who Live With It by Marysue Moses is a unique discussion of dementia patients and how to relate to them again as people, rather than as the sum of their symptoms. Moses, a former activities director and dementia educator with years of hands-on experience, shares what she learned from residents of memory care units themselves, beginning with seeing them as the talented, worthy individuals they are.

I appreciated how the author illustrated each point with supporting vignettes from her time in the field or from personal knowledge gained from her mother and grandmother, who both lived with Alzheimer's. Moses depicts a variety of typical interactions with residents with many forms and at different stages of cognitive decline. Readers who have had, or are currently in, a relationship with someone living with any of these conditions will relate to many of the stories, which accurately portray experiences common among those with loved ones in memory care. I wish that I had had access to this book when I was responsible for a good friend's care a couple of years ago; we were both so lost, confused, and frustrated. This book answered many questions I had then and offered sensible, creative ways I could have responded if I'd known about them. As our family members and beloved friends continue to age, I imagine there will be more opportunities to put what I read here to use, and I feel inspired to face those challenges with more confidence than last time.

I recommend LOOKING PAST DEMENTIA to anyone in a relationship with someone experiencing cognitive decline.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through WOW! Women On Writing Book Tours.

Texas Womens Foundation Awards $900,000 to Support Women and Families Across North Texas

Juliette DC — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 13:26:06 Z

Through its 2026 Community Grant Cycle, Texas Womens Foundation (TXWF) has awarded $900,000 to 25 nonprofit organizations working to remove the barriers to economic security, stability and success for Texas women, their families and their futures.

As part of the annual grant cycle, two special groups of supporters selected nonprofits to champion through their annual giving and engagement. Texas Womens Foundations Board Alumnae awarded $40,000 to Shared Housing Center for housing and wraparound services from the Virginia B. Whitehill endowed fund. TXWFs Nineteen network, named in honor of the organizations 19 diverse and determined founders, awarded $40,000 to The Family Place for its Childrens Educational Service program.

All 25 grant recipients were recognized and celebrated at a special reception on September 25.

Karen Hughes White, Texas Womens Foundation president and CEO, said, Forty-one years ago, 19 dynamic women came together to empower womens philanthropy and to invest in organizations doing critical work in their communities. Now, four decades later, that commitment has grown to more than $115 million invested in Texas women, their families and their futures. These incredible nonprofit organizations are removing barriers for Texas women and their families and creating opportunities in the areas of healthcare, childcare, education, workforce development and more. Were proud to support them as we work together to build Strong Women and a Better Texas for all.

The grantee recipients:

Collin County:

The Turning Point Rape Crisis Center (Plano)

Dallas County:

AVANCE North Texas

The Concilio

Community Does It (Cuenta Conmigo): Family Mental Health Clinic

Dallas Innovation Alliance

The Family Place

Frazier Revitalization, Inc.

Hope Clinic of Garland

Hope Cottage

Home Point

Juliette Fowler Communities

Literacy Achieves

Owenwood Neighbor Space

Prism Health North Texas

Resource Center Health

Shared Housing Center Inc.

Sharing Life Community Outreach

Trinity Restoration Ministries - The Well

Denton County:

Cumberland Youth and Family Services

Hearts for Homes

Tarrant County:

Methodist Justice Ministry

DFW:

ChildCareGroup

Hopes Door New Beginning Center

Mosaic Family Services

St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy

To learn more about Texas Womens Foundations grants and the process for application, visit txwf.org/grants.

About Texas Womens Foundation:

Texas Womens Foundation (TXWF) raises funds from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support nearly $5 million in investments each year to help eliminate the barriers to womens economic security, stability and success through targeted research and advocacy, intentional grantmaking and leadership programs. Since its inception in 1985, TXWF has invested more than $90 million in grantmaking in support of Texas women, their families and their futures, and another $25 million-plus in research, advocacy and educational programs for a total impact of more than $115 million over the last 41 years. TXWFs vision for a strong and vibrant Texas for all remains at the forefront of its work.

TXWFs targeted research into the issues impacting the economic security of Texas women and families will continue to guide its work. The biannual report on the economic issues that face Texas women and their families provides corporate and community leaders, and state and local lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs across the state. In addition, Texas Womens Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in the mission-aligned investing movement, deploying 100 percent of its invested assets endowments, operating investments and donor-advised funds in a values-based portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits that align with its mission. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now.

BOOK REVIEW: ALL THAT WAS LEFT UNSAID by Danielle Dragona

KAREN SIDDALL — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 21:16:37 Z

All That Was Left Unsaid

Danielle Dragona

Long-held secrets come to light after the death of a woman's spouse.

All That Was Left Unsaid is a new women's fiction novel by Danielle Dragona that explores how a new widow is forced to face her new future, and I was glued to every page, so immersed in the story that I read it in one evening. After the death of her husband from cancer, Katrina Johnson must come to terms with the secrets he had been keeping throughout their long marriage. While working through her grief, she comes face to face with betrayal, disillusionment, and, eventually, her own mortality.

Katrina, the main character, met and married Sam Johnson during the Vietnam War, and theirs was what people called "a traditional marriage": he was the breadwinner, and she was the stay-at-home mom and homemaker. Never holding a job outside the home, except for an exceptional level of volunteerism for their small community, and not the one paying the bills, she is shocked when she uncovers some of Sam's secret financial activities. Katrina is also forced to confront the evidence of Sam's infidelity, the pain of which still lingers in her and their two grown children. Each has handled their father's long-ago betrayal in different ways, the damaging effects of which have long impacted their relationships with each other and potential partners as well.

The story is riveting. Just as you think Katrina's situation has hit rock bottom, a new twist comes along to dig the hole a little deeper. However, I wasn't surprised when one of the hits she takes involves her health, as I've seen this happen time and time again in real life. The descriptions of the medical treatments she undergoes are vivid and realistic. I was worried she would face additional complications as more details about Sam's infidelity were revealed.

The best part of the story for me was the evolving relationships between Katrina, her friends old and new, her adult children, and herself. Katrina experiences such growth, which felt especially amazing considering her age. She starts out so lost, hurt, and angry, and through her experiences becomes the woman she always wanted to become. It is all that she goes through to get to her destination, her journey, that makes this book such a satisfying page-turner. You may need tissues.

I recommend ALL THAT WAS LEFT UNSAID to readers of women's fiction.

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

Howdy, Big Tex: Stay and Play at the State Fair of Texas

Culver Public Relations — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 16:38:31 Z

Its time to grab your tickets, round up your crew, and get ready to hear those famous words: Howdy, Folks! The State Fair of Texas is now open, bringing Big Tex, classic fair food, midway rides, live entertainment, creative exhibits, and plenty of Texas-sized fun to Fair Park. Make your fair experience even easier with Stay and Play at the State Fair of Texas at Sheraton Dallas, giving fairgoers a convenient place to stay before or after a full day at the fairgrounds.

Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, Sheraton Dallas puts guests within easy reach of Fair Park and the rest of the city through the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). After sampling your way through the fair, take a break from the crowds and return to the hotel to relax, grab a drink, or continue the fun at Draft Sports Bar & Lounge. The package makes it easy to turn a trip to the State Fair into a complete Dallas experience.

Book your stay at www.SheratonDallas.com and make your State Fair visit one to remember.

Sheraton Dallas Hotel is located at 400 North Olive Street, Dallas, Texas 75201.

10 Years, Countless Lives: Medical City North Hills Marks Milestone During Sepsis Awareness Month

Morgan Roundy — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:52:27 Z

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS In recognition of Sepsis Awareness Month, Medical City North Hills is marking 10 years of Code Sepsis, a pioneering partnership with the North Richland Hills Fire Department that helped transform how patients with suspected sepsis are treated before arriving at the hospital.

Developed in 2016, Code Sepsis enables specially trained paramedics to identify suspected sepsis, obtain blood cultures and begin antibiotics in the field.

North Richland Hills became the first fire department in the nation to carry and administer antibiotics for suspected sepsis patients. Early results showed significant promise, with sepsis deaths declining from approximately 50% to below 20%. The protocol has become a model for prehospital sepsis care in North Texas, demonstrating the impact hospitals and first responders can have when they work together to bring lifesaving care to patients sooner.

Ten years ago, this was a new concept that challenged the traditional way sepsis care was delivered, says Curtis H. Johnson, MD, medical director of emergency services at Medical City North Hills. Our hospital and EMS partners believed that recognizing sepsis and beginning treatment before a patient arrived at the hospital could give them a better chance at recovery. Today, we're proud to celebrate a decade of that partnership.

Sepsis is the body's extreme response to an infection and is a life-threatening medical emergency that can progress to a critical stage quickly. At least 1.7 million U.S. adults are diagnosed with sepsis each year, and at least 350,000 die or are discharged to hospice, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Globally, sepsis is associated with an estimated 48.9 million cases and 11 million deaths annually.

Sepsis Awareness Month serves as an important reminder to recognize the signs and symptoms of sepsis and seek medical care immediately. Symptoms can include:

Fever
Shivering or feeling very cold
Confusion or disorientation
Shortness of breath
Extreme pain or discomfort
Clammy or sweaty skin
High heart rate or weak pulse

As part of the HCA Healthcare system of care, Medical City North Hills also uses a Sepsis Prediction and Optimization of Therapy (SPOT) tool for hospitalized patients. SPOT uses rules-based algorithms focused on patient vital signs, labs, nursing reports and other data to help identify sepsis approximately six hours earlier than traditional screening methods. The adoption of SPOT has significantly reduced the time from alert to clinical action for inpatients, which has been associated with improved sepsis outcomes and earlier interventions.

Learn more about emergency services at Medical City North Hills here.

ABOUT MEDICAL CITY NORTH HILLS

Medical City North Hills is a 164-bed, acute care hospital located in North Richland Hills, Texas. With a medical team of more than 500 physicians, Medical City North Hills offers a broad range of services including a Level III Trauma Center, a full range of cardiovascular services, comprehensive orthopedic and spine programs, neurology, graduate medical education and an internal medicine residency clinic.

Medical City North Hills is part of Medical City Healthcare.

Texas A&M University College of Dentistry shares why lattes with pumpkin spices harm teeth

Stephanie Patrick — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:23:00 Z

Temperatures in Dallas-Fort Worth and other places are in the 90s, but many Texans are cozying up to their annual cold-weather treat lattes with pumpkin spices. Especially as National Coffee Day is celebrated tomorrow.

Hold up before you take that next sip, said Briana Breezy Bonney, clinical assistant professor in the dental hygiene program at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas. Your favorite seasonal drink damages your teeth and gums.

Lattes with pumpkin spices are like candy, and they are loaded with sugar about 25 to 30 grams of sugar in an eight-ounce cup with syrup and whipped cream, Bonney said. Most lattes served in restaurants and coffee shops are served in amounts much more than eight ounces.

Some seasonal concoctions contain a whopping 82 grams of sugar, she said.

Women shouldnt consume more than 25 grams of added sugar each day six teaspoons, according to the American Heart Association. Its recommended that men consume no more than 36 grams of added sugar nine teaspoons.

Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth, said Bonney, who also has a masters in nutrition. That produces acids, which eat away at teeths enamel. The longer sugar stays on teeth, the more likely cavities will form.

Lattes are a mixture of brewed coffee or espresso, pumps of vanilla, cinnamon or a nutty syrup and a frothy milk or milk alternative all loaded with sugar. The beverage is sprinkled with a mixture of sugar and fall spices.

Most fall beverages range between 140 (and) 750 calories. Bonney said. That is a significant amount of calories for the morning and a significant bit of acid and sugar. The beverages coffee base is naturally acidic too. Not only does it stain teeth, but coffee also wears away at enamel and increases the risk of cavities.

A latte is an occasional treat, not a brew for every day. Bonney suggested having a glass of water near and alternate between sips. Drinking the latte with a straw also helps lessen damage to teeth.

Order smaller sizes, ask for fewer pumps of syrups and opt for sugar-free syrups when available.

Dont be tricked by a fall beverage; they are actually dangerously sweet treats in disguise, Bonney said.

KelticDead Music Latest Posts: Rolling Down to Old Maui

Shaun That KelticDead Guy — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 11:43:08 Z

KelticDead Music
Rolling Down to Old Maui

The KelticDead Music initiative and the volunteer musician friends find, arrange and play KDM original (made public) and other tunes and songs found in the traditions of Celtic, Folk, Americana, Country, Indie, and Seafaring sources which are now found throughout the world. All productions are made from live, acoustic instruments and voices to encourage folk to play or sing along (no AI or synthetic sounds). The KelticDead Music music-entertainment initiative also provides free, PDF Audio-Visual "Broadside" stories (that include the KDM sheet music arrangements) as a free, fun education resource at https://KelticMeadMusic.org/story-broadsides/ .

Also visit the KelticDead Music on SoundCloud

https://on.soundcloud.com/2F6dcoEpyxZli6yTLJ

BOOK REVIEW: THE LAST RIFT DRAGON (KNIGHTS OF THE SILVER FOG, #1) by Shami Stovall

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 02:12:21 Z

The Last Rift Dragon

Knights of the Silver Fog, #1

Shami Stovall

Good vs. evil, with magic and dragons!

The Last Rift Dragon by author Shami Stovall is the wonderful debut novel in her new magical young adult fantasy series, Knights of the Silver Fog, and it is chockful of twists and turns, acts of bravery, loyalty, and honor, treachery and betrayal, and young knights just out of training desperately fighting to save their homeland and the last of their dragons. The story follows the exploits of young Master Richter Whitlock, on the eve of becoming a full-fledged protector of Bridgehaven, his island home, when they are attacked by their nemesis, the neighboring land of Whettin, whose warriors ride on the backs of nightmarishly giant black centipedes.

The main character, the orphaned Richter Whitlock, is the only child of two knights who were killed while defending their homeland. He has always dreamed of becoming a knight himself in honor of his lost parents. He is an earnest, loyal young man who has dedicated his life to training for his future, bringing his best friend and former servant, Valex Lex Thorn, along with him. Their relationship is close and heartwarming.

The author creates a vivid, magic-filled setting for the story to unfold. Her world-building is mesmerizing, creating a vibrant, immersive backdrop for the action and adventure to come. I was particularly taken by the magic element of the land of Bridgehaven and the gyfts that manifested in the people as a result of breathing the silver fog, the breath of the dragons, and how the loss of the dragons threatened the continued development of their special powers.

The plot hits the ground running, with Richter and Lex struggling to reach their final training assessment, and it continues with full-blown, bloody battles against skilled Whettin warriors. The storyline is full of twists and turns, and I was constantly kept off-balance as the characters were forced to pivot to meet the challenges presented. The good guys face treachery and betrayal from unexpected sources when they least expect it, and they dont always come out on top or unscathed, keeping the suspense palpable and decision-making critical throughout. And then there are the dragons -wild and wonderful, with a surprise tale all their own.

I recommend THE LAST RIFT DRAGON to readers of young adult fantasy, action, and adventure stories.

For this and other book reviews, visit my blog, Boys' Mom Reads!

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW: SISTERS ALONE by Shifa Saltagi Safeadi

KAREN SIDDALL — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 19:20:57 Z

Sisters Alone

Shifa Saltagi Safadi

A family secretly struggles with their grief after the sudden death of their wife and mother.

Sisters Alone by Shifa Saltagi Safadi is an emotional middle-grade novel written in verse about two sisters coping with grief after the unexpected loss of their mother six months earlier. Eighth-grader Rama and sixth-grader Leena secretly struggle mentally and emotionally in the aftermath of their mother's sudden death, neither one knowing what the other is going through because each claims to be doing okay. The truth couldn't be further from the truth. While Rama feels left behind and abandoned, she is slowly being consumed by rage and the burden of keeping the family together all on her own. Leena feels responsible for her mother's death because it occurred while her mother was running an errand on her behalf. Even their widowed father is finding it difficult to keep it together as he adjusts to life without the woman he loved and takes up the reins of being a single working parent.

On the surface, life has moved on. The sisters bicker as siblings are wont to do; the eldest striving for and demanding perfection, the younger girl careless and inattentive, with a penchant for getting her older sister to pick up the slack. But Rama has her own worries. Her best friend, Madiha, has begun including a new friend in all their activities, and seems to prefer her company over Rama's. Leena, trying to keep her mother's memory alive, is devoting all her time to creating a scrapbook rather than studying and completing her schoolwork and chores. This inattention becomes critical when the sisters are scheduled for a school-sponsored winter break ski trip, and only students who have met all academic requirements and submitted the proper paperwork can attend. Their father is counting on them to go so he can take a mandatory business trip to Japan, leaving the same day the girls will. So when Leena is denied a place on the bus at the last minute, the girls suddenly find themselves home alone with a massive blizzard headed their way. As their relationship troubles and individual emotional isolation come to a head, the storm hits, and the girls must work together under the worst conditions just to survive.

The author's writing is sublime, and her use of verse to tell the story is stylish, precise, and evocative. Told from the alternating points of view of the two sisters, readers are privy to what's really going on inside each girl's head. Both sisters are eminently relatable and engaging. The narratives shift frequently, creating natural stopping points for young readers to pause; however, readers with more time may enjoy the entire family drama in one riveting reading session.

I recommend SISTERS ALONE to middle-grade readers, especially those who enjoy stories about a family in crisis.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through Toppling Stacks Tours.

Dallas Hua Yun Chinese Orchestra at Library

Tom Keener — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 19:00:00 Z

The ancient Chinese believed music could purify people's minds.

Test that theory one yourself while enjoying traditional Chinese music with the Dallas Hua Yun Chinese Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 9, at the Allen Public Library.