Staff & Reader Submitted

Beckers Names Dallas Allen Mason a Great Leader in Healthcare

Krista Simmons — Mon, 11 May 2026 16:00:00 Z

Beckers has named Leap Distributors Co-founder and CEO Allen Mason to the 2026 list of Great Leaders in Healthcare. Mason, a Dallas resident, is included in the Companies section, under CEOs and Founders.

Beckers is highly respected throughout our industry and its Great Leaders in Healthcare List includes many of our industrys top professionals, said Mason. Im honored to be included.

Beckers Healthcare has more than 1.1 million e-newsletter subscribers and more than 68,000 print subscribers.

According to Beckers, its 2026 Great Leaders in Healthcare list is developed from nominations and editorial research. It recognizes healthcare leaders, whose influence reaches far beyond their individual organizations, and who set the tone from the top by defining the strategic direction, shaping the culture and embodying the mission that flows through every department, every decision, and every patient or client interaction.

Mason has more than 25 years of experience in the medical device industry and more than a decade of executive-level healthcare leadership expertise. Mason co-founded Leap Distributors with a mission to transform the healthcare landscape by prioritizing cost reduction, increasing patient choice, and improving overall quality of care.

Headquartered in Dallas, Leap Distributors continues that mission today as a national medical device distribution partner that provides sales coverage, contracting and GPO strategy, and end-to-end logistics for manufacturers and healthcare facilities. Today, Leap Distributors supports more than 10,000 surgeries annually, partnering with over 750 surgeons and 350 facilities, GPOs, and IDNs across the country.

A seasoned entrepreneur, Mason has built nine successful businesses. Mason co-founded Leap Surgical (which was acquired by Leap Distributors in 2024) and served as its CEO for more than a decade. He also is a co-founder of MindSight Medical LLC, an FDA registered and licensed tissue bank in Dallas, and he is a board member of Total Ancillary, Axis Datalytics, MedTechIntel, MedTech Incubator, Staysis Medical and other notable startups.

Mason is actively involved in the community. In particular, with the non-profit Leap Six a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that Mason helped create, which specializes in connecting niche medical suppliers with hospitals, distributors and the VA health system. He also serves as a mentor to numerous professionals and participates in a variety of educational and health outreach programs.

Discover Why Frisco Is One of the Best Cities in Texas for Families

Culver Public Relations — Mon, 11 May 2026 15:33:08 Z

As one of North Texas fastest-growing cities, Frisco has become a favorite destination for families looking for a balance of entertainment, outdoor activities, strong schools, and community-focused living. From weekend adventures to everyday conveniences, Frisco offers countless opportunities for kids and parents alike to enjoy life together.

Located near some of the citys top attractions, The Links on PGA Parkway places residents close to everything that makes Frisco such a family-friendly place to call home!

Families looking to spend time outdoors can visit Little Elm Park, where hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, fishing spots, and a swim beach create the perfect setting for a full day of family fun. The parks open green spaces and waterfront views make it a popular weekend destination for families across the area.

For indoor entertainment, Main Event continues to be a local favorite with bowling, arcade games, laser tag, virtual reality experiences, and dining all under one roof. Whether its a birthday celebration or a casual night out, theres something for every age to enjoy.

Friscos family appeal continues to grow with exciting developments shaping the future of the city, including the upcoming Universal Kids Resort. The highly anticipated park is expected to bring even more entertainment and tourism to the area, adding to Friscos reputation as one of the most exciting places for families in Texas.

Back at home, residents at The Links on PGA Parkway can enjoy a lifestyle centered around comfort, convenience, and connection, with resort-style amenities and gathering spaces designed for everyday living.

With its growing entertainment scene, outdoor recreation, family-focused attractions, and thriving community atmosphere, Frisco continues to stand out as one of the best places in North Texas for families to live, explore, and create lasting memories together!

BOOK REVIEW: DAUGHTER OF MINE by Angie Stanton

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 10 May 2026 20:38:59 Z

Daughter of Mine

Angie Stanton

Tragic, shocking tale that made me question my emotions.

Daughter of Mine is a new womens fiction tale by Angie Stanton that made me question my own emotions and perceptions. A woman who lost her newborn hours after her birth takes the healthy infant of another. The story is gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, but rather than straightforward emotions, the lines blurred between where my sympathies took hold.

The authors writing style is compelling and drew me into the fearful story immediately; the pages melted away as I followed the unfolding lives of two mothers, Melissa and Cheryl, and baby Greta, who became known as Piper. I read this book in one absorbing sitting.

I recommend DAUGHTER OF MINE to readers of womens, crime, and literary fiction.

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

BOOK REVIEW - THE PURPOSE OF GETTING LOST: A STORY OF FINDING MYSELF by Tracy Smith

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 10 May 2026 20:20:52 Z

The Purpose of Getting Lost:

A Story of Finding Myself

Tracy Smith

An unexpected joy!

The Purpose of Getting Lost: A Story of Finding Myself, a memoir by Tracy Smith, was an unexpected joy to read as I connected with and related to so many of her experiences, impressions, and emotions. Approaching 50 and an impending empty nest, the author comes to realize the person shes become, or, rather, presents to the public and even family and friends, has drifted far from the real self shed slowly buried in time and by the necessity of successive needs of others.

Wives and mothers adapt as needed to provide what is essential to those who depend on them, but in doing so, often lose contact with their own needs, desires, and feelings. Through travel and new experiences away from the life and persona shed constructed, the author gradually peels off the hold the needs of others had on her and allows the real Tracy to re-emerge. Reading Tracys words felt like a comfortable yet deep conversation with that one friend who really gets me.

I recommend THE PURPOSE OF GETTING LOST to readers of womens memoirs and travelogues.

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

Dr. Amp W. Miller III to bid goodbye to Texas A&M University College of Dentistry after 53 years

Stephanie Patrick — Sun, 10 May 2026 16:00:00 Z

Dr. Amp W. Miller, professor and director of comprehensive dentistry at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, retires May 31 after decades of crafting smiles and shaping the careers of thousands of dentists.

If anyone needs a new smile or a history lesson about Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, Dr. Amp W. Miller III, professor and director of comprehensive dentistry, can provide both. The prosthodontist spent decades restoring and replacing missing and damaged teeth, and even longer studying and teaching dentistry.

Now, after 53 years as an A&M Dentistry faculty member and four years before that as a dental student at then-Baylor College of Dentistry, Miller will say goodbye to everyone on the Gaston Avenue campus. Miller will officially retire effective May 31 his 79th birthday.

Hes taught thousands of dental students, including me, said Dr. Lily T. Garcia, A&M Dentistrys dean and a prosthodontist and BCD Class of 1984. The dental college has served the North Texas community for 120 years, and Dr. Miller has been an important part of it for nearly half the time. His contributions are immense.

Either as a part-time or full-time instructor, Millers courses ranged from preclinical classes to graduate prosthodontics. He also earned a prosthodontics certificate from his alma mater and employer in 1980, while also working in private practice. His academic career includes stints as interim assistant department head of comprehensive dentistry, interim chair and then chair of restorative dentistry, director of curriculum and interim associate dean for clinical affairs.

Miller relinquished the dean role because he missed teaching and daily interactions with students too much.

Students have inquiring minds, he said. I like to watch them develop their knowledge and skills. They are full of questions, and they develop some swagger as they gain confidence in their abilities.

Students adore Miller, and they named him Teacher of the Year in 1992, 2005, 2011, 2018 and 2025.In addition, he was named to A&M Dentistrys Hall of Fame in 2025, alongside Dr. Ernestine Lacy, professor and associate dean for student affairs at A&M Dentistry, who also retires effective May 31.

Miller is an incredible resource, offering insights that fundamentally change how students think, said Eric M. Weideman, a third-year dental student at A&M Dentistry.

I remember sitting in class when he briefly explained how to tell which side a patient likely sleeps on just by looking at their dentition, he said. It was one of those moments where it just clicked. It seemed so simple, and so far, it has held up.

Weideman said Miller helped him be more observant and think differently about patients dental needs.

I can only imagine the impact he has had on so many others, he said.

Once retired, Miller and his wife, Barbara, associate professor emerita at A&M Dentistry, retired assistant dean of recruitment and admissions and BCD Class of 1983, will finish renovations on their home in Lake Highlands and spend time with grandchildren in Virginia.

Its been the kind of job where Ive looked forward to coming to work each day, Miller said. The College of Dentistry is in good hands for the future.

Dr. Amp W. Miller III to bid goodbye to Texas A&M University College of Dentistry after 53 years

Stephanie Patrick — Sun, 10 May 2026 16:00:00 Z

Miller relinquished the dean role because he missed teaching and daily interactions with students too much.

Students have inquiring minds, he said. I like to watch them develop their knowledge and skills. They are full of questions, and they develop some swagger as they gain confidence in their abilities.

Miller is an incredible resource, offering insights that fundamentally change how students think, said Eric M. Weideman, a third-year dental student at A&M Dentistry.

Weideman said Miller helped him be more observant and think differently about patients dental needs.

I can only imagine the impact he has had on so many others, he said.

Its been the kind of job where Ive looked forward to coming to work each day, Miller said. The College of Dentistry is in good hands for the future.

Dr. Amp W. Miller III to bid goodbye to Texas A&M University College of Dentistry after 53 years

Stephanie Patrick — Sun, 10 May 2026 16:00:00 Z

Miller relinquished the dean role because he missed teaching and daily interactions with students too much.

Students have inquiring minds, he said. I like to watch them develop their knowledge and skills. They are full of questions, and they develop some swagger as they gain confidence in their abilities.

Miller is an incredible resource, offering insights that fundamentally change how students think, said Eric M. Weideman, a third-year dental student at A&M Dentistry.

Weideman said Miller helped him be more observant and think differently about patients dental needs.

I can only imagine the impact he has had on so many others, he said.

Its been the kind of job where Ive looked forward to coming to work each day, Miller said. The College of Dentistry is in good hands for the future.

Dallas PULSE take home MLV Match for a Million Championship Title

Carolyn Alvey — Sun, 10 May 2026 15:43:44 Z

For the first time in Major League Volleyball history, five sets were needed to decide the league championship as the Dallas PULSE defeated the Omaha Supernovas in a thrilling 3-2 come-from-behind win in the Match for a Million on Saturday, May 9.

The championship is the first for PULSE as they became the first MLV expansion team to take home the league title in their debut campaign. The match was played before a sellout crowd of 4,598 fans at Comerica Center.

The energy in the Comerica Center was unreal all week long, the fans brought a level of passion that elevated every moment, shared MLV Commissioner Jaime Weston. This is the major leagues; this is what the highest level of professional volleyball looks like. Seeing a team rise and win in front of its hometown crowd makes it even more special. Its a defining moment not just for these athletes, but for the continued growth of our league.

Dallas outside hitter Sofia Maldonado Diaz earned MVP honors with a scintillating 26-kill performance to lead the PULSE to victory. Five of her kills came in the deciding fifth set. Natalia Valentin-Anderson handed out 43 assists while Tristin Savage recorded seven blocks to tie the MLV postseason match record.

I think we were really intentional in who we brought to Dallas, PULSE head coach Shannon Winzer said following the match. I think our resiliency has shown throughout the year. Weve never stayed too long in the highs or too long in the lows. At the beginning of the year (I said) this club has no past, it only has beginnings, so we need to make our mark and today we very much made our mark. This is an incredible team. Im very grateful for this year and this team.

The Supernovas won the opening set 25-20 before Dallas rebounded with a 25-23 win in set two. Omaha appeared to take control of the match with a 25-15 win in the third set as Beason and Nuneviller posted four kills each and Parson notched all three of her aces to set an MLV postseason set record. But the PULSE raced out to a 12-4 lead in the fourth set enroute to a 25-13 win to knot the match at two. Maldonado again led the way with six kills in the frame.

Tied at 3-3 in the fifth set, Dallas scored seven of the next 10 points to jump out to a 10-6 lead and take control. Maldonado Diaz chalked up four of the points in that run. Omaha cut the score to 10-8 before the PULSE put the match away to claim the victory.

The win is the narrowest combined margin in Match for a Million history as the two teams were separated by only five points in the cumulative match point total (100-95).

The Dallas PULSE is North Texas first womens professional volleyball team, competing in Major League Volleyballs 2026 season. Playing at Comerica Center in Frisco, Dallas PULSE echoes the energy, and heart of Dallas-Fort Worth home to one of the nations largest and most passionate volleyball communities. For more information about the team, visit Dallas PULSE or follow the team on social media channels at @DallasPULSEVB for schedule updates, roster announcements, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Major League Volleyball, entering its third season, is the longest-running formal professional volleyball league for women in the United States. Designed to elevate the sport through world class competition, commercial innovation, and cultural relevance, MLV brings together elite athletes, visionary leadership, and global ambition. With alignment to USA Volleyball and a commitment to Olympic development, MLV serves as the premier pathway from professional play to the world stage.

BOOK REVIEW: DEAD FOCUSED AND HOCUS POCUSED (EMPTY NEXT MYSTICAL COZY MYSTERY, #1) by Marcy Blesy

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 10 May 2026 11:50:48 Z

Dead Focused and Hocus Pocused

Empty Nest Mystical Cozy Mystery, #1

Marcy Blesy

The openings craziness and chaos made this an unputdownable debut!

Dead Focused and Hocus Pocused is the first book in veteran author Marcy Blesys new Empty Nest Mystical Cozy Mystery series and features retired elementary school teacher and newly-minted empty nester, Julianna Juli Tully, as she checks in for a weeks stay to help ease her past her feelings of uncertainty over her new phase of life. Craziness and chaos greet her at the Sand Bur Estate on the shores of Lake Michigan, the location of the Empty Nest Retreat: Where You Take the Front Seat of Your Life Again, which was gifted to her by her mother and husband, and is not the spa-like scenario that shed been hoping for at all. Soon after her arrival, a staff member turns up dead, and as Juli was the last person to see them alive, she becomes the number one suspect in their murder.

Juli is such a relatable main character as she confronts the bewilderment that greets her upon arrival. Shes confused and turned off by the weird vibes she gets from the start, and feels singled out as the staff seems to focus solely on her during their sessions. The first person she meets there is Nelle, a high-energy sort, eager to please, participate, and support anything healing, but not exactly a relaxing individual to be paired with. Several of the other attendees were downright hostile to Julis presence, and when the chef is found dead, the tension really mounts.

However, things at the Sand Bur are not what they seem, and Juli decides to stick it out to uncover the strange goings-on and, later, clear her name of the murder. While I wanted to rescue Juli myself from the sheer chaos at first, it was the quirkiness of the situation that begged for explanation that hooked me. The author tells a compelling story with relatable characters, and I just had to find out how everything would resolve.

I recommend DEAD FOCUSED AND HOCUS POCUSED to cozy mystery readers who enjoy paranormal and supernatural elements in their stories.

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

BOOK REVIEW: HUNTED BY PROXY (PROXY LEGAL THRILLER, #2) by Manning Wolfe

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 10 May 2026 08:00:00 Z

Hunted by Proxy

Proxy Legal Thriller, #2

Manning Wolfe

This series just keeps getting better!

Hunted by Proxy is the second book in author Manning Wolfes excellent Proxy Legal Thriller series, featuring the hiding-in-plain-sight criminal defense attorney Quinton Bell, and what a fabulous follow-up to its debut it is! From its heart-wrenching opening to its dazzling surprise of a conclusion, I was riveted by this exciting and absorbing story.

Quinton Bell is a complex character, to say the least. Living a lie to escape his past, hes endured a lot and is feeling the stress of maintaining his masquerade as a dead man. The author gets us right inside Quintons head, and you can almost feel the pressure hes under, especially with the knowledge that someone out there knows his secret and is using it to toy with him. His legal work is fascinating to read, even the requisite administrative hearings, and the author clearly knows her way around a courtroom and how to convey that to the layperson reader.

Soon into the story, it is revealed that someone knows who Quinton Bell really is, and naturally, hes spooked. But as days passed and things began to happen, such as the odd sightings of people that quickly disappeared, I, too, started to get the willies. When Quinton said he felt like he was being watched, I knew exactly how he felt. The reader is privy to the thoughts and actions of this stalker but not who is pulling his strings, and when that big reveal happened, I was fully and completely surprised. The story sets up for a next book, and I, for one, am already waiting.

I have to mention the opening sequence, a massive traffic accident on the I-10 between Houston and Katy, was horrifyingly real a slow-motion rendering of certain death, critical injuries, and destruction. The author gives the perfect introduction to the main characters involved, so I was immediately engaged and already cared about these people when the scene unfolded.

I recommend HUNTED BY PROXY to mystery and thriller readers who enjoy legal dramas, secret identities, and mob-related stories.

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

BOOK REVIEW: IN THE DEAD OF WINTER (BLUE WATER MYSTERIES, #1) by Lyn Farrell

KAREN SIDDALL — Sat, 09 May 2026 12:23:16 Z

In the Dead of Winter

Blue Water Mysteries, #1

Lyn Farrell

Who could possibly want the young mother of a three-year-old dead?

In the Dead of Winter is the first novel in author Lyn Farrells new Michigan-set series, the Blue Water Mysteries, and pairs the investigative talents of a sharp-witted civilian sheriffs dispatcher with the untested but earnest undersheriff, investigating his first homicide. Victoria Treadwell was making her way to work over treacherous snow-covered rural roads when she saw a car come up behind her, fishtail, and slide off the road and stop headfirst against a tree. When she turned back to see if the driver needed help, she discovered a young woman, barely breathing and crumpled over the steering wheel, as her toddler daughter witnessed everything from her car seat in the back. As the young woman succumbs, it becomes apparent that her death was not the result of the accident but of the premeditated actions of a murderer.

Victoria, the married mother of two, is a talented amateur sleuth, hampered by her status as an untrained civilian. Shes quick to see connections in the clues, and her online research skills really help further the investigation. She takes a personal interest in the case and hopes she and her part First Nations husband can adopt the dead womans tiny daughter, a First Nations child, out from under the girls own father and grandmother, neither of whom may be in the best situation to care for the toddler.

Undersheriff Pete Manstead, while a dedicated officer, is the tortoise to Victorias hare in their race to bring in the killer before the sheriff, who is out of town at a conference, returns to take over the investigation. A self-acknowledged plodder, Pete thinks and rethinks his every move. Still, he tends to leap to some pretty tenuous conclusions as he works to identify the killer. Together, the result is quite a unique police procedural with several potential suspects, all of whom look good for the murder until their alibis prove theyre not the one. Slowly but surely, the two tease out the truth of Carly Yellowstones sad death.

I recommend IN THE DEAD OF WINTER to readers of mysteries, especially those who enjoy a story set in blizzard-like conditions or Michigans rural north.

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

Denny Mosseller Named 2026 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR at The Storehouse Community Center

Elizabeth Lenart — Fri, 08 May 2026 18:11:19 Z

THE STOREHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER CELEBRATES DENNY MOSSELLER AS THE 2026 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Mosseller, who has volunteered for 10 years, was the guest of honor at the Storehouses 2026 volunteer appreciation event at Riders Field, where he threw out the first pitch before a Frisco RoughRiders game

The Storehouse Community Center has named longtime volunteer Denny Mosseller as the 2026 Volunteer of the Year. Since 2016, Mosseller has contributed 1,027 hours across multiple Storehouse programs, making a lasting impact on thousands of neighbors. On April 26 he was the guest of honor at The Storehouses 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Celebration at Riders Field, where he threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Frisco RoughRiders game.

I am so honored to be named The Storehouse Volunteer of the Year, said Denny Mosseller. There are so many wonderful volunteers who are equally deserving of this recognition. My wife, Kay Kay, and I have developed meaningful friendships with our fellow volunteers as well as with The Storehouse staff, who have been a true blessing in our lives. Seeing neighbors receive such caring and essential services and getting to know them personally has made a profound impact on me.

Mosseller first began volunteering with The Storehouse after a friend encouraged him and his wife to serve in the food pantry, where he quickly witnessed the compassion and dedication shown not only to neighbors seeking food, but also among the volunteers and staff. Volunteering as a loader, Mosseller helps place food items on carts that volunteers take outside to meet neighbors arriving for their appointments.

As a loader, my favorite experiences center around working alongside my fellow volunteers, interacting with them, staying busy, working hard and seeing our neighbors get the help that they need, added Mosseller. Every member of The Storehouse staff has been exemplary in their desire to serve and has always made me and my wife feel like valued members of a great team.

For the past three years, Mosseller has also volunteered in The Storehouses Academy education program, where he is part of a team teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) classes on Saturday mornings.

I truly love working with our students and watching their English skills grow and their confidence soar, continued Mosseller. It is especially rewarding when a former ESL student stops by on a Saturday morning to share how much they appreciated our support and how well they are doing in their job and life. Once they realize you genuinely care about encouraging and helping them, they begin to see you as a friend and mentor. As a teacher, that kind of feedback and those relationships are priceless. Working alongside my fellow teachers and the Academy staff also brings a great deal of joy to my life.

As one of the speakers at The Academys May 2025 graduation ceremony, Mosseller offered a powerful reminder to the graduates: Your struggle is our struggle, reflecting the deep bond formed between students and the entire Storehouse community.

The Storehouses four integrated programs the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, Josephs Coat Clothing Closet, Project Hope Neighbor Care, and The Academy Education Program work together to provide pathways toward transformation for neighbors from Collin, Dallas, and Denton counties. As needs are identified, team members help connect individuals to additional resources for more holistic support.

As I reflect on my past volunteer service and look ahead to the future of The Storehouse, it is my hope that it will continue to expand its reach to serve an ever-growing number of neighbors in surrounding communities, added Mosseller. And as it grows, I hope we never lose sight of where we began, never turn our backs on those in need, and never allow our focus to shift from serving people to serving the organization itself.

Originally from North Carolina, Mosseller and his wife have lived in the Carrollton/Lewisville area for 48 years. He was an Air Force pilot for six years and then spent 36 years with Southwest Airlines as a captain, retiring from Southwest in 2014. When hes not volunteering, he enjoys golf, bicycling, hunting, fishing, snow skiing and traveling with his wife of 55 years. The couple also enjoy spending time with their son and his family in Celina, Texas.

The Volunteer of the Year award represents the very best of who we are as an organization, said Candace Winslow, CEO of The Storehouse Community Center. Denny embodies a deep, consistent commitment to serving others with humility, compassion, and joy. Whether he is in the pantry, the classroom, or simply encouraging those around him, he leads by example and reminds us that lasting impact is built through relationships. We are incredibly grateful for the countless ways he has invested in our neighbors and strengthened our community.

To volunteer at The Storehouse, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/volunteer-sign-up.

# # #

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

Miles for Smiles breaks record with more than $24K raised for Texas A&M dental college fund

Stephanie Patrick — Thu, 07 May 2026 13:35:00 Z

Theres still some time before they pick up their first dental drills, but students from The University of Texas at Dallas have made a positive impact on patient care already. UTD Pre-Dental Associations annual Miles for Smiles fundraiser and fun-activities event raised a record $24,673 for Texas A&M University College of Dentistrys patients in need.

Nearly 100 UTD students gathered April 19 at Exall Park in Dallas to celebrate the culmination of six months of fundraising for A&M Dentistrys Social Services Dental Fund, which assists patients whove run out of money before their treatments are finished in the dental clinics. Through a combination of campus bake and craft sales at UTDs student union and outreach to businesses, including area dental offices, the predental students surpassed the initial $10,000 goal and exceeded the associations previous record of more than $20,000 set in 2024.

About 30 businesses provided money or raffle items for the cause, said Emily Tran, the associations media coordinator. Canyon Creek Family Dentistry, Murphy Dental and Implant Center, Blue Ocean Capital, FunBookShelf, Premier Health Chiropractic & Wellness, Badger Studios, Smile Design Dental and the University of North Texas Pre-Dental Society were top sponsors.

Every year, we are passionate and motivated to make a dental difference in our Dallas-Fort Worth community, improving oral health for all, Tran said. We wanted to give back to our community, and its amazing to reflect on the impact we can have when we work together.

The association has supported the fund since 2008. The money raised closes financial gaps and ensures dental students can complete patients essential treatment needs, said Tony Keller, program coordinator in public health sciences at A&M Dentistry, who attended Miles for Smiles festivities. A&M Dentistry has served patients in North Texas for 120 years and offers oral health care at discounted rates in its clinics. To serve more patients, the college recently dropped dental care deposit fees for adults.

Miles for Smiles breaks record with more than $24K raised for Texas A&M dental college fund

Stephanie Patrick — Thu, 07 May 2026 13:35:00 Z

Miles for Smiles breaks record with more than $24K raised for Texas A&M dental college fund

Stephanie Patrick — Thu, 07 May 2026 13:35:00 Z

$1.3 million raised at Vogel's 34th Annual Arts Performance Event

Cynthia Smoot — Thu, 07 May 2026 10:47:14 Z

In a landmark evening celebrating more than three decades of community impact, Vogel Alcove's 34th Annual Arts Performance Event raised more than $1.3 million to support Dallas children and families experiencing homelessness, drawing more than 500 supporters to the Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa on Saturday, April 25th. The night marked a historic milestone with the presentation of the inaugural Vogel Voices for Children Award to community leader Gil Friedlander, whose 30-plus years of compassionate leadership have helped transform thousands of lives across North Texas and culminated in a roof-raising performance by six-time Emmy winner Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band.

Made possible by Premiere Sponsors Oliver Wyman, Inc., Simon Greenstone Panatier, PC, and Sidley Austin Foundation, the evening opened with a vibrant red-carpet reception in the expansive Ryder Cup Ballroom Pre-Function Area. Guests arrived in high spirits, sipping cocktails and sampling light bites while deliberating over coveted raffle prizes. Adding a touch of cutting-edge glamour to the evening was ZIY AI Watercolor Portraits, a first-of-its-kind luxury live event activation that captured guests' photos and transformed them into stunning, personalized watercolor paintings in under 60 seconds, leaving attendees with a one-of-a-kind keepsake from the night.

When the ballroom doors swung open, guests were welcomed to a curated BBQ buffet dinner before settling in for a program that was as heartfelt as it was entertaining. Emcee Patrick Dunn ignited the room with a spirited game of Heads or Tails, then sent tables into a delighted frenzy when he revealed that, in honor of Hank Azaria's iconic role as the voice of Gargamel in The Smurfs, tiny Smurfs had been hidden somewhere on each table. The lucky guest who spotted theirs walked away with the centerpiece.

The evening's most moving moment came when Vogel Alcove CEO and President Karen Hughes took the stage to present the inaugural Vogel Voices for Children Award to community leader Gil Friedlander. "Gil embodies everything this award stands for," said Hughes. "His belief in the dignity of every child, and every family, has changed lives in ways we will feel for generations." stated Hughes. For more than three decades, Gil's unwavering commitment and compassion have helped transform the lives of Dallas children and families experiencing homelessness. His leadership has been a cornerstone of Vogel Alcove's mission and on Saturday night, the entire room felt it. An emotional video tribute chronicled his decades of dedication, drawing cheers and making abundantly clear why he was chosen as the first-ever recipient of this honor.

After dinner, the crowd was treated to a roof-raising performance by Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band. Best known as one of the most versatile voices in television history, Azaria has brought beloved Simpsons characters including Moe Szyslak and Chief Wiggum to life since 1989, earning six Emmy Awards along the way. Film fans know him from The Birdcage, Night at the Museum, Dodgeball, and Along Came Polly but what many may not know is that behind the actor lies a lifelong, passionate devotee of Bruce Springsteen.

What started as a personal dream for his 60th birthday evolved into a full-scale live production, with world-class musicians who have shared stages with Ariana Grande, Post Malone, and Josh Groban. The result was an electrifying set that had guests on their feet, singing along and dancing throughout the Ryder Cup Ballroom. The celebration continued long after the final note, as guests spilled into the lobby for an after-party featuring live music from Patrick Dunn & The Bullpen. It was the perfect close to a perfect evening.

Enjoy Vogels Arts Performance Event Highlight Video and revisit an unforgettable night (WATCH NOW)
Watch the tribute to Gil Friedlander, 2026 Vogel Voices for Children Award recipient, and celebrate his remarkable leadership and generosity (WATCH NOW)
View Stories of Hope, a powerful reminder of how your support transforms the lives of the children and families Vogel serves (WATCH NOW)

The day before the Arts Performance Event, Azaria visited Vogels campus to see their mission in action. What he didnt know was that the children had a surprise waiting for him - a Smurfs-themed birthday party to celebrate his upcoming birthday on April 25th (a nod to his role as Gargamel!). It was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Since 1987, more than 20,000 young, homeless children have walked through the doors of Vogel Alcove. The Annual Arts Performance Event is the organization's flagship fundraiser, raising a significant portion of its annual operating budget and making it possible to continue serving Dallas's most vulnerable children and families. Vogel Alcove's unique Two-Generational approach to combating homelessness provides simultaneous support for both children and their parents offering early childhood education, developmental services, and therapeutic care in a safe, nurturing environment, free of charge. By strengthening the whole family together, Vogel Alcove isn't just providing shelter from a storm; it's building the foundation for a lasting way out.

The generosity of the community makes it all possible. To learn more about Vogel Alcove and how you can support their mission, visit VogelAlcove.org.

Texas Bar Foundation Awards $10K Grant to Juliette Fowler Communities to Support Low Income Seniors

Elizabeth Lenart — Wed, 06 May 2026 10:40:55 Z

Juliette Fowler Communities (JFC) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation to provide critical legal assistance for low-income seniors navigating the Medicaid application process. This funding will help remove barriers to care and facilitate placement in assisted living for some of Dallas most vulnerable residents.

The grant will directly fund legal services for up to 25 seniors, many of whom face significant financial and logistical challenges when applying for Medicaid. With elder law attorneys often charging between $200 and $500 per hour, access to professional legal guidance can be out of reach for individuals living on fixed incomes. Within Juliette Fowler Communities affordable housing at Fowler Christian Apartments, more than 200 low-income seniors reside, with an average household income of just $17,367. Across the broader community, which includes a range of residential settings and services for older adults with varying financial resources, residents may experience changes in health, income, or level of care over time, making Medicaid eligibility and access to legal guidance an essential resource as needs evolve.

Access to legal support can be life-changing for seniors navigating complex systems like Medicaid, said Nicole Gann, president and CEO of Juliette Fowler Communities. This generous grant from the Texas Bar Foundation allows us to remove barriers that often delay or prevent our residents from receiving the care they need. We are deeply grateful for this investment in dignity, stability, and well-being for the seniors we serve.

Founded in 1892 by Dallas first female philanthropist, Juliette Fowler Communities has a 134-year legacy of benevolent service. Today, the organization serves more than 900 individuals annually through a wide range of programs, including independent and assisted living, memory support and youth services. Located in East Dallas, JFC provides a continuum of care for seniors, many of whom live on limited fixed incomes and face increasing financial strain as their care needs evolve.

The new legal assistance initiative will be managed by JFC service coordinators in collaboration with legal professionals and senior leadership. Services will include Medicaid application navigation, assistance with complex paperwork, and support through appeals processes when needed. Participants will be selected based on financial need and Medicaid eligibility.

This initiative builds on the organizations longstanding Benevolence Fund, which allocates more than $1 million annually to support vulnerable populations through housing, nutrition, healthcare, and social services but has not previously funded legal assistance for senior residents.

Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $30 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation's largest charitably funded bar foundation.

We are hopeful that this initiative will also encourage pro-bono legal work from elder law attorneys as well as better educate older adults on their legal rights and responsibilities related to these complex processes, added Gann.

For more information about Juliette Fowler Communities and its programs, visit www.fowlercommunities.org

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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. Visit fowlercommunities.org or call 214.827.0813.

BOOK REVIEW: CAT & MOUSE (PARKER CITY MYSTERY, #6) by Justin M. Kiska

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 03 May 2026 15:03:59 Z

Cat and Mouse

Parker City Mystery, #6

Justin M. Kiska

Another compelling dual timeline tale of mystery and suspense.

Cat and Mouse is the sixth entry in author Justin M. Kiskas excellent historical and comradely Parker City Mystery series, and this time Detectives Winters and Mason are faced with a cold case of stalking from the Christmas of 1965 that kept the women of Parker City on edge and looking over their shoulders the entire holiday season. The most wonderful time of that year was marred when numerous women, seemingly selected at random, received a creepy, typewritten note in the mail, claiming they were being watched and to Be careful. However, the note Elizabeth Blakely, a young administrative secretary at the towns largest department store, received varied significantly from the others; hers was personalized, handwritten in angry red, and delivered by hand to her home rather than sent through the postal service. Her targeting was much more personal and was followed up with even more taunting missives. Still, the police had little to go on, and the case gradually languished in storage until Elizabeth, 20 years later and married, moved back home to Parker City, and the letter writer took up their pen again.

It was great fun to be reunited with Ben and Tommy as they reworked this old case with new eyes and fresh ideas. Ben is soon to wed Natalie, and Tommy may have found someone special in Christine. It was nice to see Tommy has grown in maturity and taken note of how Ben handles himself in investigations since he first joined him as a detective. While they still banter like old friends tend to do, theyve really upped their game in working together as a team, too. I liked that Ben still considered Natalie as a valuable point of view on his cases.

The story hits the ground running as Ben and Tommy foil an unusual crime in progress, as the entire downtown of Parker City celebrates its rebuilding from a devastating flood with a well-received summer street festival. But the plot soon reverts to the winter of 1965 when the stalker roamed those same streets, targeting random women with threatening notes. The recounting of what Elizabeth Blakely experienced kept me on the edge of my seat, and the descriptions of her work life as a secretary in 1965 were a surprising trip down Memory Lane and a reminder that some things have changed for the better while others have stayed the same. The author gives readers a couple of possible suspects to consider, along with some good plot twists that keep things exciting. I think this may be my new favorite of the series.

I recommend CAT AND MOUSE to readers of mysteries and suspense.

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

BOOK REVIEW: DEADLY VISION by T.D. Severin

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 03 May 2026 14:17:38 Z

Deadly Vision

T.D. Severin

High-stakes medical miracles come to life, while political manipulations set out to destroy them.

Deadly Vision is a new medical-political thriller by T.D. Severin and is the realistic story of high-stakes medical miracles come to life versus the political manipulations determined to destroy them, all the while asking, Has mans understanding of medical interventions outstripped our capacity to afford them? Young Dr. Taylor Abrahms and his research partners, Malcolm Bernard and Helen Wang, may have created the next breakthrough in medicine with their Virtual Heart Project, but powerful individuals with ties to the upcoming Presidential election will stop at nothing to shut it down.

Wow! From its shocking opening to its unsettling second epilogue, I was completely absorbed by this story. The characters are realistic, some are likable and engaging, while others are menacing, others are afraid of the future, and others are willing to go to great lengths to maintain the status quo. Taylor Abrahms has given his all during his grueling double residency, reaching for a future inspired by tragic childhood losses, and his struggles are intensified by someone who should be in his corner. Malcolm Bernard, his genius of a partner, is no less intense, but his quirks provide some fun relief; in fact, he is a delight.

The action hits the ground running, with a frightening assassination attempt against a good guy who has uncovered something he was never meant to find. There are roadblocks, twists, and turns all along the way, and much happens in the shadows, secretively, and when connections were revealed, I gasped aloud. The characters are cleverly and unexpectedly linked together, making the stakes even more critical. I was constantly on the edge of my seat waiting for the next shoe to drop.

Dont let the tome-sized package of this story deter you; the authors writing style is engaging, and I was quickly drawn into this complex tale; the pages and the time flew by! I recommend DEADLY VISION to readers of medical thrillers.

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

BOOK REVIEW: EVERYONE IS PERFECT HERE by Jane Haseldine

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 03 May 2026 13:39:10 Z

Everyone Is Perfect Here

Jane Haseldine

Unsettling and twisty psychological domestic thriller.

Everyone Is Perfect Here is a new psychological domestic thriller by author Jane Haseldine, and features unsettling family drama and shocking plot twists that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. USC English professor Carly Bennett has finally gained hold on a satisfactory life after her tragic childhood that culminated with the murder of her mother and police suspicions that she was somehow involved. But when she discovers the body of a campus janitor in her office and the stepbrother who betrayed her all those years ago suddenly reconnects, it seems all her old nightmares are coming back to haunt her or worse.

Carly Bennett was the victim of psychological manipulation as a child and is now facing similar circumstances as an adult, but who exactly is behind it all? Ava Patel is her strong, vibrant, and loyal best friend, doing her darndest to get to the bottom of what's going on, and she's such an exciting element in the story. I'd love to see her appear in another book.

The plot unfolds from multiple points of view, including Carly's flashbacks to her childhood, when she and her mother, Emily, first became part of the White family. I loved how the author sets readers up with clues pointing in one direction while sprinkling clever indicators that perhaps things weren't what they seemed throughout the tale. I was delightfully fooled.

I recommend EVERYONE IS PERFECT HERE to readers of psychological or domestic thrillers.

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