March is Happiness Month, and Live Happy, a Dallas-based company that promotes happiness and well-being, is inviting everyone to join them in spreading joy and kindness. Live Happy’s 10^th annual #HappyActs campaign is a global movement that encourages people to perform simple acts of kindness every day of the month.

“Research shows that performing acts of kindness not only benefits others, but also boosts our own happiness, health, and sense of purpose,” said Deborah K. Heisz, CEO of Live Happy and author of Live Happy: Ten Practices for Choosing Joy. “We want to inspire people to make happiness a habit, and #HappyActs is a fun and easy way to do that.”

To make it even easier, Live Happy created a free downloadable calendar with ideas for #HappyActs that can be done at work, home, and school.

“Our #HappyActs celebration provides an easy way for people to make a positive difference in their lives and the lives of those around them,” Heisz said. “We’re hoping it’s a pass-it-on kind of moment where you do something for someone, then they do something for somebody else. You become the center of a ripple of positive activity not just for that day but stretching into weeks and months and genuinely making the world a happier place.”

At the center of the month-long campaign is the International Day of Happiness on March 20, 

a worldwide celebration established by the United Nations in 2011 to recognize happiness as a fundamental human right and goal.

Live Happy’s activities on this day have always included its signature orange 

Happiness Walls

, where people could post inspiring messages and tell how they share happiness. More than 3,000 walls have appeared in homes, schools, businesses, and public spaces over the years. This year, Live Happy has added a virtual 

Digital Happiness Wall

. 

“The virtual wall is perfect for this year’s theme, Bringing the World Together,” Heisz said. “We’re still encouraging our wall hosts around the world to put up physical walls, but the digital wall means that everyone can share their #HappyActs with people all around the world — and from anywhere in the world.” 

Sharing on the virtual wall is easy; participants can post their #HappyActs using a QR code on the site or can simply include the tag #HappyActs on social media posts during the month of March. People who are hosting physical walls are encouraged to share pictures of their walls and activities on the Digital Happiness Wall.

Live Happy is also asking thought leaders in positive psychology and happiness experts to visit the wall to share their ideas for making the world a happier place. For more tips on building lasting happiness, visit the Live Happy website or tune into its award-winning weekly podcast, Live Happy Now.

About Live Happy

Live Happy is a 10-year-old media company dedicated to helping people live healthy, happy, meaningful lives. Founded by Jeff Olson and Deborah K. Heisz, Live Happy LLC offers a website, weekly newsletter, three podcasts, and a line of gifts and apparel. Rooted in the research and principles of positive psychology, it provides actionable, science-based tips for improving well-being and building strengths such as resilience, gratitude, kindness, and more. Learn more at www.livehappy.com.

Tickets for the 66th annual Junior Symphony Ball (JSB)  “Purpose with a Party” fundraiser sold out within an hour of their release with hundreds more on the waitlist. The event on January 27th at the iconic Gilley’s Dallas witnessed a historic milestone with an unprecedented attendance of over 2,700 high school students from 35 schools. This outstanding turnout set a new record as the largest in the event's history. The Steering Committee, comprising more than 800 students, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the evening's success.

The JSB brought together high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors across the metroplex to celebrate with an evening filled with energetic live music, dynamic dancing, professionally staffed gaming tables, raffles, prizes and refreshments.

 “What makes JSB so special is this is the only party in town that every high school Sophomore through Senior is invited to attend,” said JSB 2024 Co-chair, Suzanne Austin. “These precious students are sometimes friends through social media, sports or school activities but this is the only time they can all come and spend an organized fun evening together.  This unique opportunity for our kiddos combined with raising money for an incredibly worthy cause is the right recipe for spectacular evening! My co-chairs and I are so appreciative of the overwhelming support from the parents, students, community businesses and underwriters that made this event so incredibly successful.” 

The dress code called for a Texas Tuxedo for the gentlemen and cocktail dresses paired with boots for the ladies. The majority of girls opted for short, black dresses, creating a striking sea of black enlivened by splashes of bright colors.

The evening kicked off with DJSC, the renowned DJ exclusive to The Dallas Cowboys for the past 15 years.  Also known as 13LACKBEARD, DJSC has shared the stage with notable artists like Snoop Dog, Chris Stapleton, and Taylor Swift. Possessing a larger-than-life persona, DJSC seamlessly commanded the crowd, drawing everyone to the dance floor. The music hit every major genre-and the energy level peaked in the jam-packed venue.

JSB headliner, Chris Ferrara and The Common Good, took the stage. They are a top-notch act in Nashville, headlining at Nashville Barstool nearly every Friday and Saturday night. His blend of city-boy swagger and country-boy soul was exactly what these high school students needed for a lively night of dancing.

The lineup of the 2024 Event Co-Chairs represents schools across Dallas: Cara Lichty, Episcopal School of Dallas; James Sutherland, St. Mark's School of Texas; Kate Fagan, The Hockaday School; Cash Nix, Highland Park High School; Ela Austin, Ursuline Academy; Ashton Krug, Jesuit College Prep of Dallas; Adelaide Boisture, Parish Episcopal School; Baker Trent, Bishop Lynch High School; Caroline Woram, Highland Park High School.

Their supportive and proud moms are: Suzanne Austin, Jenny Lichty, Ashley Boisture, Jonika Nix, Dana Woram, Holly Krug, Lauren Sutherland, Aimee Fagan, and Katy Trent.

From start to finish, the committee undertook the task of organizing logistics, planning activities, and implementing crowd control measures to guarantee the enjoyment of the vast gathering. The check-in went smoothly handling the process efficiently for the hundreds of students that came through. It culminated in a high-energy and memorable extravaganza for the staggering number of high school students in attendance.

“This is an event that my friends and I look forward to all year, so when asked if I wanted to be a part of planning it and be a co-chair, I was definitely on board,” said JSB student co-chair, Ela Austin. “My student co-chairs and I all do community service through our schools, but this was an opportunity for us to go beyond our schools and into the community and be a part of something bigger. This was something that was important to each one of us and was our way to help the Dallas Symphony and help the Youth Programs that JSB supports.”

Over 200 supportive parent volunteers helped to staff the evening including former JSB Ball Chair Mandy Click. April Willingham and Christie Cahoon were there for their high schoolers, but in the coming weeks, they will be attending another symphony event. They both have daughters making their debut at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s Presentation Ball on February 10.  

Sponsors include Mr. Tuxedo, Jenny Watts Photography, Competitive Cameras, Sewell, Veritex Community Bank, Highland Park Village, The Sidley Austin Foundation, and Stewart and Arango.

JSB is in its 66th year and is the longest running fundraiser of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL), supporting DSO outreach programs such as the Young Strings program and the Young Musicians program. It was founded with the concept of “student-led, parent-guided” leadership. While JSB has evolved in scope and participation size, it has always been a high school student fundraising event for the DSO hosted by area 10^th-12^th grade high school students and their parents. JSB has grown over the decades from just a handful of participating schools to over 35 this year.  

Follow JSB on Social Media

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JSBdallas/
Instagram @jsbdallas

About Chris Ferrara
Born and raised in the small town of Sharon, MA, relocated to Music City in 2013 with just a suitcase and a guitar, and he has been making a name for himself ever since. His music draws from an eclectic mix of influences - from Muscle Shoals to Motown and every stop in between - to bring a style that is as familiar as it is new.

About JSB
JSB was formed to introduce Dallas area students to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, a cultural gem to our city, and in turn, teach them about giving back to the community by hosting the student-led fundraiser.

Participation on a JSB committee teaches high school teens valuable leadership, organizational, and team-work skills while raising significant dollars for a worthy cause. JSB creates a unique opportunity for students from a multitude of backgrounds to work together for a common goal and a positive contribution to their greater community. Both private and public schools from all across the Metroplex organize, participate, fundraise and attend the JSB.

JSB is a time honored tradition and a great first foray into giving back to the community and supporting music education on a larger scale. Proceeds benefit Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s community outreach and education programs, including Young Strings and Young Musicians that will benefit over 14,000 students, making a positive impact for under-served youth in Dallas and throughout North Texas. 

Photos by FLASH photography and Deborah Brown

Grammy Award winner and punk glamor icon Cyndi Lauper will headline Rhapsody, Turtle Creek Chorale’s annual benefit gala, at the Omni Dallas Hotel on Saturday, June 1, 2024. The evening will offer an opening reception, seated dinner, luxury live auction, and an exclusive private concert by Cyndi Lauper with full band and featuring a selection of her greatest hits. 

The co-chairs for the event benefiting the Turtle Creek Chorale are Grace Cook, Sheilon King, Tara Lewis, and Whitney Strauss. Funds raised will support the Chorale’s mission to entertain, educate, unite, and inspire through its musical, cultural, and educational programs.

Cyndi Lauper is a groundbreaking Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning songwriter and performing artist with global record sales in excess of 50 million. Her iconic voice, influential punk glamor, and infectious live shows have catapulted her to stardom. In addition to her illustrious music career, Lauper has cemented her legacy as a tireless advocate for social justice, passionately championing causes with a particular focus on empowering women, supporting individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. Her unwavering dedication led her to co-found True Colors United in 2008, an organization committed to ending homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth, who make up 40% of the youth homelessness population. 

“We are thrilled to have the privilege of hosting Cyndi Lauper at the fourth annual Rhapsody Gala,” Executive Director Jeremy Wayne said. “Cyndi is loved by so many, including TCC patrons and the LGBTQ+ community, and we are excited to share her talent with our community.” 

For more information, go to tccgala.com.

Community and faith leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony, celebrating a long-awaited project that will enable JFS to offer whole-person care to those in need

Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas (JFS) held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 29 for its new JFS Northpoint Health Center, meeting a critical need for health care for low-income residents in North Texas. Located at 12606 Greenville Ave., Dallas, 75243, approximately five miles from JFS’ offices, the new health center welcomes anyone in need.

“We have been working toward this moment for four years,” shared Deizel Sarte, COO, JFS. “The families we serve at JFS are disproportionately impacted by a lack of access to healthcare, and most go without taking care of their medical needs, which only worsens many treatable conditions over time. This was the driving force on the journey to opening this clinic and adding primary care services to our comprehensive care.”

The 5,500-square-foot facility will have ten examination rooms along with dedicated spaces for behavioral health and counseling. Primary care providers will offer adult and pediatric annual physicals, cancer screenings, routine women’s and men’s health exams, sick visits, behavioral health, chronic disease management, and other medical services. JFS was the first recipient of the North Texas Food Bank Hope for Tomorrow Grant, which was directed toward the opening of this health center. The new health center will not only meet immediate medical needs, but it will also provide preventative care. JFS is pursuing status as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).

Texas has the highest rate of residents without healthcare coverage – at 16.6% according to the Census Bureau’s American Communities Survey published in September 2023. This first clinic location was selected based on significant JFS research, which suggests approximately 793,007 low-income residents in the JFS service area lack a medical provider, and many rely on hospital emergency rooms or go without care.

Board Chair Eric Goldberg welcomed the more than 40 attendees at the grand opening. “This new health center is a huge accomplishment for the JFS team and an incredible resource for the Greater Dallas community,” said Goldberg. “Adding medical services to the many offerings currently provided by JFS will ensure our clients have wraparound care.”

Anyone coming to the new Northpoint Health Center will have access to all JFS services, which include a robust mental health component, a food pantry, and numerous other auxiliary services. JFS' mission is to provide effective and accessible whole-person care, promoting self-sufficiency and well-being.

Goldberg thanked the JFS Board of Directors for going on an 18-month journey to learn, understand, and evaluate the idea of adding medical services, and recognized JFS CEO Cathy Barker for her vision and commitment which have moved JFS forward in unimaginable ways.

JFS CEO Cathy Barker credited COO Deizel Sarte for her wisdom and forethought which moved the team forward in this endeavor. She also thanked Les and DJ Weisbrod, special donors and longtime supporters who saw the potential in an idea and provided funding to make the concept possible.

“From our research and supporting our community through a pandemic, we knew that less than 5% of those who needed access to healthcare (Medicaid, Medicare, uninsured and underinsured) had a medical home and that 86% of clients we surveyed indicated they would use these services if JFS offered them,” stated Barker. “Finally, we knew this model would enable JFS to become financially self-sustainable within three years of opening this clinic.”

Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas is the first Jewish social service agency to provide medical services to its clients using this model for expanding services and improving financial sustainability that could be replicated in many of the 150 Jewish nonprofit human service agencies in the United States.

Due to the mission to provide a “patient-centered” approach to care, JFS selected Dr. Heather Esquivel as its chief medical officer and the first primary care provider at the JFS Northpoint Health Center. With more than 14 years in community health, Dr. Esquivel is a board-certified family medicine physician whose career includes providing high-quality healthcare to underserved communities including preventive medicine, chronic disease management, women’s health, and adolescent medicine. Dr. Esquivel received her medical degree through Brown University’s program in liberal medical education.

Throughout her career, Dr. Esquivel has served as both a treating physician and chief medical officer at Federally Qualified Health Centers around the country. She is also bilingual in English and Spanish. She embodies a patient-centered philosophy and understands all elements in her patients’ lives that contribute to their health.

“Over the years as I have worked in community health centers like this one, there were many times I wished I had the ability to provide a warm handoff for my patients to services like the JFS food pantry, career and financial coaching, and a robust roster of behavioral health providers,” said Dr. Esquivel. “When a patient comes in for medical treatment, there are often other factors impacting their health. The fact that JFS provides services in all these areas – physical, emotional, nutritional, and financial – offers a continuity of care for our patients and their families.”

Also attending the ribbon-cutting were community and faith leaders, including Texas Senator Nathan Johnson; Anne Readhimer, vice president of community impact, North Texas Food Bank; Andrew Krause, representative from the office of Congressman Colin Allred; Ali Alirezaieyan, representative from the office of Councilwoman Jaynie Schultz; Igor Alterman, CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas; Dr. John Burruss, CEO, Metrocare Services; Leonor Marquez, CEO, Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic; and Abbie Kauffman, president & CEO, Network of Community Ministries.

The agency’s wraparound services impacted over 16,500 lives last year. By 2028, JFS expects to serve approximately 55,000 individuals across all agency services. The Northpoint Health Center is open to anyone who calls to schedule an appointment. For more information about the Northpoint Community Health Center, visit www.jfsdallas.org/healthcenter.

# # #

Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas is a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive health services that address physical, emotional, nutritional, and financial well-being. Their mission is to provide effective and accessible whole-person care that promotes lifelong self-sufficiency and well-being for the Greater Dallas community. JFS Dallas offers programs to the community such as primary medical care, individual age-appropriate counseling and group support, career and financial coaching, a food pantry, support for older adults, and a Clubhouse for adults with mental illness. Since 1950, they have served anyone, regardless of age, race, religion, or ability to pay. The agency’s services impacted over 16,500 lives last year. Jfsdallas.org