Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo, founders of the Lone Star Monarchs (LSM), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, worked together with the Dallas Police Association and DISD to provide 250 clear backpacks full of school supplies to students at the James S. Hogg Elementary School.
        
The team of Lone Star Monarchs’ supporters contributing to this project also included Anna Berman, Laurie Drazner, Kelly Harris, Jeanne Lewis, Bodii Lim, Kunthear Mam-Douglas, Diane Moten, Debbie Murray, and Elizabeth Smith.   
        
“While the start of a new school year is an exciting time for most families, many parents struggle to provide basic school necessities for their children.  That is why Lone Star Monarchs is proud to partner with these organizations to provide 250 clear backpacks filled with educator-requested school supplies, because we believe every child deserves to have the tools necessary for a fun and successful school year,” Regina said. “In addition to the backpacks, we presented them a check for $2,500 so educators can also purchase additional supplies as needed.  Together, we support them and the important work they are doing to help these children learn and do well in school and in life.”
        
Jaime Castro, President, Dallas Police Association, says that he knows all too well how having the right tools to start the school year strong allows students to show up and engage in the classroom without unnecessary barriers to success. He further stated that he is "grateful to Lone Star Monarchs for partnering with the DPA to provide these 250 backpacks filled with school supplies as well as other supplies teachers at Hogg Elementary School need to further the educational needs of their underserved students in the classroom. Donating school supplies is one way to support our teachers while helping to give them the respect they deserve.” 

“I am deeply grateful for the collaboration between Lone Star Monarchs and the Dallas Police Association to provide our students with the supplies they need to start the school year.  Having their own supplies contributes to their overall excitement and motivation to learn.  These essential donations help make sure our students walk into their classroom prepared and confident to thrive in their learning environment," said Toni Molina, Principal, Hogg New Tech Elementary School.

Lone Star Monarchs’ mission is to inspire and nurture the human spirit, as together, members build an effective network of individuals and organizations to support a broad spectrum of charitable organizations in Dallas and throughout Texas.  LSM’s purpose is exclusively educational and charitable to connect people and enrich lives.  www.lonestarmonarchs.org

Dallas Independent School District’s mission is to educate all students for success. www.dallasisd.org 

Dallas Police Association:  Founded in 1959, the DPA is the oldest and largest police employee organization in Dallas. The sole purpose of the DPA is to represent Dallas Police Officers in matters relating to employment, benefits and general well-being.  Located in Dallas’ historic Cedars Neighborhood, the DPA facilities are member-owned and include administrative offices, conference/training facilities and a party space, with ample and secure on-site parking.  Membership is open to all active and reserve Dallas Police Officers only.  The DPA is the original and largest police employee group for Dallas Police Officers and has over 4,000 active and retired members.  www.dallaspa.org

James S. Hogg New Tech Elementary School’s mission is to Motivate. Inspire. Prepare.  We empower students to become co-designers of their education through project-based learning. https://www.dallasisd.org/hogg

Photos by Danny Campbell

The Chemical Detective

Jac Silver Thriller, #1

by

Fiona Erskine

Intrigue galore with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing.

The Chemical Detective is the first book in the Jaq Silver Thriller series by Fiona Erskine and features a female chemical engineer who specializes in the research of explosives. When a pallet of a suspicious powdered substance is mistakenly delivered to her research facility with the regular order of explosive components and the samples she takes suddenly disappear, Dr. Jaq Silver starts asking for an explanation. But her inquiries are dismissed, and she is told to look the other way and forget about it; she can’t help but probe deeper. Her suspicions about what’s going on at the facility skyrocket when a scientist from the supplier surreptitiously contacts her, asking her own questions and hinting that something illicit and dangerous is going on behind the scenes. When the explosives warehouse is broken into, a security guard is injured, and an explosion occurs, Jaq’s boss does all he can to blame her for being negligent. However, when people go missing and there’s a suspicious death, the police start asking their very own pointed questions.  

The main character is Dr. Jacqueline ‘Jaq’ Silver, a chemical engineer working in Kranjskabel, Slovenia, for Snow Science, a company researching the means to reduce the number and severity of avalanches in areas devoted to the skiing tourist industry. She’s got a complicated backstory that the author subtly weaves into the current narrative that includes an unpleasant history with the Zagrovyl company, one of Snow Science’s suppliers and a critical player in the shady goings-on that Jaq inadvertently uncovers. Jaq is an outlier in the latest trend of more mature detectives in that she legitimately has the chops to investigate what she’s discovered, and technically, while she is a grandmother, she’s younger, more youthful, and in peak physical condition than what we normally expect of these older female amateur sleuths. She’s immediately determined to find out what Snow Science and Zagrovyl are involved in despite being gaslighted from all sides, and that’s before she becomes a person of interest to the police in a murder investigation. 

The story unfolds from multiple viewpoints as shady characters scramble across Europe to hide what they’re doing with one determined woman on their trail. After establishing the scenario, the plot moves quickly as characters pursue their plans across Europe, with Jaq on their heels. I loved that there was more than one set of bad actors out to stop her, which really threw a wrench into Jaq’s efforts at figuring out what was going on. The action is tight and suspenseful, keeping me completely engaged; some interesting twists really took me by surprise, adding another layer of complications. The descriptions of the settings are often just enough to give a sense of place, but the author chooses what is highlighted well, and there is always an evocative feeling of recognition. 

This title was originally published in 2019, but the edition I read for this review is a recent re-release, so three subsequent books in this series are already available to continue Jaq’s journeys. I recommend THE CHEMICAL DETECTIVE to readers of action and adventure, thrillers, mystery, and suspense who are looking for a strong, capable, and intelligent female protagonist.

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On November 2nd, immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening with the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, where you’ll not only enjoy exceptional music but also embark on a journey of emotions and experiences. As you settle into your seat, let the serene opening of Aaron Copland’s *Appalachian Spring Suite* wash over you, evoking feelings of tranquility as the lush melodies transport you to the expansive beauty of the American landscape. The music will envelop you in a warm embrace, inviting you to reflect and find peace amidst the hustle of daily life.

As the suite transitions into the lively rhythms of Zoltán Kodály’s *Galánti táncok*, prepare to feel your spirits lift with infectious joy. The vibrant folk dances will invite you to revel in the exuberance of Eastern European culture, making it impossible to resist tapping your feet or swaying along with the beat. This segment promises to be a celebration of life and music, bringing a smile to your face.

The evening reaches new heights with Johannes Brahms’s *Double Concerto for Violin & Cello in A minor, Op. 102*. Featuring the stunning artistry of Chloé Kiffer and Horacio Contreras, this work unfolds like a passionate conversation between two lovers. Feel the emotional intensity as the dialogue between the violin and cello weaves a tapestry of longing and romance, drawing you deeper into the heart of the music. Each note will resonate with your own experiences of passion and connection, leaving you enraptured.

Join us for a night of fun, tranquility, joy, and romance, where each piece tells a story and every melody invites you to feel. Tickets start at just $25 and can be purchased at https://www.eisemanncenter.com/event/i/10155/d/rso-copland-brahms.  Don’t miss this enchanting experience that will linger long after the final notes have faded!

My Year of Casual Relationships

South Bay, #1

by

Ruth F. Stevens

Absolutely wonderful and thoroughly satisfying!

My Year of Casual Relationships by Ruth F. Stevens is a new adult contemporary novel filled with memorable characters, unlikely friendships, love and loss, and self-discovery. Mar Meyers is an icon for healing, growth, and second chances. 

The main character, Margaret ‘Mar’ Meyers, is putting together a new life, including a new persona after her husband of 28 years leaves her for one of his employees. As often happens, Mar loses not only Henry (good riddance!) but also their couple friends, who gravitate toward the newly-formed couple rather than the newly single Mar. Worst though is the contentious relationship that develops with her only child, Michael, who’s married and has a young son of his own, Mar’s grandson, Benny. Michael inexplicably takes his father’s side in the divorce, even though Henry is the one who had the affair and broke up the marriage. I ached for Mar with every unhappy and ugly interaction with her son but had strong suspicions as to the underlying reasons for his behavior all along. 

Mar’s mother, who lives across the country from LA in New York City, is another unfulfilling relationship in her life. Whether due to her British stiff-upper-lip demeanor or the fact that she’s completely self-absorbed, she’s no source of comfort or support for her daughter when she needs it the most. She seems so cold and unfeeling, which may be the reason for some of Mar’s own personality flaws. Mar struggles with being standoffish, critical, and expressing empathy. She is well-known for speaking her mind without considering the consequences of her words until it is too late. However, despite her initial emotional distance, she experienced significant personal growth as the story progressed, and I liked her more and more for it. 

The author’s writing style is smooth and comfortable, and it drew me into Mar’s life from page one. I was genuinely interested in what Mar thought and had to say. The descriptions of the fitness center, Mar’s waterfront apartment, restaurants, and clubs she frequents are vivid, and I could easily picture the characters in these settings. I enjoyed the names Mar initially gave to the women regulars at the fitness center, which also created a strong image of each. However, I was glad she got past this superficiality and eventually got to know them and their true identities. I was delighted to see at the end of the book that the planned sequel is already in the works and is scheduled for publication very soon. I’m not ready to leave Margaret’s story behind. 

With its relatable and sympathetic main character and realistic plot, I recommend MY YEAR OF CASUAL RELATIONSHIPS to readers of contemporary and women’s fiction. 

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