April 2015

PLUS: The ACM Awards ... ‘The Project’ ... Cardboard Regatta April 2015

your community • your magazine

The Bridal Issue Serving Arlington, Mansfield, Kennedale and SW Grand Prairie

PLUS: The ACM Awards ... ‘The Project’ ... Cardboard Regatta April 2015

your community • your magazine

The Bridal Issue Serving Arlington, Mansfield, Kennedale and SW Grand Prairie

Got your back.

And brain.

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1-877-THR-WELL | TexasHealth.org/Arlington-Neuro

Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital. Š 2015

Using your smartphone or tablet, scan the interactive pages of Arlington Today magazine with the FREE LayAR app to view rich, digital experiences -allowing you to interact with your printed world in a whole new way!

Here’s How: Step 1

Download the FREE APP at get.layar.com, Google play or the Apple App Store on your camera-equipped smartphone or tablet.

Step 2

Open the app. Hover your device over magazine pages that have the LayAR ICON.

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Step 3

When the interactive version of the page appears on your device, TAP THE SCREEN to unlock hidden content, watch videos, shop and more.

TOUCH THE BUTTON on the bottom left or right of your screen to pull your device off the page to enjoy bonus content that can be downloaded, saved or shared with others.

Enjoy Augmented Reality on: Page 10 • Page 48 • Page 49 page 10 Starting Line

Download the FREE app, LayAR, look for the symbol below on the page, hover,

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Executive Publisher Judy M. Rupay

My favorite holiday tale goes eggs-actly like this ...

I

got a glimpse of heaven a couple of Easters ago. My experience wasn’t spiritually based, per se – but it did feature an angel on earth. That’s generally how I see my grandson Gavin, and certainly how I saw him on that special Sunday morning, when he was about to turn two and entertaining the throng gathered at Youngblood Manor by “busting a move.” He didn’t even notice on Dance No. 6 that I slipped outside to initiate tradition.

My role in this historic event was simple: I was to place a dozen eggs in various VERY VISIBLE spots in the front yard. That’s what grandfathers do for the first egg hunt for deftly dancing grandsons. They put the eggs where they are likely to be found. Then they hope the camera’s batteries work.

After I finished “hiding” the treasures, the entire extended Youngblood family made its way outside. I nudged Gavin toward the first egg, which he quickly spotted and then snatched off the ground and dropped into the basket I was holding. Then he zeroed in on Egg No. 2. Then he saw Egg No. 3. Then …

Yale Youngblood I probably should have noted that about five Editor years prior, for Mother’s Day or maybe just for grins, we had purchased my wife a large, decorative blue garden globe, which she perched on a pedestal in the flower bed nearest the house. In fact, just about three feet from Egg No. 3.

Gavin’s eyes lit up. He took off on a run. And he hoisted Grams’ large, decorative blue – oh, and I also probably should have mentioned, glass – garden globe. And then he performed a couple of his other significant skills at the time: yelling “Ball!” and then throwing “Ball!” as far as he can.

Now, my body has been around for more than five decades, the latest of which has been marked in some manner by the term “sedentary.” No matter.

I never moved it faster or more deftly, skidding over ridiculously expensive garden bed soil as the globe nestled into my fingers a few inches from disaster.

OK … I simply reached down and grabbed it fairly easily before it hit the ground. Hey, the kid was 21 months old. How far did you think he was going to throw the thing? Still, the part about the garden soil being ridiculously expensive – that’s true.

So is this: We all – the grown up we all – spent most of the next five minutes vainly trying to convince Gavin that all those small, colorful “balls” scattered about the yard were the point of this endeavor. I suppose that when you discover the “Holy Grail” of eggs, the rest pale in comparison.

I also suspect that I’ll hold this family Easter story in similar regard when I get to comparing family Easter stories. In fact, I do already.

)

))

tap your phone screen and unlock hidden content, watch videos or shop!

TA ar )))

AUGMENTED REALITY

EXECUTIVE BOARD

An Easter story

)

))

yale@arlingtontoday.com

CEO Richard Greene

EDITORIAL Editor Yale Youngblood Assistant Editor Sara Pintilie Contributing Editor Sarah Martinez Sports Columnist John Rhadigan Style Editor Tricia Schwartz Website & Social Media Director Rhonda Aghamalian Contributing Graphic Artists Susan Darovich, Amy DiStefano, Susan Richtman Contributing Writers Corey Callaway, Donna Darovich, Sue Stevens Durbec, Michele Duskin, Kenneth Perkins, Alexandra Plancarte Contributing Photographers Gary Coots, Dwayne Lee, Heather Lee, Bruce Maxwell

SALES/CIRCULATION Business Manager Bridget Dean Sales Managers Laura DiStefano, Amy Lively, Andrea Proctor, Debbie Roach, Tricia Schwartz Distribution Manager Kyle Hargrove

PRODUCTION Production Manager Susan Darovich ARLINGTON TODAY is published monthly. Copyright 2015 Arlington Today, Inc., 1000 Ballpark Way, Suite 308, Arlington, TX 76011. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means without permission of the publisher.

The inclusion of advertising is considered a service to readers and is not an endorsement of products.

Basic subscriptions are $33.95 for 12 issues (price includes tax and shipping).

E-mail subscriptions@arlingtontoday.com

For daily updates on all things Arlington, visit arlingtontoday.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter • Phone number: (817) 303-3304

10

ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2015 • arlingtontoday.com

page 48 TA ar )))

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Watch our pages come to life with

page 49

This month, you can use our new Augmented Reality technology in two ways: Check out Editor Yale Youngblood’s take on this issue, and then go behind the scenes with Clarke & Doyle Living to watch the progress on “The Project.” This month’s second in a four-part series on The Project shares thought processes and construction practices that are turning an old house into a classic home.

AR, our newest addition to the Arlington Today portfolio, takes you right from the page into Yale’s office and through the Clarke & Doyle dwelling, two virtual trips you definitely don’t want to miss.

Look who reads Arlington Today!

If you’d like to join him, subscribe today.

Basic subscriptions are $26.95 for 12 issues, plus tax and shipping.

E-mail: subscriptions@arlingtontoday.com

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Contents April 2015

Highlights

24

24 Country music – Arlington style!

The 50th annual ACM Awards show will give the city another chance to shine under the spotlight.

46 Conversation

Bride-to-be Victoria Stevens talks about her upcoming wedding.

48 The Project

In the second installment of a series, Clarke & Doyle chronicles a home redesign on which owners Luke and Cynthia Doyle are working.

54 A hobby that became a career

Cris Lofgren has turned Classical Gas into one of the premier consignment companies in the country.

On the Cover

58 Hop in the boat!

This month, we present our annual Bridal Section (starting on page 27), complete with ideas, advice, inspirational images and wedding memories to help couples-to-be with their own wedding preparations.

54

The 26th Cardboard Regatta will test the design and navigational skills of some 200 brave sailors this month.

62 Take a walk on the wild side

How a dedicated group of native plant lovers is helping Arlington connect with nature.

Departments Starting Line ... 10 This ‘n data ... 12 Scene ... 19, 53, 61, 73 Around Town ... 22 Style ... 42-45 Golf Tip ... 64 Health/Fitness ... 74 Sights/Sounds ... 76 Speaking of Sports ... 78 Itinerary ... 80 Finish Line* ... 82 *This month’s Finish Line is the second in an occasional series that Mayor Greene calls “How our community was shaped by 10 things that didn’t happen.”

66 Summer camp preview

Check out these great options for some fun in the sun ... and everywhere else.

68 How WinStar rolls a lucky ‘7’

For the best in gaming action and luxurious leisure, WinStar World Casino and Resort is a real winner.

58

70 For the children

CASA of Tarrant County goes to bat to help turn around the lives of abused and neglected youngsters.

72 A place to call home

Enchanted Lake Estates has won the hearts of its residents – often for life.

66

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Ask about our excellent wine selections, bar packages, tenting options, rehearsal dinners, private parties, and wedding showers.

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Grand Courtyard for Outdoor Events l Intimate Bar & Lounge l Romantic Getaways

Starting Line

EXECUTIVE BOARD

An Easter story

Executive Publisher Judy M. Rupay

My favorite holiday tale goes eggs-actly like this ...

I

got a glimpse of heaven a couple of Easters ago. My experience wasn’t spiritually based, per se – but it did feature an angel on earth. That’s generally how I see my grandson Gavin, and certainly how I saw him on that special Sunday morning, when he was about to turn two and entertaining the throng gathered at Youngblood Manor by “busting a move.” He didn’t even notice on Dance No. 6 that I slipped outside to initiate tradition.

My role in this historic event was simple: I was to place a dozen eggs in various VERY VISIBLE spots in the front yard. That’s what grandfathers do for the first egg hunt for deftly dancing grandsons. They put the eggs where they are likely to be found. Then they hope the camera’s batteries work.

After I finished “hiding” the treasures, the entire extended Youngblood family made its way outside. I nudged Gavin toward the first egg, which he quickly spotted and then snatched off the ground and dropped into the basket I was holding. Then he zeroed in on Egg No. 2. Then he saw Egg No. 3. Then …

Yale Youngblood I probably should have noted that about five Editor years prior, for Mother’s Day or maybe just for grins, we had purchased my wife a large, decorative blue garden globe, which she perched on a pedestal in the flower bed nearest the house. In fact, just about three feet from Egg No. 3.

Gavin’s eyes lit up. He took off on a run. And he hoisted Grams’ large, decorative blue – oh, and I also probably should have mentioned, glass – garden globe. And then he performed a couple of his other significant skills at the time: yelling “Ball!” and then throwing “Ball!” as far as he can.

Now, my body has been around for more than five decades, the latest of which has been marked in some manner by the term “sedentary.” No matter.

I never moved it faster or more deftly, skidding over ridiculously expensive garden bed soil as the globe nestled into my fingers a few inches from disaster.

OK … I simply reached down and grabbed it fairly easily before it hit the ground. Hey, the kid was 21 months old. How far did you think he was going to throw the thing? Still, the part about the garden soil being ridiculously expensive – that’s true.

So is this: We all – the grown up “we all” – spent most of the next five minutes vainly trying to convince Gavin that all those small, colorful “balls” scattered about the yard were the point of this endeavor. I suppose that when you discover the “Holy Grail” of eggs, the rest pale in comparison.

I also suspect that I’ll hold this family Easter story in similar regard when I get to comparing family Easter stories. In fact, I do already.

TA ar )))

)

))

yale@arlingtontoday.com

CEO Richard Greene

EDITORIAL Editor Yale Youngblood Assistant Editor Sara Pintilie Contributing Editor Sarah Martinez Sports Columnist John Rhadigan Style Editor Tricia Schwartz Website & Social Media Director Rhonda Aghamalian Contributing Graphic Artists Susan Darovich, Amy DiStefano, Susan Richtman Contributing Writers Corey Callaway, Donna Darovich, Sue Stevens Durbec, Michele Duskin, Kenneth Perkins, Alexandra Plancarte Contributing Photographers Gary Coots, Dwayne Lee, Heather Lee, Bruce Maxwell

SALES/CIRCULATION Business Manager Bridget Dean Sales Managers Laura DiStefano, Amy Lively, Andrea Proctor, Debbie Roach, Tricia Schwartz Distribution Manager Kyle Hargrove

PRODUCTION Production Manager Susan Darovich ARLINGTON TODAY is published monthly. Copyright 2015 Arlington Today, Inc., 1000 Ballpark Way, Suite 308, Arlington, TX 76011. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means without permission of the publisher.

The inclusion of advertising is considered a service to readers and is not an endorsement of products.

Basic subscriptions are $33.95 for 12 issues (price includes tax and shipping).

E-mail subscriptions@arlingtontoday.com

For daily updates on all things Arlington, visit arlingtontoday.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter • Phone number: (817) 303-3304

keep the ball rolling

We specialize in getting you back to the life you love. orthopedic areas | spine | sports | joint upper extremities | lower extremities

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This ‘n data

Contour du jour

Hot shots!

(Kiwanis Pancake Day)

CoolSculpting® is great for getting your body spring- and summer-iffic ARLINGTON Surgical MedSpa’s revolutionary technology, CoolSculpting, uses controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat that resists normal efforts through diet and exercise. With spring and summer upon us, CoolSculpting is an option a number of patients are tapping to look their best.

Natalie Morrissey, Before CoolSculpting team CoolSculpting leader at Arlington Surgical MedSpa, recently highlighted how the procees works.

CoolSculpting contours the body. “This Photos: Arlington Surgical MedSpa enhances existing 16 weeks after features and compleCoolSculpting ments New Year’s weight loss,” she said.

“It gets patients bikini-ready by enhancing what they already have.”

CoolSculpting treats the abdomen, inner and outer thighs, flanks (or love handles).

“Results are comparable to liposuction without many of the side effects such as scarring, dimpling and downtime,” Morrissey said.

“It takes two to three months to see the best results of CoolSculpting, [which occur] through a natural process of elimination.”

CoolSculpting is a one-hour procedure.

“Patients have free time during the procedure to relax and watch TV, read or browse the internet,” she said. “For most areas, our office is able to sculpt two areas at one time – cutting the time in half.”

At the beginning of the treatment, she said, patients may feel a pinching or intense tugging sensation; however, this quickly resides as the cooling begins, prickling and tingling occurs as the area begins to go numb, and it remains numb for the remainder of the hour treatment.

All areas can be treated in as little as one appointment. Morrissey said appointments can be as spaced out over as short of a time period as the patient prefers. “CoolSculpting removes fat from the body for good – meaning there’s no need for retreatment of the area unless even better results are wanted,” she said.

CoolSculpting is an FDA-cleared procedure. “It’s the only [such] fat freezing technology, meaning that the results are proven,” Morrissey said, adding that the technology behind CoolSculpting has been studied at Harvard University for more than 10 years. “We expect to see approximately 28 percent loss of fat volume in the areas treated,” she said. “The results are noticeable, lasting and proven.”

For more onthe process or on Arlington Surgical MedSpa: coolsculpting.com.

Ben Armstrong, James Hawkins, Jimmy Hawkins

Frank Jones, Al Becker, Elwood Preiss, Larry James, Bob Landon

Ken Watkins, Amy Forrest, Robert Brackeen

Don Henderson, Jan Taborsky, Gayle Krengel Photos: Bruce Maxwell

Education Celebration! set for April 17 at Six Flags

Karoline and Karmyn Pompa enjoy last year’s Education Celebration!.

Photo: Arlington ISD

13

EDUCATION CELEBRATION!, an exclusive private party at Six Flags Over Texas benefiting the Arlington ISD Education Foundation, is set for April 17.

Admission to the park is only $20, and by putting in a special gift code when you buy tickets online, $5 of the fee will go directly back to your school’s fund.

Parking is also discounted ($10 per car at the gate).

The event is the brainchild of longtime Arlington ISD supporter and local businessman Chad Bates.

Bates and his wife Joy are co-chairs of the event.

“This event is set up to become a tradition and a great

ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2015 • arlingtontoday.com

benefit for our local schools for years down the road,” said Bates. “We are encouraging corporate sponsors to support our schools through this event and support our economically disadvantaged students who may have never been able to afford the Six Flags experience although it’s practically right in their backyard.”

There are also several sponsorship opportunities for local businesses and individuals to fund economically disadvantaged students to attend the event.

To purchase tickets or to find out how to donate, visit aisdeducationcelebration.com.

In celebration

of tradition

and rebirth.

Your local Dignity MemorialÂŽ providers wish you and your loved ones the most joyous of Easters.

May the peace and happiness of the holiday be with you this spring and the whole year through.

MOORE

funeral home & memorial gardens ARLINGTON

Moore-FuneralHome.com MooreMemorialGardens.com 817-275-2711

MOORE BOWEN ROAD funeral home ARLINGTON

MooreBowenRoad.com 817-468-8111 www.prepaidfunerals.texas.gov

This ‘n data

3 Scoops ...

1. A new hotel? Swell! ... Starwood

ges

gali/Getty Ima

Photo: Rob Trin

Hunter Pence will miss the start of the Giants’ season.

Arlington’s Hunter Pence takes positive tack after incident that fractured his arm HUNTER PENCE of the San Francisco Giants, who set a major league record with 12 hits in last year’s World Series, will have to wait a while to see if he can help his team repeat as champs.

The former Arlington High and UTA star was hit by a pitch by Chicago Cub rookie Corey Black in a spring training game and will miss six to eight weeks – and the start of the season.

As a result of the injury, Pence’s current Major League Baseball-best string of 383 consecutive games played is over. Still, Pence is upbeat – and forgiving. After the injury he tweeted to a remorseful Black, “It happens my friend. Thanks for the concern, it’s a part of the game we love. No slowing down!”

Photo: thelonestarrace.org

Hotels and Resorts recently announced plans to build a 136-room Aloft Hotel in Arlington.

The facility will be located at 2140 E. Lamar Blvd. and will be a quick commute to AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Park, Six Flags Over Texas, restaurants and other popular tourist attractions. The new Aloft, which will open in 2016, will feature loft-like rooms, cutting-edge design and an energetic, social atmosphere – all at an affordable price point.

2. Clothes call ... You can now acquire Arlington apparel online. The clothing line features the city’s new logo on t-shirts, hoodies and long-sleeved fleece sweatshirts.The items are currently offered in red, blue and gray. Warm fleece scarfs, caps and gloves are also available in black with an embroidered white logo. For more: cityofarlingtonapparel.com.

3. How ‘bout those Mavericks?!... OK, it’s not technically a scoop, but it’s worth noting: Last month, UTA took a 6-5 walk-off victory over the Texas Longhorns in a college baseball game at Globe Life Park – in 10 innings, no less. The Mavericks played in front of a UTA record crowd of 4,123 people in the thrilling game against the Longhorns. Christian Hollie opened the winning rally by sending a hit into the left-field corner for his second career triple.

Then with the bases loaded and one out, a wild pitch allowed a hustling Hollie to score from third to end the game. The Mavericks scored three runs in the ninth to send the game into extra innings.

Proceeds from the Lone Star Race, which starts at Levitt Pavilion on April 26, will go to Ability Connection Texas, which offers services for people of all ages and disabilities.

More than a fun run: Lone Star Race helps disabled Texans THE LONE STAR RACE, featuring a half marathon as well as 10K and 5K events, isn’t just about running – it’s about running for a reason.

One in five people will experience a disability in his/her lifetime. The Lone Star Race, which will take place April 26 at Levitt Pavilion, benefits Ability Connection Texas, which provides a full range of services for people of all ages

15

ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2015 • arlingtontoday.com

and disabilities. The organization impacts the lives of over 11,500 family members a year by providing over 1.4 million hours of care and support to disabled Texans.

The Lone Star Race features the 13.1-mile half-marathon (which will begin at 6:30 a.m.), the 10K (which will start at 7 a.m.) and the 5K Mayor’s Race (which will start at 9 a.m.).

For more: thelonestarrace.org.

This ‘n data

For the record YOU LONGTIME Arlington residents aren’t lying when you recall that your hometown was a much smaller dot on the Texas map back in the day. U.S. Census Bureau population figures for the city tell this remarkable growth story: 7,692 (1950), 90,229 (1970), 261,721 (1990), 365,438 (2010) and roughly 380,000 today.

official name of the establishment is The Grease Monkey Burger Shop and Social Club, a moniker that was born during a stroll through New Orleans by restaurant principals who vowed not to leave the Crescent City without coming up with something to call their new business. If you’ve ever been there you realize that the name is perfect.

ARLINGTON IS the largest city in Texas that is not a county seat.

KENNEDALE WAS OFFICIALLY incorporated in July 1947, with a population of 300. Three years later, the State of Texas approved changing the status of the community from town to city after the population topped the 500 mark. Now, more than 7,200 people call Kennedale home.

JORDAN WALDEN, a major league relief pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals, is from Mansfield. He pitched for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim from 2010-2012 and for the Atlanta Braves from 20132014 before signing in the offseason to be a reliever with the Cards.

THE GREASE MONKEY, as you likely refer to it, is a popular restaurant and music venue located at 200 N. Mesquite. What you might not know is that the

RAISE YOUR HAND if you remember Forum 303.

In the 1970s it was the city’s “go to” shopping venue. The mall featured a then-groundbreaking public amphitheater in the lower level that served as a musical hot spot for some big-name performers, including Roy Clark of “Hee Haw” fame.

TOMMY FRANKS, the U.S. general who led led the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, graduated from the University of Texas Arlington.

1. Our civic and social leaders – and our residents – think “can do,” and then they “go do.”

2. Name another big city in Texas that has such “small town” hospitality on a daily basis. You can’t.

Mayor Robert Cluck

Challenger Jeff Williams Campaign photos

3. The Parks at Arlington has an ice skating rink, so even transplanted residents from the North can feel at home.

Mayoral candidates set to debate on April 27 at UTA’s Lone Star Auditorium

4. Where is Fork in the Road restaurant – home of the best hamburgers in all the region as voted by our readers – located again?

ARLINGTON MAYOR Robert Cluck and challenger Jeff Williams will meet in a one-on-one debate from 6-8 p.m.

April 27 at the University of Texas Arlington’s Lone Star Auditorium. The event will be hosted by the Arlington Voice.

Cluck is seeking his seventh term in office. Williams, a civil engineer and civic leader, chaired the committee that led to the passing of a $650 million bond package for Arlington ISD in 2014. UTA political science professor Allan Saxe will moderate the debate with co-moderators Stephen Perkins, president of the UTA Republicans, and Caitlin Lake, president of the UTA Democrats.

5. Two words: “Play Ball!”

Don’t miss it ...

MOMS, GRAB THE SLEEPING BAGS, cot, blow-up mattress and anything else you need to be comfy for a Mom/Son night April 24-25 at Cliff Nelson Recreation Center. The evening will feature dinner, games with friendly mom and son competitions, crafts and more. Pre-registration is required. All ages are welcome ($12 per person). For more: (817) 561-2819.

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Come Join Us! May 6, 2015

LUN

CH

EO

N

When: Wed., May 6, 2015

Check-in: 11:30 a.m.

Program begins: Noon

Where: AT&T Stadium Arlington, TX

Sponsorships & Tickets Available

The Inspiring Hope Luncheon On May 6, 2015, the Arlington/Mansfield area Salvation Army will host its first Inspiring Hope Luncheon.

Supporters, volunteers, and local dignitaries will come together at AT&T Stadium to learn more about the work of The Salvation Army and hear our guest speaker, Jerry Jones.

For more information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Bridget Lenhardt at 817.860.1836 or bridget_lenhardt@uss.salvationarmy.org Online ticket purchases are available at:

inspiringhopeluncheon.eventbrite.com Special Guest, Aquile will be singing the National Anthem.

This event benefits The Salvation Army Family Life Center and Youth Education Town 712 W. Abram • Arlington TX 76013

We invite you to learn more about The Salvation Army’s mission and work.

Visit our website: www.salvationarmyyet.org

Picture-perfect moments

Photos: Southern Flair Photography

Dr. Anthony Evangelista and Dr. David Kleiman cut the ribbon to officially open their new office at 350 East I-20.

Dr. Jimmy Tran, Sheri Ludwigs and Rustin Wright

Jaclyn Sadler, Patrick Tyler, Deborah Husted, Ken Mattner, Sandy Mattner, Mike Gerro and Katie Holloway

Kim Lord, Kristi Tatum and Nhi Pham

Scene

Snapshots from the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the new Kleiman I Evangelista practice at 350 East I-20.

Dr. Mark Jaffe, Jeri Kleiman and Dr. David Kleiman

Shirley Cox, Bobby Hernandez, Margarita Steimle, Brenda Evangelista, Dr. Anthony Evangelista and Wes Jurey

Cyndi Miller, Ande Woods and Myra Crockett

Happenings in the AISD

“Best Community for Music Education” awarded to AISD’s music education program New research shows students involved with community music programs demonstrate improvement in subjects such as reading

T

he NAMM Foundation has recognized the AISD for its outstanding commitment to music education with a Best Communities for Music Education designation for the 11th time in recent history. The AISD joins 388 districts across the country in receiving the prestigious distinction in 2015.

Now in its 16th year, Best Communities for Music Education affirms school districts that have demonstrated exceptional efforts toward maintaining music education as part of schools’ core curriculum.

The BCME survey requires districts to answer detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs.

Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Center for Public Partnerships and Research, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.

Community music programs have been drawing increased attention this school year because of a landmark study by Northwestern University brain scientists.

These researchers found new links between students in community music programs and academic success in subjects such as reading.

Beyond the Northwestern study, other reports indicate that learning to play music can boost academic and social skills, such as processing math and learning to cooperate in group settings.

Happenings in the AISD

Young, Martin students invited to perform at TMEA Martin High School and Young Junior High were invited to perform during the 2015 Texas Music Educator’s Association Clinic/ Convention. The Martin High School Symphony Orchestra was named the 2015 High School String Honor Orchestra, and the Young Junior High Young Men Choir was named as a TMEA Invited Performing Choir for Middle School.

TMEA is an organization of more than 11,000 school music educators dedicated to promoting excellence in music education. TMEA comprises five divisions: band, orchestra, vocal, elementary and college. TMEA leaders carefully monitor the actions of all state decision-making bodies on issues affecting fine arts instruction.

Martin’s Pugh, Warner named 2015 WAC International Educators of the Year

M

artin High School teachers Juli Warner and Rhonda Pugh will be honored with the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth’s International Education Program Educators of the Year award on Thursday, April 16, for their groundbreaking initiative and continued work inspiring young minds to think globally.

The IEP has presented this annual honor for a decade, and 2015 is the first time two teachers will be honored as Warner and Pugh have a significant place in the history of the Council and the IEP. In 2004, Warner and Pugh created the first

Martin High School Symphony Orchestra

Young Junior High Young Men Choir

Juli Warner, Fareed Zakaria and Rhonda Pugh at a World Affairs Council forum.

Junior World Affairs Council, and now there are more than 40 JWACs in area public, private and charter schools.

Warner and Pugh will be presented with the award at the 2015 Educator of the Year luncheon program in Dallas. They will each receive a $500 honorarium and the Council’s traditional engraved International Educator of the Year global desk clock.

Pugh is in her 23rd year in the classroom, and she teaches economics. Warner is retiring after 41 years in education; she teaches world geography and Advanced Placement world and European history.

Follow Arlington ISD on...

1203 W. Pioneer Pkwy Arlington, TX 76013 682-867-4611 • AISD.net

Around Town

How sweet it is ... now A terrible flood transforms a neighborhood • By Kenneth Perkins

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An example of a dark cloud with a silver lining: Five years after a devastating flood destroyed my neighborhood, the area now sports a new, improved Foster Park, with a playground, walking trail and exercise stations.

ever thought I’d see a refrigerator glide by in four feet of water, but there it was, floating right past antique chairs, a couch, kitchen table, beds, books, shelves and everything else not bolted down. Within hours, my one-level home was obliterated beyond recognition, about 2,800-square feet of nothing.

By 5 p.m. the clouds were gone, the sun was out, and aside from the debris everywhere and the pained, bewildered looks of my neighbors, it was just another gorgeous fall day.

In all, nearly 150 homes and 68 condos across the city were damaged by floodwaters brought on by Tropical Storm Hermine on Sept. 8, 2010. Most damaged was my neighborhood, which sits north of Arkansas Lane and east of Green Oaks Boulevard, gloriously sandwiched among Foster, Kelley and Rush Creek parks.

We liked that Rush Creek snaked through our neighborhood – until it turned on us.

Apparently, water from the swollen creek had only one place to go as the rains fell: into our homes.

By the time I got past police barricades to get into my neighborhood, my wife had already opened the front door and watched four feet of water gush out with all our possessions in hot pursuit.

I knew of area flooding before buying, but my home had seen only a scant bit of water damage in 20 years. What I didn’t know: development south of Arkansas Lane increased storm-water runoff that flowed into the creek and through the neighborhood as though a dam collapsed.

We lost pretty much everything and spent the next year in hotels and apartments without financial help from FEMA. The city would eventually implement a voluntary buyout program for affected homes, although longtime homesteaders weren’t all that happy about that. Wasn’t a lot of choice.

Then Public Works Director Bob Lowry said tearing down the homes and creating

green space to absorb storm-water runoff was the only practical solution. He was right, as we see now, but when you’ve been in a home for over 30 years you expect to go before the house does.

Me? I was ready to hightail it outta there.

More than losing our home, we lost a gorgeous park where I taught my son and daughter the finer points of cross-country running. There was something soothing about turning into the neighborhood after a long day and being greeted by people walking, running and playing in a vast amount of green space.

I miss it terribly, though we now enjoy the rolling hills of Trinity Park, a stone’s throw from Lake Arlington. (I know. You’d think we would move as far from water as humanly possible.)

“It was a stringent process,” Park Planning Manager De’Onna Garner said of the parks redesign that took out some streets and added parking.

Some wanted the roads to stay, concerned about their daily routines. “It was the fear of the unknown,” said Garner.

Just another example of how God turns darkness into light. The 50 or so homes have been replaced by even more green space.

Foster Park has a new playground, walking trail and exercise stations. The area where the Willow Apartment Complex once stood will soon be a much-needed dog park, Garner said.

It has worked out fine, with just one teeny-tiny problem. The street taken out was the one where my house once stood.

Now I can’t find where it was.

Columnist Kenneth Perkins has been a contributing writer for Arlington Today since it debuted. He is a freelance writer, editor and photographer.

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The Main Event

Country music – Arlington style!

The 50th annual ACM Awards show will give the city yet another chance to shine under a national spotlight

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Blake Shelton, who was known as a country music icon long before he became a celebrity panelist on the popular television show “The Voice,” will be back for his fifth stint as host of the Academy of Country Music Awards program.

he city of Arlington will add another jewel to its crown this month when it hosts the 50th annual Academy of Country Music Awards April 19 at AT&T Stadium. For the fans of country songs/singers/songwriters, the event is a big deal – probably the big deal of the genre.

But for Arlington, the ACM Awards program represents the latest addition to a growing list of nationally significant parties being celebrated in our city.

And that is the really big deal.

“How exciting it is for our city to be hosting the ACMs in Arlington?” said Decima Cooper, director of public relations for the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). “We love the fact that this American Dream City will once again be at the heart of the media world. It’s the type of exposure that most cities dream of.”

Cooper said the buzz and crowds for the ACM weekend will mirror what the city saw in 2011 when AT&T Stadium hosted the Super Bowl – and earlier this year when the first NCAA national football championship game was played here. Those experiences helped city officials plan for this event. In turn, they’ve developed a helpful online guide for both visitors and area residents.

“We expect about the same size crowds as we have seen for other larger scale events,” Cooper said. “Together we collaborated with the city to create a site that is easy to navigate for visitors and locals alike: www.arlington-tx.gov/acm.”

Cooper said the city invited an ACM representative to one of the city’s F.A.S.T meetings (Friends of Arlington/Supporters of Tourism) to speak with local partners about the best ways to ensure a successful, smooth and safe weekend.

Photo: blakeshelton.com “Larger than normal crowds are to be expected, so business in the area will see more people than usual,” she said. “We have a great core of tourism supporters, citizens and business owners who know how important it is to showcase not only Texas hospitality, but our wonderful Arlington hospitality. Our city has amazing people, and we hear that all the time from guests who come here. The first impression of our city is important for visitors, and from our Arlington CVB, to the APD Tourism Oriented Policing Unit, down to the locals who live here, we all play a part in creating a great experience.”

The schedule of events* April 17

What: ACM Lifting Lives Benefit Gala Where: Fort Worth Zoo and Dallas Omni Hotel When: 6:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Details: Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will host the “One Night, Two Cities, All Music” gala, which will consist of two shows taking place simultaneously. The Omni Dallas Hotel gala will feature Lady Antebellum. Fort Worth Zoo will feature Keith Urban.

April 17-18

What: ACM Party for a Cause® Festival: 50 Years of Music & Memories Where: Globe Life Park When: Noon- 7 p.m. (North Lawn festivities); 8 p.m.-midnight (Stadium festivities) Details: This two-day outdoor music event will include multiple stages for ongoing live country music performances, interactive experiences, a family-friendly country marketplace and more.

April 18

One of the more popular features of the ACM event each year is the Red Carpet, where fans get to see favorite artists, such as Kacey Musgraves.

What: ACM Lifting Lives Golf Classic Where: Brookhaven Country Club in Farmer’s Branch When: 8:30 a.m.

Details: This event hosted by Darius Rucker and open to the public to watch will feature musicians teaming to tame the storied Brookhaven golf course (or just to have fun).

Top and middle photos: Academy of Country Music

What: Cabela’s Archery Tournament Where: Rangers Youth Ballpark When: 10 a.m.

Details: This event is open to the public and will be hosted

by Luke Bryan and Justin Moore.

What: RAM Truck Parade Where: Starts at AT&T Stadium When: 10 a.m.

Details: This event is open to the public and will be an attempt to break the world record for most RAM trucks ever participating in a parade.

Luke Bryan will join Blake Shelton as a host of the awards program.

What: ACM Charity Motorcycle Ride and Concert Where: Strokers Dallas and Longhorn Harley-Davidson in Grand Prairie When: TBA Details: This event will be hosted by Dierks Bentley and will feature concerts by several country acts at both motorcyle dealerships.

April 19

What: 50th annual Academy of Country Music Awards program Where: AT&T Stadium When: 7 p.m.

Details: Superstars Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan will co-host Country Music’s Party of the Year®, which honors the genre’s best performers and introduces the industry’s hottest emerging talent. The show will be broadcast by CBS.

Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks will team to host a benefit gala that will take place simultaneously in Fort Worth and Dallas.

Photo: tasteofcountry.com

What: All-Star Jam Where: Outside of AT&T Stadium When: Following the awards program Details: Winners and nominees from the awards program will take turns performing after the main show has concluded during this special “after party.” * Tickets are required unless otherwise noted.

“

The ACM Awards Show: By the numbers HOW BIG is the 50th annual Academy of Country Music Awards Show? By the time hosts Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan bid farwell to the television audience and to the throng viewing live at AT&T Stadium on April

19, the program is projected to surpass each of the following numbers from last year’s event: • 16.3 million television viewers.

• 1.9 million social media comments.

• 6,234 Tweets per minute.

• 1.1 million fan votes that determined Entertainer of the Year and New Artist of the Year.

Add the record 80,000-plus audience members expected to attend, and you wind up with, well, TEXAS BIG!

Quotebook ...

“We’re celebrating 50 years on the 50 yard line. I don’t think there’s a gauge for how it’s going to be the night that it comes to AT&T Stadium. It has been in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. But the North Texas area is the mecca of country music. I know Nashville is where we make it, but the country lifestyle still exists in Texas.” ­– Host Blake Shelton “Obviously, at Cowboys games it’s crazy in that stadium, and we’re looking forward to that excitement. I feel like everybody in Texas will bring it that night. It will be a fun awards show. It’s a neat change in venues for the ACMs, and it’s celebrating the 50th anniversary, so I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Dierks Bentley will perform at the 50th ACM Awards and is nominated for seven awards.

Star power

Photo: dierks.com

Show’s performer list is a ‘Who’s Who’ of country music THE EPIC LINEUP of country music artists scheduled to perform at the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards includes country icons Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Keith Urban, Florida Georgia Line, plus new artists Sam Hunt, Thomas Rhett and Cole Swindell.

The ceremony, co-hosted by Bryan and Shelton, will be broadcast live from AT&T Stadium from 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. (CDT).

Exclusive to the 50th ACM Awards, reigning Entertainer of the Year and Artist of the Decade Strait will debut new music. Also, McEntire will be returning to the ACM Awards to perform for the first time in five years.

In addition to performing, Lambert leads the ACM Awards with eight nominations. Bentley follows with seven, while Florida Georgia Line received five, and Bryan, Chesney and Church each earned four. Aldean was nominated for three awards, Shelton received two nominations, Brooks is nominated for Entertainer of the Year, and Urban received a nomination in the Video of the Year category.

This year’s ACM New Artist of the Year Presented By Kohl’s nominees include Hunt, Rhett and Swindell.

– Host Luke Bryan “Jerry Jones invited us to come open the stadium in 2009, but it wasn’t going to be ready by our show date. But the idea never left me. I knew there was something special here. We’ve always tried to reach out to fans and engage them, and what better way than to invite them to join us at Cowboys Stadium for the largest awards show ever staged?”

– ACM CEO Bob Romeo

For when you make your Jeopardy appearance ...

The answer: This country music legend has won more Academy of Country Music awards than anyone.

The question: Who is Garth Brooks?

The bonus trivia nugget: Brooks has won 17 ACM awards and was named Artist of the Decade in the 1990s.

Here come the brides

2015 Spring Wedding Guide

Your wedding

‘With this ring, I thee wed’ O

f all the significant moments in a lifetime, few rival the wedding in inherent splendor, joy and pleasant memories.

While there’s no way to document whether the words “I do” represent the most-often-repeated phrase in history, there’s no question that they’re among the most emotional.

And most important.

That’s why Brittany Garalis and Shannon Leland, local coordinators of nuptial events, love their jobs. In essence, they are helping make dreams come true, almost every week of every month of every year.

Garalis, especially, has a newfound affinity for the exchange of vows. She exchanged some of her own recently. And the personal experience greatly enhanced the way she approaches her professional endeavors as private events coordinator at Shady Valley Country Club.

“Recently going through the stresses of my own wedding has helped me to be more understanding,” she said. “I am able to give first-hand tips and suggestions to reduce flusters, wedding day nerves, and family/friend drama. I was once a girl who had every detail, every minute of my wedding day planned out, as most girls do. It wasn’t until I was in this industry that I was reminded that what is important isn’t the color of the linen, or what type of flower is in my bouquet or if I serve chicken or beef or chicken and beef ... the most important thing is marrying your best friend.”

Garalis said she is not somebody who likes all the attention on herself, so on her wedding day she was “a huge ball of nerves.”

“It wasn’t until those doors opened, and I made eye contact with my groom that all those nerves and butterflies flew away,”

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she said. “Nothing else mattered but standing there with my now husband and making that commitment to each other. I try to calm each one of my brides down right before that big walk, since I now understand what it is like to stand there, waiting for the music to change and walk out. It’s something I didn’t truly understand until it was my turn in the white dress.”

Leland, wedding consultant and event planner at The White Room in Arlington, has helped coordinate hundreds of such unions, enough to conclude that there’s really only one Cardinal Rule for making the wedding come off as hoped and planned.

“Really, the best advice I can give a wedding party is to spend your money on what is most important to you,” she said. “Every person is different. Every wedding is different. If the dress is most important, that’s where you should make your biggest investment. If the centerpieces mean the most to you, make sure you get those right. You can have a wonderful wedding – a

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beautiful wedding – without a big budget. Just make sure that you focus on what’s important to you.”

Because weddings are different, each one evolves in a unique way. Some people go to the church to get married and then venture to an event center for the reception. Some combine the two in one locale. Usually, it’s because the locale is special.

Take, for instance, Cacharel – and “The View,” which is among the most picturesque in Arlington. One of the benefits of having the wedding and reception at Cacharel is that the after-wedding party is just a few steps away. The large ballroom is sliced in half with one side being the ceremony; once the “I dos” have been registered and the kisses done, guests move seamlessly into the reception area, toss off their ceremony inhibitions and let loose.

“Guests come in on the ceremony side and have no idea the reception is in the same room basically,” said Angie Bluemling, wedding coordinator for the upscale restaurant. “When the ceremony is over, it opens up to a nice dance floor. It gives the illusion of two spaces even though it’s really not.”

Or, you might consider The Sanford House, where general manager Valerie Landry promises that a couple will have the perfect wedding/reception. “Our unique and beautiful venue is visually stunning, offers a dedicated wedding coordinator, and creates the most delicious catering menus,” Landry said. “The Sanford House staff will do everything possible to ensure that your special day is just as fabulous as you are.”

Like The Sanford House, the Sheraton Arlington Hotel has the advantage of offering rooms to guests. Wherever you go to have the wedding and reception, the Sheraton’s Social Catering Man-

ager Kasey Luithle offered some advice that will help ensure a successful event. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” she said.

“Also, make a commitment to one another that when others try to interfere or influence your decisions, you will politely listen and mention that you will take their ideas and suggestions into consideration. And hire a day-of-wedding coordinator.”

Of course, the wedding and reception are just the culmination of careful planning, some conventional, some not so much.

Many wedding parties get ready for the big day via standard salon treatments. Others take the quest to look perfect to a whole new level.

Dr. Mark A. Bishara at The Paragon Plastic Surgery & MedSpa is seeing more and more brides-to-be come in for subtle beauty treatments that make them radiant on wedding day.

“Two weeks before the big date we start with very small amounts of Botox around the crows feet and brow to open the aperture of the eyes and lift the brow,” he said. “Then we do intense pulse light treatment 10 days before the big date, microdermabrasion five days before to exfoliate, and near infrared skin tyte treatments three days before.”

Dr. Bishara said that whatever beautification route the bride opts to take, there are several rules of thumb that will ensure she’s at her best. “On the big day be well-hydrated, and get to bed early; a late-evening massage around 8 p.m. helps you wind down,” he said. “Make sure you eat a breakfast and drink water; avoid alcohol and caffeine. An a.m. hydrating facial is key before makeup and hair. This day is all about you. Don’t forget to smile and try to slow the day down – most people blink, and it’s over!”

Your pictures

5 mistakes to avoid when choosing a photographer 1. Thinking that just anyone with a nice camera can be a wedding photographer. Wedding photography is a complicated undertaking that includes constantly changing logistics, technical challenges and multiple interpersonal relationships. You don’t want to trust the most special day of your life to “Uncle Harry” or a friend with a digital camera.

2. Assume the quality of all wedding photography is the same.

You will find in your research that not all wedding photographs are created equally. You will want images that are crisp and clear, properly lit and composed. High-end, professional cameras will always provide a superior image. Make sure each sample album you look at contains complete works from multiple weddings.

3. Using price as the main factor. Though you certainly have a budget, selecting your photographer based primarily on price could spell disaster. You won’t find any two photographers with the same pricing structure; thus, it is almost impossible to compare them based on price.

Look for value in what they have to offer. You need to ask if their packages can be customized to fit your own personal needs. Price should be a

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consideration, but value for your investment is so much more important.

4. Signing a contract before meeting the photographer. The one person with whom you will have more contact at your wedding and reception than any other person will likely be your wedding photographer. You will want someone who is likeable and fun to be around. Meet this person before you hire them. Make sure they have a personality that is a good match for you.

5. Not asking the “tough” questions before booking the photographer for your wedding. What’s “Plan

B” if the photographer should become ill and unable to come to your wedding? What happens if their camera breaks during your wedding?

Does the booking deposit count toward the cost of the wedding photographs? What happens to the booking deposit if the wedding is postponed or canceled? These are all questions you need to have answered before you commit to a photographer.

– Dwayne Lee, Southern Flair Photography

Your memories

My wedding, my story – Whitney Hoang

Photos: Jeremy Minnerick Photography

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hitney Elizabeth Doyle married Carryl Malcourt (Court) Hoang on Feb. 7 at Our Lady of Dallas Cistercian Abbey in Irving. This month Whitney shares her wedding story, from its planning, through the ceremony, to the honeymoon in Europe, where the couple spent time in Switzerland, Austria and Hungary.

Why did you choose that venue for the ceremony?

It is Court’s high school alma mater. We had our reception at The Room On Main in downtown Dallas.

Tell us about the wedding planning, particularly the “whats” and “whys” that stamped your ceremony as special.

Photography was really important to us, so we were very happy to find a photographer, Jeremy Minnerick, who really shared our values. It was important to him to not waste

our time with the obligatory posed shots.

Instead, he focused on capturing the spirit of the wedding through natural, candid moments of us with our loved ones. We also worked closely with Lauren Houston from Edited. She did the floral arrangements, centerpieces and all of the tiny details that made our wedding stunning. It really was the details that people noticed and are still commenting on, even now. On top of that, she made sure everything ran like clockwork, which made the day amazingly stress-free.

I am so grateful to Jeremy and Lauren. They truly made the wedding. Another big stress reliever was finding Laci Cocker with Tease to Please. She went so far out of her way to be cheerful, helpful and have everyone looking their best.

How close did the reality match the vision you had after all the planning?

The reality of that day was actually so far from the way we imagined it when we first started planning. We started out wanting something rustic and wintery with a family-style service. We were looking at a different venue, different colors, everything. I think when you start to actually take action you find out that sometimes there are limitations with vendors, or things just don’t come together the way you thought they would. You have to adjust and be flexible. Something Court and I can both agree on: the day far exceeded all expectations we had.

Did your wedding have a theme? If so, can you share a little about what that was like for you and your guests?

There wasn’t exactly a theme; we really just wanted everything to be personal to us and a reflection of our own style. It was a modern take on a vintage, classic feel – sophisticated and fun at the same time.

We love to travel, so we included personal touches like a giant cork board map that documented everywhere we had been separately and then together. It was also important to us to include our loved ones in the process. My aunt sewed all of the bridesmaid’s dresses, Court’s best friend and groomsman made our wedding cake, and one of the Cisterican monks who is an old teacher of Court’s officiated the ceremony. We just tried to stay true to ourselves and share that with our loved ones.

How about the reception? What was that like?

The reception was truly magical. We wanted it to be elegant and polished, while also feeling relaxed and welcoming. It’s a tricky balance to strike, but I think when you open the dance floor with a wedding march (a Czech wedding tradition that gets everyone on their feet, running around to polka music) you send a message that we’re all here to have fun. We also had two live bands – great friends and former bandmates of Court’s from Austin – providing music for the evening. The Room On Main really set the tone of sophistication and style, while the music and dancing made our

guests feel right at home. It was a perfect combination of elegance and crazy fun.

Where did you go for the honeymoon, and what were some of the highlights?

We wanted to keep the winter theme going, so we decided on Switzerland, Austria and Hungary. We’re not into skiing, so we spent our time in coffee shops and cathedrals, and taking stunningly beautiful train rides through the mountains. We loved spending our first husband-and-wife Valentine’s Day in Salzburg and had our first real married adventure when we lost each other in a train station in Vienna! As it turns out, we make a great team.

What is your favorite memory of your wedding day?

It’s difficult to choose just one moment from the wedding, but one moment that really stands out for both us was turning to face our loved ones as husband and wife for the first time. Nearly 300 of our closest friends and family were standing and cheering, the doors to the church flew open, and the evening sun came streaming in. We will never forget the feeling of pure joy we had stepping outside into the sunshine, to be quickly surrounded by smiling faces. The energy in that moment was amazing and we have never felt so loved.

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Your venues

A smorgasbord of romantic options

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n any wedding planning checklist, the venue is generally given a preferred spot. Often, though, you’re talking about venues plural, as in the place where the ceremony will be held, along the locales for the reception. The Arlington area is ripe with prime options, some of which do double duty.

Cacharel’s Angie Bluemling has been planning weddings for almost a decade now, so imagine the stories she can share.

Like the time the bride was about to walk down the aisle TO THE WRONG SONG because the deejay didn’t actually have the tune.

What did Bluemling do? Pull out her cell phone, find the song, and place it up to the deejay’s microphone. Crisis diverted.

When brides and grooms come to the upscale Cacharel Restaurant & Grand Ballroom in North Arlington for their wedding, a reception or both, they get the high-rise panoramic city lights view, “which is just gorgeous at night,” said Bluemling.

And the food, “which is, well, it’s amazing,” she added.

Then there’s Bluemling and colleague Brandi Morgan, who plan the weddings and receptions. You can image how busy they are right now. Cacharel, which serves fine French cuisine, Texas Star Golf Club is a favorite spot for weddings, receptions and rehearsal dinners, especially for potential marrieds who want a kind of urban feel to their nuptials. “Our ballShady Valley Country Club room is for the bride who is not super traditional,” said Bluemling. “It’s not a church or chapel.

But brides who like the idea of having the romance of an evening wedding with city lights, this is perfect.”

Bluemling says grooms usually okay the deal as soon as they look out from the big windows and see full views of the AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Park.

Texas Star Golf in Euless is known for its award-winning course, but it, too, has emerged as an off-the-beaten-path wedding site. It offers banquet rooms that can accommodate up to 300 guests and a catering and event coordinating staff that will asTierra Verde sist you from start to finish in the planning and implementation Golf Club of your wedding. That help includes choosing menus to match the wedding theme – and the food is outstanding.

Like Texas Star, Tierra Verde is a golf-riffic facility that is fast becoming known as a prime wedding venue. And why not?

The club’s Ventana Grille boasts of Executive Chef Luigi, who is renowned for his unique cuisine. Ventana means “window” in Spanish, and the windows of Ventana Grille offer a spectacular view of Tierra Verde.

At Shady Valley Country Club, meanwhile, you get the convenience and sophistication of a private country club, plus a

full range of services, said Brittany Garalis, private events coordinator at the club.

“We can handle as much or as little of your ceremony and reception as you want,” she said. “We work with top-of-the-line vendors for wedding cakes, DJs, linen and decor rentals and floral. We have a delicious and extensive catering menu, or our talented chef can create a custom menu unique to your wedding. We have awesome ‘one-stop shop’ packages that will take a majority of the planning and stress off of you and an experienced staff here to help you with every step.”

The Sheraton Arlington also provides a one-stop-shop for weddings. Catering Manager Kasey Luithle has the creativity, attention to detail, customer focus and expertise to help make your event a day to remember.

Luithle said the hotel’s multiple ballroom spaces are ideal for both the ceremony and reception. “Our unique venue is beautifully landscaped by fountains, waterfalls and Koi ponds,” she said, “and the Plaza is something out of a storybook and the stage for wedding memories which will last a lifetime.”

Luithle said the Sheraton can provide tables, chairs, china, glassware and silverware, multiple selections of linens and complementary centerpieces, custom menu planning, a cake cutting service and hotel rooms for traveling guests.

The White Room bills itself as “Arlington’s premier banquet hall,” and it certainly has the romantic trappings to back the claim, including the Tuscan ambiance of its exquisite reception hall. Elegant chandeliers and candles shed soft light as you and your guests dine and dance the night away. The White Room chapel features a beautiful grapevine-wrapped arbor, so it’s like being outdoors.

“We try to take care of as much of the wedding planning as possible,” said Shannon Leland, wedding consultant and event planner at The White Room. “That includes the venue, the tables, the linens, the centerpieces, the catering, a full-service bar, wait staff, DJ services and cake services.”

Leland said the wedding chapel can hold up to 150 guests, and the reception area can accommodate up to 300 people. “Basically, I try to take the stress off the bride,” Leland said, “so she can have a good time.”

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©2015 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Sheraton and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates. For full terms and conditions, visit sheratonarlingtonhotel.com/weddings.

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3/19/2015 2:40:36 PM

Your preparation

Get ready for the big day in a big way

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ith wedding planning comes a measure of stress. Helping relieve it on the eve of the event is something that many area spas offer not only to the bride to be, but to her wedding party, as well.

“We provide spa parties for the wedding party, which make a great gift as we get them ready for the big day,” said Great Skin Spa • Skincare owner Brenda Cureton-Smith. “We are the bride’s best friend during this monumental, joyous, yet stressful time.”

Great Skin specializes in facials; oxygen, microdermabrasion and LED treatments and Rhonda Allison Chemical Peels, as well as waxing, teeth whitening, makeovers and massages.

The Sanford Spa and Salon, likewise, has a variety of healthy, soothing ways to relieve stress and beautify the wedding party via a bridal package for the entire wedding party.

“The Sanford Spa can take care of a wedding party even before the ceremony by providing full-service hair, nail and body treatments for your entire wedding party,” said Valerie Landry, general manager of the Sanford House. “Their chef will prepare delicious snacks for your group to enjoy while you experience excellent services – ‘spa-style.’”

Let Country Florist be your first choice.

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Tierra Verde weddings ad_Arlington Today.indd 1

3/19/2015 10:17:42 AM

Your memories

My wedding, my story – Courtney Henkel that I completely trusted are two things that I think were the most helpful. I was so confident in the abilities of everyone involved, and I knew that everything would turn out perfectly. I didn’t even get to look at the reception room until I walked in after the ceremony. I was blown away by how incredible it looked. Everyone did such an amazing job ... I couldn’t be more happy with how it turned out.

What are your most pleasant memories of the event?

Am I allowed to just say the entire day? It was the best feeling in the world to have all of my friends and family in the same place at the same time. One of my favorite parts of Photos: Grant Daniels Photography the day was getting to do a “first look” with Alex before the ceremony. It was such a sweet moment, and I will remember it forever! n Nov. 8, 2014, Courtney Cerza married Alex Henkel at the First United Methodist Church of Arlington. Here, Tell us about the theme of your wedding.

Courtney shares some wedding memories and offers I honestly didn’t have a theme. I wanted our wedding to be advice for brides to be. timeless and elegant. I’m going to have pictures from the wedding framed and hanging up for the rest of my life ... I didn’t We talked about the planning of the wedding in October. How did want to get tired of looking at them! Angie Bluemling (our wedthe reality compare with the vision you had in place back then? ding coordinator) really understood what I wanted in terms of The reality was so much better than I could have ever imagined. the flowers and table settings, and she did such a perfect job Everything was absolutely perfect! Our wedding day was comtranslating my ideas into a reality. pletely stress-free, which I am so thankful for, because I know not many people can say that.

O

What areas of the planning were particularly helpful once you reached “The Big Day”?

Keeping everything simple and carefully selecting vendors

Can you share where you went on your honeymoon, as well as some of the highlights of that trip?

Of course! We went to London. We had so many people ask why we wanted to go to London in November, and the answer

was simply that neither of us had been to Europe, we didn’t want to go to a beach, and we wanted to experience something totally new. We stayed there for a week, and did as much as possible. We went to see Stonehenge, tour Windsor Castle, walked along the River Thames, walked through numerous museums ... the list goes on. We already want to go back.

Looking back on the entire experience, is there something you could share that might help others to get the most out of their weddings?

I said this in our previous interview, but I will say it again: Hiring a wedding coordinator was the best decision we could have made. I showed up, got married, had a blast at our reception, and left. It was completely stress-free, which is what your wedding day should be like. I would also say to research and carefully select vendors that understand what you want and what your vision is for your wedding. I didn’t necessarily have a “theme” for the wedding,

and everyone we worked with knew that, and still got it right.

Finish this sentence: My wedding was special because ...

... We were able to be surrounded by all of our friends and family to celebrate the start of the rest of our lives together!

Naturally Perfect River Legacy Living Science Center is the natural choice for the couple wanting a nontraditional and unique venue. Visit our nature center to discover why its unique architectural qualities and forest surroundings are ideal for indoor and outdoor weddings and receptions.

703 NW Green Oaks Blvd. | Arlington, Texas 76006 | 817.860.6752, ext. 102 www.riverlegacy.org | weddings@riverlegacy.org

Your inspiration

Ideas, advice and Internet solutions Lincoln Jewelers

The White Room

The Sanford House

Country Florist

I

t is a virtual given that the bride has been thinking about her big day long before it arrives. She has pictured the dress, the location, the reception and the honeymoon in her mind, probably so much that the process of melding ideal and real has become second nature.

Still, until the vows are exchanged there’s always the opportunity to play a game of “what if ...?,” which is why magazines of this ilk produce sections of this ilk. Even the best ideas can be enhanced.

For example, if you pay a River Legacy Parks visit to the Lincoln Jewelers’ Facebook page and check out the photos, you might start reconsidering what defines the perfect wedding ring. In the comments accompanying the model pictured here you find the descriptions “GORGEOUS!,” “I like this” and “Beautiful.” And that’s just one of several dozen pieces of wedding jewelry the company displays there, all of which serve not only as advertisements for the jewelry store but as inspiration to brides and grooms who might be looking for the ideal ring for an ideal union.

The same holds true with flowers. Country Florist’s website, arlingtonblooms.com, certainly inspires wedding ideas, so much so that the company has devoted links not only to flowers for the wedding proper but to what the wedding party might need and what might best fit the reception.

Then, of course, there’s the holy grail of social media inspiration: Pinterest (pinterest.com), which encourages users to share ideas to help others enhance their lives.

“Social media has changed the game,” said Shannon Leland, wedding consultant and event planner at The White Room in Arlington. “You can use the Internet to find a countless number of great wedding ideas you probably hadn’t thought of, and it doesn’t cost you a penny until you decide what you want to do.”

As a result, businesses and locales that thrive on weddings – including The White Room, River Legacy Parks and The Sanford House in Arlington – turn their websites and Facebook pages into wedding showcases. In turn, brides-to-be find ideas that they can incorporate into their plans, and everyone wins.

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Q&A

Conversation Bride-to-be Victoria Stevens talks about her upcoming wedding – and about some of the plans that went into it

R

yan Gallagher and Victoria Stevens are scheduled to be married on April 19 at the Northeast Wedding Chapel in Hurst. The couple met while working at Olenjack’s Grille, he as a sous chef and she as a hostess. Here, Victoria talks about the upcoming wedding – and about what went into its planning ARLINGTON TODAY: First, tell us about how Ryan proposed. Is there a special story behind that?

VICTORIA STEVENS: Ryan proposed on March 14, 2014.

He made it very special by taking me to the drive-in (one of our favorite date night spots) in a convertible and having M&Ms made that said “Victoria, Marry Me!” I had no idea what was going on; it was a total surprise and shock. It was wonderful, and I wouldn’t change one thing.

date and locale for your wedding?

VS: The date wasn’t really optional to be honest. Because he is a chef we didn’t want a fall/winter wedding because that’s a busy time for restaurants, and summer is too hot in Texas. And we said no to March because we didn’t want a spring-break anniversary, so it had to be a Ryan Gallagher and Victoria Stevens

AT: From that moment to this, we would assume there have been a lot of bases to touch. Can you share some of the highlights about people/businesses you’ve been dealing with to put the wedding together?

VS: After he proposed and I really started researching everything that goes into a wedding, I was flabbergasted. I can’t even explain how many people/details/projects/etc. go into a wedding. Luckily, one of the major vendors is a caterer/rehearsal dinner space provider, and because Ryan and I both work at Olenjack’s Grille, our choice [for the food and location of the rehearsal dinner] was very easy; it helps that they are awesome. But it really takes everyone working together and being on the same page to really make everything work into one big event.

AT: What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in turning the dream into a reality?

VS: The biggest challenge so far has been keeping my voice loud. Everyone has an opinion and a way of doing things, but it’s not always the way I want or like. It’s hard because I don’t like making others upset or unappreciated, but hey, it’s my wedding!

AT: How about the best thing you’ve experienced so far?

VS: The best part of all this planning has been growing even closer to Ryan, I know, cliche´, but it’s true. It’s not always easy, but it’s fun to see him and our relationship in a new light.

AT: Are there any particulars regarding how you decided on the

Photo: Tony Corbell

date in April that won’t fall on Easter for a very long time.

AT: What kind of wedding will it be? By that, we mean the size, the theme, etc.

VS: Our wedding will be a pretty decent sized wedding, around 130140 guests. There’s no theme, exactly, but wine/wine glasses play a small part. We just want everyone to have fun. We are even having one of our dogs in our wedding.

AT: If you have a honeymoon planned, can you share some of the details about that?

VS: We are going to Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando for our honeymoon, we will be there for a week. Our neighbors have even been kind enough to volunteer house sitting for the week.

AT: Most brides have a vision of what their wedding will be like long before the event takes place. Please describe your “perfect wedding.”

VS: Our perfect wedding is just to see everyone having a great time. If everyone is smiling and laughing and dancing, then it was a success.

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Picture-perfect moments

Photos: Bruce Maxwell

Scott Snider, Hillery Green, June White, Harry White and Tracy Trimle

Brent Trimble, Terry Story and Keith Story

Andy Ward, Shane Dees, Brittany Saussy, Camille McDonald, Craig Vaught and Chef John Klein

Kyle Braden and Ryan Kirk

Scene

Snapshots from a recent Glenlivet Scotch & Cigar Happy Hour at restaurant 506 at The Sanford House.

Troy Richards, Deborah Hawkins and John Robinson

Lawson Statham, Chelsey Statham, Stanley Burchell, Kristy Burchell and Harry Butler

Mike Hasty, Brandon, Elizabeth, John, Rachel and Vaughan Biczo

Classic Cars

Sherry and Cris Lofgren stand with one of his favorite classic automobiles, a souped-up 1969 Volvo P1800.

A hobby that became a career

Cris Lofgren has turned Classical Gas into one of the premier consignment companies in the country • By Richard Greene

A

rlington’s Cris Lofgren was doing great in the corporate world. But his work had him traveling every week – time he could have otherwise been spending with those he loved. So, after 25 years and declaring life was too short to keep doing what he was doing, he walked away.

Although he didn’t know exactly what he was going to do to provide for his family, he did have a lifelong car hobby to keep him busy while he figured out his next career move.

With encouragement from his wife and friends he decided to turn his passion for cars into a business venture and launched Classical Gas Enterprises in 2003 from his home.

He and his son bought their first car to restore. It was a really cool 1980s era Corvette Pace Car that they planned to turn for a profit.

That led to buying more classics and marketing them to buyers looking for something special. Cris’ reputation of honesty and integrity began to spread.

The next phase of the development of the business came about as a result of car collectors wanting Cris to help them sell their cars on a consignment formula, where he would get a commission for finding buyers.

Pursuing that growing opportunity, Classical Gas today consistently lists some of the finest cars available and is considered by many as the premier consignment company in the country.

HIS OFFICES, SHOP and inventory are now located in two warehouses in a commercial district just off South Cooper Street.

One of his favorite transactions occurred when he got a call from actor Sylvester Stallone, who was shooting one of his “Expendables” movies in New Orleans. “Rocky” told Cris he wanted a Mustang that Cris had on hand.

Sly said he had to have it the following day, so Cris found a way to make it happen.

The interior of Lofgren’s refurbished Volvo is a sight to behold, and when he takes the wheel, this beauty moves like a race car.

But even the encounter with a famous movie star is not the best part of the Classical Gas story.

“It has been a lot of hard work and many late nights to get this business off the ground,” Cris explained. “The market changes every year and we still have our ups and downs. If I have to work, there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.

“Today, Classical Gas is a family-run organization. I still get to spend time with my son, who is now 25 years old, because he works part time here at the shop with me. My wife also works in the office, so I have my family around me all the time.”

SOMEHOW, CRIS AND his wife Sherry have managed to find time for some community service by hosting, without charge, the Nostalgia Nights Cruise-In every Friday night – weather permitting.

The event is cosponsored by Albertsons Grocery at the store’s location on the corner of Sublett Road and Highway 287 and is now in its 10th year. Anyone with a classic car, truck or motorcycle of their own is welcome to pull in and show off their treasured vehicle.

The event always draws a crowd of owners, car enthusiasts and folks just enjoying the views and stories. It’s a fun way to mark the end of another busy week.

Of course, Cris owns a classic or two of his own. The one featured here is a somewhat modified and souped-up 1969 Volvo P1800.

The original version has somewhat less impressive wheels and, as you would imagine, no flames on the front end.

The car is the outcome of a journey begun by Volvo in the 1950s to develop and market a competitive sports car.

What’s special about Cris’ one-of-a-kind is its 1957 Thunderbird air cleaner and hood scoop, along with a fuel-injected ZZ4 350 engine that develops something in the range of 480-500 horses and, of course, runs like a race car.

It is just one of the many proofs that the risk Cris took when he decided to turn his hobby into a business has worked out really, really well.

(More photos on page 56)

One look under the hood tells visitors that this is an automobile that lives up to its stated motto of “Be Cool.”

Now, that’s a classic car!

From the fuel-injected ZZ4 350 engine to the chic tail fins – and everywhere in between – this Volvo is a head turner.

And it fits pefectly amidst all the classic vehicles on display every Friday at the Nostalgia Nights Cruise at the Albertsons on the corner of Sublett Road and Highway 287.

Experience.

Integrity.

817-795-0031 • www.swbcmortgage.com 1281 W. Green Oaks Blvd. #119 Arlington, Tx 76013 Top, left to right: Paul Beaney NMLS# 217433, Tracey Goins NMLS# 90560, Shanda Pigg NMLS# 219189, Tommy Jones NMLS# 230512 Front, left to right: Karyn Goen, Mary Dietz NMLS# 219164, Lacreta Beaney © 2014 SWBC. All rights reserved. Loans are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and conditions may apply. Programs and guidelines are subject to change without notice. Rates are subject to change daily. SWBC Mortgage Corporation NMLS #9741, Corporate Office located at 9311 San Pedro Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78216.

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Aquatic Fun

A

Hop in the boat!

The 26th Cardboard Regatta will test the design and navigational skills of some 200 brave sailors this month • By Michele Duskin

nchors aweigh, Arlington, and mark your calendars for the 26th annual River Legacy Cardboard Boat Regatta on April 25 at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. Youth and adults all across the city are busily preparing their corrugated cardboard creations for the big event.

The Regatta has come a long way since its debut at the River Legacy Park pond in 1990.

After being moved to bigger waters in the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor wave pool in 1997, the event has grown tremendously, attracting between 2,000 and 3,000 people each year.

The splashing, sinking and all the other fun that comes along with the Regatta is for a good cause. Proceeds from the event benefit the environmental educational programs of River Legacy Living Science Center and improvements to River Legacy Parks.

Call for entries begins early each year and ends just two weeks prior to the event. While it mostly attracts school groups, there is representation from local companies, scout troops – and even families enter as a team. Kristi Payne, River Legacy Foundation marketing coordinator, said the hands-on math and science applications of building a boat out of cardboard is a great learning experience for the youngsters.

“I can’t think of anything more rewarding for a student or kid-at-heart than building a boat completely out of cardboard – this includes calculating the weight of the water and the weight of its navigators – painting it, decorating it, then racing it on race day in the wave pool,” she said.

Payne expects close to 200 entries this year. Boats of all shapes, sizes, colors and themes show up each year on race day, ready for the fun. “I am always amazed at what people can create,” said Payne.

“A couple of the most creative entries over the years have been an 18-wheeler truck and a locomotive, which is now on display in the Museum of the American Railroad in Frisco.”

Teams will compete in a variety of divisions for various awards.

There are spirit awards, a “Bribe the Judge” award, and even a “Titanic” award for the most spectacular sinking. Whether or not they stay afloat, it’s a guaranteed fun time for participants and spectators alike.

Payne said the Regatta wouldn’t be possible without the financial support of event sponsors, which this year are Viridian, the Star-Telegram, Smurfit Kappa (Bates Container), Harris Packaging, Randol Mill Pharmacy, Westlake Ace Hardware and event host Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. For more information about the Regatta, check out the website at riverlegacy.org.

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Picture-perfect moments

Photos: Miracle League

Maurice Clark, Carla Clark, Jim Sundberg, Janet Sundberg, Erin Norris and Scott Norris Locals take in the sights at Art on the Greene.

Brooklyn Gibson and Dan Ritcher

Bob Brennan takes pictures at Art on the Greene.

Scene

Chad Prather, Jose Guzman and Trey Chapman

Rachel Richter, Erin Norris, Sheri Dickenson, Courtney Smith and Pamela Aranda

Snapshots from the Miracle League’s opening day, Art on the Greene and Charles and Sandra Merrill’s 60th anniversary party.

Photo: Bruce Maxwell

The honorees: Sandra Merrill and Charles Merrill

Conservation

Take a walk on ‘the wild side’ How a dedicated group of native plant lovers is helping Arlington connect with nature • By Donna Darovich of tall-grass prairie land that once dominated the region, to the mammoth River Legacy Park along the Trinity River in north Arlington – and parks in between – volunteers willingly work the wildscape.

Wildscape takes the xeriscape concept of using plants that can grow here without requiring extra water a step further. It uses only native plants, eliminating concerns about invasive plants taking over an area and about whether the plant will survive the hot Texas summers and wide variations of temperature in the winter.

Those volunteers include the woman revered as the queen of Arlington’s wild kingdom, 87-year-old Molly Hollar, namesake of the four-acre Veterans’ Park wildscape area.

Hollar has been devoted to preserving and promoting Arlington’s natural world for more than two decades. She was a founding member of the Arlington Conservation Council that was revived in 1994 by Arlington’s most well-known environmentalist, Julia Burgen.

“Connecting with nature is actually essential to our health,” said Hollar, who also sees current and future water shortages as important reasons to educate citizens about native plants and trees in wildscapes. “They’ve surThe bluebonnet is not only the state flower, vived for hundreds of years,” she said. it’s a native plant that conserves while Her favorite place in the world to be is in it beautifies. the wildscape. “It’s not duty or work,” Hollar Photos: Molly Hollar and Kevin Donovan said. “It’s play.”

Fellow conservationists celebrate her birthday each year by he soaring steel, glass and glitter of Arlington’s billion dollar cleaning up the O.S. Gray Natural Area on Abram Street as part of AT&T stadium reflects man’s architectural ability, but within what they call “The Molly Hollar Birthday Bash and Privet Pull.” the city’s soft shadows of shade and sunlight, Mother NaPrivet is an intrusive plant that can quickly take over. ture’s design rules over acres of wildscape where butterflies, bugs As longtime park volunteers and believers in preserving natural and birds make their homes among native plants and in trees in areas, Danny Kocurek and Kevin Donovan said they had to look city parks. no further than their respective neighborhoods to see the need. The But in the urban forest, the wild can’t flourish without a cadre of former is current president of the Arlington Conservation Council dedicated caretakers. Fortunately, Mother Nature and the Arling(ACC), while Donovan is chair of the Friends of the O.S. Gray Natton Parks and Recreation Department have many friends. ural Area. He also was instrumental in getting the area designated The department maintains nearly 5,000 acres in 91 parks, and a city park. volunteers pitch in to help wherever needed, especially in areas “We bought a wooded property to build a house adjacent to Vetwhere native plants illustrate how to conserve resources and ateran’s Park, and I wanted to preserve the property; so I was retract wildlife. From the sandstone outcroppings in the new Southsearching wildscapes and discovered Molly Hollar,” Kocurek said. west Nature Preserve to Blackland Prairie Park, the last remnant

T

Molly Hollar, the acknowledged “Queen of Arlington’s Wild Kingdom,” teaches a couple of pupils about native plants. The inset image shows Hollar at work beautifying the city. Below, Kevin Donovan (right), does the same, leading a group of fellow volunteers.

“Through her, I learned about the council and have not been able to escape since.”

What drove his interest most was his children.

“I was bothered by how horrible my children’s future looked and decided I needed to start doing something about it,” he said.

“Now pretty much everything I do is based on improving the future for my children – whether it is promoting clean air and water, energy conservation, wildscapes, litter or pollution, because they all lead to a better future for my kids. Preserving wild spaces helps all of these in one way or another. “ Donovan’s and wife Carrie’s love affair with all things natural began in 1996 when the longtime outdoor enthusiasts would take their threeyear-old through the 20-acre O.S. Gray Nursery on Norwood Lane, a few blocks from their house, “looking at the flowers, bugs, birds and trees.”

The nursery was founded in 1926 by Oscar “O.S.” Gray, who is considered one of the greatest pecan tree breeders and nursery operators in the Southwest. ”It was a place where we could be in the middle of nature, in the heart of the city,” Donovan said.

Later, the Donovans helped form the Neighbors for Norwood group and successfully worked to get the nursery designated as a city park.

Texas Master Naturalist volunteer Jan Miller said she learned about the effects of suburban development on wildlife and people, “especially on kids, who are affected mentally, emotionally, phys-

ically and medically. The plants clean our air and allow for rain to recharge aquifers, they slow and clean flood waters, cool the air, provide habitat for pollinators and provide recreation and education opportunities.”

The Arlington Parks staff does an excellent job in maintaining the parks and natural areas, said Chair of the Arlington Parks and Recreation Board Laura Capik. “But the diversity of interests and skills volunteers bring are among the parks’ most valuable resources,” she said. “They gain the satisfaction of knowing their efforts enhance the park or natural area for today and generations to come.”

To join those who walk and work on the wild side of Arlington and to find out where help is needed, you can go to naturallyfun.org or to the Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

Many of the “friends” groups also have Facebook pages.

“Outreach activities, especially for kids, are always a top priority and very rewarding,“ Miller said. “There are also wildlife monitoring activities, such as bird counts, and many citizen science projects can be done either as a group or solo, thanks to programs like iNaturalist.”

Donovan believes a quote by naturalist and founder of the Sierra Club John Muir says it best: “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”

Golf tip

The chip shot Here’s how to get the proper stroke • By Kyle Cloud

T

he basic chip is the most fundamental shot in golf. Having the proper set up and technique for a chip shot will not only improve your short game, but it will have a positive effect on your full swing as well. Here are a few fundamental keys for chipping: • Take a slightly narrow stance relative to your full swing stance.

• Grip down on the club to give yourself more control.

• For your chipping set up, we are trying to re-create your full swing impact position. Hips should be slightly open, hands should be pressed forward towards the target, and 70 percent of your weight should be on your front foot.

• Chipping requires very little power, but a lot of control. Try to eliminate as many moving parts from your chipping stroke as possible. All swing movement should come from your shoulders and upper body. Keep your wrists, head and lower body as stable as possible.

• Practice using different clubs with the same basic chipping swing.

Each club will result in a different shot trajectory and a different amount of carry and roll.

If you don’t have access to a practice chipping green, rehearse your chipping set up and swing at home by simply brushing the carpet

While practicing chipping, try to eliminate as many moving parts from your stroke as possible to ensure a smooth, fluid swing.

Photo: wickedstick.com

without a ball. This will help build confidence for when you are on the golf course.

Practice these fundamental keys, and watch the strokes drop from your score.

Kyle Cloud is first assistant golf professional at Shady Valley Country Club.

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Children’s Activities

Summer camp preview Check out these great options for some fun in the sun ... and in the shade ... and indoors ... and on the trail

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ith summer closing in fast, a number of area children and youths – and their parents – will be looking for fun and enriching activities to help make the upcoming months special. To that end, local organizations have historically crafted a variety of summer camp options just for kids. Here are some of the highlights.

Camp Thurman

3001 Sarah Drive, Pantego • campthurman.org Looking for safe, wholesome outdoor fun? Explore the 14-acres at Camp Thurman, nestled in the heart of the city. Camp Thurman is a non-profit organization that has provided day camps in the Arlington/Pantego area since 1969. It offers effective team building adventures and many fun activities.

Programs: Check out the camp website to view the programs available for kids ages 4 through high school.

2015 camp calendar: June 1-August 14.

Price range: $173 to $450 per camp.

Theatre Arlington

305 W. Main Street, Arlington • theatrearlington.org Summer camps at Theatre Arlington offer a fun and exciting environment where kids can grow and learn more about the fascinating world of theater.

Programs: Musical Theatre, Adventures in Theatre Camp and Play & Pretend Camp for kids ages 5 through high school.

2015 camp calendar: Weeklong sessions in June and July.

Price range: $250-$575.

Camp Golden Gaits

6312 Calender Road, Arlington • goldengaits.com Golden Gaits Stables’ camps offer unique learning experiences for horse riders of all ability levels.

Programs: Riding instruction and horse care for kids ages 6 and up.

2015 camp calendar: Information will be posted soon; check the website for details.

Price: About $450.

children ages 5 to 18. Summer productions this year include “Stone Soup,” “Sleeping Beauty” and “Bring It On – The Musical.”

Programs: Musical theatre, advanced workshops, half-day and multi-week programs for kids ages 5 through high school.

2015 camp calendar: June 9-August 15.

Price range: $150 to $625.

CATS (Creative Arts Theatre and School)

703 N.W. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington • riverlegacy.org Discover “Winged Wonders,” learn about “Scales & Tales,” explore “Nature’s Art Box” and much more at the weeklong summer camps

602 E. South Street, Arlington • creativearts.org CATS has an action-packed summer camp schedule, with activities for

River Legacy Living Science Center

The Arlington-area summer camp scene offers an array of kid-centric options. Among those: acting classes at Theatre Arlington (opposite page), golf and tennis camps for children through the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department (left), horse riding at Camp Golden Gaits (below, middle) and all manner of fun at Camp Thurman (below, bottom).

offered at the River Legacy Living Science Center Programs: Weeklong classes for kids ages 3 through eighth grade.

2015 camp calendar: June 15-July 24.

Price range: $185-$255.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington

608 N. Elm Street, Arlington • bgcarlington.org Summer fun is a way of life at the BGCA, with daily programs and activities for children of all ages.

Programs: Kid-centric activities throughout the summer.

Price range: Membership is $30 a year, and the summer program packet will be available soon on the website.

YMCA of Arlington (3 locations)

220 S. Davis • 7120 S. Cooper Street • 1005 Skyline Drive • ymca-arlington.org All three locations offer an array of children’s programs, sports leagues and childcare throughout the summer.

Price range: Monthly membership fees range from $20 (teens) to $85 (metro family).

For program info: ymca-arlington.org.

Arlington Parks and Recreation Dept.

naturallyfun.org The camp schedule is available at naturallyfun.org/documents and includes dozens of fun and fulfilling activities for children and youths.

For more information on camps: (817) 459-5474.

Mansfield Activities Center

106 S. Wisteria • alturl.com/xdwmp (go to p. 10) Mansfield Parks and Recreation offers the Kids Zone, a weekly summer camp for children ages 6-11.

Programs: The Kids Zone will feature arts and crafts, indoor/outdoor games, themed weeks, swimming, guest speakers and weekly field trips. Camps will run weekly from June 8-Aug. 21.

Price: $135 per week.

For more: (817) 453-5420.

Tarrant County College’s College for Kids

Photos courtesy of respective organizations

2100 Southeast Pkwy. • alturl.com/53thr College for Kids is a 3-week summer enrichment program for children in the first through eighth grades, who can partake in academic, arts and crafts, science and technology, and health and fitness classes.

Price: $180 per half-day session (four classes).

Travel

Photos: winstarworldcasino.com

How WinStar rolls a lucky ‘7’ For the best in gaming action and luxurious leisure, WinStar World Casino and Resort is a real winner

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If a picture is worth 1,000 words, here’s a 6,000-word testimonial supporting the greatness of WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Okla. Besides boasting the world’s biggest casino, WinStar offers plenty of other entertainment options for its visitors.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2015 • arlingtontoday.com

ou might know WinStar World Casino and Resort for the casino part – after all, it features 519,000 square feet of gaming space that convinces Texans to venture just past the Oklahoma border to Thackerville on a daily basis. What you might not realize is that the resort has evolved into every bit the big-time vacation destination, as well.

Started in 2004 as the WinStar World Casino, the upgraded version became a resort with all the trappings five years later.

Of course, WinStar still features the best in electronic games, table games and bingo – not to mention weekly poker tournaments. WinStar World Casino is the world’s biggest casino with more than 7,400 slot machine games, 96 table games, a spacious smoke-free poker room, a bingo hall, the Racers Off-Track Betting Parlor and keno stations throughout the casino.

But it’s the amenities tied to the resort that have helped turn daylong trips into weekend and week-long vacations. WinStar’s “before-and-after gaming” options include entertainment to rival any resort in the country, as well as dining venues to satisfy every palate, including the popular Toby Keith’s “I Love Another reason for Arlington-area This Bar and Grill.” folks to visit WinStar: Our own Michael Hix performs there Indeed, after playing in the regularly. Photo courtesy of Michael Hix fast-paced casino, the visitors’ day is far from over. With more than 1,500 luxury hotel rooms, a 27-hole golf course and state-of-theart golf academy, the award-winning Spa Habitat and high-end boutique shopping outlets, WinStar is more than just the world’s biggest casino – it’s an experience.

For more information about WinStar World Casino and Resort, visit winstarworldcasino.com.

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Worthy Causes

CASA volunteers such as Shelly Harvey and Mary Ann Dixon (inset) serve as friends of the court to speak up for abused and neglected children in Tarrant County.

Photos courtesy of CASA of Tarrant County

For the children CASA of Tarrant County goes to bat to help turn around the lives of abused and neglected youngsters

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n 2014, Tarrant County had the highest number of confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect in Texas – 6,097. CASA of Tarrant County is fighting to change that. Last year, more than 350 volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates served as friends of the court, speaking up for abused and neglected children in foster care. Together they served 874 children and changed many more lives.

On April 7, the 21st annual Judge Scott Moore – Voices for Children Awards Dinner will recognize dedicated volunteers, community leaders and professionals who are fighting for these children, ensuring their future will be better than their past.

The awards dinner will bring together approximately 500 business and community leaders, judges, and attorneys to honor those making exceptional differences in the lives of abused and neglected children.

One of the honorees is Mary Ann Dixon, who will receive the Monika Dewar Advocate of the Year Award. Dixon became in71

ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2015 • arlingtontoday.com

volved with CASA through her sister, Key Richardson, the program director for the organization in Travis County, and in short time made the volunteer work her calling.

“One of the best parts about being a CASA volunteer is that when working a case, we are the only unpaid members of the team,” she said. “We are able to be extra eyes and ears for the needs of a child.

I have always felt that I have had the respect of the judges, the attorneys and the caseworkers. By far, however, the most rewarding aspect of being a CASA volunteer is working with the children.

There is nothing more complimentary than winning the confidence and love of a child.”

Dixon said word of mouth is one of CASA’s biggest recruitment tools. “I have had several friends who have asked about what I do,” she said. “They have gone through training and have become CASA volunteers. Anyone interested in learning more can call CASA at (817) 877-5891. Or they can view the organization website at www.speakupforachild.org.”

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Neighborhoods

A place to call home Enchanted Lake Estates has won the hearts of its residents – often for life • By Sue Stevens Durbec

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nchanted Lake Estates is a neighborhood of custom homes in a wooded area overlooking Lake Arlington, built in the 1980s and early 1990s. Its amenities include a pool with a paid lifeguard during operating hours, a club house, tennis courts and a boat launch with a floating dock/fishing pier.

There is also a private, wooded park area with picnic tables and a grill.

Sidewalks line both sides of the streets throughout the neighborhood.

“It’s a great place to raise a family,” said Mary Hibbs, who moved there about 20 years ago, when her children were small. The community pool was a big plus, since she preferred not to have a backyard pool.

She also enjoys the frequent neighborhood parties and events for children and adults that bring the community together.

Once people settled into the neighborhood, they tended to stay put.

As her children progressed to middle and high school, neighbors with small children looked on with amusement at Mary and her husband, AISD trustee John Hibbs, clearing toilet paper out of their shrubs and bushes when their house was “rolled.”

“Our children are grown now and we watch them do the same thing,” she said.

One ringing endorsement of life in Enchanted Lakes was written by Katie Donaldson when she was about 10 years old. She saw an essay question, “Do You Live in America’s Most Fun Neighborhood?” posted in Family Fun magazine and promptly wrote an article which she signed, sealed and stamped without her parents’ knowledge. It read:

Photo: wickedstick.com

Dear Family Fun, My neighborhood is lots of fun to live in. Everybody is nice and friendly. We have a neighborhood pool, tennis court, and annual parties, like the Back-toSchool party and the Halloween party before we go trick-or-treating. We also have an Easter party with an egg hunt and the Fourth-of-July parade that has a fire truck leading the way. The kids and parents all decorate wagons and bikes for the parade and win prizes! I think my favorite party is the Christmas party. Everybody gets together and eats cookies, says hi to Santa and takes pictures with him and a reindeer or sometimes a longhorn! My neighborhood is called “Enchanted Lake Estates” and that’s what makes it great!

The Donaldson family moved into Enchanted Lakes when their oldest son Ben was two years old and found it the perfect place to raise their five children.

The community is served by Ditto Elementary, Young J H, and Martin High Schools. There are private schools nearby as well. The spacious homes, when they go on the market, range from the high $200,000s to well above $500,000.

Photos: Enchanted Lake Estates Homeowners Association

Enchanted Lake Estates is one of the city’s more beautiful enclaves.

Picture-perfect moments

Photos: Terry Ip

Mercedes Maldonado and 2015 Cinderella candidate Jenna Daniels

Cinderella candidates Maddie Lowe, Brittany Casco, Madeleine Calderon, Jenna Daniels, Hagan Griffith and Callie McClellan

Scene

Snapshots from the Texas Rangers’ spring training site in Surprise, Ariz. and the Cinderella Ball tea.

During a recent break in spring training new Rangers manager Jeff Banister made the day special for young fan Brock Jackson, signing his Arlington Today magazine cover.

Cinderella candidates Olivia McCloud, Shelby Mayo and Kaitlyn Emerson

Health/Fitness

Swim, don’t run, to better health Dr. James W. Burnett offers advice to help you achieve a more productive – and perhaps even longer – life

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t is one of the oldest jokes in the book, and Dr. James W. Burnett of Arlington Orthopedic Associates, still hears it on a regular basis: “Doc, it hurts when I do this.” Burnett always issues the standard rimshot reply, “Well, don’t do that,” and everyone has a good laugh.

When it comes to certain health practices, however, Burnett doesn’t joke around. One of those involves the manner by which people maintain their fitness levels – or, more accurately, how they don’t.

“Runners don’t like me very much,” he said, “but the fact is: running is not good exercise for the body.”

Anyone who would like to challenge that notion should consider that Dr. Burnett has practiced orthopedic medicine for nearly a decade and a half, first as a doctor in the Navy, then the past 11 years at his local office, situated at 800 Orthopedic Way in Arlington.

Over that span, he has regularly treated and replaced aching joints and doctored distressed muscles, ligaments and tendons – many the victims of running regimens gone bad.

While the cardiovascular benefits of the regular run are certifiable, so, too, are the residual effects that land patients in his office.

“Across the board, running takes a toll,” he said.

“You have the heavy pounding on the joints, the stress on the lower extremities.” Eventually, he said, the feet, knees, ankles and hips “cry uncle,” and he’s called in to address the pain – sometimes through surgery.

“The sad thing is that a lot of what I deal with is avoidable,” he said. “People simply need to change the way they exercise.”

The most prudent approach to fitness, he said, is to veer from the track or pavement or treadmill toward the local swimming pool.

“Swimming is the best exercise, period,” he said. “You get all the cardio benefits without the stress to the body. If your goal is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, swimming is the best way to go.”

While treating ailing runners is part of what Dr. Burnett does, his expertise spans the gamut of orthopedic treatment and repair, from addressing sports injuries to local athletes – he’s team physician for The Oakridge School – to helping the aging “weekend warrior” come to grips with the notion that, whatever the sport, it’s called a “young man’s game” for a reason.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2015 • arlingtontoday.com

x

P Consequently, he is frequently involved in rehabilitation endeavors, to which he applies the same basic philosophy that he espouses for fitness in general: the less stress on the body – especially one in repair – the better.

“You have to give your body time to ramp up,” he said. “Patients will undergo physical therapy and they start feeling better and want to do more, and that can lead them right back to my office. I tell them, ‘No one goes out and runs a marathon in a day.’ You have to gradually build back your strength. You have to be patient. That’s easier said than done, but it’s the best way to ensure that you return to the life you had before – and, hopefully, an even better one.”

On behalf of everyone at Dental Health Arlington we would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous support of our “Love That Smile” dinner at Cacharel on March 27, 2015.

Our Role in the Community

Dental Health Arlington, a non-profit organization, opened its doors in 1993 to provide low cost dental care to our low-income community.

In addition to providing dental care to disadvantaged residents, DHA’s school-based program SMILES teaches children how to care for their teeth.

Through this program children receive dental screenings, fluoride treatments, sealants and free tooth brushes.

b

Thank You!

TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS:

YOUR support will bring happy, healthy SMILES to our neighbors and their children.

b

In addition, we would also like to extend our gratitude to our auctioneer, Larry Jensen.

Award-winning reporter, Jim Douglas, reporter for WFAA-TV for being our guest speaker at the last minute, and Scott Airitram of Leadership Systems, LLC for being our Master of Ceremonies!

We appreciate all attendees and their flexibility to come due to the inclement weather and the rescheduling of our dinner!

Nightlife, etc.

Sights/Sounds Your resource for entertainment options in and around the city

Spend an evening with Bob Costas BOB COSTAS, one of the more revered and decorated sports journalists of this generation, will be the guest speaker at the Mavericks Speakers Series program April 13 at College Park Center. His talk will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Photo: pennlive.com

Costas is a sportscaster who is also known for hosting, play-by-play, writing, journalism, news and entertainment. He currently hosts NBC’s Football Night in America and prime-time Olympic coverage, contributes regularly to Nightly News and The Today Show, and is a contributing reporter at MLBN. Named National Sportscaster of the Year a record eight times, Costas also has won 26 Emmy awards.

For more: alturl.com/dvo7e.

THEATER: “Becky’s New Car” When: April 2-5, 9-12 Where: Theatre Arlington (305 W. Main St.) Show times: 7:30 p.m. on Thursday; 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. on Sunday Notes: Becky is caught in middle age, middle management and a mediocre marriage when a grief-stricken millionaire wanders into the car dealership where she works. Becky is offered nothing short of a new life…and the audience gets to ride shotgun in this original comedy.

For more: theatrearlington.org

MUSIC: Leeanne Thompson, flute When: April 16 Where: Arlington Music Hall (224 N. Center St.) Show time: 7:30 p.m.

Notes: Thompson has been principal flute of the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra since 2003. She is a native of Waukesha, Wis., and received the Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in flute performance from University of North Texas. Thompson has performed as a soloist in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

For more: symphonyarlington.org

MUSIC: Big Gus and Swampadelic When: April 11 Where: Farr Best Theatre (109 N Main St., Mansfield) Show time: 8 p.m.

Notes: Whether you call their music Bayou-Honky, Tonk-Soul or (as Gus’ daughter calls it) “Swampy Tonk,” Big Gus & Swampadelic deliver a high-energy, foot-stomping good time.

For more: farrbest.com

THEATER: Mavplays When: April 15-26 Where: UTA Fine Arts Building (700 Greek Row Drive) Show times: Call the number below for show times and stage locations.

Notes: This two-week festival of plays will feature “Trifles,” “Waiting for Lefty,” “Home Bound,” “Musical Chairs (a play with music,)” “Next Time, Let’s Go out to Dinner” and “Wrong Turn at Lungfish.” Each play is produced by the University of Texas Arlington Theatre Arts Department.

For more: (817) 272-2669

COMEDY: Gabriel Iglesias When: April 11 Where: Verizon Theatre (1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie) Show time: 7:30 p.m.

Notes: Iglesias’ clean, animated comedy style has earned national crossover appeal. His high-octane show is a mixture of story telling, parodies and characters.

For more: verizontheatre.com

THEATER: “Into the Woods” When: April 16-28 Where: Farr Best Theatre (109 N Main St., Mansfield) Show times: 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday Notes: The Brothers Grimm “go Broadway” as all of

your favorite characters – Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), and the Witch – meet and interact in this whimsical original story, presented

by Music Place Mansfield.

For more: farrbest.com MUSIC: Maze featuring Frankie Beverly When: April 18 Where: Verizon Theatre (1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie) Show time: 7:30 p.m.

Notes: Maze’s sound is distinctive – passionate, creative, original, soulful, honest and powerful. Its hits from the 1980s include “Travelin’ Man,” “Feel That You’re Feeling,” “Joy and Pain,” “Look in Your Eyes” and “Southern Girl.”

For more: verizontheatre.com MUSIC: Chris Tomlin When: April 24 Where: Verizon Theatre (1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie) Show time: 7 p.m.

Notes: With songs including “How Great is Our God,” “We Fall Down,” “Holy is the Lord,” “Forever” and “Our God,” Tomlin continues to produce some of the more profound contemporary worship music heard in America today.

For more: verizontheatre.com MUSIC: Whiskey Folk Ramblers When: April 25 Farr Best Theatre (109 N Main St., Mansfield) Show time: 8 p.m.

Notes: Whiskey Folk’s “folk noir” blends ominous, reverb-dripping guitars with boot-stomping train beats and funereal horns to create sonic backdrops for down-onyour-luck ballads and beer-soaked anthems.

For more: farrbest.com MUSIC: The Doobie Brothers When: April 25 Where: Verizon Theatre (1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie) Show time: 7:30 p.m.

Notes: The Doobie Brothers were one of the more popular rock bands throughout the 1970s and ‘80s with hits that include “China Grove,” “Long Train Running” and “Listen to the Music.” Former lead guitarist for the Eagles, Don Felder, will also perform.

For more: verizontheatre.com For the latest in entertainment options and local news, visit our website, arlingtontoday.com.

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Speaking of Sports

Behind the scenes of a Rangers broadcast What you see involves a lot of work – and some pretty awesome fun, too • By John Rhadigan

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When analysts tell me that, “the show went by so quickly,” I tell them, “that means it was a good show.” Thankfully, most of them do go by quickly.

During the pre-game show we execute a very detailed and planned show. The post-game show will be just the opposite, and its tone will be set by what happens in the game. Like you, we like it when the Rangers win.

ou will find it at every big league ballpark in this country and in Canada. You will find it full of talented people who really love their jobs. You will find it right near the garbage dumpsters. I think the placement is more a statement on its size than on its value.

It is the television truck. From it comes all the “pictures and accounts that cannot be rebroadcast or re-transmitted without the expressed written consent of The Texas Rangers and the American League.”

The truck itself is the trailer of an 18 wheeler, a trailer that has been outfitted with millions of dollars of television equipment. All summer the truck is my office, and even though my office often smells like garbage, there is nowhere else I would rather work.

For the host of Rangers Live, the workday begins three and a half hours before game time.

That is when the clubhouse opens to the media.

At around 3:30 p.m. each day we file into the clubhouse to chat with the players.

Sometimes there are official interviews conducted with some sort of recording device.

Often we just talk with the players to get their thoughts on tonight’s game or yesterday’s or on life in general. About 30 minutes later the manager swings open his door, and we file into his office for a chat that can be anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes long.

Next up is batting practice. Most of us broadcasters spend at least some time on the field or near the cage during “BP,” consorting with the “enemy.” Actually, the broadcasters from the other team are often friends, and we pump each other for inside information about each team.

This is also a time to chat with the players and team management informally. Not surprisingly, we spend more time watching BP during the early and late portions of the season than we do during the heat of July and August.

The next stop is the press box. By now it is nearly 5 o’clock, and the pre-game show is 90 minutes away. Once upstairs it is time to consult with command central in Irving, where we have a crew of about 15 people working on each game. Add to that total the 50 or so that com-

prise our “truck crew,” and you have roughly a 65-person team for each night of broadcasting.

The producer in Irving plans the show and sends a rundown. Once that is in hand it is time for me to check in with the truck producer and announcers. The nightly chat with announcers Steve Busby and Tom Grieve is as comfortable as an old shoe. Announcers from the other team often stop by, too, usually inspiring a quick round of storytelling. I love this part of the afternoon, and we try to replicate it on television when the game allows. All of our announcers – Buzz, Tom, Mark McLemore and Pudge Rodriquez – have great stories and love to share them.

By 6 o’clock it is time to head to the Captain Morgan Club for the 6:30 pre-game show. Mac and Pudge arrive just after six; they have typically been on the field collecting more stories that we can use on the air. The quickest part of the day is the show. When analysts tell me that, “the show went by so quickly,” I tell them, “that means it was a good show.” Thankfully, most of them do go by quickly. During the pre-game show we execute a very detailed and planned show. The post-game show will be just the opposite, and its tone will be set by what happens in the game. Like you, we like it when the Rangers win.

Our night will end about 45 minutes after the game does. We have finished our post-game show and we amble through a near empty ballpark. We pass the dumpsters and the truck and head home. We will do it all again tomorrow, and while the routine will be the same, I promise you the game will be completely different, which makes our job so much fun.

Sports columnist John Rhadigan is an anchor for the Fox Sports Southwest television network.

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Events, etc.

Itinerary

History, Mansfield-style

Your official Arlington/Mansfield/Kennedale/SW Grand Prairie guide to fun (and the like)

A heapin’ helpin’ of Cajun spice TAKE A PINCH of Zydeco, a bit of swamp pop and a whole lot of Cajun music, and you’ve got the ingredients for The Big Mamou Cajun Fest at Traders Village in Grand Prairie. The 18th annual version of this popular event is set for April 11-12, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days.

There’s toe-tapping Cajun music each day from noon-4 p.m., plus authentic Cajun foods, featuring traditional Louisiana favorites red beans and rice, gumbo and hundreds of pounds of spicy boiled crawfish.

Admission is free, and parking is $4.The market is located at 2602 Mayfield Road in Grand Prairie. For more: (972) 647-2331

April 3-4 What: Christian Youth Weekend Where: Six Flags over Texas When: 7 p.m.

In a nutshell: Christian Youth Weekend, presented by MIKE AND IKE®, returns this year with a stellar line-up of artists. Grammy Award winner Lecrae will kick off the weekend on April 3. Dallas native Kari Jobe will perform on April 4. Plus, park guests can enjoy the rides and attractions at the park prior to and after the concerts.

For more: sixflags.com/overtexas April 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-26 What: Shows at the University of Texas Arlington Planetarium Where: UTA Planetarium (700 Planetarium Place) When: 1:30 and 3 p.m. on Sunday; 6 p.m. on Friday; 5:30 and 7 p.m. on Saturday In a nutshell: The acclaimed venue will present five programs this month: Dynamic Earth, Spacepark 360: Infinity, Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd The Wall and Pink Floyd Wish You Were Here. Check website below for shows and dates.

For more: uta.edu/planetarium April 6-10 What: International Week Where: The University of Texas Arlington When: Activities take place throughout the week.

In a nutshell: Organized by the International Student Organization, this cultural festival allows thousands

of internationally-minded students, faculty, staff and community members to participate in and enjoy diversity on the campus.

For more: alturl.com/rgvge April 10 What: 13th annual “Tee it Up for Charity” golf tournament Where: Walnut Creek Golf Club (1151 Country Club Drive, Mansfield) When: 1:30 p.m. tee time / 6:30 p.m. dinner / 7:30 p.m. concert In a nutshell: The Junior League of Arlington hosts this tournament, which will be followed by a dinner and a concert by the ‘80s cover band, The Spazmatics. Proceeds support nonprofit organizations in the community.

For more: jlarlington.org April 10-15, 27-29 What: Texas Rangers baseball Where: Globe Life Park in Arlington When: Check website for game times.

In a nutshell: The Rangers host three teams this month: the Houston Astros (April 10-12 in the season’s home-opening series), the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (April 13-15) and the Seattle Mariners (April 27-29).

For more: texas.rangers.mlb.com April 12 What: Boots, Chaps & Cowboy Hats Where: River Ranch (500 N.E. 23rd St., Fort Worth)

When: 5 p.m.

In a nutshell: Arlington Urban Ministries will host its annual fundraiser, Boots, Chaps & Cowboy Hats. Guests are urged to wear their denim, diamonds and boots for the event, which will feature a performance by Zach Coffey, silent and live auctions, a cash bar and the “Doing Good in the Neighborhood” awards ceremony.

For more: arlingtonurbanministries.org April 24 What: 11th annual Arlington Chamber of Commerce golf tournament Where: Shady Valley Country Club (4001 W. Park Row Drive) When: Noon-7 p.m.

In a nutshell: The tournament is a premier executive networkimg event, held in appreciation of Arlington’s business community. Since its inception, the event has “sold out” to capacity at 144 players.

For more: arlingtontx.com/site/showevent/2809 April 24 What: 13th annual Health & Wellness Expo Where: Eunice Activity Center (1000 Eunice St.) When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

In a nutshell: This free event features bone density screenings and spiral screenings, as well as stroke and cholesterol information and blood pressure checks. The expos will also have Yoga, Zumba, Pilates and beauty demonstrations.

For more: (817) 277-8091 April 25 What: 26th annual Cardboard Boat Regatta Where: Hurricane Harbor (1800 E. Lamar Blvd.)

When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

In a nutshell: Amateur boat builders, young and old, design, build and navigate boats made entirely of corrugated cardboard in Hurricane Harbor’s Wave Pool. In addition to hosting the competition, the water park will open the popular Tornado ride, plus two new rides – Tsunami Surge & Twister and Hook’s Lagoon – for guests and participants to enjoy. Proceeds from the regatta benefit River Legacy Foundation’s environmental education programs.

For more: riverlegacy.org Do you have an event our readers need to put on their Itinerary? E-mail:

yale@arlingtontoday.com.

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Boots, Chaps & Cowboy Hats Sunday, The Twelfth of April Two Thousand and Fifteen Five O’Clock p.m.

River Ranch 500 NE 23rd Street Fort Worth, Texas 76164

Join us for dinner wearing your denim, diamonds & boots. Enjoy live music by Zach Coffey, silent & live auctions, cash bar and the Doing Good in the Neighborhood Awards ceremony emceed by WFAA’s Jim Douglas.

Tickets: $50 Please RSVP by April 1, 2015 Complimentary Valet

Make your reservations online: www.arlingtonurbanministries.org Sponsored By:

Finish Line Despite staunch opposition, Mayor Tom Vandergriff found a way to make a lake that ultimately made history.

‘Vandergriff’s folly’ How Lake Arlington came to be – and helped turn a town into a real city • By Richard Greene Editor’s note: This month’s Finish Line is one in an occasional series that former Mayor Greene calls “How our community was shaped by 10 things that didn’t happen.” This commentary is about the second of those 10 things.

B

y the year 1954, “boy” Mayor Tommy Vandergriff had been elected to a second term in office following his successful effort to convince General Motors to build a new plant in Arlington. Shiny new cars were already rolling off the assembly line and the city’s population had topped the 20,000 mark. It was time, he declared, to prepare for the growth of the city that he predicted would one day be home to 100,000 people.

Such an astonishing forecast amused many of the townspeople.

There were reports of some saying such growth was a mere fantasy in the mind of the young mayor still short of his 30th birthday.

However, their delight with the notion turned to wrath when Tommy announced the city council was going to call an election to develop a lake to serve the needs of a city that would grow to such an unimaginable size. He also described the necessity of increasing the ceiling on the tax rate so the city could borrow enough money to fund the lake project. That proposal would also be put before the voters for their consideration.

Now, things would get very serious. The infatuation over the boy mayor had, for many, run its course. Soon a meeting would be called to organize the opposition to the youngster’s plans. The idea of a lake, of all things, would come to be characterized as “Vandergriff’s Folly.”

Adversaries to the plan puzzled, first of all, over how a lake could be developed in a dry creek bed. On its face, it seemed to be a crazy notion. Secondly, the town had perfectly good water wells and could dig another if needed. But a lake? No way.

Their strategy was to defeat the irrational concept of a completely unnecessary expenditure of money the city did not have, for something it did not need and raising taxes to pay for it. After scuttling the lake, the next thing for the opponents to do would be to elect a new, more mature mayor the following spring.

Interestingly, leaders among these naysayers who named themselves the Arlington Taxpayers League involved some of the town’s prominent citizens, including a leading physician, a land developer, a General Motors supervisor and a grocer.

The theme of the Arlington Taxpayers League was that of “offering progress on a sane basis – not on wild reckless spendthrift programs.” They launched an aggressive campaign to beat back the proposals. Giant headlines in newspaper ads included warnings of “Taxpayers Beware!” and “Danger Ahead!” – calling for the support of “every taxpayer to prevent great harmful effects” of the lake project and the accompanying tax increase. Well organized, funded and not without considerable influence, they said “no.”

Try as they may, though, they were no match for the well-prepared mayor, who had done his homework and established a compelling case for the need of a future water supply to support the fast-growing community.

That summer Vandergriff had led the council to declare a water emergency and pass an ordinance to ration the use of the precious resource. A $200 fine would be imposed on anyone watering their lawn except at prescribed hours and on certain days.

In today’s dollars that would amount to about $1,700 – a pretty steep penalty.

He had also involved the area’s top civil engineering firm to identify the best place to build a dam and develop a lake. With great confidence, they selected historic Village Creek as the waterway meandering through the area west of the city on its way to the Trinity River.

True, it was sometimes without much water running through it, but even regular rainfall caused it to fill up to its outer banks.

They said a lake would develop behind the proposed dam in about two or three years.

There was one other thing that wasn’t a big issue in the campaign to win voter approval but really important to Vandergriff.

When General Motors had questioned whether Arlington had sufficient water supplies to support the company’s plans to build the big plant three years earlier, the mayor had assured the world’s largest corporation that he would see to it.

Election day that year produced the largest voter turnout ever seen up to that time. You know the outcome – the lake proposal won by a big margin. It seemed the town’s citizens grasped the belief of their community growing to a size five-fold larger than it was the time. They felt an adequate water supply was necessary to support that kind of expansion.

Vandergriff would tell me many years later, as the city’s population topped the 300,000 mark, that he often wondered if he should apologize for his lack of vision.

As for that engineering forecast that it would take two or three years for the lake to fill up – it wasn’t even close. After the dam was completed, it started raining, and 27 days later; Lake Arlington had become a reality. Vandergriff’s Folly from then on would be known as the Miracle Lake.

So, there you have it: The second thing that didn’t happen that shaped our city was that Arlington voters didn’t listen to the naysayers.

In fact, that election would launch a tradition of optimism among Arlington residents believing in the possibilities – the quintessential “yes we will” answer they would give over and over for the next five decades to produce the city we have today – a city not possible without an abundant supply of water.

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