June 2019

June 2019

your community • your magazine

Today

Martin H.S. STEM Engineers are MIT-bound Serving Arlington, Mansfield, Kennedale and SW Grand Prairie

It’s Time to Live

"e life y& dream

HUNDREDS OF NEW HOMESITES HAVE BEEN RELEASED It’s "e perfect time to live "e Viridian life.

It’s time for you to begin living your dream life, and making memories with family and friends. Enjoy the miles of nature trails, tennis courts, sailing center, the luxurious resort swimming pools, the beach volley ball court or just relax by one of the five lakes.

It’s time for you to live the Viridian life at Arlington’s premier master planned community. Hundreds of new homesites have been released. Visit Viridian today and start living your dream.

www.ViridianDFW.com VIRIDIAN.DFW.1

VIRIDIANDFW #VIRIDIANLIFE

VIRIDIAN IS #38 NATIONWIDE ON RCLCO’S TOP SELLING MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITIES LIST HOMES FROM THE HIGH $200s | CASTLEROCK | CB JENI | DAVID WEEKLEY | DREES | STRUHS | GLENDARROCH TOLL BROTHERS | GRENADIER | HIGHLAND | NORMANDY | PLANTATION | WINDMILLER

TM

Don Davis is having a garage sale.

“The 30th Annual Don Davis Garage Sale” June 7 th and 8 th. 9:00 a.m.

With over 3,000 new and used cars on sale, “The 30th Annual Don Davis Garage Sale” is sure to be an event of epic proportions. You’ll find great bargains on every new car and truck in stock. Jeep, Lincoln, Dodge, Chrysler, Ram, Ford, Nissan. And quality used cars and trucks in every price range. Family cars, sports cars, luxury cars, sport utility vehicles, pickups. Even classic cars.

With all prices clearly marked. And all clearly priced to sell.

If you’ve never attended a Don Davis Garage Sale, make plans to do so today. You’ll find out why this one-and-only Don Davis sale has been the Fort Worth/Dallas area’s biggest sale event weekend for 29 years.

And like all good garage sales, you should plan to arrive early. Make your best new or used car deal at Don Davis Auto Group.

AUTO GROUP Here's the deal.

©2019 Don Davis Auto Group

dondavisautogroup.com

Experience the difference the right agent can make.™

2603 Stone Haven Court Arlington | $945,000 | 5/5.1/3 Kurt Tauzel | 817-899-5566

2314 Panorama Court 2400 N Davis Drive Arlington | $796,000 | 4/4.2/3 Arlington | $749,900 | 3/3.1/5 Magazzine-Cunningham Group | 817-797-5076 Magazzine-Cunningham Group | 817-654-8589

4412 Enchanted Oaks Drive Arlington | $565,000 | 3/2.1/2 | Pool Sundee Hinchliffe | 817-253-0118

6903 Marina Shores Court Arlington | $325,000 | 4/2.1/2 | Pool Cheryl Wilbur | 817-308-4797

4202 Oak Springs Drive Arlington | $315,000 | 4/3/2 Pamela Evangelista | 817-793-5140

4704 Wild Turkey Trail Arlington | $309,700 | 3/2.1/2 Patt Klemmer | 817-654-8427

5303 Vicksburg Drive Arlington | $249,900 | 4/3/3 Kelli Brosig | 817-845-2390

2717 Trail Oak Court Arlington | $220,000 | 3/2/2 The Austin Group | 817-229-0570

For more information, contact — ARLINGTON OFFICE 1201 West Green Oaks Blvd.

817-654-3737

MANSFIELD OFFICE 1600 Highway 287 N., Suite 100 682-422-0333

Facebook.com/EbbyHalliday

©2017. Equal Housing Opportunity.

CONTENTS June 2019 • Volume 6 • Issue 6

HIGHLIGHTS

52 58

SPECIAL SECTION: Local entrepreneurs you need to know See page 32

DEPARTMENTS Starting Line 8 • This ‘n Data 10 Scene 16, 50, 64 • Around Town 18 Style 56 • The Tee Box 66

42

44

22 Beautiful dreamers ... The Arlington Independent School District STEM Academy’s first graduating class has met expectations – and then some.

26 The Class of 2019... Here are some highlights of students, school districts and programs from the recently completed academic year.

Bulletin Board 68 • Health/Fitness 70 Keen Cuisine 72 • Hot Spots 74 Sights/Sounds 76 • Speaking of Sports 78 Itinerary 80 • Finish Line 82

42 Moving pictures ... Amy Greene and Chris Stinson create cinematic works that break the mold and tell stories movie goers need to know.

44 Home SWEET! Home ... This month’s featured dwelling in Mansfield will get you thinking about the possibilities for your own “symphony of style.”

48 Celebrations... Find out why this particular Father’s Day is special for Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams – and mark your calendar for all manner of Independence Day festivities.

52 Chevy engineers didn’t imagine this ... Additions made to Ryan Gruber’s 1954 Bel Air turned an already cool car even cooler.

58 A museum of art like no other ... The collection at AT&T Stadium is an eclectic mix of passion-laden works.

60 Difference maker ... Kenya Buckley’s efforts to eradicate Sickle Cell Disease will be highlighted nationally.

ON THE COVER Martin High School STEM Academy students Samantha Maldonado and Trinity Stallins have earned scholarships to Massachusetts Institute of Technology. See the story on page 22.

62 Travel ... Reba Blevens shares her story about a trip to Napa Valley, and we take a look at rustic getaways.

Dr. Sheri Puffer

Dr. Joy Carter

Dr. Joan Bergstrom

Dr. Jessica Brown

Dr. Kiran Nangrani

Dr. Dawnette Peppler

Women’s Health Services now provides patient care in two locations in Arlington. We also provide state-of-the-art maternity care in the newly renovated labor and delivery suites at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital (THAM). THAM is ranked among the best hospitals in Dallas-Fort Worth, and was awarded American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet status, an award that recognizes hospitals that provide nursing excellence.

Women’s Health Services has been providing quality health care for women of all ages for the past 32 years. Our OB/GYN group been recognized in the community for its reputable and thoughtful care. In 2017, Women’s Health Services won Suburban Parent Magazines’ award for Best of Family Healthcare in Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as DFW Child Magazine’s Mom-Approved Doctors award for OB/GYN. Women’s Health Services’ doctors provide full OB/GYN services and are skilled in managing all aspects of women’s health care, such as normal and high-risk pregnancy care, gynecologic surgery, incontinence treatment, annual exams, and contraceptive and hormone therapy needs. Visit our new website and make your appointments online at www.womenshealthservices.com. We look forward to seeing you soon!

North Office:

South Office:

1001 N. Waldrop, Suite 505 Arlington, TX 76012

5005 S. Cooper St, Suite 275 Arlington, TX 76017

Phone 817-277-9415 • Fax 817-277-0360 Email info@womenshealthservices.com

STARTING LINE

EXECUTIVE BOARD Executive Publisher Judy M. Rupay

Not a dad joke

CEO Richard Greene

Why I’m celebrating this Father’s Day (and all that follow)

F

or those keeping score at home, this month will mark my 37th Father’s Day celebration as a principal, which makes me something of an authority on the subject. I also consider myself an authority on the subjects of aching knees, sporadic memory loss and sporadic memory loss, but since nobody chose to add those to the national holiday list, I’ll confine the opining here to the occasion a lot of us will observe, come June 16.

I’ll start by noting that while I’ve played a number of roles through the years, none has satisfied me like being a dad. I cherished the moment I was first cast in the part, when Matthew Vincent Youngblood entered this world head-first. I continued to revel at the births of three subsequent Young Youngbloods: Aaron Michael, Daniel Patrick and Hannah Christine. And I pretty much embraced all that transpired thereafter as my foursome teed up a life that would include cuts and scrapes, bumps and bruises and midnight calls that should have come but didn’t because, hey, why would Dad worry about his child once he/she Yale Youngblood segued from cute kid to normal teen?

Editor Statistically speaking, I attended some 950 baseball games, most of which did not include my son being the hero; another 50 or so dance recitals, most of which did not include my daughter being set at center stage and exactly nine real graduation ceremonies, none of which included my child giving the valedictory address. No matter – I cheered, clapped and flashed an oh-so-proud smile, not just because that’s what dads are supposed to do, but because this Dad had Those Kids.

Matt, who undoubtedly gave me the most gray hairs (see the aforementioned reference to “normal teen”) now gives me chills every time one of his projects as an engineer is revealed to the public. Aaron didn’t ever push the envelope, but now he takes pictures of them – or whatever else is in the frame of the camera he uses as a cinematographer who has shot three feature-length films and a number of commercials you’ve watched or will watch on television.

Daniel, the child most like I am, was exactly like I was when he started his career as a sportswriter. Now he operates a website he created that chronicles sports happenings in the Abilene area and wins a lot of subscribers and awards doing just that. Hannah, my tiny dancer, waltzed into the classroom to follow the footsteps of her teacher-Mom and is now changing lives for the better every day.

I know she has enhanced mine, just as have her brothers. And on June 16, I will celebrate every knock on the door that represents the arrival of one of my offspring. I suspect they’ll come with presents in hand, but those are not necessary. My real gift was delivered initially during this month nearly four decades ago.

I’ve joyfully discovered that it never ceases to give, which makes me an authority on one other subject: immense gratitude born from immense blessing.

So, from one dad to Another, I just want to say: “Thank you – very much.”

yale@arlingtontoday.com

Visit arlingtontoday.com, like us on Facebook 8

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

and follow us on Twitter

and Instagram

EDITORIAL Editor Yale Youngblood Contributing Editors Sara Pintilie, Marla Thomas Sports Columnist John Rhadigan Style Editor Tricia Schwartz Website & Social Media Manager Bailey Woodard Contributing Graphic Artists Susan Darovich, Susan Youngblood Contributing Writers O.K. Carter, Karen Gavis, Bob Kowalski Kenneth Perkins, Toni Randle-Cook Contributing Photographers Hasson Diggs, Karen Gavis, Dwayne Lee Heather Lee, Bruce Maxwell Toni Randle-Cook SALES / CIRCULATION Business Manager Bridget Dean Sales Managers Laura DiStefano, Amy Lively, Andrea Proctor, Debbie Roach, Tricia Schwartz Distribution Manager Logan Taylor PRODUCTION Production Manager Susan Darovich ARLINGTON TODAY is published monthly.

Copyright 2019 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). To subscribe, e-mail subscriptions@arlingtontoday.com

• Phone number: (817) 303-3304

Summer Camp Sign-Up

T

his summer, kids, teens, and even adults can have hands-on

learning opportunities with worldrenowned faculty members at The University of Texas at Arlington.

A wide variety of camps are available, with University

concert. Adults can join older youth in the jazz combo or

professors, students, coaches, and players sharing their

conducting workshops.

excitement about engineering, music, sports, and more. For some camps, participants can live on campus, while others are for commuters only. In addition, girls-only camps are offered in engineering and wheelchair basketball, and a boys-only volleyball camp also is available.

Eager young minds can explore engineering in a co-ed camp that covers disciplines in aerospace, biomedical, civil, computer science, electrical, environmental, industrial, materials science, and mechanical engineering. These and other academic camps give kids a chance to share their interests and to experience true inclusion in a college environment.

Athletes can fine-tune their skills at boys and girls basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball camps, taught by UTA’s outstanding coaches and athletes.

UTA’s wheelchair basketball athletes and coaches provide hands-on instruction for the co-ed junior, all-girl, and adult/ veteran camps. The Movin’ Mavs student-athletes include national champions and Paralympic winners.

“Our camps are great opportunities,” says Doug Garner, director of UTA’s adaptive sports program. “The friends, memories, and skills that are learned at camp last a lifetime.”

Music camps feature audio production utilizing UTA’s world-class recording studio. Performance programs in band, orchestra, choir, strings, and horns conclude with a

There’s still time to register.

Go to uta.edu/summercamps.

UTA.EDU

THIS ‘N DATA

Methodist Mansfield Medical Center opens new office building

L

ast month, Methodist Mansfield President Juan Fresquez cut the ribbon with 100 community leaders and physicians officially opening Professional Office Building II. The building is the first to be built on the 23-acre site behind the hospital, which is referred to as the south campus.

The addition of the Professional Office Building (POB) II accommodates the ever-growing number of specialty and primary care physicians who have joined Methodist Mansfield’s medical team to bring advanced health care to the region. Coupled with curbside parking and short walk-in care entrances, a brightly colored front lobby with sculpted art and outdoor benches offer a serene setting for patients, their families and visitors.

The 82,000-square-foot POB II allows physicians and specialists to deliver the highest level of care and service to the community close to home. Skiles Group & GCC Enterprises, Inc., was the contractor on the new building along with architect Perkins + Will and engineer WSP/CCRD. Major tenants on the first floor include the Methodist Mansfield Medical Group, Amber Hyde, MD, Jaremy James, DO, Michael McInnis, MD, and John Willis, DO. Additionally on the first floor are Texas Oncology physicians: Shrinivas Diggikar, MD, Alex Liao, MD, and, Sarju Waghela, DO, with the addition of two board-certified and well-known breast surgeons, Katrina Emmett Birdwell, MD, and Allison DiPasquale, MD, and urologist Sujeet Acharya, MD, sharing this office suite.

Cardiothoracic surgeon Darien Bradford, MD, endocrinologist Lindsey VanDyke, MD, and Tzietal Davidson, PA-C, with the Mansfield ISD staff clinic share Suite 130 on the first floor.

Included on the second floor is the Methodist Moody Brain and Spine Institute with Richard Meyrat, MD, Nimesh Patel, MD, along with physical medicine and rehab physician Antonio Rozier, MD, and Dallas Pain Consultant Trevor Kraus, MD. Under construction on the third floor is Medical Clinic of North Texas/USMD pediatrics, including Linda Phan, MD, Erin Wallace, MD, and Katrina-Willie Musoma, MD. 10

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

UTA promotes Crawford to assistant head coach post TA women’s basketball head coach Krista Gerlich has announced the promotion of assistant coach/recruiting coordinator Ashley Crawford to associate head coach/ recruiting coordinator.

Crawford, who was named Texas Association of Basketball Coaches DI Assistant Coach of the Year in 2017, just wrapped up her sixth season on the UTA women’s basketball staff in 2018-19. She has been on the sidelines with Coach Gerlich at UTA since 2013 and has helped the Lady Mavs program reach unprecedented success. Last season, the Lady Mavs secured the program’s first Sun Belt Regular Season championship, made their sixth postseason Ashley Crawford tournament appearance (WNIT) and won a postseason (excluding conference tournaments) game for the first time with their 60-54 WNIT First Round triumph over Stephen F. Austin. UTA also finished the season with 24 wins, which tied for the most in a single season with the 2006-07 squad.

“AC has worked her way into the role of one of the best recruiting coordinators in the nation while at UTA,” says Gerlich. “She can now add Associate Head Coach beside her name, as well with her tireless work ethic to make our program championship caliber in every aspect. She has shown great knowledge, confidence and expertise in all realms of coaching and I am honored to have her work along beside me every day. We picked up our 100th win at UTA this season, and AC played a huge role in each of those wins. Her loyalty, determination and passion are second to none.”

U

City acquiring new fire vehicles THE CITY OF ARLINGTON is investing in three new fire vehicles designed to help fire fighters protect lives and property during emergencies. Last month, the Arlington City Council approved a $2.4 million contract with Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, Inc., of Houston for the purchase of two new fire pumper engines for Station 8 (2020 Madison Drive) and Station 10 (3205 S.W. Green Oaks Blvd.) and one aerial ladder truck for Station 6 (2620 S. Collins St.).

WE’RE PROUD TO BE YOUR TRUSTED, HEALTHCARE HOME.

Methodist Mansfield Medical Center has been setting the gold standard as Mansfield’s preferred healthcare home. Over the years, we have been recognized by numerous organizations for our commitment to quality, safety, innovations, and excellence.

We’re proud to share some of the ways that Methodist Mansfield has been recognized — both locally and nationally: • Chest Pain Center accreditation from The Joint Commission • Best Medical Facility, Emergency Department, and Maternity Ward* • Breast Center of Excellence by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers • Level III Advanced Trauma Facility by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

But we’re most proud to continue to improve and save lives in our communities. After all, it’s why so many trust Methodist.

To find a physician, visit MethodistHealthSystem.org/Mansfield. * Living Magazine and Focus Daily News Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, Methodist Health System, or any of its affiliated hospitals. Methodist Health System complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

THIS ‘N DATA

Did you KAABOO? One-of-a-kind music/arts festival at AT&T Stadium provided Arlington-area fans with a sensual treat

L

ast month, KAABOO Texas and The Jerry Jones Family united to deliver a larger-than-life event at AT&T Stadium that appealed to all “five senses” with world class musical acts, live contemporary art installations, culinary demonstrations, top-tier comedy, and health + spa treatments. In the meantime, it also left many event attendees with smiles on their faces.

Legendary rock performer Sting showed he can still “This festival was provide a high-energy show a pleasurable, unique during his KAABOO concert. experience,” says Rick from Dallas. “Wakarusa, Electric Forest, Summer Camp, Lockin, Bonnaroo and other festivals I’ve attended have more contemporary headliners like Panic, Moe, Umphrey’s, Dead, Phish or String Cheese – they’re geared towards a younger crowd. Kaaboo was more like New Orleans Jazz Fest or Austin City Limits with hotel accommodations rather than camping and a Photo: KAABOO Texas mixed-ages line up.

“Kaaboo topped them all, in my opinion, for [show goers] 35 years old and up. The hotel was much closer and convenient to the venue. The venue wrapped around the world class AT&T Stadium, which was clean and new with many access points to get out of the heat or weather. The stages and site were well laid out with no sound overlap and convenient concessions/ restrooms. The VIP lounge was upscale and had outstanding exclusive entertainment.

Bask, a south beach style pool area, was cool with continuous DJ music, but the weather and crowd make-up led to a sparse crowd there. The lineup was somewhat geared towards fans of 1980s and ‘90s bands, which led to the 35 and up crowd. With an older crowd there wasn’t the typical youthful high-energy crowd response to the bands. Some bands seemed to notice it and asked the audience to perk up, raise their hands if they knew the songs or were fans.

“To sum it up, the venue, amenities, organization was the best of the best; the organizers could not have done a better job. The lineup was wonderful, diverse and entertaining. Despite the solemn crowds, it was a great experience for me and my friends, and we will definitely be there next year.”

12

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Guests were greeted with energetic beats by Kap Slap, who got the party started at BASK - KAABOO’s Las Vegas-style pool club. Other stellar first-day performers included Alanis Morisette, Lauryn Hill, Joan Jett and Lionel Richie. Headliner The Killers topped off the night with their roof-raising anthems, even inviting one lucky audience member to join them on drums for a number.

Rounding out the day were comedians Chad Daniels, Garfunkel and Oats, and Dennis Miller who invoked belly laughs all evening long at HUMOR ME. The festival kicked off its second day with KAABOO Discovers local “battle of the bands” winners D and Chi. Later in the day, Rick Springfield, Lukas Nelson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Flo Rida and Kid Rock entertained the crowds with their respective unique and familiar talents.

St. Paul & The Broken Bones took everyone to “church” on Sunday with their sensational soul jams, while Mix Master Mike held down the DJ booth. The B-52s partied down till sunset, and Alabama superstars Little Big Town brought the country heat to Texas. On the main stage, Pitbull hyped the crowd with his colossal stage presence, iconic choreography, and a confetti-induced grande finale. In the HUMOR ME tent, Full House star Bob Saget made surprise performance during Orny Adams’ set, and Demetri Martin brought his signature deadpan delivery. The evening concluded with an iconic performance by Sting, who truly made “everything little thing magic” at the finale of KAABOO Texas.

RAISE YOUR HAND if you were in the stands when Nolan Ryan pitched his seventh – and last major league no-hitter.

Keep that hand up if you recall that the historic event took place on May 1, 1991 vs. the Toronto Blue Jays at Arlington Stadium.

Photo: ebay.com

Dr. Venkat Rapuri

And hips and shoulders too.

Your joints are our thing.

We are the board-certified, fellowship-trained joint specialists of Texas Health Physicians Group. Armed with decades of experience in breakthrough techniques, we can assess your pain and develop a care plan that’s right for you. Whether you require full joint replacement or treatment that doesn’t require surgery, like oral medication, injections or physical therapy, we have one goal—getting you back to doing what you love, pain-free.

ORTHOPEDIC MEDICINE SPECIALISTS MAKE AN APPOINTMENT | 817.930.2674

Physicians employed by Texas Health Physicians Group practice independently and are not employees or agents of Texas Health Resources hospitals. © 2019

THIS ‘N DATA

Coming soon ...

The luxurious Live! by Loews - Arlington is set to open in August

V

isitors will soon have a new place to stay overnight when enjoying The American Dream City’s numerous entertainment venues, recreational amenities, and retail and dining options. Live! by Loews - Arlington, a 300-room hotel and conference center, is set to open in August next to the Texas Live! dining, entertainment and hospitality district.

Many of the 14-story hotel’s luxury guestrooms, suites, conference rooms and other event spaces feature floor-to-ceiling windows, offering guests stunning views of Johnson Creek, A&T Stadium, Globe Life Park, the future retractable-roof Globe Life Field and other Entertainment District destinations.

In all, Live! by Loews - Arlington expects to employ about 250 people. Services and amenities for guests will include a 24-hour fitness center and business center, room service, dry cleaning and shoe shine, an

outdoor infinity pool and pool bar known as SOAK. The hotel’s restaurant, Cut & Bourbon, specializes in American classics. Guests can also enjoy craft beer, cocktails and shareable plates at the Arlington Clover Club lounge.

Live! by Loews - Arlington also features a combined 35,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space that can accommodate groups of up to 1,000 people.

This includes the Arlington Ballroom, which is the hotel’s largest meeting room, and a 5,300-squarefoot flexible event and exhibit hall space known as The Overlook. The hotel also offers an outdoor terrace, a boardroom, breakout rooms, a green room, event planner offices as well as a 4,000-square-foot event lawn that features a double-sided video wall and can seat about 360 people. For more, visit loewshotels.com/live-by-loews-arlington-texas.

3

Scoops 1. Country star Jason Aldean is bringing his “Ride All Night” tour to The American Dream City and will perform one of the final concerts at Globe Life Park. The show is Friday, Oct. 11 and will also feature Kane Brown, Carly Pearce and DJ Silver.

“We’ve shut a few places down in our time, but never a stadium,” Aldean says. “But seriously, being the last country concert ever is pretty cool, and I know we’ll be sure that it’s an unforgettable night.” For tickets: tinyurl.com/y3f2t83d

2.

The Arlington Convention & Visitors

Bureau awarded the first recipient of the inaugural Arlington Tourism WOW Award to Carrie Bogard, a 19-year Parking Attendant for Stadium Parking.

The WOW Award recognizes a front-line professional who goes to great lengths to be kind and create a memorable experience for guests at an Arlington hospitality related organization.

#atpetofthemonth

3. Viridian, the Johnson Development Community in Arlington, won the award Riley is my first dog and the best thing that’s ever happened to me. He arrived at three months, the picture on the far left was taken three months later. Today, he looks like the picture next to it – just as cute and very sweet.

Walking in the neighborhood, I feel like I’m on the Red Carpet, as children and adults call to him, run to him and say goodbye as they leave him. Usually, I’m invisible, but I don’t mind, as I love him, too.

– Maureen O’Brien

14

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

for “Best Sales Brochure – Developer” at the 2019 Dallas Builders Association McSam Awards. Eleven builders and three custom builders offer homes priced from the $275,000s to $2+ million in Viridian. In addition, the first models just opened in Viridian Elements, a 141-acre neighborhood for adults age 55 and older.

ACCOUNTING

|

AUDITING

|

TAX & BUSINESS CONSULTING

|

PAYROLL

|

PERSONAL TAX

Artwork created by UTA retired Professor David Keens

PSK LLP,

Your Partner on the Road to Success PSK LLP is a CPA firm with more than five decades of experience working alongside its clients to ensure long-term financial success. Uniquely offering comprehensive services for both individuals, businesses and nonprofits, plus payroll services through Payroll Partners, PSK LLP is your one-stopshop for accomplishing financial goals.

Make an appointment to experience what a firm with more than fifty team members and a track record of going the extra mile can do for you.

3001 Medlin Drive #100 Arlington, Texas 76015 P (817) 664-3000 www.pskcpa.com In collaboration with

PSK LLP has served my company for almost 30 years. The firm not only handles our accounting needs, but it also continually imparts sound business and financial guidance. The firm is a reliable steward for my company, and I recommend it.

- Dan Dipert Founder, Dipert Travel & Transportation, Ltd.

PICTURE-PERFECT MOMENTS

SCENE Snapshots from the AWARE Foundation awards dinner and from the April Timeless Concerts Performance at Arlington Museum of Art

Photos courtesy of Beth Hellier Photo courtesy of Tony Rutigliano

Alice Petersen and City Councilperson Victoria Farrar-Myers at the AWARE Foundation awards dinner

Patti Franz, Kay Lancaster, Jill Regina and Patti Belknap at the AWARE Foundation dinner

Linda Church, Laura Jones, Jimmy Jones, Julie Ryan and Beth Hellier

AWARE Foundation winners Heather Bush, Kimberly Scioneaux, Emmanuel Ruiz, Ginny Leatherwood and Johnathane Gaffney

AWARE Foundation runners-up: Joan Swann, Tina Stephenson, Corrine Brookshire, Courtney Shank and Christopher Arceneaux

Photo: Arlington Charities

LouAnn O’Donnell and Elena Fernandez at the AWARE Foundation event

Laura Cardenas, Bowie Hogg and April Nohinek

Photos: Timeless Concerts

Melissa Cepeda, Paloma Cepeda and Maria Botello at the Timeless Concerts event

For more great SCENE shots, visit arlingtontoday.com the MLK event view records of Chris Burgin, Tatiana Baeva, Larissa Stelmakh, Natasha Ray and DonAttendees Ray at the of Timless Concert Dr.historical Timothy Angel and King’s life and social achievements. performance LeeAnne Chenoweth

16

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Here is one of the dozens of art pieces done by Arlington ISD students to honor King.

When it comes to your family and your finances,

EXPERIENCE MATTERS. Donna J. Smiedt has been selected by her peers as a Texas SuperLawyer (2004 & 2006) awarded by Thomson Reuters and a Top Attorney - Fort Worth (for years 2003, and 2008 through 2013) awarded by Fort Worth, Texas magazine.

Donna J. Smiedt is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Donna J. Smiedt has been honored as "10 Best of 2016 in Client Satisfaction" by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys.

Both Donna J. Smiedt and Desaray R. Muma are collaboratively trained to provide clients with a private form of dispute resolution to avoid litigation.

All Star

All Star Family Law Attorney

ARLINGTON Today

- by Arlington Today Readers

Winner 2018 Readers’ Choice

your community • your magazine

817-572-9900 • arlingtondivorces.com This is Arlington's full service family law firm.

American Institute of Family Law Attorneys™

You Get More With a Master Widely admired for their professionalism and exceptional customer service, the seven members of the Masters of Real Estate network have built their reputations by exceeding client expectations.

Among our area’s foremost sales and marketing experts, the Masters offer countless connections and a shared commitment to each client’s success.

Back Row - Left to Right

Dorothy Howard 817-946-8430 DorothyHoward@Ebby.com

Billie Redden Carolyn Casselberry Mary Ann Heugatter 817-296-3970 817-235-1511 817-929-3317 BillieRedden@Ebby.com MaryAnnHeugatter@Ebby.com CarolynCasselberry@Ebby.com Seated - Left to Right

Patt Klemmer 817-716-5319 PattKlemmer@Ebby.com

Julie DeMott 817-919-6452 JulieDeMott@Ebby.com

Jane Haynes 817-312-1366 JaneHaynes@Ebby.com

arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

17

AROUND TOWN See the list of 2019-2020 Board of Directors for Leadership Arlington on page 68

You getting to know you The unspoken blueprint of Leadership Arlington’s success • By Kenneth Perkins

I

development, she knew herself well, gaining an acute insight into t wasn’t until this year when I handed my high school freshmen her strengths and weaknesses. a writing assignment with the theoretical prompt, “What does “What I gained most from it was being able to interact more Leadership Mean to You?,” did I find the principles and ideas seamlessly with other people and how to function in a team behind the topic rather vague. What’s certain is that none of these atmosphere,” Carpenter says.

14- and 15-year-olds had much of an idea what leadership was, let In other words, Leadership Arlington forces you to think about alone what it means inside their cognitive bubbles, at least in a way yourself and your journey, and that they could articulate in the form of a becoming the person you want to passing grade. be starts with knowing the person Imagine standing in front of 25 lost you are. Participants go on retreats souls, staring vacantly at you, pencils in and break into small groups, which hand, yet their lined paper as blank as Tutor says is where the real learning their thoughts. takes place. Though much of what As the papers began to trickle in, Leadership Arlington does is it hit me that leadership is one of through these group experiences, those intangible abstracts most of us it really is about the candidate’s connect to football captains barking individual learning curve. instructions or some CEO commanding “Certainly people return to his troops to, sure, do what I say but Paulette Tutor and April Pettitt, the outgoing and incoming Leadership Arlington presidents their workplaces having a better importantly, do what I do. understanding of themselves,” Tutor says.

Perhaps my mini epiphany on leadership was solidified the Which, in turn, makes them exceptional leaders. other day when I spoke by phone with a couple folks. One was Google “Top 10 Ways to Become a Good Leader,” and you won’t Paulette Tutor, who on June 30 officially steps down as president of hear that one.

Leadership Arlington to make room for the incoming April Pettitt.

Pettitt will be at the steering wheel with a new board of directors Tutor served two terms as president and has been involved with including James Hollis of UTA, Henry Lewczyk of the Greater the organization since 2011. While she espouses the organization’s Arlington Chamber and Misty Lockhart of the Junior League of corporate line about focusing on “the development of the next Arlington taking over the 2019-2020 installment. generation of community leaders” by first identifying potentials Tutor says the training program itself runs like “a well-oiled and then educating them on civic engagement and giving access machine,” yet “we’re not so egotistical enough to know we can’t to like-minded professional leaders, her thoughts on leadership improve things.” training are uniquely intriguing.

No kidding. In fact, as Tutor hands off to Pettitt, the idea is about It involves strengthening bonds with cohorts and not necessarily a larger presence. Leadership Arlington would love to be the go-to leaving the 10-month program with the understanding that the shop for, say, speakers or experts on leadership. She also wants to development of leadership isn’t merely a critical investment in the pump up the Youth Leadership Arlington component as well. continued growth and stability of XYZ company.

It can happen.

The second was Leadership Arlington Alum Cheryel Carpenter, Or, as a budding leader might put it, it will happen. who was handling communications for the City of Arlington when she went through the program. She talks about something that Leadership Arlington does well, and that it is one of those invisible Columnist Kenneth Perkins has been a contributing intangibles you don’t know you have until you summon it. writer for Arlington Today since it debuted. He is a By the end of the program, where she learned first-hand about freelance writer, editor and photographer. health and human services, education, government and economic

18

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

1

$

JOIN FEE IN JUNE JOIN TODAY!

Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA amaymca.org/June

THERE’S Y IN EVERY FAMILY

PLAN FOR AN EXPLOSIVE NIGHT OF ENTERTAINMENT AND FIREWORKS WITH THE CITY OF ARLINGTON’S ANNUAL

JULY 3

RD

FIREWORKS FESTIVAL 6-10:30 PM • DOWNTOWN ARLINGTON LIGHTUPARLINGTON.COM arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

19

THE MANSFIELD ISD CLASS OF 2019 EARNED MORE THAN

’s S t .

P aul P A reparatory

cademy

6900 US Hwy 287 • Arlington, Tx 76001 • 817.561.3500 • stpaulsprep.com

Valedictorian Kristen Hum

Miuccia Diaz

Salutatorian

Congratulations Class of 2019!

Sufyan Foum

Zachary Herendeen

Sara Jones

Gabriel Kinnick

Iris Le

Alexia Kochner

Addison Maumus

St. Paul’s Class of 2019 graduates were accepted by 48 colleges and universities for a combined total of $1.2 million in scholarships.

Jeremiah Miller 20

Jake Moore

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Chidera Nwankwo

Christina Rein

Preston Wood

8

COVER STORY

Beautiful dreamers!

STEM Academy’s first graduating class has met expectations – and then some

W

hen the STEM Academy’s design was in its infancy four years ago, one common theme was woven throughout all conversations: dream big.

“Don’t worry about barriers,” STEM co-coordinator Michele Davda said. “Dream big.”

Dream big meant dual-credit courses with the University of Texas at Arlington, securing top internships for students, and then trickling that mindset down and encouraging these bright, science, technology, engineering and math-focused students in the program to also dream big.

For two STEM Academy seniors, that meant MIT big.

Samantha Maldonado and Trinity Stallins, members of the first-ever graduating class of the AISD STEM Academy located at Martin High School, will be attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall. MIT is the third-best college in the nation in

Samantha Maldonado and Trinity Stallins turned their STEM Academy experience into scholarships to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

22

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

the 2019 ranking of the U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges.

“Our bar was high, but I don’t know – I wasn’t thinking Ivy League,” STEM Academy co-coordinator Marianne Varner said.

“They amaze us every day.”

Maldonado and Stallins, both honored as National Hispanic Scholars in the fall, are the epitome of students who were selfmotivated with a huge support system around them to help make those dreams as big as possible. And the STEM Academy Class of 2019 as a whole has taken the program to heights it never thought possible. One-hundred six students are graduating with 105 going to college and one going into the Marines.

In addition to Maldonado and Stallins going to MIT, the list of colleges for STEM Academy students is impressive. Among them: the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Carnegie Mellon, USC and the University of Texas at Arlington, where 34 STEM students will be attending in the fall.

“I felt like we set our expectations very high and our students have measured up to those expectations,” Martin principal Marlene Roddy said.

Maldonado, who went to Swift Elementary and Bailey Junior High, had an internship with Romeo Engineering where she designed and problem-solved the need to move a massive proton accelerator into a hospital, doing her part for the team that earned the company a $1 billion contract.

She also was a part of the Martin orchestra during her first two years and, more recently, the national-qualifying and state champion MHS archery team.

Maldonado was pushed by her dad Francisco and Paul Oehler, vice president at Romeo Engineering, to apply to MIT and somewhat reluctantly decided to.

“I guess I never thought I’d be able to go to MIT,” said Maldonado, who will focus on mechanical engineering at MIT. “But with the STEM Academy, you get to meet a lot of people who are like-minded to you. It’s people I met who pushed me to be better.”

Stallins decided to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible with the STEM Academy and Martin. She was on the

TEXAS Blinn College (1) El Centro College (1) Sam Houston State (1) Tarleton State University (2) Tarrant County College (3) Texas A&M College Station (13)

OTHER Texas A&M Corpus Christi (2) Texas Christian University (2) Texas Tech University (4) Texas Wesleyan University (1) Trinity University (1) University of Houston (2)

University of North Texas (4) University of Texas (10) University of Texas at Arlington (34) University of Texas Dallas (6)

Carnegie Mellon (1) Brigham Young University (1) Iowa State University (1) Kansas State University (1) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2) Northeastern University (1)

Northwestern State University (1) University of Arkansas (1) University of Miami (1) University of Notre Dame (1) University of Southern California (1) Wilkes University (1)

Arlington ISD Engineers Bright Futures for first Graduates from the STEM Academy at Martin High School

bowling and robotics team that finished as the state runner up, and she had a special internship with two UTA professors – in geochemistry and analytical biochemistry – to assist with research.

In mid-May, Stallins had the opportunity to speak at an education symposium for Project Lead the Way, the program that helps write the curriculum for the STEM Academy.

On a scale of one to five, Stallins, who went to Moore Elementary and Boles Junior High, said her excitement about going to MIT is a six.

“My big thing is to take every opportunity; if you don’t know anything about it or if you’re slightly interested in it, do it,” Stallins said. “It pays off to do as much as you can, take every opportunity to learn as much as you can.”

The STEM Academy has created a safe place for students to

dream big. They have built their first successful solar car and recently celebrated a robotics club that finished second in a state competition. They are now looking at the prospect of building an autonomous car and more.

And now that the younger STEM students have seen what Maldonado and Stallins have done – being in exclusive company by being accepted to MIT – the sky is the limit.

“This was really off the charts because we think it has a lot to do with the fact that we started our STEM Academy and both of these young ladies are in the STEM Academy,” Roddy said. “The experiences they were able to have because of the STEM Academy is what got MIT’s attention.

“It’s a big honor to our STEM Academy.” arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

23

Britton Darcey

Canh Nguyen

Arlington High Valedictorian

Arlington High Salutatorian

Irfan Eshan

Julie Le

Bowie High Valedictorian

Bowie High Salutatorian

Jordyn Anders

Kathleen Dao

Martin High Valedictorian

Martin High Salutatorian

Van Dang

Vivian Phan

Seguin High Valedictorian

Seguin High Salutatorian

AISD Proudly Congratulates Our Class of 2019 Graduates

Scarlett Spindler Lamar High Valedictorian

Reema Aldiab Lamar High Salutatorian

Tania Nguyen

Jesus Mendez

Sam Houston High Valedictorian

Sam Houston High Salutatorian

Elizabeth Rodriguez

Alexandra Renteria

Arlington Collegiate High Valedictorian

Arlington Collegiate High Salutatorian

Congratulations Class of 2019

Valedictorian &

National Merit Scholarship Finalist Anna Gale Browder (Left)

Salutatorian Angelica Morales Castro (Right)

184 scholarship offers exceeding $14.3 million have been awarded to the Class of 2019.

Esto Dux | 4501 Bridge Street, Fort Worth, TX 76103 | www.nolancatholic.org

EDUCATION

Ben Barber culinary arts students are 1st in nation UTA presented 6,300-plus degrees at graduation fete THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON presented more than 6,300 degrees in commencement ceremonies last month at College Park Center as thousands of workforce-ready graduates joined the ranks of more than 230,000 UTA alumni around the globe.

“UTA students are workforce-ready graduates for industry partners both here in North Texas and beyond,” says Teik C. Lim, UTA provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Employers want to say that they have Mavericks working for their companies.”

Among the more impressive statistics associated with the commencement, The School of Social Work saw a 65% increase for all degrees, compared to the numbers in spring 2018.

STUDENTS IN MANSFIELD ISD’S Ben Barber Innovation Academy’s culinary arts program were named the top in the nation at the National ProStart Invitational in Washington, D.C., for their restaurant management skills.

“Winning is a dream come true for the students, myself, this entire program at Ben Barber and our school,” says Chef David Roberson. “Our kids stayed committed and now they are National Champions. Working with the Texas Restaurant Association, and the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation has been priceless because they have opened many doors of professional opportunities for our students to have jobs in the near future.”

ProStart is a nationally recognized program that prepares students for careers in the restaurant and food service industry.

The Texas program reaches over 20,000 students from more than 255 high schools each year.

The Ben Barber students earned their place in the national competition after also winning first place in the Texas ProStart State Invitational in March in San Antonio.

The Class of

2019

MISD team eyes world championship

Some highlights from the recent school year

THE MANSFIELD ISD Destination Imagination team from Lake Ridge High School and Danny Jones Middle School, named Just Add Water, recently qualified to compete in the global finals.

Destination Imagination uses project-based learning to apply the creative process across seven different STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) challenges.

The team earned fourth place in the technical challenge in the state contest this spring in Corpus Christi.

The competition required the team to build an aircraft that can deliver a team-created payload that takes off, flies and lands and create a story about characters exploring a remote place.

26

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Primrose Schools don’t just teach kids

PRIMROSE SCHOOLS’ two Arlington locations are known as leaders in early education and care, but they don’t just teach children. In fact, the schools’ blog, found on the website, primroseschools.com, offers regular parenting advice that complements the teaching at the school to help parents and children get the most out of their Primrose Schools experience.

Blog topics include: “5 Ways to Involve Your Child in Household Chores ,” “How We Teach Math at Primrose,” “Upcycled Craft: Recycled Cork Boats” and “Why It’s Beneficial to Let Your Kids Play in the Dirt.”

Most blog entries are full of hands-on ideas that are both educational and fun for the entire family.

!

es t a u d a r G r u o ll a o t Congratulations

TOP TEN TRINITY HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES BY GPA

Benjamin Benjadol, 4.7809 Princeton Mechanical & Aerospace Eng.

Christina Van Waasbergen, 4.7566 Northwestern, Journalism

Diane Lee, 4.7555 UTAustin Business

Alina Yoo, 4.754 UTDallas Biology

Jennifer Wei, 4.7183 UTAustin Medical Lab Science

Sabal Shrestha, 4.6783 UTDallas Computer Science

Julia Kang, 4.6723 UTAustin Biology

Asher Thye, 4.6665 SMU Environmental Eng.

Jared Grady, 4.6608 UTDallas Computer Science

Christina Yu, 4.6488 Univ. of Wisconsin/Madison Animal Science

TOP TEN L.D. BELL HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES BY GPA

Erin Millican, 4.8513 Texas Tech Pre-Med

Chanel Perreault, 4.8225 McGill Univ., Montreal International Development

Isabela Ponce, 4.80944 UTAustin Business

Landry Picone, 4.781 Texas A&M Biomedical Engineering

Rebekah Sharp, 4.7655 Baylor International Studies

Verena Sorial, 4.7459 Univ. of the Incarnate Word Biology

Sean-Matthew Aujong, 4.74468 UTAustin/Computer Science

Vivian Taylor, 4.72598 Texas A&M Economics

Kathryn Pierson, 4.7257 UNT Accounting

Maria Ghaly, 4.70134 UTAustin Biology

Arlington Classics Academy students meet Ron Wright DURING A FIELD TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C. last month, eighth grade students at Arlington Classics Academy had the chance to visit with Congressman Ron Wright, who arranged for a flag to be flown at the United States Capitol in honor of ACA’s trip.

Congressman Wright visited with the eighth-grade Griffin students and presented the Arlington Classics Academy Middle School with the flag.

Students at The Oakridge School ‘go to market’ FIFTH GRADE LHMS STUDENTS at The Oakridge School had a great marketplace learning experience last month when they sold merchandise they collaborated on and created in their designthinking class.

LS students, and some faculty and staff, then used play money to purchase items the students had made.

With the project, the fifth graders learned collaboration, communication, design, business skills, and more.

The Class of

2019 Jon-Anthony Villa (left) and Jesus Aguirre of St. Maria Goretti School’s Music Learning band earned awards at the Spring Band Concert.

St. Maria Goretti School musicians earn honors

UTA’s new car will vie for 9th Formula SAE title

TWO FOURTH GRADE STUDENTS from St. Maria Goretti School’s Music Learning Band took honors at the recent Spring Band Concert hosted at St. Joseph’s in Arlington.

Jon-Anthony Villa was named Outstanding Beginner Rhythm/ Percussion Section, and Jesus Aguirre earned recognition as the Outstanding Beginner/Brass Section.

THE MOST DECORATED university racing team in the United States begins its quest this month for a ninth Formula SAE championship with an unveiling of its 2019 car. The University of Texas at Arlington has won eight championships in the U.S. and international titles in Great Britain, Australia and Japan and will race in the Formula SAE competition in Lincoln, Neb., June 19-22.

28

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Congratulations to our 2019 graduates!

COMPASSIONATE SERVICE • ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE • SPIRITUAL FORMATION

St. Maria Goretti Catholic School

1200 South Davis Drive • Arlington, TX 76013 • 817-275-5081 • smgschool.org

Congratulations Class of 2019!

Teaching the mind . . . Nourishing the soul.

2015 SW Green Oaks Blvd. • Arlington, TX 76017 • 817-419-6800 • stjosephtx.org

Nolan’s math honor society wins 1st place at contest NOLAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL’S Mu Alpha Theta math honor society won first place at the Catholic Math League Competition held last month.

Members are (alphabetically): Dorina Ajdinovic, Emily Austin, Megan Banh, Lauren Bettinger, Wil Birbeck, Anna Browder, Angelica Castro, Benjamin Cawyer, Hayle Chen, John Conlin, Deborah Cottrell, Maria Crane, Erik Cura, Lucine Devejian, Jenna Draude, Elizabeth Dreiling, Claire Elrod, Ryan Gale, Kyle Gnatovic, Kate Griffith, Laura Hernandez, Brandon Kamath, Mark Le, Lilly Lopez, Luke Macias, Jacob Marquardt, Josh McKone.

Lucy Nguyen, Thien An Nguyen, Mariana Nguyen, Thien Ly Nguyen, Edson Omana, Nana Osafo-Mensfah, Jonathan Pham, Lauren Poquiz, Caroline Seyer, Emma Taylor, Grace Terrell, Drake Varga, Dante Vidaurri, Matthew Vu.

HEB ISD Suzuki Strings students listen & learn HEB INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Suzuki Strings students in grades 3 through 6 had a special learning experience this year, attending an educational concert performed by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

The performance was a great opportunity for HEB ISD Suzuki students to experience high-quality music, while deepening their appreciation for the arts.

The concert was interactive, and HEB ISD Suzuki students learned about various composers, including Ludwig van Beethoven and Leonard Bernstein.

The Class of

2019 St. Paul’s Prep students put their learning in motion St. Joseph first graders decorate the campus ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS at St. Joseph Catholic School this year was when members of the first grade classes placed small garden rocks around the statue in the Rosary Garden at the school.

The students decorated these beautiful rocks during their Religion lesson about Peter being The Rock of the Church. The classes also had a special visitor, Fr. Philip Brembah, from St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

30

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

THE SKY literally was the limit for fifth grade students at St. Paul’s Preparatory Academy.

The students in Mrs. Land’s class built, decorated and then flew their aircrafts during a project to help them learn some of the basics of aeronautical engineering.

So, now, when they’re asked, they can say they do know rocket science.

Congratulations Arlington Classics Academy’s Eighth Grade Graduating class

OWN THE DAY

Your WISDOM will guide you.

Your COURAGE shall overcome fear.

Your choices will be made with VIGILANCE. With your STRENGTH, you will persevere.

• Medical Weight Loss • IV Nutrient Therapy • Stem Cells & PRP • Sexual Wellness • Hormone Replacement Therapy • Medical Aesthetics

Keep your Griffin spirit as you face your future challenges and endeavors.

You are Prepared!

ARLINGTON CLASSICS ACADEMY Primary Intermediate 2800 W. Arkansas Ln. 2800-B W. Arkansas Ln. 817-274-2008 817-303-1553

Middle School 5200 S. Bowen Rd. 817-987-1909

Strength • Wisdom • Courage • Vigilance • ACAEDU.net

2701 Matlock Rd. Suite 105 Arlington, TX 76015 • 1-833-696-2329

resurgencewellness.com

FACT:

A baby loves peek-a-boo when he begins to understand an object exists, even when not in view.

BALANCED LEARNING® WAY:

We have teachers who could represent the U.S. in peek-a-boo.

SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY TO SEE FOR YOURSELF THE PRIMROSE DIFFERENCE! Primrose School of NE Green Oaks 817.543.2626 | PrimroseNEGreenOaks.com *

Primrose School of Southwest Arlington 817.478.6160 | PrimroseSouthwestArlington.com * AdvancEd Accredited

Winner 2017-2018 Readers’ Choice

All Star

“All Star Educational Preschool/Day Care”

ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools® and Balanced Learning® are registered trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2018 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for ‘fact’ source and curriculum detail.

arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

31

Active Family Wellness Center 4927 S. Collins St., Suite 105 4120 No. Collins St., Suite 200 817-532-3110 • txwellnessdoc.com

A

Entrepreneurs 32

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

ctive Family Wellness Center is the go-to-place for holistic wellness solutions. Founded by Dr. Kenyon Godwin in 2010, the practice has been named Arlington’s top chiropractic and/or wellness practice the past five years in Arlington Today’s Readers’ Choice awards; it also won the Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 Veteran-owned Small Business of the Year. Dr. Godwin recently opened a second office in the North Arlington area. ABOUT THE PRACTICE: “We believe people should have the freedom to pursue their purpose without limitations!” AFWC combines education, lifestyle modification and people-personalized services to help people live Dr. Kenyon Godwin their best life. AFWC offers an effective lifestyle modification program called 8 Weeks to Wellness. This program incorporates the best of wellness: Chiropractic, Nutrition, Massage, Fitness and Meditation/Prayer. PHILOSOPHY: “Our catalyzing statement is to make Arlington the healthiest city in the state of Texas,” Dr. Godwin says. “Arlington is a place where families enjoy professional sports teams, theme parks, recreational sports, traveling and outdoor events. We help the family step up to those physical demands. We help people in the American Dream City live their dream by having the health to do so.” SERVICES: The practice offers specific adjustments, corrective care for scoliosis and weakened spines, spinal decompression and functional wellness for those with brain fog, fatigue and hormonal imbalances. On the wellness side, AFWC offers massage therapy, weight loss, personal training/fitness classes, prenatal/pediatric adjustments and top-of-the-line supplements. Active Family Wellness Center has partnered with other providers to now offer Stem Cell Therapy/PRP and Counseling for families and first responders. As for technology, they have an advanced 3D functional movement analysis and the latest body composition analyzer. WHAT MAKES THE PRACTICE SPECIAL: “Patients tell us we are more than chiropractors and can tell a stark difference on the first visit!” Dr. Godwin says. “They love the feel of our office that adds to the results. We are able to help people where our current healthcare system has failed. Remember you can’t medicate your way out of a problem you behaved your way into!”

EE N N TT RR EE PP RR EE N N EE U U RR SS

Audiology Experts 1261 W. Green Oaks Blvd., Suite 105 • 817-451-4818 • audiologyexperts.com

A

udiology Experts is a privately-owned audiology and hearing aid practice located in Northwest Arlington that was founded in 2008. Dr. Lisa B. Fell is a Board Certified Audiologist who has steadily grown the practice by providing patient-friendly service and by implementing state-of-the-industry technology to help patients successfully address hearing issues.

PRACTICE HISTORY: Dr. Fell earned her Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree from Arizona School of Health Sciences Center and holds undergraduate and Master’s degrees from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Prior to opening Audiology Experts, she worked at an ENT clinic in Arlington as a clinical audiologist.

“Audiology Experts started small, but with big ideas of how to best serve people with hearing loss. As a result, the practice has flourished,” says Dr. Fell. “At Audiology Experts, we are able to educate the families of patients, as well. More than a decade of steady growth means the future is very bright.”

Dr. Lisa B. Fell

SERVICES: Audiology Experts is a provider-based practice for the hearing- impaired and hearing aid consumers. Dr. Fell has high standards of care for maximizing the consumer’s hearing, listening and communicative abilities so they can continue to be productive in their daily professional and personal activities. In addition to hearing evaluations and hearing aid fitting, the practice offers tinnitus evaluation and management, custom solutions for hearing protection, assistive listening devices and hearing aid supplies.

PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY: “Hearing healthcare is more than just fitting hearing aids!” Dr. Fell says. “Hearing loss is being linked to many things people find important today, such as mental health matters, including depression. What we do at the practice works in relationship with physicians to give them a more complete picture about their patient’s health because hearing loss means more than saying ‘huh?’ I take time to look at the individual concerns and medical health – more studies are showing how health conditions like diabetes, dementia and heart disease are being linked to hearing loss.”

Dr. Fell says Audiology Experts wants the people of DFW to know that Arlington has a thriving, privately owned audiology practice that provides the best hearing and communication possible for individuals

Photo: Southern Flair Photography

with hearing loss who want to live full and busy lives. “We were founded on the belief that success with hearing instruments depends on accurate diagnostic testing, excellent service, experience and dedication to our patients,” she says.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Audiology Experts supports the Kiwanis Club of Arlington and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County via the Cinderella Ball. Dr. Fell often speaks to organizations that want to know more about hearing loss and its effects.

WHAT MAKES THE PRACTICE SPECIAL: Audiology Experts takes the time to put patients at ease by guiding them through the maze of options and correcting all the clutter of misinformation that the hearing aid advertisements provide. “The goal here is to build lasting relationships with each patient,” Dr. Fell says. “Trust and confidence are integral to a patient receiving the most rewarding and unique hearing care experience he or she deserves. Any recommendation for managing hearing is tailored toward optimizing comfort, communication and happiness.

Pursuing hearing aids with a caring provider at a conveniently located office with a friendly, well-trained staff makes the reward of better hearing and easier communication much more satisfying for all involved.” arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

33

EE N N TT RR EE PP RR EE N N EE UU RR SS

Great Skin Spa & Facial Club 3851 S.W. Green Oaks Blvd. • 817-478-2114 • greatskin4you.com

B

renda Cureton Smith, owner of Great Skin Spa & Facial Club, Great Skin Franchising Company and The Great Skin Care Co., LLC, began her career in the beauty business 13 years ago as the first U.S. franchisee of Canadian-based FACES Cosmetics.

From the multitude of experiences she gained from such, Brenda developed Great Skin, headquartered in Arlington, nine years ago, and the company has continued to grow and gain notoriety as an exceptional day spa and skin care provider, and GS is known for clients getting excellent results.

HOW THE COMPANY CAME TO BE: Brenda’s original interest in beauty stemmed from her many years of being intrigued by learning how to take care of her skin – how to retain its youth, how to age gracefully and how to use makeup as an enhancement vs. having to rely on it and still feel great about your appearance after removing your Brenda Cureton Smith makeup. She pondered how to make receiving professional spa services a part of personal care vs. a special occasional visit or gift due to affordability.

Additionally, she recognized the need for relaxation, and the connection between looking good and feeling good (you know, feeling like a star or someone “Rich and Famous,” so to speak), all while feeling celebrated as a client and having your needs met through someone knowledgeable who partners with you to meet your skin and body care needs. As she watched four women in different parts of the world have to close their franchise location of FACES, she found it necessary to have to start over from scratch, literally, at 50 years old, and worked diligently to develop a brand, concept and operating principals that embodied all of what she had learned and found to be important to clients with great consideration on what it takes to run a quality business so that it thrives and clients receive greatness and meet their beauty and skin care goals. Great Skin operates on principals of integrity, service, commitment and results! Clients rave about Great Skin, the results they get and the customer service and being a GS Facial Club member.

THE COMPANY’S EVOLUTION: Great Skin is now a franchise company, and while Brenda is an operating Master Esthetician, she is also the CEO of the company. Great Skin is an award-winning Day Spa and skin care company, well known for highly respecting each client’s goals and working with them to achieve those goals by fully

34 34ARLINGTON ARLINGTON TODAY TODAY • June • June 20192018 2018 • arlingtontoday.com • arlingtontoday.com

understanding and matching their needs to the perfect skin care treatment plan and home care system.

ABOUT YOUR VISIT THERE: A brief needs assessment is done with each client prior to developing a treatment plan that is fitted to their exact needs. Often, your Great Skin esthetician will ask you to take a picture of your skin and/or body prior to the treatment and throughout the treatment plan so you, too, can celebrate your success of achieving your goals. It’s about partnership at Great Skin! Great Skin’s slogan is “Relax, Rewind, Renew!”

SERVICES OFFERED: Great Skin specializes in Anti Aging; Acne; hyperpigmentation skin treatments; Facials; Chemical Peels; LED; Microneedling; Microdermabrasion; Waxing; Slimming Body Treatment, including non-surgical Fat Cavitation; Cellulite Treatments (Endermologie); Foot Detoxing, Makeovers, Teeth Whitening and their award-winning Skin Care. Their signature product series is their Anti Aging Gold Tox System, a home care system that reduces wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines and increases collagen.

WHAT SETS THE COMPANY APART: Exceptional customer service, knowledgeable and educated skin and body care specialists, Affordable Pricing, Facial Club membership. Brenda is a resident of Arlington, originally from Wisconsin, and she holds a Bachelors Degree in Professional communication. She previously worked for AH Belo, the Dallas Morning News and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She welcomes readers to come in and experience Great Skin Spa & Facial Club, as well as those interested in owning a Great Skin franchise location(s). The company is expanding throughout Texas and offers a turnkey franchise program that includes everything needed to successfully own and operate your own Great Skin Spa & Facial Club!

PS: Even though FACES is no longer offered in the U.S., you can purchase its foundation and powders at Great Skin. Cureton Smith also recently developed a product paying homage to her mother, Mattie, who was afflicted with Alzheimer’s: “Hemp Healing Cream” for skin and body care. If you are looking for a great spa to beautify your skin and slim your body, or looking for a business opportunity where you help others, contact Great Skin Spa & Skin Care. Great Skin is also a 6-time winner of best skin care in Arlington!

John Parker

EE N N TT RR EE PP RR EE N N EE U U RR SS

Parker & Richardson, P.C. • 500 E. Broad St., Mansfield • 817-226-6100 • parkercpas.com Texas Insurance Agency • 500 E. Broad St., Suite 150, Mansfield • 817-226-9988 • texasins.net

J

ohn Parker is a principal at two local businesses: the CPA firm, Parker & Richardson, P.C.. and an insurance company, Texas Insurance Agency. Both have been in business in the Arlington/Mansfield area since the early 2000s, helping North Texas area clients meet their respective accounting and insurance needs. Here, he shares his thoughts on his companies and how they effectively serve their customers ...

ABOUT PARKER & RICHARDSON: I am fortunate to be involved in two distinct and separate businesses, the first being the CPA firm, Parker & Richardson, P.C. This firm was started in 2004, but its origination dates back to my solo CPA practice that started in 1995.

Over the years, it has evolved into a boutique practice that specializes in catering to the distinct needs of our business owners. As both an entrepreneur and business owner, I can relate to and understand the issues associated with owning and operating a business. This experience, coupled with my tax expertise, allows me to be as tax-efficient as possible when assisting clients.

John Parker owns and operates two local companies: Parker & Richarson, P.C., and Texas Insurance Agency.

ABOUT TEXAS INSURANCE AGENCY: My other business venture is an insurance agency, Texas Insurance Agency, that has several locations in the North Texas area.

The insurance agency started in 2001 and has grown steadily year after year.

SERVICES: The CPA firm provides tax planning and tax preparation, as well as accounting and consulting.

We have several clients that have us handle all facets of their accounting needs. On the insurance side, we provide auto, homeowners, life and commercial insurance. We represent some of the best-known carriers, including: Allstate, Hartford, Nationwide, Progressive, Safeco and Travelers.

WHAT SETS THE COMPANIES APART: Both businesses work off of the same principles. We provide great service and do what is best for the client. These principles have been emphasized from day one and continue to be our focus on a daily basis. We truly care about our clients and their businesses. They see this and really come to trust and appreciate our services.

CONSULTATION INFORMATION: The best way for a prospective client to contact us is to call our CPA office at 817-226-6100 or the insurance office at 817-226-9988. I personally call back each prospective client to make sure that we can provide value to them.

36

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Photo: Southern Flair Photography

55+ Active Adult Apartment Homes

STARTING AT $1,595*

Announcing 2017 Readers’ Choice

All Star ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

Start the summer off right with us!

Wednesday, June 12th • 2PM We’re celebrating the summer with a Pool Party, Ice Cream Social, Live Music and exciting tours of our beautiful community. *Don’t forget your pool towel!

RSVP Today!

Call Today To RSVP or Schedule Your Tour

817-969-4284 250 W Arbrook Blvd • Arlington, TX 76014

OvertureHighlands.com

The Law Offices of Stephanie A. Foster, P.C. Deciding to divorce is one of the most important decisions a person can face so it makes sense to know your options. One option is traditional courtroom litigation. Another option is collaborative law divorce.

Although attorney Stephanie Foster Gilbert is prepared to be the warrior in your courtroom battle as she has been in thousands of Tarrant County divorce cases over the past 28 years, her preference is to be the peacemaker in your interest-based negotiations through the dignified, private, childprotecting process known as collaborative law divorce which involves no court.

Stephanie Foster Gilbert is confident that the collaborative law process is a powerful way to generate creative solutions in family law disputes while minimizing financial and emotional damage to the couple and their children all the while promoting post-divorce psychological and financial health of the restructured family.

As a family law mediator and one of the first Tarrant County attorneys trained in collaborative law, attorney Stephanie Foster Gilbert will help you navigate through your divorce options and zealously represent you through the process of your choice.

Contact attorney Stephanie Foster Gilbert today to discuss your options.

One option is traditional courtroom litigation.

Another option is collaborative law divorce.

Law Offices of Stephanie A. Foster, P.C. 4214 Little Road, Arlington, TX 76016

817-277-2805 • StephanieFosterLawyer.com Overture is an equal housing opportunity. Amenities and services vary by location.

Photo of Overture resident(s). See a Greystar representative for details.

Litigator; Collaborator; Mediator arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

37

EE N N TT RR EE PP RR EE N N EE UU RR SS

Melissa Danchak is owner and chief audiologist at Kos/Danchak Audiology & Hearing Aids.

Kos/Danchak Audiology & Hearing Aids 101 W. Randol Mill Road • 817-277-7039 • northtxhearing.com

Hearing louder is not hearing better!

Why turn up the volume on the problem when you can get a personalized solution!

Hearing loss is the 3rd most common health problem in the United States amongst older Americans. The growing list of consequences related to untreated hearing loss includes: hospitalization and fatigue, falls, anxiety, social isolation, depression, cognitive decline and dementia.

So what are your options to hear the best you can?

• Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAP’s) • Hearing Aids While it can be challenging to see the differences in the actual devices themselves, your ears will hear the difference! PSAP’s do not address the core hearing loss issues. They are also not

38

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

professionally programmed or fit. PSAP’s are basically designed to amplify all sounds.

Hearing aids are a Class 1 medical device. They are programmed and fit after a professional evaluation and consultation based on your personal and unique hearing needs. Hearing aids are designed to help you hear and understand the best you can.

Better hearing health care helps people reconnect with family and friends in a variety of settings, and many studies have proven that better hearing health care reduces the social isolation, depression and anxiety that hearing loss can cause.

If it has been more than three years since your last hearing test, or if you are noticing a decline in your ability to hear well or understand clearly what is being said, call Kos/Danchak Audiology & Hearing Aids at (817) 277-7039 for a complimentary hearing consultation and listening demonstration.

Call Jim Ross Law Group for your free consultation at 817-275-4100 or text “lawyer” to 313131.

JimRossLaw.com

AREAS OF PRACTICE: − Personal Injury − Family − Business Litigation − Wills and Probate − Criminal Defense

MAVERICKS

Lead B E A M AV E R I C K .

The best and brightest students all over the world choose UTA, a university ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report.

uta.edu/discover

arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

39

L

EE N N TT RR EE PP RR EE N N EE UU RR SS

Christopher Chappell

Resurgence Wellness 2701 Matlock Road, #105 833-696-2329 resurgencewellness.com

ast September, Resurgence Wellness opened its doors in Arlington and introduced a new realm of healthcare to the North Texas region. ABOUT THE PRACTICE: Practice founder Christopher Chappell says Resurgence Wellness specializes in providing advanced medical solutions to help patients reach optimal health. The clinic methodically analyzes the cause of each patient’s health issues to create effective – even, life-changing – results, whether a patient’s goal is to lose weight, stabilize hormone levels, or boost his/her immune system. The gamut of solutions is based on treatments that are safe and non-invasive ways to get to the root cause of health problems to help restore the patient’s vitality so he or she can get back to feeling well. THE PRACTICE’S PHILOSOPHY: “Own the Day.” Chappell, a clinical nurse specialist, started Resurgence Wellness by recruiting medical professionals who will assist you in creating an individualized treatment plan to enhance your body’s capacity to heal itself. “We are dedicated to helping people make big life transformations in order to live a vital life and get back to owning each day,” he says. THE TEAM: Dr. Amanda Hall, Dr. Rick Westbrook and Dr. Matthew Cerniglia, as well as nurses Jake Sanchez, Savannah Houston and Teresa Scott, the collection of whom share Chappell’s view that addressing the lifestyle can change the life. “Before finding the cause of your health concerns and creating your customized wellness plan, an important aspect of our patient-practitioner relationship is discussing symptoms and current habits, so you can have an active role in your new healthy lifestyle,” Chappell says. SERVICES: Resurgence Wellness provides solutions for health issues such as Weight Loss, Medical Aesthetics and Sexual Wellness, as well as offering Platelet Rich Plasma/Stem Cell and Intravenous Nutrient Therapies, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy and Concierge Medicine, which provides each patient with personalized care and treatments, better access to a personal primary care doctor and more time devoted to personalized patient care.

T

John R. Lively and John R. Lively Jr.

Lively & Associates, PLLC 301 Commerce St., Suite 2900, Fort Worth 817-532-3110 • LivelyLLP.com 40

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

he law firm of Lively & Associates, PLLC, is a boutique business and litigation firm located in Fort Worth. Lively & Associates was founded in 2008 and is known for its keen focus on its clients, keeping them informed and involved throughout the legal process.

PRACTICE HISTORY: Though the firm was founded in 2008, the attorneys representing the firm have served the community and surrounding areas since 1965. The firm’s attorneys – John R. Lively, John R. Lively Jr., Daniel Aguilar and David F. Farris – are licensed to practice in all courts in Texas at both the state and federal levels and the U.S. Supreme Court. A ‘CLIENT FIRST’ FOUNDATION: Legal strategies are developed to fit the client’s specific needs, goals, and objectives. The attorneys possess a broad knowledge of business that allows them to identify and seize upon critical issues specific to a wide range of business practices. PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY: Lively & Associates specializes in business law to protect clients who have family businesses both big and small. “Working together with my father has allowed us to truly understand the personal side as well as the daily operations of these businesses,” John R. Lively Jr. says. “There is so much that goes into a family business. We are here to help.” The firm’s primary areas of practice include Business Law, Business Litigation, Civil Appellate Law, Creditor Rights, Estate Planning and Probate, Oil and Gas, Real Estate, and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

WHAT MAKES LIVELY & ASSOCIATES SPECIAL: “Rarely found in a firm of this size, the attorneys and support staff possess the technological capabilities and resources of a large law firm while retaining the personal attention of a small firm,” Lively says. “We have a vast knowledge of the judicial process, as well as Alternative Dispute Resolution.”

Your one Stop Shop For

Dads

Your Hometown Attorney

& Grads

Winner, 2018 Elder Law Attorney

Consult FeeWaived

when you mention this ad.

Winner 2018

2018 Winner All Star All Star Gift Shop!

ARLINGTON Today Readers’ Choice

your community • your magazine

• Gifts for Dad • Gifts for Grads

2504 W Park Row Dr, Suite A Pantego, TX • 817-542-0862

• Teacher Gifts • Student Faves

AnythingGoesGiftShop.com

817.842.0220

550 N. Walnut Creek #110 • Mansfield, TX 76063

www.KarenSchroederLaw.com

• Wills, Trusts & Estates • Elder Law & Guardianships • Asset & Wealth Protection • Business Formation, Operation & Acquisitions • Real Estate Matters

Visit us at www.fundentist.com!

Drs. Hyde, Bailey, Miller & Associates Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry

Children’s speCialist

• Infants • Adolescents • Teenagers

Monitor your water usage online MONITOR YOUR WATER USAGE ONLINE

The home of Adam Alligator! t

Winner 2018 Readers’ Choice

ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

fi e

4220 Little Road Arlington, Tx 76016 817-478-2300

south@fundentist.com

n fie

fi e

2300 Matlock Road, Suite 28 Mansfield, Tx 76063 817-539-0500 mansfield@fundentist.com

Winner

All Star “All Star

Pediatric Dentistry”

t

fi e

801 W. Road to Six Flags, Suite 101 Arlington, Tx 76012 817-459-1313 north@fundentist.com

ent

fi e

3101 S. Center St., Suite 101 Arlington Tx 76014 817-466-7057 center@fundentist.com

All locations accepting new patients and all Medicaid and CHIPS Programs.

Your Arlington Water Utilities online account has a new look and new features that will help you track your water use.

Daily water usage totals from your remotely read meter are available on our easy-to-use web page. Visit www.arlingtontx.gov/wateronline to log in to your existing online account or register for online access. arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

41

THE ARTS: FILM

Amy Greene and Chris Stinson are regulars at “red carpet” events these days – although she has much more of a taste for the affairs than he does.

including an incarnation as a boxer and currently as a marathon runner and mountain climber.

“I pretty much do whatever extreme sport I can find,” she says. “I love taking on challenges.”

As a result of her yen for performing and her drive to perform well, Greene was able to scale Hollywood in remarkably rapid fashion.

After leaving her hometown she attended DePaul University in Chicago, served in a casting internship in Hollywood and returned to Chicago to finish her degree at Columbia before moving to Los Angeles. Here again, that ascent is no surprise – this is someone who has been to base camp at Mount Everest (more than 15,000 feet in altitude) and who yearns to return to see if she can reach even greater heights on the storied peak.

For now, though, she and her beau of the past seven years, Chris Stinson, are thrilled to be standing on lofty ground in their Amy Greene and Chris Stinson create cinematic works that chosen field. break the mold and tell stories movie goers need to know To date, her name has appeared among the credits of some three dozen films – as • By Yale Youngblood a producer, production manager, casting department member, stunt coordinator and performer, and actor. o those who knew Amy Greene “back in the day” in Stinson, meanwhile, has been part of 35 films, 26 as a Arlington, it comes as little surprise that the affable producer. None was more important than “Nina,” a story Martin High School graduate has (A) found her calling about singer Nina Simone. It was on the set of that movie that in the motion picture industry or (B) been resoundingly he and Greene met, discovered a common passion for telling successful while doing so. important stories and decided to start telling them together – In fact, the path Greene has followed from her hometown to on film and in life. both coasts in pursuit of telling stories on the big screen was They’ve collaborated on 10 movies, including, recently, the laid out virtually from the time she was born. provocative “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile,” “I always performed as a kid – dance, theater ... you name which stars Zac Efron and Lily Collins. Where Greene once it,“ she says of formative years spent at Miss Persis Studio of danced with the troupes at Miss Persis Studio, today she’s Dance and on the stage entertaining local audiences. “It pretty dancing with the stars, the likes of Efron, Collins, Robert much was in my blood.”

Redford, Cate Blanchett, Dennis Quaid and Kirsten Dunst.

So, too, was a competitive spirit that inspired numerous Each of those Hollywood “A List” members have appeared in accomplishments in youth sports and beyond – ultimately

Moving pictures

T

42

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

films with which Greene and Stinson were involved. One of them, Efron, even killed Greene on screen.

That revelation shouldn’t be construed as a “Spoiler Alert” – after all, “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” is a tale about serial killer Ted Bundy, played by Efron. Greene was cast as one of his victims.

“My first on-screen death,” she says with a fetching smile. “At least, as an actor. I’ve probably been killed a few times as a stunt double.”

That Greene and Stinson would take on a disturbing or unconventional topic on film is no anomaly; in fact, they choose movies to produce that tell interesting stories, regardless of subject matter. It’s not the “Hollywood way,” but it’s what drives Greene and Stinson. And it’s what drove them to become involved almost exclusively in independent film making.

“People come to us with a script, we decide if we like it, and, if we do, we try to make a movie,” Greene says. “But we only like it if it tells an important story.”

Stinson says Hollywood studio executives only like movies that can make studio executives a lot of money.

Some studios even have manuals that contain a formula by which the film comes together; nothing strays from that blueprint.

“It’s like being a baker,” he says.

“Here’s your recipe. Here’s your oven.”

Stinson decided that’s a half-baked way to produce films. In fact, he almost said as much during his first meeting with studio executives to discuss his prospective participation on a film.

“I sat there listening to them for five minutes and said, ‘sorry, I can’t do this,’” he says. “I’ve been doing independent films ever since.”

While his and Greene’s indie movies don’t generally achieve the box-office success of their studio-produced counterparts, they often garner critical acclaim. Their film “Chronic,” starring Tim Roth and directed by renowned Mexican director Michel Franco, won the award for best screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015.

Another Greene/Stinson production, “Leave No Trace” about a father and his 13-year-old daughter living an ideal existence in a vast urban park in Portland, Ore., until a small mistake derails their lives forever, has garnered a perfect 100 score on rottentomatoes.com. That’s the website “bible” for movie goers to

peruse to see what the critics thought of the work they plan to see.

Greene and Stinson are currently involved in a new endeavor, “Knives Out,” starring Daniel Craig, Chris Evans and Jamie Lee Curtis, which will be released soon, and they are excited about its prospects to appeal to critics and viewers alike. “It’s a murder mystery,” says Stinson. “And I think it’s a good film.”

When it debuts, there’s a 99 percent chance the outgoing Greene will be on the red carpet at its premier. The odds are much slimmer that Stinson will join her.

“I told her I’d pick her up when it’s over,” he says. “That’s her thing, not mine. I’ve done enough of those that if I didn’t have to

Here are some of the films with which Amy Greene and Chris Stinson have been involved: “Nina” (where they met), “Truth” starring Robert Redford, “Chronic,” which was a Cannes Film Festival sensation, and the recent “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile.”

do another, I’d be OK with that.”

What they both agree on, however, is their home in Portsmouth, N.H., to which they recently moved. With shoreline and woodland landscapes galore, the burg appeals to the nature lover in Greene, and Stinson appreciates its lack of limelight.

“Everything is so real there,” Greene says. “That’s not always the case in Hollywood. It’s just a great place to go to recharge the battery before we take on a new movie challenge.”

One she’ll no doubt conquer. arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

43

LOCAL DWELLINGS

Home SWEET! Home

This custom-built home in Mansfield shows that, when it comes to comfort and luxury, you are limited only by your imagination.

Photos courtesy of Julie Short

This custom-made Mansfield abode is a dream come true – literally and figuratively

A

lmost anyone who has had a custom-built home will tell you there’s something special about being part of the process – there’s always some “you” in your dwelling. Julie Short of Coldwell Banker Residential Mansfield likes to say, “If you can dream it, it can be built!”

This custom home with unique features and accents in the Southern tip of Mansfield not only accomplished the new dwellers’ desires; Short believes it will get you thinking about the possibilities for your own “symphony of style.”

Consider the tile murals of an exotic waterfall destination featured in the photo of the shower on the next page. Short says you can do that to help you escape.

“And who doesn’t want a sink in the shower for shaving?” Short asks. “It only makes sense.” >>>

44

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

the numbers, this dwelling covers 3,700 square BesidesBybeing located handily to practically anywhere feet, has four bedrooms, four bathrooms and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, thisfull home also a three-car garage.

It also looks exquisite, inside is practically shrine-like in its spaciousness and and outside. luxuriousness.

arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

45

Every nook and cranny in this house – and all the larger areas, as well – came to be to meet dwellers’ desires. That’s the beauty of a custom-built home.

Which is why that’s also part of this home. But there’s more.

Note some of the other unique additions to this dwelling: • Beams restored from a historic southern Louisiana barn adorn the ceiling of the master bedroom, bringing a hint of the old to this eclectic design experience.

• The home features recessed smart lighting that is voicecontrolled, and it possesses an array of color possibilities that can set the tone for entertainment or relaxation – and everything in between.

• Glass walls across the front and back allow for a beautiful view of the pond (yes, this lot provides access to a picturesque pond) and allows the passerby a sneak peek at this gorgeous abode – “just enough of a glimpse to get your mind wondering what the rest may look like,” Short says.

• There’s a spacious media room, complete with theater seating, ensuring an entertainment hot spot for family members and friends who want to live large.

“This unique creation is the brainchild of a creative homeowner, a talented architect and a great home builder, who acts as conductor to bring all the beautiful instruments together in perfect harmony,” Short says. “I offer a big thank you to Mansfield Custom Homes for sharing this latest masterpiece.”

If you like what you see here, Short would love to visit with you about planning and constructing something like it – or something altogether different. “That’s the beauty of custom built homes,” Short says. “You can create anything you want.”

For more information, call Short at 682-552-4384.

46

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Rose Garden Tea Room

NOW OPEN

Mon-Sat 11a-3:30p

GRACIELANECOLLECTION.COM

817.468.5263 4720 SOUTH COOPER STREET ARLINGTON, TEXAS

THEATREARLINGTON

Summer

For all ages and experience levels!

CAMPS!

Theatre Arlington A.C.T.S.

REGISTER NOW

Camps fill up fast!

(Adult and Children’s Theatre School)

Musical Theatre Performance Camp

June 10-28, 2019 9am-5pm // Ages 11-16

Play and Pretend Camp July 22-26, 2019 9am-Noon // Ages 3-7

Musical Theatre Kids Camp June 10-14 or July 29-Aug. 2, 2019 9am-5pm // Ages 7-11

Adventures in Theatre Camp

July 8-19, 2019 9am-5pm // Ages 8-16

CONTACT: Cindy Honeycutt, cindy@theatrearlington.org • 817-261-9628, ext. 13 • theatrearlington.org arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

47

CELEBRATIONS

The Mayor’s crew just grew (by two) s exciting as Mayor Jeff Williams’ recent re-election was, it didn’t earn top billing on the list of “Recent Big Moments” for the Mayor and his wife Karen.

“We have had a lot to celebrate in our household lately,” says Jeff. “My oldest daughter, Natalie Williams Pollitte, and her husband, Stephen Pollitte, had their third child on April 5th – Carly Grace Pollitte. They have our twin grandsons, Caleb and Caden, that are four years old.

“My other daughter, Suzanne Williams Taylor, and her husband, Brandon Taylor, had their second child, Wade William Taylor, on April 25th. They also have our two-year-old granddaughter, Kate.

“My son, Ryan Williams, and his wife, Morgan, have our 7-month-old grandson, Nolan Robert Williams.

Photos courtesy of Karen Williams They were excited to be able to watch and get excited about new baby additions rather than having to go through it this go-around.”

The senior Williams notes that the family scene has changed – dramatically – since he first decided to pursue the Mayor position. “When I originally ran for office four years ago, we did not have any grandchildren until the latter part of my first campaign,” he says. “We now have SIX! It has been an exciting and busy time.”

Consequently, this particular Father’s Day will take on special significance at Williams Manor – adding to a legacy that began even as Jeff and Karen were “beginning.”

“Father’s Day is a special time in our family,” the Mayor says.

“We have incredible fathers that have paved the way for our family and set incredible examples of how to be great Dads and leaders of our family. It is really special, as well, to watch my

A

48

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

children as parents, too. It is truly amazing to see how the Lord has blessed us with wonderful children and see them doing so well and serving as wonderful parents to our grandchildren. I am deeply blessed, and Father’s Day is a great time to celebrate all the memories we have had together and those that we will continue to experience together as a family.”

Jeff says he has so many wonderful memories as a father: “Coaching my kids t-ball, baseball, and softball teams ... Swimming and playing water volleyball in the backyard ... Taking my kids on camp-outs through the YMCA’s Indian Princess and Indian Guides programs ...

All three of my children’s weddings ... Snow-skiing with my children each spring break ... Trips to Disneyworld – incredible memories ... Walking my middle daughter onto the field at Texas Tech University as part of the The newest additions to the Jeff and Karen Williams’ family: Homecoming Court ....

Carly and Wade Going to Disneyworld and seeing my oldest daughter playing a character and watching those kids adore her ... Watching my son lead his Christian fraternity in college.”

And now that he’s a grandfather, the memory list continues to grow, as he notes: “Coming home from work and my granddaughter, Kate, running to the door to greet her ‘Gan-dad’ ... Watching my twin grandsons play soccer ... My grandson, Nolan, smiling the biggest when he is with his Granddad and always wanting me to hold him ... Staying with my daughter and her husband after the arrival of Wade – something special about finishing your day with your little grandson in your arms ... Seeing each of my grandchildren dedicated by their parents to be raised in a Christian household and to be taught about Jesus ... The activity and noise in our home when all our children, their wonderful spouses, and all our grandchildren are there “I cannot wait for more to come as each one gets older!”

Circle the dates

A little ‘sis,’ a bit of ‘boom’ and lots of ‘AH!’

Photo: the shorthorn.com

S

hould you choose to go forth on July 4th this year, there are plenty of local festivities to put on your itinerary, each primed to summon your inner patriot. Only, you should make this note: Some of the events precede and/or succeed Independence Day, Of course, that just means you can extend the holiday – and visit several of the local burgs in the process. Here are highlights of what’s in store: Arlington Viridian’s annual salute to Independence Day will explode with more music and activities, plus a charitable twist during the Stars & Stripes Celebration, from 3-10 p.m. on June 30. The public is invited to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs to Lake Viridian, 1001 Viridian Park Lane for free concerts by Lillly Harvey, The Shane Bell Band and Live 80.

Once the calendar turns to July, the 12th annual Light Up Arlington is set for 6 p.m. on July 3 on a several-block area surrounding City Hall. The event will feature live music, kid-friendly activities and a spectacular fireworks display. Light Up Arlington also has food trucks and carnival concessions. Bands will perform on downtown stages, including at the Levitt Pavilion. The fireworks display will begin at 9:45 p.m.

The next day, the annual Arlington 4th of July Parade will say, “Happy Birthday, USA!,” when the city’s longest running event winds through Downtown, beginning at 9 a.m.

Started in 1965, the parade was composed of primarily youth on red, white and blue-decorated bicycles, pedaling around Randol Mill Park. It eventually became too large for the park path and has evolved into a two-mile, high-spirited, curb-to-curb ribbon of red, white and blue with 150 entries that roll through downtown and UTA’s College Park District to the beat of patriotic music played by a variety of musical entries. The parade is organized and staged by the all-volunteer non-profit organization, the Arlington 4th of July Association.

For more: arlington4th.org.

Photo: Arlington Today

Photo: City of Mansfield

Mansfield Mansfield’s Rockin’ 4th of July will actually be held on July 3, from 6-10 p.m. at Big League Dreams Mansfield (500 Heritage Pkwy S.). The free festival will feature games, live music, entertainment, food vendors and more, capped off by a fireworks show.

There is no on-site parking; all parking will be at Mansfield ISD’s Vernon Newsom Stadium with free shuttle buses to and from the event.

For more: mansfieldtexas.gov/event/8505/rockin-4th-of-july.

Grand Prairie Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie (1000 Lone Star Pkwy.) will host the “Lone Stars and Stripes Celebration” on July 4-5. Visitors can celebrate America with with horse races, bounce houses, face painters, tattoo artists, pony rides, a petting zoo and much more from 3-9 p.m. After the races conclude, there will be world-class fireworks shows choreographed to music.

For more: lonestarpark.com/events/lone-stars-stripes-celebration-2.

Photo: tripsavvy.com

When it comes to celebrating Independence Day, few areas do it better than this one. From Light Up Arlington to the Arlington 4th of July Parade, from Mansfield’s Rockin’ 4th of July to Grand Prairie’s Lone Stars and Stripes celebration, this region is true red, white and blue. arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

49

PICTURE-PERFECT MOMENTS

SCENE Snapshots from the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Arlington Life Shelter facility and from Arlington on Tap at Division Brewing

Photo courtesy of Tony Rutigliano

Dignitaries break ground on the new Arlington Life Shelter facility.

Brad Jay, Bob Carter, Brenda McCalip, Lois Bacon and Rodney Waller

Elena Fernandez, Benjamin Mogendi and LaTonya Copeland

Lauren Musgrave, Tillie Burgin and Clark Burgin at the Arlington Life Shelter event

O.K. Carter and Dave Lieber at Arlington on Tap

John Sweek and Suzanne Sweek

Photos: Southern Flair Photography Photo: Arlington Charities

Councilperson Kathryn Wilemon, Sylvia Nichols and Mike McCoy at the groundbreaking event

Chandra Thompson and Miles Wilson

Donna Darovich, Cyndi Golden and Nancilu McClellan

For more great SCENE shots, visit arlingtontoday.com Photos: Yale Youngblood

Sara Troutman, Glenn Troutman and Prudence Mathis

50

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

AttendeesClete of the MLK event historical Susie McAlister, McAlister andview Valerie Landryrecords of King’s life and social achievements.

Here is one of the dozens of art pieces done by Arlington ISD students to honor King.

on nti Me

for ad s thi

Your personal design team.

f!

% 10

of

Winner 2016-2018 Readers’ Choice

All Star ARLINGTON Today

2016-2018 Winner All Star Flooring Store

your community • your magazine

Hilton’s Flooring/Wholesale Granite Direct An Abbey Carpet & Floor Showroom • Family owned and operated since 1995.

®

2800 W. Division • Arlington, Tx 76012 • 817-461-5189 M-F 9-6 • Sat 10-4 • Sun Closed • www.hiltonsflooring.com

Experience.

Integrity.

817-795-0031 • www.swbcmortgage.com 1281 W. Green Oaks Blvd. #119 Arlington, Tx 76013

Winner 2015 & 2018

Honorable Mention 2016

Readers’ Choice

Readers’ Choice

All Star

All Star

ARLINGTON Today

ARLINGTON Today

L to R - Front Row: Lacreta Beaney, Mary Dietz NMLS 219164. L to R - Back Row: Karyn Goen, Paul Beaney NMLS 217433, Aaron Spaight NMLS #1391936, Valorye Ries, Tommy Jones NMLS# 230512. your community • your magazine

your community • your magazine

©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 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org), Corporate Office located at 9311 San Pedro Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78216.

arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

51

BEHIND THE WHEELS

Chevy engineers didn’t imagine this Ryan Gruber’s Bel Air is one cool car • By Richard Greene

Ryan Gruber stands with his 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air, which features a bevy of “extra features” that make it even more of a head turner than it was in the showroom.

I

Photos: Richard Greene

52

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

f you heard this car coming before you saw it, the likely unguarded response would be for your jaw to drop open and then say something like “how could that be?”

Then, its owner, Ryan Gruber, would explain: “Yeah, that sound you hear coming from under the hood is not the way the car came equipped in 1954.”

Chevrolet engineers put a 215-cubic-inch, 92-horsepower engine in the line of its cars considered revolutionary at the time as it set the pace for the legendary Bel Air that would evolve over the next few decades.

With its 3-speed manual transmission, the car could deliver speeds of 60 miles per hour – plenty for the country’s highways of the day. But, for Ryan, he wanted more when he finally found what he was looking for some 16 years ago. >>>

With its sleek styling and powerful 600-horsepower Corvette engine, this classic car has both “driveway appeal” and “road cred.”

arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

53

The photos on this page show how the auto makers – and auto restorers – put an emphasis on bright shiny objects that give the car a special pizzazz.

“My first intentions were to chop the top, paint it flat black, and turn it into a hot rod,” he says. “Instead, realizing it was one of only a few white ones around, I changed my mind.”

After switching out three motors, two transmissions and two rear ends, he finally came up with what he has today.

And, it’s way cool. To say the least.

Now it’s souped-up with a Corvette LS, small-block, six-liter, fuel-injected V8 aluminum engine producing 600 horse power that can make the car go maybe twice as fast as it could coming off the assembly line 65 years ago.

As you might expect, Ryan spent some time at the famed Kennedale Speedway Park before drag racing there came to an end two years ago.

Sharing his experience, he describes his early encounter at the track. “The car does not look like it, but it is very quick on the track and has embarrassed a lot of other racers,” he says.

“I planned to put slick, drag racing tires on it to make it a little quicker on the track. I was told if I wanted to get it going a bit faster I would not be allowed to race without a roll bar.”

His mechanic, Nathan Hale of Hale’s Speed Shop in Lewisville, who specializes in cars of the mid-’50s, completed the drivetrain and suspension work for him. The addition of an air ride suspension system makes it possible to adjust both the car’s height and overall experience for driver and passengers alike.

Whenever he brings it home from Hale’s after work has been done, his wife, former Dalworthington Gardens mayor and current Tarrant County District Judge, Kimberly Fitzpatrick, has a

now predictable reaction. “It looks just the same as when it left,” she declares, and Ryan just smiles.

But, in addition to adding to the car’s power performance, the luxury seating – something else unheard of in 1954 – helps to transform it into as comfortable a ride as any of today’s modern vehicles.

As a result, he drives it weekly, and, along with power steering, automatic transmission and air conditioning, his wife and two daughters can enjoy the experience of cruising around with him and watch people turning their heads as they discover a car that is really different from all the others.

The 1954 Bel Air was part of the first generation of the premium model of cars in the General Motors family. It was advertised as “entirely new through and through,” with restyled body panels, front and rear ends.

It paved the way for the introduction of the 1955-57 range of cars that really established the Bel Air as a cultural icon.

With its curved, one-piece windshield, wide chrome strip of molding from the rear fender bulge to the rear bumper, the styling sets it off as somewhat of a transition from the art deco era with elements you can identify with a closer look.

The interior has a massive expanse of chrome across the dashboard and for the 1954 model, a revised grille and taillights.

You could get the car as a convertible, hardtop coupe and twoand four-door sedan. But if you wanted to turn heads with the characteristic throaty sound of race cars, you would have to wait a few years to have one like Ryan Gruber’s.

The air ride adjustment is done with this in the back of the trunk.

54

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

30th Annual

July 13 & 14, 2019 Saturday, July 13 10am-9pm Sunday, July 14 10am- 6pm

Admission: $12 • Kids 12 & Under FREE!

Arlington Convention Center 1200 Ballpark Way • Arlington, Texas

CAR SHOW

Southwest All Ford Nationals

For more info and discount coupons visit:

yellowrosecarshow.com or NTMC.org!

Open to All Ford Powered Vehicles

Hosted By:

2019 Yellow Rose Car Show Sponsors:

Benefitting:

www.tsrhc.org

Roger “Rocky” Walton, P.C. Board Certified Specialist Since 1994, Personal Injury Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization Fewer than 3% of Texas lawyers have this certification.

Wrongful Death and Serious Injury 2310 W. Interstate 20, Suite 200 • Arlington, Tx 76017 • 817-429-4299

INFO: katic@rockywalton.com • www.rockywaltoninjurylawyers.com arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

55

Dads and Grads

1

from Troy Vinson Jewelers

from Anything Goes During WWI, the Tavannes Watch Co was approached by two British submarine commanders to consider the construction of a watch suitable for work on submarine decks awashed in water.

This watch was supposed to be water-tight, non-magnetic, and the balance wheel had to be of a material shows a minimum of expansion and contraction with variations in temperature. The face had to be legible at all times. In 1917 the first waterproof wrist watch was born, made by the Tavannes Watch Company.

2

3

4

from uncommongoods.com

5 6

from Anything Goes

from Anything Goes

from Gracie Lane

7

from Gracie Lane

Dads and Grads

8

10

9

from Gracie Lane

from Gracie Lane

from Anything Goes

11

from Anything Goes

13

from Anything Goes

14

from Gracie Lane

12

from uncommongoods.com

ART (AND SPORT)

A museum of art like no other

Phil Whitfield is the ambassador of the 59-piece art collection at AT&T Stadium.

Photo: Karen Gavis

The collection at AT&T Stadium is an eclectic mix of passion-laden works • By Karen Gavis

A

s crews worked to remove remnants from the three-day KAABOO arts and music festival at AT&T Stadium, Phil Whitfield was busy touting the venue’s permanent art collection.

“We’ll have more,” Whitfield says of the 59-piece collection. “Every place that the Dallas Cowboys have, we’re putting artwork in it.”

A quarter-of-a-century ago, the 58-year-old, who stands about 6-feet, 5-inches tall, began working as security for the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium. But his life changed 10 years ago. That’s when Jerry Jones, the team’s owner, told Whitfield that his wife, Gene Jones, wanted to talk with him. Whitfield recalls thinking he must be in some sort of trouble. Instead, he was asked to become ambassador of the Cowboys’ art collection.

“I didn’t think I was going to be doing the artwork, I tell you that,” he says. “I was scared to death. It was the first time in my life I was doing something I didn’t know anything about.”

Shortly after he took the job, an arts council was formed, and he started visiting galleries and museums and meeting with curators and docents to learn everything he could.

“I learned from them you’ve got to do this in your own style,” he says about the guided, customized tours, which cost $26.

The collection at AT&T Stadium showcases the work of more than 40 artists whom Whitfield says he learned a lot about as well.

“Passion,” he says. “It’s what they all have. They’re not trying to fit in. They do their own thing.”

The criteria for artists was that their creations couldn’t have any political or religious backing or portray “anything that would offend a normal person,” says Whitfield, walking past some 58

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

premium seats and gesturing toward the standing room only section and then pointing out that the artwork is visible from various locations and above concession stands.

“We wanted people to come here, and, no matter whether they paid a little bit or a lot of money, that has nothing to do with the artwork,” he says. “The artwork is 100 percent, no matter where you go in this building.”

In one section of the stadium, Whitfield talks about “Two Minds,” a red and white work of art created by British artist Terry Haggerty.

“Some say it is a flag waving in the wind, or peppermint candy,” he says. Later, Whitfield highlights the reflective, outdoor “Sky Mirror” by Anish Kapoor and “Blue Field Explosions” by New York artist Gary Simmons, whose work can resurrect memories of early Batman brawls.

The vibrant “Coming Home” and “(Meet me) at the Waterfall”

by German artist Franz Ackermann, “Win!,” a wordy work of art

by Mel Bochner, and “Coin Toss” by University of North Texas art professor Annette Lawrence are also among the large-scale works.

“Starfield,” by Teresita Fernandez, encourages people to slow down and look up, Whitfield says.

“The black background shows a reflection of you,” he says of the work’s mirror-like aspect. “So you get to be a part of her “Starfield.”

Whitfield notes that the artwork was created hands-on at the stadium and each is accompanied by its own plaque. Cost was not revealed, he says, “because it’s not about money,” but about passion.

“Art gives you opportunities,” he says. “All those mixture of artists makes no difference. Art brings out the best in all of us.”

By Olafur Eliasson

By Jim Campbell

By Ricci Albenda

By Daniel Buren

By Jim Isermann

By Anish Kapoor

Here are six of the unique works of art at AT&T Stadium arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

59

LOCAL HEROES

Kenya Buckley’s story will be part of the Generation S project, a national campaign started to help find a cure for Sickle Cell disease.

Difference maker Kenya Buckley’s efforts to eradicate Sickle Cell Disease will be highlighted nationally

Photo: City of Arlington

A

true, heartfelt passion led an Arlington Water Utilities employee to create and run a nonprofit that will soon be featured nationwide in a commercial and documentary.

Kenya Buckley is an Arlington Water Utilities account analyst who simultaneously serves as Founder and President of Carol’s Promise Sickle Cell Foundation, an organization that was named Best Community Service Organization foundation in Fort Worth by a local business group in 2018. With a background in finance, a deep-rooted passion for Sickle Cell Disease, SCD, and supportive friends who had a similar passion, the nonprofit foundation was officially launched Aug. 7, 2017.

“It’s really near and dear to my heart,” Buckley says.

She began the process of forming the nonprofit in honor of her mother, Carol Groover, 10 years after her mother’s death in May 2005. The mission behind Carol’s Promise is to spread awareness, be an advocate and support those who have been affected by the disease.

Throughout the year, Carol’s Promise hosts various functions to raise awareness, support, and education. The nonprofit offers several events, including: • A holiday party to alleviate financial burdens on parents. At the event, the children receive three to four gifts.

• Sickle Cell Summit – an event dedicated to raising public awareness and to educate the public and healthcare professionals.

• Providing care packages to hospitalized patients.

• Quarterly support groups for those affected by the disease.

• Blood drives Sickle Cell Disease is a rare genetic blood disorder that affects

60

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

100,000 people nationwide. It affects millions worldwide. Every person has red blood cells that contain hemoglobin that transports oxygen throughout the body and to major organs, like the heart. Hemoglobin, when in a healthy system, is circular shape, smooth, and flexible. This allows easy transportation throughout the bloodstream. With the presence of SCD, the hemoglobin is abnormal. It has a crescent shape, hard to the touch, and is very rigid. This causes blockages because the hemoglobin cannot pass through the bloodstream easily.

This results in a lack of blood flow to the major organs, resulting in complications like anemia and severe pain. Buckley says that some patients have mentioned that it is “like broken, shattered glass moving through your vein.”

“No treatment has been approved by the FDA in 20 years,” Buckley says.

In November 2018, Jordin Sparks, the 2007 American Idol winner and pop star, partnered with Novartis and created the project Generation S. The team invited all individuals who had been affected by the disease to write a story about their experience, and five “storytellers” were chosen to take part with Generation S. Buckley wrote her mother’s story and was chosen.

The mission behind Generation S is to find a universal cure for the disease. Not every patient has a perfect match for bone marrow.

Some patients spend thousands of dollars on a transplant and then they reject it, or the disease complications overpower the transplant.

With this project, the storytellers, Jordin Sparks, and Novartis will create a documentary and commercial to bring awareness to the disease and to create a pathway leading to a universal cure.

You can find more information on Carol’s Promise Sickle Cell Foundation by visiting carolspromise.org, Facebook: @ CarolsPromise or Instagram: @carolspromise.

You're invited to an Afternoon

Please pop by!

LOVE YOUR PETS? Let us share them with our viewers!

Submit pictures and a small bio of your pets to pets@arlingtontoday.com to be selected as one of our

OPEN HOUSE Event

SUNDAY JUNE 23 2:00-4:00

Hosted by The Terri Franklin Team

2309 Newforest Court Arlington, TX Keller Williams Realty • 817-565-8975 www.franklinadvantage.com franklinadvantage@gmail.com Each Office is independently Owned and Operated. If your home is listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation.

#ATPETSOFTHEMONTH If selected to appear in the magazine you will receive a Gift Card.

Are your real estate investments at all time highs? And the property tax too?

You might want to consider selling now.

Get smart.

Call Callaway today. www.cfsadvisors.financia l 817-274-4877 • 721 N. Fielder Road, Suite C • Arlington, TX 76012 Securities offered through Callaway Financial Services Inc. Member of FINRA & SIPC arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

61

TRAVEL

Here’s to the great

Napa Valley!

How we celebrated views, company, and, of course, juice of the grape • By Reba Blevens

I

t’s been said that when a digital clock reflects the image of 11:11, you should close your eyes and make a wish.

Serendipity abounds. Our visit to Napa Valley in April was everything we could have wished for, and more. The experience from start to finish was magical. If you’ve had the privilege of winning one of the many trips provided by Auctioneer Dean McCurry for many of Arlington’s Charity Auctions, then you are bound to know. If not, bid higher. Dean does a remarkable job, but that is only the beginning.

Our lodging was at the “Napa Farmhouse” on Dry Creek Road just outside of Yountville. This spacious house included two living areas, two dining areas, a well-appointed kitchen, three bedrooms and three bathrooms with a natural rock pool and hot tub just off the back deck. The grounds were perfectly manicured with roses, tropical plants and grape vineyards as far as the eye could see. The setting was peaceful and relaxing.

At Eleven Eleven Winery we were welcomed to our tasting by Jordan, who had prepared a beautiful setting complete with fresh flowers along the center of our table. No surprise: both the wine and the experience were extraordinary. After all, it was Eleven Eleven signifying a special moment in time. Dinner our first night was at Bistro Jeanty. A quaint French restaurant in the center of downtown Yountville. No disappointment on the food or the service.

Day two began with a call from our driver for the day, Pat Hennessey. He made sure we were comfortable and was quick to offer to take pictures for us at each of our stops. The first vineyard was recommended by the concierge that helped us with our arrangements. The James Cole Winery was beautifully landscaped 62

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

With her good friends Brad and Judy Rupay, Brian Liu of Chase Cellars and her husband Scott, Reba Blevens recently experienced the greatness that is NAPA Valley.

Photos courtesy of Reba Blevens

and very inviting. We enjoyed a private tasting on the patio since the weather was a perfect 74°. Our next stop was for lunch at the Mustard Grill. Fortunately, we’d made reservations because this place was in high demand. The Mending Wall was our destination after lunch. Our favorite from the tasting at this vineyard was a 2015 Red Zinfandel, Mortar and Stone. Of course, we brought a couple of bottles home!

The afternoon included a stop at Woodhouse Chocolates and the Model Bakery for “Oprah’s Favorite English Muffins.” Both were worth stopping for! Our last stop of the day was Chase Cellars just north of St. Helena. Our host, Brian Liu, and the owner, Kate Hayne Simpson, could not have been more gracious. I found my favorite Rose’ here, along with several beautiful reds. Our evening ended with a wonderful dinner at Bouchon, sister restaurant to the infamous French Laundry in Napa.

We spent two more days exploring Napa Valley. Tastings included the historic HESS Vineyards, Domain Chandon, O’Brien Estates, Domain Carneros, and Cuvasion. We enjoyed Sunday Brunch at Auberge, where the view was absolutely breathtaking and the service was impeccable. We were even treated to a chef-prepared meal in the comfort of our home from Blossoms and Chef Nate that included appetizers of caviar and ahi tuna, a salad of baby greens and trout, homemade pasta with a lemon saffron sauce, and a beautifully prepared steak with a dessert of chocolate and strawberries as the finale.

All in all, we had a wonderful trip and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of the vineyards or restaurants we visited. We all left a little piece of ourselves behind with hopes of returning soon.

As this Arlington couple builds it, people are coming

B Anna and Benson Phillips stand on the porch of one of the cabins at Hackberry Creek Getaways.

A cabin at Hackberry Creek Getaways

This Frank Lloyd Wright-styled cabin in Royse City is available through glampinghub.com

Rough Creek Lodge & Resort

enson and Anna Phillips would be the first to proclaim their affection for Broken Bow, the delightful Southeast Oklahoma retreat that has proven to be a favorite of R&R seekers from DFW. The rustic cabins were a frequent stop for the couple when it came time for some romantic refueling of their own. What they most enjoyed: the privacy, the rural beauty, the tranquility. Just one thing bugged them after awhile, though: the three-hour-andchange drive from their Arlington home.

So five years ago Benson and Anna, high school sweethearts who met as missionaries in Africa, made a rather bold move in solving this pesky little nuisance. They began building their own cabin getaway, hoping to give area vacationers a quicker route to paradise.

The Phillips’ Hackberry Creek Getaways offers all the luxurious trappings – the exquisite cabins, the upscale ambiance, the romance of nature right at your doorstep – of Broken Bow. Excluding the drive.

Just head east on I-20, just beyond Terrell, and you’re there.

Hackberry Creek offers three wallet-friendly cabins peaking out from wooded lush on 33 acres. The place is so forested with statuesque East Texas trees and opulent foliage you’d swear there’s no cabin – or a living, breathing soul, actually – within miles.

More are on the way. Next up is a unique tree house cabin nestled across a fountainspewing pond. No matter how many cabins pop up on the property, you won’t be able to detect that one, either, until you cross a suspension bridge (to be built) and come right up on it.

“We want to make sure the cabins can’t be seen from each other,” Benson says.

“Privacy is one of the things we really want to maintain.”

Benson, a home healthcare professional, and Anna have lived in Arlington for nearly a dozen years. Two of their four boys attend Martin High School’s STEM Academy.

Hackberry Creek has been a family affair. Their boys helped build the deck where renters can now sit and take in nature’s beauty – in complete silence.

For more: hackberrycreekgetaways.com.

The Phillipses haven’t cornered the market on nearby rustic vacation- or minivacation-retreats, however. Here are some other options: glampinghub.com – One of the hotter vacation trends these days is “glamping,” which is a word that combines glamor and camping to describe what vacationers can find on this website that helps you find cabins, tree houses, yurts, safari tents, camper vans, tipis, tents and more. The abode pictured here, in Royse City, is a Frank Lloyd Wright-style cabin rental with a private hot tub. There is one bedroom and one full bathroom. In the living room, guests will find a sofa, a television, and a fireplace. The fully equipped kitchen comes with a microwave, a refrigerator, and a coffeemaker. For more: glampinghub.com.

Rough Creek Lodge & Resort Rooms and Suites – Casually elegant, Rough Creek Lodge & Resort in Glen Rose offers luxurious accommodations, fine dining, beautiful indoor and outdoor ranch-style venues and exceptional service on a 11,000-acre secluded estate.

For more: roughcreek.com.

– Kenneth Perkins arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

63

PICTURE-PERFECT MOMENTS

SCENE Snapshots from a recent high school graduation, from the River Legacy Foundation clay shoot fundraiser and from The Salvation Army DFW Inspiring Hope Luncheon at AT&T Stadium

Jean Taylor and Mark Tepera

Congratulations, Jordan Schwartz. We are proud of you and looking forward to the next chapter, the Texas Tech Honors College.

Don Degroot, Byron Hasty, Jeff Atkinson and Robert Hasty

PhotosPhoto: courtesy of Kristi Payne Arlington Charities

Cliff Mycoskie, Chris Carroll and Don Duke at the River Legacy Foundation event

Chris Carroll and Jill Hill at the clay shoot

Photos: The Salvation Army DFW

Daryl Johnston, Jonathan Rich, Karen Borta, Barbara Cheyne Rich and Emmitt Smith at the Inspiring Hope event at AT&T Stadium

Michael Cunningham, Claire Wheeler, Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams, Carl Ice, Mary Ice, Timothy Israel and Mansfield Mayor David L. Cook

Photos: The Salvation Army DFW

Dixon J. Holman, Kristen Holman, Sharon Holman and Dixon R. Holman

64

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Jerry McCullough and of Mayor Jeff Williams at the Attendees the MLK event view historical records of was one Here is one of the dozens of art pieces done by Emmitt Smith addresses the crowd Daryl Johnston of the Salvation Army event.

King’s life and social achievements.

Arlington ISD students to honor Army King. event. at the Salvation speakers at the luncheon.

Thank you

for making Dental Health Arlington’s 4th Annual Casino Night a huge success!

Dr. Shad Hattaway, Board President, Lilly Grelard DHA Clinic Director, Volunteer of the Year Award Winner Horacio "Chacho" Favela

Sally Hopper Golden Crown Award Winner Jim Orr with his daughter Deborah Jenkins and son Jim Orr and Nancy Blinn, Exective Director

We would like to thank these wonderful sponsors: Indian Creek Dental J. Gilligan's Bar & Grill Arlington Today North Texas Dentistry Dr. Kerin Burdette Casino Parties, Inc. The Wonderfuls Frost Bank National Health Corporation Edward Jones DDS Match DAES Group Pulpdent

Bank of America Dental Directions Norm & Laura Stinson Dr. Daniel Bush Michael Cunningham Kecia Mays Gloria Clemons Vista Ridge Dental SmileSource Daisey Yokely Essential Endodontics Kart Collision

We would also like to thank the many businesses that donated to our silent auction as well as ALL of the attendees!

THE TEE BOX

Golf, anyone?

City’s four public courses are primed for players of all experience/skill levels

N

ow that summer is almost here, it’s a great time to explore the great outdoors – especially if said spaces are marked by tiny flags in the heart of pristine greens.

To that end, Arlington Golf offers fabulous golf at four distinctly different public courses to players of every level of experience.

Redesigned in summer of 2008, the Lake Arlington Golf Course (1516 W. Green Oaks Blvd.) is a traditional 18-hole, par 71 facility that sits on 185 acres. The course offers challenging golf along with a practice putting green and chipping area at an exceptional value. Lake Arlington Golf Course blends open and tree-lined fairways, long challenging par threes and scenic greens to appeal to every level of player.

Meadowbrook Park Golf Course, opened in 1924 and located at 1300 E. Dugan, is the oldest course in Arlington.

The 9-hole, par 33 course consists of six par fours 250 to 300 yards in length and three par threes approximately 150 yards in length. Its small greens and narrow fairways are designed to challenge every level of player and is fun for the whole family.

Arlington Golf and the Texas Rangers have partnered to build the world’s only Major League Baseball-branded golf course – the Texas Rangers Golf Club – which opens on June 3 at 701 Brown Blvd. at the site of the former Chester W. Ditto course. This collaborative branding partnership, along with $24 million in course renovations, affords the opportunity for Arlington to offer a destination golf course for both Arlington residents and visitors alike.

Finally, there’s the beautiful, award-winning Tierra Verde Golf Club. Tierra Verde is the first golf course in Texas and the first municipal course in the world to be certified as an Audubon Signature Sanctuary. Opened in 1998, and carved from 250 acres of secluded terrain, the course’s unsurpassed layout encompasses a variety of natural settings and offers an outstanding playing experience on every hole. Tierra Verde was named the top golf course in the DFW Metroplex in 2012 by Avid Golfer magazine (public rankings - premium category).

For more: arlingtongolf.com.

Lake Arlington Golf Course

Meadowbrook Park Golf Course

Texas Rangers Golf Club

Tierra Verde Golf Club

66

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Start your path to better Services:

health Call about our

• Chiropractic (including Prenatal & Pediatric)

Limited Time Special Offer

• Personal Training/Fitness Classes

at our new North Arlington office!

• Massage Therapy • Stem Cell/PRP Therapy • Weight Loss/Lifestyle Modification • Counseling (1st Responders)

WINNER Readers’ Choice

All Star ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

“We believe people should have the freedom to pursue their purpose without limitations.”

Dr. Kenyon Godwin DC

www.txwellnessdoc.com Active Family Wellness Center South 4927 S. Collins, Suite 105 Arlington, Tx 76018

817-557-2770

Visit downtownarlington.org

Now AcceptiNg New pAtieNts!

Active Family Wellness Center North

4120 N. Collins St., Suite 200 Arlington, Tx 76005

817-618-6730

Winner 2014-18 “All Star Chiropractor” WINNER Readers’ Choice

All Star ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

Winner 2017 “All Star Wellness Center”

downtownarlington.org arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

67

BULLETIN BOARD

Theatre Arlington releases 2019-20 program schedule heatre Arlington’s 47th season will feature musical comedies, a fun new holiday show, familyfriendly children’s programming and classic plays that need to be seen again.

Executive Producer Steven D. Morris says the theatre will hire more professional Equity actors in each production, as well as skilled designers and talented live musicians. In addition, there will be a new Cabaret Series that will bring the Metroplex’s best singers and musicians to Theatre Arlington to perform in an intimate environment. Here is the full schedule for 2019-20: “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” – Genre: Musical. Dates: Sept. 20-Oct. 13.

“Winnie the Pooh” – Genre: Children’s musical. Dates: Oct. 25-Nov. 10.

“Hooray for Holidays: Theatre Arlington’s Musical TV Special” – Genre: Musical comedy. Dates: Nov. 22-Dec. 15.

“Ripcord” – Genre: Comedy.

Dates: Jan. 10-26, 2020.

“A Raisin in the Sun” – Genre: Drama. Dates: Jan. 10-Feb. 3, 2020.

“Damn Yankees” – Genre: Musical. Dates: March 27-April 19, 2020.

“The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr” – Genre: Youth musical. Dates: May 8-24, 2020.

“Biloxi Blues” – Genre: Dramatic comedy. Dates: Aug. 7-30, 2020.

For info on the Cabaret Series and for general information about the various 2019-2020 productions, visit the website, theatrearlington.org.

T

Here’s the new Leadership Arlington Board

L

eadership Arlington, Inc., recently announced the new Board of Directors for 2019-2020. They are:

Officers: April Pettitt, Chair Jack Webb, Chair Elect Paulette Tutor, Past Chair Michael Haliburton, Finance Director Lisa Mann, Secretary Annie Williams, Resource Development Director Ryan Hunt, Marketing Director Courtney Jones, Adult Training Director Kevin Hadawi, Adult Training Director Chris Pettitt, Youth Training Director Nancy Blinn, Youth Training Director Cam Atkins, Membership Director Kellie Reichert, Community Outreach Director Julie Reinhardt, Community Outreach Director Misty Lockhart, Junior League of Arlington Henry Lewczyk, Greater Arlington Chamber James Hollis, The University of Texas at Arlington Gina Woodlee, Adult Representative Steven Cox, Youth Representative Non-Voting Members: Belinda Caylor, Parliamentarian Carly Robin, Webmaster Jennifer Cummings, Assistant Webmaster Jennifer Hutcherson, At-Large Jody Tettleton, At-Large Kyrus Branch, At-Large Debra Meers, At-Large

68

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

River Legacy Living Science Center to host two series iver Legacy Living Science Center (703 NW Green Oaks Blvd.) has two programs you’ll want to check out as spring heads to summer: River Legacy Speaker Series (June 11 and July 16) – This series is sponsored by Callaway Financial Services. The June program will feature Bryan Acosta, Paul Brodie and Associates presenting a “Marketing 101 Mini-Workshop.”

Expand your business through an increased Social Media presence and connect with customers through branded storytelling. The July series will feature photographer Dwayne Lee presenting “ReVisiting the D-Day Beaches,” a photographic overview covering the area of the largest naval and ground invasion in military history, plus the American Cemetery in Normandy, France. Cost: A $20 taxdeductible donation to River Legacy Foundation. RSVP to 817.860.6752, ext. 102 Night Hike Series: All About Bats (June 1 and Aug. 3) – Learn more about bats and the conservation efforts taking place to help spread the word about this amazing mammal. Meet some bats from Bat World Sanctuary and then go on a night hike to listen for and possibly spot bats in our park. Cost: This Event is FREE for Discovery Room members; non-members pay Discovery Room admission.

For more information or to reserve your spot, call 817-860-6752. Space is limited. This event is suitable for ages 12 and up.

R Photos: Corey Callaway

Retiring Old Glory with dignity (2.0) he United States Flag Code states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” Some people will say that you must do it this way or that way, but according to the Flag Code, it just needs to be done with dignity.

The Boy Scouts of America and the American Legion are the only two organizations officially sanctioned to retire American flags. Three local Boy Scout Troops – 118, 520 and 545 – recently conducted a flag retirement ceremony in partnership with the Arlington Masonic Lodge #438.

Scoutmaster Corey Callaway says he, Scoutmaster Steve Brown and other fellow scout leaders had accumulated another large amount of flags from various businesses, the Arlington Rotary and many individuals. “Scout troops retire flags at various campouts from time to time,” Callaway says, “but [retiring] the sheer volume of flags on hand would never be accomplished unless a large number were to be retired at the same time.”

Included among the participants were a few first-time scouts who had just moved up from the rank of Webelo. “And times do change,” Callaway notes.

“We had our first young lady, Chloe, join our ceremony as a scout.” February of this year was the date young ladies could join Scouting B.S.A. The scouts used four troughs to retire the flags. One flag was formally and respectfully retired. “Then,” Callaway says, “one by one the rest of the flags were retired. There were flags of all sizes, including some that were small and not officially considered a flag, but retired nonetheless.”

The group also retired many Texas Flags and one City of Arlington flag.

In less than two hours approximately 400 flags were retired.

Callaway says the scouts did an excellent job and performed their duty with the utmost respect to the American Flags: “It is a great lesson for all of them and a service to the community to properly retire the flags.”

T

arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

69

HEALTH / FITNESS

Making a splash City’s Aquatics Swim Safe Scholarship program receives grant money to help kids learn to swim

T

he City of Arlington Aquatics Swim Safe Scholarship Program was chosen as one of 85 Make a Splash programs in the U.S. to receive grant money from the USA Swimming Foundation. The awarded money will go toward Arlington Aquatics’ continued efforts to provide free or reduced-cost swim lessons. The USA Swimming Foundation awarded a total of $507,461 to programs across the country that will provide swim lessons to an estimated 25,000 children.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have been selected to receive the 2019 Make A Splash grant funding,” City of Arlington Aquatics

Manager Maria Campbell says. “The money we receive will be put toward scholarshipping at-risk, low-income children in the City of Arlington neighborhoods. The cost of failure to teach children how to swim is inconceivable. We have to do more.”

The City of Arlington Aquatics Swim Safe Scholarship Program, formerly called Make A Splash, started in 2008. The Arlington Parks and Recreation Department, with the help of Mid-Cities Arlington Swim Team, has been spreading the word about water safety by offering a morning of free water safety lessons and activities for the past 11 years.

Along with this annual event, Arlington Aquatics has been part of the department’s Build A Dream Scholarship program, offering 70

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

reduced cost of swim lessons for 25 years. Arlington Aquatics has helped 100 kids annually with its Swim Safe Scholarship Program, and Campbell says officials are excited to expand and continue the tradition with the help of USA Swimming Foundation’s grant.

Learn to swim with confidence City of Arlington Aquatics offers swim lessons for infants, children, teenagers and adults. With classes for those ages six months and older, you and your entire family can learn to master the skills needed to help you #SwimSafe. Classes are offered year-round.

The USA Swimming Foundation vetted 241 applications through a competitive annual review process and chose 85 Make a Splash Local Partner programs to receive funding, 26 of which are first-time USA Swimming Foundation grant recipients.

“It’s an incredible feeling to know that USA Swimming Foundation funding will be used to create a valuable swimming experience for tens of thousands of children who may not have had the opportunity to learn how to swim,” USA Swimming Foundation Executive Director Debbie Hesse says. “We are thrilled with the depth of this year’s Make a Splash Local Partner applicant pool and we couldn’t be prouder to support these exciting and lifesaving Photo: naturallyfun.org opportunities for children across the country. We owe a tremendous thank you to our partners and donors, who continue to make a difference.”

To date, 7.5 million children have received the lifesaving gift of swim lessons through the USA Swimming Foundation Make a Splash Local Partner network, composed of 1,000 qualified lesson providers across the nation. For more: usaswimmingfoundation. org/makeasplash.

For a full list of 2019 USA Swimming Foundation grant recipients, visit usaswimmingfoundation.org.

For more information on Arlington Aquatics Swim Safe Scholarship Program visit naturallyfun.org/makeasplash.

To register for swim lessons, visit bit.ly/APRD_Swim.

N E P O NOW

( 8 1 7 ) 2 7 5 - 5 9 4 1 • A RL I N GTON GOL F.COM

AUTO • HOME • LIFE • BUSINESS

TEXAS INSURANCE AGENCY

Your road to a secure future.

Winner “All Star Insurance” Winner 2018

Readers’ Choice

All Star ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

817-226-9988 • 500 E. Broad Street • Mansfield, Tx 76063

www.texasins.net

arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

71

DINING GUIDE

KEEN CUISINE Local restaurants you definitely need to check out restaurant506 at The Sanford House

UPSCALE

MEXICAN/TEX-MEX

Chamas do Brazil chamasdobrazil2.tru-m.com 4606 S. Cooper St. • 817-618-2986

El Arroyo elarroyoarlington.com 5024 S. Cooper St. • 817-468-2557

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar kegsteakhouse.com 4001 Arlington Highlands Blvd. • 817-465-3700

El Gabacho Tex-Mex Grill facebook.com/elgabachotexmex

Mercury Chophouse mercurychophouse.com 2221 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 910 • 817-381-1157

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop fuzzystacoshop.com 510 E. Abram St. • 817-265-8226 4201 W. Green Oaks Blvd. • 817-516-8226 1601 E. Debbie Lane, Mansfield • 817-453-1682

Piccolo Mondo piccolomondo.com 829 Lamar Blvd. E. • 817-265-9174 restaurant506 at The Sanford House restaurant506.com 506 N. Center St. • 817-801-5541

AMERICAN Candlelite Inn candleliteinnarlington.com 1202 E. Division St. • 817-275-9613

2408 W. Abram St. • 817-276-8160

Rio Mambo riomambo.com 2150 E. Lamar Blvd. • 817-795-4555 6407 S. Cooper St. • 817-465-3122

ITALIAN/PIZZA Café Sicilia cafesicilia.com 7221 Matlock Road • 817-419-2800

Dino’s Subs 2221 S. Collins St. • 817-274-1140

Gino’s East ginoseast.com/arlington 1350 E. Copeland Road • 817-200-6834

frieddaze frieddaze.com 5005 S. Cooper St., Suite 159 • 817-472-6666

BARBECUE

The Grease Monkey Burger Shop & Social Club greasemonkeyburgers.com 200 N. Mesquite St. • 817-665-5454 J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill jgilligans.com 400 E. Abram St. • 817-274-8561 Mac’s Bar & Grill macsteak.com 6077 W. I-20 • 817-572-0541 72

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Dino’s Subs

El Gabacho Tex-Mex Grill

David’s Barbecue 2224 W. Park Row Drive, Suite H • 817- 261-9998

INTERNATIONAL Prince Lebanese Grill princelebanesegrill.com 502 W. Randol Mill • 817-469-1811

DESSERTS Nothing Bundt Cakes 5001 S. Cooper St., Suite 111 • 817-557-2253 839 E. Lamar Blvd. • 817-583-6522 nothingbundtcakes.com

Gino’s East

Only the best for our guests.

At Mercury Chophouse, we pride ourselves on pairing fantastic food with superb service. You’ll see the difference when you join us for lunch, dinner or drinks with a view from Arlington’s only fine dining restaurant.

CA LL FOR RE S E R VATI O NS

817-381-1157

2221 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 910 Arlington, TX 76006

Arlington-Mansfield Arlington-Mansfield 5001 111111 5001SSCooper CooperSt, St,Suite Suite Arlington, TX 76017 Arlington, TX 76017 (817) (817)557-2253 557-2253 North NorthArlington Arlington 839 E Lamar 839 E LamarBlvd Blvd Arlington, Arlington,TX TX76011 76011 (817) 583-6522 (817) 583-6522 06/30/2019 06/30/2019

NothingBundtCakes.com NothingBundtCakes.com

arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

73

HOT SPOTS

My new friend Libby She’s an app at the downtown library, and she changed the way I check out books • By Sara Pintilie

D

uring this monsoon rainy season, I found myself curling up in a chair and reading a lot. It reminded me of when I was a kid and my dad used to take me to the old Arlington Central Library to get the maximum number of books allowable for the two weeks. I remembered shades of yellow as I perused the kids section and then tried to sneak over to the adult side of the old building to get the better books about snakes.

That downtown building got a little more sickly yellow in my memory, but that old trusty library branch became my Internet hub during high school. I updated my Xanga blog and Myspace page from the computers upstairs before wandering around the aisles just looking for books that caught my eye.

In college, I would teach English as a Second Language at the old Literary House location, still used the computers and spent hours pursuing photography books.

The Arlington Public Library was everything to me.

Then I just stopped going.

For almost a decade, I forgot about the library. It might of had something to do with moving away and coming back or my ongoing desire to own a personal library, but the library became a song of nostalgia that I haven’t heard in awhile.

When they announced the new George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, I didn’t even go to say goodbye to my old childhood friend, the Central branch.

But about a year ago, I found my old library card — this beatup sad piece of plastic — and wondered if it was still valid. So I went to the Woodland West Branch to inquire. I had a $3.50 fine (for what, I couldn’t even begin to guess), but I got a new library card.

So I checked out a book.

Then all that nostalgia came back – but something else reared its head. This wasn’t the public library system I grew up with. It was so much better.

74

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

If you don’t think so, just go to the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library. That branch is a marvel of a community space and worth checking out all the events, activities and amenities that it has.

I mean, it has a 3D printer, a genealogy room and multilingual story times for kids.

One of my favorite things at that location is the Seed Library.

You can “check” out seeds for your garden.

I even geeked out about the radio waves they use to check out books (no more hand scanner).

And then there’s Libby.

Libby is an app that allows you to check out eBooks and audio books. All you have to do is link your library card in the app and then you have access to a pretty impressive online library.

You can even sync your Kindle account so once you check out a book, you can read it on your e-reader.

This has made it so much easier to read more. Now, if I finished a book, I could just check out another one on the fly. I even once did so while waiting for a friend who was unexpectedly late for dinner.

When you are someone who feels anchored to their phone, it is nice to know that at least that anchor can teach me a thing or two.

And I still can have the best of both worlds with physical books to read in my favorite reading spot.

The library system grew up with me, and I am happy that I didn’t let it pass me by.

For more information about Libby and the Arlington Public Library, visit arlingtonlibrary.org.

Sara Pintilie is a distinguished writer, editor and photographer who calls Arlington home. In her column, she offers a millennial’s take on things local.

★

2019

★

All Star

“Mike and I grew up in Arlington and were so thankful to be able to come back home and open up Wade Family Funeral Home in 2003. It is imperative that you keep your name before the public when in business, and having our ad in Arlington’s own magazine makes perfect sense!”

Arlington Today Readers’ Choice

– Amy Wade

Who are our readers' favorites?

Find out in our special All Star edition in August!

★

ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

Look Who Reads Arlington Today

Wade Family Funeral Home & Crematory Don’t miss a single issue!

subscriptions@arlingtontoday.com

ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

★

500 E. Broad Street • Mansfield, Texas 76063 817-226-6100 • Fax 817-226-6622

www.parkercpas.com

Winner

ALL STARS of 2015

Readers’ Choice

Arlington Today

your community • your magazine

Winner

ALL STARS of 2016

Readers’ Choice

Arlington Today

your community • your magazine

Winner 2017-2018 Readers’ Choice

All Star ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

“All Star CPA/Tax Preparer” arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

75

NIGHTLIFE & MORE

SIGHTS / SOUNDS Your resource for entertainment in and around Arlington/Mansfield MUSIC: Concerts at Texas Live!

When: June 6-30 Where: Texas Live!

Show times: See below Notes: This month’s schedule includes the following performers/events: Girls Night Out (at 7 p.m. on June 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Troy’s), Chris Cornell Experience (at 9:30 p.m. on June 15 at Live! Arena), Take Me Out To The Movies – “Major League” (at 9:30 p.m. at Arlington Backyard), Texas Flood (at 12:15 p.m. on June 22 at Live! Arena), Throwback Parties – Back in Black (at 7 p.m. on June 22 at Arlington Backyard), The Dick Beldings (at 9:30 p.m. on June 22 at Live! Arena), Take Me Out To The Movies – “Angels in the Outfield” (at 6:30 p.m.) and “Summer Catch” (at 9:30 p.m. on June 26 at Arlington Backyard), Steve Helms (at 8 p.m. on June 29 at Troy’s) and Tom Basler Dueling Pianos (at 9:30 p.m. on June 29 at Live! Arena).

For more: texas-live.com

MUSIC: Concerts at Levitt Pavilion Arlington When: June 6-30 Where: Levitt Pavilion Arlington (100 W. Abram St.) Show times: See below Notes: This month’s schedule includes the following performers/events: Family Movie Night – “Coco” (at 8 p.m. on June 6), Not Ur Girlfrenz (at 7:30 p.m. on June 7), The Polyphonic Spree (at 8:30 p.m. on June 7), Kenna Danielle (at 7 p.m. on June 8), Michael Martin Murphey (at 8:30 p.m. on June 8), The Stevie James Trio (at 7 p.m. on June 9), BB King Blues Band (at 8:30 p.m. on June 9), Family Movie Night – Sing-along “Mama Mia! Here We Go Again” (8 p.m. on June 13), The Bright Light Social Hour (8 p.m. on June 14), Bri Bagwell (at 8 p.m. on June 15), Jenny & the 76

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Mexicats (at 8 p.m. on June 16), Family Movie Night – “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (at 8 p.m. on June 20), The Black Lilies (at 8 p.m. on June 21), Ruben Ramos & the Mexican Revolution (at 8 p.m. on June 23), Family Movie Night – “Dumplin’” (at 8 p.m. on June 27), The Vandoliers (at 8 p.m. on June 28), Flor de Toloache (at 8 p.m. on June 29) and Wood & Wire (at 8 p.m. on June 30).

For more: levittarlington.org

MUSIC: Concerts at Arlington Music Hall When: June 7-29 Where: Arlington Music Hall (224 N. Center St.) Show times: See below Notes: This month’s schedule includes the following performers/events: Vicki Lawrence & Mama (at 7:30 p.m. on June 7), Gary Morris (at 7:30 p.m. on June 13), Tony Jackson (at 7:30 p.m. on June 20), CCR vs. Tom Petty (at 8 p.m. on June 21) and Briefcase Blues (at 7:30 p.m. on June 29).

For more: arlingtonmusichall.net

MUSIC: Concerts at The LOT Downtown When: June 8-29 Where: The LOT Downtown (110 S Main St., Mansfield) Show time: See below Notes: This month’s schedule includes the following performers/events: Matthew Bell & The Next of Kin (at 7 p.m. on June 8), the movie “Ready Player One” at 9 p.m. on June 14), Squeezebox Bandits (at 7 p.m. on June 15), Danni & Kris (at 7 p.m. on June 22) and The Stoneleighs - Rolling Stones Tribute (7 p.m. on June 29).

For more: thelotdowntown.com

Kirk Franklin

MUSIC MAKERS: KIRK FRANKLIN’S CAMP LOTUS IS SET FOR THIS MONTH amp Lotus, hosted by awardwinning singer/songwriter Kirk Franklin, is a one-week music camp for aspiring musicians at the high school level. The camp, set for June 17-22 at Franklin’s downtown recording studio and the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, will give attendees an opportunity to maximize their potential and will aid in preparing the young musicians for a career in the music industry.

Workshops will include Songwriting, Music Production, Media and Music Business. Instructors will include some of the most respected names in the industry, including Franklin, a 12-Time Grammy Award winning artist.

Camp Lotus will conclude with a Grand Finale Concert featuring campers performing at the Levitt Pavilion at 8 p.m. on June 22.

“Music was my way out,” says Franklin, who grew up in a rough area of Fort Worth and who, with his wife Tammy, formed The Franklin Imagine Group, which crafted the camp.“If it wasn’t for the music speaking to me at an early age, and a core group of teachers and leaders that pulled me out of an environment ripe for destruction, my life narrative would have a totally different ending. Music can not only change lives, but also save lives. We don’t want to just entertain, to be creatively repetitive, or stay in the shallow part of creativity, we want to go deeper than we’ve gone before to pull out the best in the artist and the art. Let’s go deeper!”

For more: franklinimaginegroup.com.

C

BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE ORTHOPEDIC & SPINE HOSPITAL

2019 SUMMER CONCERT SEASON JUNE CONCERT CALENDAR

THURSDAY 8PM

FRIDAY 8PM &

Family Movie Night

JUNE 6 • “COCO”

SATURDAY 8PM

DOWNTOWN ARLINGTON MUSIC FEST JUNE 8

JUNE 7

POLYPHONIC SPREE

The awe-inspiring Texas psych/pop choir Juliet Ayres 7PM Not Ur Girlfrenz 7:30PM

MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY

Cosmic Cowboy crooner best known for “Wildfire”

Kenna Danielle@7PM

Earthy Texas music with a little bit of sass

THE BRIGHT LIGHT SOCIAL HOUR

HERE WE GO AGAIN”

JUNE 9 B.B. KING BLUES BAND featuring MICHAEL B.B. King’s musicians carry on his legacy

Transcendent, experimental sound

JUNE 16 JENNY & THE MEXICATS

A fusion of international sounds born on the streets of Madrid

JUNE 23 RUBEN RAMOS & THE MEXICAN REVOLUTION

Family Movie Night

JUNE 20

“SPIDERMAN: Into The Spider-Verse”

JUNE 21 THE BLACK LILLIES

A captivating blend of rock and country

Family Movie Night

JUNE 27

JUNE 28 THE VANDOLIERS

“DUMPLIN’”

PLUS Julie Murphy will sign copies of her book, Dumplin'

Honky-tonk vibe with rock’n’roll stomp

JULY 3

LIGHT UP ARLINGTON!

Donovan Keith@7PM A soul-singing dynamo with infectious moves

LEE

JUNE 15 BRI BAGWELL

JUNE 14

“MAMMA MIA

&

Stevie James Trio@7PM

Family Movie Night

JUNE 13

SUNDAY 8PM

Hannah Kirby@8:45PM Bluesy rock from a finalist on The Voice

JUNE 22

A Tejano legend with the hottest horns in Texas!

KIRK FRANKLIN’S

CAMP LOTUS

The future of music

JUNE 29 FLOR DE TOLOACHE Levitt National Tour presents

The Latin Grammy-winning, all-female mariachi sensation!

JUNE 30 WOOD & WIRE

Bluegrass tunes meant to last

Light Up Arlington!

Activities begin@6PM Fireworks@9:45PM

THANK YOU TO OUR 2019 SUMMER SEASON SPONSORS

SPEAKING OF SPORTS

Home, again Arlington’s own Hunter Pence is hyped about playing major league ball for the Rangers • By John Rhadigan

I

t may sound like a fairy tale to our younger readers, but once upon a time people went to the store to rent movies or video games. Arlington old timers may remember a video store that rented these products called the Video Library. Hunter Pence remembers it.

“If we got really lucky we got to rent a movie or video game; I would rollerblade to go get it. The Video Library was the name of the place. It’s not even around anymore,” Pence says when recalling younger days in his hometown.

You may have seen Hunter rollerblading towards home Hunter Pence once dreamed of playing major league baseball with a bag full of movies and for his hometown team. That a huge smile on his face – the dream came true this season. same smile he flashes now every time wears his Rangers uniform. He has spent part of 13 years in the big leagues in four different organizations, but somehow that Rangers uniform fits best.

“One of my favorite teams, I was 9 or 10, and we were called the Young Rangers,” Pence recalls with a far away look in his eyes. “We had the exact same uniform as the real Rangers at the time, and I thought we were so sweet!”

And so the dream began. But while Hunter admits that he dreamed of playing for the Texas Rangers, he felt like he should be somewhat realistic even when fantasizing.

“The dream of making it to the big leagues seemed like such a massive, far away thing back then,” Hunter says, trying to keep it real. “I was almost like, ‘it would be selfish to be picking my team.’”

Amazingly, when he was 19, he had a chance to pick his team. After four years as an Arlington Colt, he spent one year at Texarkana College. He had told the coaches at UTA that he would spend one year in Texarkana, then he would come back home to Arlington to play for the Mavs. He had such a good year for the Bulldogs that many other schools became interested in him, including Miami and Rice.

78

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Despite being flattered by the interest, Pence honored his commitment to UTA. He is proud to recall his dad praising him then for being a man of his word.

He also remembers the first time he saw the stadium he now calls home.

“On a field trip in elementary school. I just remember walking in and seeing it before it was built and thinking, ‘Whoa, look how far the fences are!’ an awestruck Pence recalls.

“I was like, man, it would be awesome if you could hit a home run over this fence. Like that has got to be so cool!”

He has hit home runs in 30 different big league ballparks in his All-Star career, including RFK and Shea – two places that no longer exist for baseball.

And five times he has felt that cool sensation of finding the seats among his hometown people at Globe Life Park in Arlington.

When Globe Life field opens next year Hunter will have a chance to homer in his 31st big Photo: ca.sports.yahoo.com league stadium. But for now, like so many of us, he is savoring the final year in this beautiful ballpark.

“I love this city,” Pence says. “This is the last year of a ballpark that I was here when it was built. So it means a lot to me. We’re going to do everything we can to make it a special season.”

In many ways it already has been special. This season has marked the beginning of a new era in Rangers history, with a new coaching staff, a new attitude and a bunch of new players.

Including Hunter Pence, who is right where he belongs. Hunter Pence is home.

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

JOIN THE TOURNAMENT June 17, 2019 | Walnut Creek Country Club In its 29th year, Par for the Kids annual golf tournament benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County gathers companies and supporters of the Club for an exciting day of golfing for a cause. The tournament will be a full day of events – Long Drive Contest, Closest to the Pin, Mulligan Ball, Silent Auction, and many great prizes.

PRESENTED BY

SPONSORSHIPS & TICKETS AVAILABLE: PARFORTHEKIDS.COM For additional event information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Nickie Vogt Antonitis (817) 720-9361 | ext 209 nvogt@bgcgtc.org

JUSTICE IS CALLING! JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST CHILD ABUSE!

5K & 1 MILE FUN RUN

CASA OF TARRANT COUNTY’S 6TH ANNUAL SUPERHERO RUN/WALK OCTOBER 26 | LEVITT PAVILION | 100 W ABRAM STREET, ARLINGTON, TX Registration and Costume Contest at 7am | 1 Mile Fun Run at 8am | 5K Run/Walk at 8:30am

To register visit SpeakUpForAChild.org arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

79

EVENTS, ETC.

ITINERARY Your official Arlington/Mansfield-area guide to fun (and the like) Donray Traveling Exhibits

The Most Known Unknown Reception

When: June 1-Dec. 31 Where: Arlington Museum of Art Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Tuesday-Saturday; 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday In a nutshell: This exhibit demonstrates the majesty of the Western American landscape.

Donray’s technique captures the beauty of the natural world while commenting on the silent danger that exists out in the open, secluded space. The cacti and other flora pierce the landscape in dramatic style. This exhibit includes 30 paintings and pastels.

For more: arlingtonmusem.org

When: June 15 Where: Arlington Museum of Art (201 W. Main St.) Time: 5-10 p.m.

In a nutshell: The Arlington Museum of Art is holding a reception for the Most Known Unknown Exhibit, showcasing work by artist Trey Wilder. Attendees can enjoy live music and food in the rooftop gallery overlooking the Downtown.

For more: 817-275-4600

Planetarium shows When: June 1-30 Where: The Planetarium at UT Arlington (700 Planetarium Place) Time: Check website for show times In a nutshell: With a 60-foot-diameter dome and its state-of-the art Digistar 5 DLP Projection system, The Planetarium at UT Arlington is one of the largest and most sophisticated in the state of Texas. The Digistar 5 system can project stars, planets, galaxies and virtually anything else onto the dome.

For more: uta.edu/planetarium

Texas Rangers baseball When: June 7-9, 17-23 Where: Globe Life Park Time: Check website for game times In a nutshell: Your Texas Rangers will continue their quest for the 2019 American League championship by hosting the following series this month: the Oakland A’s (June 7-9), the Cleveland Indians (June 17-20) and the Chicago White Sox (June 21-23).

For more: texasrangers.com

80

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

TEDxMatlockRoad event When: June 13 Where: Studio Movie Grill - Lincoln Square Time: 7 p.m.

In a nutshell: TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. TED Talks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.

For more: tedxmatlockroad.info

Harlem Globetrotters When: June 22 Where: College Park Center (600 S. Center St.) Time: 3 p.m.

In a nutshell: The Harlem Globetrotters® are legendary worldwide, synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment and great basketball skills for the past 93 years.

Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 123 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience.

For more: http://bit.ly/Globe622

RENEWING TRADITION: DRAGON BOAT RACE WILL BE HELD AT VIRIDIAN he U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber – Southwest will host the Arlington Dragon Boat Festival Race for Education from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on June 15 at Viridian Lake Club (1200 Viridian Park Lane).

The event, being held here for the first time, is rooted in the story of Qu Yuan, a minister in one of the warring state governments of ancient China who had been slandered by corrupt, jealous ministers. Eventually, Qu Yuan is said to have waded into the Miluo river. Upon learning about his suicide, people rushed out on the water in their fishing boats to try to save Qu Yuan.

People beat drums, splashed the water with their paddles in order to keep the fish and evil spirits from his body, and scattered rice into the water to prevent him from suffering hunger.

Their efforts spawned a Chinese tradition in which people hold dragon boat races annually on the day of his death. Today, dragon boat festivals continue to be celebrated around the world with racing highlighting events than also include many forms of entertainment.

The Arlington event will feature Mayor Jeff Williams and his wife Karen as honorary chairs. Education partners include the University of Texas at Arlington, Tarrant County College District, the Arlington Independent School District and the AISD Board of Trustees.

For more: uspaacc-sw.org/news/ dragon-boat-festival-race-for-education.

T

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County would like to thank Ladies' Auxiliary of Arlington, our 2019 Cinderella candidates, generous supporters, and all who made the Cinderella Ball a great success and make a profound influence on the lives of the kids who need us most in Arlington.

For 8,000-plus vulnerable young people in our community, we serve as a home-away-from-home, providing them with academic, vocational, social and recreational opportunities they would not otherwise have except for the generosity of supporters like you.

With your help, we continue to close the gap for more and more youth in Arlington.

2019 AWARE Award of Excellence Honorees

AWARE Foundation Winners

(L-R): Heather Bush – Little Elementary (PreK-1st), Kimberly Scioneaux – Larson Elementary (2nd-4th), Emmanuel Ruiz – Butler Elementary (5th-6th), Ginny Leatherwood – Bailey JHS (JHS), Johnathane Gaffney – Seguin HS (HS)

AWARE Foundation Runners-Up

(L-R): Joan Swann – Pearcy Elementary (PreK-1st), Tina Stephenson – Hale Elementary (2nd-4th), Corrine Brookshire – Little Elementary (5th-6th), Courtney Shank – Young JHS (JHS), Christopher Arceneaux – Bowie HS (HS)

AWARE Foundation Sponsors: Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP, SA-SO, Sewell Lexus and Sewell Infiniti of Fort Worth, Arlington Today, The Candlelite Inn, UEA of Arlington in Recognition of AISD Board of Trustees, Dr. Marcelo and Nora Cavazos, Ruthann Geer, In Memory of Lisann Peters, Hon. Bowie and Leslie Hogg Special Gifts: The Honey B, A Hive of Grace Foundation and the Lisann Peters Charitable Trust

Photos: Spence, Arlington AISD

arlingtontoday.com • June 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

81

FINISH LINE

Demographically speaking Here are some things local entrepreneurs need to know about our community • By Richard Greene

W

ith this month’s focus on entrepreneurship, here’s some recently developed data about our community that those taking the plunge into a business career need to know to support their decision making.

These characteristics are important when determining if the demographic, social and economic profiles of potential clients and customers will support whatever business endeavor is being pursued.

Beyond business purposes, it also is a pretty good look at who we are.

The average Arlington resident is female, just under the age of 33, is white, non-Hispanic, has at least a high school degree, makes $53,574 in annual household earnings, commutes almost 27 minutes to work, and the majority work outside the city.

Top employers, with the number on their payrolls, include the school district with 8,200, UT Arlington at 5,300, the General Motors plant with 4,500 car makers, Texas Health Resources with just over 4,000, Six Flags Over Texas has 3,800, The Parks Mall next at 3,500, GM Financial employs 3,300, the City of Arlington with 2,500, Chase Bank approaching 2,000 and the Texas Rangers with about 1,900.

In addition to the Arlington school district, there are four others, including Mansfield, Hurst-Euless-Bedford, Fort Worth and Kennedale.

Total population in the ever-growing city is approaching 400,000, making it the 48th largest in the country and seventh largest in Texas. By comparison, the population 10 years ago was about 333,000.

There are 2.8 persons per household, an increase of just over six percent since 2000.

The city’s racial makeup is also changing. Currently, the white population, including Hispanic persons, stands at 65 percent, African Americans approach 21 percent, and Asians account for seven percent.

Poverty rates are declining. Arlington’s stands at less than 17 percent of the population compared to 18 percent in Fort Worth and 23 percent in Dallas.

Nationally, the owner-occupancy rate has been decreasing, having fallen by about four percent since 2000. While Dallas is

82

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

following this trend, owner occupancy rates in Fort Worth and Arlington have increased since 2000, currently standing in the mid 50 percentile range.

The average home sales price has increased significantly since 2000. Then it was $120,000, and now exceeds $192,000.

Unemployment peaked after the 2008-09 recession at about eight percent. Today it’s at the three percent level – considered the measure of full employment.

Almost 85 percent of the population are high school graduates, and almost 30 percent have gotten their bachelor’s degree or higher.

Arlington’s workforce profile has experienced some key changes since 2000. Residents in management, business, science and arts occupations, as well as sales and office occupations, decreased, while service occupations and natural resources, construction and maintenance occupations increased during the same time period.

Since 2000, there has been a decrease in both sales and office and management occupations and an increase in service occupations. Management/business/science and arts remains the majority occupation type for the city.

It will come as no surprise that the means of transportation to work for 82 percent of people is their personal automobile that they drive alone. About 13 percent actually carpool, and the number who work at home accounts for almost five percent pursuing their careers.

Of course, this data is not the only basis for pursuing a business activity, but it’s a start in helping to understand the potential for success in whatever field of work is being planned.

The data shared here all came from the City of Arlington website (arlingtontx.gov), and you can view it in greater detail with charts and graphs in addition to the actual numbers by logging in and entering “socioeconomic profile update” in the search field.

Richard Green served as Arlington’s mayor from 1987-1997 and currently teaches in the University of Texas at Arlington’s graduate program in the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs.

June

FATHER’S DAY SPECIALS RADIESSE

Buy One Get Second

50% Off (Reg $750/syringe) FREE

Testosterone Level Check Buy Laser Hair Removal for Back and Get Chest and Abs FREE

FREE Mens’ Hair Loss/Hair

Restoration Consultation ($125) Offers expire June 30, 2019.

Not valid with any other offers.

Management reserves the right to cancel these offers at any time.

Gift Certificates Available!

• Breast Augmentation • Robotic Hair Transplantation • Eyelid Lift Surgery • Tummy Tuck • Liposuction • Mini Facelift • Body Contouring after Massive Weight Loss • Vaginal Rejuvenation • Laser 360/Paragon Liquid Laser Lift • Ultherapy • Photofacials • Skin Resurfacing • Microdermabrasion • Botox/Fillers • Laser Hair/Tattoo Removal

Wrinkle-Free Tuesday 8am-6pm • Botox $14/unit

Wrinkle-Free Wednesday 8am-7pm • Botox $14/unit ~ Above Offers Available at ~

1101 Matlock Rd. Mansfield, TX 76063

8a to 6p Mon, Tues, Thur • 8a to 7p Wed 8a to 4p Fri • 9a to 5p Sat

Wrinkle-Free Monday 8am-6pm • Botox $14/unit

Wrinkle-Free Thursday 8am-6pm • Botox $14/unit ~ Above Offers Available at ~

1203 S. White Chapel Blvd., Ste. 150 Southlake, TX 76092

Winner 2017-2018

Mark A. Bishara, M.D.

Harvard Fellowship trained in Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Diplomate of ABHRS

8a to 6p Mon, Tues, Thur • 8a to 7p Wed 8a to 4p Fri • 9a to 5p Sat

1101 Matlock Rd. Mansfield, TX 76063 • 817.952.6226

1203 S. White Chapel Blvd., Ste. 150 Southlake, TX 76092 • 817.952.6226

www.markbisharamd.com

Readers’ Choice

All Star ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

All Star Cosmetic Surgeon & Med Spa

BMW OF ARLINGTON THE ARLINGTON ADVANTAGE When your BMW needs service, one of our 20 valet drivers will bring you one of our 130 available loaner vehicles, anytime, anywhere, in the DFW Metroplex. No questions asked.

Once your car is fully serviced at our dealership, we’ll deliver it back to you with a complimentary wash and vacuum.

The Arlington Advantage offers the very best in customer service and the convenience you deserve.

And, it’s available to you anytime, anywhere.

Only from BMW of Arlington.

TO EXPERIENCE THE ARLINGTON ADVANTAGE, CALL OR TEXT APPT TO 817-856-4096 BMW of Arlington | 7:30AM-7PM