November 2023

November 2023

your community • your magazine

The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce and Arlington Today present the outstanding young local leaders of 2023

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January 2023

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• Active Family Wellness Centers - North & South • Advent Trinity Marketing Agency • Anything Goes • Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau • Arlington Independent School District • Arlington Music Hall • Arlington Parks & Recreation • C & W Antiques • Carencia Mental Health • Carter Creative • City of Arlington • Downtown Arlington Management Group • Fort Worth Museum of Science and History • The Law Office of Stephanie A. Foster P.C. • Frost Bank • FunDentist - Pediatric Dentistry • Graham Associates • Great Skin Spa - Skincare • Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce • Joe Hall Roofing • Harris Cook LLP • Hilton’s Flooring • Flying Pig Balloons • Kinley Construction • McDowell Hetherington LLP • Medical City Arlington • Meehan’s Chophouse • Mercury Chophouse • Mansfield Medical Center • Canafax Nagy Real Estate Group • Oakridge School • PSK, Inc. • Piccolo Mondo • The Pilates Effect • Prince Lebanese Grill • Sanford House • Karen Schroeder - Attorney at Law • The Family Law Firm of Donna J. Smiedt • Sugar Shack Salon & Spa • Sutton Frost Cary LLP • Texas Appliance • THR Physicians Group • Texas Live!

• Texas Rangers • UTA Dean of Engineering • University of Texas at Arlington • Zack’s Bistro

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NO. 1 IN DFW

UT ARLINGTON TOPS NEWEST WALL STREET JOURNAL RANKINGS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

T

he Wall Street Journal recently designated The University of Texas at Arlington as the top public university in Dallas-Fort Worth and the No. 3 public university in all of Texas.

In its 2024 Best Colleges in the U.S. list, the newspaper noted that UTA has the highest salary impact of any public university in North Texas based on both how it compares to similar colleges and how long students would take to pay off the net price of attending. The publication also ranked UT Arlington No. 1 in DFW for social mobility, which it measured by rewarding universities that enroll the highest proportion of students

coming from lower-income families while maintaining high graduation rates, having a high salary impact, and minimizing costs.

“Mavericks fare extremely well any time we’re evaluated based on our support for student success, our environment of academic excellence and our commitment to providing access to opportunity,” UTA President Jennifer Cowley says. “UT Arlington’s open doors are providing higher education opportunities to students from across the U.S. and from more than 100 countries around the globe.”

To determine its overall rankings, the Wall Street Journal evaluated student

outcomes measures, such as salary impact and graduation rates; learning environment measures, such as career preparation opportunities and student satisfaction with academic facilities; and diversity measures, including ethnic diversity and number of Pell Grant recipients and international students.

In recent years, UTA has added degree programs such as data science, learning analytics, construction management, and public health to meet a marketplace demand for skilled workers in technical fields. It also launched innovative, student-focused initiatives in recruitment and retention that provide pathways to opportunity for all students.

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CONTENTS November 2023 • Volume 10 • Issue 11

FEATURES

56

Mansfield’s Sweet Spot Candy store brings joy to historic downtown.

24

The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 Honorees Get to know the 2023 class of outstanding young leaders in the area.

HIGHLIGHTS Starting Line 10 Itinerary 12 Scene 14, 60, 64, 68, 72, 73 This ’n’ Data 16, 18 Around Town 20 Speaking of Sports 74 Bulletin Board 76 Keen Cuisine 78 Finish Line 82

50

Veteran finds new purpose One man’s junk is another man’s hope.

8

ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

Cover photo by Ryan Brown Photography

Arlington Gives Here North Texas Community Foundation helps individuals, families, and businesses create tax-efficient giving plans to support the local causes and nonprofits they care about most.

We offer a variety of charitable funds to support your giving today and for generations to come.

Women Inspiring Philanthropy at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Tarrant County

Discover the possibilities | www.northtexascf.org | 817.877.0702

STARTING LINE

your community • your magazine

Today

EXECUTIVE BOARD Executive Publisher Judy M. Rupay CEO Richard Greene EDITORIAL Sports Columnist John Rhadigan Website & Social Media Manager Bailey Woodard Graphic Artists Francisco Cuevas Betsy Lewis Contributing Writers Richard Greene, Bob Kowalski, Kenneth Perkins, Amanda Rogers

FROM THE PUBLISHER As year-end holidays, events, and activities approach, this month’s issue covers them all.

First up is the opening of the 13th annual Texas Christkindl Market - the traditional German style Christmas market that takes place in the North Plaza at Globe Life Field on November 24 and runs until December 23.

Our feature story reports on the second annual selection of promising young leaders in our community in our Forty Under Forty coverage. Take a look at those selected from a record number of applicants who will help shape our future.

Right behind them is a coming generation earning their college degrees at UT Arlington just recognized by the Wall Street Journal as the top public university in the region and the No. 3 in all of Texas. We have all the details.

Medal of Honor recipient, Staff Sergeant First Class Webster Anderson is the focus of this month’s feature in our MOH series. Reading the details of his heroism resulting in the loss of his legs and one arm will astonish you. His response to a question from a speaking event will inspire you.

Contributing Editor Betsy Lewis

JUDY M. RUPAY

Contributing Photographers Ryan Brown, Vicky Hale, Terry Ip, Joshua Stephen SALES / CIRCULATION Business Manager Bridget Dean Sales Managers Laura DiStefano, Paige Payne, Andrea Proctor, Debbie Roach, Tricia Schwartz Distribution Manager Hanna Areksoussi

PUBLISHER

Another veteran who served in the Marine Corps for 10 years, including two tours in Afghanistan, is featured in a story of how he created, of all things, a junk and waste removal business. He not only hauls away unwanted materials but repurposes and recycles much of what is removed keeping it out of landfills.

Arlington and Parkdale cemeteries are official locations for the National Wreaths Across America Day. The Lucretia Council Cochran chapter of the DAR heads up the effort to place live balsam fir wreaths at the headstones of each of the 8887 veteran’s gravesites.

Our Mainly Mansfield focus this month begins with how the town is getting an early start on the holiday spirit and on a new downtown old-fashioned candy store featuring candies for kids from their grandparents’s generation they can discover from many years past.

PRODUCTION Production Manager Betsy Lewis

Columnist Kenneth Perkins introduces our readers to Martin High School graduate Vivian Nguyen, now a student at Stanford University. You will find her story striking as she explains, “I want to unravel that intersection between socio-economic dilemmas and our society’s healthcare system.”

ARLINGTON TODAY is published monthly.

Copyright 2023 Arlington Today, Inc. 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 annually.

We’ve got photo scenes including this year’s Inspiring Hope luncheon, the Arlington ISD Education Foundation’s “Broadway Bash,” and a reminder of the recent visit from officials and residents of Arlington’s sister city of Bad Königshofen, Germany.

To subscribe, e-mail subscriptions@arlingtontoday.com

Phone us at (817) 303-3304

ARLINGTON TODAY GIVES BACK

Arlington Today magazine proudly sponsors the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Open Arms, AISD Education Foundation, Timeless Concerts, The Salvation Army, the Mansfield Women’s Club, Junior League of Arlington and Arlington Historical Society.

Celebrating the Texas Rangers return to the World Series since the team’s last appearance in 2011, our sports columnist, John Rhadigan, sums up how the team got there and predicts the other Texas team’s best days are behind them and that the Rangers are just beginning.

Former Mayor Richard Greene closes this issue in his Finish Line column describing the catalyst transportation artery that opened in 1957 and brought remarkable change to Arlington and, a few years later, the Greenes to our city.

There’s, of course, lots more in this issue. We hope you will enjoy it all.

Sincerely, Judy Rupay

judy@arlingtontoday.com 10 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

BE DARING DO YOU HAVE THE MAVERICK FACTOR? UTA.EDU

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MethodistHealthSystem.org/Mansfield 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 Healath System complies awith applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

ITINERARY

LIVE MUSIC Arlington Music Hall

USAF Band’s Airmen of Note

The premier jazz ensemble of The United States Air Force! The band honors those who have served, inspires American citizens to heightened patriotism and service, and positively impacts the global community on behalf of the U.S. Air Force and the United States of America.

Mariachi Festival November 5 • 6pm

November 11 • 7:30-10pm Texas Hall • 701 S. Nedderman Dr.

Gatlin Brothers

THEATER

November 10 • 8pm

War

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays thru November 12

November 17 • 6pm

Theatre Arlington • 305 W. Main St.

COMEDY A fun-filled evening of improv, sketch comedy with a few musical numbers and occasional stand-up

November 12 7:30pm - Doors 6:30pm Bonnie & Alan Petsche Cabaret Stage at Theatre Arlington • 305 W. Main St.

12 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

Chapel Hart

November 25 • 7:30pm

SCENE

The Salvation Army 15th Annual

Mayoral Challenge Kick Off

L to R: Forest Hill -Mayor Stephanie Boardingham; Euless Mayor Linda Martin; Mansfield Mayor Michael Evans Sr.; The Salvation Army Arlington/Mansfield Area Corps Officer Lt. Anna Maslenikova; Arlington Mayor Jim Ross; Kennedale Mayor Jan Joplin; Dalworthington Gardens Mayor Laurie Bianco; North Richland Hills City Council Woman Suzy Compton (representing Mayor Oscar Trevino)

DONATE HERE

Volunteer to ring the bell! Visit registertoring.com to register as an individual, with a group, or as a virtual ringer.

Photo Credit: Parker Vandergriff Genuine Article

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY:

NOVEMBER 25 SHOP•EAT•REFRESH•EXPLORE

COMMENT 5 WAYS TO SUPPORT SMALL

BUSINESS ALL SEASON LONG

SHOP SMALL

LIKE A POST

TELL A FRIEND

COMMENT

LEAVE A REVIEW

THIS ’N’ DATA

Downtown Community Picnics

Join us once a month for a fun and laid back community picnic! Set up at different parks in downtown, You can enjoy live music with takeout from any downtown business or bring in whatever food and drinks you like. Grab your friends and a blanket!

DREAM Sculpture, 100 W. Abram St. November 8 • 5:30-7:30pm

SAVE THE DATE!

3 SCOOPS 1. CEO Magazine named the UTA College of Business’ Executive Master of Business program No. 21 among Global MBA programs, No. 16 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Texas. Its MBA program was named to the Tier 1 North American rankings.

2. Arlngton, Texas is the home of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Region IV that is responsible for regulating the nuclear industry in the United States.

The Inaugural Holiday Tour of Homes happens on Sunday, Dec. 10, from noon to 5pm Hosted by the Junior League of Arlington and the Arlington Historical Society

#atpetofthemonth Lily is a labradoodle, and loves meeting people and other pets. She also enjoys sampling snacks, especially anything peanut butter, and gives the best cuddles. Lily enjoys getting out and about, cheering on the Rangers, walking her people in the park, and patio sitting when the weather is nice. She works hard at her pet therapy job and enjoys listening to young readers and giving out all the love! – Kim Murphree

3. The Dallas-Fort WorthArlington Metroplex is the fastest growing metro in the country, gaining 170,396 residents between July 2021 and July 2022.

16 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

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THIS ’N’ DATA

Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship AT&T Stadium December 2

Here are a few reasons why Small Business Saturday is a vital event for Arlington’s small businesses:

ALSO OF NOTE: The Big 12 has extended its agreement through the 2028 season to host the Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

Economic Impact: Small businesses create local jobs and drive economic growth. By shopping locally, you keep dollars within the community, supporting the livelihoods of your fellow residents.

Unique Offerings: Small businesses often provide distinctive, handcrafted, and personalized products and services that you won’t find anywhere else. They add character to our neighborhoods and make our town unique.

Personalized Service: Small business owners are passionate about what they do. They know their customers by name, offer expert advice, and often go the extra mile to provide top-notch service.

Shopping small means experiencing a more personal touch.

Community Building: Small businesses are an integral part of the community, often supporting local causes, events, and charities. By supporting them, you, in turn, support the community. (from arlingtontx.com)

November 25

From the Arlington Today family to yours.

We are thankful for you!

DID YOU KNOW?

The Dallas Cowboys Lead the NFL in Home Attendance Again in 2023

• After averaging 93,465 fans per home game in 2022, the Dallas Cowboys are atop the list again in 2023 averaging 93,689 fans in their first two home games of the season.

• New York’s teams, the Jets and Giants, are second and third, respectively, averaging 82,111 and 80,809 home fans per game.

Arlington by the NUMBERS 4,809

The total of first-time college students enrolled at UTA for 2023 fall classes, representing an 8% increase from 2022.

19

The number of cemeteries located in Arlington, Texas.

18 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

1950

The year Arlington Music Hall opened as a movie theater with the Shirley Temple film, Seabiscuit.

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(682) 452-1823

VIPcare Arlington

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www.getvipcare.com Benefits, costs, and other details vary from plan to plan.

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AROUND TOWN

We Must Hold On Tight to Our Rising Stars

by Kenneth Perkins

Vivian Nguyen was only 15 years old when we met, an ambitious sophomore at Martin High School who had stumbled upon the idea of making tie-dye shirts and peddling them online. She called me multiple times to get some kind of coverage, wondering if I’d take a peek at her Dyenosaur Apparel (cute name, I thought) website, which I did, and was, of course, impressed that such a young person would have the creativity and grit to do such a thing while tackling AP classes and extracurriculars and being, well, a teenager.

After speaking with her for about 45 minutes – she did most of the talking, her words flooding out like water escaping from a busted dam, it was clear that KENNETH Nguyen PERKINS was a different kind of adolescent.

She had managed to handcraft and personalize everything from shirts and socks to scrunchies.

I soon dropped the idea of convincing her to slow her roll and not take this strive for success so earnestly. Initially, I saw Nguyen, and others like her going a mile a minute so fast and so young, burning out by age 17 That doesn’t seem to have happened.

Nguyen is now a student at Stanford, which sounds fitting since Palo Alto is boiling over with inventors and innovators and an assortment of other ingenious types who have demonstrated exceptional intellectual abilities and an unadulterated passion for learning.

She considers herself a social entrepreneur and wants to use technology to address systemic inequalities among the marginalized.

“I want to unravel that intersection between socio-economic dilemmas and our society’s healthcare system as it is today,” she said. “And I want to reform that to bridge the gap.”

Looking at the young professionals listed in this issue, the hope is that they all remain in Arlington and make their marks here.

That won’t happen with all of them, of course, but the young professionals make significant contributions and enrich our community.

They drive cities’ growth and prosperity, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and new ideas. By embracing those ideas and harnessing their talents, we can look forward to outstanding achievements and a more vibrant, inclusive, and innovative environment.

This all means that pioneering folks tend to rub off on others; I recall Nguyen telling me that if she had seen others her age take the initiative and become successful, she would have been more eager to venture into what she was doing.

“It’s like a ripple effect,” she told me. “By achieving my own goals, I can encourage others to reach for theirs.”

That explains her non-profit organization, The Formula Project, a mentorship program for low-income minority underclassmen to receive support and help develop interpersonal and professional skills.

When Nguyen graduated from Martin, as

20 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

valedictorian, she was asked what advice she would give incoming first-year students.

Not surprisingly, she emphasized taking the initiative of not being afraid to be the first – at anything.

“A lot of times people might tell you that you’re too young to do things or you don’t have what it takes to succeed or go out there and follow your dreams,” Nguyen said. “ “In high school, what helped me the most was being able to advocate for myself and be a go-getter and seek the assistance I needed.

Just to put my name out there and step outside my comfort zone.”

Kenneth Perkins has been a contributing writer for Arlington Today for nearly a decade. He is a freelance writer, editor and photographer.

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arlingtontoday.com • November 2023 • ARLINGTON TODAY

23

The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, in a partnership with Arlington Today, has selected the 2023 class of outstanding young leaders in the area. Here is a chance to get to know them or know them better ...

All photos by Heather Lee - Southern Flair Photography

Bryan Acosta, 29

Courtni Anderson, 38

CEO Advent Trinity Marketing Agency

Aquatics Manager City of Arlington Parks and Recreation

B

C

Michelle Avitia, 39

Joni Belz, 37

General Manager Arlington Music Hall

Trauma Program Manager Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital

A

J

ryan Acosta has helmed the ship of Advent Trinity as its CEO for more than five years. Under his leadership, the marketing agency has blossomed into a powerhouse, offering a spectrum of digital solutions ranging from web design to SEO, and Social Media Marketing to Advertisement.

Apart from his corporate accomplishments, Bryan’s dedication to the community is noteworthy. An active Rotarian, he has formed meaningful collaborations with the Arlington School District. Through these partnerships, Bryan ensures that Advent Trinity actively gives back by hosting interns from the AISD and assisting with various projects for the district.

Outside the demanding world of digital marketing and community service, Bryan seeks solace in the virtual world of video games. Those interested in watching him in action can find him on Twitch under the username “‘drummerbee,” where he showcases his gaming prowess.

s the General Manager of Arlington Music Hall, Michelle Avitia oversees all aspects of the venue’s operations. Her responsibilities range from financial management and strategic planning to staff supervision and event coordination. She also leads marketing efforts to boost ticket sales and brand visibility. Her role is crucial in maintaining the venue’s profitability, compliance and reputation for delivering a top-notch guest experience.

Michelle takes great pride in being actively involved in the Arlington community. She has volunteered at her children’s elementary school, participating in activities and programs that enrich the educational experience for students. Additionally, she has been a helping hand at the Arlington Car Show, contributing to its success and community engagement.

Her commitment to these activities reflects her dedication not just to her professional role, but also to being a constructive member of the community.

When Michelle is not at work, she can be found at home enjoying time with her kids, doing homework or watching movies. She also likes to hit the road to visit her oldest daughter in Houston. She also enjoys special moments with her fiancé, chilling at home or going out.

ourtni Anderson has been with the City of Arlington for more than 15 years working in recreation and aquatics. In her current position as Aquatics Manager, she oversees the operations of Arlington’s five outdoor pools, four splash pads and indoor pool. She was formerly a Recreation Manager with the city where she opened the East Library and Recreation Center in the fall of 2020.

Opening the East Library and Recreation Center was a great collaboration with Arlington Public Libraries and brought many much-needed resources to East Arlington. Another highlight of her career was implementing the Bakari Williams Protocol with Arlington Aquatics. This was a department-wide initiative to provide safe operating procedures for Arlington’s splash pads.

Courtni enjoys spending time with her family, camping, hiking or spending days at the soccer field watching her son play.

oni has spent several years serving as the trauma program manager. This role serves the multidisciplinary teams that support the injured patient population. This role also supports the community through injury prevention initiatives and outreach to other healthcare organizations. She has two national board certifications, has received an organizational award twice for living the mission “To improve the health of the people in the communities we serve.” Nominated by her colleagues, she has received several honors, exemplifying her dedication to excellence. Her milestones are distinguished by being selected by two national organizations to disseminate innovative care delivery initiatives through presentations at national conferences. She graduated with academic achievement honors earning her Master of Science in Nursing and is enrolled in the Doctorate in Nursing Practice. She is currently pursuing two research projects focusing on team collaboration in special populations and well-being and resilience in nurse leaders. She is in the manuscript publication process to disseminate new information to colleagues. She has been selected for two fellowships for evidencebased practice and research. Joni’s most rewarding milestone has been supporting interdisciplinary team members through mentorship in evidence-based practice.

She has volunteered with Mission Arlington for more than a decade and has supported outreach drives and philanthropy for special causes. She is an avid youth sports enthusiast and has spent many seasons volunteering in youth sports. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Ronnie, and her 4-year-old son, Mason.

She enjoys outdoor adventures, camping, fishing, hiking, gardening, reading and spending time in the mountains.

arlingtontoday.com • November 2023 • ARLINGTON TODAY 25

Mouhssine Benhamacht, 39

Javier Benitez, 30

Executive Chef Lowes Hotels

Firefighter Arlington Fire Department

R

W

Alex Busken, 32

Brittany Carnes, 33

City Secretary City of Arlington

Senior Vice President Frost Bank

A

B

enowned Chef Mouhssine “Moose” Benhamacht has a long history of working alongside award-winning chefs, restaurants and Loews Hotels in metropolitan cities across the United States, including Atlanta, Napa Valley, San Francisco, Orlando and Arlington.

Born in Teflit, Morocco, Benhamacht fell in love with the art of gastronomy at a young age. He moved to New York City to embark on his culinary journey and gained valuable training and insight that helped mold his culinary perspective and rapidly advanced his cooking acumen.

Benhamacht has shared kitchens with acclaimed chefs such as Jean-George Vongerichten and Olivier Gaupin in various leadership roles. He assumed the title of Executive Chef at Universal’s Aventura Hotel before bringing his passion for excellence and award-winning creativity to Live! By Loews – Arlington, where he has served as Executive Chef since 2019.

Chef Moose was hand selected to bring his wealth of knowledge and experience in French, Mediterranean, Pacific Rim, Asian and regional American cuisine to the new 888-room Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center, where he will oversee the culinary operation from concept to execution for five new restaurants and lounges.

lex Busken joined the City of Arlington in June 2018 as the City Secretary. Alex manages a dedicated team of public servants who are responsible for municipal elections, City Council meeting agenda preparation, records management and support for the mayor, city council, city boards and commissions.

Alex has 10 years of municipal government experience, beginning his career with the City of Victoria Parks and Recreation department. Alex also worked for the City of Benbrook before accepting his current role with the City of Arlington. Alex is a 2013 graduate of Auburn University, and completed his Master of Public Administration at the University of Texas at Arlington in 2017. Alex also completed the Certified Public Manager program at Texas State University in 2018. Alex is a member of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association and the North Texas Municipal Clerks Association.

Alex describes his office as a “catch-all” of municipal government services that directly impact Arlington residents. In addition to coordinating elections and preparing council agendas, Alex’s team works with other city departments to ensure compliance with the Public Information Act, and issues alcoholic beverage licenses and birth and death records.

Alex has also served in a support capacity for several boards and commissions in the City of Arlington, including the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation Board of Directors and Advisory Committee, Arlington Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, Redistricting Task Force and Unity Council. In 2022, the City Secretary’s Office was awarded the Municipal Clerks Office Achievement of Excellence award by the Texas Municipal Clerks Association, which recognizes excellence in the effective and efficient management of resources in a Municipal Clerk’s Office.

Alex enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching college and professional sports, and playing golf and ice hockey. Alex has been married to Catherine Renfro Busken since 2019, and they have a daughter, Sutton, and a son, Truett.

ith just under 10 years as a member of the Arlington Fire Department, Javier spent seven years at the firefighter rank before promoting to engineer in 2021. His first firehouse assignment was at one of the busiest firehouses in the city where he had the honor of serving for his entire career thus far. He has been fortunate to work with and learn from some of the best and brightest in fire service.

Although this career path brings a lot of benefits, Javier enjoys the human connections he gets to make on a daily basis with the citizens. Being able to interact with people of different ages, races, socioeconomic backgrounds and life history has allowed him to better understand the people he serves.

Javier enjoys spending time with his wife and working alongside her in various projects she handles for early childhood education. He likes reading books on military history, leadership, mental health and, of course, the fire service.

rittany Carnes is a Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager and community leader for Frost Bank in Tarrant County. As a member of the Frost commercial banking team, Brittany is responsible for developing new banking relationships throughout the business community in Arlington and surrounding areas. Brittany manages existing Frost relationships to ensure clients have access to Frost’s suite of financial products and services.

Brittany has served in various relationship management positions during her 12-year Frost career in Arlington. Her first position with the company was as a summer intern in Frost’s Value In Prospecting area. Brittany is a board member and executive committee member of the Downtown Arlington Management Corp.; a member of the Tallest Hog at the Trough Syndicate; a member of Women Inspiring Philanthropy; and a member of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce Women’s Alliance. She was a member of Leadership Arlington class 2012-2013.

Brittany was recognized with the Fort Worth Business Press 40 Under 40 in 2019. Brittany enjoys spending her free time with her husband, Blaine, and son, Cole, 3, and they’re excited to welcome a baby girl to the family in October 2023!

26 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

is proud to congratulate

Bryan Acosta on his recognition of

40 UNDER

40 God has blessed us; in return, we empower businesses and inspire the next generation to flourish professionally.

- BRYAN ACOSTA

Bryan Acosta is a man who wears multiple hats. For over 5 years, he has been the CEO of Advent Trinity, guiding the company to great heights in the realm of digital marketing solutions, offering everything from Web Design and SEO to Social Media Marketing and Advertisement. Beyond Advent Trinity, Bryan also holds the prestigious position of CEO at NuvoDesk Coworking, a space that fosters innovation and collaboration. His leadership expertise doesn't stop there; he's also the Vice President of Nuvioo, further showcasing his versatility in the tech world.

A firm believer in community service, Bryan, as an active Rotarian, has established valuable collaborations with the Arlington School District (AISD). He's driven initiatives at Advent Trinity to host AISD interns and aid in district-wide projects, underlining his commitment to giving back.

When the corporate world quiets down, Bryan turns to his passion for video games. Gaming enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of his skills on Twitch under the username 'drummerbee'.

NuvoDesk.com

AdventTrinity.com

Nuvioo.com

Lauren Jane Carter, 32

Justin Chapa, 39

Owner and Designer LJ Carter Creative

Senior Attorney/ Vice President McDowell Hetherington LLP / Arlington ISD Board of Trustees

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Brandon Chiles, 26

Holly Clinton, 38

Owner Arlington Urban Media & Entertainment

Senior Walk Manager Alzheimer’s Association - North Central Texas Chapter

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auren started LJ Carter Creative, a branding and web design firm, seven years ago after working as an art director at the Balcom Agency. Lauren holds a degree in Visual Communication and Art History from the University of Kansas. She works with a range of clients largely concentrated on small businesses, startups and nonprofits locally and nationally. She has received multiple industry accolades from AIGA, DSVC and AAF, including Best of Show, and several Gold, Silver and Bronze ADDYs. Lauren’s experience has positioned her to donate her skills to many organizations. From pro-bono design work to donated consulting, she constantly finds herself engaged in supporting the community. She has worked with impactful clients like Women Inspiring Philanthropy, Downtown Arlington, Arlington ISD Education Foundation and Center for Transforming Lives. She is the acting chair of the Downtown Arlington Marketing Committee, a lead volunteer of CreativeMornings Fort Worth and a member of Women Inspiring Philanthropy.

When she is not in the creative zone, she’s wrangling her two small children, Beckett and Adeline, with her husband, Cole. They are proud to be Arlington natives and continue to call it home.

randon Chiles’ journey with Arlington Urban Media & Entertainment (AUME) began in 2019. What started as a passion project rapidly transformed into the largest community platform in Arlington, boasting an online audience of more than 150,000 followers.

Born and raised in Arlington, his intrinsic connection to the city has fueled his relentless commitment to keeping residents informed over the past five years. Key initiatives under his leadership include producing a series of comprehensive one-on-one video interviews with all seven Arlington mayoral candidates during the 2021 election, as well as AUME’s annual “Fill-ABackpack” school drive.

Today, Brandon’s focus is the AUME mission: using the power of media and information to create more opportunities for young adults in the Arlington-DFW Metroplex. His current community involvement includes serving on the Mayor’s Young Adult Council, as well as the city’s Public Safety Assessment Council. Away from civic engagement and business, Brandon enjoys spending time with his newborn son and playing chess online.

ustin Chapa is a Senior Attorney at McDowell Hetherington LLP. A former law clerk to federal trial and appellate judges, Justin focuses his practice on litigation, appeals and internal and government investigations. He has earned recognition as a “Best Lawyer Under 40” by D Magazine and is a seven-time Super Lawyers “Texas Rising Star.”

Justin has served on the Arlington ISD Board of Trustees since 2017, where he is Vice-President, and he also represents the interests of all Texas school districts as a member of the Board of Directors of the Texas Association of School Boards. Justin has served on many nonprofit boards and advisory committees, including United Way of Tarrant County, Arlington Public Library Foundation and Arlington ISD Education Foundation.

Born and raised on Arlington’s eastside, Justin graduated from Sam Houston High School and went on to graduate with honors from Harvard University. After teaching high school through Teach for America, Justin earned a Master’s in Education and a Juris Doctorate from Stanford University. Justin and his wife, Anna, have three children, all of whom attend AISD schools.

olly Clinton is the Senior Walk Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association North Central Texas Chapter, where she oversees Fort Worth-area Walk to End Alzheimer’s events.

She has nearly 15 years of experience in the nonprofit fundraising sector and has served Arlington area nonprofits since 2015. She has an MBA from the University of Texas - Permian Basin and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

In 2023, Holly received the Janet Pacatte Award from the Tarrant Area Gerontological Society for her work in direct service to older adults. She is a graduate of the 2017 Leadership Arlington class and serves as chair for organizations including Arlington North West Rotary Club, Continuity of Care and the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce. Holly strongly believes in serving the community and leaving everything better than she found it. She enjoys driving Meals on Wheels routes and volunteering with the Children’s Ministry at her church, St. John the Apostle UMC. She is the proud mom of two adorable children and loves spending time with her kids and husband of 12 years.

28 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

to the City of Arlington’s

Courtni Anderson

Aquatics Manager | Parks and Recreation

Javier Benitez

Fire Apparatus Operator | Arlington Fire Department

Alex Busken City Secretary

Johnny McGee, Jr.

Lieutenant | Arlington Police Department

CONGRATULATIONS

O U R RO OTS ALSO RUN DEEP IN TEXAS.

Congratulations to our 40 Under 40 Honorees, Brittany Carnes and Jon Jacobson!

We are proud of the great work you do in our community.

Visit us at frostbank.com or call (817) 420-5655.

DAN HESSLING

VICE PRESIDENT, TICKET SALES

2023 ARLINGTON TODAY 40 UNDER 40 GREATER ARLINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MEMBER FDIC

arlingtontoday.com • November 2023 • ARLINGTON TODAY

31

Kelsi Robinson Couture, 33

Xavier Egan, 38

Chief of Staff Zang Adams Real Estate

President Capital Asset Advisors

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Caleb Geer, 33

Jennifer Guse, 33

Owner/Woodworker/Fabricator Urban Tree Merchants

Senior Tax Manager Sutton Frost Cary, LLP

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elsi has been an integral part of the Jamie Adams team for over a decade and played a crucial role in the founding of Zang | Adams in 2020. As a leader, she focuses on maximizing the company’s efficiency and enabling Georgie Zang and Jamie Adams to do their best work. Kelsi is passionate about her work and thrives in the exciting and fastpaced world of real estate. She approaches every real estate transaction with enthusiasm and integrity.

Kelsi’s community involvement includes working with organizations such as the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Alliance, Mission Arlington, and North Arlington Little League. This past spring, she also had the privilege of playing doubles tennis with the MAC Gator Special Olympics team.

She has also served as a board member of the Duff Elementary PTA. Kelsi is a proud mother of two children: Kolton, who is almost 6 years old, and Karter, who is almost 4. As a family, they enjoy watching sports, especially their favorite team the Texas Rangers and exploring the great outdoors.

aleb and his wife, Kelly, launched Urban Tree Merchants in January of 2019. Caleb developed a passion for trees while working for Tree Shepherds, his family’s tree care company in Denton County. He loves being able to give a second life to DFW trees.

For Caleb, a typical day “at the office” might include milling a log, loading the kiln, meticulously pouring epoxy, finishing a project at the shop, fabricating a metal base or installing a piece. Caleb is thankful to be able to use the engineering skills he learned at the University of Texas at Arlington and his God-given creativity to bring to life unique ideas and customer’s dreams.

At North Davis Church, Caleb created Hearts & Hammers, a volunteer group seeking to support the church and the community through manual labor and technical skills. He also donates products made by UTM to raffles, silent auctions and fundraisers benefiting various groups throughout the community.

Caleb has a huge heart, is full of empathy and is passionate about loving others. Caleb enjoys playing ping pong, pickleball and basketball, visiting with family and friends and “making stuff.”

avier Egan is a rising star in the world of mergers and acquisitions, having progressed from earning a BBA in Finance from the University of Texas at Arlington to becoming President of Mergers & Acquisitions at Capital Asset Advisors. With executive education from Cornell and the University of Chicago, Egan’s early career as an accountant equipped him with the skills and expertise to become CFO of SBU Global Services. It was during his time working in the DoD contracting space that Egan’s view changed, realizing the importance of growth through acquisitions. This revelation led to his current position and his focus on supporting Main Street and privately-held businesses, bringing immense value to the industry.

His dedication to serving his community has earned him a spot in Leadership Arlington 2023. Egan is an accomplished community leader, serving on several boards, including co-chair of the Arlington Mayor’s Black Advisory Council, chair of Black Alumni Chapter of UTA, chair of Creative Visions Social Services, board member of the DEC Network and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Nu Pi Lambda Chapter.

Xavier has been married for 13 years to his college sweetheart, Tiffany, and they have a son, Isaiah, and a daughter, Ava. It is important to Xavier to spend time with his family, be a positive role model and show them the importance of giving back.

ennifer Guse started working at Sutton Frost Cary in 2014 in the firm’s recently acquired Fort Worth location. After the retirement of the firm’s managing partner in 2017, she began leading the tax practice in Fort Worth. She was promoted to Tax Manager, and currently is Senior Tax Manager.

Jennifer works with and leads the tax team in completing client engagements such as preparing federal and state income tax returns, bookkeeping services, tax and business consulting and other tax-related filings. As a manager, she also helps train and mentor newer staff and manages workloads among the tax team. Jennifer tries to serve her clients to the best of her ability every day and lead by example.

Jennifer serves on the Branding and Community Outreach Committee of the Fort Worth Chapter of the TXCPA, which includes service to the Arlington area. She is also a volunteer soccer coach for the City of Arlington’s youth sports program.

When she is not working, she loves to spend time with her family. They are the best part of every day. She also enjoys reading.

32 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

XAVIER EGAN 40 40 UNDER

President of Capital Asset Advisors

HONOREE

JENNIFER GUSE

CPA, Senior Tax Manager

40 40 UNDER

HONOREE

Director of Respiratory Care Medical City Arlington

UNDER

HONOREE

Rachel Guy, 31

Vanessa Harrell BSRT, RRT, RRT-NPS, 38

Managing Director First Rate, Inc.

Director of Respiratory Care Medical City Arlington

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Dan Hessling, 36

Leslie Hogg, 37

Vice President, Ticket Sales Texas Rangers Baseball

Owner Flying Pig Balloons

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ver the past decade, Rachel Guy’s roles at First Rate have consistently revolved around client service. From managing client relationships to post-sale services such as implementations and renewals, she honed her ability to exceed client expectations and anticipate their evolving needs. This experience and Rachel’s academic background have uniquely positioned her for a role in upper management, where she now drives growth and strategic direction as a Managing Director. In this position, Rachel oversees and ensures the success of more than 90 community and regional banks.

As Executive Director of Camp Impact (whose mission is to create a safe environment where kids can be kids and escape the struggles they face at home), Rachel oversees and coordinates all the organization’s operations. Rachel has helped serve over 2,000 children. Her commitment extends beyond the summer months each year, as she orchestrates a coat drive for the students of Grand Prairie ISD, ultimately donating more than 1,800 jackets. She also plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Grand Prairie families are embraced by holiday cheer, facilitating the tradition of “adopting” families to provide them with Christmas presents.

Her passion for helping others is evident not only in Camp Impact but also within the broader community. Rachel has served on several local boards, including the Arlington Alliance for Youth and the Arlington Life Shelter.

When she is not working, much of her time is dedicated to raising her son and spending time with her husband, friends and family. They like to spend their weekends taking their son to experience new settings.

an Hessling has spent 12 years with the Texas Rangers Baseball Club, starting in 2012. His first role was as an Account Executive on the sales team, and his current role as Vice President, Ticket Sales is leading a ticket sales and service staff department. The focus is generating revenue for the club as it pertains to ticketing. The team is building lifelong fans through experiences and relationships to become the most dedicated and loyal fans as season ticket holders.

Dan has served on the YMCA Board of Directors, YMCA Task Force Committee, Diversity Equity & Global Engagement Committee, World Cup Subcommittee, Texas Rangers ICIC and is Committee Coach U5 Soccer – Roanoke.

Dan and his wife, Brooke, have two kids, Tenley, 4, and Saylor, 2, and they are expecting their third child Nov. 2. The family lives in Trophy Club. Dan enjoys playing basketball and golf and spending time with his family.

anessa Harrell started as a Supervisor of Respiratory Care at Medical City Arlington in June 2020, accepted the Manager of Respiratory Care role in February 2022 and transitioned to the Director of Respiratory Care in June 2022. During this time she has held the chair of the Employee Advisory Group, started the Code Compassion team that supports staff during stressful shifts, received various awards for leadership such as Excellence Always Award and Monthly Star leader award.

Under her leadership, the hospital raised nursing support service internal survey scores to 100 percent.

As chair of the 30-member MCA Employee Advisory Group (EAG), Vanessa coordinates a hospital toy drive to support Community Partners, collecting and delivering 250 toys in 2022. The group also organized a volunteer event where hospital colleagues handed out school supplies and backpacks to 2,000 kids in August 2023.

Last year, the hospital’s “Healthy Food for Healthier Tomorrows” food drive collected 1,100 pounds of food for Mission Arlington. Vanessa helped create the canned food sculpture that earned the hospital a $2,500 cash donation for Mission Arlington.

Vanessa enjoys reading and fishing and enjoying the outdoors. She has three lovely children: Aubrey, 15, who loves swimming and scuba diving; Xavier, 13, who loves football; and Hayden, 7, who loves to be outdoors with her daddy. They have three rescue dogs. She has been married to her supportive husband Marc for four years, but they have been together for many years.

eslie is the owner of Flying Pig Balloons, which creates highquality balloon art in all shapes and sizes for fun-filled moments.

She is the AWARE Foundation Selections Chair and a board member. Leslie is also an Alpha Chi Omega Epsilon Lambda active alumnus, an Arlington Council of PTAs Board member, Hagar’s Heart Advisory Board member, an active community volunteer and a volunteer at Jones Academy.

She enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, Bowie, her family, Helen and Ellis, and their goldendoodle, Harry.

34 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

Reid Hutcherson, 33

Jon Jacobson, 30

President Hutcherson Construction Inc.

Personal Banker II Frost Bank

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Brockne Jones, 37

Jimmy Kinley, 36

Managing Partner Asaint Music

CEO Kinley Construction

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eid is a third-generation owner and president of Hutcherson Construction, Inc., which has been family-owned and operated in Arlington since 1979. The company works with the telecom industry, medical industry, the Texas Rangers and nonprofits, including the City of Arlington and the Arlington ISD. Reid has served with Alliance For Children, the YMCA and the Miracle League.

Reid loves spending time with his wife, Kourtney, and kids Saylor James, Mills and Conley. He also enjoys duck hunting and deer hunting.

rockne is a highly soughtafter performing artist, public speaker and consultant. As a gifted communicator, he energizes audiences and inspires individuals to put their vision into action. It’s hard to fit Brockne aka “ASAINT” into a categorical box. Hip hop, rock, neo-soul and acoustic-driven ballads describe the versatility in his music.

In 2011, Brockne realized his life was more meaningful than he knew and he had talents that were purposeful in bringing inspiration and hope to himself and others, thus Asaint Music the company/label was born. Since 2012, ASAINT has blazed a trail across the globe sharing stages with R&B soul legends Tony Toni, Tone’ and many more.

Currently residing in Arlington he continues to use his musical expressions and motivational speaking talents in schools, entertainment venues and churches with the goal of seeing communities overcome obstacles to achieve personal success.

Brockne enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife of 15 years and three children, who he considers his greatest achievement.

on started with Frost Bank in 2022 and spent his first year covering the Tarrant County market.

He recently settled into a permanent position at the Downtown Arlington location.

Jon has worked for the “Vote Yes! Keep the Rangers” campaign and led community outreach for Congressman Ron Wright.

He enjoys spending time with his wife, Katie, and son Bennett, as well as his parents Michael and Kristen. He likes watching sports and seeing the local teams win.

immy was born and raised in Arlington, where he currently resides with wife, Brittany, and their three young sons. In his early years, he often visited the Kinley Construction jobsites with his father and grandfather, experiencing initial introductory steps into the family business from the ground up.

After obtaining a management degree from Penn State University and an EMBA in Organizational Leadership from the Jack Welch Management Institute, Jimmy worked with all levels of the Kinley organization to thoroughly understand every aspect and gain a wealth of knowledge from various angles of the business. This experience, coupled with a unique business mindset and entrepreneurial vision, allowed him to become the sixth-generation CEO of Kinley Construction.

Jimmy’s faith and family are the utmost priorities in his life. He strives to have a servant’s heart, with an intentional focus on giving back to the community.

He is a co-founder of Building Wishes, a non-profit that works closely with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, building life-sized playhouses for children diagnosed with terminal illnesses. He also co-owns a unique entity in Grounds & Gold, a local café with a mission that serves gourmet coffee, homemade baked goods and made-from-scratch dishes to Arlington and the surrounding DFW community. G&G is built on the foundation of fostering community and giving back, especially to organizations centered around childhood cancer.

36 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

Elizabeth Kobty, 29

Ming Li, 37

Owner Prince Lebanese Grill

Associate Professor The University of Texas at Arlington

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Kylie Lindsey, 37

Garrett Martin, 26

Partner PSK, LLP

Director of Communications and Placemaking Downtown Arlington

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lizabeth grew up in the restaurant industry, watching her dad run the Prince Lebanese Grill, the family-owned and operated restaurant since 1989. She came back from college and joined the family business. She manages anything front of house!

She is a member of the Women’s Advisory Council, and has joined Leadership Arlington.

She also started the Francis Kobty Hospitality Scholarship, a culinary arts scholarship for Arlington ISD and Mansfield ISD graduates to Tarrant County College. The scholarship honors her father Francis Kobty, The Prince and founder of the family restaurant.

Elizabeth is always at work in the family business. She also enjoys family time and family dinners with her mom. She loves to play tennis. Elizabeth has many godchildren now, so she spends a lot of time with them.

ing Li is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she leads the research team MobiSec. Ming’s research is driven by community needs. One of her ongoing research projects is to leverage ubiquitous mobile sensing to assess cyclists’ stress as they bike in Arlington downtown streets.

The goal is to allow infrastructure planners to gain deeper understanding of spatial-temporal distribution of cyclist stress, thereby enhancing travel safety and equity for cyclists. This research is under close collaboration with bike community groups in Arlington.

Ming has been actively promoting inclusivity and diversity, particularly by encouraging underrepresented students to delve into the world of research.

She is one of the initiators of OurCS@DFW, an annual event supported by the Google Explore CSR program. It is designed specifically to amplify the participation of undergraduate women in computing across Arlington and the DFW area.

In her spare time, Ming enjoys spending time with her husband, Zhangji, and their cat, Fufu. She loves Chinese Gongfu tea and reading.

arret has been working as part of the ylie Lindsey became Partner at PSK LLP in Downtown Arlington team since 2018. He January 2022 after beginning her career started as an intern while studying marketing as an intern at PSK in 2005. She obtained and management at the University of Texas at her license as a Certified Public Accountant Arlington. In February of 2020, he left his job in April 2008. Her work at PSK focuses on tax at an advertising firm in Fort Worth to become a contractor for Downtown Arlington. He and advisory services based on developing quickly took on managing the marketing and relationships with her clients and PSK team events for the organization, and accepted the members. She has expertise in federal and state offer to become full time as the Community individual, partnership, trust and corporate tax Development Manager in 2021. Since then he has been promoted to the Director of Communications and Placemaking, planning and preparation. She specializes in professional services, family-owned where he has taken on additional responsibilities in economic development and businesses and nonprofits. clean/safe efforts, overseeing the Storefront Improvement Grant and Marketing Kylie is involved in the greater Arlington area as a representative of PSK LLP Sponsorship programs, banner program, Cultural District programs, waste services at events for Chambers of Commerce including Arlington, Mansfield andStudents Grand of the Tembwo Left: andGirls UTA x Downtown initiatives while overseeing a staff of two, who control the Prairie. She has attended Greater Arlington Chamber of CommerceSchool events such as marketing and communications of the organization. His focus now is in economic Right: A well tower in Kenya (2021) development and place stewardship.

Inspired Women’s Luncheon, Legends & Leaders and State of the City.

She shared He has hosted over 100 events in Arlington, most free to the public and Above: Sandy Mulcahy in her 2012 her professional journey in accounting during a Mansfield Chambertrip of to Commerce Africa highlighting Arlington artists. Garret has raised over $100,000 in grant funding for Junior Chamber Membership, resulting in a new team member at PSK! She assists Downtown Arlington, most recently being awarded a national grant from General with the quarterly opportunities in the PSK offices to help local not-for-profits Motors to create a new dog park in Downtown Arlington.

This year has been pretty much all-consumed by the planning of his October such as Sower of Seeds, Texans on Mission and Carter Blood Center. wedding to fiance, Emily McCormick. The couple has two dogs, Flynn and Fern.

When she is not working, she spends most of her time attending her kids’ Garret enjoys listening to music and plucking old country songs on his guitar. The activities. Her family loves to travel and spend as much time outdoors as possible. couple also enjoys spending time with family.

38 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

Prince Lebanese Grill is proud to congratulate

ELIZABETH FRANCIS KOBTY on her recognition of

40 40 “ UNDER

Elizabeth Francis Kobty, is a key part of what makes Prince so special. She grew up working in the family business, employing all her friends. After college and a few office jobs she slowly helped take over Operations & Admin roles at Prince.

You can always find Elizabeth working hard and carrying on the Legacy of her . father Francis Kobty, “The Prince

”

“We are so proud of you to be professionally recognized by your peers and City. You deserve all the love and more for your hard work and dedication.

Keep up the great work!”

Congratulations!

Well deserved Elizabeth Kobty!

Dr. Johnny McGee Jr., 36

Sheila Haddad Nagy, 37

Lieutenant Arlington Police Department

Realtor Canafax Nagy Realty Group, RE/MAX Trinity

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Todd Pagitt, 39

Ashley Read, 36

Director of Business Operations TEKsystems

Head of Early Childhood The Oakridge School

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ohnny McGee Jr. has more than 12 years of experience with the Arlington Police Department and has been in a supervisory role for more than eight of those years. He is responsible for managing the training functions of the department, training/travel budget allocation, curriculum development, many accreditation components and personnel and recruiting initiatives for hiring and retention.

Johnny is a graduate of FBI LEEDA Trilogy, Arlington Executive Education Program (AEEP) Class of 2022, Institute for Law Enforcement (ILEA) School of Supervision and ILEA School for Executive Leadership. Johnny obtained his doctorate of education from American College of Education with an emphasis on community organizations. His dissertation topic was “The Effects of Law Enforcement Mentoring Programs of At-Risk Middle-Aged Youth for Academic Achievement.”

Johnny loves spending time with his wife, Ja’Nae, and daughter, Kinsleigh, as well as other family members. Johnny also enjoys traveling, entrepreneurship and being a life-long learner.

heila co-founded the Canafax Nagy Realty Group of RE/MAX Trinity with her mentor and business partner, Rachel Canafax. Sheila enjoys serving the real estate needs of her community by helping her clients navigate the ever-changing real estate market and breaking down the complexities of the transaction.

As a former physics teacher and wife to a U.S. Air Force veteran, Sheila enjoys serving teachers, military and first responders by offering reduced brokerage fees. With a brokerage motto of #JoyfulAbundance, she donates part of every commission to Cook Children’s Hospital. Sheila serves on the Butler Elementary PTA Board and is a Bible Study Fellowship Leader. She is a Paul Harris Fellow recipient and member of the Rotary Club of Arlington since 2019.

Sheila and her family are longtime members of Gateway Church. Sheila and her husband, Allan, have been married for 12 years and enjoy spending time with their three boys, Clark, 8, Miles, 6, and Blake, 2. Sheila attributes her continued success in real estate to hard work, prayer and keeping her faith and family at the heart of everything she does.

odd Pagitt’s current role is shley Read finds teaching to be a way of life, not just a job. She joined The Oakridge Director of Business Operations School family in 1991 as a 4-year-old. After at TEKsystems, a company he has 15 years as a student, she graduated from been with for more than 17 years.

Oakridge as what is known as an Alpha and TEKsystems is a global business and Omega (a student that starts their journey technology services company. He has at Oakridge in first grade or before). After graduated from multiple leadership graduating from Texas Christian University development programs while at the with a degree in Early Childhood Education, company. she joined Oakridge as a fourth-grade teacher Todd graduated from Leadership Arlington in 2020, and he in 2009. In 2014, she earned her master’s degree in Educational Leadership has served as a board member for Young Men for Arlington and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. She spent a since 2021. He has been involved with the Butler Dads Club few years serving in a dual role, teaching fourth grade and serving as an at Butler Elementary since 2019, and is currently serving as of the Tembwo Girls Left: Students Instructional Coach. For five years, she served as the Assistant Director of School President of the organization. Todd is also heavily involved Technology and Modern Learning where she led Professional Development Right: A well tower in Kenya (2021) with the AMA YMCA soccer program and is a Covenant Member with Oakridge teachers. In 2022, Ashley joined the Early Childhood Center Above: Sandy Mulcahy in her 2012 at Fielder Church. serving as the Interim Director and later transitioned into Head of Early trip to Africa Todd is married to his wonderful wife, Amy, and they Childhood. Her role is to serve the Early Childhood families and teachers. have two amazing children, Graham, 10, and Samantha, 7. A She enjoys spending quality time with her family, listening to podcasts, highlight for the family is the annual summer trip to Kiawah traveling and attending TCU football games. Her husband of 13 years, David, Island, South Carolina. Todd enjoys reading, running and and their daughters Avery Kate and Finley enjoy traveling to Jamaica to visit watching Baylor sports. family, spending time with their family and riding ATVs around the family farm.

40 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

C ONGRATULATIONS TO ASHLEY READ, H EAD OF EA RLY CHILDHO O D, F O R HER OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN BEING NAMED TO THE GRE ATER A RLINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S 40 U NDER 40 CLASS OF 2023!

THIS RECOGNITION IS A TESTAMENT TO YO UR DEDICATION AND LEADERSHIP. WE ARE SO PRO UD OF YO U!

T H E OA K R I D G E S C H O O L . O RG THE OA K R IDG E SCH OOL IS A C O E D C O L L E G E P R E PA R AT O RY S C H O O L S E RV ING ST U DE N T S A G E 3 T H R O U G H G R A D E 1 2 .

Molly Self, 30

Jack Sheehan, 32

Client Services Manager Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau

Regional Director of Marketing Live! Hospitality & Entertainment

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Rachel Slosson, 39

Lauren Tobey, 35

Talent Acquisition & Business Development Circle-E Facility & Home Services

Chief Impact Officer Helping Restore Ability

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olly is a Client Services Manager for the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, where she serves as a destination liaison to help convention planners and delegates create experiences to last a lifetime. She plans and implements destination and client services provided by the Arlington CVB for convention groups, including pre- and post-event functions, onsite event needs, referrals and serves as their liaison to the Arlington community. She has over 10 years of event planning and marketing experience and has a degree in Public Relations & Event Management from Tarleton State University.

Molly serves on the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Advisory Council, where she has grown the success of their Jabber & Java networking event over the past two years as the Networking & Events Chair and currently serves as the Social Media Chair. She is also a member of the Event Service Professionals Association, where she serves as the Marketing Committee Chair and is a member of the Conference Committee.

Molly is a proud Leadership Arlington Class of 2023 graduate.

Molly enjoys traveling and making memories with her husband and their two daughters.

ack Sheehan started at Texas Live! as the property Director of Marketing, leading the strategy and implementation of marketing and sponsorships initiatives. After eight months in the role, he was promoted to Regional Director of Marketing, overseeing the success of the South Region of Live! Hospitality, encompassing Arlington, Atlanta, Raleigh and Miami.

Jack is a board member of the Arlington CVB, supports the ongoing efforts of the Arlington Resource Fair and oversees all charitable contributions and volunteer work conducted by Texas Live!

He is an avid sports fan, and can be found watching sports in his free time. He tries to play golf as often as possible. He is passionate about food and beverage and enjoys crafting new recipes in his kitchen or trying new restaurants and bars throughout Arlington and DFW. His two cocker spaniels, Barney and Flynn, enjoy getting the scraps from his failed kitchen experiences.

achel, a seventh-generation Arlington native auren has worked for Helping and great-granddaughter of Mayor John T. Restore Ability since January Pilant, embodies community commitment. She 2017. She was hired as an Event is a third-generation member of the downtown Coordinator and quickly rose through Arlington Rotary Club, serving on the board Director of Development to the Chief as Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms and the Youth Impact Officer. She is in charge of all Services Committee.

As a teen, Rachel was the first runner-up at funding, marketing, communications, the Cinderella Charity Ball and the Short-Term research projects and special project Youth Exchange student to France. Rachel coordination. spearheads renovations of her family’s historic buildings in the heart of the Lauren was a foster parent and ended up adopting her cultural arts district, originally constructed by her grandfather, Happy King. Rachel son in 2020 to complete her family. She continues to support participates in the North Arlington Bible Study Fellowship International, serves foster families throughout the community. She also served on as a dedicated PTA board member at Butler Elementary School, coaches youth Left: Students Girls the Board of Directors for her daughter’s preschool and the soccer through Arlington Parks & Recreation and sings in the First Baptist Church ofof the Tembwo School Arlington’s Classic Choir.

Arlington Animal Alliance. Lauren also serves on the Arlington Right: A well tower in Kenya (2021) She obtained her bachelor’s in Business Management & Marketing from Texas Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities and the Mayor’s Sandy Mulcahy in her 2012 A&M University. Rachel plays a pivotal role in Talent Acquisition andAbove: Business trip to Africa Veteran Taskforce.

Development at Circle-E Facility & Home Services, her family’s second-generation She enjoys spending time with her 5-year-old daughter and commercial and residential service company. Her responsibilities encompass 11-year-old son, her dogs and her husband. The family enjoys recruiting highly skilled, licensed HVAC/R, electrical and plumbing technicians and exploring Arlington and different activities throughout the city shaping leadership teams with modern hiring methods. when they aren’t busy with gymnastics and karate.

Rachel has been married for 10 years to the love of her life, Seann, and enjoys spending time with their two precious sons Levi and Luke.

42 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

Let Us Lift Your Next Event! flyingpigballoons.com @flyingpigballoons &

Jesse Tucker, 37

Ryan Williams, 30

Owner and Provider Carencia Mental Healthcare

Survey Manager Graham Associates

J

R

LaDondra Wilson, 37

Emma Yang, 30

Vice President of Social Responsibility & Executive Director of the Dallas Wings Community Foundation – Dallas Wings

Assistant Professor The University of Texas at Arlington

L

D

esse Tucker is owner, and also a Provider, at Carencia Mental Healthcare. Carencia’s team of providers assist members of the community by providing mental health and substance use care. Jesse was born and raised in Arlington and attended the University of Texas Arlington for graduate school. He is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with postgraduate certification in Addiction Nursing.

Before Carencia, Jesse served in many mental health clinical and leadership roles. Additionally, he has served on the faculty with the University of Texas at Arlington in the graduate School of Nursing. Jesse founded Carencia seven years ago with the mission to normalize the need for mental health care and to be an approachable, knowledgeable and personable place to seek care. It has blossomed into a desired place for Arlington, surrounding DFW residents and other states to receive quality mental health care. Jesse believes that taking care of one’s mental health is as much of a priority as taking care of physical health. His long-term goal through Carencia is for every member of the greater Arlington community to feel empowered to get the support they need to optimize their health and quality of life.

aDondra recently concluded her third season with the Dallas Wings, where she leads the organization’s philanthropic efforts, the player and front office community engagement initiatives and amplifies the organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives through the social justice committee. Under LaDondra’s leadership, the Dallas Wings Community Foundation was launched in March 2021. The foundation serves as the vehicle to support neighbors in need.

LaDondra serves on the Educate Dallas, Parkland Health Foundation and Rainbow Days Board of Directors. She serves on the UNT Sport Entertainment Management Advisory Board, Texas A&M-Commerce Sport & Recreation Management Board, Women in Sports and Events and the Black Sports Professionals of North Texas Board of Directors, and she is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. LaDondra was named a 2019 Millennial to Watch as a Community Server, a 2020 Community First Award recipient from the Parkland Health Foundation, the 2021 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Graduate Good Citizen Award and a 2021 Dallas Business Journal 40 Under 40 award recipient. LaDondra has been named the 2023 WISE Women of Inspiration Feet on the Street honoree.

LaDondra enjoys traveling, serving alongside her sorority sisters and enjoying live music when she is not working. LaDondra launched Flash Forward Photo Booths in 2017.

yan currently serves as the Survey Manager at Graham Associates, a civil engineering firm in Arlington. He joined the firm in 2015 when he started in the field and has worked his way up to his current management position. His role has involved coordination of both field operations and office production of client deliverables, business development, recruitment and retention. Ryan works with contractors, residential and commercial property owners, architects, developers, title companies, the city, county and others. Ryan has met several key milestones in his professional career including obtaining his certification as a Surveyor in Training (SIT) and now working toward becoming a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS). Other milestones include being selected to transition from the field to the office, training under the Survey Manager on working with clients and coordinating tasks and deliverables among the crews and office staff, to now overseeing operations as well as business development.

Ryan has served as the Vice President of Facilities for Alliance for Children, and he has been asked to serve another term as the Vice President of Governmental Affairs. Ryan has served on the board for AFC for several years, having served on the construction and finance committee and the executive board. Ryan has also served on the Keeping the Rangers Campaign, several mayoral campaigns and school board campaigns. Ryan also serves as a deacon, committee member and sixth-grade Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Arlington.

Ryan loves to spend time with his family, wife Morgan and three children: Nolan, 5, Olivia, 3, and Brayden (TBD). His sport allegiances are with the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Cowboys. Beyond baseball and football, Ryan’s true passion is playing golf.

r. Emma Yang’s career goal is to become an outstanding researcher, teacher and community leader in sustainable advanced manufacturing, making a meaningful impact on the education and workforce training of future scientists and engineers.

She received a doctorate in Industrial Engineering from University of Illinois at Chicago in 2019, master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University Northwest in 2015 and bachelor’s degree in Vehicle Engineering from Beijing Institute of Technology in 2013.

At UTA, she leads a group of Ph.D. students and undergraduates on research projects funded by National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Defense and the State of Texas, totaling over $1.3 million. Her contributions to the field have been recognized through awards such as the DoE Outstanding Achievement in Energy Engineering in 2023 and the Best Presentation Award at International Conference on Resource Sustainability in 2021.

At UTA, she also teaches Engineering Probability and Decision Analysis in Systems Design.

Emma helped organize events such as “3D Printing and Virtual Reality” summer outreach with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Tarrant County, “Virtual Training of Advanced Manufacturing Weekend” with Tarrant County Community College and UTA’s “3D Printing Aircraft Competition.”

Emma likes to go biking with her husband, and take long walks with her dogs, Debbie and Peanut.

44 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

“Empowering people…

Empowering our community” Many ask where Carencia gets it’s name.

In bullfighting, the “carencia” is the safe space the bull carves out for itself, the location where it feels most comfortable, empowered, and poised for success. That combination of safety and strength is precisely the environment we provide our patients.

At Carencia Mental Health, we take a full-person approach to mental healthcare services, emphasizing the ‘care’ portion of healthcare (and not just because it’s the first syllable of our name). In practice, that means smaller patient-to-provider ratios, longer appointment times, and a dedication to more empathetic patient interactions.

By balancing a person-centered approach with clinical strategies, we’re empowering people to achieve mental wellness.

We offer telehealth and in-person services for: Depression | Anxiety | Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Bipolar | Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder | Addiction And more…

1006 N. Bowen Suite 126 | Arlington, Texas 76012. 682-478-5333

www.Carencia.com

Ming Li, Ph.D.

Emma Yang, Ph.D.

Congratulations to Ming Li and Emma Yang on being named to the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 Class of 2023!

Congratulations 40 Under 40 Honorees!

TO ALL

Congratulations to Ryan Williams

a 2023 Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce 40 under 40 honoree

Arlington Office | Centerpoint III, 600 Six Flags Drive, Suite 500

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Military Entrepreneur Challenge Bryant Griffith knows about seeking an identity after years in military service, and he’s sharing that insight with other veterans.

Griffith, 35, a Marine who served 10 years – including two tours in Afghanistan – is the owner of Arlington-based Junk and Waste Solutions (JAWS) and won a recent Second Service Foundation Military Entrepreneur Challenge pitch competition.

JAWS is a junk-removal business that not only hauls away unwanted materials, but repurposes and recycles much of what is removed, keeping it out of landfills.

“We put a lot of energy into that part of our business,” said Griffith. “We track how much we’re donating, recycling, and giving back to the community.”

For his pitch in the competition, Bryant focused on that aspect of his operations, and his aspiration to help other veterans in the same way that the military community has boosted him. During his presentation, he was accompanied by his service dog, Balboa, whom he calls his “barketing manager.”

“When veterans transition out of military life, the biggest challenge for them is the loss of identity and community that the military provides,” said Griffith, who lives in Kennedale with his wife, son and two daughters. “We’re

looking to franchise and help other veterans.”

He said that the prize – a $2,000 capital grant and $25,000 in pro-bono legal services from Holland & Knight LLC – will help in that effort.

That sentiment struck a chord with the Second Service Foundation’s Challenge judges, according to Lauren Hope, the organization’s executive director.

“The military community runs deep and takes care of our own. We know that if we encourage and foster the empowerment of others, it will amplify beyond our reach,” said Hope. “Every time Second Service Foundation has an event, there is a ripple of goodwill that will continue to grow to help others. Bryant is the perfect example of this. He has clearly identified a pain point within the military community — a veteran’s loss of purpose and identity attached to serving others— and he is addressing it in an intentional, conscientious, and eco-friendly way with JAWS.” In addition to the prizes he receives, SSF will connect with Griffith each quarter to assess his business’ progress and send him other opportunities to grow his organization.

Asked what made Griffith’s pitch stand out from the others, Hope said, “It ultimately came down to the passion and his story —

Bryant Griffith (with service dog) and some of his crew

A site clean up progression

50 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

by Bob Kowalski

as one of our judges commented, he has a passion for both service and relationship within the veteran community, and he is implementing a positive impact on veterans in the form of job opportunities.”

Griffith’s penchant for serving his community doesn’t stop there. He serves on the Kennedale City Council and is vice-chair of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s Veterans Business Council.

He connected with the Second Service Foundation’s competition when he was engaged in a 6-month business cohort at UT-Arlington, Spark for Veterans. That helped reaffirm his mission.

“Most companies take junk and haul it to the landfill. There was really a need for us in the market,” he said. “To me, it’s purposeful work.”

The Military Entrepreneur Challenge pitch competition is open to military-connected small businesses and nonprofits. Nine semifinalists are selected for each regional competition, and each is allowed two minutes to pitch to a panel of judges. The top three are selected to make their pitches in front of a live audience, which will vote for the winner. For more information, visit secondservicefoundation.org.

Photos: junkandwastesolutions.com

arlingtontoday.com • November 2023 • ARLINGTON TODAY

51

LOCAL DWELLINGS

HOME SWEET! HOME Welcome to your dream home!

Nestled on a sprawling 1.84-acre culde-sac lot in the Ashworth Homeplace gated community, this stately traditional home offers beautiful curb appeal featuring a covered front porch and stunning balcony.

The media room downstairs has additional space for game tables or other indoor hobbies.

The primary bedroom showcases a fireplace and luxurious bath with separate vanities, free-standing tub, and separate shower.

island and oversized walk-in pantry,

Upstairs, you’ll find three additional spacious bedrooms. This home is perfect for entertaining, with sparkling pool and large backyard for outdoor activities, and includes a greenhouse.

all flowing into the family room that is

A detached 4-car garage, with a

The chef’s kitchen features stainless steel appliances, wine cooler, large

accentuated by a cozy fireplace.

ample space for vehicles. HVAC has been recently replaced. This home is located with easy access to I-20, shopping, dining, and entertainment, this home truly has it all.

For more information about this stately home, contact Susan Daniels with the Cunningham Group at 817797-5076 or susandaniels@ebby.com.

breezeway to the main house, provides

STATELY TRADITIONAL HOME TRULY HAS IT ALL 52 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

arlingtontoday.com • November 2023 • ARLINGTON TODAY

53

MAINLY MANSFIELD

Hometown Holidays Mansfield Mansfield gets an early start on the holiday spirit, kicking off more than a month of holiday happenings in the middle of November.

The Mansfield ISD gets the party started from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 16 with a Tree Lighting Ceremony and concert at the Dr. Jim Vaszauskas Center for Performing Arts, 1110 W. Debbie Lane. Admission is free and the public is invited.

After Thanksgiving, the holiday spirit builds with Toys for Tots, holiday plays, 5K runs, music, holiday home tour and even some guaranteed snow!

“I invite everyone to ring in the holidays with your family, friends and neighbors at Mansfield’s hometown event,” Mayor Michael Evans said. “With a whole month of events, Mansfield is the home of the holiday spirit.”

The city and school district join forces for a massive Toys for Tots party from 5-10 p.m.

Nov. 30 at the Dr. Jim Vaszauskas Center for Performing Arts. Bring a new, unwrapped toy and then stay for the parade, live entertainment, music, food, visits with Santa Claus and a fireworks show.

Mansfield lights up its own tree from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 1 at The LOT, 110 S. Main St. Tree lighting and a drone show will light up the night, plus there will be live entertainment.

Admission is free.

The Fleetwood Project will produce an original holiday play, “Mama Knows Best,” running Dec. 1-10 at the Farr Best Theater, 109 N. Main St. Tickets are $10-$17 and available at thefleetwoodproject.org/2023-season.

Work off those holiday calories before they have time to stick in the Mansfield Kiwanis FaLaLaLa 5K from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Dec. 2, starting and finishing at Run United, 650 US 287 Frontage Road. Cost is $25-$35. Register at https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_ information.php?event_id=138697

by Amanda Rogers

Locations still to be determined.

Click here for more info: www. mansfieldhometownholidays.com/ events/scout-the-route Youngsters with special needs and their families can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 8 at City Hall, 1200 E. Broad St. Visits will be sensory friendly and the facility is handicapped accessible. Admission is free, but registration is required.

Register here: www.cognitoforms. com/MansfieldActivitiesCenter/ SUPERKidsSantaVisits2023 Want to see snow in Texas?

Check out Frosty Night at The LOT from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 8. Watch the snow fall, make snow angels, build a snowman, watch “Frosty the Snowman” and see all the lights at The LOT. Admission is free.

Stretch your legs in the Snowman Run from 9-11 a.m. Dec. 9 at James McKnight Park East, 700 US 287 Frontage Road. There will be s’mores and hot chocolate at the finish line. Cost and registration info to come: www. mansfieldhometownholidays.com/events/ snowman-run Check out a 19th century Christmas from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Man House Museum, 604 W. Broad St. The home of Mansfield cofounder, Ralph Man, will be decorated for the season, staffed with historical reenactors who will teach visitors to make holiday cards and ornaments. Admission is free.

The Mansfield Farm and Cottage Market will celebrate the season with a holiday market from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 9 at The LOT. Produce, holiday treats and live entertainment are planned. Admission is free.

See new ways to bring the holiday spirit to your house or just marvel at the décor during the Mansfield Women’s Club Holiday Home Tour from 1-5 p.m. Dec. 3. Five decorated houses will be open for viewing. Tickets are $30 and available at Tom Thumb, 980 N. US 287.

Luminosity Theatre Center presents “Celebrate Christmas! A Holiday Family Treat” from Dec. 14-23 at the Farr Best Theater. The production takes the audience inside a 1960’s holiday special, complete with commercials, singing and special guests.

Tickets are $15-$18 and available here: https:// www.luminositytc.org/

Mansfield’s firefighters will be Scouting the Route for Santa Claus, stopping for selfies and picking up letters for St. Nick from 7-8 p.m. Dec. 5, Dec. 7, Dec. 12 and Dec. 14.

Enjoy an Old Fashioned Holiday Night at The LOT from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 15. Listen to carolers, see the lights and watch a classic movie. Admission is free.

54 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

Celebrate Jane Austen Day at the Man House Museum from 10-11:30 a.m.

Dec. 16. Enjoy tea, scones and games.

Admission is free, but registration is required. Registration details here: www. mansfieldhometownholidays.com/events/ jane-austen-day Pull on your pointy shoes and ears and head to Elf Night at The LOT from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 19.

Get your picture taken with an elf, try some sweets and watch “Elf.” Admission is free.

Bring the family and go on the Candy Cane Hunt from 2-3:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at James McKnight Park East. Hunt for candy canes, win prizes and get some holiday photos.

Admission is free.

Try some After Christmas Karaoke at The LOT from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 28. Play Bingo, sing some tunes and watch a sing-a-long movie.

Admission is free.

Celebrate 2024 with a New Year’s Party at The LOT from 5-9 p.m. Jan. 5. Count down to the big balloon drop. Admission is free.

Sunday, December 3, 2023 from 1PM – 5PM $30 ADVANCE TICKETS

Tour 5 beautifully decorated Mansfield area homes No Children Under 12, Homes Not Handicap Accessible, Event Held Rain or Shine, No Refunds.

$10 RAFFLE TICKETS $500 Cash donated by Becky Hearne RE/MAX Pinnacle $300 Cash donated by Dawn Gerba Hawaii Fluid Art Mansfield

Holiday Surprise Basket $Priceless donated by MWC members

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

THE DUERSTEN FAMILY CHARITABLE FUND Lok-Mor • Mouser Electronics, Inc. Frost Bank • The Carol Esstman Family DayDream Photography • Minuteman Press Tom Thumb • Arlington Today

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOV. 1 - Dec. 3 TOM THUMB Customer Service Desk Hwy 287 & Country Club Drive Mansfield PINNACLE BANK 220 E Highway 287, Ste 100 Midlothian Contact Kathleen Powers 817-932-2329 or ww www.mansfieldwomensclub.org for tour or raffle tickets

Proceeds will benefit the health, welfare & education of area women and children through our 501 (c)(3) non-profit https://www.mansfieldwomensclub.org or www.facebook.com/Mansfield.Womens.Club.Mansfield.TX

MAINLY MANSFIELD

Downtown Mansfield’s Sweet Spot For Andrea McMillin, success smells sweet.

“I’ve always wanted a candy store,” said McMillin, who owns and runs AndiMac’s Candy Shack in historic downtown Mansfield.

“We were so poor growing up that candy was not an option. My granddad would always take me to a candy store and let me pick out what I wanted.”

Now, McMillin watches grandparents bring their grandchildren into her old-fashioned candy store and find candies they haven’t seen since they were young.

“Every historic area needs an old-fashioned candy store,” she said. “People come in and it’s not what they expected.

“I love seeing grandparents bring in their grandchildren,” McMillin said. “And they like it!

We have unique stuff, from a 33-cent gummy burger on up.”

And there is a huge assortment of candy, from around the world to retro favorites.

AndiMac’s has candy from Europe, Mexico and Japan, plus an assortment of craft sodas, like Wild Bill’s and Dublin.

If they don’t have it, they’ll find it.

“When somebody wants a new candy or an old candy, we’ll track it down,” said Brandon McMillin, the store’s operations manager and McMillin’s son. “Somebody came in and wanted Clark Bars. Mom tracked them down and now he comes in all the time to get them.”

Even though they specialize in sweets, their prices are comparable to – and sometimes better than - the big box stores, Brandon McMillin said.

by Amanda Rogers

have more room. The 2,000-square-foot store is on the first floor of the century-old building at 119 N. Main St. that has done time as a bank and the Mansfield News-Mirror newspaper office. The hardwood floor and barrels of taffy add to the old-time feel.

“I think the place is beautiful,” said Dee Davey, a long-time Mansfield resident and Realtor. “They have stuff from my childhood.

You just have to have fun coming into a place like this. There’s not many candy stores.

AndiMac’s also has the new candies that youngsters are looking for, Brandon said, but the retro candies are the ones that get the most comments.

“We are lucky to have a downtown like this,” Davey said. “It’s quaint, it’s sweet, especially when you were raised in a small town. It takes you back to being a kid.”

“People tell me stories about where they first had this candy,” he said. “One of the biggest hits is candy cigarettes or cinnamon picks. They said ‘We used to couldn’t take them to school. Back in the day, we used to be so cool.”

“It’s not actually penny candy,” he said.

“I feel like we sell memories and a unique experience. I have made some really amazing friends just by selling them candy. This is not corporate, it’s family. It’s like home.”

Andrea McMillin opened AndiMac’s Candy Shack in March 2018 on the east side of Main Street, but moved to the west side in 2022 to

56 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

Brandon McMillin agreed.

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Theatre Arlington Presents Annual AllYouth Musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. Arlington, TX, October 24th, 2023 — Theatre Arlington is excited to announce the cast of its upcoming all-youth production of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr.” Based on the beloved 1968 film and featuring an unforgettable score by the Sherman Brothers, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr.” brings to life the story of Caractacus Potts, his children, and their extraordinary flying car. This timeless family favorite promises to transport audiences to a magical world of adventure and whimsy.

Theatre Arlington places a high priority on its educational programs, and the production of an all-youth musical is integral to its mission. “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR.” is professionally directed, choreographed, and musically directed, however every onstage performer is between the ages of 8 and 18!

The piece will be directed by the Theatre Arlington Business Manager Cindy Honeycutt, Daniel Hernandez will serve as music director, with choreography by Hannah Arguelles.

Afternoon Shows: November 4, 5, 11, 12 at 2pm Evening Shows: November 3, 10 at 7:30pm For more information and to purchase tickets: www.TheatreArlington.org Box Office: 817.275.7661

The cast will feature: Alayna Besherse, Natalie Dodd, Piper East, Zoe Hatler, Leo Hayward, Reagan Hodges, Tatum Holsopple, Torie Holsopple, Hayden Jockers, Natalia Knight, Gabriel Leal, Avery Madsen, Finn McGuffin, Jillian McGuffin, Nolan Meyer, Chasity Miles, Chase Niekamp, Charlie Sanders, Maxton Sims, Reegan Skains, Bella Swan, Eliza Thornton, Lindley Walton, Calleigh White, June Whitley, and Amrynn Wood.

ABOUT THEATRE ARLINGTON: Located in the center of Arlington’s Cultural Arts District, Theatre Arlington is one of the largest semi-professional, non-profit theaters in the Southwest with roots that date back to 1973 and a roaming theater group known as The Potluck Players. Fifty years later, the staff and board of directors are still as dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in North Texas by presenting superior, diverse, artistic experiences through performance, production and education as they were during their humble beginnings.

Ruby Lecroy will serve as the stage manager. The design team is a group of Theatre Arlington regulars, Kevin Brown (Set Design), Bryan Stevenson (Lighting Design), Ryan Simón (Sound Design), Hope Cox (Costume Design), and Robin Dotson (Props Design).

In addition to a regular season featuring eight productions, an all-youth musical and a club series, the theater runs a year-round theater school including spring break and summer camps, and partners with the Arlington ISD and local community organizations to provide free and low-cost art enrichment programs for area children and teens. The theater is also proud to perform under an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theatre contract. Theatre Arlington has become a key player in enriching the city’s cultural environment.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. features music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, it was adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams, and the licensed script was adapted by Ray Roderick Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. will open on Friday, November 3 at 7:30pm, and run through November 12 with the following schedule: arlingtontoday.com • November 2023 • ARLINGTON TODAY

57

PGA Hope brings free golf clinics to area veterans

by Amanda Rogers

Some Arlington golfers are getting free professional instruction in an exclusive clinic. The catch? You need to be a veteran or active-duty military.

PGA Hope, a joint effort of the Veterans Administration and the PGA, requires instructors to go through specialized training, learning about teaching to a very special class of golfers.

PGA Hope (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) provides a six- to eight-week golf clinic to all levels of golfers, from those who have never held a club to those who have been out of the sport for awhile.

“You deal with individuals of varying skill levels,” explained Arlington Parks & Recreation golf services manager Greg Durante. “We started with the fundamentals – grip, stance, posture, alignment.”

The six two-hour classes started with putting, then chipping and pitching, driving, short and mid irons and at the final class they played a scramble on a golf course.

“We introduced them how to make a tee time, driving a golf cart, etiquette, all aspects of the game,” Durante said.

The eight men and two women who went through the first clinic at Tierra Verde learned more than golf at the weekly clinics, Durante said.

“We were not only teaching them the game, but they got re-engaged with other veterans to reacclimate,” Durante said.

“Some are still active duty, some are just returning. That was part of the training that we received. They help you recognize that these guys need to talk to each other. It helps them get back into society. I saw a couple of guys that have established a bond.”

Arlington resident and veteran Paul Goodman brought PGA Hope to their attention, Durante said.

“He saw the program and wondered if we were part of it, so we looked into it,” Durante said.

Adam Jones, a veteran and first assistant golf pro at Tierra Verde, Mike Berneburg, golf pro at Lake Arlington Golf Course, and Durante traveled to Frisco to get the training, so Arlington could become one of the first areas in the country to offer the free clinic for veterans.

They plan to offer the clinic again in the spring, possibly more than one, Durante said. The first clinic filled up fast, he said.

Veterans and active-duty military should check with the VA or go to www.pgareach.org/services/military to find upcoming clinics.

“I can’t think of a better way of giving back to the game than teaching this program,” Durante said.

58 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

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SCENE

Mayor of Dalworthington Gardens Laurie Bianco, IHL 2023 Keynote Speaker DeMarcus Ware, Mayor of Kennedale Jan Joplin and Mayor of Mansfield Michael Evans Sr.

Honorary Chairs Mary and Carl Ice with The Salvation Army NTX Area Commanders Majors Paul and Dawn McFarland, and Honorary Chairs Judy Rupay and State Rep. David Cook

IHL 2023 Honorary Chair State Representative David Cook and The Salvation Army Arlington/Mansfield Area Corps Officer Lt. Anna Maslenikova Lt. Colonel William Mockabee and IHL 2023 Keynote Speaker DeMarcus Ware - Pro Bowl Hall of Famer and Super Bowl Champion

Presenting the Colors is the Award-Winning Mansfield High School JROTC Male Color Guard

The Salvation Army YET Choir

IHL 2023 Honorary Chairs Judy Rupay and State Rep. David Cook

Susan Skaggs, 2023 recipient of The YET Wall Of Honor Award

Others Award recipient Claire Wheeler and The Salvation Army Arlington/Mansfield Area Corps Officer Lt. Anna Maslenikova 60 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

Honorary Chairs Mary and Carl Ice receiving the Booth Award from The Salvation Army National Commander Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder Photo credit: Parker Vandergriff, Genuine Article

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NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR MUSEUM

A Story of Courage - Sergeant First Class Webster Anderson

by Kali Schick

T

here are six values represented in the Medal of Honor: Courage, Sacrifice, Integrity, Commitment, Citizenship, and Patriotism. At the center of every Medal of Honor story is courage: a moment where an ordinary individual makes the courageous decision to go above and beyond and do something extraordinary. Yet courage also exists in the moments and years after. In the heat of battle in Vietnam, Sergeant First Class Webster Anderson displayed immense courage, something which followed him into his life after the Medal of Honor.

Stationed at a firebase near Tam Ky, Vietnam, then-Staff Sergeant Anderson was chief of a howitzer section in Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 320th Artillery, 101st Airborne Division. In the early morning of October 15, 1967, North Vietnamese Army forces attacked Battery A’s position and breached its perimeter. Without concern for his own safety, Anderson moved into an exposed position to lead his crew to provide defensive firepower for the base.

Firing his rifle and throwing grenades into the oncoming forces, Anderson continued to direct his howitzer crew. He was holding his own when two enemy grenades landed in his position, exploded, and severely wounded his legs. Unable to stand, Anderson found a way to prop himself up and stay in the fight by continuing to direct his crew’s fire. Moments later, another grenade landed nearby. Determined to protect his men, Anderson grabbed the grenade and threw it over the parapet. As it left Anderson’s hand the grenade exploded, destroying his right hand.

only one limb intact, and forced out of his chosen career, Anderson never spoke negatively of the experience, never held a grudge. Faced with challenges few of us can imagine, Anderson lived his live courageously.

According to his son, he began each day with push-ups and sit-ups. He’d lift weights with his one arm, walk five miles on two prosthetic legs, or remove them and swim in the local lake. Anderson taught his kids that they could be anything they wanted, an example he set in how he lived his own life. When he wasn’t working in his electronics repair shop, Anderson could be found boating, fishing, or even golfing.

Brady kept up with Anderson’s recovery through a friend and knew that he had survived. The two connected after the war and became lifelong friends. Anderson and Brady would travel together to speak to groups, two Medal of Honor recipients united by unique circumstances in a faraway place. Anderson would say Brady saved his life, but Brady always credited the physicians. In an interview with the Medal of Honor Museum, Brady recalled a speaking event where a young man asked Anderson, “Knowing what you know now, that it would cost you an arm and two legs, would you do it again?” Anderson’s response demonstrated his patriotism and courage, “Young man, I’ve only got one arm left, but my country can have it any time they want.”

Kali Schick is Senior Historian for the National Medal of Honor Museum

To have any chance of survival, Anderson had to be evacuated. It was still dark, and the firebase was located at 2,400 feet on a mountain. The only way out was via helicopter. Though gravely wounded and losing consciousness, Anderson kept fighting—all his men were wounded and needed help. Upon seeing his condition, Anderson’s executive officer moved him to be evacuated. As the North Vietnamese forces were pushed back, a dustoff Huey helicopter was inbound to evacuate the wounded. At the controls of the Huey was Major Patrick Brady, a bold and determined dustoff pilot. Knowing lives were in his hands, Brady ensured all twenty-one wounded, including Anderson, were loaded before he took off.

Miraculously, Anderson was still alive when Brady’s Huey touched down at a field hospital. Medical personnel were able to save his life, but not his legs or right arm. The thirty-four-year-old, father of two (later three) would return home a hero, but his military career was over. In recognition of his courage, leadership, and sacrifice, Anderson was awarded the Medal of Honor. Joining Anderson at the White House ceremony on November 24, 1969, were his wife, father, son, and daughter. Weeks earlier, Major Brady had received the Medal of Honor in a similar ceremony for another series of daring rescues he’d performed in 1968.

On that night in 1967, Anderson displayed courage in a situation most of us will never face. Though it was an extraordinary situation, it was only a brief battle in the whole of his life. Returning home, battered, with

62 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

Image: Webster Anderson, courtesy of U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center

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64 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

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Arlington and Parkdale cemeteries will continue as official locations for the 2023 National Wreaths Across America Day The cemetery will join the more than 3,700 participating locations across the country to Remember, Honor and Teach on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023

ARLINGTON, TEXAS — Oct. 13, 2023 — Once again, Arlington and Parkdale cemeteries will join in the mission to remember, honor and teach, as official locations for 2023. This is the second year that the cemeteries will participate in this national program.

Locally, the Lucretia Council Cochran chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) heads up this effort.

Volunteers will place a live balsam fir veteran’s wreath at the headstone of each of the 887 veterans’ gravesites in the Arlington and Parkdale cemeteries.

Wreaths Across America started as a simple gesture of thanks that has grown into a national, yearlong movement of dedicated volunteers and communities coming together to not only remember the nation’s fallen and honor their service, but to teach the next generation about the value of freedom.

This year, there will be more than 3,700 participating locations placing veterans’ wreaths on National Wreaths Across America Day – Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023 – with more than two million volunteers coming together.

The goal for the DAR Lucretia Council Cochran chapter is to raise enough funds to place 887 sponsored veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of all the local heroes laid to rest there, to ensure that the individuals who served to protect the freedoms of our country never be forgotten and to bring the community together in patriotic commemoration.

Those interested in volunteering for Wreaths Across America or sponsoring a wreath for either Arlington Cemetery (801 S. Mary St., Arlington, Texas) or Parkdale Cemetery (801 S. Mary St., Arlington, Texas) or both are invited to visit https://tinyurl. com/3zbkakv3 to learn more.

Wreath sponsorships are $17 each.

National Wreaths Across America Day is a free community event open to all people.

Lezlee Liljenberg/Ana Lanier Photogragphy

About Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

All Wreaths Across America Day events are, non-political/religious events, open to all people. For more information, to donate or to sign up to volunteer, please visit www.

WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/YOURID

About DAR The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. Today’s DAR is dynamic and diverse, with 66 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the United States and abroad. DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities across the country and world. DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Over one million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890.

Contacts: Meg Anderson, Chapter Regent (817) 832-2506 meganderson981@gmail.com Lynn Peithman Stock, Publicity (954) 253-3272 communicationsdar.arlingtontx@gmail.com Sean Sullivan ssullivan@wreathsacrossamerica.org (207) 230-4599 WAA Media Resource Page https://learn.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ mediaresources

Things to know: • Honorary Diane Cravens Tour of Homes CoChairmen: Judge Mary Tom Cravens Curnutt and Lana Fountain • Date: Sunday, Dec. 10, Noon to 5 pm •H omes on Tour: Fielder House Museum; George and Sandra Campbell; Michael and Kristen Jacobson; Kari, Kyle and David Sargent; Kelly and Mary Tom Cravens Curnutt • When: VIP Reception with mimosas, juice and light snacks noon to 1 pm at Fielder House Museum, 1616 W. Abram, Arlington, TX 76013

W

hen Diane Davis Cravens, a native of Highland Park, moved to Arlington in 1964 after marrying her college sweetheart Tom, she knew she had to do something special. The Cravens family helped to build Arlington.

So she created her own community legacy.

Tom was used to community involvement growing up in Arlington. He comes from a long line of community leaders, as far back as his great-grandfather James M. Carlisle, a prominent educator who served as state education superintendent and later created Carlisle Military Academy, the forerunner of the University of Texas at Arlington. His father, an attorney, would serve on both the local and state school boards. His sister, a teacher, was a charter member of the Arlington Woman’s Club and co-founder of the Arlington Historical Society in 1966.

He would be the impetus to create the development of downtown Arlington, which later became the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation. He addressed then-Mayor Harold Patterson and the Arlington City Council in 1984 as a 40-something-year-old, outlining the vibrant vision by a group of community leaders for a revitalized downtown.

But Diane made her own path in Arlington.

In the 1960s, most of the social circles were within the medical community. Diane knew Arlington needed something else.

Something for the women of Arlington. So she helped create the Service League of Arlington, which later became the Junior League of Arlington. Daughter Mary Tom Cravens Curnutt and daughter-in-law Lisa Cravens would both later serve as JLA presidents.

• Self-guided home tour: 1 pm until 5 pm As an alumna of Delta Delta Delta sorority at the University of Texas at Austin, she founded the local alumna group and helped to petition the sorority to become chartered at UTA. She also served on the UTA House Corporation steering committee plus led the movement to have the national headquarters for Tri-Delta’s move to North Arlington, which has since moved a few years ago to Addison.

• Cost: Limited number of VIP tickets with special edition commemorative mimosa glass, $45 • General Admission: $25 (after Dec. 1, $30) • Tickets available online at: www.zeffy.com/ en-US/ticketing/6ef250f6-908e-4d4d-8a21a4cbabfde2e3 • Tour map, created and sponsored by Arlington Today Magazine, pick up at Fielder House Museum

With her love of Arlington history, she helped raise $100,000 for the Arlington Historical Society as board secretary in 1978.

She served on the five-person committee appointed by the Arlington City Council to create the Fielder House Museum and assisted with relocating the historic cabins to Knapp Heritage Park. She also helped create educational field trips there for Arlington’s young students.

• Proceeds benefit the Junior League of Arlington & Arlington Historical Society 2023 Holiday Tour of Homes 1. F ielder House Museum, 1414 W. Abram St., Arlington, TX 76013 (Geraldine Mills, 817925-0686; fielderh@swbell.net)

She helped start the Callisto, Karosel and Kaleidoscope dance clubs for school-age students.

2. Honorable Judge Mary Tom Cravens Curnutt and Kelly Curnett, 505 S. Fielder Road, Arlington, TX 76013 (817-825-6699, MTCurnutt@curnetthafer.com) Parking in back of Cravens/Curnutt compound

Always so very gracious, Diane opened the family home for the Women’s Division of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce Tour of Homes three times. And hosted monthly gettogethers for a close-knit group of friends.

3. Kari, Kyle & David Sargent, 618 Portofino, Arlington, TX 76012 (817-320-7413; kari@ teamspirit4you.com)

And, fittingly, one of her final accomplishments and contributions to the community was as a founding member of Women Inspiring Philanthropy, a nonprofit consisting of benevolent Arlington women that awards mega grants to Arlington-based non-profits annually.

4. G eorge & Sandra Campbell, 1305 Findlay Court, Arlington, TX 76012 5. Michael & Kristin Jacobson, 703 Findlay Dr., Arlington, TX 76012

Even after passing away in 2022, she continues to make a difference in Arlington.

arlingtontoday.com • November 2023 • ARLINGTON TODAY

67

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Arlington ISD Education Foundation’s Broadway Bash

68 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

Easy to wear everywhere Arlington Apparel TheArlingtonShop.com

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Casino Night LOcation

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Hearsay Arlington 1711 E Randol Mill Rd Arlington, TX 76011 November 12th, 2023 6-9 PM

Individual Tickets $150 Event Will Have Live Auction (Including a Trip to Las Vegas) Multiple Raffles Throughout the Night Celebrity Guest Ronnie Coleman

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70 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

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BETTER TOGETHER

ARLINGTON’S 18th ANNUAL STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

Photo credit: Terry Ip

72 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

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Timeless Concerts presents EUROPEAN VACATION! at 8 pm on Saturday, November 11th We are excited to perform a great repertoire for our concert to be held at New World Methodist Church on N. Davis

We will perform a virtuosic work for 2 solo violins with accompaniment, “Navarra,” by Spanish composer Pablo de Sarasate, “Spring” from The Four Seasons by Vivaldi of

Italy, plus beautiful songs of Austria and popular Neapolitan songs of Italy! Our pianist Dr. Kang will perform Sonata 104 del Petrarca by Franz Liszt. A wonderful hour of great variety!

arlingtontoday.com • November 2023 • ARLINGTON TODAY

Performers include violinists LeeAnne Chenoweth and Tim Angel, pianist Heejung Kang, soprano Youna Hartgraves, tenor Sergio Cepeda, and cellist Drew Johnson.

73

SPEAKING OF SPORTS

The Rangers’ best days are just beginning

by John Rhadigan

Houston, we have a problem! The oft quoted phrase from the Apollo 13 crew may undergo some changes after the American League Championship Series. Guess what Houston this is not our problem, this is your problem. The Astros best days are behind them and the Rangers are just beginning.

Still, this is how rivalries are born. For a decade the Rangers and Astros have played in the same division. For much of that decade they played JOHN each other RHADIGAN nineteen times per year. For some two decades the teams have battled for the Silver Boot where the team that wins the season series wins the coveted Silver Boot Trophy. Actually, neither team has ever coveted it. I’m not sure either team knows where it is.

The ALCS finally lit the fire that Tom Hicks hoped to ignite back in the early 2000’s.

As a longtime supporter of the University of Texas, Hicks knew a little something about rivalries. The Red River Rivalry is one of the best in college football to this day. As owner of the Rangers, Hicks was hoping to one day see the stadium half red and half orange.

Not crimson and burnt orange but Rangers Red and Astros Orange. Never mind that the Rangers color is predominately blue now.

Hicks has almost gotten his wish.

the door, so is outfielder Sebastian Walcott.

Better yet there are pitchers near the top of the rankings too, Brock Porter is top 100 in all of MLB and Jack Leiter is right behind him.

Baseball is different from college football, of course. But since both lone star baseball teams are very good right now, this may be the beginning of a long and healthy rivalry.

General Manager Chris Young has done a masterful job since coming home to Texas.

Young pitched for thirteen years in MLB and won a World Series with the Royals in 2015. His major league debut was with the Rangers who traded him to the Padres in 2006. It was in San Diego that he played for Bruce Bochy. Young remembered the calm demeanor of his manager, the baseball knowledge and reassurance that Bochy provided on the bench. So Young hired his former manager out of retirement last off season. It will live as one of the best hires the Rangers have ever made.

Consider this; each team finished the 162 game 2023 season with exactly the same record 90-72. Each team has a power hitter in the middle of the line-up that no pitcher really wants to face. Each has a quadragenarian at or near the top of the rotation. Each has a future Hall of Fame manager who has seen it all.

Obviously, the Astros immediate past success creates a blinding glare. But the Rangers’ future appears to be much brighter. Josh Jung has just completed his rookie year. Jung’s September call up last season did not provide enough service time to disqualify him from rookie status this year.

The same is true of Evan Carter this fall.

He got called up in September but got so much experience during the playoffs that it almost seems unfair to call him a rookie next season but that is what he is. Can you say Rookie of the Year?

The farm system is still well stocked too.

Outfielder Wyatt Langford is knocking on

74 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

So let’s take inventory; the Rangers have a great veteran corps of pitchers and position players. They have a front office that has proven to be one of the best in baseball. A manager who lowers the heart rate of everyone in the dugout no matter the pressure packed circumstances. And an ownership group that has come through at every turn. Add it all up and I would say it is not “we”, it is “you”. Houston you have a problem. It’s the Texas Rangers.

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

Arlington ISD Education Foundation Receives Historic $1.1 Million Gift ARLINGTON, TEXAS — TThe Arlington ISD Education Foundation recently announced that it has received a $1.1 million gift from the Myrtice N. Larson Revocable Living Trust, the largest single gift in the Foundation’s nearly 30-year history.

Larson, who began her Arlington ISD career as a reading specialist in 1953, shared the namesake honors at Larson Elementary School with her late husband, Curtis. Curtis Larson taught at Speer and Thornton elementary schools before becoming a principal in the district. The two had a combined 74 years in the education field.

“This gift recognizes the life-long contributions of Curtis and Myrtice Larson to the field of education and their love for the Arlington community,” said Jeannie Deakyne, executive director of the Arlington ISD Education Foundation. “Through their

generosity, we hope to honor their legacy and serve the public school students of Arlington ISD through fulfilling extraordinary educational needs and initiatives.”

About the Arlington ISD Education Foundation: The Arlington ISD Education Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1994 to serve the public school students of Arlington through fulfilling extraordinary educational needs and initiatives. The Foundation achieves its mission by funding exceptional teaching grants, providing funds for basic needs for at-risk students, and supporting continuing teacher education efforts. To date, the Arlington ISD Education Foundation has distributed more than $2.5 million for educational resources in AISD classrooms.

Source: Arlington ISD Education Foundation

BULLETIN BOARD

Downtown Photo Walk

Photographers and models join a guest photographer guide for a monthly Downtown Photo Walk. Start at Inclusion Coffee to hear a brief masterclass by the guest photographer, then walk around Downtown to capture the beauty of our city with your camera.

Free with advance registration.

November

BOOK CLUBS

November 16 • 5:30-7:30pm Inclusion Coffee, 101 E. Abram St.

Southwest Morning Reading Group – 11/8 • 11am Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

by James Nestor Southwest Branch Library thesecretchambers.com

Night Out Book Club – 11/9 • 7pm Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree Feng Cha Arlington

Good Grounds Book Club – TBA Choose your own book Woodland West Branch Library

Texas Authors Book Club – 11/16 • 6:30pm Goodbye to a River by John Graves

RAGE ROOMS?!

Ever wanted to take that “Printer Jam” and throw it against the wall or snap that iPhone in half with your bare hands? Rage rooms offer stress-relief and fun in a safe environment – breaking stuff to your heart’s content!

Fielder House Museum

Southwest Spine Crackers – 11/16 • 7pm Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus Southwest Branch Library

Teen Book Club – 11/21 • 5pm A Snake Falls to Earth

by Darcie Little Badger

The Secret Chambers Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays 20 Minute Sessions 2111 N. Collins Street #225

Woodland West Branch Library

Silent Book Club – 11/25 Bring any book and enjoy refreshments Location varies

Dallas Cowboys Home Games New York Giants

November 12 • 3:25pm

Washington Commanders November 23 • 3:30pm

Seattle Seahawks

November 30 • 7:15pm

Dallas Cowboys Rally Days

The day prior to certain Cowboys home games, fans get to enjoy activities in the Miller Lite®House, get a behind-the-scenes tour of AT&T Stadium and more.

Rally Days may include*: • VIP Guided or Self-Guided Stadium Tour • Opportunity for Dallas Cowboys Alumni Autographs • Opportunity for Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Autographs • Exclusive Ticket Giveaways • Food & Beverage Purchase Options • Games & Inflatables • Live DJ, Miller LiteHouse Access & Much More 76 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

November 11 10am

CITY REMEMBERS LEGACY OF FORMER ARLINGTON COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE AND ENVIRONMENTALIST JULIA BURGEN

By Office of Communications Posted on Thursday, October 05, 2023 — The City of Arlington pauses today to reflect on the life and legacy of former City Council Representative Julia Burgen, well-known for her lifelong commitment to environmental preservation in North Texas.

Mrs. Burgen, who served three terms on the Arlington City Council from 1997 to 2003, died Oct. 4 at age 89.

She was born April 11, 1934, to parents Robert and Julia Sanford. After graduation from Hillcrest High School in 1951, she attended Southern Methodist University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1956, which is the same years she married Jack Gilbert Burgen. Together, they had three daughters, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

After the early years of child-rearing, Mrs. Burgen began a lifelong commitment to environmental preservation in North Texas, beginning with the Texas Committee on Natural Resources. She was a key part of the Arlington Conservation Council and the MPAC Women’s Political Action Committee, as well as actively supporting numerous other groups and causes. During this time, she also earned a Master of Science degree in Interdisciplinary

Recreation and Park Association Award in 1989, Arlington AAUW Outstanding Woman of the Year in 1994, the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence in 1995, the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club Evelyn Edens Award in 1996, the League of Women Voters of Texas Individual Award for Excellence in Environmental Awareness in 1996, the Arlington-Star Telegram Woman of the Year in 1996, and the National Delta Gamma Shield Award in 2011.

After her tenure on the Arlington City Council, Mrs. Burgen continued serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Parks Bond Committee for several years.

She remained dedicated to preservation of habitat and ecosystems throughout her life, family members said. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for friends to consider donating to the pollinator garden project at Julia Burgen Park, Arlington, Texas through Green Arlington Foundation, P.O. Box 264, Arlington, TX 76004-0264, referencing Pollinator Patch in JBP. Mrs. Burgen was preceded in death by Jack, her husband of 64 years.

Studies from The University of Texas at Arlington, focusing on education and science.

Her tireless work to develop greenspace to effectively accommodate flooding along Johnson Creek in Arlington was successful after years of effort. In 1995, she was recognized with the Sierra Club’s Environmentalist of the Year award for the State of Texas and the City of Arlington also dedicated a 66-acre linear park along Johnson Creek in her name in 2017.

“Julia was an exceptional woman of grace and commitment to causes to protect and enhance nature. I had the honor of sharing a city council office with her when I was first elected. She inspired me, mentored me, and educated me and we became dear friends.

Her invaluable service to the Arlington community and to the State of Texas cannot be overstated,” said former City Council Representative Sheri Capehart, who said MPAC will plant a tree in Julia Burgen Park in her memory. “Julia was an intelligent woman and a force for nature and could not be ignored. I will miss her greatly.”

Mrs. Burgen was recognized with numerous awards, including the Texas Recreation and Parks Society Individual Award in 1989, the Southwest Region of National arlingtontoday.com • November 2023 • ARLINGTON TODAY

Article and photo from ArlingtonTX.org 77

KEEN CUISINE

AMERICAN Candlelite Inn • 1202 E. Division St. • 817-275-9613 • candleliteinnarlington.com Dino's Subs • 2221 S. Collins St. • 817-274-1140 The Grease Monkey • 200 N. Mesquite St. • 817-665-5454 • greasemonkeyburgers.com Tipsy Oak • 301 E. Front St. • 817-962-0304 • thetipsyoak.com The Tin Cup • 1025 W. Abram St. • 817-303-5518 • tincupdeli.com Ricky’s Hot Chicken • 3810 S Cooper St Ste. 138 • 682-276-6600 Spicy Bites • 1220 S Cooper St. • 817-642-5005 Zack’s Bistro • 900 E. Copeland Rd. • 682-323-8789

Candlelite Inn

ITALIAN/PIZZA Café Sicilia • 7221 Matlock Rd. #3409 •817-419-2800 • Cafesicillia.com Moni's Pasta & Pizza • 1730 W. Randol Mill Rd. • 817-860-6664 Italy Pasta Pizza & Subs • 2221 Browning Dr. • 817-276-3200 Old School Pizza Tavern • 603 W Abram St. • 682-310-6266 • oldschoolpizzatavern.com Vietalia Kitchen • 1220 S Cooper St. • 817-460-1945 • vietaliakitchentx.com Piccolo Mondo • 1829 E. Lamar Blvd Arlington. • 817-265-9174

Italy Pasta Pizza & Subs

BARBECUE David's Barbecue • 2224 W. Park Row Drive, Suite H • 817-261-9998 Hurtado Barbecue • 205 Front St. • 682-323-5141 • hurtadobbq.com Bodacious Bar-B-Q • 1206 E. Division St. • 817-860-4248 • bodaciousbarbq.com Spring Creek Barbeque • 3608 S. Cooper St. • 817- 465-0553 • springcreekbarbeque.com

Spring Creek BBQ

INTERNATIONAL Gangnam Rice • 4638 S Cooper St #190. • 682-320-8720 Sunny Thai • 4306 Matlock Rd #108. • 817-617-2216 Tic-Taco • 715 W Park Row Dr. • 817-617-2980 Cane Rosso • 200 N East St, Arlington. • 817-533-3120 Gyros To Go • 710 E Sublett Rd #101 • 817-419-2878 Prince Lebanese • 502 W. Randol Mill Rd Arlington, Texas • 817-469-1811

78 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

arlingtontoday.com • November 2023 • ARLINGTON TODAY

79

BEHIND THE WHEELS

A roadster with starring roles

Arlington’s Robert Massengale restored this beautiful Jaguar XK120 • by Richard Greene

Arlington’s Robert Massengale sits in the 1954 Jaguar XK120 Roadster he restored to mint condition for a car-dealer client in Mississippi.

W

e’ll start this month’s car feature with a pop quiz: What do famous movie stars Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Tyrone Power, Robert Mitchum and Rex Harrison have in common?

Millennials may wonder who they are, while their parents and grandparents will instantly recognize them all from their awardwinning careers across the silver screen from decades past.

In any event, the rather obvious answer to our little question will come quickly – all of these famous actors had a Jaguar XK120 Roadster like the one you see here.

There were lots of others, and some of them may have fallen in love with this car that, according to the Internet Movie Cars Database, appeared in more than 200 movies and television shows. The first one was likely the 1954 aptly-named “Fast and the Furious,” promoted as “A trucker framed for murder breaks out of jail, takes a young woman hostage, and enters her sports car in a cross-border race hoping to get to Mexico before police catch him.”

The Jaguar was selected as the vehicle of choice for such a story line because it got its name by reaching a top speed of 120 miles per hour – a remarkable feat for a production car in the post-WWII era.

Another famous celebrity also has a special connection to this roadster. Jay Leno’s first sports car was the 1954 Jaguar XK120. His current collection of something in the range of 170 cars all began with a white one like the reborn beauty on these pages.

It belongs to a car dealer in Jackson, Mississippi, a client of Arlington’s Robert Massengale, whose restoration skills have produced a perfect version of this highly collectible vehicle.

Jaguar produced the XK120 between 1948 and 1954. The company made just over 12,000 of the open two-seater that was, at the time, the

world’s fastest production car. The very first one in 1949 was delivered to aforementioned Clark Gable.

Innovations included independent torsion bar front suspension, semielliptic leaf springs at the rear, recirculating ball steering, telescopically adjustable steering column and all-around 12-inch drum brakes.

The 3.4 liter inline-6 engine was highly advanced for a mass-produced vehicle of the time. With a dual overhead camshaft, dual side-draft SU carburetors and twin exhaust pipes, Robert has tuned this one to make it more powerful than a standard 12-cylinder engine.

Even without the modifications the roadster achieved its first race victory in 1949 at Silverstone Circuit, England, with a reported top speed of 124.6 mph.

The next year, its first victory in America came in a race at Palm Beach Shores, Florida. Then, in 1954, it became the first imported car to win a NASCAR Grand National road race. Foreign made cars were then banned from this series after that event.

With those kind of racing credentials, together with its sleek sports car appeal, the car saw its popularity soar. You could have bought one of the originals when it first appeared in dealers’ showrooms for about $1,500.

With values increasing steadily in recent years, today you would need to be willing to part with $100,000 or more for one like Robert has restored for his Mississippi collector client.

A recent Bloomberg article reported that most buyers purchase the car for passion rather than to make money. Enthusiasts say few collectors of beautiful objects admit to buying them for purely investment purposes.

After months of work to produce the results of authentic detail to ensure its perfection, Robert concludes his journey with this car to be a true labor of love.

80 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

In addition to looking the part of a classic, this Jaguar has independent bar front suspension, semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear, all-around 12-inch drum brakes and twin exhaust pipes.

Robert does his magic, turning a work in progress into a work of art.

The 1954 Jaguar XK120 Roadster has plenty of oomph, plus features that set it apart in a crowd. It’s no wonder this vehicle is a movie star.

arlingtontoday.com • November 2023 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Photos: Richard Greene

FINISH LINE

Origins of Six Flags and the Greenes in Arlington

by Richard Greene

P

ictured in these two images is the same spot in the world - just 66 years apart.

Many long-time residents reading this have their own experiences with this once relatively simple intersection. Now it’s being transformed into one of the region’s most complex Interstate Highway interchanges.

Here’s some history. And a little personal perspective.

The aerial photo on the left was taken in 1957 at the opening of the Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike that connected the two big cities across the expanse of the prairie that separated them.

None of Arlington had reached into its path at that time.

The previous route of travel between Dallas and Fort Worth was U.S. RICHARD Highway GREENE 80. It often took as much as a couple of hours through congestion and more than 50 traffic lights. So, a round trip was pretty much a day long experience.

Angus Wynne Jr., who, upon completion of the Turnpike, believed Dallas and Fort Worth would grow together and meet right at the intersection seen in the 1957 photo.

in Monroe, Louisiana, in 1964. We looked at our available funds and had enough to get us to this “new” entertainment venue in its third year of operations.

So he and partners, including some New York Rockefeller brothers, began to acquire land and planned a large scale industrial park.

However, its development got off to a slower start than anticipated.

So, it became the destination for our wedding trip. We exited at the intersection that looked very much like the 1957 photo here. The only difference was that Six Flags had been developed at its Southwest corner.

That resulted in Angus deciding to try a small Disney-esque amusement park to provide some needed cash flow. It was something he declared at the time to be a “temporary” venture. However, that decision spawned an entire Six Flags industry of 27 parks across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

We paid the $2.95 entry fee, spent the entire day, and discovered all the wonders of the new attraction. The Speelunkers Cave made its debut that year.

The original flagship here has just celebrated its 62nd anniversary.

Six Flags Over Texas debuted in 1961 and turned out to be the catalyst for what is now the largest entertainment and sports venues between the East and West coasts of the country. Arlington now welcomes some 15 million visitors each year and that number is growing.

With the new toll road, the drive was reduced to 30 or 40 minutes and the cost was 50 cents. Exiting at the Highway 360 interchange was 35 cents.

That result is a major reason the Texas Department of Transportation knew that old 1957 intersection had to be replaced with what we see in the photo on the right.

Although a number of deadlines for its completion have been missed, we now are told it will be finished by the end of this year.

The story I heard repeated a few times was of the visionary real estate developer,

Sylvia and I were married just out of college

Now, for the personal part of this story.

82 ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2023 • arlingtontoday.com

Three years later, executives of the mortgage company I was working for had decided they needed a Texas branch office and asked me if I would be interested in managing it.

Not only did I quickly say “yes,” but that I knew exactly where it should be located: right in the middle of the growing Dallas-Fort Worth market in the town of Arlington my wife and I discovered on our wedding trip.

A little confession, however, is needed to keep this accurate. When we arrived at Six Flags, like most people at the time, we thought it was in Dallas. A little mental adjustment realized its actual location.

Soon it will be 60 years since our wedding trip brought us to that intersection and the rest of the story is central to our personal history.

Richard Greene is a former Arlington mayor.

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