December 2014

PLUS: TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie continues to blaze trails ... All about the holidays December 2014

your community • your magazine

Happy Holidays!

Serving Arlington, Mansfield, Kennedale and SW Grand Prairie

PLUS: TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie continues to blaze trails ... All about the holidays December 2014

your community • your magazine

Happy Holidays!

Serving Arlington, Mansfield, Kennedale and SW Grand Prairie

Is it time to squeeze in your mammogram?

Digital Mammograms You know you should get a mammogram, but do you know when to start? Is it at age 40 or 50? Should you start sooner? Or later? At Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, we’re here to clear up the uncertainty because when you should start getting mammograms depends upon, well, you. We don’t just look at age, we look at factors like family history, physical activity and lifestyle so you know when the right time is for you and how often you should schedule them. And if you are at risk, we offer comprehensive breast care from diagnostics to support. Let us help you take the guesswork out of breast care. Go online to take the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and schedule your digital mammogram today.

1-877-THR-WELL | TexasHealth.org/Breast

Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital. © 2014

Baylor Orthopedic and Spine Hospital at Arlington Nationally Recognized for Excellence in Orthopedic Care.

You’re a weekend warrior.

A modern day do-it-all, and you don’t spend your weekend as a couch potato.

You’re out being active and doing things you love. If there is ever an ache or injury that slows you down, Baylor Arlington can help. Our focus on excellence has allowed us to receive The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of ApprovalTM for our spine care, hip replacement and knee replacement programs. This means, you can expect excellent treatment and recovery, delivered by a staff that cares about helping you to get back to enjoying life and doing the things you love.

For an appointment or more information about our services, call 855.41.ORTHO or visit us online at BaylorArlington.com.

Notice Regarding Physician Ownership: Baylor Orthopedic and Spine Hospital at Arlington is a hospital in which physicians have an ownership or investment interest. The list of the physician owners or investors is available to you upon request.

Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Health Care system’s subsidiary, community, or affiliated medical centers and are neither employees nor agents of those medical centers, Baylor Orthopedic and Spine Hospital at Arlington or Baylor Health Care System. ©2014 Baylor Scott & White Health BOSHA_132_2014 FWTXM CE 08.14

707 Highlander Blvd., Arlington, TX 76015

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For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11 Our Arlington family is here for you.

Mike and Amy Wade

Join us Sun., Dec. 7 4 pm - 8 pm Toy Drive benefitting Mission Arlington. Face painting, train rides and Santa Claus too!

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Contents December 2014

24

Highlights 24 Lights to behold

For nearly 40 years, Arlington’s Lake Interlochen neighborhood has put on a holiday showcase like no other.

26 Long-distance romance

How Arlington and Bad Königshofen, Germany, cultivated a bond that has spanned 60 years.

32 Home

(sweet home)

for the holidays

Paul and Kerri Stiefel’s gorgeous home is especially appealing during this time of year.

16

36 The venerable A-model Ford

Richard Greene’s pride and joy has become a familiar sight at local holiday events.

42 Sis boom AHHHH!

On the Cover

26

This month we celebrate the season with a collection of nutcrackers that annually adorn the home of Richard and Sylvia Greene. Be sure to check out our “All about the Holidays” section (starting on page 24) that includes stories, images, memories and activities that are holiday-focused. The staff at Arlington Today wishes you a hearty “Season’s Greetings!” and hopes that you enjoy your own special memories throughout the remainder of 2014 and into the New Year.

Departments Starting Line ... 10 This ‘n data ... 12 Scene ... 19, 51, 59, 71 Around Town ... 22 Style ... 40 Photo-Synthesis ... 60 Golf Tip ... 72 Sights/Sounds ... 74 Health/Fitness ... 76 Speaking of Sports ... 78 Itinerary ... 80 Finish Line ... 82

Looking for a holiday getaway that packs some fireworks? Check out Natchitoches, La., and its 88th annual Christmas Festival.

44 Sitting on top of the world

Arlington’s Blake Mycoskie – the guy who made philanthropy “cool” – is still blazing trails.

52 Conversation

Dr. Kimberly Washington, a general surgeon at Medical Center Arlington, discusses healthy holiday practices.

54 History (still) in the making

36

A century ago, James and Mattie Fielder built a home that would become a local treasure.

62 Changing of the guard

After spending 20 years helping brighten the days of visitors to the Texas Rangers’ office, security officer Dave Wear is calling it a career.

44

Come Home for the Holidays. . .

Holiday Parties, romantic dinners, intimate lunches, and of course our Award-winning Classic Brunch...make your reservations now!

Make your reservation today!

Call 817-861-2129 Dinner served Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Brunch on Saturday and Sunday Reservations recommended

Inn & Spa 506 North Center Street

•

Arlington, Texas 76011

•

toll free: 877-205-4994

www.thesanfordhouse.com

•

817-861-2129

Starting Line

Holiday gift giving 101 Please don’t let convenience be the trump card (literally) this year THERE ARE ALL MANNER of things that are intrinsically holiday-esque. Today, I’m focusing on one of the big ones.

Yep, we’re going to discuss the gift card.

I keep gift cards I receive in an unlikely place. Indeed, you burglars out there will have to sort through several dozen pairs of whitey tighties to gain access to free food, movies and retail-rooted merchandise, should you choose to seek said access via Youngblood Manor.

Were you to choose to do that today you’d find $2.84 to spend at Chili’s (roughly ½ of one baby-back Yale Youngblood rib sans all the fixins), $3.15 worth of movie fun (two Editor previews and a reminder to turn off your cell phone) and the full $25 toward any item at Walmart (which explains why that one still sits at full value in my underwear drawer).

Obviously, the gift card is “the way to shop du jour” – and probably many jours down the road. Still, I have to wonder if the practice of gift-card giving isn’t just another sign that the Apocalypse is upon us.

WHERE WE ONCE spent hours at the store or several stores poring over options that might produce the perfect present for a loved one, now we just run to Target to buy an Outback card.

While in days gone by I might arm wrestle the steering wheel of the Yalemobile to maneuver just ahead of the woman in the red sedan into the only parking place available on Dec. 23rd at The Parks Mall, today I don’t even get in the car. I just sit down at the computer, find a generic store, restaurant or theater that offers gift cards, and point and click.

Some 16 keystrokes later – assuming I haven’t maxed out the card I’m using to buy a card – I have a special gift for that special someone in my life. Hey, who doesn’t appreciate a little plastic scratch?

NEVER MIND that of all our holiday gift memories most of the good ones were punctuated with an exclamation point: “Oh my gosh, I got a (fill in the blank)!” ...

“This is something I’ve always wanted!” ... “You really, really, REALLY shouldn’t have spent that much on me!” These days, we simply say thanks and then open the Hanes drawer to make the latest deposit.

What, you didn’t see any exclamation points in that last sentence? My exclamation point, exactly.

yale@arlingtontoday.com

EXECUTIVE BOARD Executive Publisher Judy M. Rupay CEO Richard Greene

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

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

PRODUCTION Production Manager Susan Darovich ARLINGTON TODAY is published monthly. Copyright 2014 Arlington Today, Inc., 1000 Ballpark Way, Suite 308, Arlington, TX 76011. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means without permission of the publisher.

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

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

E-mail subscriptions@arlingtontoday.com

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

Thanks. ©2014 Don Davis Auto Group

This ‘n data

Our hero!

Hunter Pence helps lead Giants to title Photo: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America

Photo: Leon Halip/Getty Images North America

Photo: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

HUNTER PENCE, an Arlington High grad and former University of Texas Arlington standout, tied a major league record with 12 World Series hits to help the San Francisco Giants win their third championship in the past five years.

His first-inning, first-game home run set the tone for the Giants, who won the series over the Kansas City Royals in seven games. Overall, he had a 2014 World Series-best batting average of .444, with seven runs, five runs batted in and hits in each of the seven games.

Photos courtesy of Pantego Christian Academy

PCA Gives Back

During Pantego Christian Academy’s recent PCA Gives Back event more than 735 students and volunteers helped more than 15 local organizations.

(Top) Parents repair a broken fence. (Bottom) Students James Cheon and Austin Flood play with new friends from Green Oaks School.

Parks & Rec department honored THE ARLINGTON Parks and Recreation Department was recently selected as a finalist for the Gold Medal Award presented by the National Recreation and Park Association.

The honor is based on excellence in longrange planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition.

The Arlington department was one of four finalists in the category for cities with populations between 150,001 and 400,000.

The other four are Plano , Texas, Parks and Recreation; Henderson, Nev., Public Works, Parks and Recreation; and the Bakersfield, Calif., Recreation and Parks Dept.

13

ARLINGTON TODAY

December 2014

Agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of their respective cities through the collective efforts of citizens, staff and elected officials.

“It’s an honor for the City of Arlington to be recognized as one of the elite departments in the country,” said Gary Packen, assistant director for enterprise programs with the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department.

Laura Capik, chair of the department’s citizen advisory board, said the award illustrates that Arlington “has the most progressive, financially responsible, community initiated facilities and programs in the parks and recreation field.”

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This ‘n data

Bells are ringing

How you can be part of the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle holiday campaign and help neighbors in need THE SALVATION Army’s annual Red Kettle drive will take place though Christmas eve at 70 locations throughout the Arlington area, and there are two ways local residents can be part of the fundraising effort: donating money or volunteering time.

The kettles are placed at the entrances of popular shopping venues and are accompanied by one or several “bell ringers” who help bring attention to the kettles. Last year, donations totalled some $270,000 – despite one pre-Christmas weekend being wiped out by ice storms.

The fundraising goal this year is $350,000, said Lt. Patrick Jones of the Arlington Salvation Army center. The money will help fund the local center’s operations, which manifest in service projects that benefit thousands of area people in need. “If every resident of Arlington gave just one dollar, we’d raise $390,000,” Jones said.

Jones said the giving doesn’t have to be confined to money.

The Salvation Army needs bell ringers to work the daily 10 a.m.8 p.m. shifts throughout the holiday season.

“We especially urge groups looking for a service project to contact us,” Jones said. “With the 10-hour shifts, a group of five can split it up, and each person would ring the bell for just two hours. Or, you can have several people together in a shift. That way, it’s a great social experience, as well.”

If individuals or groups would like to volunteer as bell ringers, contact Salvation Army Volunteer Coordinator Bridget Lenhardt at (817) 860-1836.

If you would like to donate online, go to the website, donate.salvationarmyusa.org.

3 Scoops ...

1. Music to our ears ... The Young Junior High School Young Men’s Choir was named an Invited Performing Choir for Middle School for the 2015 Texas Music Educator’s Association Clinic and Convention. Meanwhile, Martin High School’s Symphony Orchestra was named the 2015 High School String Honor Orchestra.

2. Chamber honored ... The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced that the Arlington Chamber of Commerce has been honored with the 3-Star Chamber of Valor award for its Hiring Our Heroes program.

The Chamber of Valor acknowledges the contributions of local chambers, industry associations, and business development organizations that join the Hiring Our Heroes mission of finding meaningful employment for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. Hiring Our Heroes launched in March 2011 as a nationwide initiativet. To date, more than 1,500 companies have hired over 25,000 veterans and military spouses as a result of more than 810 hiring fairs.

3. An A+ in bookkeeping ... Mansfield ISD has been

awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.

Dietrich joins TH Arlington Memorial medical team LINDSEY DIETRICH, M.D., has joined the Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital medical staff.

Dr. Dietrich is a sports medicine fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon whose areas of focus include knee, shoulder, elbow and ankle injuries.

She also specializes in treating female and young athletes.

Dr. Lindsey Dietrich “I grew up playing sports, but at the end of the day, I just feel great knowing that I’m helping people stay active and encouraging fitness in our community,” Dr. Dietrich said.

“It’s a wonderful feeling when a patient has a good outcome and is satisfied with the care delivered. But to know that a patient feels empowered to maintain his or her overall health and well-being constantly reminds me that I love what I do.”

AN EVENING OF

remembrance

Please join us at our candlelight services celebrating the lives of our loved ones.

Saturday, December 6, 2014 candlelight service in the chapel Two Services Offered 3:00 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.

Luminary Park Tour 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Enter the Gardens at the Randol Mill Entrance to see the Luminaries and Live Nativity Scene. From December 1st – 15th we will be accepting canned food donations in benefit of Mission Arlington.

CALL TODAY TO FIND OUT HOW TO INCLUDE YOUR LOVED ONE IN OUR SPECIAL DVD PRESENTATION

817-275-2711

MOORE FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY 1219 N. DAVIS DRIVE, ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76012

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This ‘n data

5

Reasons we love Arlington

1.

Our most-famous author, Sandra Brown, has written more than 60 New York Times bestsellers.

2.

Photo courtesy of Arthur Kade

Pentatonix members Kevin Olusola, Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstie Maldonado and Avi Kaplan.

They’re No. 1!

Pentatonix’s holiday album rules both the pop and holiday charts

For the record

PENTATONIX SCORED its second top 10 debut in a month on Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart with the latest release, “That’s Christmas To Me.” The album by the Arlington a cappella group debuted at No. 9 on the Top 200 and No. 1 on Billboard’s Seasonal Album Chart with more than

Here’s one of the beautiful butterflies on display at the Butterfly Gardens at the Fielder House. Photo: Joesphine Kenney

32,000 units sold. It was propelled by the video for the quintet’s arrangement of Fleet Foxes’ “White Winter Hymnal.” The video was viewed more than 1 million times when it debuted and now has nearly 2 million views). The group’s first holiday effort, PTXMas, also re-entered the Seasonal Album Chart at No. 12.

We love fun: If you were to play a round of golf every day for all the rounds played in Arlington annually (140,375, for those keeping score at home), you would be reserving tee times for the next 385 years.

3.

We apparently like to eat, as well. When you Google “restaurants in Arlington,” you find more than 2,400 options.

4.

What school board was recently voted the best in Texas, again?

5.

Two words: Allan Saxe

DID YOU KNOW there’s a Butterfly Garden at the historic Fielder House, which is now home of the Arlington Historical Society? It is maintained by the Arlington Organic Garden Club and Arlington Master Naturalists.

than 300 free concerts since it opened in 2008.

KENNEDALE HAS BEEN designated a “Train Town USA” by Union Pacific Railroad. As Union Pacific celebrates its sesquicentennial, the company has invited communities to tell their histories through Union Pacific’s “Train Town USA” registry. For more: up150.com/towns.

FROM THE “Smart Is As Smart Does” category, Arlington ISD is home to 16 National Merit, National Achievement and National Hispanic Scholars.

ARLINGTON MIGHT BE the pavilion capital of North Texas, what with 33 of the rain/sun shelters scattered about the city. The big one, Levitt, has hosted more

THE CONSUMER finance blog NerdWallet recently named Mansfield one of the “Best Places for Young Families in Texas.”

Don’t miss it ...

SANTA CLAUS is coming to Traders Village Grand Prairie (2602 Mayfield Road) every weekend through Dec. 21. KIds of all ages can have their photo taken with Santa for just $5. Proceeds benefit the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce.

Saltwater Corals Freshwater Plants

Sharon K. Nolan

Your special moments . . . captured forever.

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Arlingon Today December.indd 1

11/4/14 12:48:15 PM

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Happy Holidays • Weddings • Fashion • Events • Sports • Corporate Headshots

During this holiday season and every day of the year, we wish you all the best.

Craig M Lidell, AAMS®

Peter A Scott

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Financial Advisor

2900 W Park Row Arlington, TX 76013 817-275-4411

Tony D Blauvelt, AAMS® Financial Advisor .

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Financial Advisor 255 N Center St Suite 104 Arlington, TX 76011 817-861-9334

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Picture-perfect moments

Corey Callaway, Martin Durbec, Peter Scott, Sue Stevens Durbec, Libby Anderson and Roy Anderson (Photos: Southern Flair Photography)

Michael Hix provided the entertainment for the event.

Laura DiStefano, Cathy Allen and Bill Allen

More than 100 people turned out for the celebration.

Scene

Don Proctor, Andrea Proctor and Tony Rutigliano

John Rhadigan, Michelle Czerwinski, Brad Rupay, Sylvia Greene and Richard Greene

Snapshots from Arlington Today’s first anniversary celebration, which was held at Arlington’s new Brazilian steakhouse, Chamas do Brazil.

Paolo Generoso, owner of Chamas do Brazil, welcomed his guests.

Happenings in the AISD

Superintendent Cavazos Selected for National Connected Superintendents Summit Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, superintendent of the Arlington Independent School District, has been selected by the U.S. Department of Education as one of 100 top school leaders from across America to participate in the first-ever National Connected Superintendents Summit Wednesday, Nov. 19 at the White House.

“I am honored to have been selected to represent the Arlington ISD in this summit,” Cavazos said. “One of the goals in our Achieve Today. Excel Tomorrow. strategic plan is to be a high performing, technology-rich school district with leading-edge learning experiences that promote engagement, creativity, critical thinking and achievement.

With our technology updates and expansion in the 2014 bond program, Transformation Through Innovation technology grants, and our new learning management system, we are constantly working to expand the access to and usage of technology for our students.”

Superintendent Cavazos is among exemplary local school chiefs who will be recognized for their leadership in helping transition their districts to digital learning. This unique conference will bring together officials from throughout America to share with one other and the Education Department promising approaches to using technology in classes.

“School districts across the country are helping teachers harness the power of technology to create personal learning environments for

all students,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “We want to make sure every child – whether he or she is in the inner-city, in a rural community or on a Native American reservation – has access to knowledge and the chance to learn 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

The White House summit will be followed by a series of 12-15 regional summits that will focus on the digital progress both made and possible by local school districts. The events will also include the unveiling of digital tools that facilitate incorporation of technology into short-term and longrange education planning.

To help spotlight the value of technology in schools, the Education Department is sponsoring a Future Ready Initiative aimed at showcasing outstanding school leadership and strategies.

“The Future Ready Initiative highlights the critical role of district leaders in setting a vision and creating the environment where educators and students access the tools, content, and expertise necessary for thriving in a connected world,” said Richard Culatta, director of the Department’s Office of Educational Technology.

Future Ready superintendents demonstrate effective use of technology in some of the following ways: -- Fostering and leading a culture of collaboration and digital citizenship -- Transitioning schools to high-speed connectivity -- Empowering educators with professional learning opportunities

-- Accelerating progress toward universal access to quality devices -- Providing access to quality digital content -- Creating access, equity, and excellence - particularly in rural, remote and low-income districts -- Offering digital tools to students and families to help them prepare for success in college -- Sharing best practices and mentoring other districts in the transition to digital learning “Technology has the potential to transform education in America, allowing students to learn more, to do so at their own pace, and to develop the knowledge and skills employers demand,” Culatta said. “And yet, fewer than 30 percent of classrooms have the broadband Internet to support today’s education technology needs.”

In June 2013, President Obama announced the ConnectED Initiative, starting with a goal of connecting 99 percent of students to next-generation connectivity within five years. Model schools and districts across the country are using technology to create personalized learning environments; technology will play an increasingly crucial role in the future.

Happenings in the AISD

Arlington ISD named 2014 National AP Honor Roll district The Arlington ISD, which continues to offer its students leading-edge learning experiences, has been named a 2014 National AP Honor Roll district for increasing access to Advanced Placement coursework while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP Exams.

“The Arlington ISD strives to prepare our graduates to excel in higher education or the career of their choice, and by offering more than 28 Advanced Placement courses, we are doing just that,” AISD Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos said. “Providing access to excellence through innovation and advanced academics offerings helps us ensure that our students are high-level thinkers and problem-solvers.”

The AISD is one of just 29 school districts in Texas to earn the distinction as a National AP Honor Roll district, and it is one of 547 school districts in the U.S. and Canada with the honor. The Arlington ISD is one of 14 districts in Texas chosen for the Honor Roll that has both 30 percent or greater enrollment of American Indian, African American and Hispanic/ Latino students, as well as 30 percent or greater enrollment of students who qualify for free, reduced-price meals.

Inclusion on the Fifth Annual AP District Honor Roll is based on the examination of three years of AP data, from 2012 to 2014, looking across 34 AP Exams, including world language and culture. The following criteria were used. Districts must: -- Increase participation/access to AP by at least 4 percent in large districts, at least 6 percent in medium districts, and at least 11 percent in small districts; -- Increase or maintain the percentage of exams taken by African American, Hispanic/Latino, and American

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

Indian/Alaska Native students; and; -- Improve performance levels when comparing the percentage of students in 2014 scoring a 3 or higher to those in 2012, unless the district has already attained a performance level at which more than 70 percent of its AP students are scoring a 3 or higher.

Around Town

Human bumper cars with a ball Say hello to Bubble Soccer, Arlington’s latest sports craze • By Kenneth Perkins

B

Bubble Soccer, the city’s newest sport craze, has its own indoor league, thanks to the Arlington Parks & Rec department.

It seems to provide good exercise, a lot of fun, and more than a few laughs for players and spectators alike.

ubble Soccer is exactly what it sounds like. It’s soccer played in a bubble – a giant, inflatable bubble, actually, that fits snugly on your upper body, swallowing your arms and shoulders, as if you’re being eaten alive by a see-through beach ball.

Legs are free so you can run and kick and get up when someone knocks you over and you tumble uncontrollably, sort of like Humpty careening off that wall.

Otherwise, the rules are similar to regular soccer. Kick the ball down field as best you can. Get it to teammates. Shoot it in the net.

Point.

Initially, this seemed as some sort of joke being played out by bored teens angling for a YouTube presence, but there it was one day on the City of Arlington website asking for brave souls to partake in an indoor Bubble Soccer League. Some call it that, while others go with Bumper Ball or simply Bubble Ball.

EITHER WAY, it’s becoming the latest craze across the country, and certainly the latest in Arlington, which means it has become part of yet another trend: the introduction of new sports here. (Trends, like bad breaks, always come in threes, I’m told.)

Lacrosse is one (new Parks & Recreation Director Lemuel Randolph is a big time lacrosse guy. Just saying). And then there’s the whole Footgolf thing, the sport where you kick soccer balls across a golf course. Haven’t been able to trace that back to anyone, though.

Back to Bubble Soccer. Enough folks signed up with Parks & Rec to form six teams and play each Tuesday through October and November at the Elzie Odom Athletic Center. Its popularity has led to a second season beginning Dec. 9 with what Parks & Rec officials think will be a team expansion over two nights (Tuesday and Wednesday) per week.

I caught the fifth Tuesday of the first season, which worked well, since by then everyone had a handle on what they were doing.

There are rules – you’ll face sports anarchy without rules. But Adult Sports Manager Tim

Baggett admitted that the first week was indeed chaotic. Problem was the coaches meeting was canceled due to that bad storm that rolled through town, so folks were making up stuff as they went.

“It wasn’t pretty,” Baggett confessed.

ALL IS well now. No blind hitting. No hitting just to see someone go ricocheting off a wall.

Just five minutes into the game I saw, it was a little like watching a Saturday Night Live skit.

Players – and, by the way, it is co-ed – were bouncing around like human pinballs. Some popped right back up like one of those inflatable punching bags. Others looked like leggy insects trying to find their footing.

All the while the crowd cracked up laughing. No matter how serious the game tends to get – and, don’t forget, this is still a competition – there’s a sense of comedic oddity to this affair. Imagine beach balls with legs constantly smashing into one another. One player described it as “human bumper cars.”

The strongest teams are composed of experienced soccer players, but what’s surprising is the number of participants who are not soccer players and in fact have never understood the sport’s appeal until the bubbles were added. It certainly seems fun in a Demolition Derby sort of way.

Better yet, as Brad Masters, a 29-year-old funeral home manager, put it after one of his games, “It’s like a combination of football, soccer and something else I can’t really explain,” he said. “It’s a blast. You hit people.

You bounce off the walls, off the floor, each other. What’s not to like?”

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

All about the Holidays

Lights to behold For nearly 40 years, Arlington’s Lake Interlochen neighborhood has created a holiday showcase like no other

T

his just in: The Interlochen Christmas Lights were recently voted “Texas’ Best” by viewers and fans of the Texas Country Reporter television program. This in for a long time: Practically anyone who has visited this spectacular holiday showcase over the past 38 years could have told you that.

When it comes to neighborhoods that do lights right, none consistently create the magic Interlochen’s residents have managed since 1976, when Bob Findlay, the developer of Interlochen, and his wife Carole came up with the idea to have a Christmas decorating contest to bring attention to their new neighborhood in what was once a swampland.

Over time and through great effort, cooperation and ingenuity, the neighborhood has evolved into the gold standard of Christmastime light displays.

That noted, Ralph Sobel, president of the Lake Interlochen Homeowners Association, said the feat has been by and large simply an organic endeavor.

“It may be hard to believe, but there is relatively little planning and almost no rules,” Sobel said. “There is no requirement to decorate and

no common theme. Everyone does their own thing, and somehow it all just comes together.”

The sum of the parts is one wholely impressive light show for anyone with the holiday spirit – or with a yearning to find it. “There is never an admission charge, and there are no sponsors,” Sobel said. “The Lights are truly a gift to the community.”

While the home displays themselves weren’t part of a grand plan, coordinating the traffic flow in and out of the neighborhood has become something of a science, Sobel said. He thanks two groups in particular for that.

“The Arlington Police Department does a great job controlling the traffic flow with help from signage developed over the years with public works,” he said. “The visitors are amazingly patient and polite when the traffic backs up. Residents and emergency vehicles have a special lane to avoid gridlock at peak times. The best time to avoid traffic is any weeknight shortly after dark.”

Sobel said that while any visit to Interlochen will be memorable, each year’s display is unique to a degree. “Most families pick their own theme and slowly build on it from year to year,” he said. “Visitors

The Interlochen Christmas Lights, which include more than 200 homes in holiday nighttime splendor, feature a variety of themes, all with the same mission: to enhance the holidays for visitors and neighbors. (Photos: dallasnews.com)

come every year to see what’s new at their favorites like the ‘Redneck Santa’ house or the ‘Department Store Window’ house or the ‘101 Dalmation’ house. I wouldn’t be surprised this year to see a lot more new technology used to control the music and lighting, especially with lots of younger families moving into the neighborhood.”

Sobel said the vast majority of holiday visitors are from Arlington and the Metroplex, but thanks to the Texas Country Reporter award he expects more out of towners to check out the lights this year. “Hopefully, they will also get a chance to experience Arlington’s other great December traditions like the Six Flags Holiday Lights, Christkindle Market and the Music Hall Christmas Show,” he said. “Thanks to the Internet, we are seeing many more of the international visitors who are vacationing in the DFW area than ever before.”

While neighborhood light shows are generally perceived to be Christmas-based, Sobel said Interlochen’s residents run the spiritual gamut. Still, they team each year to entertain visitors – and support one another. ”There are Christians who build elaborate Nativity scenes, Jews who erect Menorahs and a Seinfeld fan who puts out a Festivus pole,” he

said. “Longtime residents donate some of their extra lights to newcomers who just moved in. Younger volunteers help their older neighbors who can no longer climb their ladders to hang their lights. Homeowners bring hot coffee and cookies to the police who are away from their own families working outside in all kinds of nasty weather. It may sound like a cliché, but it is the true spirit of Christmas.”

Sobel said he is proud to be a part of such a well-received tradition and credits his neighbors for making it all the better. “Men who should know better climb up on icy roofs to make sure their lights are just perfect,” he said. “Women don’t use hair dryers at night to avoid electrical overload. Families make sure they get home from dinner by 6 p.m. during the week before the holiday so they can greet strangers with ‘Merry Christmas.’ It may sound corny, but the hard work, the inconveniences, the traffic problems and the higher electric bills are all worth it because those ‘strangers’ are so happy, so thankful and so grateful.”

One more Interlochen story is worth noting, Sobel said: The Findlays – the couple that started the Interlochen Lights tradition back in 1976 – still live in the neighborhood. “And,” Sobel said, “they still light up their home.”

All about the Holidays

Our city’s monument to Bad Königshofen is located near the Arlington Museum of Art.

For the past six decades, Arlington has had a unique relationship with “sister city” Bad Königshofen, Germany. In fact, the Texas Christkindl Market, which will be held from Nov. 28-Dec. 21, was inspired by the bond between the two communities.

(Photos: Bruce Maxwell)

Long-distance romance How Arlington and Bad Königshofen, Germany, cultivated a bond that has spanned 60 years • By Donna Darovich

T

he roots of Arlington’s Texas Christkindl Market (Nov. 28-Dec. 21) stretch more than 5,000 miles – to Bad Königshofen, a small, picturesque German town whose 1,274-year history entwines with Arlington’s.

The German-American holiday market was established four years ago to commemorate the 60th anniversary of that relationship. It’s a bond that began in the summer of 1951 when Kurt Zühlke, city manager of Königshofen (later, Bad Königshofen), came to Arlington after a U.S. study tour simply because fellow tour member Irene von Falkenried had a pen pal there, Theda Howell.

Howell’s parents, J.T. and Gretha Howell, invited Zühlke and von Falkenried to stay in their home where their conversations revealed that the populations of Königshofen and Arlington were similar (in 1951, Arlington’s was about 8,000, Königshofen’s about 5,000).

But talk also turned to the enormous problem the small German town was facing.

Because it was just a few miles west of what had become the border between East and West Germany, hundreds of refugees from the communist East had overwhelmed the little town, resulting in a crucial shortage of food and clothing and other necessities.

Mrs. Howell introduced Zühlke to Arlington’s recently-elected young mayor, Tom Vandergriff, who arranged for Zühlke to meet with local individuals and organizations. The city’s reaction to the hardship of the German town was swift – and bold – especially for a town still

in its infancy and despite post-war anti-German sentiment that still simmered in various parts of the nation.

Led by the city and chamber of commerce, Königshofen was “adopted,” and a drive was launched to collect goods for the refugees. The response was monumental – by any humanitarian standard in 1951 and perhaps even today for a small town.

By February of 1952, Arlington filled the first of four railroad box cars (between that year and 1955) with clothing, canned goods, bedding and other desperately-needed supplies.

The Texas & Pacific Railroad transported the first car free of charge to New Orleans, from which it was shipped, also free of charge, by Lykes Steamship Co. to Germany.

The response from Bad Königshofen was also swift – and detailed.

Its mayor sent a report, advising how the goods had been distributed – through the Bavarian Red Cross, churches and directly to refugees.

Soap went to schools and hospitals, which also received canned goods.

His report ended with: “Thanking you once again for your kind and noble deed.” He added that the town council would “express the gratitude of Königshofen by a special honoring of Arlington.”

The city was renamed Bad Königshofen in 1974 (designating it as an official mineral baths health resort town) and is affectionately referred to by many Arlingtonites as simply “B.K.” (the phonetic pronunciation is Bahd Coo nigs ho fin). And B.K. has kept its promise. In 1954, the town built its only park and named it “Arlington-Park,” marked

Here’s one of the many examples of the mix of art and architecture that make the quaint town of Bad Königshofen, Germany, a wonderful place to tour.

by a boulder chiseled with the name “Arlington” and the city logo. A friendship monument, “The Bridge,” was created by four artists from each city for the park and depicts symbols of the association on its four sides.

Arlington has also created commemorations of the sister cities friendship. In 1988, the Bad Königshofen Recreation Area in S.J. Stovall Park was dedicated.

The ceremony was attended by a 29-member delegation from B.K. who gave Arlington $1,000 for park expenses. A boulder in the park is the counterpart to the one in the German park.

In 2003, six artists (three from each city) who had collaborated on the B.K. friendship monument worked together again to create the “International Peace and Friendship Monument” in Gene Allen Park, just east of the Arlington Museum of Art on Main St. The 12-foot stainless steel monument bears words and phrases in English and German regarding friendship and the history of the partnership.

In 2006, the 55th anniversary of the pairing was commemorated with the opening of the Bad Königshofen Family Aquatic Center in southwest Arlington. A room in Arlington City Hall, 400 E. Abram St., is dedicated to the sister city.

The bond has perhaps best been forged by the many visits over the years of city officials and residents to both cities. In 1988, Richard Greene was the first Arlington mayor to visit Bad Königshofen.

Greene fondly recalled that a local woman approached him, holding a pair of worn-out shoes that had been part of the mid-century gift, tears in her eyes.

“She said she had saved them as a symbol of the friendship/kinship she felt for people she had never met, “Greene said.

Greene was there with a delegation from Texas for the city’s 1,250th anniversary celebration, all of whom rode in its parade.

Arlington City Councilmember Sheri Capehart, who has also made several trips there, saw her first German Christmas market on a 2007 trip and decided,”Arlington can do this.”

She spearheaded the effort to establish the Arlington Christkindl Market that opened in 2011 (this year, renamed the Texas Christkindl Market).

Of the 1951 drive, Capehart said, “It illustrated the foresight and compassion of Arlington, and may arguably be Arlington’s finest hour.”

Bruce Maxwell, president of the Sister Cities of Arlington organization, doesn’t disagree.

“I want Arlington citizens to know how much this relationship means to Bad Konigshofen,” he said. “And I hope it teaches our schoolchildren the value of citizenship and giving.”

The organization recently set up a Facebook page to keep the friendship’s conversation going digitally, and a B.K. native has already posted a message on it.

All about the Holidays

Our favorite holiday traditions One tradition my family has is with several families that started with my mom and her good friend Lila before I was born. We come together on Christmas eve. We have these family recipes we repeat annually. The kids all know about the yummy food and sharing of gifts. We catch up on stories while sipping on homemade egg nog and eating rum cake. It is now a third generation tradition!

– Sarah Merrill Young, financial advisor Merill Financial Group

Every Christmas morning with my family, we all meet and make blackberry crepes together before we open presents or do anything else. We have an assembly line where my mom makes the crepes, Camille fills the crepe with homemade pistachio nougat, Michelle lines the crepes with fresh blackberries and I make the blackberry reduction sauce. Once they are put together, we line them up in baking pans, drizzle the reduction over the top and bake them through so everything just melts in your mouth! Dad builds a fire, then we all eat breakfast together and enjoy a quiet morning with just us. After that, presents are then opened and the day just gets pretty busy from there!

– Valerie Landry, manager The Sanford House

Let there be light ARLINGTON ATTORNEY David Kulesz started a unique tradition in his Dalworthington Gardens neighborhood. Kulesz not only decorates his home, fence and tennis court with more than 300,000 white lights, but also helps his Rushing Meadow Court neighbors decorate their trees with the 45-foot cherry picker he rents. The illumination tradition has done more than light up the neighborhood. He and wife Peggy are longtime members of North Central Texas chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and a sign in his yard at 2 Rushing Meadow Court asks those who like the display to make a gift to the North Central Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, of which he is a past president. And they do.

My favorite family holiday tradition is sharing Christmas crackers just before Christmas dinner. My father in-law was born in England, where this tradition originated. In its simplest form a cracker is a small cardboard tube wrapped in decorative paper enclosing a small gift, paper party hat, and fortune or joke.

4

ways to be a better host during the holidays

1. Give Yourself Time – Avoid the stress of rushing around the day of by creating a party-planning schedule that focuses most of the effort well before the party.

2. Streamline the Menu – Remember the golden rule of entertaining: less is more! Pare down the menu to a few extraordinary dishes rather than overwhelming guests with too many options.

3. Set Up Hosting Stations – Don’t try to manage everything from a single location. Instead, arrange hosting stations, such as a before-dinner cocktail and appetizer station in the adjoining living room so guests can mingle away from your main food prep area.

4. Let Guests Help – Don’t try to do everything yourself. If guests ask what they can do to help, it’s okay to ask them to bring an appetizer or make the mashed potatoes.

– Amy Cearnal, CearnalCo

29

ARLINGTON TODAY

December 2014

When the cracker is “pulled” from each end, the friction creates a small “pop,” and the cracker tears open to reveal the surprise gifts inside. The popping sound is actually a small explosion produced by a narrow strip of chemically treated paper usually referred to as a “cracker snap.” It’s fun to hold one end and to have the person next to you hold the other end, sort of like pulling the wishbone at Thanksgiving. The best part of this tradition is seeing the joy on each other’s faces, both young and old alike, as we take turns sharing our prize and telling our joke.

– Kelly Hatala, director of marketing The Melting Pot

Our family traditionally loves to spend Christmastime creating memories going different places around the country.

– Dr. Nancy Bui Arlington dentist

At my place of business, Jazzy Jems, we have our traditional Peppermint and Pajama Party that we have had since we opened. Everyone wears their PJs to the store, and holiday magic happens.

But me personally ... My husband Wayne and I always spend one evening playing Christmas music and making homemade fudge – me putting all the ingredients together and him stirring. It is a team project that makes Christmas special.

– Teenya Blanchard, owner Jazzy Jems

A home school holiday event HOME SCHOOL DAY at the Texas Christkindl Market will be Dec. 9, from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Presented by the Arlington Public Library, the special activity just for local home schoolers will focus on Christmas in Germany and will offer a lesson and crafts.

It is open to all ages.

For more information, contact Marla Boswell, program specialist, at (817) 459-6396.

Arlington Today photo

Happy Holidays from

Jazzy Jems

Don Davis Auto Group believes it’s better to give and receive DON DAVIS AUTO GROUP has teamed-up with WFAA’s Santa’s Helpers Toy Drive since 2000. This will be the 14th year Don Davis Auto Group has participated in the program.

Don Davis Auto Group hosts a Drive-thru Toy Drop-off event each year at its Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram location at 1901 N. Collins.

This year’s Drive-thru Toy drop-off event takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 16th from 5-8 p.m. Just swing by and drop off a new unwrapped toy (or truckload of toys) for boys and girls up to 15 years of age and receive a certificate good for a free oil change at any Don Davis Auto Group location. Volunteers will greet you right at your car. Easy-in, easy-out.

If you’re not able to attend the Drive-thru, Toy Drop-­off event on the 16th, just take your toy to any Don Davis Auto Group location through Dec. 18. However, the free oil change certificate is only available at the event on Tuesday, Dec. 16.

Over 80,000 toys were collected and distributed through the Santa’s Helpers program last year. Toys are distributed through the four county Dallas/Fort Worth area. Toys collected by Don Davis Auto Group are distributed by Mission Arlington.

It’s a great way to experience the joy of the Christmas season.

And help make sure a lot of great kids wake up to the joy of a Christmas Day surprise.

2538 W. Pioneer Pkwy.

Arlington, Tx 76013 (Facing Bowen Rd.)

817-548-5955

jazzyjems.com

Happy Holidays from Olenjack’s Olenjack’s is the perfect solution for Luncheons, Team-Building Events, Award Dinners, Sales Meetings and Holiday Parties.

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817.226.2600

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All about the Holidays

Holiday highlights Fun and meaningful activities in and around the region this season Nov. 8-Dec. 28 What: Scenes from the Nativity Where: Arlington Museum of Art (201 W. Main St.) When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesday-Saturday; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday Details: This exhibit features a selection of original woodcuts, engravings, and etchings from the 1400s-1600s depicting the events surrounding the birth of Christ and the Nativity. This exhibition includes pieces from Albrecht Dürer, Rembrandt, and Peter Paul Rubens on loan from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Art Collection.

For more: arlingtonmuseum.org

Nov. 28-Dec. 21 What: Fourth Annual Texas Christkindl Market Where: Globe Life Park in Arlington When: Noon-9 p.m. on Sunday-Friday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday Details: The outdoor family market in the tradition of those held throughout Germany during the Christmas season features handmade gifts, unique ornaments, rare European fabrics, German delicacies like brats, goulash, potato pancakes, gingerbread, baked goods, Gluhwein and German beers. Live entertainment is performed on a main stage.

For more: texaschristkindl.com

Nov. 11-Dec. 24 What: Adventure to Santa Where: The Parks at Arlington Mall When: Open during mall hours Details: The Parks at Arlington and Dream Works Animation take guests on a never-before-seen, magical experience with Adventure to Santa. Join Shrek and his friends as they take you on an interactive journey to find Santa at the North Pole.

For more: theparksatarlington.com/adventure-to-santa

Nov. 28-Dec. 30 What: Holiday in the Park Where: Six Flags over Texas When: Times vary Details: The park magically transforms into a whimsical winter wonderland full of twinkling lights and frosted fun.

Throughout the park, you’ll be entertained by carolers and infused by the smell of scrumptious holiday food.

For more: sixflags.com/overtexas

Nov. 15-Dec. 28 What: Happy Holiday Gift Store and Market Where: Arlington Museum of Art (201 W. Main St.) When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesday-Saturday; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday Details: Gifts galore await at the Happy Holidays Gift Store (Nov. 8-Dec. 28) and Market (Dec. 6-7), presented by 817ArtsAlliance in conjunction with the Arlington Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees. In addition, on most Saturdays you can watch and visit with local artisans as they create art.

For more: 817artsalliance.blogspot.com/p/ happy-holidays-gift-market.html2 Nov 27-Jan. 4.

What: Prairie Lights Where: Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie (5610 Lake Ridge Parkway) When: 6-9 p.m. on Sunday-Thursday; 6-10 p.m. on Saturday Details: Visitors can enjoy four million lights set along two miles of path – and then stop at Holiday Village for food, gifts, Santa, the all-new indoor laser show, and the Holiday Magic Lighted Walk-Through Forest.

For more: prairielights.org

Dec. 5-7 What: Hometown Holidays in Mansfield Where: Downtown Mansfield When: 5-9 p.m. on Friday; 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Details: Festivities include a Friday night tree lighting, food and fireworks, as well a parade through downtown on Saturday. In addition, Mansfield Women’s Club is sponsoring the Festival of Trees from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 5-6 at the Mansfield ISD Administration Offices - Rock Gym. And the club is also hosting a holiday home tour from 1-6 p.m. on Dec. 7 that will feature five decorated homes.

For more: mansfieldtexas.gov Dec. 5-6, 12-13 What: 2014 Christmas Show Where: Arlington Music Hall (224 N. Center St.) When: 7 p.m. on Friday; 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday Details: For four days this month, Arlington Music Hall presents delightful entertainment, glittering decorations and the warm, cozy atmosphere of Christmas.

For more: arlingtonmusichall.net Dec. 5-21 What: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Where: Theatre Arlington

Lights ... cameras ...

PARADE!

THE ANNUAL Holiday Lights Parade will be held in the Downtown/ University District on Dec. 6.

While the actual parade will begin at 6 p.m., entertainment of several sorts will start two hours earlier. The evening will climax with the lighting of the Christmas tree on the steps of City Hall. For more: holidaylightsparade.com.

When: 7:30 p.m. on Thursday; 8 p.m. on Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday; and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Details: In this hilarious classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting probably the most inventively awful kids in history.

For more: theatrearlington.org Dec. 6, 13, 20 What: Holiday Market at Market Square Where: Market Square in Grand Prairie (120 W. Main St.) When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Details: The Grand Prairie Farmers Market, featuring fresh produce weekly, hosts its Holiday Market the first three Saturdays of December.

For more: gptx.org/farmersmarket Dec. 13 What: Breakfast with Santa Where: Cliff Nelson Recreation Center (4600 W. Bardin Road) When: 8 a.m.-11 a.m.

Details: Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s paying a visit to the Cliff Nelson Recreation center for breakfast and holiday activities with the kids.

For more: (817) 561-2819 Dec. 21 What: Bolshoi Ballet: The Nutcracker Where: Cinemark Mansfield (2041 Highway 287 N., Suite 901) When: 11:55 a.m.

Details: In this holiday classic film, the scene is Christmas Eve, when a nutcracker doll must save a girl from the evil Mouse King and his army.

For more: (817) 473-6979

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Local Homes

Home (Sweet! Home) for the holidays Paul and Kerri Stiefel’s gorgeous home is especially appealing during this time of year • By Alison Dellenbaugh

T

here’s no place like home for the holidays – especially when the home is Dr. Paul and Kerri Stiefel’s gorgeous house in south Arlington. “We love Christmas,” said Kerri. “We love the spiritual part, and the entertaining part, and we love being with our family and friends.”

Every year, the Stiefels get their home into the Christmas spirit with a masterful decorating job by Kristene Toledo of Inspirations Interiors, who spends a day decking their halls – or rather, most of the house – with beautiful seasonal decor. Kerri then adds a few personal finishing touches, making their home the perfect place to host holiday gatherings, including dinner parties for friends, family and colleagues.

“This house was built to entertain,” said Paul, a general surgeon partner with the Arlington Surgical Association. Everything about it was “designed with the anticipation of entertaining.”

Of course, Kerri added, it also was designed to be enjoyed every day as the family home.

The Stiefels started building their house 20 years ago with builder Dan Driscoll. Sherry Bishop and Linda Henderson did the interior design/decorating and updating all along the way. The process took about a year and a half, and resulted in the couple’s dream house.

“We love the entry,” said Kerri. Walking in, guests are greeted by a huge foyer and a double staircase with a balcony overhead. With the garlands and Christmas décor in place, “the staircase is pretty magnificent.”

The staircase is just one example of the symmetry they built into the house, east and west. “Symmetry is very pleasing to the eye,” said Paul. “Your brain tends to look at things symmetrically.” They even have two garages, one on either side of the house.

They also designed the home to be spacious. “Every room is oversized,” Paul said, adding that they’d rather have three large bedrooms than five small ones. Many large windows add to the feeling of openness and space. When you pull up to the house via the circular driveway, you can see all the way to the back, with a picturesque pool and

There’s no question that the holidays are a special time for the Stiefel family.

The Stiefel home is impressive any time of day – but especially when lit for the holidays at night.

And once visitors enter, they are treated to an indoor winter wonderland.

Photos: Southern Flair Photography

Paul and Kerri Stiefel’s home is perfect for entertaining family and friends, both indoors and outside. They say they love the space, and they have definitely made the most of it.

hot tub in the backyard. “It’s big, but it feels warm and cozy,” said Kerri.

“We wanted it to be really personal.” Family and friends’ pictures are displayed throughout the house, as is a variety of art.

All the rooms in this dream house inspire the family. “I’m in the kitchen the most,” said Kerri. “I love my kitchen. I love my family room.”

She also loves the large laundry room, and the dining room where the Stiefels host dinners.

One favorite personalized room is Paul’s elegant office, with walnut paneling, deep green carpeting, and various plaques and certificates from his medical career framed on the walls, as well as one of the home’s four fireplaces. The fireplaces add to the home’s cozy feeling, as do the many good memories the family has made here.

“We raised our daughter here since she was four,” said Kerri. Daughter Lindsey is now 22.

Those memories are represented in the Christmas décor, which features one big Christmas tree in the family room.

“All the ornaments have special meaning,” said Kerri, noting that various adornments remind them of places they’ve been or important moments in their lives. The décor also includes a Christmas village.

While the home glows brightly with Christmas spirit, the same warmth fills the house year-round. As Kerri said, “It’s got a lot of love in it.”

4th Annual German American Holiday Market in Arlington Admission and parking are FREE!

FEATURING:

November 28 - December 21, 2014 Arlington, TX

Texas Christkindl Market (kris-kin-dill) is an enchanting family market in the tradition of markets held throughout Germany during the Holiday season. Featuring authentic German cuisine, beverages, entertainment, arts, crafts and holiday gifts.

WHEN: HOURS: WHERE:

November 28 - December 21, 2014 Sunday - Friday 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Main entrance is Road to Six Flags and Ballpark Way (Next to Globe Life Park in Arlington)

Visit www.TexasChristkindl.com for more information.

CF

Arlington Chamber Foundation O V ER T EXA S

Arlington Tomorrow

FOUNDATION

Classic Cars

Arlington Today edtior Yale Youngblood, Publisher Judy Rupay and CEO Richard Greene wish you a happy holiday season.

The venerable A-model Ford How this family-favorite vehicle has produced – and produces – some wonderful memories • By Richard Greene

H

enry Ford built only 4,849,340 of these, and this one is ours. It’s become the official parade vehicle for Arlington Today, and we present it here as a way to say Season’s Greetings to our readers.

You can watch for it in the annual Holiday Lights Parade on Dec. 6.

My wife and I acquired this classic almost by accident. Almost.

While attending the annual Concours d’Elegance of Texas near Houston, we were enjoying looking over more than a hundred amazing vehicles that were participating in the weekend’s activities.

Along with our son, Brian, who was filming the event for a broadcast on Discovery’s Velocity Channel, we came upon the beautifully restored American classic Model A. “Look, this one is just like my daddy’s first car!” Sylvia exclaimed.

That brought about the retelling of the family’s history with the famous car. My father-in-law was one of the two children – 14 siblings total – to graduate from college. The family’s Model A was the transportation he needed while away from home.

His destination was Clemson University, and traveling between

there and the family farm was a trip of 200 miles. He required a reliable vehicle to make the journey, and this one served the purpose.

It was also the car he used after graduation while courting his girlfriend, who would become his wife. But not before her father expressed some concern about how his future son-in-law seemed to be a bit too carefree in operating the roadster on the narrow and unpaved roads in rural South Carolina.

Sylvia’s dad loved telling those stories – always with some chuckles at the memories and knowing grins from her mother.

With all of that as part of the family heritage, the attachment to the car could be explained, and that’s why we found ourselves attending the auction that was a central feature of the Concours weekend.

We had been advised by a knowledgeable friend of the car’s value, so we set a limit on what we would bid in an attempt to become its owners.

As is the case at most car auctions, the atmosphere was noisy, a bit raucous and sometimes confusing. There were several bidders, and it

The Greenes’ Model-A has become a familiar Arlington sight, especially around Halloween and Independence Day. The car served as an All-American hit during the annual summer parade earlier this year.

wasn’t long before we had reached our limit. The auctioneer continued to seemingly acknowledge bidders willing to pay more, and we assumed the chance to buy it had passed us by.

Then the hammer fell and the auctioneer declared SOLD and pointed to us. Later we learned that “phantom” bidders were usually present in these events as a means to get top dollar, and if I had not stopped raising my hand, I would have been bidding against myself!

In the end, the prize was ours, and it has now become a familiar sight in our neighborhood – especially on the occasions of Independence Day, Halloween and Christmas, when it’s all decorated for parades and celebrations.

Long before he started building these cars, Ford had already transformed the whole business of automobile production and made his horseless carriages affordable for just about everyone.

The predecessor to the Model A was, of course, the iconic Model T the company had been producing for 18 years. It had set the standard for mass production that became so efficient that Ford was able to re-

duce the purchase price and attract more customers. General Motors finally caught up with the assembly line system, and by the late 1920s, Ford responded with the introduction of the Model A. The new entry into the growing field of cars from many manufacturers came in a wide variety of styles and colors.

The Model A engine of the era provided 40 horsepower and boasted a top speed of 65 MPH – we’ve never driven ours more than about half that speed.

Ours is a 1930 model preparing to celebrate its 85th anniversary next year. We wish we could hear that South Carolina farm boy chuckling as he watches his extended family having so much fun with his old car and the memories connected with it … he loved parades and especially Christmas!

Richard Greene served as Arlington’s mayor from 1987-1997 and currently teaches in the University of Texas Arlington’s graduate School of Urban and Public Affairs.

Trick AND treat The Model A is a head-turner, for sure. But it produced even more double takes during the recent Halloween season, with its lights, decorations and intriguing collection of passengers.

In this photo: Brian Greene and daughter Ashley. Right: Some spooky guest riders.

Corinne Riley, Brian Greene and Ashley Greene

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Holiday Travel

Natchitoches, La., just four hours east of Arlington, offers a unique, fun and historic opportunity to see the holidays in a whole new light.

Photos courtesy of natchitoches.net

Sis Boom

‘Ahhhh!’

For a quick holiday getaway, few spots offer festive fun like Natchitoches, La.

H

ere are the numbers: More than 300,000 Christmas lights and 100-plus riverbank settings, open every night at dusk. By day, you can enjoy downtown attractions that include carriages tours through the historic district and parades featuring music and clowns.

By night you can stroll to stores and restaurants that are open pretty much as long as you want to shop or eat. Plus, should you be so inclined, you can pet an alligator.

“Where can you do all this?” you ask. This mini vacation is yours by taking a four-hour drive to Natchitoches, La. The aforementioned events – or some equally fun – take place every weekend in the Landmark Historic District along the Cane River and along Cane River Lake, south of town.

From now until Jan. 6, 2015, Natchitoches will welcome thousands of visitors to thousands of memories. Here are upcoming highlights: Nov. 29 – A day of activities on Front Street and the Downtown Riverbank, where you’ll find the Fleur de Lis Arts & Crafts Show at the Natchitoches Events Center, the Holiday Kids Fest on the Downtown Riverbank, musical entertainment on the Downtown Riverbank Stage and a fireworks show over Cane River Lake. And get this: All of those events but the Kids Fest are free to the public.

Dec. 6 – The 88th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival. This event has been ranked by yahoo.com as the “Third-Best Holiday Light Show in the Nation” behind the Rockefeller Center and Disney World.

There you can celebrate the Christmas Season in Louisiana’s oldest city by enjoying live musical entertainment, arts, crafts and food, a parade and a magnificent fireworks show choreographed to holiday music over the Cane River Lake.

Other activities that day include the Natchitoches “City of Lights” 5K run, the Festival of Lights Parade, more music on the Downtown Riverbank and more fireworks over Cane River Lake.

Dec. 13 – More Downtown Riverbank festivities, including the Les Amies Christmas Treasures Arts & Crafts Sale, Fete de Hiver at Fort St. Jean Baptiste High School (where visitors can celebrate Christmas 18th century style with historians, re-enactors and period merchants), another Holiday Kids Fest, a Holiday Tour of Homes, the play “Changed by a Baby Boy: A Christmas Musical,” more musical entertainment and – yes! – even more fireworks.

There are weekday activities along the river throughout the holiday season, as well. For more on this holiday getaway: natchitoches.net.

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Hometown Hero

Sitting on top of the world Arlington’s Blake Mycoskie – the guy who made philanthropy ‘cool’ – is still blazing trails with the recent partnership between TOMS and the retail giant Target • By Kenneth Perkins Photo: changebydoing.com

W

hen B.J. Mycoskie arrived in Arlington in 1951 with a medical degree and great expectations, fewer than 8,000 people called themselves citizens of a rather sparse town with no I-20 or I-30 highways, no Six Flags or Lake Arlington, no General Motors or Texas Rangers. Arlington grew like crazy in the 1950s, though, jumping to 45,000 people, and like its bookends to the west (Fort Worth) and east (Dallas), was quickly morphing into the motto of which it now boasts: the American Dream City.

No one dreamed more than B.J. Mycoskie, who somehow convinced a pair of medical school classmates from Ohio to accompany him to the southwest, and when the three surveyed the place to set up shop, the total number of doctors was, all of a sudden, four. Vision is for a doctor to settle in a place that doesn’t have a hospital and no plans for one, although Blake Mycoskie, one of B.J.’s grandkids, would prefer to call what his grandfather did as “a leap of faith” regarding the potential of unfamiliar territory.

“As we all know,” Blake Mycoskie says now, “they made a wise decision.”

Stepping into unfamiliar territory, whether through faith or something entirely different, has in some ways been a Mycoskie family tra-

dition. Even before people knew what competitive reality television was, Blake Mycoskie and his sister, Paige, were participating in CBS’ The Amazing Race, the series where two-person teams globe trot via cars, trains, planes, bicycles, hot-air balloons, by foot – whatever – for clues that lead them to destinations to perform particular tasks.

Covering 52,000 miles in 28 days over five continents and eight different countries, Mycoskie learned how much bigger the world was outside his rather snug bubble in North Texas.

Even while he kept his eye on winning the game (the siblings came in third, just shy of nailing the $1 million prize), Blake Mycoskie would never forget the other things he saw. The more he traveled, the more empathy he developed for those who lived far differently from a man whose grandfather was once the medical director of the Texas Rangers baseball team and whose father retired in 2011 as a noted orthopedic surgeon.

It was, in fact, a trip to Argentina where Mycoskie ran into some Americans conducting a shoe drive in an impoverished area of Buenos Aires that set him on the path of founding a company known for putting philanthropy ahead of profits.

Mycoskie was astounded by the vast number of kids running around in bare feet and was pained to learn that many didn’t go to school due

Actress Jessica Alba and Blake Mycoskie pose for a photo at the TOMS for Target Launch Event at Book Bindery in Culver City, Calif.

Photos: Getty Images

Blake and Heather Mycoskie take a “selfie” at the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association’s 44th Annual Beastly Ball at Los Angeles Zoo.

Blake Mycoskie and Jim Toth are all smiles at the 2014 Communities In Schools of Los Angeles Gala.

Six degrees of Blake Mycoskie These days, it isn’t hard to find a print or online photo spread featuring Blake Mycoskie. The Arlington native and founder of TOMS is in the news again now that his company has partnered with Target to create a limited-edition collection of apparel, accessories, home goods, and, of course, shoes, for men, women and children.

Mike, Pam, Blake and Heather Mycoskie pose for a photo at the TOMS Animal Initiative Launch Party at TOMS Flagship Store.

Ben Sholts, Sofi Newmyer and Blake Mycoskie chill out at the 2014 Communities In Schools of Los Angeles Gala.

Blake Mycoskie, Kelly Furano, Heather Mycoskie and Keith Eshelman share camera time at the TOMS Animal Initiative Launch Party at TOMS Flagship Store.

TOMS hits the Target with innovative holiday partnership TOMS AND TARGET ARE TEAMING on a limited-edition collection for the holidays. Not only will shoppers find items to give and get, but for each item purchased, they will be helping someone in need.

TOMS for Target features more than 50 items, each under $50, that will be available at all Target stores in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to TOMS’ trademark slip-ons, the collection includes home goods and apparel and accessories for women, men and kids. Every TOMS for Target apparel, accessory and home good purchase re-

to having raggedy shoes or none at all. “That just seemed wrong to me, and I wanted to help with that,” said Mycoskie. “It was also the first time I’d experienced real poverty. How were those kids going to have a chance without an education?”

SO MYCOSKIE TOOK his leap of faith. He started TOMS (Tomorrow’s Shoes) with the goal of giving away a pair of shoes for each one sold.

That was 2006. TOMS has since supplied over 35 million children with a pair of shoes.

This One-for-One business model probably wouldn’t go over well in the business school at SMU, which is where Mycoskie attended college classes until he got sick of running home to dump off his laundry and figured his classmates were weary, too. So he started EZ Laundry, a pick up and delivery service specifically for dorm-room dwellers. It became so successful it expanded to several other universities such as TCU, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Vanderbilt. (Mycoskie would also start a billboard company and online driver-training company before launching TOMS.) With $5,000, Mycoskie founded TOMS inside a cramped Venice, Calif., apartment. Now he is worth millions, and better yet, his company is so synonymous with giving that it is often mistaken for a non-profit charity. What Mycoskie has done is integrate old-school for-profit entrepreneurship with philanthropy; his trademark tagline: “one for one.”

Mycoskie has been as surprised as anyone with how the company has taken off. Those SMU business guys would bet against starting a company with charity in mind; make the money and then give some away. Mycoskie did it backwards.

“That was the purpose from the beginning,” said Mycoskie, who hasn’t stopped with just shoes. TOMS Eyewear has restored sight to more than 250,000 people since it was launched in 2011, and TOMS Roasting Company was founded with the mission to provide clean water to developing communities with the purchase of premium coffee.

“The only reason we started TOMS was to build a sustainable way to put shoes on kids’ feet, specifically the 250 kids I met in Argentina.

In the process, we ended up creating a very profitable company, too.

Maybe it was karma.”

Maybe. Mycoskie is wired to be unconventional; he started playing tennis at 10, would spend a year at a tennis academy in Florida, would leave Martin High School his senior year for a school in Austin. He didn’t particularly care for cars and rode his bike everywhere in Arlington. Most of his time was spent exploring nature. Even today while things have changed around him (Mycoskie is married now; he left Los

sults in the donation of a blanket through the American Red Cross or Canadian Red Cross, or one week of meals through Feeding America or Food Banks Canada.

“We’re excited to partner with Target for the holidays and take TOMS’ One for One® giving model further than ever before,” said TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie. “Every purchase allows Target’s guests to bring home a beautifully designed product and do good, providing nourishment, warmth and shoes to a person in need.”

Angeles for Austin), he’s still the shaggy-haired, casual dresser who often looks like he’s just in from a backpacking trip in Europe.

Growing up in Arlington and especially while at Martin and in college, Mycoskie crossed paths with a number of successful businessmen and women, and what he often noticed was how they were using their success to do philanthropy in the latter stages of their professional lives or in retirement.

Mycoskie didn’t want to wait. He wanted to build a business and give at the same time.

What Mycoskie learned was that people wanted great shoes, and that giving back was a plus, so he gave. Free or not, the practice has generated criticism over the years that TOMS is nothing more than a patronizing gimmick that doesn’t help alleviate poverty in the areas where the shoes are handed out. What about giving people jobs?

The unconventional Mycoskie was again unconventional, responding to criticism by actually agreeing on the jobs-creation aspect, and then announcing that by the end of 2015 one-third of all TOMS shoes will be produced in the countries to which the company donates.

TOMS has already hired locals at their factory in Kenya, and the plan is to expand to Ethiopia and Haiti.

HERE IN THE U.S., it will be easier to snag a pair of TOMS. Target is the latest and largest retailer to partner with the company, and the collaboration marks the largest limited-edition collection to date. Just in time for the holidays (the shoes have been in the stores since Nov. 16), TOMS will offer to Target an expanded line that, like the Christmas season, is in line with giving.

Details of the TOMS/Target partnership are outlined in the sidebar above. Like everything else in his life, the deal has a Mycoskie stamp.

“Myself and the TOMS design team were intimately involved in all aspects of the TOMS for Target collection, working side by side with Target’s design team to create a collection we are very proud of,” he said of the collection. For each item purchased at Target, TOMS is donating not just shoes but blankets and meals.

As for the future, Mycoskie wants others to take that leap of faith.

He remains passionate about inspiring young people to do what he did: give back now, not later, when it seems convenient. His 2012 book, “Start Something That Matters,” covers this in detail.

“I think young people know our story, and it is definitely my goal to inspire them,” said Mycoskie. “I spend a lot of my time giving talks to do that, and that is why I wrote the book. I really do want to inspire the next generation.”

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What is a Little Free Library? It’s a great way to promote reading – to anyone who wants to read.

Have you checked out the Little Free Library, yet?

THANKS TO the benevolence of a retired teacher, North Arlington has its first Little Free Library in Country Green, a neighborhood just north of Washington St. and west of Lincoln St. Susan Fortin, a former Arlington ISD teacher, was looking for a way to share her extensive book collection and honor her parents at the same time. And a Little Free Library was born.

“We have loved living in North Arlington for over 30 years, and we want to give back to a community that has been such a good place to raise a family. Mike (her husband) and I hope to put up a few more of these before we’re through. We’ve stocked our first one with 50 high-quality books for readers of all ages. Each book is labeled or stamped with the Little Free Library motto: Always a Gift, Never for Sale. Building this little house for books has been so exciting. We’re hoping this will encourage others to put a Little Free Library in their area.”

The Little Free Library movement was started in Wisconsin in 2009 by Rick Brooks as a tribute to his mother, a former school teacher who loved reading. He teamed with creative craftsman Todd Bol to spread the idea, and now there are more than 18,000 Little Free Libraries in more than 70 countries around the world.

The basic idea is simple: Take a book. Return a book or donate one. If you decide to keep the book, that’s OK too. There are no cards, no fees, no fines, and no operating hours. The LFL is open and available 24/7.

The Little Free Library mission is to promote literacy and the love of reading, and to build a sense of community.

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Q&A

Conversation Dr. Kimberly Washington, a general surgeon at Medical Center Arlington, discusses healthy holiday practices

A

RLINGTON TODAY: The holidays seem to be a time when diets go out the door, and even normally healthy eaters sometimes over-indulge. What guidelines would you suggest people follow to eat well, but also in a healthful manner, during this time of year?

DR. KIMBERLY WASHINGON: The holidays are difficult times to maintain a healthy way of eating. Many times people have trouble with maintaining a lower volume of intake during the holidays, or they begin to eat much more unhealthy than they usually eat. There are a few ways to avoid this, the most important being to prepare foods at home rather than getting in a trend of eating out during this holiday season. Foods tend to be healthier, containing less salt and sugar, when cooked at home. Also consider organic foods when you are shopping during the holiday season. Organic produce is found at any grocery store, and although it can be a little more expensive, it is worth it on the back end. Additionally, one great way to keep your portions in check during this holiday season is to prepare food and place it in separate containers so that you keep meal sized portions available.

Lastly, one thing to remember is that the feeling of “fullness” is a chemical communication between your stomach and brain. There is a bit of a delay, however, approximately 20 minutes. This means that you are actually full 20 minutes before you stop eating. This should encourage you to keep your portions small and wait for the full feeling because it’s coming!

AT: Let’s take your expertise to the preparation of food.

What are some things people should do to create great meals that don’t offer health risks (or, at least, that minimize them)?

KW: Two great ways to decrease health risks when preparing foods is to decrease salt usage and decrease usage of refined sugars. Particularly for those with hypertension or borderline hypertension, currently being diet-controlled, it is essential that you minimize salt in meals. A great alternative is to use pepper or lemon/lime seasoning to give natural flavoring. On the other hand, for people with diabetes or with borderline diabetes, decreasing sugar intake is very important. The alternative is to use pure honey to sweeten drinks and to use Splenda to sweeten foods such as cakes and pies. It tastes a bit different than using normal table sugar, but it is healthier for sure!

AT: Is there a special “holiday exercise regimen” that you would recommend people follow, and what are its principles?

KW: Exercise is a tough thing to recommend primarily because there are restrictions based on ability and health issues. During the holidays, outside exercise typically goes out of the window because of weather.

For those who have gym memberships, I would encourage you to take the time off work to get involved in aerobics classes as we typically have more time off during the holidays. Once you are involved, it’s much easier to stay involved. For those who have financial limitations, I would recommend taking a brisk walk or run in the local mall to increase your heart rate and burn calories. For those who have physical limitations and may not be able to run because of knee or hip problems, I would recommend water aerobics because it is considerably less traumatic on the joints but still provides you a great cardio workout.

AT: Another common holiday issue focuses on alcohol consumption.

What is your advice to the party-goers who tend to overdo it during this time of year that might help them enjoy a safe holiday season?

Dr. Kimberly Washington

KW: Alcohol usage (and abuse) is common during the holiday season. This can be extremely dangerous. To be completely honest, we have more deaths near the holiday season due to drunk driving accidents than any other time of the year.

The best advice I can give is to take a designated driver. There is no better way to manage increased alcohol consumption during the holidays than to either be sober yourself or bring someone who is sober with you!

AT: What will the holiday tables look like at the Washington household this year, food-wise?

KW: My mother cooks in our home with occasional influence from myself and my two sisters. My father is only allowed in the kitchen to look – for everyone’s safety.

My mother usually cooks a baked turkey with cornbread dressing, and assortment of vegetables including collard greens, green bean casserole, corn casserole, potato salad and sweet peas. We typically have some fruit assortment for dessert and on occasion we splurge with a coconut cake.

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Chronicle

History (still) in the making A century ago, James and Mattie Fielder built a home that would become a treasure • By Tom Dotson This year, the Arlington Historical Society is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the historic Fielder House. In 1914, James and Mattie Fielder constructed the dwelling, which now is the home to the historical society. It has recently undergone exterior repairs, renovation, and restoration and still looms as one of Arlington’s great shrines to the past. Here is the story of how it came to be ...

J

ames Park Fielder was 25 years old, and Mattie Barnes was 20, when they married in Alvarado in 1887. James was born in Tennessee, received a law degree from Vanderbilt University in 1884, and moved to Alvarado in Johnson County, shortly after graduation.

Mattie, born in Texas, was living in Navarro County at age 3 in the 1870 census, but by age 13 was living in Alvarado. She graduated from the old Methodist Marvin College in Waxahachie.

James became very successful at farming (in the vicinity of Alvarado/Venus and Dallas – he once owned the land that eventually became the Dallas Naval Air Station), and in the banking business. Over time he acquired large land holdings.

From the latter part of 1901 to 1904, the Fielder Family lived in Fort Worth. While living there, James and Mattie became founding members of the Central Methodist Church, with the organizational meeting being held in their home. There was a brief return to Venus, but James was offered a directorship in the Citizens National Bank of Arlington, and they moved here in 1906.

Their last child, Robert E. B., was born on Nov. 23, 1906, in Arlington.

Three other sons, C. B. (Cicero), Alfred (who died at age 3), and Jim, Jr., were all born in Venus. The Fielders lived on S. Center Street in Arlington. In 1910, they purchased a 215-acre farm on the west side of Arlington, for a price of about $80 per acre.

The property was filled with large groves of trees and some of the finest farm land in the area. Using current-day street names, the property extended from W. Abram St. on the north to Park Row Drive on the south, and from Fielder Road on the west to Davis St. on the east.

Their new home, however, was not built until 1914, when James was 52 and Mattie 47.

The house was to face north toward the The Fielder family Dallas-Fort Worth Road, which is now W. Abram St. Just across the road were the electric Interurban tracks, which had been laid in 1902. They provided rapid and convenient transportation to and from Arlington, Fort Worth, and Dallas. Just beyond

the Interurban tracks were the tracks of the T&P Railway. James hired a Fort Worth architect to design his and Mattie’s new house to be built on the farm they had purchased. An architectural evaluation made in 1979 in connection with the application for a State Historical Marker described the home as “a vernacular structure with the wide overhangs of the Prairie style, but the overall composition is derived from the Classical Revival structure of the early 20th century.”

In planning the structure of the house, James consulted Henry W. Lusher, an old friend and well-known contractor who lived in Fort Worth. Fielder “was very desirous that the house be built with the best in workmanship and materials,” and he hired Lusher Construction Company to build it on a “cost plus” basis.

The entire house was built under careful supervision of the Fielders.

There are several interesting and unusual features about the house.

The original 18-inch, #1 wood shingles for the roof were made from cedar and were hand-dipped in graphite before application to the house.

Another unusual feature was the large lintel stones that were used over and under the doors and windows. They were pulled up the hill to the site by four- or six-mule-team wagons.

Perhaps most interesting of all is the detailed work on the outside wall of the house. Starting from the inside to the outside was a very detailed type of brick laying. First, inside the house, were the plaster walls, then steel lathe behind the plaster (the first use of steel lathing in the area), after which clay tile was glued to common brick with mortar, and fastened to the face brick seen on the outside of the house.

Besides making sure the outside of the house was built with the best materials, Fielder also made sure that the inside was given the same attention. The inside was heated by natural gas and the four fireplaces. In the summertime, the house was kept cool because of the high ceilings, thick walls, and the location of the house on a hill. Also, the house was supplied with hot water, using natural gas to heat it. The house itself was about 6,000 square feet and consisted of

Photos courtesy of Tom Dotson, editor of the Arlington Historical Society newsletter

Here is a photograph of the Fielder House as it looks today. It is the home of the Arlington Historcial Society, entertaining and enlightening thousands of visitors annually.

Photos courtesy of Tom Dotson, the society’s newsletter editor

The Fielder Home today

a basement, first floor, and a second floor. The first floor contained the dining area, the living room, the kitchen, a screened porch on the east side, and the master chamber (bedroom). The kitchen had a large gas stove and a “huge” electric refrigerator.

The second floor was built with four more bedrooms, a sleeping porch and several closets. There was also an open balcony on the second floor, overlooking the front yard. The original house plans show only one bathroom, on the first floor adjacent to the master chamber.

However, a second-floor bathroom directly above the one on the first floor was added before construction was completed. We know this because of a statement made years later by granddaughter Patsy “Mattie” Fielder, who lived in the house from early 1915 to 1920 with her family, and who spent summers there every year until she was married.

Each chamber was painted in pastel pink, blue or green. The house was furnished with 1914 contemporary-style furniture from Ellison Furniture Company of Fort Worth. Under the main house there was a basement, which during harvest season would be filled with boxes and baskets of fruits and vegetables that Jim and Mattie would give to friends.

The only alteration to the house after completion occurred in 1922, after Mattie was injured in an automobile accident in Arlington, leaving her with mobility difficulties, including some use of a wheelchair. A sun porch was added to the south side off the master chamber so Mattie could have a better view of the back yard and the many interesting activities that took place there. The grounds around the big home were filled with outbuildings and other interesting structures, including a 2-car garage, with servant quarters above.

The Fielder farm/home was “a beehive” of activity. Once finished, the Fielder Home became the talk of the town. James and Mattie were active in the Methodist Church in Arlington and were well-known and

loved by many of the townspeople. It was not unusual for friends to drive out in the afternoon or evenings for a visit. The Fielders were very friendly folks who welcomed guests. Their home became a center for many social gatherings of people in the area.

The Fielder grounds were also used by the town children, who would come over to play hide-and-seek in the woods and among the many structures on the property. The Fielders had the finest fruits and vegetables – all types of apples, peaches, plums, grapes, watermelons, and more, as well as James’ specialty, corn. They loved to share their abundance with family and friends. The major crops grown on the farm were oats, wheat, barley, peas and cotton.

A tradition rapidly developed of having the entire family at the Fielder House at Christmastime – James and Mattie, the three boys (C. B., Jim and Rob) and their wives and children (and their spouses), and grandchildren. One son later wrote that his parents were known for their “incomparable deeds of helping many people financially and lending encouragement and wise counsel to those who came to them.”

Always involved in community interests, James served as an early Arlington councilman, and for a short time, as mayor of the city. He was an organizer and member of the original Board of Grubbs Vocational College (1917-1923). When the school became North Texas Agricultural College, and a state college, Fielder was made a member of the original board. Both Grubbs and NTAC were forerunners of The University of Texas Arlington. He was also a member of the Southern Methodist University Founders Club.

James Fielder died in 1948, and Mattie died two years later. The funeral for each of them was held in the living room of the home they loved so much, their “Home on the Hill,” which is 100 years old this year.

The Arlington Historical Society, housed in the historic Fielder House, is dedicated to preserving and presenting Arlington’s rich history. The most recent Fourth of July Parade was dedicated to the Arlington Historical Society, and society Director Geraldine Mills was the grand marshal. The Society invites all Arlington citizens to become involved in its mission, including becoming a supporting member. The Society is hosting an open house for the public at the Fielder House from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14.

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How to photograph Christmas lights

Larry McGough has been a partner with Arlington Camera over the past several years. He is also Vice President of Lone Star Holidays, a non-profit group of people that enjoy decorating for the holidays.

Tips to help you manage light, focus and composition whiIe shooting your ‘scene’ • By Larry McGough

F

ollowing up last month’s “How to photograph a Jack-o’-lantern,” we’ll keep the holiday theme going and give you a series of tips on how to photograph Christmas lights. Taking great pictures of your outdoor Christmas lights can be a little difficult, but it can also be fun and rewarding once you’ve mastered the technique. Having a camera with a few manual controls will give you more flexibility, but many point-andshoot cameras have settings that will also work well for you.

1. A tripod is an absolute must. When shooting at night your camera shutter is going to be open longer. Without a tripod, you will end up with blurry images.

2. Move unnecessary items from in front of the house (cars, recycle bins, etc.). Then frame your house within the image so you have very little negative space. I like to shoot about five feet from the curb (watch out for cars).

3. Turn on your camera’s self-timer and use that to take the picture.

If you press the shutter on the camera with a long exposure, you’re

going to end up with a blurry photograph.

4. Just after dusk tends to offer the best conditions not only for your lights, but also showing some details on your property as well.

5. Turn off the flash, and adjust the camera’s ISO to 100-200.

6. If your camera offers the ability to turn off auto-focus, do so.

When your lights are on, many cameras will focus on the brightest point, leaving some areas out of focus. Set your focus manually.

7. If your camera has a manual mode, you’re going to want to set your aperture to F4-F16; this will vary based on how many lights you have on your house, along with the brightness difference between LED and incandescent lights. Then do a manual shutter of 3-10 seconds (this will vary in the same way as the aperture).

For those who have a camera with limited controls, look for scene modes such as Fireworks or Starry Sky. They adjust to the situations referenced earlier. Set it up on a tripod, shoot with the self-timer, and end up with great Christmas photograph.

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Dave Wear, who greets visitors to the Texas Rangers’ offices at Globe Life Park in Arlington, is retiring on Jan. 9 after 20 years as a Rangers security officer. Wear and his wife Cindy might be moving to Louisiana, but there’s no question that part of his heart will always be with the Rangers.

Changing of the guard After 20 years as a Texas Rangers’ security officer, Dave Wear is calling it a career – a good one

W

hen Dave Wear pulled into the parking lot of a brand new Rangers Ballpark in Arlington for the first day of the rest of his career, he had no idea who was going to be announced as lineup members of “Your Texas Rangers.” It’s not that Wear isn’t a baseball fan – he’s a big one, for those keeping score at home.

“But you’ve got to remember,” he said, “1994 was the strike season.

Nobody knew who was going to play, the regular guys or the scab players.”

As it turned out, the veterans settled their differences with management and played on Opening Day, thus ensuring the newest member of the Rangers security team the first of many memories during a career that will conclude next month.

He has roughly 45 days and counting. In fact, he has counted, pretty much every day since he decided on Jan. 9 as the ideal day to retire.

“That’s my dad’s birthday, so I thought that was a great day to go,” he said.

When he goes, he will leave a job that has given him a front row seat to some of the best times in Rangers history – and some friends he will never forget. George W. Bush led the team’s ownership group when Wear first joined the club after a long stint in the Navy. Wear recalled

that the former president was busy governing Texas, so Tom Schieffer ran the show. “I saw him several years after he left, and he told me he remembered my smile,” Wear said. “That meant a lot to me.”

Through the years, Wear also got to welcome the likes of Nolan Ryan, Jon Daniels and Jim Sundberg to the park on a regular basis.

In fact, since 2009 he has literally welcomed most club principals and stadium visitors from his perch behind the desk at the main entrance of the park after serving at the Rangers Museum during the first years of his employ.

As noted, Wear’s a “baseball guy,” so it’s not surprising that some of his favorite memories are rooted in The Great Game. “I got to go to both World Series (in 2010, when the Rangers played the San Francisco Giants and in 2011 when they lost a heart-breaking seven-game series to the St. Louis Cardinals). Fortunately, I wasn’t at game six,” he said, noting the game when Texas was one out away from winning the title against St. Louis but lost in extra innings.

Now, he is about to enter his extra innings. Upon retirement, he and wife Cindy will move to family property in Louisiana, work on fixing it up, and do some traveling to Illinois, where he grew up. “I’m sure I’ll miss this, though,” he said. “It’s been a great place to work.”

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Business Beat

A crash course in resiliency How Jazzy Jems turned a devasting accident into one of Arlington’s best business success stories – in just two months, no less

T

On July 15, a car crashed through the wall of Jazzy Jems, virtually destroying the business. Two months later, owner Teenya Blanchard and staff were welcoming customers to a new, better Jazzy Jems. (Photos: Teenya Blanchard and Gary Coots)

eenya Blanchard went from operating a company out of the trunk of her car to owning one of the city’s “go to” destinations for gifts and more. She started her business by taking $1,000 from the family savings account, vowing to pay it back within six months, and then did just that – with dividends. As with most successful business people she acquired over time the ability to wear multiple hats, not the least of which is that of master planner. Still ...

“I never planned on a car driving through my business,” she said.

It should be noted that her business, Jazzy Jems at 2538 W. Pioneer Parkway, did not/does not/will not offer drive-through service.

What it does offer is a testimony about resiliency. As the top left photo running with this story suggests, July 15, 2014 represented the darkest day in Jazzy Jems’ – and Blanchard’s – professional life.

However, as the bottom picture shows, you can’t keep a good business – or business person – down for long. Jazzy Jems reoponed on Sept.

17, just two days and two months after the accident, no small feat when you consider two major obstacles, in particular, that stood in the way: (1) Hundreds of thousands of dollars of property damage. “By the grace of God,” she said, “everyone physically was okay, but mentally it took a toll.”

(2) Laws that don’t account for accidents of this nature. Blanchard said that in the state of Texas, drivers are only required to carry $25,000 in property damage. “Our damage was four times that amount,” she said, “and that didn’t include the damage that occurred to the building structure or the damage to the office next door to Jazzy Jems.”

Almost immediately after the accident, Blanchard went to work on the resurrection. She used social media to dispel any rumors and to detail what actually happened and why the business was boarded up, updating daily. She filed mounds of paperwork, ordered building materials to replace what had been damaged and implored everyone involved in the reconstruction – and insurance principals who were going to pay for it – to understand how vital it was that the rebuilding task be done quickly.

She scoured flea markets, antique sales and special places (“that I will leave a secret”) to find repurposed display tables, bookshelves and wall hangings. And she tried to keep smiling all the while, because all the while, she still believed in what Jazzy Jems represents. “The nightmares have ended, and the sweet dreams of our new store fill our heads as we sleep,” she said. “Jazzy Jems is a little slice of a fun and a special piece of Arlington, and we plan to work hard to keep it just that.”

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Business Beat

50-plus years of smiles The Bishop family dental practice is moving to a new location this month

B

ryan W. Bishop, D.D.S., who with his father Alan and his wife Robin has carried on a dentistry tradition that has spanned 56 years, will soon start a new one: The practice is moving to 1007 W. Randol Mill Road, Suite 101, later this month.

Dr. Bryan Bishop For Bryan and Robin – he the dentist and she the dental hygienist – the shift in locales is the latest chapter of a local success story that began in 1958, when Alan started the practice. In 1984, fresh out of the Baylor College of Dentistry, Bryan joined his father, along with his new bride, and the family team has been greeting and treating a roster of patients that has grown by the year – and grown into something more than just a professional relationship.

“We feel like we’re part of the community,” Robin said. “It’s more than a practice to us. Some of our patients came in as children, and now they’re married and bringing in their children.”

Over the years the Bishop community has included a collection of patients that reads like a “Who’s Who in Arlington” list. “When Bryan and I first started working at the office in 1984 some of the first patients I met were past mayors, S.J. Stovall and Harold Patterson,” Robin said.

“Other patients that were greatly involved in the community were Dan Dipert; Bill Reeves, the athletic director from UTA; and the Eddie Peach family. Hooker Vandergriff was also a loyal patient of Alan’s for many years. I was immediately struck by their constant positive attitude and obvious love for their city.”

Bryan and Robin share that devotion. After Alan’s passing eight years ago, they dedicated the practice to continuing his legacy – and to serving patients with the same compassion and passion he brought to the office every day.

“Patients sometimes claim we are the ‘Cheers’ of the dental community. It’s a place where everyone knows your name,” Robin said.

“Alan Bishop promoted a family dental practice that was more than just about quality dentistry. The patients are our friends and family. It is a true sense of community in its purist form.”

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Ellin named dean of new college at UT Arlington THE UNIVERSITY of Texas Arlington recently appointed Nan Ellin, professor and chair of the University of Utah Department of City and Metropolitan Planning, as founding dean of a new college that will be formed through the integration of the existing School of Architecture and School of Urban and Public Affairs.

Prior to joining the University of Utah, Dr. Ellin served in a series of Dr. Nan Ellin leadership roles at Arizona State University, directing programs in planning, urban and metropolitan studies and a doctoral program in architecture and environmental design.

In Utah, Dr. Ellin and her students worked on The 9 Line project, an effort to convert a neglected railroad corridor into an urban amenity and trail system. In Arizona, she shaped the vision for Canalscape, an ongoing initiative to create vital urban hubs throughout the Phoenix metropolitan region where canals meet major streets.

At UTA, Dr. Ellin will shepherd the integration of the School of Architecture and the School of Urban and Public Affairs into a new college that will extend the influence of the university in areas related to design, architecture, urban planning and public affairs.

The UT Arlington School of Architecture offers internationally recognized degrees in architecture, interior design and landscape architecture, as well as a certificate in property repositioning and turnaround.

The Texas Legislature established the School of Urban and Public Affairs as a research and technical resource for local governments and nonprofit entities. The school includes the Institute of Urban Studies, contributes to the Arlington Urban Design Center at Arlington City Hall and offers master’s degrees in Urban Affairs and Policy, City and Regional Planning and Public Administration and doctoral degrees in Urban and Public Administration and Urban Planning and Public Policy.

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Find out about all of the FUN happening in downtown at www.downtownarlington.org @DTArlington

It’s in the bag!

Our Spring Gift Bag Giveaway was so well-received, we’re doing it again for the holidays.

Go to arlingtontoday.com after Dec. 5 to register for a free bag stuffed with gifts and more.

A drawing for the winners will be held the second week of December.

Good luck and happy holidays!

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Picture-perfect moments

Councilman Jimmy Bennett, Debra Bennett, Amy Wade and Mike Wade

Bud Durden and Grace Ann Durden

Carolyn Hastings, Michelle Latham, Debbie Latham, Charles Jobe, Donna Jobe, Lisa Fitzgerald and Esthela Castillo

Songul Agir and Apo Agir

Scene

Clark Hellier, Beth Hellier, Jay Gustafson, Vicki Gustafson, Teri Anton and John Anton

John McDonald, Bill Valentine, Joan Bergstrom, Co-chair Mark Caffey and Chris Landry

Snapshots from the recent 55th Anniversary for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington, held at the Omni Hotel in Fort Worth.

Chelsea Malone, Co-chair Kay Dugan and Matt Burke

Golf Tips

Mind games Putting is a mental part of golf • By Chris Ferguson

J

ack Nicklaus once stated, ” I never missed a putt in my mind.” In a nutshell, that is what putting is all about: thinking the ball into the hole. In order to be a great putter you must have these five mental attributes: 1. Attitude: Having a mental state involving beliefs, feelings, values, and a disposition to act in certain ways. One of the most important attributes of being an excellent putter is to have the right attitude.

You need to have written positive mental affirmations concerning your ability to putt expertly, and you must enjoy and actually love putting.

2. Confidence: Freedom from doubt, belief in yourself and your abilities. It is critical that you develop an unshakeable belief in your ability to putt well. You must believe you can sink every putt, no matter what.

3. Visualization: A mental image that is similar to a visual perception.

You must “see” the putt with your mind’s eye. Track the path of the ball going into the hole. Do this three times before stroking the ball. Feel and hear the ball dropping in the cup just prior to execution. You must execute the shot in your mind before if you are going to sink the putt.

4. Relaxation: A gradual lengthening of inactive muscle fibers.

One of your first priorities should be the relaxation of your body and mind. It is very difficult to stay quiet during the putting stroke with good rhythm and tempo while having tension throughout the body.

Tempo is your friend. Have a good rhythm in your mind as you putt.

I like to sing a song in my mind to help me. This facilitates a smooth putting stroke.

5. Concentration: Complete attention; intense mental effort. As golfers, we find it very difficult to maintain our concentration throughout the entire 18-hole round. Sometimes we just don’t have the mental stamina to concentrate and focus for 3 ½ to 4 hours playing a very complex and technical game. Focus on the target. When we are “playing in the moment,” whatever is on our mind is receiving all of our focus. Become centered and precisely clear on what is most relevant while “playing in the now.”

It is my hope that these quick putting tips help you have a better game and time on the golf course.

Chris Ferguson is head golf professional at Shady Valley Country Club.

Thankful for Our Sponsors ARRAH S A

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Nightlife, etc.

Sights/Sounds

Your resource for entertainment options in and around the city

A heapin’ helpin’ of holiday hilarity THEATRE ARLINGTON will present “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” from Dec. 5-21. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday; at 8 p.m. on Friday; at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday; and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

DANCE: UTA Dance Ensemble When: Dec. 5-7 Where: University of Texas Arlington Mainstage Theatre (502 S. Cooper St.) Show time: 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. on Sunday Notes: The fall concert will feature faculty, alumni and student choreography in modern, jazz, hip hop, tap and ballet.

For more: uta.edu/dance THEATER: “The Wizard of Oz” When: Dec. 5-7, 12-14 Where: Uptown Theater (120 E. Main St., Grand Priairie) Show times: 8 p.m. on Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday; 2 p.m. on Sunday Notes: One of the time-honored classics is brought to life by the Grand Prairie Arts Council. Watch as Dorothy and Toto try to find their way back to Kansas from the Land of Oz, meeting some memorable characters along the way.

For more: (972) 237-8786 MUSIC: The Classic Swing Band with Eddie Irving When: Dec. 6 Where: Farr Best Theater (109 N. Main St., Mansfield) Show time: 8 p.m.

Notes: For over 10 years, Eddie Irving and The Classic Swing Band have offered some of the smoothest sounds for a wide variety of events. Supported by the multi-horn “chops” of Tom Lepper and the keyboard talent of Randy Wills, Eddie and the band will give a lively performance of popular ballads and catchy swing tunes.

For more: farrbest.com MUSIC: New Jack Swing featuring Guy & Tony! Toni! Toné!

When: Dec. 6 Where: Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie (1001 Performance Place)

In this hilarious classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting probably the most inventively awful kids in history.

You won’t believe the mayhem - and the fun - when the Herdman kids collide with

the Christmas story head on.

The play was adapted from the book of the same name, written by Barbara Robinson. It was first performed in 1982 by the Seattle Children’s Theatre.

For more: theatrearlington.org.

Show time: 7:30 p.m.

Notes: Childhood friends from Harlem, Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall and Damion Hall formed Guy in the late ‘80s and are closely associated with the new jack swing style incorporating R&B, soul and hip-hop. The band scored hits with “I Like,” “Let’s Chill” and “Groove Me.” Tony!

Toni! Toné! sport a hit list that includes “Little Walter,” “Feels Good,” “Whatever You Want” and “The Blues.”

For more: verizontheatre.com

Show time: 7 p.m.

Notes: This Irish singing group and stage show is frequently featured in concert specials on PBS. Celtic Thunder is known for its eclectic, theatrical style show.

The group is backed by the Celtic Thunder Band on their concert tours, and their live shows are known for the use of dramatic set pieces, visual effects and highly choreographed staging.

For more: verizontheatre.com

MUSIC: The Rocky Lott Band When: Dec. 6 Where: The Grease Monkey (200 N. Mesquite) Show time: 9 p.m.

Notes: The Rocky Lott Band has recently signed with Tate Music Group, a record label based in Oklahoma, and will release its first studio-produced, full-length album later this year. This will be a follow up to the recent EP “Rolling The Dice.” available on iTunes and Amazon.com The band’s influences include Lynyrd Skynrd, AC/DC, The Beatles, George Strait, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, among others.

For more: greasemonkeyburgers.com

COMEDY: Cedric the Entertainer When: Dec. 20 Where: Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie (1001 Performance Place) Show time: 8 p.m.

Notes: Cedric Antonio Kyles, better known by the stage name Cedric the Entertainer, is an American actor, comedian, director and game show host. He was originally the host on It’s Showtime at the Apollo. He also hosted BET’s ComicView during the 1993-1994 season and Def Comedy Jam in 1995. He is best known for co-starring with Steve Harvey on The WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show and starring as Eddie in Barbershop and its sequel. He hosted the 12th season of the daytime version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in the 2013-14 television season.

For more: verizontheatre.com

MUSIC: Elvis T. Busboy and the Texas Blues Butchers When: Dec. 13 Where: Farr Best Theater (109 N. Main St., Mansfield) Show time: 8 p.m.

Notes: Elvis T. Busboy (aka Stephen Shaw) started out as a singing cook and 20 years ago founded the band with guitarist/vocalist John Sprott (from The Nelsons).

Later, five-time Grammy Award winner Tim Alexander joined the band. They have played with Dolly Parton, Delbert McClinton, George Strait and many others.

For more: farrbest.com MUSIC: Celtic Thunder When: Dec. 13 Where: Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie (1001 Performance Place)

MUSIC: Aaron Watson When: Dec. 31 Where: Cowboys Dancehall (2540 E. Abram St.) Show time: 11:30 p.m.

Notes: Watson will ring in the new year with a country music concert that will demonstrate how he has been able to sell over 150,000 records, seven No.1 singles on the Texas Music Chart, and four albums that debuted on the Billboard charts.

For more: cowboysdancehall.com/arlington/events To keep up with the local music, drama and theater scene, visit our website, arlingtontoday.com.

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Health/Fitness

Beat hibernation by working out Crafting – and sticking to – a winter exercise program is easier than you think • By Susie Traylor

B

Staying active, particularly during the colder months, will greatly influence your quality of life. Our habits affect how long, and more importantly, how well we live.

aby, it’s cold outside. If you’re like me, winter weather can sometimes make working out seem like a chore. After all, who wants to dress like a mummy to go run or risk slipping on ice when walking outside? Although you may want to stay snuggled up in your warm bed, winter shouldn’t be a time when your fitness plans hibernate.

As a fitness instructor for many years, I have had the opportunity to inspire people to begin and maintain a regular exercise program. Many people come to the city of Arlington recreation centers not because they’re sick but because they are well and want to stay that way.

We all know that exercising regularly is one of the most important things we can do for our health and well-being, and wintertime is no exception. When the weather is cold, you just have to get a little more creative.

TO HELP, I’ve put together a list of fun winter activities in Arlington to keep you moving through the colder months.

Take advantage of recreation centers.

There’s an array of activities to partake in as a family. For example, the city of Arlington offers a wide variety of sports programs like basketball, gymnastics, cheerleading and volleyball.

Your children can take a class while you work out in the weight room where there are treadmills, elliptical and bikes, as well as Nautilus strength equipment. There’s also a wide variety of fitness classes. Any one of these activities will burn calories in a hurry, especially if you choose to try out one of our fitness classes.

Hit the trails around Arlington; you’ll warm up fast. Let the beauty of your nearest park inspire a family hike that lasts 30 minutes to an hour. Take in the environment, inhale Mother Nature’s air and find

time to play at the nearest playground in your neighborhood.

Swim at our indoor pool. There is lap swimming every day and water aerobics, too. Swimming is a popular athletic activity, and swimmers tend to have better moods than people who do not exercise.

Dance. Fun, social activities like dance classes can keep things interesting. If you have an “exercise allergy,” dancing can make physical activity less of a chore.

Walk. Walking is easy and requires little more than a good pair of shoes. You can burn calories, increase blood flow, and give your heart and lungs a boost just by putting one foot in front of the other. Walking is a great stress reducer.

YOU CAN FIND more information about our offerings at naturallyfun.org, or you can check each location for information.

Having lost my mother to cancer at a fairly young age, I know firsthand that staying active will greatly influence our quality of life. Hopefully, you can pull a few ideas out of this article that will allow you to improve how you feel this winter.

Our habits greatly influence how long, and, more importantly, how well we live. So get fit the naturally fun way!

Susie Traylor is program coordinator for the city of Arlington. She can be found at the Hugh Smith Recreation Center, where she is responsible for developing, managing and promoting recreation programs, events and activities to meet the needs of the community.

“A Season for Giving”

Visit us at www.fundentist.com!

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

Toy Drive

Children’s speCialist

Sat., Dec. 13, 2014 •2-4pm

• Infants • Adolescents • Teenagers

Sponsored by: Great Skin Spa & Skin Care

The home of Adam Alligator!

Hosted by:

Hank FM Party Patrol

Music, Prizes, Games & Santa!

• Boot Scootin’ Contest • Free Pictures with Santa (children & adults - bring your camera!)

• “Wrap Your Mommie like a Present” Booth • Face Painting • Military Letter Writing Booth for our troops away from home • Movie Studio Grill Ticket drawing every 30 minutes • Grand Prize - Family Pack to Holiday in the Park at Six Flags • Drawing for Gift Certificate to Chamas do Brazil Steak House in Arlington • Spa Package Specials from Great Skin for the Spirit of Giving Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to help a child in need have a warm and Merry Christmas!

Toys will be collected by U.S. Marines before and during the event.

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

MAKE YOUR HOLIDAYS MERRY! WITH ARLINGTON PARKS AND RECREATION

dec 4

senior craft fair | Senior Recreation Center New York

dec 5-6

olde town christmas craft fair | Dottie Lynn Recreation Center

dec 12

swim with santa | Hugh Smith Recreation Center

dec 13

breakfast with santa | Cliff Nelson Recreation Center

dec 22-26

basketball camp | Dottie Lynn Recreation Center

dec 22-30

holiday tennis camps | Arlington Tennis Center

dec 22-jan 2

winter sports camps | Elzie Odom Athletic Center

dec 22-jan 2

winter break camps | Arlington Recreation Centers

for more information visit

natur allyfun.org/holidays

Speaking of Sports

Do you hear what I hear?

Four favorite holiday songs for four of my favorite sports teams • By John Rhadigan

O

Photo courtesy of sport.de

For the past 17 years we have seen an NBA star as bright as any that has ever burned. Dirk Nowitzki is climbing the ladder of top-ten-best in history. And he is a man on a mission: to bring the title back to Texas.

nce upon a time, Christmas songs were played at (wait for it) Christmas time.

Not any more. On Nov. 1, I was on hold and suddenly found myself dreaming of a White Christmas. Actually, the night before, my dream consisted of ways to steal the kids’ Halloween candy without them noticing.

Even before Halloween, I heard Christmas background music at malls and retail stores.

In spite of this over-saturation, I still like the songs of the season, and I thought I would provide one for each of the big four DFW professional sports teams.

One of my favorites is “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Most would agree with the snappy, upbeat lyrics of this one. I always thought it was the most wonderful time of the year until 1993. That year the happiness that accompanies the holidays lasted until Jan. 31.

I spent the last day of January in the Rose Bowl that year, attending and covering my first Super Bowl. I must admit that for three of the four years that followed, the holidays wouldn’t end. It was so much fun to cover those ‘90s Cowboys and so much fun to watch the fans embrace them.

My wish for the Cowboys is that they can make the joy of the holidays last all the way until Feb. 1, 2015.

Among my religious favorites is “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” If I could, I would climb to a mountaintop to tell you how good things are going to be for the Rangers. That confidence is based on the earliest of off-season decisions. Jeff Banister was such a good hire as manager. Before he moved to North Texas we took a trip to his home in League City, where he actually said, “I was born in Oklahoma, but I got to Texas as quick as I could.”

He drove our crew (in his diesel, super-duty pickup truck) to his home town of La Marque. He wanted us to see from whence he came. He took Rangers’ front office principals Jon Daniels and Thad Levine to La Marque, too. They saw his pride, his background, his upbringing, and knew he was the right man

for the job. My wish for the Rangers is health.

If they stay healthy they can compete for a division title this year.

The Dallas Stars looked around a few years ago and wondered how the Grinch stole, not Christmas, but their loyal fan base. “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch…” The Grinch who stole the fan base was not as quick to give it back as the one who stole Christmas. However, the Stars are on the right track – they have great hockey men in place in Jim Nill and Lindy Ruff, and they have a good young team, emphasis on young.

My wish for the Stars is that the defensemen they have been drafting for years develop into the kind of front line players that once occupied the blue line here. Think Craig Ludwig, Derrian Hatcher and Sergei Zubov.

Finally, “Do you Hear What I Hear?” The sights and sounds of the first Christmas are powerfully described in this great song. I doubt we will ever see anything as brilliant as the Star of Bethlehem. But for the past 17 years we have seen an NBA star as bright as any that has ever burned. Dirk Nowitzki is climbing the ladder of top-ten-best in history.

He is a joy to watch, and now that the 2011 band is back together he is on a mission: to bring Mavs fans another championship.

My wish for the Mavs is that lightning strikes again. With Dirk and Tyson Chandler together again the sky’s the limit. The same sky where stars shine so bright.

So ... There you have it: my sportsy ode to Christmas carols. I invite you to sing along with your favorite song – and your favorite team.

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

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Events, etc.

Itinerary

History, Mansfield-style

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

The myth-ing link THE MYTHBUSTERS’ Behind the Myths tour will make its way to Grand Prairie’s Verizon Theatre Dec. 13, when locals will have an up-close-and-personal chance to be ... well ... myth-tified.

Hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman of the acclaimed television show on The Discovery Channel

Dec. 3, 24 What: Modern Buddhism: Transform Your Life Where: Kadampa Meditation Center (609 Truman St.) When: 7-8:30 p.m.

In a nutshell: This ongoing series explores basic Buddhist thought and practical ideas for integrating these life-changing teachings into daily life.

For more: (817) 303-2700 Dec. 6 What: North Texas Fit Expo Where: Arlington Convention Center (1200 Ballpark Way) When: All day In a nutshell: Sponsored by Ultimate Sport Nutrition, the expo will feature competitions in bodybuilding, figure, fitness, bikini and physique. Mo Robson of the Mo Robson Band will play an acoustic set between 5 and 6 p.m. before the final trophy presentations.

For more: bandlevents.com Dec. 6 What: Animal Exploration Where: River Legacy Living Science Center (703 N.W. Green Oaks Blvd.)

When: 2 p.m.

In a nutshell: Discover the habits, adaptations and characteristics of a native animal during a live animal observation led by a River Legacy naturalist. Space is limited. Please RSVP. For more: (817) 860-6752 Dec. 6 What: Family Zumba Where: Warmack Branch Library (760 Bardin Road, Grand Prairie) When: 11 a.m.

In a nutshell: Marivel Robinson leads this free Family Zumba class, sponsored by the Grand Prairie YMCA. Attendees are urged to arrive early, as space is limited.

For more: (972) 642-9632

Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27 What: Grand Prairie Farmers Market Where: Farmers Market at Market Square (120 W. Main St., Grand Prairie) When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

In a nutshell: This popular market in downtown Grand Prairie is open every Saturday and features locally grown fruits and vegetables, plants, tamales, breads, salsas, dips, relishes, soy candles, eggs, soaps, honey, chips, cookies and more.

For more: gptx.org/farmersmarket Dec. 8 What: Class: Infant Safety/CPR Where: Methodist Mansfield Medical Center When: 6-9 p.m.

In a nutshell: This class includes infant CPR taught by registered nurses certified by the American Heart Association (AMA). This is the AMA “Friends and Family” course. Other topics include choking, safety proofing your home, SIDS prevention, car seat safety, poison control, child care providers, fall prevention and abduction.

For more: (682) 622-2000 Dec. 8 What: Experimental Workshop: Collage Where: The Upstairs Gallery (1038 W. Abram St.) When: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

In a nutshell: Artist Karen Foster will show you how to use her cache of papers to create beautiful compositions. You don’t have to be an expert draftsperson for this class.

For more: upstairsartgallery.com Dec. 13 What: Nature Walk Where: River Legacy Living Science Center (703 N.W. Green Oaks Blvd.)

When: 11 a.m.

In a nutshell: Explore the nature trails surrounding the Science Center on a family-friendly, naturalist-led Nature

will interact with the audience while busting some popular myths during their time in the area.

The show will begin at 8 p.m. and will answer the ever-looming question, “Is that really possible?,” about a variety of topics. For more: axs.com/events/248783/ mythbusters-tickets.

Walk. Space is limited. Please RSVP. For more: (817) 860-6752 Dec. 20 What: Saturday Story Time Where: River Legacy Living Science Center (703 N.W. Green Oaks Blvd.)

When: 11 a.m.

In a nutshell: Children of all ages are invited to listen to fun, seasonal stories presented by an Arlington librarian.

Stay after for related craft or activity. Space is limited.

Please RSVP. For more: (817) 860-6752 Dec. 20 What: Class: Prepared Childbirth Where: Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital (800 W. Randol Mill Road) When: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

In a nutshell: This class will teach expectant parents what to expect in their birthing experience. Instruction includes the stages of labor, Lamaze breathing, relaxation techniques and hospital procedures. A brief discussion about hospital procedures and Cesarean births will be addressed. A tour of the Center for Women and Children is included.

For more: (817) 462-7900 Dec. 21 What: Dallas Cowboys football Where: AT&T Stadium When: Game time TBD In a nutshell: This month, the Cowboys have just one home game, Dec. 21, vs. the Indianapolis Colts and star quarterback Andrew Luck.

For more: dallascowboys.com Do you have an event our readers need to put on their Itinerary? E-mail us at yale@arlingtontoday.com.

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Finish Line

Don’t miss this Texas Christkindl Market has expanded its schedule to accommodate more visitors • By Richard Greene

H

Arlington Today photos

Visitors to Christkindl Market are in for a treat: authentic German handmade gifts, unique ornaments, specialty items, rare European fabrics and much more.

And that’s not even touching on all the great food items available.

ere’s something for the holiday season you don’t want to miss. A great many among the 100,000 or so who experienced this last year will be return visitors.

Maybe that’s why the Texas Christkindl Market – really an international celebration of the most festive time of the year – has been expanded to cover 25 days and operate much later into the evening than ever before.

That means that people across the region will find the hours of operation more suitable to their schedules.

From Sunday through Friday, the market hours are from noon to 9 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays.

It all unfolds for your viewing, shopping and eating pleasure from Nov. 28 through Dec. 21.

THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER come are in for a happening not to be found anywhere closer than a two-day road trip from Arlington. That may explain why last year’s festival included folks making the journey from 29 states and 11 countries.

What they discovered when they got here were authentic German handmade gifts, unique ornaments, specialty items, rare European fabrics and much more available from the event’s many and diverse merchants.

Just some of the food items available include brats, goulash, potato pancakes, gingerbread, baked goods, Gluhwein and German beers.

A CENTERPIECE to it all is the Kathe Wohlfahrt store from Rothenburg, Germany, with treasures from internationally famous artisans that require a 40-page catalog to show them all. But you can see them up close, in person, and take something home with you direct from the Arlington showcase.

The family-friendly market also has a custom-crafted Santa Haus, Marionette

Theatre, Bavarian themed children’s petting zoo and much more. Amid all that celebrating, shopping and eating are stage shows and performances every day of the celebration.

You can see it all in an hour or two or spend the afternoon or evening there and immerse yourself in the tradition, culture and history of Christmas markets that date back to the late Middle Ages.

THE ANNUAL EVENT is collaboration between the Arlington Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the City of Arlington and the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau.

All the fun can be found right along the Road to Six Flags on the North Side of Globe Life Park. You won’t have any problem locating it because it looks like nothing else around that has been transformed into a European holiday village of wooden huts, twinkling lights and sounds of the season.

Admission and parking are free.

You can check it all out with a visit to the website: texaschristkindl.com. Like I said, don’t miss this – it only happens around here once a year, and it only happens in Arlington.

Richard Greene served as Arlington’s mayor from 19871997 and currently teaches in the University of Texas Arlington’s graduate School of Urban and Public Affairs.

The Official Hospital of the Texas Rangers

Arlington’s Only LEVEL III Trauma Center.

Priority.

Advanced Care. Close To Home.

No one likes to think about getting injured, but isn’t it nice to know that help is always right around the corner? Medical Center Arlington is furthering its commitment to provide advanced care close to home by becoming Arlington’s first and only designated Level III Trauma Center. To receive this designation, we had to meet strict criteria for providing comprehensive care to trauma patients. It’s just one more way we’re demonstrating that our number one priority is you.

3301 Matlock Road, Arlington, TX 76015 | 817.465.3241 | Physician Referral 855.868.6262 | MedicalCenterArlington.com