December 2018

PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISOR DERRICK KINNEY’S OBSESSION FOR SERVING CLIENTS December 2018

your community • your magazine

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contents December 2018 • Volume 5 • Issue 12

Highlights 26 A fitting tribute

26

A local group is honoring those who came here first by restoring their final resting place.

28 Visitors are most welcome here Ron Price, president and CEO of The Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, talks tourism.

36 History in the making (still) Photo: Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau

On the cover Tourism has long played a major role in defining and propelling Arlington. In our cover story on page 28, Ron Price, president and CEO of The Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, talks about the value of enterprises such as ENCHANT (pictured) and others.

Departments Starting Line ... 12 • This ‘n Data ... 14 Scene ... 22, 50, 60, 66 • Around Town ... 24 Style ... 42 • At the Net ... 70 Health/Fitness ... 72 • Dining Guide ... 74 Sights/Sounds ... 76 • Speaking of Sports ... 78 Itinerary ... 80 • Finish Line ... 82

The legendary Man house is being restored to give the city of Mansfield a new treasure.

28

38 Happy holidays!

Folks in the Arlington area know how to revel during this time of year. Here are more than a dozen ways to do it.

44 A long journey to restoration Sandy Rose’s 1914 Buick B-24 Roadster has a historical past, as well as a significant future.

48 Leading and learning Several of the Kumon by the Sea staffers are stellar students themselves.

38

52 Home SWEET! Home For the holidays, we pay a visit to Madeline Ayoub’s well-adorned dwelling.

58 An EPIC beginning The new Grand Prairie entertainment complex has something for everyone.

62 Technological titans

42 44

The Martin Warrior Robotics team has its sights set on winning state this year.

64 The end of an era The Texas Rangers have introduced a special logo to commemorate the final season at Globe Life Park.

Special focus: finance This month, we meet some of the men and women who help you make the most of your financial opportunities.

See page 30.

10

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

68 Community Corner Ron Wright wins a House seat, and a local hospital earns special distinction.

52

UTA honors distinguished alumni

T

he University of Texas at Arlington recognized individuals who have represented or advocated for the University through professional and civic achievement and community engagement at the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Awards presented by Oncor. The ceremony was Nov. 9.

THE HONORABLE GREG ABBOTT UTA President’s Medal The Texas governor studied accounting at UTA from 1976 to 1978. Previously, he was the longest-serving Texas attorney general and served as a justice on the Texas Supreme Court and as a state district judge in Harris County.

MIKE DOLABI Dolabi is the president and owner of National Autobody Parts Warehouse in Grand Prairie, the largest independent aftermarket parts supplier in Texas. He also sits on the board of directors for the Automotive Body Parts Association.

KEVIN LE ’99 BS, ’01 MS, ’05 PhD The co-founder and chief technical officer of Arlingtonbased high-tech corporation Luraco Technologies, Le also co-founded Vietface Television, the largest free Vietnamese network in America. He earned all his degrees in electrical engineering.

MARIA MEJIA ’02 BBA As the senior vice president and chief financial officer at Ulterra Drilling Technologies LP, Mejia oversees the financial, legal, information technology, and compliance divisions. She graduated summa cum laude in international business.

MATTHEW FOSTER ’11 BA, ’13 MPA Distinguished Recent Graduate The U.S. Army veteran is the director of external and legislative affairs for AT&T. He volunteers with the nonprofit Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster relief organization. He earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and a master’s in public administration.

FOLLETT HIGHER EDUCATION GROUP Distinguished Honorary Alumni At UTA, Follett has established several student resources, including the Follett Academic Center in College Park Center and the Follett Student Leadership Center. Its partnership with the University has made higher education more accessible for students and increased their rate of success while attending UTA.

UTA.EDU

Starting Line EXECUTIVE BOARD Executive Publisher Judy M. Rupay

Presents of mine

CEO Richard Greene

Here’s why every Christmas is special at the place I call home

D

uring the latter part of this month – you know the day; the malls have been playing songs about it since Halloween, for crying out loud – I will open the front door to a view of heaven. Several views, in fact. At some point, on the other side of the threshold, will stand three virtually perfect people, despite the fact that their collective height, if they piggy-back together, will barely top mine. And I’m not quite 5-10.

Gavin, the senior member of this junior entourage, will say, “Hi, Pops!” through a grin that suggests the Tooth Fairy might be better suited than Santa to play a lead role in this story. A few feet back, his sister Nevvie will shift her 3-year-old legs into the highest gear possible and bound into my arms. If there’s anyone in this world who loves me unconditionally, its Nevaeh Grace. I’m not sure why that is, but I am glad that it is.

The third Youngblood Munchkin, Maddox, is closing in on his second birthday, and, after he enters The Manor, he will simply run past me toward the back of the house and attempt to crawl through the doggie door to get to the backyard. He loves the backyard – almost as much as he loves crawling through the doggie door to get there.

Eventually, he will discover that he also loves what’s nestled beneath the average-sized fir perched in the corner of the living room. And he undoubtedly will love trying to pluck a round ornament from said tree and hurling it to his Pops, whose reflexes will be well-honed after having to try to catch the miniature pumpkin Maddox threw toward him during last month’s celebration of a holiday. The shelf life of miniature pumpkins and/or round ornaments is not long at my house.

What is long, however, is the genealogical thread that will weave our home together on Dec. 25th. There are but two patriarchs/matriarchs still alive in my wife’s and my extended family, and I’m blessed to call them “Dad” and “Mom.” My 87-year-old father has survived a heart attack, Yale Youngblood, Editor two heart surgeries and the adjusting of a few arteries in other parts of his body. But if the need called for it, he would walk the two-mile trek from his home to mine because he walks two miles every day.

My mom, a year Dad’s junior, can’t walk two blocks any more – unless there are grandkids or great-grandkids at the finish line. But she has a lap, and she loves when little ones sit in it.

In between those ends of the spectrum are my wife and I, as well as four wonderfully adjusted grown children (given who they have as their “Dad”). And on that day during the latter part of this month, the lot of us – from Mom and Dad to Gavin, Nevvie and Maddox – will celebrate Christmas together once more.

If heaven is any better than that, I’m ready to go now.

EDITORIAL Editor Yale Youngblood Contributing Editor Marla Thomas Sports Columnist John Rhadigan Style Editor Tricia Schwartz Website & Social Media Manager Courtney Lackner McCoy Contributing Graphic Artists Susan Darovich, Susan Youngblood Contributing Writers Karen Gavis, Bill Lace, Kenneth Perkins, Toni Randle-Cook, Amanda Rogers Contributing Photographers Hasson Diggs, Karen Gavis, Dwayne Lee, Heather Lee, Bruce Maxwell Toni Randle-Cook, Amanda Rogers SALES / CIRCULATION Business Manager Bridget Dean Sales Managers Laura DiStefano, Amy Lively, Andrea Proctor, Debbie Roach, Tricia Schwartz Distribution Manager Logan Taylor PRODUCTION Production Manager Susan Darovich ARLINGTON TODAY is published monthly. Copyright 2018

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.

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yale@arlingtontoday.com

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This ‘n Data

A home run for the home team

“THE TEXAS RANGERS are humbled to receive the Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence.

There is no higher honor than to be recognized for community service.”

Your Texas Rangers receive national recognition for their community service

T

he Texas Rangers have been named the recipient of the prestigious 2018 Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence by Major League Baseball.

The honor recognizes the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation’s efforts to support Arlington youth through the Texas Rangers Richard Greene Scholars program – named after the former mayor of Arlington who led the campaign to keep the Rangers there and construct Globe Life Park.

Created by the Rangers former president and member of the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame, Tom Schieffer, the program is in its 22nd year of operation. It has provided more than $1.2 million in college scholarships to 126 Arlington high school students. Not only does the program give financial aid, but it also has become a cornerstone leadership development program in Arlington by engaging recipients with local civic, governmental and business communities.

“Major League Baseball congratulates the entire Texas Rangers organization for this well-deserved recognition of the Richard Greene Scholars program,” said Commissioner Rob Manfred.

“This unique initiative distinguished itself for its emphasis on mentorship, career opportunities and close ties to the Arlington community. The investment into the future of Arlington high school students by the Rangers and local city leadership has resulted in notable professional and collegiate careers by the Scholars.”

Many of the scholars, including those who are first-generation Americans, are the first in their families to attend college. Mayor Greene and his wife, Sylvia, also work directly with each scholar and continue to mentor them beyond graduation.

Texas Rangers Richard Greene Scholars have attended universities throughout Texas and the U.S., including top institutions like Harvard, Yale, Brown, Stanford and Columbia.

Scholars have established notable professional careers in a variety of fields, including the military, medicine, law and engineering.

“The Texas Rangers are humbled to receive the Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence,” said co-chairman and managing partner Ray Davis. “There is no higher honor than to be recognized for community service. The mission of the Texas Rangers Foundation is ‘A Heart for Kids,’ and the Richard Greene Scholars program has epitomized that goal for more than 20 years.

“The efforts of Richard Greene and so many others have given more than 125 Arlington high school students the opportunity to further their educations and go on to become leaders in all walks of life. On behalf of the Texas Rangers entire organization, I want to thank Major League Baseball for this recognition.”

Editor’s note: Material in this story included content that was provided in a news release from MLB.com.

In memorium: Dixie Ann Hargove

RAISE YOUR HAND if you knew that, historically speaking, the Arlington Historical Society is more than 130 years old. Indeed, the society began in 1887 and was originally known as the Cemetery Society.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

I

t is with a heavy heart that we report that Dixie Ann Hargrove, founder of Dixie’s Charms and More, died last month.

In 1981 she and her husband Roy started Dixie’s, which, over time, became one of the city’s favorite spots to buy jewelry. The company is now overseen by her daughter Kandy King and her son Glenn Hargrove.

Dr. Sheri Puffer

Dr. Joy Carter

Dr. Joan Bergstrom

Dr. Jessica Brown

Dr. Kiran Nangrani

Dr. Dawnette Peppler

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

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

North Office:

South Office:

1001 N. Waldrop, Suite 505 Arlington, TX 76012

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

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

This ‘n Data

#atpetofthemonth

Circle the dates ...

This is Shiner, and he is a 16-yearold beagle/basset mix. We rescued him at the age of two from the Fort Worth pound. Soon after adoption he was diagnosed with distemper.

He beat the odds and has lived a fun and love-filled life. Shiner enjoys walks, car rides, snacking, napping and playing with his two four-legged sisters. Fun fact: Shiner wakes up even more handsome each day.

– Meredith Whitley

Mayor Jeff Williams (left) and actor Kit Hussey will be the featured speakers when Arlington on Tap resumes after the holidays.

Mayor Jeff Williams, actor Kit Hussey will be next up at Arlington on Tap A

rlington on Tap, the popular combined happy hour and lecture at assorted downtown bistros, will return to kick off the second half of its season in January with Mayor Jeff Williams at Legal Draft. He’ll be followed in February by actor Kit Hussey at J. Gilligan’s.

The mayor’s topic: “Arlington into the 2020s: The Future Ahead.”

“Williams has achieved some remarkable successes in his two terms as mayor – Texas Live!, a new deal with the Texas Rangers for an indoor ballpark, the transformation of the convention center into Esports Stadium and a boom on I-20 development that will create thousands of jobs,” says Tap coordinator O.K. Carter. “There have also been challenges ranging from voters’ decision to shut down red light cameras to establishing council term limits. Williams will no doubt be addressing all those topics, plus forecasting the city’s future as its population booms well past the 400,000 mark in the upcoming decade.”

That Tap session is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 14, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., at Legal Draft (500 E. Front St.).

February’s Arlington on Tap will move to J. Gilligans and feature actor, screenplay writer and director Kit Hussey reflecting on a multi-faceted life on stage – that’s when he wasn’t working his other gig as an airline pilot.

“Hussey has been on many stages in live theater, as well as numerous TV, documentary and movie roles, playing everybody from dentist-turned-gunfighter Doc Holiday to President “Silent” Calvin Coolidge,” says Carter.

“His experiences have been unique, and this will be his first sort of tell-all. He might also drop into a character or two from time to time.”

The topic: “Life on Stage. Hitting Your Marks.”

That’ll be at J. Gilligan’s (400 E. Abram St.) on Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Sponsors of Arlington on Tap include the Arlington Historical Society, Downtown Arlington Management and Arlington Proud, with media sponsorship from Arlington Today magazine.

Adrian Beltre retires.

The next stop: The baseball Hall of Fame

UTA to offer master’s/CBE certification simultaneously

T

he University of Texas at Arlington is the first Texas university to offer students the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in economics and a National Association for Business Economics Certified Business Economist® or CBE professional certification simultaneously.

Launched in 2015, the CBE is a comprehensive professional certification program of study and examination covering core topics in applied economics and data analytics.

A

drian Beltre, one of the more popular – and better – Texas Rangers of all time, retired last month, capping a 21-year career that saw him hit 477 home runs and become the first player from the Dominican Republic to have 3,000 hits.

The third baseman, who will be eligible for the Hall of Fame ballot in five years, was a .286 hitter with 1,707 RBIs in 2,933 career games. His 3,166 hits rank 16th on the career list, with his homers total 30th and RBIs 24th. He played 2,759 games at third base – the second most of all time.

Photo: zimbio.com

16

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

GET IN QUICKER WITH ONLINE ER CHECK-IN.

Methodist Mansfield Medical Center provides quick and convenient treatment for emergencies. At QuickER.org, you can select a treatment time and wait at home instead of the waiting room. With easy, online check-in, Methodist Mansfield is not only one of the area’s most convenient ERs, it’s also QuickER. Trust. Methodist.

QuickER.org

For life-threatening or severe symptoms, please call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System or Methodist Mansfield Medical Center. Methodist Health System complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

This ‘n Data

Esports Stadium Arlington opens with FACEIT’s Series Season 6 finals

Senator John Cornyn visits Arlington

A

breakfast meeting with Texas’ senior U. S. Senator John Cornyn was arranged by The Coalition of East Tarrant Chambers of Commerce just three days after last month’s midterm elections.

Sen. Cornyn addressed the sold-out audience at Arlington’s Doubletree Hotel and talked about what he thought was to be expected from the new Congress that will take office in January.

His role as the Majority Whip, a principal force in the senate, provides Texas with an influential leader shaping decisions that impact the lives of people throughout the country.

“There’s a convergence of interests to be reconciled,” he explained, “and relationships are more important than political philosophies when it comes to finding productive ways to work together.”

He addressed the state’s booming economy, job creation and ways to keep the momentum going in the years ahead. One of the essential elements of accomplishing that objective, he said, was to try to make permanent the tax reductions that Congress had passed as a first step toward accelerating economic growth. He identified that result as one of the top achievements in the Trump Administration, along with confirming the appointment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.

First elected in 2002, Cornyn is seeking reelection in 2020. He previously served the people of Texas as a district judge, as a member of the Texas Supreme Court and as Texas Attorney General.

3 Scoops 18

sports Stadium Arlington, the largest gaming and esports events facility in North America, celebrated its grand opening last month with FACEIT’s Esports Championship Series Season 6 Finals, a $750,000 prize pool Counter Strike tournament.

Esports Stadium Arlington, located in the heart of the city’s entertainment district, is a $10 million, 100,000-squarefoot, dedicated esports facility built to serve the unique and technologically advanced demands of the esports industry.

The Stadium – which was designed by award-winning architectural firm, Populous – features a Competition Showroom with a built in 85-foot LED wall that’s accompanied by an immersive sound and theatrical lighting system.

E

Allan Beck, CEO of Baylor Orthopedic and Spine Hospital (the title sponsor for the event), Sen. John Cornyn, and Arlington Police Chief Will Johnson.

1. The Arlington Cultural Tourism Council

2. Researchers at the University of Texas

3. Arlington Fire Department and Fire Chief

is accepting grant applications through Dec.

at Arlington have won a $1 million grant

Don Crowson recently received a Route

28 as part of the city’s strategy to support and

from the U.S. Department of Energy to build

Fifty 2018 Navigator Award for the Community

grow cultural tourism in Arlington by distributing

a detector that may offer a key insight into the

Paramedic Program. Route Fifty is a digital

competitive grant allocations to artists and cultural

mystery of the universe’s matter-antimatter

publication dedicated to covering innovation in

organizations. These grants will contribute to

imbalance. The new detector will be integrated

best practices in state and local government.

the encouragement, collaboration, promotion,

into an international physics experiment called

The Navigator Awards honor innovative

improvement and application of the arts to promote

NEXT, or Neutrino Experiment Xenon TPC, that

individuals and teams who implement great

tourism and the convention and hotel industry. For

was conceived by UTA Presidential Distinguished

ideas to improve public sector services and the

more: arlingtonculturaltourism.org.

Professor of Physics David Nygren.

communities they serve.

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

Give the Perfect Gift

Experience

Order today! www.thesanfordhouse.com/giftcard Surprise them this season with a truly unique gift.

A Sanford House Gift Card opens the door to the experience of a lifetime. From our world-class

Inn & Spa

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Purchase your gift cards online or come and see us!

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Applications now open for unique AISD programs!

Corey and Jones Academies of Fine Arts and Dual Language

Elementary students have the opportunity to learn Spanish, Mandarin, visual arts, music (choral, strings and piano), dance and theater. Both fine arts instruction and second language acquisition help students increase cognitive abilities, improve thinking and verbal skills, enhance motor skills and problem-solving ability, and improve SAT scores.

Crow Leadership Academy

Crow Elementary will become Crow Leadership Academy with an emphasis on service learning. Through its inquiry-led, transdisciplinary framework, the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme challenges students to think for themselves and take responsibility for their learning as they explore local and global issues and opportunities in real-life contexts.

Pearcy STEM Academy

Pearcy Elementary will become the Pearcy STEM Academy.

Students will have real-world problem solving embedded into all math and science classes, an emphasis on life-ready skills (problem solving, creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking), and participate in STEM-related field trips/speakers and campus clubs and competitions.

Career and Technical Education Programs

High school students can apply to participate in programs such as the AISD Fire and Police Academies, cosmetology, health care rotations, sports and entertainment marketing, technical dual credit, culinary arts, HVAC, accounting, and many more.

Arlington College & Career High School

Wimbish World Language Academy

Wimbish Elementary will become the Wimbish World Language Academy. Students can choose between English/Spanish and English/French dual-language programming while also receiving cultural awareness education, an introduction to a third language and summer programming.

This new early college high school allows students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree in applied sciences simultaneously. In addition, students at this campus will have an opportunity to earn workforce certificates aligning with a career pathway.

Arlington Collegiate High School at TCC-SE

This innovative high school allows students who likely would not otherwise consider attending college the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree simultaneously.

STEM Academy at Martin High School

Students in this academy located at Martin High School will have the opportunity to earn high school and college credits along four pathways - engineering, biology/biomedical science, computer science and math/science.

24 Arlington School & Family

Applications accepted Nov. 13 – Jan. 31. www.aisd.net/specialprograms

Happenings in the Arlington Independent School District • aisd.net

Pre-K Teachers Showcase Training, Resources from AISD Pre-K Academy Pre-K teachers at Kooken Education Center recently showcased the training and resources they learned at the Arlington ISD Pre-K Academy presented by the AISD Education Foundation held late last spring.

The training provided pre-K teachers, teacher aides, campus principals, campus leadership team members and community-based pre-K center staff members with a full-day of professional learning geared toward strengthening their readiness to improve the quality of instruction in AISD’s prekindergarten classrooms. The day included a keynote from former Sesame Street star Sonia Manzano, who shared strategies for working with children of poverty. In addition to the keynote, attendees participated in breakout sessions including working with students of poverty, managing early childhood classrooms, student behavior toolbox and successful standard-based learning centers. The $52,507 in funding from the AISD Education Foundation also provided teachers with instructional resources to implement within the classroom.

Picture-perfect Moments

Scene Snapshots from Night with Nature, from Big Brothers Big Sisters Tarrant County Casino Night and from the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Miracle League’s HISTORYMAKER Homes Pavilion

Jodeen Lee, David Lee, Jerry McCullough and Becky McCullough

Photos courtesy of Kristi Payne

Marla Jones, Jason Jones, Nancy McGlaun and Kevin McGlaun at Night with Nature

Larry Fowler, Mark Warren and Jennifer Warren

Ann Cavender and Leslie Friedman

Kathy Bukhair, Nancy McGlaun and Melody Fowler

Photos courtesy of Katie O’Donnell

Rezolia Roberson, David D’Aquin and Rachel Stacy

Julie Ryan, Betty Dalton, Steve Martindale and Becky Nussbaum

Bidders participate in the live auction at the BBBS Casino Night.

Melanie Hanna, Big Brothers Big Sisters president, speaks to the crowd.

For more great Scene shots, visit

arlingtontoday.com Photos: Miracle League DFW

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Miracle League HISTORYMAKER Homes Pavilion

22

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

Patrick Tyler, Miracle League DFW Executive Director Grace Whetstone and Bonnie Roden

1 r e b m e ec ay 9 D nd & g u tin & S ,8 r 7 a y m st rda 7p ber rs tu to em ou , sa am ec H y 1 y D a 1 a id rid SE l F U o O H

EN P O

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Open Saturday & Sunday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Monday-Friday by appointment 817-637-7637

2100 N. Hwy. 360 Suites 705 & 706 (NE corner of 360 & Carrier Pkwy.)

Grand Prairie, TX 75050

Fabergé, Mark Roberts Collection, Williamsburg by Winward, Katherine’s Collection, Arthur Court, Aromatiqué, Market Candles, Vagabond House, Antique Furnishings, Fine Art, Christmas Décor and Gifts

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Around Town

Let’s do it again A bachelor’s degree wasn’t enough for this mother-daughter academic dyad • By Kenneth Perkins

Y

ou know what they say about the whole never, ever, thing: Don’t say it.

Sandy Gregory and daughter Leianne Babaa did. Loud and clear. Until, of course, they didn’t.

Need I remind you of this pair? Thirty-something daughter with three teenagers and full-time job wants college degree do-over. So sixty-something mom with longtime corporate office career wanting her own collegiate do-over decides to help by signing up alongside the daughter.

We featured them not long ago when they waltzed across the stage at Kitty Magee Arena to pick up those bachelor’s degrees from Texas Woman’s University, Gregory in business administration, Babaa in human resource management.

This was a big deal to Babaa and Gregory and certainly TWU, which even pieced together a little graduation video hailing this motherdaughter academic dyad who earned rock star status in the 4.0 range, hitting the Chancellor’s List (Gregory would graduate magna cum laude; Babaa missed it by a hair) and becoming quite Leianne Babaa and Sandy the inspiration among the other grads.

Gregory show off their rings.

Great story. Hard work. They achieved this feat by taking classes at night, on the weekends, and online from, at times, three different institutions simultaneously.

When not sleeping they were studying. Usually at Babaa’s dining room table, books and papers and folders scattered as though a bomb had gone off.

Babaa’s teenage children were inspired. Gregory’s employers were amazed.

Still, at the end, after the last exam, last paper, the last dining room study jam session were done, the two women were done, too.

As in not doing that again. Never, ever.

“That was it, really,” says Gregory. “We’d done what we wanted to do,” says Babaa.

Yet here we are, a year later, standing outside TWU’s Margo Jones Performance Hall. Gregory and Babaa are showing me their graduation rings, having earned them for Master’s of Business Administration degrees. Yep. They’d done it again. With straight A’s, no less.

24

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

What changed?

Rest. Rejuvenation. Recalculation.

“Plus the (TWU) chancellor made a comment during graduation maybe we will see you next year,” says Gregory. “That was like a challenge.”

So the women took it on.

They applied, got letters of recommendations, were in classes less than a month after hanging up their undergrad degrees. Then they went into full sprint, which is their Modus Operandi. TWU insisted on three classes a semester.

“Oh, no, no, no, no, no,” was Gregory’s response.

The women did six, trudging through courses in Business Law and Ethics, Staffing, Economics, Accounting, Finance, Compensation.

“We were in school mode and decided if we are ever going to do this, do it now, and just get it done,” says Babaa, who had started a new, far more demanding full-time job in human resources with MHMR Tarrant County.

And it’s not as though those teenagers were any less needy.

Yet the two women held each other up and accountable, needling one another for slacking off, pushing and pulling or being pushed and pulled.

Photo: Kenneth Perkins “We’d say, hey, this assignment is due. Did you do it yet?” says Babaa. “We just kind of fed off each other.”

They’d always had a close relationship (Babaa is an only child), and this didn’t blow up in their faces, as stress-filled situations tend to do.

In fact, they are even closer, loving one another more deeply, having been in the scholastic foxhole together and living to tell about it.

For Babaa, the sky’s the limit in her career, and what a role model for her teenagers. For Gregory, who had an associate’s degree but never finished at the University of Texas at Arlington, the idea of helping her daughter and helping herself is so, so sweet, “I just love learning,” she says, beaming. “I could be in school all day if I could.”

Which leads us to this: are we talking PhDs, now?

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

When it comes to your family and your finances,

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25

Worthy Causes

A fitting tribute Honoring those who came here first at their final resting place • By Richard Greene

D

uring the past year, I have had the opportunity to serve with 20 fellow citizens from diverse and varied backgrounds on a mission to finally honor the region’s first settlers long ago buried in a neglected and endangered cemetery in the center of our town.

Our objective has been to restore what is now known as Arlington Heritage Memorial Grounds into a powerful place of honor to those who first established a tiny community where a stage coach stopped along its journeys across the frontier of North Texas.

That crossroads set into motion a transformation spanning more than 170 years that became today’s city of nearly 400,000 people.

Historians have created a good record of Colonel Middleton Tate Johnson, often identified as the father of Tarrant County, but I imagine that many who are reading this will not recognize who he was or what he did.

Nor would many of the thousands that pass by his Arlington grave site every day as they travel along Arkansas Road where it intersects with Matlock Road.

After serving in the Alabama state legislature at the age of 22, he made his way in 1839 to Texas, where he would become a Texas Ranger.

In 1848, he settled his family on a land grant that became known as Johnson Station, situated in the vicinity of the intersection of South Cooper Street and Mayfield Road.

His cotton plantation, with the labor of many slaves, flourished, and he became one of the richest and most influential men in the area. Records confirm his leadership in the founding and organizing of Tarrant County and, according to some reports, donating the land in 1861 for the courthouse.

He opposed Texas’ succession as the state joined the Confederacy but went on to serve as a regimental commander, then was elected to the state constitutional convention after the Civil War ended.

While in Austin, he suffered a stroke and died at the age of 56.

A lengthy obituary in the Dallas Weekly Herald recognized him as a leader in the development of the Republic and State of Texas. It concludes, “The death of such a man as Col. Johnson would, at any time, be felt as a great loss to society, the country, and a real loss to the whole state.”

26

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

He was buried in the state cemetery in Austin, and in 1870 local Masons are credited with moving his body home to Arlington.

And, that brings us to what’s taking place right now to memorialize the cemetery where he, and family members among an estimated 80 others, including his plantation slaves, were laid to rest.

The work, under the leadership of the committee’s chairman, County Commissioner Andy Nguyen, is making good progress toward restoring headstones and marking grave sites of the unknown that have been identified by scientific, ground-penetrating technology.

Here are renderings of the Arlington Heritage Memorial Grounds, which is a cemetery restoration project that honors those who first established what is now known as Arlington.

The cemetery remained active into the 1950s and for many years was the only place in the city where people of color could be buried.

Money is being raised for an entry gate that will open to a pathway through the property and for fencing to secure the cemetery to make it a visitor’s destination complete with the stories of the origins of the region.

Geraldine Mills, Executive Director of the Arlington Historical Society, has pursued this project for many years and explains why, “It doesn’t matter if they were noted leaders such as Col. Johnson or if they worked the cotton fields, tended animals, or cooked the food, they all contributed to our town. They must not be forgotten.”

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Cover Story

Tourism touches everything – and is working to create a vibrant Arlington!

By Ron Price, President and CEO of The Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau

T

he changes in Arlington offerings have been dramatic over the past few years. Arlington has grown to become a top tourism destination in the state of Texas. Whether football or baseball fans, thrillseeking family vacationers, or international tourists, travelers from around the world find their way here to Arlington.

The recipe that makes a great city ready for beneficial growth is a diverse culture, a can-do attitude and a pro-tourism spirit, and Arlington has all three. I love working in a city whose residents understand that the same things that make Arlington a great place to live also make it a great place to visit, which is why we are regarded as one of the most pro-tourism cities.

They understand that while visitors may come and go, their tax dollars stay here – and ripple through the community, touching everything from local businesses to city services, ultimately improving the quality of life for all Arlington residents.

It is impossible to overstate just how important tourism has become to our area. Since Ron Price, President and CEO of The Arlington Convention 2017, Arlington attracts 14.5 & Visitors Bureau million visitors annually, which generates $1.4 billion in economic impact. Our ability to appeal to travelers fuels our local economy and generates nearly 1 in 10 private employment jobs, which means you probably know someone who works in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Do you know someone who ever worked at Six Flags Over Texas? Do you know a local retail, restaurant or hospitality 28

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

business owner? Are you a resident who has ever visited one of our Arlington restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives? Tourism Touches Everything!

The new Texas Live! development shows exactly what a commitment to tourism and building our economy looks like.

Opened in August, Texas Live! is a 200,000-square-foot, sports-themed complex that has restaurants, bars, and entertainment facilities.

Whether it’s Cowboys fans enjoying a drink before a game, or a group of friends seeing a live concert in the 5,000-seat amphitheater, Texas Live! offers the versatility we need to expand the already significant tourism market.

Texas Live! has ushered in new visitors to our city and brings with it 1,500+ permanent jobs. Time and time again the tourism industry has proven that if you invest in it, it will yield greater returns than you can imagine.

With this idea in mind, Arlington and Dallas-Fort Worth travel leaders met with Rep. Marc Veasey over the summer to stress ways the tourism industry can grow, from local projects like Texas Live! to favorable federal policies that impact the industry.

Photo: Southern Flair Photography Take Brand USA, the United States’ tourism marketing arm that advertises the U.S.’s destinations to visitors across the world. While international visitors might have their eyes on New York or Los Angeles, Brand USA partners with local tourism bureaus to lead international travelers to great cities in between our great coasts, places like Arlington.

Just $1 put into Brand USA marketing returns $27 for our country’s economy, proving again that an investment in tourism pays dividends. Over the past four years, Brand USA has brought an additional 4.3 million visitors to the U.S. and supported an average of 50,900 jobs annually.

We are grateful for leaders in Washington like Congressman Veasey, who understand what tourism can mean for communities across the country. Whether it is developments like Texas Live! or continued investments in public-private partnerships like Brand USA, travel and tourism can grow entire regional economies.

Still don’t think your life is touched by tourism? Let’s talk about taxes. Taxes generated by visitor spending saves each Arlington household $616 per year. If visitors stop coming to Arlington and stopped spending money here, your taxes would go up or the current level of government services would go down. We would also see a significant number of jobs lost in the tourism industry, affecting many of our Arlington families.

We are lucky to have some of the top tourism destinations in Texas. But expanding on the economic possibilities the tourism industry can offer takes strategy and planning, and all of the ingredients of a good city recipe.

You can help Arlington’s tourism numbers grow even bigger.

Keep inviting family and friends to visit. If your business, association, or industry hosts meetings, conferences, trade shows, reunions, or any other special event, invite them to Arlington!

When community residents become “ambassadors” of the city they love, that pride and feeling also ripples through neighborhoods, businesses and people. It can also be as simple as suggesting a new spot to a neighbor, visiting one yourself, or helping an out of towner with directions. It makes a difference in your life, your neighbor’s life, and all of those around you.

May each of you who call this city home have a great holiday season, and a Happy New Year!

Photos courtesy or Texas Live!, Six Flags Over Texas, ACVB and The Highlands

Tourism – and all it entails – helps drive the Arlington economy to keep the city thriving. arlingtontoday.com • December 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

29

Financial professionals you need to know 30

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

Financial Professionals

D

Derrick Kinney & Associates

errick Kinney, Private Wealth Advisor and owner of Derrick Kinney & Associates, is often considered the “Advisor of Choice” when it comes to retirement. There are countless financial advisors, brokers and insurance agents people can choose from. What sets Derrick Kinney & Associates apart is that the firm specializes in retirement income planning.

“While most financial advisors offer a one-size-fits-all approach, we are one of the only firms in the Metroplex that specializes in retirement income planning,” Kinney says. “We custom-tailor portfolios to manage our client’s wealth. And we walk alongside our clients during each of the key life decisions they may face.”

Many of Kinney’s clients have worked hard raising their families and saving money all their lives, whether they worked for or owned a company. “We help turn their wealth into a retirement income that lasts for their lifetime and beyond,” he says. “We serve many clients who are ‘suddenly single.’ Whether through death or divorce, our team walks alongside these women and men to help them move forward to enjoy a comfortable retirement. We also serve many clients that have experienced ‘sudden wealth.’ Whether an inheritance, a settlement or lottery winnings, we are there to help them protect and preserve their newfound wealth. We want them to enjoy their family and the retirement experiences most meaningful to them.”

Kinney says the relationships he and his team have built over the years far exceed the typical advisor/client experience. “Ted, a longtime client, asked me to put my hand on his chest,” he recalls. “He wanted me to feel his pacemaker. If it ever stopped, he wanted my promise that I would be there for his wife, Mary. I assured him we would. A few years ago, I received a call early Saturday morning. It was Mary, heartbroken, that Ted had suddenly passed. As promised,

we walked alongside Mary through this difficult life transition. Her children thank us often for honoring our promise to Ted and being there when Mary needed us the most.”

If you’re up early drinking your coffee and you hear a voice on TV that sounds familiar, it’s likely that of Derrick Kinney. Whether it’s local or national media, he’s often called on to clarify financial matters.

“I enjoy helping make complex financial topics easy to understand for people,” he says. “The most popular question I’m asked: ‘How do I not run out of money in retirement?’ Each person we visit with has their own set of financial puzzle pieces. Our role is to work with each client to fit their pieces together, discover which pieces are missing and help them solve the puzzle to create their ideal retirement.”

Kinney says his team embraces a simple philosophy. “Serving our clients is our top-priority and is deeply rooted in the culture of our firm. We’re kind of obsessed with it!” he laughs. “Whether we’re visiting in person or on the phone, we want them to feel well cared for and truly appreciated. Each member of our high-quality team has a passion for service and putting the clients’ needs first.”

As a result, he and the company have been named the All Star Financial Advisor each of the past three years in Arlington Today’s Readers’ Choice poll. Still, there’s another accomplishment that makes him proudest. “Personally, to be called Dad by our four children and to be married to my beautiful wife, Kara – those are the best accolades of all!” he says. “Of all the recognition our firm has received, being named the ‘Best Investment Firm’ in Tarrant County for the second year in a row is what I’m most proud of and humbled by. To reflect on the many families we have positively impacted for generations to come is truly rewarding.”

Derrick Kinney & Associates

700 Highlander Blvd, Ste 335 • 817-419-6001 • DerrickKinney.com arlingtontoday.com • December 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

31

Financial Professionals

B

PlainsCapital Bank

ased in Dallas, PlainsCapital Bank has been serving Texas customers for more than 30 years, growing to become one of the state’s largest banks with more than 60 branches across every major market. At the core of PlainsCapital’s success is its commitment to relationship-based banking – understanding the importance of earning customers’ trust by exceeding their expectations and delivering a level of service that is often hard to find these days.

In July 2018, PlainsCapital opened its newest North Texas location near AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The center features a 3,200-square-foot lobby, 6,000 square feet of commercial lending space, and state-of-the-art technology services, including an interactive Personal Teller Machine located in one of the two drive-thru terminals that allows customers to video conference with a remote PlainsCapital teller.

The Personal Teller Machine provides extended hours – from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays – and offers customers the same services they would find at the Bank’s teller desks, in addition to functioning as a regular ATM for 24/7 cash withdrawals, transfers and deposits.

“We believe in implementing technology in combination with personal service to support the burgeoning North Texas community, particularly the high-growth area around Arlington,” says Brad Hays, PlainsCapital Bank Arlington president.

PlainsCapital offers a full suite of products and services for commercial borrowers, while remaining agile and responsive to each business’ individual needs. From commercial and industrial to real estate and small business, PlainsCapital bankers are dedicated partners who develop an intimate knowledge of their customers’ business needs. Commercial banking solutions include courier service, mobile banking, business debit cards, wire transfers, currency exchange and more.

Treasury management professionals work closely with business customers to monitor and manage the details of cash management, including payroll, automated sweeps, electronic payments, and check imaging, while the Private Bank at PlainsCapital focuses on

providing a robust suite of wealth management solutions for highnet-worth individuals, endowments, and foundations.

PlainsCapital’s personal banking services allow individuals to access the full scope of the Bank’s financial strength, digital technologies, and product development capabilities. From checking and savings accounts, online and mobile banking, cardless cash ATM withdrawals and more, PlainsCapital customers have full access to the leading edge of modern banking.

PlainsCapital is a member of the Hilltop Holdings family of companies. Hilltop Holdings (NYSE: HTH) is a Dallas-based publicly traded financial services holding company whose other subsidiaries include HilltopSecurities, a full-service brokerdealer and National Lloyds Corporation, a niche property and casualty underwriter providing homeowners insurance for low value dwellings. PlainsCapital Bank’s wholly owned subsidiary, PrimeLending, is one of the nation’s leading mortgage lenders.

PlainsCapital Bank

804 N. Collins St. • 817-698-4750 • 1748 E. Broad St., Ste. 102, Mansfield • 817-698-4775 • plainscapital.com 32

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

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Financial Professionals

John Parker, Parker & Richardson J

ohn Parker, owner of the CPA firm, Parker & Richardson, P.C., has been a principal in the Arlington/Mansfield financial arena for more than two decades, helping North Texas area clients meet their accounting needs.

“Parker & Richardson was started in 2004, but its origination dates back to my solo CPA practice that started in 1995,” Parker says. “Over the years, it has evolved into a boutique practice that specializes in catering to the distinct needs of our business owners.

As both an entrepreneur and business owner, I can relate to and understand the issues associated with owning and operating a business. This experience, coupled with my tax expertise, allows me to be as tax-efficient as possible when assisting clients.”

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

“We have several clients that have us handle all facets of their accounting needs,” Parker notes, adding that a simple philosophy helps set the company apart from the competition: Provide great service and do what is best for the client.

“These principles have been emphasized from day one and continue to be our focus on a daily basis,” he says. “We truly care

John Parker

Parker & Richardson

500 E. Broad St., Mansfield • 817-226-6100 • parkercpas.com

about our clients and their businesses. They see this and really come to trust and appreciate our services.”

Parker says he and his team establish a special relationship with each prospective client. “I personally call back each prospective client to make sure that we can provide value to them,” he says. “If it seems like we have the potential to help the client, we schedule a free initial consultation to discuss everything in more detail. My goal is to gain an understanding of the client so we can help him/her to succeed and accomplish their goals.”

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34

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Financial Professionals

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Texas Trust Credit Union T

exas Trust Credit Union is on a mission, a mission to Build Brighter Financial Futures. The credit union has been serving its members since 1936, and in 1990, opened its first branch in Arlington. Five more branches, including a location on the UTA campus, have followed in the ensuing years. And, last year, the credit union invited the community to help celebrate the grand opening of their Arlington headquarters building.

Texas Trust offers an array of financial services: • Checking Accounts complete with a Debit Rewards Mastercard • Savings Accounts • Credit Cards • Personal, Auto, and Real Estate Loans • Insurance Coverage for your auto and home, or in case of flood • Investment Services • Business accounts including Small Business Administration Loans • Simple management of accounts with Online and Mobile Banking • Card Controls so you can freeze your debit or credit card The credit union puts into action one of its core values, to be the agent of positive change, through its support of the Arlington community, some of which includes: Spirit Debit Rewards program provides funding to AISD and UTA. Already this program has helped fund the construction of the outdoor theater at the Jones Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language and has given over $90,000 to the UTA Athletics General Scholarship fund.

Scholarships were presented in the amount of $1,000 to each member of the inaugural class of AISD’s Early Collegiate High School, who graduated last spring.

Volunteering many hours to the community is as important to Texas Trust as the dollars they donate. That’s why on President’s Day last year the entire staff of 250 could be found at Mission Arlington sorting donations, offloading supply trucks, organizing clothing and relocating bibles and other reading materials.

Partnering with Downtown Arlington Management Corporation as a Premier Partner, Texas Trust supports the DAMC. It also originated and continues to sponsor the annual Dream Builder award to recognize those citizens who have had a significant and positive impact on the downtown Arlington community.

Management and staff are proud to have been voted to be the 2017 and 2018 Readers’ Choice All Star in the Credit Union category. And, they wish to thank everyone who voted for them and invite everyone to come be a part of their mission: to Build Brighter Financial Futures.

For 150 years, we’ve had the privilege of serving the people of Texas.

So, we’re celebrating all year long by performing at least 150 good deeds in communities across the state. We hope you’ll join us in our celebration.

EXPLORE MORE AT FROSTBANK.COM/150 #FROST150 arlingtontoday.com • December 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

35

Mainly Mansfield

History in the making (still) The legendary Man house is being restored to give the city a new treasure • By Amanda Rogers

Photo: City of Mansfield

Here is how the Man house looks, before restoration. Ultimately, it will become a museum or science center, with an adjoining dog park.

Photos: Amanda Rogers

A

cold, blustery wind blows outside as city officials huddle inside Mansfield’s oldest building, discussing future plans for the home of the town’s namesake.

“This is a unique opportunity,” says Art Wright, Mansfield senior planner and a historic preservation officer with the Texas Historical Commission. “How many people can say they have the house of the man that founded the town?

The best way to take care of it is to put it back into use.”

And that’s what the city plans to do, restoring the house and adding a dog park next door. “The council wants it turned into a museum or education center, so all the citizens can see it,”

36

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

Wright says. “We could possibly partner with the historical society and give tours. The council wants it open to the public.”

Sitting about 100 feet off West Broad Street, the little white house huddled under the post oak trees is barely noticeable to most drivers.

In 1865, Ralph Man purchased 300 acres from his brotherin-law Julian Feild and built a 170-square-foot, one-room cabin and a barn out back. Married to sisters, the two men were also in business together, running a mill just down the road, which gave birth to the city and its name (though the

spelling was changed from feild to field). As Man and his wife Julia expanded their family, they expanded the house, adding a foyer and a bedroom. But in 1868, Julia died, leaving Man with two young children. In 1870, Man married Sarah and converted the attic area into three bedrooms for the family, which eventually grew to five children.

Like many farmers in the 19th century, Man used what he had, carving the fireplace mantels and the walnut staircase himself.

“If you look at the outside (of the house), half of it is brick,” Wright says.

Man died in 1906, but the home stayed in his family until 1946. Two more families owned and lived in the house, adding another barn, garage and porch. The fieldstone chimney collapsed and the home fell into disrepair.

The city purchased the home in 2013, along with 4 acres, while the Mansfield Parks Facilities Development Corp. purchased an adjacent 12 acres, also part of the original Man property.

While officials had no plans for the property when it was purchased, the site quickly became a target when the parks department began looking for a spot for a dog park.

“An ideal dog park would have a trail connection,” says Matt Young, director of parks and recreation. “This just kind of popped up. It’s a lot of land. It slopes back to the creek. One of the benefits is the shade, the huge trees. One day, people will be able to jump on a 10-mile stretch of the Walnut Creek Linear Park.”

Plans for the dog park include 8 acres with four different areas that could feature an agility course, spot for elderly dogs and rental sites for pup parties. With multiple areas, the parks can close areas to avoid damage from overuse and still have plenty of places for dogs to play, Young says. Future expansions could include lighting, a pavilion, benches, play areas and the connection to the linear trail.

The $725,000 dog park includes a 55-space parking lot that will be shared with the Man house. Design for the dog park should be done by the end of this year, but construction won’t begin until the plan for the Man house is finalized. “The council told us not to open the dog park until the Man house is presentable,” says Lisa Sudbury, interim director of planning.

The city is waiting on the architect to finish the plans to restore the home and barn, a $440,000 project. Future plans for the house include an amphitheater and visitors center, Sudbury says.

If things go according to plan, the dog park and Man house should be open by this time next year, Young says.

Not everyone is a fan of the Man house, though, because not everyone has moved out.

“There’s the Man ghost,” Wright says with a smile. “One of the men working out here said he saw something. He was weed eating next to the house, he put the weed eater down and when he looked up he saw an elderly woman in a night gown.

The contractor had to get another guy because he refused to come back. No one else has seen anything, but we’ll see when it gets busier out here.”

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Celebrate!

y pp a !

H s y a d i l o H

Folks in the Arlington area know how to revel during this time of year. Here are more than a dozen ways to do it ...

Christmas feting, Mansfield-style M

ansfield will get the jump on the rest of the area when it comes to holiday celebrating. The city’s Hometown Holidays celebration features a parade through downtown at 2 p.m. on Dec. 1. The parade will have marching bands, horses and all the hometown parade classics, including Santa Claus bringing up the rear.

Also on Dec. 1, the Mansfield Kiwanis Club will host the Fa La La La 5K run, beginning at 9 a.m. Finally, the Mansfield Women’s Club’s Holiday Home Tour will take place from 1 - 5 p.m. on Dec. 2 and feature an array of beautifully decorated local homes. For more: mansfieldtexas.gov.

Holiday concerts at Arlington Music Hall When: Dec. 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20 Where: Arlington Music Hall (224 N. Center St.) Show times: Check website for times Performers: AMH Spectacular Christmas (Dec. 8-9, 15-16), Dailey & Vincent’s “A Springer Mountain Farms Christmas” (Dec. 10), Symphony Arlington: Holiday of Color (Dec. 13), Christmas with the Annie Moss Band (Dec. 14), Center 313 Christmas (Dec. 19) and The Chris Milyo Big Band – Swingin’ Christmas (Dec. 20).

For more: arlingtonmusichall.net

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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

A special Christmas store

T

he Mission Arlington Christmas Store – where parents in need can “shop” to receive free gifts for their children – will be open daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. from Dec. 8 - 22 (excluding Sundays). Thanks to donations, some 30,010 children received Christmas gifts last year at the store, located at 400 W. South St. Adults who come through the Christmas Store will hear the story of Christ’s birth, shared from the Scriptures and narrated by faithful story-tellers. For more: missionarlington.org.

ENCHANT is back

E

NCHANT, which will run through Dec. 30 at Globe Life Park, features the world’s largest Christmas light maze – and a whole lot more.

In its second year in Arlington, ENCHANT offers visitors a chance to navigate the ice skating trail, enjoy live music and shows nightly, indulge in seasonal food and treats, shop at the one-of-akind Christmas market and – of course, visit with Santa Claus.

VIP passes are available that grant guests a chance to enhance the experience with a gourmet meal, exclusive access to the maze and photo ops with Santa.

For more information, visit enchantchristmas.com.

To market, to market ...

T

exas Christkindl Market, the city’s annual celebration of its German ties, will run through Dec. 23 at Texas Live!

Inspired by a cherished German tradition, this cozy family-friendly market features a unique shopping experience for holiday gifts, decor items and one-of-a-kind finds. Plus, the food and entertainment are as holiday-riffic as can be found.

For more: txchristkindlmarket.com.

Lights, cameras, (and plenty of) action T

he 2018 Arlington Holiday Lights Parade will be held at 6 p.m. on Dec. 8.

Thousands of people gather each year for the pageantry, which begins even before the parade and ends with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Founders Plaza (100 W. Abram St.).

Here are some events scheduled for the big day: • Local entertainers will perform from 2 - 6 p.m. at and around Levitt Pavilion.

• Reindeer Games will take place from 2 - 5 p.m.

• The parade will begin at the University of Texas at Arlington at 6 p.m. and wind throughout much of the downtown area.

• The annual Tree-Lighting ceremony will take place from 7 - 7:15 p.m.

• Children can get their picture taken with Santa Claus from 7:15 - 8 p.m.

• A screening of the holiday movie “Elf” will begin at 7:15 p.m. at the Levitt.

• For more: holidaylightsparade.com.

Interlochen Holiday Lights

T

he 43rd Annual Interlochen Lights will begin on Friday Dec. 14 and run through Christmas Night.

One of the larger holiday light displays in north Texas, Interlochen Lights continues to shine bright. Officers with the Arlington Police Department will set up traffic control posts from 7 - 11 p.m. each evening before Christmas to help facilitate safe travel for tourists and neighbors taking in this holiday experience, which dates to 1976.

Every year, more than 200 homeowners in this northwest Arlington community near Interstate 30 celebrate the season by adorning their homes and property. Visitors can enter the Interlochen neighborhood from Westwood Drive at Randol Mill Road.

Traffic must keep right at all times, leaving the left lane open for emergency vehicles and Interlochen homeowners. For more: 817-675-2252. arlingtontoday.com • December 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

39

Holiday notebook

Christmas with Arlington’s first family A

EPIC WATERS Indoor Waterpark will host a breakfast with Santa on Saturdays in December from 8 -10 a.m.

Children and adults can enjoy a meet and greet with Santa, a breakfast buffet, Christmas crafts, and Epic Waters’ 80,000-square-foot indoor waterpark with 11 water slides.

For more: epicwatergp.com.

THE TEAM AT SHELTON’S Salon & Spa - Arlington has created their own festive “Holiday Barbie” look.

Salon guests will vote for their favorite looks, and Shelton’s is providing a prize for the firstand second-place favorites.

Shelton’s will donate the finished dolls to Cook Children’s Hospital.

For more: sheltonssalon.com

ARLINGTON MASTER Chorale will present a concert, “Symphony of Carols,” at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13 at New World Methodist Church (2201 N. Davis Drive).

Based upon a medley by the same name, “A Symphony of Carols” will explore the origins of the Christmas Carol with choral arrangements of some of the most beloved carols of the season.

For more information, visit arlingtonmasterchorale.com.

40

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

rlington Mayor Jeff Williams says Christmas is a special time at his home. “Our family enjoys all of the holiday festivities including Enchant, Christkindl Market, Holiday in the Park, and more,” he says. “Some special events our family also enjoys include Martin High School’s Dinner Theatre (which was founded by my wife, Karen, and previously included two of our children) and the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at First Baptist Church Arlington.”

Mayor Williams says the family Christmas traditions center around time with immediate and extended families – first with Williams Christmas a few days before Dec. 25. That’s filled with games, delicious food baked and cooked by his wife Karen, opening gifts, and participating in “friendly” family competition: a gingerbread decorating contest.

On Christmas Eve, the Williamses celebrate Hazlett Christmas (Karen’s side of the family). “One tradition every year is that we start out the day with circling the family around the table, praying together, and enjoying the Christmas Tea Ring for breakfast,” the mayor says.

Speaking of that delicacy ... here’s her Christmas Tea Ring Recipe: Use dry yeast, soak two packages of granules in 1/2 cup of warm water for five minutes without stirring. Stir well before adding to mixture.

Mix together 1 1/2 cups of lukewarm milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, two teaspoons of salt.

Then add the yeast. Stir in: two eggs (stirred together), 1/2 cup soft shortening, 7 to 7 1/2 cups of sifted flour. Beat with mixer until a ball forms. Place in greased bowl and let it rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Take the dough out and roll it flat. (Make a large base). Spread with two tablespoons of soft butter and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of sugar and two teaspoons of cinnamon (mixed together).

Roll up the dough tightly in a long roll and then connect the ends to form a circle.

Make cuts 2/3 of the way through the ring around the circle at 1-inch intervals.

Turn each section on its side and let it rise for 30 minutes. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 375 degrees.

While it is still warm frost it with one cup of sifted confectioners’ sugar, 1-2 tablespoons of warm water or milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or lemon juice. Enjoy!

Yea, verily, more lights

P

rairie Lights is a stunning, two-mile holiday drive-through light park, situated along the shores of Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie (5610 Lynn Creek Pkwy.), Throughout December, visitors will be treated to more than two million lights starring in hundreds of holiday displays – plus the Prairie Lights Holiday Village, an out-of-car experience and walk-through light park.

Plus, if you get hungry – and who doesn’t get hungry while looking at lights? – there’s food galore to enjoy.

For more: prairielights.org.

Happy New Year!

T

wo New Year’s parties top the endof-the-month social scene. Lonestar NYE Live! at Texas Live! will start at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 and feature live music, multiple DJs, a complimentary champagne toast, ball drop, fireworks, confetti cannons, party favors and more.

Then there’s the Spectacular New Year’s Eve Celebration at Viridian’s Lakeview Event and Conference Center at 7 p.m. on both Dec. 29 and 31. This event features Ricki Derek and His Big Band!

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Classic Cars

Sandy Rose sits behind the wheel of his 1914 Buick B-24 Roadster, which now features restorations that touch almost every part of the car.

A long journey to restoration Photos: Richard Greene

Sandy Rose’s 1914 Buick B-24 Roadster has a historical past, as well as a significant future • By Richard Greene

T

This rebuilt, 4-cycle engine is modeled on the original motor, which delivered 22.5 horsepower – and which was state-of-the-art when it was introduced among some of the country’s earlier automobiles.

44

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

rying to put a rare 104-year-old Brass Era car back together proved to be a project that has spanned three generations and included a search for parts and information that has crisscrossed the country and reached all the way to Australia.

It has been a long journey to restoration, but retired Arlington arborist Sandy Rose has almost reached the finish line with his 1914 Buick B-24 Roadster.

Sandy’s first memory of seeing the car was when he was only eight years old in his grandfather’s garage in Gowanda, N.Y., sitting next to his 1909 Sears Motor Buggy that we featured here four years ago.

His father had bought the car for $350 in 1951 and had begun its transformation back to original specifications from when it had been used as a delivery vehicle for a liquor store in Buffalo, N.Y. Work had included replacing the interior woodwork, cleaning up the frame, doing some body and fender work, then rebuilding the 4-cycle engine that delivered 22.5 horsepower – a feat that confirmed some quite remarkable engineering dating back to the development of the horseless carriage.

By the mid-1970s the car had been transferred to Sandy’s brother, Wayne, in Eden, N.Y. Wayne worked on it in his limited spare time and the automobile remained in his possession for the next 34 years. >>>

From the classic wood features to adornments that made Sandy Rose’s Buick a conversation piece even when it was first built, this vehicle is still turning heads and attracting crowds wherever it goes.

arlingtontoday.com • December 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

45

“I STARTED THE SLOW PROCESS of research about B-24 Roadsters, lurking in the Brass Buick site, and joining the Buick Club of America.”

While most of the features on the car are new, they are also true to the original items that came with the vehicle when it was introduced more than a century ago.

46

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

Then came the time in 2010, Sandy describes, “Still the ‘new guy’ in the North Texas Regional Horseless Carriage Club of America, I had the privilege of my first tour, and I savored the open-air driving, the sounds of tappets, smells of smoke, oil and gasoline.

“I emailed some photos of the tour to Wayne and said, ‘I am hooked on this hobby.’”

Soon his brother made him a deal he could not refuse, and Sandy informed his wife, “We have a new car!”

“I started the slow process of research about B-24 Roadsters, lurking in the Brass Buicks site, and joining the Buick Club of America. New tires were acquired and the radiator re-cored. The Marvel carburetor was rebuilt, resulting in a beautiful combination of a nickel and brass piece of art.”

Sandy located a restored B-24 in Dallas and, getting to know its owner, he used his example to slowly determine missing parts and identify where various loose parts he had were supposed to go.

Then three years ago, he found another in Newberry, Calif., and began to share photos and data with its owner, who was also nearing completion of his own restoration.

Recently Sandy has been exchanging information with a fellow owner in Australia who has less to work with than he does. “We keep learning the differences between the U.S.A. and export Buicks of the era.”

The scarcity of the models can be explained by the processes of rust, wood rot and scrap drives in WWI and WWII having reduced the B-24 survivors to a rare status.

“Out of the 3,126 plus 239 exports that were produced by Buick, I can only find about eight listed in club directors or in museums,” he concludes.

His latest finds in working to complete the long-term project include side and tail lamps, throttle and spark controls, hickory wood wheels and more.

So, the result we see now is pure joy shared with car lovers and enthusiasts wherever and whenever they get to see this two-seater marvel of early means of transportation that transformed the country’s principal way of getting around.

While today’s technology includes features and performance characteristics unimaginable to early car makers, it’s just plain fun to take a ride in one of the cars where it all began.

Driverless cars may be the wave of the future, but looking back a hundred years is pretty cool, too.

Family Law Real Estate Law Business Law Business Litigation Business Formation Employment Law Personal Injury Wills & Estate Planning Criminal Defense Intellectual Property

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Education Top photo: Kumon by the Sea founder Alysia Sims and Kofo Akanbi. Below: Madeline Henry. Each of these work with children to help them improve in school.

Leading & learning Several of the Kumon by the Sea staffers are stellar students themselves • By Karen Gavis

W

hen 17-year-old Kofo Akanbi applied for an eight-houra-week gig at a Southeast Arlington learning center, and was hired a few weeks later, she didn’t realize it would chart the course of her future.

“It helped me path my future in college,” she says of her job at Kumon by the Sea. “Now, I’m thinking of going into Human Development and Humanities studies.”

Behind an unassuming storefront, the after-school math and reading program bustles as Akanbi interacts with children while grading papers and helping with homework. She’s among about a dozen young employees who perform various tasks at the Center, including interpreting.

Ashley Lawson, who Kumon by the Sea founder Alysia Sims describes as her “mini me,” is among several UTA students who also work at the Center. In turn, the youth learn valuable career skills, Sims says, adding that she recently wrote a college recommendation letter for Akanbi.

“I didn’t know that part of my franchising was going to be mentoring,” Sims says. “I really like that.”

Sims, who opened the Center last year, explained that the name of her business was sort of a play on words with Southeast Arlington and the ocean. A few years ago, she’d moved to Texas from California where she had home-schooled her children and where her parents were educators involved with charter schools.

“I guess [education is] just kind of in my blood,” she says. “As a home-school mom, it kind of gets in your blood, too.”

Pausing occasionally to interact with the children, Sims explains how the Kumon program, which initially began 60 years ago in Japan, seeks to encourage independent learning.

“It’s really set up so students aren’t non-stop asking questions,” she says. “Everybody can relate to pencil, paper [and] your brain.

There’s no technology. It works.”

Sims says the method appealed to her as a home-school mom, because it’s designed to accommodate children individually at different learning stages.

48

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

Photos: Karen Gavis

“The goal of Kumon is to get them ahead of [their] grade level,” she says. “If they’re struggling, we just do it again. We don’t move on until they get it.”

Sims notes that reading skills are especially important because with the rise of technology, reading doesn’t seem to be practiced as much in today’s culture.

Currently, about 100 children attend Kumon by the Sea after school on Mondays and Thursdays.

“Our Center grew so quickly,” says 24-year-old Madeline Henry, who works as an ambassador for Kumon by the Sea. Henry handles the library books and checks the children in and out of the Center, among other things.

“A lot of my job has to do with talking with parents and future enrollees,” she says, noting that she enjoys the fun, hopeful atmosphere.

“We have so much diversity,” she continues. “We have kids that are struggling, kids that are really ahead. But either way, we all just come together, try to get them to be better people and get a head start in life.”

Akanbi says she views the part-time job as “a blessing” whose many benefits include her co-workers.

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Picture-perfect Moments

For more great Scene shots, visit arlingtontoday.com

Scene Snapshots from the CASA Superhero Run, from the “Tom and Diane Cravens Day in Arlington” celebration at Arlington Museum of Art and from the Alliance for Children cornhole event

Batkid enjoys the fun inflatables in the TPG KaPow! Kid Zone.

Photos courtesy of Kaitlin Aguilar

The UTA Student Athlete Advisory Committee led the Villain Chase at the CASA Superhero Run.

The MooMoos team: Carol McQuien, Meri Perryman, Debbie Shannon, Shelly Shults and Robyn Blake

Sandwiches were provided by the teams of Chick-Fil-As at I-20 and Little Road, Camp Wisdom and 360, and Cooper Street.

Wendy Shumate and Camp Gladiator Arlington trainers at the Superhero Training Academy

Photo courtesy of William Busby

Luke Chacko wows the crowd.

The CASA of Tarrant County staff

Photo courtesy of Aaron Reich

Mary Tom Curnutt, Kyndal Nicol, Carl Cravens, Diane Cravens and Tom Cravens

50

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

A large crowd packed Arlington Museum of Art for the “Tom and Diane Cravens Day in Arlington” celebration.

Photo courtesy of Julia Braun

Maddie Veit and Esther Saldivar at the Alliance for Children cornhole event

Bob McNamara, Judy McNamara, Frank Cappuccio, Jeray Simms, Lori McCarty and Janet Cappuccio

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Local Dwellings

“I DESIGNED AND BUILT my home in 2016. As an interior designer, I have designed and built homes for my clients for 37 years. It has always been my dream to design and build my own home.”

Madeline Ayoub designed and built her Mansfield home with entertaining in mind – especially around the holidays.

Home SWEET! Home Madeline Ayoub’s dwelling takes on a special glow every year as she shares the spirit of Christmas

A

s a mother of three daughters, who gave her five grandchildren, Madeline Ayoub knows a thing or 2,000 about the joys of Christmas. As a professional interior designer, she also knows her fair share about how to convert a house into a dream home.

So it is no surprise that Ayoub’s southwest Mansfield abode is especially appealing during this time of the year. Located in the Reata Estates subdivision, the dwelling is equal parts sparkle and warmth. But, then it should be – Ayoub conceived virtually every inch of the home herself.

“I designed and built my home in 2016,” she says. “As an interior designer, I have designed homes for my clients for 37 years. It has always been my dream to design and build my own home.” >>>

52

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

Photos: Bruce Maxwell

This home is spacious and comfortable on any given day. But at Christmas-time, it becomes a special source of holiday spirit. arlingtontoday.com • December 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

53

Because she loves the ocean, Madeline Ayoub opts to make blue hues major players in her holiday designs.

She had been looking for preexisting homes that could meet the contemporary, open concept she desired. After a five-year search, she decided to look for a lot that was large and open. “I wanted to put a pool in the back yard so that I could entertain in the summer, as well,” she says. “When I found this lot on a little over an acre, I bought it. It was my 60th birthday gift to myself.”

The home is 3,600 square feet, with four bedrooms and three baths. It features large, open-concept living, dining and kitchen areas, with a morning room facing one direction and a large, extended patio facing the other – meaning Ayoub has some special vantage points for special moments.

“The home faces east and the backyard is west,” she says. “Being out in the country I see vivid sunrises and sunsets. It makes for a very peaceful setting.”

Ayoub says she loves to welcome guests, so she crafted her home appropriately. “Being a minimalist, I wanted to design a home that had entertainment functionality,” she says. “I wanted to be a part of everything that was taking place when entertaining. So the idea was to build a very large, open entertainment space where we could mingle and not feel isolated.”

Not surprisingly, the open-concept living, dining and kitchen – the primary entertainment hubs – are her favorite interior rooms. “I am also partial to my closet!” she beams.

It’s during the holidays that her home really shines. “In regards to holiday decor, I have a natural affinity to everything related 54

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

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to the ocean, and I am partial to the blue hues,” she says. “I like clean, contemporary lines with accents of mixed metals to enhance the stone work around the fireplace.”

When the calendar turns to December, she is especially eager to share her home with others. “I fill it with lots of parties, including lots of family and friends filled with laughter, food, drinks and fun,” she says. “The great room always draws accolades and praise from everyone who enters.”

Ayoub says the holidays are always good for some special moments. “My Both outside and indoors, Madeline Ayoub’s home is favorite memories from all of the holidays full of holiday spirit. are the fact that my dear folks, who are 91 and 88, can still travel from west Texas to enjoy their great-grandchildren in my home,” she says. “We still cook traditional Lebanese meals and reminisce about our grandparents, who are no longer with us.”

While the general look of and atmosphere at her home are special to Ayoub, she says it’s important to understand that something bigger is at play this month. “Jesus is the reason for the season, “ she says, “and he is always front and center during the holidays.”

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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

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Goin’ on in Grand Prairie

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he Epic, the latest chapter in the development of EpicCentral Grand

Prairie, officially opened last month. The 120,000-square-foot fitness,

arts and entertainment destination has been characterized by City of

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The Epic is the newest destination to open at EpicCentral, following the

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58

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

As these photos show, The Epic in Grand Prairie is a state-of-the-art center for fun and recreation.

Photos: Southern Flair Photography

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ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

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Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools®, Balanced Learning®, and The Leader in Early Education and Care® are registered trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2018 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.

Quality Patient Care and Trusted Experience Questcare Medical Clinic offers a wide range of family medical services including: • Chronic and Acute Illness Management • Preventative and Wellness Care • BIOTE Hormone Optimization and so much more!

Questcare Medical Clinic at Arlington • 3215 Omega Drive • Arlington, Texas 76014 Phone: 817-468-1818 • Fax: 817-468-4775 • Clinic Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm • www.questcaremedicalclinic.com Relocating, Opening December 10, 2018 - 3051 South Center Street • Arlington, Texas 76014 arlingtontoday.com • December 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

59

Picture-perfect Moments

For more great Scene shots, visit arlingtontoday.com

Scene Snapshots from Media Day introducing the grand opening of The Epic in Grand Prairie, from the grand opening of Union Worx Coworking and from the November Timeless Concerts performance

Photos: Southern Flair Photography

Grand Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen talks to the media about The Epic, which opened last month.

Horacio Casillas, artist in residence at The Epic, and two shots of his apartment at the center, which is fully furnished by Ikea.

Amanda Alms, general manager of The Epic

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony at Union Worx Coworking

Photos courtesy of Union Worx Coworking

Lauren Brewer, Luke Brewer and Patrick Tyler at the Union Worx Coworking grand opening

Here are some of the people celebrating the grand opening of Union Worx Coworking.

This van sported well wishes from the community.

Photos courtesy of Lee Anne Lawson

Dennis Hevia, Paul Brodie, violinist LeeAnne Chenoweth, Bryan Acosta and Ruben Duarte at the Timeless Concerts event

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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

Dana McCoy and Tony McCoy

The Lopez family: Anthony III, Carina and Anthony

Holiday travels? Tons of company coming over?

Board your pets with Country Acres Kennels during the holidays!

Whether your pets need care for the weekend, or while you are on vacation — we provide the space, care and activities your pets need. We have large indoor and outdoor runs for dogs. Cats enjoy the privacy of a separate cat room.

We also board Birds and Exotic Pets.

• 5 Acre Dog Park • Individual loving care • Large indoor and outdoor runs • Play yards • Reasonable rates • Convenient hours

Make your reservations now before we fill up!

The Country Club for Dogs & Cats Since 1972

Country Acres Kennels

7817 S. Cooper St. • Arlington, Tx 76001 817-467-2511 countryacreskennels.com

Winner 2017-2018 Readers’ Choice

All Star ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

Winner!

“All Star Boarding”

- Arlington Today Readers’ Choice

The Law Offices of Stephanie A. Foster, P.C.

Deciding to divorce is one of the most important decisions a person can face so it makes sense to know your options. One option is traditional courtroom litigation. Another option is collaborative law divorce.

Although attorney Stephanie Foster Gilbert is prepared to be the warrior in your courtroom battle as she has been in thousands of Tarrant County divorce cases over the past 26 years, her preference is to be the peacemaker in your interest-based negotiations through the dignified, private, child-protecting process known as collaborative law divorce which involves no court.

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

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

Contact attorney Stephanie Foster Gilbert today to discuss your options.

One option is traditional courtroom litigation.

Another option is collaborative law divorce.

Law Offices of Stephanie A. Foster, P.C. 4214 Little Road, Arlington, TX 76016 817-277-2805 • StephanieFosterLawyer.com

Litigator; Collaborator; Mediator

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arlingtontoday.com • December 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

61

Innovation

Much of this garbage is collecting in naturally occurring whirlpools called gyres. The gyres are difficult and dangerous to reach, which is why the best competitors are being tasked with building a robot to do the job.

According to Vanessa Rusher, the team’s Outreach Director, this year’s competition is more challenging than the last. “Instead of being on the ground, our robot is mounted on a couple of 2x4s that are hanging at an incline six feet in the air,” explains Rusher. “Before the three-minute run starts, the robot has to be in a two-foot cube. The gyres are about three and a half feet out, which poses an issue as the robot has to reach relatively far out from its base.”

The students reached out to Arlington’s Recycling and Stormwater Departments, as well as to local sustainability groups, engineers and the city’s waste Members of the Martin Warrior Robotics management and recycling vendors for guidance. team work on the model they hope will earn them a state title this year.

The preparation for the competition is intense.

Students invest a lot of time, including many after school hours. “The hardest thing during the competition season is maintaining a regular schedule of practicing and improving our techniques for the state competition,” says sophomore Isaac Kelly.

In addition to robotics, the team will be judged in four other categories: oral presentation, education display, project engineering notebook and spirit and sportsmanship.

That sense of teamwork and sportsmanship starts in the Warriors The Martin Warrior Robotics team has its sights set Robotics lab. on winning state this year • By Toni Randle-Cook “You meet a lot of people with different perspectives, which helps you keep an open mind and allows for better communication with f at first you don’t succeed (supremely), try, try again! different people,” says junior Eloy Mier.

That is exactly what a group of North Texas high school students “It offers unique opportunities to everyone, regardless of their fields is doing. The Martin Warrior Robotics team is again participating of interest,” says Kelly. in the annual Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology, or Throughout the season, the robotics team delivers STEM-centered BEST, Robotics competition in Frisco. presentations to schools and community groups.

The team won second place in the 2017 State University For more: mhswarriorrobotics.com.

Interscholastic League tournament and is eager to bring home the

These youths are technological titans

I

state title this month.

“After last year’s performance, the team realized its true potential and now has a more competitive approach,” says sophomore Ben Kocurek. “The team is also comprised of many more freshman this year, which provides the team with a renewed perspective.”

There are 53 students on this year’s Warrior Robotics team. They have had six weeks to design, build and program a robot able to perform specific tasks related to an industry theme.

The 2018 theme is “Current Events,” which centers around ocean cleanup and recycling. It’s an issue that has reached a critical level – eight million tons of plastic wind up in our oceans each year, threatening marine life and the food chain it supports.

In fact, experts estimate that by the year 2050 the amount of plastic in the oceans will outweigh all the world’s fish.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

The team’s task is to create robotics that can help clear our oceans of plastic waste.

Photos: Toni Randle-Cook

Smash Your New Year’s Goals!!

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Arlington Today

Winner 2014-16 “All Star Chiropractor”

your community • your magazine

Come Join the Fun! December 8, 2018

Arlington Holiday Lights Parade!

Kids activities from 2-6pm at the George W. Hawkes Library and City Council Chambers. Parade at 6pm, with tree lighting to follow.

For parade route, visit holidaylightsparade.com

December 8 • 3 pm - 6 pm

Legal Draft Season Celebration & Toy Drive 500 East Division Street Celebrate the Season of Christmas and support their toy drive!

December 8 - December 23

Happy Holidays Pop Up Market

Visit 500 E. Front Street for a two week pop-up market full of unique, many one of a kind, creations for your shopping pleasure.

Brought to you by 817ArtsAlliance and Downtown Arlington Management Corporation

December 20 • 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm ARLINGTON MUSIC HALL PRESENTS

The Chris Milyo Big Band Swingin’ Christmas Back by popular demand for a 2nd installment with special guest vocalist JE McKissic.

MUSIC • CULTURE • FOOD • SHOPPING

Visit downtownarlington.org for a full range of events. arlingtontoday.com • December 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

63

Local Sports

End of an era Rangers introduce special logo to commemorate the final season at Globe Life Park

T

he Texas Rangers recently unveiled a special logo to commemorate the team’s final season at Globe Life Park in Arlington in 2019. The logo, which incorporates the exterior façade of Globe Life Park, will be worn as a patch on the right sleeve of both the team’s white and red home jerseys next season.

It will also be printed on the official baseball that is used for all regular season home games in 2019. There are two versions of the final season logo, one with the banner “FINAL SEASON” and one with the banner “GLOBE LIFE PARK IN ARLINGTON.” Globe Life Park in Arlington opened as The Ballpark in Arlington in April 1994 and has been the site of 2,000 regular season games and 25 postseason contests through the end of 2018. More than 64,000,000 fans have attended games in the park during this span.

To mark the Texas Rangers’ final season at Globe Life Park, the team’s tailors have been busy adding a new logo to the uniforms for 2019.

Photos: texasrangers.com

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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

The Rangers will begin play at Globe Life Field, which is currently under construction, in March 2020. The Rangers are planning a number of special promotions and activities to commemorate the final season of Globe Life Park. This will include a series of 10 Bobblehead giveaways which recognize historic individual and team accomplishments in the park.

The team is also planning to celebrate the final regular season series at Globe Life Park on Sept. 27-29 with the New York Yankees with three days of events. More information will be announced as it is finalized.

Fans can go to texasrangers.com/finalseason to view final season content and information. The team has created the hashtag #FarewellGLP that will be utilized for all of the club’s social media applications pertaining to the last season in Globe Life Park. Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of MLBAdvanced Media, L.P.

e l c a r i M

Nov. 30-Dec. 16, 2018 Thursday 7:30pm | Friday 8pm Saturday 2pm & 8pm |Sunday 2pm & 6pm No 6pm performance on Sunday, Dec. 16

on 34th STREET

Production Sponsor:

Opening Night Wine Sponsor:

g

Adapted by Mountain Community Theatre

From the novel by

Valentine Davies Directed by Larry Cure SEASON SPONSORS

Family Holiday Production

305 W. Main Street Arlington, Tx 76010 TheatreArlington.org Box Office: 817-275-7661

Based on the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture “Miracle on 34th Street” Presented through special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing, Woodstock, IL

Season Subscriptions Available for a Limited Time!

ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

arlingtontoday.com • December 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

65

Picture-perfect Moments

For more great Scene shots, visit arlingtontoday.com

Scene Snapshots from the 50th anniversary celebration of Young Men For Arlington and from Arlington on Tap at Urban Alchemy Coffee + Wine Bar

Photos: Richard Greene

YMA founder Ralph Shelton, current YMA President David Gomez and past president Tom Cravens

Rae Shelton, Ralph Shelton, Diane Cravens and Tom Cravens

Photos: Southern Flair Photography

Past presidents Bowie Hogg, Esteban Blanco, Bart Thompson and Barry Sanders

Past presidents Carl Cravens, Jim Maibach, Paul Fulks, Esteban Blanco and Chad Bates

Cameron Haddad and Kate Ross

YMA officials and honorees

Arlington on Tap speaker Michael Morris

John E. Sweek and Suzanne C. Sweek

Mike Bucek, Mary Jane Themudo and Johnnie Sue Bucek

Adriana Gallegos and Ryan Morris at Arlington on Tap

Tawnya Braeutigam and David Braeutigam

Photos: Yale Youngblood

66

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

A very unique neighborhood boutique!

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arlingtontoday.com • December 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

67

Community Corner

Ron Wright wins seat and will represent Arlington in the House

A

rlington and Texas’ Sixth Congressional District will see its newest member, Ron Wright, take office when the U. S. House of Representatives opens the 2019 session in January.

Congressman-elect Wright won the seat in the Nov. 6 midterm elections and replaces the retiring Joe Barton, who has served in that office for the past 33 years.

Wright is no stranger to Arlington and Tarrant County. He served at-large on the Arlington City Council from 2000 to 2008, including the last four years as Mayor Pro Tempore. He was the District Director for Ron Wright Congressman Barton from 2000 to 2009 and was the congressman’s Chief of Staff from January, 2009 to May, 2011.

Ron left Washington to accept an appointment by Commissioners Court to replace Betsy Price, now the mayor of Fort Worth, as the Tax Assessor-Collector of Tarrant County. He was elected to a full term by the voters of Tarrant County in November, 2012.

Methodist Mansfield Medical center earns ‘A’ for patient care

M

ethodist Mansfield Medical Center has received the highest rating from the independent hospital watchdog The Leapfrog Group.

The Hospital Safety Score is the gold standard rating for patient safety, compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading patient safety experts and administered by The Leapfrog Group, a national, independent nonprofit organization committed to driving quality, safety, and transparency in the U.S. health system. Hospitals awarded an “A” reached high metrics for protecting patients from harm and meet the highest safety standards in the U.S. “Methodist Mansfield Medical Center’s commitment to patient safety is consistently a top priority. The hospital constantly works to develop new strategies to improve clinical outcomes and medical procedures.” says Jary Ganske, interim president of Methodist Mansfield. “We’re proud to serve our communities and to be recognized for our commitment to patient safety.”

This rating period, all four wholly-owned Methodist Health System hospitals earned “A” ratings.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

TO OP THE EN PUB LIC

New Year’s

CELEBRATION

Featuring Ricki Derek and His Big Band!

Grab your favorite friends and make plans to ring in the new year with a roaring Gatsby Good time!

Raise your glass as we raise the bar with the Best New Year’s party to take place at Viridian to date.

The Lakeview Event & Conference Center will be transformed into a 1920’s Gatsby inspired celebration.

Choose Saturday, December 29th OR Monday, December 31st

$ 150

per person

to ring in the New Year!

7:00 PM - 12:30 AM

Lakeview Event and Conference Center at Viridian 1200 Viridian Park Ln, Arlington, TX 76005

Black tie optional. 1920’s attire encouraged, but not required.

Plated Dinner catered by Chamberlain’s Steak & Chop House Full Open Bar • Champagne Toast • Complimentary Valet • Coat Check

For more information and to purchase tickets:

events@lakeviewecc.com or call 817-494-8598

At the Net

Benefit tennis tournament is slated for Dec. 15 at ATC

T

he Arlington Tennis Association’s Toys for Tennis tournament, open to men and women players, will take place from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. on Dec. 15 at Arlington Tennis Center.

The cost to play in this charity event is an unwrapped toy ($15 minimum value) and a can of food. The donated items will go to help people served by Mission Arlington. If you’re too busy or unable to shop, you can pay $20 at the door to ensure a spot in this fun event that benefits others.

The format for the tournament will be mixed doubles; event organizers can find you a partner if you do not have one. Drinks and snacks will be provided to participants.

Deadline for entry in this event is Dec. 14, and organizers are urging prospective players to register in advance so they can plan accordingly for refreshments.

For more information about the tourney, email Joann McArthur at president@arlingtontennisassoc.org.

2018

2018

Parks Nov2018 Ad_Arlington Today.indd 1 70Arlington ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

10/17/2018 11:47:21 AM

Health / Fitness

The health benefits of using cinnamon This holiday season, you’ll want to consider how nice this spice can be to help keep you at your best

C

innamon is synonymous with the holidays and cider or a hot coffee, or your favorite sugary cereal growing up. But, as the Methodist Mansfield Medical Center blog recently noted, cinnamon has also been touted for its health benefits for centuries. Recently, there’s been an upswing in natural remedies – using spices and herbs – for a variety of conditions. Here are some noteworthy thoughts the blog offers about the spice.

Cinnamon can be found almost everywhere you look, but it’s not all the same. There are two basic types of cinnamon: ceylon, which is grown in Sri Lanka, and a few varieties collectively known as cassia, which are widely produced in China and Indonesia. Cassia is the “commercial” variety. It has a stronger flavor and odor, and it’s far cheaper to produce, which is why it’s popular with consumers around the world. Ceylon has a milder, sweeter flavor and it might be the best for your health. This is because the cassia variety can contain relatively high concentrations of coumarin, which can cause damage to the liver. A study of 91 cinnamon samples found 63 times more coumarin in cassia cinnamon powder than Ceylon powder.

However, both are high in cinnamaldehyde, which is thought to be responsible for most of cinnamon’s health benefits, from lowering blood pressure to managing diabetes.

“You can have too much of a good thing,” says Carey Shore, MS, RD, LD, a Wellness Coach with Methodist. “Use caution in the amount. Between a half teaspoon and three teaspoons a day is considered a safe intake, which is not that much. Beyond this dose, no increased benefits have been shown, and too much could interfere with certain medications and cause liver damage.”

While studies aren’t definitive and have mostly been done within the confines of labs, here are the top reasons you’d consider adding this common spice to your regimen: • Controlling blood sugars and improving cholesterol – Addition of the spice to diets along with the necessary medicines has been linked with controlling blood sugars as well as improving cholesterol profiles. Cinnamon has been shown to help with insulin sensitivity and glucose transport while decreasing 72

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

inflammation. In a very small study, the cassia species of cinnamon was more effective than diet alone in lowering blood glucose levels. Numerous human studies have confirmed the anti-diabetic effects of cinnamon, showing that it can lower fasting blood sugar levels by 10-29 percent.

Small doses have also improved LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol. In some studies cinnamon not only lowered LDL, but raised “good” HDL cholesterol levels.

• Antioxidant properties – The powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols, in cinnamon have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help lower your risk of disease. One study done compared the antioxidant activity of 26 spices, and cinnamon came out as the clear winner, even outranking “superfoods” like garlic and oregano.

• Skin – Using cinnamon in a simple DIY face mask could help clear breakouts because of the antibacterial effects of bioactive phytochemicals. Combine two teaspoons of raw, organic honey (another antibacterial treat) and a sprinkle of cinnamon, then apply to your face for about 10 minutes. Rinse gently with a washcloth and warm water. Researchers also have found evidence that cinnamon extract significantly promotes collagen production in skin cells. Basically, it can help with wrinkles and aging skin.

• Decreasing health risks – Cinnamaldehyde, the compound responsible for the spice’s sweet smell, and epicatechin, a powerful antioxidant that’s also in blueberries, red wine and chocolate, appear to inhibit the buildup of a protein called Tau, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Biochemists have also found that cinnamon was as effective as resveratrol, an antioxidant in red wine known for disease-fighting properties, in activating SIRT-1 – also known as the longevity gene because of its role in repairing DNA. In some studies, cinnamon was shown to have an even better effect than resveratrol for anticancer and anti-aging. Research is being done on the effects of cinnamon on cancer, most of which is being done in labs or on rodents. Some studies have found that cinnamon could inhibit the progression of melanoma cells, as well as evidence that it could be used as an alternative treatment for cancerous tumors.

SAVE THE DATE

May 22nd, 2019 • 12pM On the Field OF at&t StadiuM

For the 5th Annual

We are certain to excite and delight with another captivating Keynote Speaker, while you enjoy lunch immersed in the breathtaking view that is only available from the field of AT&T Stadium.

These previous speakers have inspired us all to action and helped our community realize a brighter future:

Jerry Jones 2015

Roger Staubach 2016

Emmitt Smith 2017

Darren Woodson 2018

Please Join Us!

Luncheon Chairman CLAIRE WHEELER • MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM Luncheon Vice-Chair

SPONSORSHIPS, TABLES & TICKETS AVAILABLE

For information contact Linda Magazzine • lindamagazzine@ebby.com • (817) 980-8733, Robyn Barrere • rbarrere@oldrepublictitle.com • (817) 751-4187 or Bridget Lenhardt • bridget.lenhardt@uss.salvationarmy.org • (817) 860-1836

Tickets available at inspiringhopeluncheon.eventbrite.com

All proceeds go to support the North Texas Youth Education Town The Salvation Army Family Life Center and Youth Education Town 712 W Abram • Arlington, TX 76013 • (817) 860-1836 • www.sayet.org

Dining Guide

Keen cuisine Local eateries you definitely need to check out UPSCALE

MEXICAN/TEX-MEX

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

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

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar kegsteakhouse.com 4001 Arlington Highlands Blvd.

817-465-3700

El Primo’s Mexican Grill & Cantina elprimos.net 2300 Matlock Road, #21, Mansfield 817-225-4140

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

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop fuzzystacoshop.com 510 E. Abram St. 817-265-8226

Piccolo Mondo piccolomondo.com 829 Lamar Blvd. E. • 817-265-9174

4201 W. Green Oaks Blvd.

817-516-8226

restaurant506 at The Sanford House restaurant506.com 506 N. Center St. • 817-801-5541

AMERICAN

1601 E. Debbie Lane, Mansfield 817-453-1682 Rio Mambo riomambo.com 2150 E. Lamar Blvd.

817-795-4555

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

6407 S. Cooper St. 817-465-3122

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

ITALIAN/PIZZA

frieddaze frieddaze.com 5005 S. Cooper St., Suite 159 817-472-6666 The Grease Monkey greasemonkeyburgers.com 200 N. Mesquite St. • 817-665-5454 J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill jgilligans.com 400 E. Abram St. • 817-274-8561 Mac’s Bar & Grill macsteak.com 6077 West-I20 • 817-572-0541 74

Café Sicilia cafesicilia.com 7221 Matlock Road • 817-419-2800 Gino’s East ginoseast.com 1350 E. Copeland Road • 817-200-6834

SEAFOOD Pantego Bay Gulf Coast Café 2233 West Park Row • 817-303-4853

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

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

P

asta is synonymous with Italian cuisine. There are many theories as to how pasta became such an important part of the Italian food The Grease Monkey scene. One theory is that Marco Polo introduced pasta to the Italians after a trip to China. It could even date further back to the Etruscan civilizations. No matter, the Italians have embraced it, and Ragu alla Bolognese with tagliatelle pasta is recognized as the national dish of Italy.

On average Italians eat about 57 pounds of pasta per person per year!

Americans love pasta, too, and our consumption is about 19 pounds per person per year.

It can seem a little daunting to make your own pasta, but it actually is very easy. All you really need is flour, eggs and a rolling pin.

Homemade Tagliatelle Pasta (no pasta machine required; serves 4) Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 7 ounces 00 flour, plus extra for dusting (00 flour can be substituted for unbleached all-purpose flour); a little semolina Method: Place 6 ounces flour on a clean work surface. Reserve the remaining 1 ounce to use if necessary.

Shape the flour into a volcano with a large hole in the center. Crack the eggs and pour them into the middle of the flour volcano. Use a fork to lightly beat the eggs and start incorporating the flour with the eggs a little at a time. It is important to slowly incorporate the flour from the center so that you don’t break the flour volcano too soon and have the egg flow all over the work surface!

If the dough is still too moist once all the flour is incorporated into the eggs, add the reserved flour a little at a time to form a ball of dough. If the dough is too dry add a teaspoon of water at a time to the dough. Use your hands to knead the dough until it is smooth and very elastic (about five to seven minutes).

Tip: To check if the dough has been kneaded enough, press it with your thumb, if it is a little springy the dough is ready.

Wrap the dough in cling film and allow rest for at least 30 minutes.

Chamas do toBrazil Dust the work surface with a little flour. Divide the dough ball into four parts. Keep three parts covered with plastic wrap. Flatten the dough with a rolling pin and roll out to 1/8th of an inch thickness.

Loosely roll up the pasta sheet and cut the pasta into 1/4-inch-thick strips. Dust a baking sheet with semolina. Gently loosen the tagliatelle strips and place onto the baking sheet. Dust the tagliatelle with semolina to stop the pasta from sticking together. Roll and cut the remaining dough.

Allow the pasta to dry for an hour.

Cook in plenty of salted water for about one to two minutes. Test for doneness. Don’t overcook, or it will become mushy!

Serve immediately with Ragu alla Bolognese or your favorite sauce.

Buon Appetito!

Prince Lebanese Grill

One of the most popular restaurants in the Metroplex, Piccolo Mondo is known for its exceptional food and atmosphere.

For all your business lunches, holiday family dinners or just a romantic night out, it’s simple. Piccolo Mondo.

Winner 2018

Thank you All Star for voting!

Readers’ Choice

ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

All Star Italian Cuisine

• Engagement parties • Rehearsal dinners www.piccolomondo.com

829 E. Lamar Blvd. • 817.265.9174 Whole Foods Shopping Center NW corner of Lamar & Collins

Takeout available. Fax 817.226.3474

At last. Fine dining in Arlington.

CHOPHOUSE 2221 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 910 • Arlington, Tx 76006

World-class food, impeccable service, and live music blended with a breathtaking, panoramic view of Arlington’s Entertainment District.

Call 817-381-1157 for reservations.

Winner, “2018 All Star Steak Restaurant” - by Arlington Today readers arlingtontoday.com • December 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

75

Nightlife & More

Sights/Sounds Your resource for entertainment options in and around Arlington THEATER: Miracle on 34th Street When: Dec. 1-16 Where: Theatre Arlington (305 W. Main St.) Show times: 7:30 p.m. on Thursday; 8 p.m. on Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday; 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday Notes: Kris Kringle, an old man in a retirement home, gets a job working as Santa for Macy’s. Kris unleashes waves of good will with customers by referring parents to other stores to find exactly the toy their child has asked for. After Macy’s takes him to court, he ultimately helps a young girl believe in Santa Claus.

For more: theatrearlington.org

MUSIC: Sunday Concerts When: Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Where: Fat Daddy’s (781 W. Debbie Lane, Mansfield) Show time: 7 p.m.

Notes: Singer/songwriter Jesse Jennings – and friends – will perform every Sunday this month.

For more: fatdaddyslive.com/mansfield/live-events/

TRIVIA Trivia Tuesdays When: Dec. 4, 11, 18, 25 Where: Mellow Mushroom (200 N. Center St.) Time: 7 p.m.

Notes: Hang out at the most awesome pizza joint in town and play some live trivia. Prizes include a $30 gift card for first place, a $15 gift card for second place and a $10 gift card for third place.

For more: 817-274-7173

MUSIC: Concerts at Texas Live!

When: Dec. 5-31 Where: Texas Live!

Show times: Check website for times 76

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

Notes: Scheduled performers/performances include: Clayton Gardner at Miller Tavern & Beer Garden (Dec. 5), Chris Raspante at Lockhart Smokehouse (Dec. 5), Chris Watson at Lockhart Smokehouse (Dec. 6, 9, 13, 20, 29), Josh Lee Band at Troy’s (Dec. 6, 23), Devin Dawson at Live! Arena (Dec. 7), Mo Robson at Troy’s (Dec. 7), Ride for Dime at Arlington Backyard (Dec. 8), September Moon at Troy’s (Dec. 8), Sullivan Review at Troy’s (Dec. 10), Velvet Love Box at Troy’s (Dec. 11), Chris Watson at Miller Tavern & Beer Garden (Dec. 12), Keith Mitchell at Lockhart Smokehouse (Dec. 12), Chris Raspante at Troy’s (Dec. 12, 16), Bobby Duncan at Troy’s (Dec. 13), Bottom Dollar at Troy’s (Dec. 14), Derek Anthony at Troy’s (Dec. 15, 28), Hip Hop Hooray at Arlington Backyard (Dec. 15), Stefan Prigmor at Troy’s (Dec. 17), Big Mike at Troy’s (Dec. 18, 26), Keith Mitchell at Miller Tavern & Beer Garden (Dec. 19), Chris Watson at Troy’s (Dec. 19, 30), Alex Bellin Trio at Troy’s (Dec. 20), Josh Lee Band at Lockhart Smokehouse (Dec. 21), Steve Helms at Troy’s (Dec. 21), Back in Black at Live! Arena (Dec. 21), Keith Mitchell Band at Live!

Arena (Dec. 22), Clayton Gardner at Troy’s (Dec. 24, 27), Sullivan Review at Miller Tavern & Beer Garden (Dec. 26), Clayton Gardner at Lockhart Smokehouse (Dec. 26), Sullivan Review at Lockhart Smokehouse (Dec. 27) and Kyle Redd Trio at Troy’s (Dec. 29).

For more: texas-live.com/events

MUSIC: Concerts at Division Brewing When: Dec. 8, 15 Where: Division Brewing (506 E. Main St.) Show times: Check website for times Notes: Scheduled performers/performances include: Ryker Hall, Novakain, Dead Mockingbirds, Phantomelo and The Infamists (Dec. 8) and Lovely, Civil Unrest, Corkscrew Nosedive and Jesse and the Meow Meows (Dec. 15).

For more: facebook.com/divisionbrewing/

ICON WARNING: BRIAN SETZER TO PLAY VERIZON

T

hree-time Grammy Award winner Brian Setzer will bring the “15th Anniversary Christmas Rocks! Tour” to Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie on Dec. 10. Show time will be 8 p.m.

Setzer is a “Musician’s Musician,” credited with continually taking chances with innovative and daring musical styles, while single-handedly resurrecting two forgotten genres of music (rockabilly in the ‘80s and swing in the ’90s). Along the way, he has scored chart-topping hits, sold 13 million records and received the Orville H. Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award throughout his decorated career as founder/leader of the Stray Cats, his 19-piece Brian Setzer Orchestra, and as a solo artist.

He is consistently cited as one of the world’s greatest living guitarists, and has a best-selling, extensive line of elite Gretsch signature model guitars bearing his name.

Setzer appeared in the 1987 film, “La Bamba,” portraying rockabilly pioneer Eddie Cochran. In 2002, he earned the privilege of being one of the few musicians to be animated in an episode of “The Simpsons.”

That same year, Setzer was personally requested to induct Chet Atkins into the 17th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Setzer had the honor of being invited in 2006 to perform at the White House for President Barack Obama.

For more: verizontheatre.com.

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All locations accepting new patients and all Medicaid and CHIPS Programs. arlingtontoday.com • December 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

77

Speaking of Sports

Meet the Mavericks’ main man New UTA basketball coach Chris Ogden has his sights set on making March mean something • By John Rhadigan

W

hen Chris Ogden glances at the list he can’t believe his name is really on it. After all, 20 former “Mr. Basketballs” from Texas have been drafted to the NBA. Two of them, Shaquille O’Neal and Larry Johnson, were taken first overall. But right there on the list with those two is Mr. Basketball 1999 – Chris Ogden.

As the new head coach at the University of Texas at Arlington, Ogden is meeting with his staff before an early season practice. He emphasizes to the players that they won’t get as much playing time as they did in high school. He tells his staff, “Remember they are kids. They were always the best on their team. They have never not played.” Chris feels for those kids because he says that is who he was as a player at the University of Texas.

But who is he now? He is a first-time head coach with an impressive list of previous New UTA basketball coach employers whom he served as an Chris Ogden is optimistic assistant basketball coach. Texas, about building a program that can consistently Tennessee and Texas Tech are all earn NCAA berths. power five conference schools whose goal each year is the NCAA tournament in March. “I don’t stop talking about it,” he says – and then he reiterates. “I talk to them about February and March everyday.”

He recalls his junior season at Texas when the Longhorns made it to the Sweet 16 and something clicked for Chris. “Winning that round to go to the Sweet 16 ... there is just something about it.” Ogden remembers it like it was yesterday. “You stop fighting coach, you stop fighting the process, you stop fighting the hard times,” he continues. “You start to embrace it because you’ve had a taste of the other end, and you say, ‘if we can do that again, then this is all worth it.’”

Chris wants that feeling for his players, and that is why he reminds them every day. “I text them this morning and say, ‘You have to earn the right to play in that tournament,’” he says. “You have to earn the right to play in March.”

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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

His grand vision is to build a program that makes the tournament every year, but not just to be fodder for the higher seeds. He wants UTA to be like Xavier, Butler or Gonzaga – all schools that are known for basketball. All schools that regularly make deep runs in March.

Ogden believes that the state of Texas lacks that type of program and that UTA can become one.

“Why can’t we?” he asks, without waiting for an answer. “We have unbelievable facilities. We have an unbelievable campus.

I think we have a university of the future. You walk across our campus and see the diversity of young people from around the world.”

His team reflects similar diversity with players from Columbia, The Congo, Belgium, Trinidad & Tobago and Nassau.

It is also a microcosm of the City of Arlington, which is proudly home to citizens from 101 nations.

These days, Ogden is teaching and learning. Learning how to be Photo: theshorthorn.com a head coach, even as he teaches his players the finer points of basketball, which include succeeding at the highest level.

“We can get players who can play in a power five conference,” Ogden continues with certainty, “because of our international city, our international campus and our international airport.”

To finish his awesome recruiting pitch Ogden proclaims, “I believe in the City of Arlington, I believe in our UTA Administration, I believe in what kind of talent we can attract.”

I believe that Mr Basketball 1999 is about to do big things, on the court, with his team, right here in Arlington.

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

Honor Your Favorite Arlington ISD Teacher with a Nomination for the

AWARE Foundation Award of Excellence The AWARE Foundation encourages innovation and excellence in AISD classroom instruction. For each of the past 29 years, the AWARE Foundation has recognized outstanding AISD teachers at our annual spring banquet.

Winners and runners-up receive unrestricted cash awards.

To date, AWARE has honored AISD teachers with cash awards exceeding $550,000.

Nomination packets due by December 11, 2018.

The Awards banquet will be held May 6, 2019, 7 p.m.

Bluebonnet Ballroom University of Texas at Arlington

Visit www.awarefoundation.com for additional information and like us on Facebook.

Come kick up your heels to some awesome country music as we raise money for some amazing children!

“Every Child Deserves a Chance to Play Baseball”

Step Up to the Plate - Boots for Baseball 8th Annual Gala Benefitting the Miracle League DFW Cholula Porch | Globe Life Park in Arlington

7th Annual Gala Benefiting the Miracle League DFW

February 23, 2019

Dinner • Live Auction • Silent Auction • Entertainment

March 3rd, 2018

All proceeds benefitting Miracle League DFW

“Every Child Deserves a Chance to Play Baseball ” For information on sponsorships, tables, or tickets contact: grace@miracleleaguedfw.org Silent Auction • Live Auction • Entertainment

ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

Dinner • 7th Annual Gala Benefiting the Miracle League DFW Jim Munroe, Magician, Founder of the MAZE www.whatisthemaze.com

March 3rd, 2018

Dinner Live Auction • Entertainment Proceeds from the• Silent GalaAuction will •help provide uniforms and Jim Munroe, Magician, Founder of the MAZE equipment, at no cost,www.whatisthemaze.com to our players and their families. arlingtontoday.com • December 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

79

Events, etc.

Itinerary Your official Arlington-area guide to fun (and the like) Planetarium shows

Monday Night Painting – All Media

When: Dec. 1 - 31 Where: The Planetarium at UT Arlington (700 Planetarium Place) Time: Check website for show times In a nutshell: With a 60-foot-diameter dome and its state-of-the art Digistar 5 DLP Projection system, The Planetarium at UT Arlington is one of the largest and most sophisticated in the state of Texas. The Digistar 5 system can project stars, planets, galaxies and virtually anything else onto the dome.

For more: uta.edu/planetarium

When: Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Where: Sparks Studio of Creative Arts (509 W. Main St.) Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

In a nutshell: Instructor Barbara McFarland teaches watercolor, oils, acrylics, pastels and mixed media in this weekly workshop for aspiring artists.

McFarland’s work has received numerous awards in local, regional and national shows. She has spent two summers painting on location at the La Romita School of Art in Italy.

For more: sparksstudioart.com

Six Flags Over Texas: Holiday in the Park

Dallas Cowboys Football

When: Dec. 1 - 31 Where: Six Flags Over Texas Time: Check website for times In a nutshell: It’s the most magical time of the year filled with enchanting experiences that will help create those special family fun outings again and again. This breathtaking winter wonderland features a variety of delightful and interactive activities to help capture the holiday spirit.

For more: sixflags.com/overtexas

When: Dec. 9, 23 Where: AT&T Stadium Time: Check website for game times In a nutshell: This month, the Dallas Cowboys will fight for a division title by playing host to the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 9 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Dec. 23.

For more: dallascowboys.com

Art Exhibition: Hiroshige When: Dec. 1 - Feb. 24 Where: Arlington Museum of Art Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Tuesday-Saturday; 1 p.m.

- 5 p.m. on Sunday In a nutshell: This outstanding exhibition features 55 revolutionary wood-block prints by Utagawa Hiroshige (Japanese, 1797-1858), recording the scenic views along the famous “Eastern Road” that linked Edo (now Tokyo) with Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital of Japan. This popular series, known as the Fifty Three Stations of the Tokaido Road, was published in 1834 and established Hiroshige’s reputation as the foremost artist of the topographical landscape.

For more: arlingtonmusem.org 80

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

Downtown Arlington Open Coffee Club When: Dec. 27 Where: Urban Alchemy Coffee + Wine Bar Time: 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.

In a nutshell: Talk tech, startups and the digital lifestyle over coffee and pastries with an added special guest speaker. This is a meetup unlike all of the others in the area – it’s moderator led.

For more: urbanalchemy.bar

Blacksmithing Demonstrations When: Dec. 31 Where: Knapp Heritage Park (201 E. Front St.) Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

In a nutshell: Knapp Heritage Park will host this event, which features blacksmithing demonstrations for the entire family.

For more: downtownarlington.org

Image: fineartamerica.com

THE POSTSEASON: CITY TO HOST LOTS of games

A

rlington will be the football capital of Texas this month, as the city plays host to both college and high school postseason action at AT&T Stadium.

First up is the Big 12 Football Championship Game, which will take place on Dec. 1 at a time to be announced. The conference championship game will feature Oklahoma vs. Texas, the top two teams in the league following regular-season play. The Longhorns (9-3) won a 48-45 thriller against the Sooners (11-1) earlier this year at the Cotton Bowl.

For more: big12sports.com.

Next on the college scene, locally, will be the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Dec. 29 (time TBA). This game will be one of the semifinal games in the College Football Playoff and will help decide who plays for the national championship trophy in January.

For more: attstadium.com.

In between those big contests, AT&T Stadium will once again host Texas High School Championship Games on Dec. 19-22.

The 1A Six Man Division I and II title games, as well as the Class 2A Division II title game, will be on Dec. 19. The 2A Division II and 3A Division I and II title games will be on Dec. 20. The 4A Division I and II and the 5A Division II games will be on Dec. 21, and the 5A Division 1 and 6A Division I and II games will be on Dec. 22.

For more: attstadium.com.

Help Us Make Their Holiday Bright Please donate.

Arlington Charities is in need of holiday food, gift cards, financial donations and of course, toys for the children.

Please help us make this holiday special for the families, seniors and children we serve.

For more information contact us: info@arlingtoncharities.org or 817-275-1511 • www.arlingtoncharities.org arlingtontoday.com • December 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

81

Finish Line

A royal Paine Here is the story of the Christmas victory that saved the American Revolution • By Richard Greene

T

his highly dramatized Emanuel Leutze painting hangs on the wall in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and among our Christmas home decorations. Here’s why: It was on Christmas Eve 242 years ago that our less-thansix-months-old nation was on the verge of coming to an end. The words of a controversial journalist may have turned things around.

Sir William Howe, a British general with the world’s strongest army under his command, had chased George Washington and his ragtag troops of farmers and merchants out of New York City, through New Jersey and into Pennsylvania.

Washington’s men were enlisted only through the end of the month and were ready to go home to escape the awful circumstances of a war that appeared hopeless to them.

Only some in the Colonies embraced the whole business of independence.

Maybe it was not such a compelling idea, after all. Howe’s forces, although slowed by the winter, were certain to overpower the army of the fledgling United States and put an end to the rebellion.

There were expectations that even some signers of the Declaration would renounce their act and that the Continental Congress would disband, some of its members to be hunted down and summarily executed as traitors. Public opinion was divided among those who thought these politicians were leaders of bold action and some who thought them a bunch of fools.

The sense of despair and low morale was growing, and Washington himself was at a loss to know what he could do to turn things around. His men were without winter clothes; many were without shoes. Supplies, ammunition, cannons and just about everything else needed to wage a successful battle were depleted.

Congress could offer little help; it had neither the power nor authority to raise money to sustain the army.

Among Washington’s men was Thomas Paine, the 37-year-old author of the most influential writings preceding the Declaration.

In his pamphlet Common Sense, Paine had presented compelling arguments that the American people required a new nation. It was Paine, perhaps more than any other writer, who aroused the people to support independence. More than 500,000 copies of Common Sense, published in January 1776, had been distributed by the time Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration.

Paine, realizing that the dream of independence was now hanging by a thread on the shores of the Delaware River, issued a new document on Dec. 23, 1776, that had a much smaller audience as its

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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

target. It was to become even more vital to the survival of American freedom than the widely circulated Common Sense.

You learned some of the words in your American history class but may have not realized the reason they were written.

Paine empathized with the beleaguered men of Washington’s army and acknowledged the obvious: THESE are the times that try men’s souls. Then he immediately challenged them with these carefully chosen words: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country …

The risk Washington took in letting Paine distribute his correspondence among his men was that it would backfire, and the troops, instead of being inspired, would be offended that someone was indirectly calling them cowards.

Paine went on to explain: Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value.

He then reminded the men that they were bound to the king of England and if being bound in that manner is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth.

The appeal to their sense of resolve was made thusly: ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.

Paine’s words stoked the fire of freedom in the bellies of the soldiers, and within 36 hours Washington was crossing the Delaware and defeating the British at Trenton and Princeton. The victory ignited the army. Enlistments skyrocketed, and Washington was able to carry on the fight, ultimately to the surrender of Gen. Charles Cornwallis in 1781.

Paine would continue to motivate the troops; the 15 issues of his war writings became known as the American Crisis papers.

But without that Christmas victory, the army would have been dissolved, the war ended, and today we might all be subjects to Queen Elizabeth.

Merry Christmas, everyone – and thank you, Mr. Paine.

Richard Greene served as Arlington’s mayor from 19871997. He currently teaches in the University of Texas at Arlington’s graduate program in the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs.

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