December 2021

December 2021

your community • your magazine

Today

Wishing you a happy holiday season!

Contents

ON THE COVER

December 2021 • Volume 8 • Issue 12

HIGHLIGHTS 40

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As is tradition in these parts, there are all manner of holiday celebrations on tap to help you get and stay festive this year.

Check out some of the events in our annual Holiday Highlights roundup.

See Page 24

DEPARTMENTS

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30 Home SWEET! Home

‘Home for the Holidays’ are magical words around this house during this special time of the year.

38 A guide to safe cooking practices

Arlington Fire Lieutenant Jasiel Zapata offers tips to help ensure that your holidays turn out just the way you planned.

Starting Line 10 This ‘n Data 12 • Around Town 20 Scene 22, 44, 56 • Style 32 Bulletin Board 58 • Dining Guide 60 Speaking of Sports 62 • Itinerary 64 Finish Line 66

UTA TODAY ...

40 Honoring Sheri Capehart

The environmentalist, animal lover and longtime community leader has the City’s Nature Preserve named after her.

42 Re$ources

As you manage your finances, it’s always nice to have the right connections.

Here are some of the better connections you can have.

46 Home field advantage

When it comes to supporting the home team, Arlington tailgaters are second to none.

48 Chevrolet’s singular sensation

Jack and Judi Sheedy’s 1966 Corvair is a classic, not just for the shape it is in, but for its history as an automobile.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

Thanks to a partnership with the Arlington Tomorrow Foundaiton, the university is able to break ground on a new School of Social Work/Smart Hospital building.

See page 52

Starting Line your community • your magazine

EXECUTIVE BOARD Executive Publisher Judy M. Rupay

Present tense

CEO Richard Greene

I

EDITORIAL Editor Yale Youngblood

have a confession to make: I have never roasted chestnuts on an open fire.

That noted, I still feel vastly qualified to assess the wonders of this time of year.

For starters, there was the Christmas of 1965, on which I received what I deemed to be the “greatest present ever”: a Rawlings football that, even today, rests on the shelf of a closet.

Four Christmases later, I again declared that I received “the greatest present ever”: a pool table that, even today, rests in parts unknown, probably in many parts unknown, if truth be told.

Because I like telling truths, I will also recall the first Christmas I shared with my lovely bride, who, some five months earlier, gave me “the greatest present ever,” offered in two words: “I do.”

Yale Youngblood Some 365 days later, after she Editor literally delivered “the greatest present ever,” my first child, we sang figurative yuletide carols as a bona fide family – and then did it again three more times following the births of three more “greatest presents ever.” Two of the four offspring did some offspringing themselves, and now I have three more “greatest presents ever.”

That aforementioned lot will venture to Youngblood Manor on Dec. 25th this year, along with a Dad and Mom who invested more money than they should have on a pool table back in the day. At some point in the proceedings, packages will be exchanged and opened, and I fully expect at least one of the grandchildren to declare that what’s inside his/her treasure box is “the greatest present ever.”

He/she will be correct, of course. At least, until next Christmas.

Here’s the deal: What’s inside the decorative paper marked by luminous ribbons and bows isn’t the source of our holiday joy. Even a favorite among the items that we have received or will one day receive isn’t the point.

The point is that we have been blessed to receive.

Someone in 1965 suspected I would love a football. My parents knew in 1969 that I had a yearning to hit billiard balls into billiard pockets. Susan Carol Youngblood shared my feverish desire to start and grow a family, and those subsequent family members followed suit over time.

At the heart of each of those gifts was a giver who cherished the opportunity to make someone’s life better.

If you ask me, having people like that in your life is “the greatest present ever.”

Sports Columnist John Rhadigan Special Columnist Major General Patrick Brady Website & Social Media Manager Bailey Woodard Graphic Artist Francisco Cuevas Contributing Writer Kenneth Perkins Contributing Photographers Dwayne Lee, Heather Lee, Bruce Maxwell SALES / CIRCULATION Business Manager Bridget Dean Sales Managers Laura DiStefano, Andrea Proctor, Debbie Roach, Tricia Schwartz Distribution Manager Hanna Areksoussi PRODUCTION Production Manager Francisco Cuevas ARLINGTON TODAY is published monthly.

Copyright 2021 Arlington Today, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means without permission of the publisher. The inclusion of advertising is considered a service to readers and is not an endorsement of products. Basic subscriptions are $33.95 for 12 issues.

To subscribe, e-mail subscriptions@arlingtontoday.com.

ARLINGTON TODAY GIVES BACK

yale@arlingtontoday.com

Visit arlingtontoday.com, like us on Facebook 10

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Today

and follow us on Twitter

Arlington Today magazine proudly sponsors the Alzheimer’s Association, Arlington Urban Ministries, CASA, Junior League of Arlington, Levitt Pavilion Arlington, and Theatre Arlington.

and Instagram

Phone number: (817) 303-3304

This ‘n Data #atpetofthemonth Libby came to us as a tiny feral kitten hiding under our deck. We had to trap her, take her to the humane society, where they doctored her injured leg, gave her shots, etc. After two months, Libby finally decided that we were okay and is now a big part of the family. As they say, who rescued who?

– LaRue Thomas

Ethan Nguyen proudly wears his gold medal as Mike McCloud, president and CEO of the World Food Championships, introduces Nguyen as the 2021 winner at the WFC competition held in Dallas last month.

Photo: dallasobserver.com

PRINCE LEBANESE GRILL EMPLOYEE, WHO’S JUST 18, EARNS TOP CHEF HONORS

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hile we can debate all day about who is the best chef in the Arlington area, the king teen cuisine preparer has officially been determined. At the World Food Championships at Dallas’ Fair Park last month, Preston (Ethan) Nguyen, who works at Prince Lebanese Grill, was named the 2021 World Chef Champion at the World Food Championship.

Nguyen, an 18-year-old freshman in the El Centro Culinary Program at Dallas College, will compete against the other nine category winners (World Bacon Champion, World Dessert Champion, etc.) for the title of World Food Champion at the WFC Final Table event to be held in South Carolina later this year. The World Food Champion will win $100,000.

Nguyen tapped his Prince roots for his signature dish at the competition: char-grilled lamb chops with mint chimichurri sauce, Mediterranean harissa cauliflower rice, roasted garlic hummus, grilled vegetables filled with Greek cheese and topped with pistachio dust and freshly made rosemary flatbread.

With that delectable combination he bested several notable local chefs, including Jean Francois Fortin of the Fairmont Hotel, Jason Rehbock of Omni Dallas, and Anthony diCesare of the Embassy Suites Denton.

Chef teams for the Dallas event consisted of a head chef and two sous chefs. Nguyen’s parents, Emma and Peter Nguyen, joined their son to help prepare his winning dishes. That’s no surprise – Nguyen credits his parents with teaching him much of what he knows about food. Emma is a trained pastry chef who attended El Centro college 24 years ago. Peter, an attorney and real estate agent, is also a full-time student in the culinary program at Dallas college. Father and son currently take classes together and the family regularly shares time cooking and eating together.

And, of course, there’s another proud supporter: Prince Lebanese Grill Manager Aziz Kobty. “He absolutely killed it,” says Nguyen’s boss.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

Sue Phillips, with her beloved pet, Annie

AN ANNIVERSARY AND AN HONOR FOR A LOCAL COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

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he East Library and Recreation Center just celebrated its oneyear anniversary, and visitors to its community lounge might spot a familiar name.

In September, the City of Arlington honored long-time community leader and volunteer Sue Phillips by dedicating the community lounge in her name. Phillips, who has served as the president of East Arlington Renewal for nearly 30 years, was the first of 11 trailblazers, civic leaders and faith leaders tapped by the City’s Honorary Naming Recognition Task Force to be recognized for their service or their contributions to the city.

The East Library and Recreation Center, which opened last November at 1817 New York Ave., provides a variety of programs, amenities and resources for residents of all ages.

This ‘n Data

ARLINGTON TOMORROW FOUNDATION AWARDS $1.755 MILLION IN GRANTS

RAISE YOUR HAND if you visited Safety Town at Six Flags Mall back in the day and took to its “streets” on a Big Wheel to learn basic traffic safety measures. Keep that hand up if you still adhere to the lessons you learned there (and then use that hand to pat yourself on the back, because you might be a rare breed).

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SCOOPS 1. The City of Arlington is partnering with Rehab Warriors on “Rebuilding the Fort” to provide residential real estate development skills to veterans and empower low-to-moderate income residents through job training, financial stability and safe, affordable housing. Through a Community Development Block Grant awarded by the City of Arlington through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Rehab Warriors will train 20 local veterans to partner with property owners and tenants in a target area known as the Central Arlington Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area.

2. The City of Mansfield has entered into an agreement with Meehan Properties, LLC, to develop 101 S. Main St. in Historic Downtown Mansfield into a high-end chophouse and cigar lounge. Mansfieldbased Meehan Properties will develop the restaurant and cigar lounge, which will be named Meehan’s Chophouse and Henry’s Cigar Lounge, respectively.

3. The City of Grand Prairie is holding its annual Coats for Kids drive. The goal is to collect 100 new coats to be distributed to those in need this winter.

New and lightly used coats can be dropped off at the Main Library (901 Conover Drive) or at the Betty Warmack Library (760 Bardin Road).

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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

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he Arlington Tomorrow Foundation Board of Directors recently approved six grants totaling $1,755,000. Here is where the recent grants are going: • Alliance For Children (Rebuilding Lives Capital Campaign): $1,250,000. Alliance For Children is the children’s advocacy center protecting Tarrant County children from child abuse. The Rebuilding Lives Capital Campaign will add essential capacity and updates at their Arlington, Fort Worth, and Northeast locations and expand the Arlington center by 24,000 square feet.

• Bridges To Life (Texas Projects - Arlington Impact): $20,000. Bridges To Life connects communities to prisons to reduce the recidivism rate, reduce the number of crime victims, and enhance public safety. The Bridges To Life program addresses impacts crime has on a community.

• Dental Health for Arlington Inc. (DHA Remodel): $150,000. DHA provides preventive and pain-relieving dental care to under-served residents in Tarrant County. It will use the grant to remodel the almost 5-year-old clinic.

• Green Oaks Education and Support, Inc. (Building an Independent Future): $300,000. Green Oaks Education and Support, Inc. provides Christian education to individuals with Down syndrome and similar intellectual disabilities. Green Oaks Life Prep is a three-year intensive training program for adults focused on self-care, independent living skills and applied learning. The grant funds will be used to renovate the campus apartment complex.

• Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County (Nutrition Program): $25,000. The Foundation’s grant will fund 3,572 meals. In addition to nutritious meals, clients receive contact with friendly volunteers, telephone reassurance calls by staff members, or social interaction at adult activity center sites.

• Trinity Kids (Royal Family Kids Camps): $10,000. Trinity Kids’ focus is on the growth and development of children who have suffered from abuse, neglect, and abandonment.

The camps will feature free activities that are designed to provide fun, safe, and positive memories. Trinity Kids will provide two one-week long overnight Royal Family Kids’ Camps in July 2022 for up to 128 children ages 6-12. It also provides weekend events for teenagers focused on building trust with adults.

For more: arlingtontx.gov/city_hall/government/ arlington_tomorrow_foundation

This ‘n Data

JPMORGAN CHASE OFFERS GIFT OF $1 MILLION TO HELP CONSTRUCT NMOHM

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s the nation observed Veterans Day last month, JPMorgan Chase, a global leader in financial services, made a gift of $1 million to the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, which is scheduled to open in Arlington in 2024.

JPMorgan Chase joins a philanthropic group of individual and corporate donors whose contributions will make the construction of the National Medal of Honor Museum and the National Medal of Honor Monument in Washington, D.C., possible.

“JPMorgan Chase is truly leading the way among the financial services industry in supporting this unifying national project,” says NMOHMF Chairman of the Board Charlotte Jones. “We’ve had an incredibly successful year of fundraising as patriots from across the country continue joining our mission to inspire America by elevating the stories of service and sacrifice of the bravest of the brave. When JPMorgan Chase acts, the business world pays attention. We could not be more grateful for their support.”

“This museum will be a treasure for the people of Texas and this nation. It will have so much to teach us,” says Elaine Agather, chairman of JPMorgan Chase in Dallas. “We need to learn the lessons of these heroes’ leadership and bravery.”

To date, NMOHMF has raised over $100 million for the two-track project in recognition of the highest American military award for valor. JPMorgan Chase’s contribution comes as the National Medal of Honor Foundation works to secure the final $40 million needed for the phase one capital budget before the end of the year.

HISPANIC SERVICES OFFERED

ESPARZA IS THE NEW CEO AT TEXAS TRUST CU

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eggy Esparza has been named as Peggy Esparza the new CFO at Texas Trust Credit Union. She is a 26-year Texas Trust veteran who began her career at the $1.7 billion credit union as a part-time teller.

Esparza joined the credit union in 1995 with a high school diploma. But she earned a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in accounting – all while raising two children.

Arlington By the numbers 16

47,000 (+-)

ispanic Heritage Ambassadors DFW, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, has opened an office in Downtown Arlington, which will serve as a resource and platform for the fast-growing Hispanic community in The American Dream City.

Education services offered at the venue will promote cultural awareness and perseverance of Hispanic culture and will help empower under-served women to excel. Topics will include mental health and suicide awareness, immigration clinics, citizenship classes, DACA, family petitions, VAWA for domestic violence, a food pantry, and toy and shoe drives.

The Downtown office is located at 201 E. Abram St., Ste 104, inside Pinnacle Station. The organization will have 24/7 answering service for immigration assistance. For more information, call 972-480-7501

595

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The number of students enrolled in visual and performing arts classes at Arlington ISD schools.

The maximum number of yards from tee to green on the first hole at Texas Rangers Golf Club. (Yes, it’s a par 5.)

The number of feet in height of the tallest monument in Caelum Moor environmental sculpture park.

Source: aisd.net

Source: arlingtongolf.com

Source: arlingtontx.gov

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

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Around Town

A passion, a calling and a livelihood

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even-year-old Sasha Glenn and her mother, Ida, were in a lock-step stride for the front door of Little Giggles, a children’s resale shop on south Cooper, when Sasha stopped dead in her tracks. Mom nudged her to keep moving.

Sasha held firm.

She pointed to the store window, giggled, then broke into a flat-out laugh.

“I think it was the picture of the snowman being smacked in the head with a snowball by another snowman,” mom would say while the two were leaving the store.

“Yeah,” she added, glancing back at the window, “I guess it is kinda funny when you think about it.”

Sheri Johnson-Lopez thinks about it. A lot. She’s the artist who painted the mural covering the entire front window of the store where, yep, a couple of snowmen in wool caps and scarves are duking it out. (Others are happily sledding or frolicking in the snow).

The winter scene is starkly distinctive from the window mural Johnson-Lopez painted for La Bella Nail Salon just south of the resale shop (pumpkins, leaves, a scarecrow) or the interior mural for First Watch Café (a red barn promoting fresh foods) that’s just north of the shop, or the mural she did for Unitea Bubble Tea on west Park Row, a 12 by 5-footer with angel wings and wall quotes like, “Your wings already exist.”

“It’s all about the audience – what do the people who come to that particular store want to see?” Lopez said recently.

Most times Johnson-Lopez, who herself is smiley and bubbly – we’ll explain more of that later - is given expansive directives, like “something wintry or summery” or back-to-schoolish, and she unleashes her ingenuity. Other times clients are more specific: the new R’HANN Thai Cuisine restaurant, for instance, wanted a modernized Buddha taking up 45-feet long, 13 -feet high wall space.

“That one,” said Johnson-Lopez, who incorporated the Thailand culture with a trendy vibe, “definitely brings the ‘wow factor to the restaurant.”

Johnson-Lopez, a single mother, has been crazy busy; just a few years ago she was wondering how she could do

Sheri Johnson-Lopez doesn’t simply enhance an Arlingtonarea business with a simple drawing or scene. Her artwork often helps define the entity for patrons – which is just what she and those who hire her want.

something outside of her love and still manage bills.

Hers is a lesson in fortitude and belief.

Johnson-Lopez was born in Minnesota but settled in Azle, where her family still resides. Art was her first love. She was actually a nursing home administrator and remodeled homes before she came to her senses, or better yet, her senses came to her, particularly when her son, now nine, was born.

“I said, you know what, if I am going to make my son proud and be a good role model for him, that I am going for my dreams and will do art full-time.”

One day a friend who saw her mural work on Facebook asked if she could paint windows. Sure, she said, even though she hadn’t done a thing since college.

“I was looking for jobs in between my murals when I first moved back,” Johnson-Lopez said. “I did one of the windows for an insurance agent.”

Bingo. The next season she was fully booked. This year there’s a waiting list.

Misty Powell, who has owned Little Giggles for a dozen years, loves Johnson-Lopez’s work so much she books her, in advance, for every season. Smart woman.

“Most of the people I have had in the past would do a smiley face or something,” Powell said. “She does art. And anything that can make someone smile or make a KennEth Perkins kid’s day, that’s a good thing.”

That’s Johnson-Lopez, even without the artwork. Her ear-toear smile seems perpetual, as if simply plastered to her face.

That’s inner joy bubbling over – and it does, in her art, even when the subject is a little heavy, such as an interior wall mural for an Amazon site that honored military heroes.

“The workers there call themselves ants because their work can be so repetitive,” Johnson-Lopez said. “So they are coming around the corner and seeing me paint this. They look at it and stare and just want to thank me for doing this.”

That’s her why.

“I have the opportunity to put something special in their hearts, to make them smile,” she said, smiling, of course.

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

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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

ai163647522910_Arlington Today Ad 7.375x4.8275 December 2021.pdf

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arlingtontoday.com • December 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Scene

Snapshots of note from places and events in the Arlington/Mansfield/ Grand Prairie area

For more great SCENE moments, visit arlingtontoday.com

Theatre Arlington Game Night Karen Williams and former Mayor Jeff Williams at the Theatre Arlington “Let’s Make a Steal” game night fundraising event.

Charles Brady and Leanna Brady at “Let’s Make a Steal”

Shalyn Clark and Al Clark at the Theatre Arlington event

Mrs. Doubtfire (Michael Green) and Donovan Marie Lawson

Photos: Kris Ikejiri

The ribbon cutting for the new Dalworthington Gardens City Hall Dignitaries participate in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the new City Hall in Dalworthington Gardens.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

Photos: Southern Flair Photography

Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce President Michael Jacobson addresses the crowd at the ceremony that officially opened the new City Hall.

Make your holiday reservations now

arlingtontoday.com • December 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Holiday Holicay Highlights Join the circus (for an evening, at least)

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tep right up for a magical holiday experience under the big top at The Super American Christmas Circus, kicking off Dec. 2 at Traders Village in Grand Prairie.

This thrilling holiday spectacle features amazing daredevil and aerialist acts, cotton candy and other circus treats, hilarious comedy routines, songand-dance numbers, and even an appearance

by Santa himself.

For more: superamericancircus.com

Be sure to take the Holiday Home Tour

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he Mansfield Women’s Club’s Holiday Home Tour will take place from 1-5 p.m. on Dec. 5. The tour will feature six beautifully decorated Mansfield homes; you can see all of them for $25.

All proceeds will benefit the Mansfield Women’s Club’ projects for the health, welfare and education of women and children in our area through grants in 2022.

Tickets are available at Tom Thumb, Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio and Poured Wine Bar, or contact Kathleen Powers 817-932-2329.

For more: themansfieldwomensclub.com

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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

JLA to host the second annual Festival of Trees & a cookie charity event

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he Junior League of Arlington’s second annual Festival of Trees will be held from Dec. 3-23 at the Center for Community Service (4002 W. Pioneer Pkwy.)

More than 50 uniquely-decorated Christmas trees will be on display, each one sponsored and decorated by an individual or group, including local businesses and non-profit organizations. The public is invited to tour the Festival of Trees for free and to vote for their favorite trees online.

The Junior League of Arlington is also partnering with Santa Claus to spread some much-needed holiday cheer this year at the Annual Cookies with the Clauses event from 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 3.

This family-friendly event will feature Reindeer Games, pictures with Santa, and takehome Sugar Bee Sweets Cookie Kits.

In addition to the family-fun festivities, JLA is also hoping to be able to send a Sugar Bee Sweets Cookie Kit to every child residing at SafeHaven, Tarrant County’s domestic abuse shelter.

The women of JLA hope to sponsor 100 cookie kits to send to children in need.

SafeHaven Cookie Kits can be sponsored for $5, which provides one child a cookie kit atcost. All funds raised during the Cookies with the Clauses event will provide funding to JLA’s abuse-prevention efforts in Tarrant County.

For more information, to buy tickets or to sponsor a cookie kit: jlarlington.org

Don’t miss the Interlochen Lights ...

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he vastly popular Interlochen Christmas Lights, one of the larger holiday light displays in north Texas, will be on display throughout December.

Throughout the month, the Arlington Police Department will set up traffic control posts from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. to help facilitate safe travel through the area. Motorists must enter the Interlochen neighborhood from Randol Mill Road at Westwood Drive.

Every year, more than 200 homeowners in this northwest Arlington neighborhood near Interstate 30 celebrate the season by adorning their homes and property with festive lights and holiday-themed displays. The natural social distancing provided by the free, two-mile car tour through the 200 plus homes parade of Lights makes it one of the few local holiday entertainment options that can go on in a normal way

and still be totally safe.

Interlochen Neighborhood Entrance and Exit: • Enter the Interlochen neighborhood from Westwood Drive at Randol Mill Road.

• From Westbound I-30, take the Fielder Road exit and go south to Randol Mill Road. Turn right on Randol Mill Road and follow it to Westwood Drive.

• From Eastbound I-30, take the Eastchase Parkway exit, turn east on Meadowbrook Boulevard to Randol Mill Road, then right on Randol Mill Road to Westwood Drive.

• All other streets to the Interlochen neighborhood are closed. Left turns are prohibited from northbound Bowen at Westwood and northbound Oakwood at Randol Mill. All traffic will be forced to turn southbound on Crowley Road.

Tour buses will not be allowed on Porto Bello Court.

For more: lakeinterlochentx.com/christmas-lights

... And be sure to take in Prairie Lights

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ne of Texas’ more popular holiday attractions.

Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie, will be better than ever this year with one-of-a-kind custom displays and new indoor and outdoor attractions.

Located along the shores of Joe Pool Lake, Prairie Lights is a two-mile, drivethrough holiday park experience that showcases a stunning display of more than five million lights arranged in hundreds of festive holiday scenes throughout the park.

Prairie Lights will be open at 6 p.m. each day through Dec. 31. In addition to the dazzling light

displays, photos with Santa and Concessions will be available for purchase at the park’s Holiday Village, located in the midst of the drive-through light displays.

The end of the General Admission line will be marked on busier nights with a designated Prairie Lights vehicle. This park status will also be posted each night to Prairie Lights website, prairielights.org.

Admissions include drivethru experience, Holiday Village Carnival Rides and the Magical Walk-Thru Forest.

For more: prairielights.org/hours-pricing/

arlingtontoday.com • December 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Holiday Holicay Highlights

Mansfield celebration will be held Dec. 3-4

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ansfield will host its annual Hometown Holidays event on Dec. 3-4 in Historic Downtown. This year’s theme is “Main Street Midway,” and there will be activities aplenty for residents and visitors.

From 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3, there will be the annual tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment at The LOT Downtown, an ice slide, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, carnival games, fireworks, art vendor booths and plenty of food options. Visitors with youngsters are encouraged to bring their cameras to get photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

From 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, Hometown Holidays will continue with entertainment at The LOT Downtown, the Ferris wheel, the carousel, games, art vendor booths, more food and shops. Santa Claus will be back, as well. Plus, Graceland Ninjaz will perform a holiday show at The LOT Downtown.

For more: mansfieldtexas.gov/789/ Hometown-Holidays

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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey will run through Jan. 2

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fter a sold out run in Los Angeles last year, The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey is coming to Choctaw Stadium in Arlington (formerly Globe Life Park) with a one-of-a-kind, open-air experience to spread a Texas-sized serving of Christmas cheer. The dazzling adventure runs through Jan. 2, 2022, and features journeys beginning at 5 p.m. each evening, with new groups heading out every 15 minutes.

Here’s the story behind The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey: With Christmas Spirit running low, Santa’s sleigh’s compass goes haywire, and Scout Elf Tiny Tinkerman and the Scout Elves need human help. Visitors join Scout Elf Tiny Tinkerman and the Scout Elves on a quest to collect the ingredients for Christmas Spirit, as each elf-loving crew magically shrinks down to elf size and embarks on a journey through twinkling wonderlands to set Santa and Christmas back on course.

For more: dallas.elfontheshelfjourney.com

Christkindl Market is a local gem

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ack in person after a hiatus because of the pandemic, the Texas Christkindl Market will run through Jan. 2, 2022 at Choctaw Stadium (formerly known as Globe Life Park).

This family-friendly market, inspired by a cherished German tradition, features holiday gifts, decorations, and other festive goods.

Holiday shoppers will find exclusive Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas decorations and designs from the renowned Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village in Germany, as well as experience authentic German cuisine.

The market is free; parking fees may apply. The market is open from 11 a.m.–9 pm. It will be closed every Monday, on Christmas Day and on New Year’s Eve. The almost 70-year relationship between Arlington and its sister city, Bad Königshofen, inspired the Texas Christkindl Market to commemorate its first magical

season in 2011. With several markets all over Europe for the holidays, the Texas Christkindl Market also works with its partner Christmas city, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, to bring the same wonderful magic and feeling to Texas.

Among the unique features at the market are gifts inspired by the Christkindl Angel. In some parts of Germany and Europe, the Christkindl Angel brings gifts to children on Christmas. She is depicted as a fairy-like being with angelic wings, dressed in gold and white, who is never seen. Traditionally, the children are ushered out of the room on December 24, and the angel arrives to decorate the tree and leave the presents.

The arrival and departure of the Christkindl Angel is announced by the ringing of a small bell. Upon her departure, family members get to see their presents.

For more: txchristkindlmarket.com

Holiday Lights Parade is set for Dec. 11

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he city’s annual Holiday Lights Parade and treelighting ceremony will take place on Dec. 11 in Downtown Arlington.

The parade traditionally starts at 6 p.m. at the corner of Main and Center Streets and travels west on Main Street, south on West Street, east on Abram Street and ends at the corner of Abram and East Street. Handicap parking is available in the lot at South Street and Oak Street.

Before the parade, activities will begin at 2 p.m. at and around the Levitt Pavilion Arlington (100 W. Abram St.) and will include a variety of entertaining

options for all attendees. Reindeer Games will be held from 2-5 p.m. Parade-day entertainment will take place from 2-6 p.m.

Following the hour-long parade, the City’s official tree-lighting ceremony traditionally will take place at 7 p.m. Santa Claus will be available for photos from 7:15-8:30 p.m. And there will be a holiday-themed movie screening, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Levitt.

The first holiday parade, called “The Parade of Lights,” occurred in 2002, although a tree-lighting ceremony dates to 1993.

For more: holidaylightsparade.com

arlingtontoday.com • December 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Holiday Holicay Highlights Mission Arlington Christmas store

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he Mission Arlington Christmas Store will be open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Dec. 1122 (excluding Sundays) and from 10 a.m. - noon on Dec. 23, providing area residents in need with gifts and food. The store is staffed by churches, schools, families and individuals who donate toys and funds, work, plan and pray for the people who will come to the store.

Volunteers are always welcome.

For more: missionarlington.org/ the-christmas-store

Have an EPIC breakfast with Santa this month

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anta is making pit stops at the EPIC Waters indoor water park in Grand Prairie – from 9-11 a.m. on Dec. 11-12 and 18-19.

Bring your Christmas lists and enjoy an EPIC breakfast with Santa Claus himself. Visitors can enjoy an immersive meet and greet experience that features delicious treats, a special keepsake activity and more. This event is part of EPIC H2olidays, the park’s special celebration that concludes with EPIC Family New Year on Jan. 1.

For more: epicwatersgp.com

Six Flags’ Holiday in the Park is back S ix Flags Over Texas’ popular seasonal feature, Holiday in the Park, is back and will run through Jan. 2. ‘Tis the season for glittering lights, delicious snacks, and a festive spin on your favorite rides.

Holiday in the Park offers an array of fun, family friendly features. Guests can gather nightly as Santa lights up a giant Christmas tree. They can experience the story of the Nativity with live animals and flying angels. They can sing along to holiday favorites at dazzling shows throughout the park.

Whatever they choose to enjoy, they’ll do it in the midst of holiday magic. Each night, millions of lights are illuminated at once by Santa in a magical moment. For the little elves in your family, head over to the Merry Marketplace to meet Santa Claus. After meeting Santa, venture into Casa Magnetica and celebrate Nochebuena in the park’s unique tilted

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house attraction. And be sure to check out dozens of rides and shows, as well as indulging in seasonal treats like hot chocolate, seasonal turkey legs, holiday snacks such as s’mores and more.

For more: sixflags.com/overtexas/events/ holiday-in-the-park

ACB Christmas Concert will be held on Dec. 7

T

he Arlington Community Band will present its Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. on Dec. 7 at Trinity United Methodist Church (1200 W. Green Oaks Blvd.) The band is conducted by Rick Backer.

The concert is free to the public and will spotlight an iconic local musical ensemble that will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year. Two founding members remain with the Arlington Community Band: Backer and flutist Velma Bogart. The band was started in 1982 with Ray Lichtenwalter as director. Bob Copeland was director for 16 years. Backer has been director since 2010.

Arlington Music Hall holiday-themed shows

A

rlington Music Hall (224 N. Center St.) will be your musical home for the holidays as the storied venue presents a number of Christmas-themed concerts.

• Dec. 3 (7 p.m.): Leap of Faith Dance & Performing Arts presents “The Nutcracker.”

• Dec. 4 (7:30 p.m.): Wynonna-Christmas, featuring country music legend Wynonna.

• Dec. 8 (7:30 p.m.): Christmas with the Beatles, featuring the award-winning tribute band Abbey Road. Satisfaction, a Rolling Stone tribute band, will play an opening set.

• Dec. 9 (5 and 8 p.m.): The Texas Tenors will present Deep in the Heart of Christmas, featuring the Emmy-award-winning band.

• Dec. 17 (8 p.m.): Chad Prather & Friends Christmas. Prather will share his many talents during this show.

• Dec. 18 (2 p.m.) Al Joslin-Blue Christmas.

Joslin is an award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist.

For more: arlingtonmusichall.net

Join the Kringle Village Holiday Hoedown at Knapp Heritage Park

T

he Kringle Village Holiday Hoedown at Knapp Heritage Park (201 W. Front St.) will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Dec. 3-5, 1012 and 17-19.

Children and adults of all ages are filled with the joy of the Christmas spirit thanks to fun activities such as Frosty’s Dance Party and Mrs. Claus’ reading of “The Night before Christmas.”

The hoedown also will feature music, dancing and a sing along, and Santa’s Helpers will be there to deliver letters to the jolly one himself.

There are scenic holiday photo opportunities throughout the event space, which will give visitors a chance to look back at how Christmas was celebrated in days gone by in the Historic Cabins. Seasonal treats, beverages and exclusive merchandise will also be available.

Shop local at the Happy Holidays Pop-Up Shop

S

hop Pantego, Simply Divune Café and Juice’d are partnering with 817ArtsAlliance to create the Happy Holidays Pop-Up Shop at 2230 W. Park Row Drive in Pantego. It will be open through Dec. 23.

The shop will be full of unique creations from local vendors. Shopping hours are 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Monday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.

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Local Dwellings

HOME SWEET! HOME ‘Home for the Holidays’ are magical words around our house during this special time of the year • By Judy Zuckerbrow

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M

y earliest Christmas memory is from 1953.

That was when my parents, two brothers, and I celebrated in our new home in Arlington. I was two years old. Since both parents had large families, we were always surrounded with joyful love and celebrations with family. Many Christmases have come and gone since then, but I still carry the love and joy for this glorious season of our Messiah’s birth.

My husband Howard and I have been married 44 years and have developed many traditions – always with family and always in our home together. When our sons were small, this season was so special. We saw the excitement on their little faces. Our hearts were warmed with love for our little family. The joy of family and Christmas has been a part of our lives that lives on in the homes of our two sons and their wives, as well as our six grandchildren.

Our festivities begin in our neighborhood on Christmas Eve’s eve with Dalworthington Garden’s finest parade of firetrucks, motorcycles and cars, all with flashing lights and sirens driving throughout the city. Santa arrives to visit with kids of all ages. Last year the Grinch was forced to ride on the back of the truck. Hopefully, he won’t be there this year.

Prepping for our family Christmas dinner begins early on the 24th.

Our grandchildren bake chocolate babkas, pies, cookies and sides, and decorate the table. Everyone brings their own special dish, and we gather for prayer holding hands, so thankful.

When the presents are opened, our eyes are full of love, and the little ones are anxious for bed. Howard and I drive to midnight services at First United Methodist Church in Cedar Hill.

Singing the songs in a candlelit sanctuary is such a beautiful way to welcome Christmas.

Photos: Landon Day

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LAST MONTH, we introduced people, places

and entities that earned our editorial nods in more than six dozen categories. Here is a closer look at three of the Editor’s Choice selections.

LUNCH

MaryLou’s M

aryLou’s restaurant and coffee shop operates out of the J.H. Harrison historic home built in Mansfield in 1915, and it offers a unique experience and ambiance not found in new construction buildings. Patrons can enjoy the comfort of indoor seating spaces or venture outside on the shaded wrap around porch and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere while having lunch or a cup of coffee. On the lunch front, MaryLou’s scores with the likes of chicken salad, tuna salad, egg salad and pimento cheese – all family recipes – and deli meats that are sliced on location to maintain freshness and flavor.

For more: marylous.net

NATURAL SETTING

River Legacy Parks T

here’s a whole lot to love about practically every view you find in Arlington’s River Legacy Parks, the 1,300-acre urban oasis following the curves of the Trinity River. The Parks’ ecological diversity of bottomland forest, wetlands and prairies provides abundant habitat for countless birds, fish, mammals and native plants. Whether you’re a hiker, biker, kayaker or simply a lover of nature, you’ll be routinely enthralled by what the city’s largest natural setting has to offer. And we can thank the River Legacy Foundation working hand-in-hand with the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department to ensure that we can continue to enjoy this local treasure.

For more: riverlegacy.org

PHOTOGRAPHER

Bruce Maxwell I

f you’ve lived or worked in Arlington over the past three decades, there’s a great chance you’ve met our selection in the photographer category. Bruce Maxwell, owner of BMAXX Enterprises and Bruce E. Maxwell Photography, has likely shot an event you’ve attended in the recent past, be it a wedding, sports contest, civic gathering or the proverbial more. He’s so affable that you’ve likely spoken to him, as well. The longtime photographer for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Arlington office also has roots in civic matters himself, serving as a mainstay in Arlington’s long-standing sister city relationship with Germany’s Bad Königshofen.

For more: brucemaxx77@yahoo.com

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THANK YOU FOR VOTING Thank you to all who voted for Pinnacle Bank.

It’s our customers that make us great!

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The Holiday Kitchen

A GUIDE TO

SAFE

COOKING PRACTICES

Arlington Fire Lieutenant Jasiel Zapata offers tips to help ensure that your holidays turn out just the way you planned

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A

s we approach the holidays, people will enjoy delicious meals and the activities associated with their preparation.

Unfortunately, a lot of cooking can lead to the potential for home fires. To help holiday revelers, Arlington Fire Lieutenant Jasiel Zapata provides some guidelines and tips to keep everyone safe during the special times people frequently gather for meals.

What can I do to make my cooking activities safe?

Lt. Zapata: Never leave your cooking unattended. You should always monitor what you are cooking in the event something goes wrong.

Keep children out of the kitchen to prevent them from being exposed to knives, electrical sources, or heat sources. Make sure you have properly installed and functioning smoke detectors in the area.

What can I do if I have a small fire while cooking?

Lt. Zapata: Always use extreme caution. If in doubt evacuate to a safe area. If applicable close the door behind as you leave the room and dial 911. If cooking on a stove top, you can slide a lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. If cooking in an oven, keep the door to the oven closed and turn off the heat. Once again always use extreme caution.

If I go with a turkey for a big meal, should I try deep frying it?

Lt. Zapata: Frying in general is more dangerous than other types of cooking because it usually involves a large amount of cooking oil, which is combustible. Both the National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratories discourage the use of open-flame fryers. Select a safer method to prepare your turkey. Keeping in mind a few simple fire safety guidelines during this holiday period will ensure you and your loved ones stay safe when cooking.”

Wondering what to do with leftover grease following a big holiday meal? Residents can participate in the North Central Texas Council of Government’s 2021 Holiday Grease Roundup through Jan. 10, 2022.

In Arlington, receptacles for used cooking oil are available as part of the holiday roundup at the following locations: • Woodland West Park (3200 Norwood Lane) • Bob Cooke Park (2025 Craig Hanking Drive) For more: DefendYourDrainsNorthTexas.com

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Local Heroes

HONORING SHERI CAPEHART Environmentalist, animal lover and community leader has the City’s Nature Preserve named after her • By Susan Schrock

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he Nature Preserve, known by park patrons as the gem of southwest Arlington, was dedicated last month in honor of Sheri Capehart, a passionate environmentalist, animal lover and community leader who is also Arlington’s longest-serving City Council member.

Capehart served as the District 2 representative from 2000 to 2020 and led the efforts to acquire what is now the 59-acre, scenic nature preserve at 5201 Bowman Springs Road.

She is the second of 11 trailblazers, civic leaders and faith leaders tapped by the City’s Honorary Naming Recognition Task Force to be recognized for their service or their contributions to the city. Past and present City Council representatives, volunteers who assist with the maintenance of the nature preserve, City leadership and community members were among the many who attended the dedication ceremony to celebrate Capehart’s lasting legacy.

“She hasn’t met a problem she couldn’t solve,” Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Victoria Farrar-Myers, who served as chair of the Honorary Naming Recognition Task Force, said during Monday’s ceremony. “She set a high example of 20 years of selfless service to this city. It gives us great honor to dedicate this preserve. Generations to come will realize when they see Sheri Capehart’s name, they are seeing someone who stood up and said that one person can make a difference. All it takes is heart, a little grit and a lot of motivation.”

Capehart said she was deeply honored by the City’s decision to dedicate the preserve in her name. The popular park destination, previously known as the Southwest Nature Preserve, opened as the City’s largest wildscape park on Oct. 19, 2013. It features three ponds, a fishing pier, a terraced outdoor seating and education area, a hike and bike trail, and more than 1,400 species of plants and animals.

Capehart said her parents instilled in her the intrinsic value of nature as she learned to garden, to identify birds by sight and song, to understand the land is finite and to appreciate the beauty of trees. She said she encourages, supports, and enjoys Arlington’s parks and green spaces for the opportunities they provide all people to experience nature.

“Yes, people need roads; yes, they need good water, they need fire and police, they need their trash picked up regularly. They need all those things, and that is what the City is here to provide” Capehart said at the event.

“But they cannot thrive without recreation and open space and places to

Photos: City of Arlington

The Nature Preserve, a local treasure located in southwest Arlington, was recently dedicated in honor of Sheri Capehart. The passionate environmentalist and Arlington’s longest-serving City Council member was feted by city dignitaries past and present during a special presentation at the preserve last month.

commune with nature and what God has given us. We need to protect this. We need to appreciate and value it and we need to understand what a true blessing it is to all of us.”

Arlington is unique in having the largest remaining portion of the Eastern Cross Timbers Forest, and Capehart’s advocacy led to revisions of the City’s Tree Ordinance that focuses on preservation of these native oaks. According to the Cross Timbers Urban Forestry Council in Arlington, the areas of ancient Cross Timbers still remaining are some of the last virgin North American hardwood forests.

The Nature Preserve’s habitats are also critical to many of the pollinators, including the Monarch butterflies. The City of Arlington has achieved the National Wildlife accreditation of Champion Status by completing the Mayor’s Monarch Challenge as a Monarch city, which includes providing waystations for migrating Monarchs and the planting of native milkweed. Additional environmental accreditations include Tree City USA from the Arbor Day Foundation and Bee City USA from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Capehart’s advocacy was a crucial part of each of these successful initiatives.

At the event, friends and colleagues said Capehart’s approach to municipal government was always about

the people and the quality of service the city provided to its citizens. Her passion for the natural environment was evident from the beginning of her tenure not only as a leader of the city, but as a member of and volunteer for numerous organizations whose focus aligned with her priorities.

Capehart represented numerous local, state, and national boards, including the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, Executive Board of the North Central Texas Council of Government, the Regional Transportation Council, Arlington Life Shelter, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the board of the National League of Cities, and as Executive Board Member of Sister Cities International.

Capehart, who also served as Deputy Mayor Pro Tempore and Mayor Pro Tempore during her time on Council, received the Sally Kallam Outstanding Leadership Award from Leadership Arlington in 2009 and the Woman of the Year Award in 2016 from the American Association of University Women.

“Sheri has done a great job of representing not only the interests of her district, but the city as a whole She’s a role model. She’s a consummate example of public service in the finest form,” former Mayor Richard Greene said during the dedication ceremony. arlingtontoday.com • December 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Finance

W

hen it comes to the bottom line, prudent business owners and savvy savers know that having the right connections can make a big difference. Getting to know – and then establishing relationships with – experts in the field of finance can help turn a surviving business into a thriving one, just as those practices can help individuals looking for ways to grow a nest egg find a veritable treasure. This month, we look at several local companies and individuals that specialize in enhancing your financial well being.

Pinnacle Bank Pinnacle Bank isn’t just in Arlington, it’s a part of the community. Through two local offices it offers the latest conveniences like online banking, mobile banking, free checking and online home loans, but its team members go further by committing to know your name and treating customers as neighbors. Because of that “above and beyond” approach, when you open an account, apply for a loan, apply for a mortgage or seek information on Texas mortgage rates, you know that the service you receive is based on your best interests. pinnbanktx.com/cities/banks-inarlington

Texas. With a philosophy that emphasizes building longterm relationships and treating everyone with integrity, caring and excellence, the team at Frost Bank has earned numerous awards for customer service to consumers and businesses. frostbank.com Parker & Richardson (Certified Public Accountants) Parker & Richardson is a firm large enough to offer a full array of accounting, tax and consulting services, but small enough to know each of its clients on a personal level.

Whether you need tax planning, tax return preparation, strategic or transactional consulting, small business consulting, business valuation, state and local tax assistance, or a full complement of other individualized services, you’ll find people who respond effectively to your needs and who are primed to help you 24/7. parkercpas.com

Re$ources These entities can help you make the most of your money SWBC Mortgage Arlington When you work with SWBC Mortgage Arlington, you gain access to a team of mortgage loan professionals who are ready to help you ease the stress – and realize the best result possible – as you buy a home. Its staff offers loan programs for almost any borrower. Whether you are a first-time home buyer, a veteran, need down-payment assistance, or whatever your unique situation, SWBC Mortgage team members are there to help you “find the happiest way home.” swbcmortgage.com/arlington Frost Bank Founded in 1868, Frost Bank provides a full range of banking, investments and insurance services across 42

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

Attorney Karen Schroeder Since 1994, Karen Schroeder has built a reputation on sound legal representation. Her areas of practice – Wills and Trusts, Elder Law and Guardianships, Asset and Wealth Protection, and Real Estate Law – consistently put her in a position to help her clients achieve desired effective and efficient results.

Because Schroeder has deep roots in the community in which she serves, clients get a professional and personable environment in which they feel comfortable and assured that their legal needs are understood and addressed by an attentive and caring attorney. karenschroederlaw.com

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Great food. Great atmosphere. Great Service.

Come in and try these Thai favorites: Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mow), Salmon Curry, Garlic Prawns, and of course, Pad Thai.

Dine-In and Take-Out orders

Large parties, celebrations, and other events are always welcome.

Lunch is served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and dinner is served from 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Monday through Saturday. Closed on Sunday. BYOB! 2500 N.E. Green Oaks Blvd. • 817-795-9188 facebook.com/rhaanthaicuisine arlingtontoday.com • December 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Scene

Snapshots of note from places and events in the Arlington/Mansfield/ Grand Prairie area

A Night With Nature

Photo: Edward Agura

A Night With Nature, held last month at the River Legacy Living Science Center, drew its usual enthusiastic crowd, as this shot and the next two show. A Night With Nature is one of four annual fundraisers to support environmental education at River Legacy Living Science Center and River Legacy Park.

Photo: Edward Agura

And a third photo from A Night With Nature

FDRTC holiday party Chaplain Rich Stoglin addresses the crowd during the Frederick Douglas Republicans of Tarrant County holiday party.

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For more great SCENE moments, visit arlingtontoday.com

Photo: Michael Sudhalter

Another festive shot from A Night With Nature

You can’t keep a good man down Despite suffering a tree-trimming accident that left him with a broken jaw and stitches, Grand Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen was back at work in short time, greeting visitors to the city’s Prairie Lights last month. Here’s to a speedy recovery for Mayor Jensen.

Photos: Southern Flair Photography

Members of the Frederick Douglas Republicans of Tarrant County pose for a group shot at the annual holiday party.

arlingtontoday.com • December 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Tailgating with the Cowboys

Photo: arlington.org

Photo: espn.com

HOME FIELD ...

Photo: dallasnews.com

Photo: bloggingtheboys.com

... ADVANTAGE Photo: Dallas Cowboys Tailgate Nation

Photo: tailgateconcierge.com

When it comes to supporting the home team, Arlington tailgaters are second to none

Photo: travelchannel.com

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Photo: star-telegram.com

Photo: starsportstours.com

arlingtontoday.com • December 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Behind the Wheels

CHEVROLET’S SINGULAR SENSATION • By Richard Greene

A

Jack Sheedy stands with his 1966 Chevrolet Corvair, the only mass-produced American car with an air-cooled engine in the rear.

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priority in our monthly classic car series is always the story. While the vehicles are forever stunning in appearance, it’s the story that goes with them that makes it something worth writing about.

In all the history of American car production, the Chevrolet Corvair remains the only mass-produced passenger car with an air-cooled engine in the rear – where you usually find the trunk.

Chevrolet was so committed to the transformation in compact cars during the 1960 decade that they marketed the Corvair as a 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, convertible, 4-door station wagon, passenger van, commercial van, and even a pickup truck.

This 1966 Corvair Monza owned by Jack and Judi Sheedy was one of the approximately 1.8 million produced from 1960-1969 in seven of GM’s domestic plants and six of the company’s foreign locations.

There was even a concept Corvair in 1966 – same year as the Sheedy’s – labeled as the Electrovair II and as the name implies, it was an experiment for replacing the gasoline engine with an electric motor. Problem then was the high cost of the batteries and offering a driving range of only something like 40-60 miles.

It was so well ahead of its time, we wouldn’t see much of any such cars until about now – some 50 years later.

So, with all that history of this one-of-a-kind rear engine automobile, why have many of you who are reading this never seen one or, if you have, likely long forgotten about it?

The answer comes with the rest of the story, following a bit of research.

Heralded when first Photos: Richard Greene introduced in 1960 the Corvair won accolades from, among others, Motor Trend Magazine declaring it as the Car of the Year, Time Magazine featured it on their cover proclaiming it as the forerunner of a new age of innovation, and Car and Driver magazine said the 1965 model was the most important new car and the most beautiful since before World War II. >>>

While the 1966 Corvair has a number of attractive and practical features, what sets it apart from other cars of its era is the 164 Turbo-Air, 140-horsepower engine that sort of resembles a giant, six-legged red spider (far left).

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Then trouble came when the Corvair’s reputation (and GM’s altogether) was damaged with accusations about its handling ability in consumer protection activist Ralph Nader’s 1965 book, “Unsafe at Any Speed,” which influenced the adoption of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act in 1966.

The company, having been hit with more than 100 lawsuits, saw sales cut from 220,000 units in 1965 to less than half that number in 1966. By 1968 production had fallen to less than 15,000 vehicles, and, a year later, the last Corvair rolled off the assembly line.

Never mind that by 1972 Texas A&M University had issued a safety commission report that concluded the Corvair presented no greater potential for loss of control than its competitors.

That same year, an independent advisory panel of engineers reported the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s findings that the Corvair compared favorably with contemporary vehicles.

Now Jack and Judi have a nearly perfect example of the 50

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

Corvair’s role in American automotive history. And their connection with it traces its origin to the time when she had one in the late ‘60s when they were dating. “We wanted to see if we could find one like her’s,” Jack says, “and eventually discovered what we have now.”

When he spends time going over all the features, Jack likes to share with those admiring his car that his favorite moment seems to be when he opens what most believe is the trunk and proudly shows off the 164 Turbo-Air, 140-horsepower engine that sort of resembles a giant, six-legged red spider.

The Sheedys share their memories and current experiences with about 100 fellow members of the North Texas Corvair Association, itself a chapter of the Corvair Society of America. It seems the once-celebrated “forerunner of a new age of innovation” is not to be forgotten.

The Chicago Tribune summed up the reason 25 years after Corvair’s demise in an article reporting the Standard Catalog of American Cars, describing it “perhaps the most significant automobile of the postwar era.”

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UTA Today

UTA’s School of Social Work/Smart Hospital Building was made possible by a partnership between the university and the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation.

Image: UTA

UNIVERSITY TEAMS WITH THE CITY ON NEW FACILITY

UTA breaks ground on School of Social Work/Smart Hospital building • By Jenny Gumbert

F

or decades, The University of Texas at Arlington has worked in partnership with the city of Arlington to create a thriving community for students and city residents. That partnership continues with last month’s announcement of a $1 million matching gift from the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, the city’s charitable arm, in support of the University’s new School of Social Work/ Smart Hospital Building.

UTA broke ground on the new facility in February, and work continues with a projected completion date of November 2022. The 150,000-square-foot building will be the new home for UTA’s School of Social Work and the College of Nursing and Health Innovation’s (CONHI) Smart Hospital, ushering in a new era of interdisciplinary learning and collaboration between the two programs.

The gift serves as a dollar-for-dollar challenge grant with the goal of inspiring alumni as well as other members of the Maverick community to take part in bringing the state-of-the-art facility to life. Gifts donated in support of the building will be matched by the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation up to $1 million.

“Our gift recognizes the incredible contributions graduates of the School of Social Work and the College of Nursing and Health Innovation are making in the health and wellness of people throughout the North Texas region,” says Carolyn Mentesana, executive director of the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation. “Through this matching gift, we hope to inspire Mavericks to have a hand in creating a space that will benefit UTA and its students, as well as Arlington.”

Arlington Mayor Jim Ross says the foundation’s gift is both a recognition of the partnership between the University and the city of Arlington as well as an investment in the city and its residents.

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“UTA has contributed so much to our city through its graduates who are working every day to create healthier and happier communities,” says Ross, who also serves as chair of the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation’s board. “This new facility will help both the University and Arlington continue to grow and flourish.”

UTA graduates the most nurses in Texas and has one of the largest nursing programs in the nation. In 2021, the nursing program was once again designated a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing, considered the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education.

For more than 50 years, UTA’s School of Social Work has promoted excellence in research, teaching and service to create educational opportunities for students and their communities with the goal of achieving a just society. The Master of Social Work program offers specialties in Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Aging, Community and Administrative Practice, Children and Families and Health and is consistently ranked among the best in the nation.

By creating an environment where both social work and nursing students can collaborate and innovate, UTA will graduate a new generation of social work and health care professionals uniquely equipped to meet the critical needs of North Texas communities.

“This generous matching gift from the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation brings us one step closer to completing a world-class facility that will benefit current and future students, North Texas, and beyond,” says Teik C. Lim, interim president of UTA. “This is a transformational opportunity for the Maverick and Arlington communities to join together to create meaningful impact.”

For more: uta.edu/giving/impact/ssw-sh.

LOVE YOUR PETS?

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Scene

Snapshots of note from places and events in the Arlington/Mansfield/ Grand Prairie area

For more great SCENE moments, visit arlingtontoday.com

Timeless Concerts Jade Prather, Cheryl Grable and Kirby Grable at the November Timeless Concerts event that presented German music to the crowd at Holt Hickman Center in east Fort Worth

Photos: Timeless Concerts

Young arts supporters of the future: Wytha Sarvis, Myreel Linton, Addison Evans and Charisse Allen at the Timeless Concerts event. The next Timeless Concerts performance will be the Valentines Special and Fundraiser at 8 p.m. on Feb. 12 at the Rose Garden Tea Room at Gracie Lane.

Men Serving God The Men Serving God event at the Levitt Pavilion drew a nice crowd, which was treated to inspirational and challenging messages from an array of speakers.

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Thomas Henry, Marcia Henry and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Signo at the Timeless Concerts performance

Special volunteers

Photo courtesy of Jerry McCullough

Judy Bell and Cynthia Baskette McKenzie were honored for their volunteer service with the Tarrant County Child Protective Services Board and the Community Partners of Tarrant County. Paul Padilla, Chairperson of the Board, made the presentation.

Photos: Terry Ip Photography

Former Mayor Jeff Williams, Jerry McCullough and Jonathan Evans at the Men Serving God event, which was held at the Levitt Pavilion

Bulletin Board Arlington Public Library can help you find a job Looking for a job? The Arlington Public Library is offering assistance to residents wanting to prepare for the job market. JobNow (shorturl.at/zCJOP) is a database that is available for all library cardholders. This resource offers the following services: • Create and edit resumes • Live resume experts • Interview coaches • Job resources • Interview tips • Career assessments • Recorded workshops like “Best practices for using social media in your job search” JobNow Coaches are also available every day from 2 to 11 p.m. on the JobNow website listed above. Arlington librarians will also be hosting a series of information sessions. These sessions are intended to help patrons get a good understanding of this resource. These are open at the following days/times/places this month: • Wednesday, December 8, 4 - 5 p.m. at the East Library and Recreation Center • Wednesday, December 15, 4 - 5 p.m. at the East Library and Recreation Center

Grand Prairie introduces a special art initiative

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he City of Grand Prairie Public Art Program is inviting local artists to compete for spots on a public art commission to create art on Traffic Signal Boxes located throughout the city.

The City will accept proposals based on two themes this year. The first theme is “hearts,” indicating love, kindness, unity, openness, acceptance, and friendship; as well as Grand Prairie being located in the heart of the Metroplex. The second theme is Purple Martins.

Deadline to apply for the art commission is 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 31.

For more: http://ow.ly/HfjV50GPTA9

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Learning about the National Medal of Honor

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edal of Honor recipient and Arlington Today columnist Major General Pat Brady visited Duff Elementary School last month to answer students’ questions about the Medal of Honor and military service, as part of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation’s Leadership Institute education program.

“It is the solemn responsibility of me and my fellow veterans to teach the next generation of Americans the true cost of freedom, by telling the stories of the brave women and men who sacrificed everything for our country,” says Maj. Gen. Brady. “I relish every opportunity to talk to young people about the important work the NMOHMF is doing.”

Maj. Gen. Brady watched a performance by the fourth grade choir and shared what it means to have the National Medal of Honor Museum in their backyards.

Two area school employees presented with Trusted Hero awards by Texas Trust CU

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exas Trust Credit Union recently honored 38 school employees in nine North Texas school districts as Trusted Heroes. Recipients each receive up to $250 and recognition for their positive contributions during the COVID pandemic in the 2020-21 school year.

Heroes include food service workers, school bus drivers, counselors, custodians and maintenance staff, nurses, and teachers. Here are the Arlington/ Mansfield/Grand Prairie area honorees: • Matt Bostick, a physical education teacher at Duff Elementary in the Arlington Independent School District. Dedicated to keeping everyone healthy by staying physically fit, he created a weekly workout video offering exercise tips for students and adults that they could do at home while schools were closed.

The videos were distributed via the district’s social media channels, enabling anyone who followed the district to benefit.

• For cafeteria manager Phyllis Jackson with Grand Prairie Independent School District, ensuring students were eating healthy during the pandemic was her top priority. Although schools were closed, Jackson and her team continued to prepare fresh meals daily that they packaged and distributed through the school’s drive-up food line, which Jackson organized.

Jackson made sure that all families were greeted with a smile and friendly face as they came to pick up food, regardless of the weather. Jackson also stepped in many times to help other campuses prepare food when they were short-staffed.

Mansfield is one clean city

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uring the recent Community Litter Cleanup Challenge, 494 volunteers in 36 cleanup events in Mansfield collected 633 bags of litter, resulting in six tons of trash. The effort helped the city be named the third cleanest of the 15 cities competing.

Texas Rangers announce initiatives to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary in 2022

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he Texas Rangers last month announced several initiatives to celebrate the club’s 50th Anniversary season in 2022, including a special logo and the schedule of promotional giveaway dates.

Many of the 2022 giveaways will commemorate individuals and events from the Rangers’ first 50 years in Arlington. The starting times for 2022 games at Globe Life Field were also released.

The club had a promotion in November during which it allowed fans to purchase tickets for all 2022 home games, except the March 31 opener with the New York Yankees, for just $10 each. An initial promotional schedule that includes 30 giveaways was also released. It features bobbleheads of Adrian Beltre, Juan Gonzalez, Charley Pride, Ivan Rodriguez, Nolan Ryan, Jim Sundberg, and Michael Young, and sets of Rangers baseball cards for each of the five decades. There will be also be replica jersey t-shirts from 1972, 1984, and 1994, a commemorative Nolan Ryan pitching rubber, and a 50th anniversary Mt. Crushmore statue featuring the top four home run hitters in club history: Gonzalez, Rafael Palmeiro, Ivan Rodriguez, and Beltre.

To assist fans in selecting games for purchase, the club announced its starting times for all 2022 home games. The regular game times will remain the same: 7:05 p.m. for weekday night games, 6:05 p.m. for Saturday night games, 3:05 p.m. for Saturday day games in June and July, and 1:35 p.m. for Sunday games. There are also seven 1:05 p.m. contests on selected Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Texas has scheduled a 3:05 p.m. start for the season opener on Thursday, March 31 vs. the New York Yankees and will play the Yankees on Saturday, April 2 at 1:35 p.m. due to a 2022 WrestleMania event taking place that evening at AT&T Stadium. All game times are subject to change.

arlingtontoday.com • December 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Keen Cuisine UPSCALE

Chamas do Brazil

Chamas do Brazil • 4606 S. Cooper St. • 817-618-2986 • chamasdobrazil2.tru-m.com Cut & Bourbon • 1600 E. Randol Mill • 682-277-4950 • loewshotels.com/live-by-loews-arlington-texas Mercury Chophouse • 2221 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 910 • 817-381-1157 • mercurychophouse.com Piccolo Mondo • 829 Lamar Blvd. E. • 817-265-9174 • piccolomondo.com Restaurant506 at The Sanford House • 506 N. Center St. • 817-801-5541 • restaurant506.com

AMERICAN Candlelite Inn • 1202 E. Division St. • 817-275-9613 • candleliteinnarlington.com Dino’s Subs • 2221 S. Collins St. • 817-274-1140 frieddaze • 5005 S. Cooper St., Suite 159 • 817-472-6666 • frieddaze.com No Frills Grill • 4914 Little Road • 817-478-1766 • 1500 Eastchase Pkwy., Suite 1200 • 817-274-5433 2851 Matlock Road, Suite 422, Mansfield • 817-473-6699 • nofrillsgrill.com

Dino’s Subs

The Grease Monkey • 200 N. Mesquite St. • 817-665-5454 • greasemonkeyburgers.com J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill • 400 E. Abram St. • 817-274-8561 • jgilligans.com

MEXICAN / TEX-MEX Cartel Taco Bar • 506 E. Division St., Suite 150 • 817-200-6364 • carteltacobar.com El Arroyo • 5024 S. Cooper St. • 817-468-2557 • elarroyoarlington.com El Gabacho Tex-Mex Grill • 2408 W. Abram St. • 817-276-8160 • facebook.com/elgabachotexmex Fuzzy’s Taco Shop • 510 E. Abram St. • 817-265-8226 • 4201 W. Green Oaks Blvd. • 817-516-8226 1601 E. Debbie Lane, Mansfield • 817-453-1682 • fuzzystacoshop.com La Isla Restaurant • 2201 E. Pioneer Pkwy. • 817-459-1498 • laislarestauranttx.com

Cartel Taco Bar

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

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

INTERNATIONAL Prince Lebanese Grill • 502 W. Randol Mill • 817-469-1811 • princelebanesegrill.com R'haan Thai Cuisine • 2500 N.E. Green Oaks Blvd. • 817-795-9188 • facebook.com/rhaanthaicuisine

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R’haan Thai Cuisine

arlingtontoday.com • December 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Speaking of Sports

UTA hoops coaches primed for success

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ollege Basketball is a coach-driven sport. Now any coach will tell you that a coach is only as good as the players on the team. But of course in college basketball it is the coach who picks the players for the team. So as we begin another season of hoops at UTA we look to the coaches with hope and pride.

One the product of a military family who learned respect and discipline at home. The other’s father was a coach, and in this case the apples don’t fall far from the tree.

Copperas Cove, Texas, is only a couple of hours south of Arlington, and yet it looks a lot different. There are hills there, big hills that almost look like mountains. Where there are mountains, there are valleys, and where there are valleys there are echoes. Echoing through the valleys of this proud military town you might still hear the name Shereka Wright.

The second-year head coach of the Mavericks Women’s basketball team put the Cove on the map just two decades ago. In 2000 she was named USA Today Player of the Year and Gatorade Player of the Year. She led her team to a 118-10 record in four years and still holds the record for points (3269), rebounds (1148) and blocks (220). She was a three time All American at Purdue and then played in the WNBA before injuries sent her to coaching.

She started her coaching career in the cradle of women’s basketball coaches, Lubbock. She was an assistant coach on the Red Raiders staff for seven seasons. During stops at Alabama and Vanderbilt she established herself as a great recruiter and was tabbed to bring her wealth of experience and success to Arlington.

On the UTA women’s basketball page there is a video: “Shereka Wright hometown Visit.” Do yourself a favor and watch it. The trip to “the Cove” includes a stop at her Junior High Gym, where the Bullpups never lost a game and interviews with the husband/wife team that were her Junior High and High School coaches.

Sammey Townsend remembers those junior high years fondly. “No drama ever,” Townsend recalls. “The best parents, and I’ve already told you that coaching a military

Shereka Wright

Greg Young Photo: fortworthbusiness.com

kid is one of my favorite experiences.”

Who wouldn’t like coaching children from military families? Especially when they help you to a 38-0 record, like Shereka did in her eighth grade year.

Her family background paid dividends when she played high school ball for Skip Townsend, too. As mentioned, her teams were 118-10 over her career.

The hills around Cleburne, Texas, aren’t nearly as big as those in Copperas Cove. No one would confuse them with mountains. There are no valleys to speak of, but this small Texas town proudly produced the other new coach at UTA. Well, he is new to the head coaching role.

Greg Young has been on the bench for the Mavs for over a decade as an assistant to two previous head coaches. Like Shereka, Greg learned discipline and respect for his craft at home. His dad was a longtime coach. And following in his footsteps was a given.

After excelling in three sports at Cleburne, Greg got his first coaching opportunity in a familiar place. At Cleburne high school. Jeff Cody hired him as an assistant in 1990.

Cody told the Cleburne Times Review that Greg was like family and that he was elated that Young got this opportunity.

“I’m thrilled for him and his parents,” Cody told the John Rhadigan Times-review. “His daddy was a longtime coach, and they’re still so close. He’ll do a great job because he’s a great coach.”

UTA Athletic Director Jim Baker has filled the two highest profile positions at the University in the past 18 months. His choices are logical and wise. Both coaches worked hard for the opportunity, both coaches learned their work ethic at home, both homes were in Texas.

Look for both to have great success recruiting in this talent-rich state. Both have a history of recruiting great players.

So, if a coach really is “only as good as the players,” then look for both to have great success in Arlington.

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

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Itinerary ARLINGTON’S OWN PENTATONIX will perform at 7 p.m. on Dec. 22 at Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie (1001 Performance Place).

The multi-platinum selling recording artists have sold roughly 3.5 million albums in the U.S. alone, won two Grammy Awards, sold out venues worldwide, have amassed more than 1.5 billion views on their YouTube channel and appeared in the feature film “Pitch Perfect 2.” Their latest release, “Pentatonix,” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and Current Albums Chart and is certified gold by the RIAA. The first single, “Can’t Sleep Love,” has more than 20 million views on YouTube. The group’s holiday album, “That’s Christmas To Me,” is certified double platinum by the RIAA. texastrustcutheatre.com

Dallas Cowboys football The Cowboys will host just one game this month when the longtime rival Washington Football team plays a visit to AT&T Stadium on Dec. 26. Kickoff is set for 7:20 p.m. for the prime-time Sunday night matchup. dallascowboys.com Photo: dallascowboys.com

Downtown urban Urban market Market On Dec. 9 (4-8 p.m.) and Dec. 19 (noon-5 p.m.) you can go to Legal Draft (500 E. Division St.) to purchase produce, art, baked goods, apparel and more. There’s live music and plenty of great beer on tap, to boot. downtownarlington.org Photo: arlingtonmuseum.org

POSSIBLY THE LARGEST EXHIBIT OF ORIGINAL ANTIQUE MAPS OF AFRICA EVER IN NORTH TEXAS is currently on display at the University of Texas at Arlington’s Central Libraries’ Special Collections (702 Planetarium Place). The 190 items represent only a portion of more than 500 maps recently donated to the University by UTA Distinguished Alumnus Dr. Jack Franke (class of 1987). The exhibit is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, except on Holidays. Admission to the exhibit is free. events.uta.edu

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NCAA post-season Post-season football Two huge playoff games will be held at AT&T Stadium this month. First, there’s the Big 12 Championship at 11 a.m. on Dec. 4. There there’s the championship semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at noon on Dec. 31. attstadium.com Image: Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

Finish Line

Christmas in the mountains

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or more than 50 years our family has celebrated Christmas in our Arlington homes. There have been three of them over time, and it’s where traditions have evolved, and cherished memories were made.

Always in preparation for the big day, our family gathered on Christmas Eve and listened as my wife’s father annually reminded us with St. Luke’s account of why we recognize this time among the most valued in the practice of our faith.

To review the quickly passing years all we need to do is pull out the photo albums containing countless pictures taken on every one of these occasions. In them we can see our children growing up, adding their spouses to our celebration, welcoming grandchildren along the way and being blessed when there were four generations present around the tree and among the decorations that adorn our home.

Then came the passage of time and annually feeling the loss of those with whom we could no longer share what had become our season of great joy. Fittingly, the practice of reading from the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke is now in the hands of the great granddaughter of the one who started the tradition for our family.

I’m sure what I’ve described is similarly shared by countless others who could tell the same stories that make Christmas time truly special in the journey of each of their own lives.

Last year we had a new experience in a different place.

It was in the cabin on the side of a mountain among a vast range of the oldest mountains on earth. We had family with us, of course, but it was all very unlike other years.

For one thing, as we concluded our annual Christmas Eve viewing of the original Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” it began snowing, and we awoke the next morning to a magnificent White Christmas. The snow covered everything. In all directions, it seemed an almost unreal scene thrilling our imagination.

• By Richard Greene

Our location was in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina in the Nantahala National Forest. The scenery throughout that whole part of the country is much different than our home state. Okay, Texas has its own kind of beauty, that we’ve been enjoying for more than five decades.

This time it was very special. And, not just around the cabin. The small mountain towns and villages offer a great variety of the holiday landscape. They range from those with highly decorated main streets through the center of town to others laid out in a square surrounding a courthouse gleaming with lights and scenery to the delight of everyone.

As you wind through curvy mountain roads and over the hills, you can see the Christmas morning view from the porch. nighttime glow of these places even before you arrive.

Prominent among them is the town of Dahlonega in northern Georgia where the mountains mark their southern origins.

Southern Living Magazine calls it the perfect Christmas town. The writer describes it all as a whimsical holiday world draped in twinkling lights and, along with horse-drawn carriages, it’s “Hallmark Worthy.”

Interestingly, our hometown has something in common with Dahlonega (minus the mountains, of course): Its season is kicked off with a festive parade and the lighting of a massive tree all attended by the town’s citizenry decked out in winter attire. Just as we gather in the center of our city to celebrate the season Arlington-style.

It all looks familiar enough to remind us that there is no other time on the calendar when we are seemingly brought together and pause long enough to realize that we share a common bond across the land and, for that matter, throughout the world.

You might imagine that I’m going to conclude this month’s column with a proposition that if you are looking for something different in late December (while at the same time, somewhat familiar) we’ve a suggestion for you.

Richard Greene was Arlington’s mayor from 1987-1997 and currently teaches in UT-Arlington’s graduate program of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs.

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