June 2020

June 2020

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At Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, our mission is to not only improve the health of our patients, but that of our entire community. It’s why our care is more than just advanced, it’s also compassionate. With respect for every person, and a commitment to your well-being in all facets of your life, it’s real care, with real caring.

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1-877-THR-WELL TexasHealth.org/Arlington Doctors on the medical staffs practice independently and are not employees or agents of Texas Health hospitals or Texas Health Resources. © 2020

Mavericks Make a Difference

Elisabeth Berglund

A

Colten Philpott

Elizabeth Hahn

cross Texas and beyond, thousands of Mavericks are providing

Cody Meyers

Erick Jones

Elizabeth Hahn (’13 BS, Architecture), who works for a large commercial general contractor in North Texas, is using her laser cutter to make face shields, a personal protective equipment

essential care and support during the

(PPE) item that’s in constant demand. Similarly, the FabLab

COVID-19 pandemic—and proving how

in the Central Library created face shields and masks for JPS

The University of Texas at Arlington community is a force for good.

Health Network and the local community.

“This pandemic has made me realize how many people I know in the health care community,” Hahn says. “They shouldn’t have to worry about PPE. They have much more important things to worry about.”

Nursing senior Elisabeth Berglund is serving as a paramedic for COVID-19 patients until June 1 at The Bubble, a converted indoor football facility in New York City.

“It was a call to action,” Berglund says. “I feel UTA prepared me for this experience.”

Colten Philpott (‘16 MBA; ‘15 MHA; ‘14 BS, Biology), his mother, and his sister care for coronavirus patients in North Texas. His mom, nurse practitioner Tamara Holt (’96 MSN), and sister Twila Green (’13 BSN), an ICU nurse, have experience

Cody Meyers (’11 BBA) keeps the pantries stocked at the North Texas Food Bank, where demand has steadily increased.

As a major gifts officer, he faces challenges of supply chain interruptions from increased bulk shopping, filling orders, and raising funds.

Erick Jones, professor of industrial, manufacturing, and systems engineering, is developing a rapid-response supply chain designed to quickly deliver COVID-19 medications, once they are available, to vulnerable urban populations in Texas.

fighting a deadly virus—they work at a Dallas hospital that in 2014 treated a patient with Ebola.

“It’s been an incredible medical education,” Dr. Philpott says of

FIND OUT MORE AT UTA.EDU/NEWS.

helping COVID patients. He is a first-year emergency medicine resident in Fort Worth.

UTA.EDU

CONTENTS June 2020 • Volume 7 • Issue 6

HIGHLIGHTS 42

50

‘GRATS, GRADS! Saluting the Class of 2020 See page 26

58

24 DEPARTMENTS Starting Line 10 This ‘n Data 12 • Scene 20 Around Town 22 • Style 56 Bulletin Board 64 National Medal of Honor Museum 66 Keen Cuisine 68 • Speaking of Sports 70 Itinerary 72 • Finish Line 74

24 Pantego Christian Academy ... This private, faith-based school has been setting a standard of excellence for more than half a century.

28 A school year to remember ... Here are some high points at local educational institutions in the midst of a most-interesting time.

40 A grad, at last ... 50 years after leaving to serve, Vietnam War veteran Steve Kennedy earns a UTA degree.

42 A family heirloom ... Social distancing results in this month’s car feature, which turns the spotlight on an automobile that was ahead of its time.

46 Local heroes ... These entities are stepping up to help their community as everyone adapts to the era of coronavirus.

50 Business beat ... This month, we meet corporate leaders who excel both in the office and in the community.

54 Celebrating the (four) fathers ... While you’re honoring your favorite dad this month, we pay tribute to a quartet of historicallly significant local patriarchs, who changed our city – and region – in major ways.

ON THE COVER Pantego Christian Academy graduates Izzy Alexander, Evan Sweezey, Claire McCord, Natalie Freeman, Kati Jo Turner and Jonah Harrison, with Head of School Dr. Kathy Ferrell. Read all about PCA on page 24

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62 The road(s) to success ... Here’s the latest update on various roadwork projects going on in the City of Mansfield.

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• STARTING LINE

EXECUTIVE BOARD Executive Publisher Judy M. Rupay CEO Richard Greene

SCHOOL DAZE

A

commencement address to the Class of 2020 (and to the public at large, given that we’re all learning some lessons during these strange times): First off, congratulations are in order. Not only have you successfully completed an important phase of your life, you’ve accomplished that under some unusual – and often trying – circumstances.

I suspect that, right now, you’re feeling a bit gypped. You headed to spring break expecting to flourish in whatever you conceived respite to be, but even in your wildest dreams you couldn’t have expected the kind of departure from “normal” that emerged pretty much the day you walked off campus.

While the initial moments of the extended vacation were probably a bit refreshing – it isn’t Yale often that the state not only lets you play hooky but Youngblood requires it – the “Groundhog Day”-like extended vacation began to grow weary after the newness Editor wore off.

You might not have missed calculus, but you sure missed Cal ... or Traci ... or Aaron ... or Hannah. Heck, you probably even missed Mr. (fill in the blank with the name of your most nondescript teacher), if just because his class meant you got to go to class. For 13 years, going to class has been what you do, and not doing it left a void like few you’ve ever experienced.

Then you missed your prom, and the magnitude of all the missing really hit home.

Meanwhile, a lot of people, not the least of whom rent tuxedos and sell fancy dresses or pricey corsages and take portraits, also became part of a collective missing that you might not have even thought about. And Mom and Dad, for sure, shared in your misfortune, especially if you’re the first of their offspring to graduate.

Indeed, you and yours – even some of the yours you don’t know – missed out on a lot of the things you were expecting to enjoy during your final term as a high school student.

However ...

While the current view seems grim, the retrospective one won’t, so much. You don’t learn this lesson in a classroom, but every experience evolves into a story. And your story will include memories of school leaders parading down your street just to laud you, often bearing gifts in the process. You’ll share about the time you were “adopted” online by some total stranger who became a dear friend simply because he/she tried to make things better. Some of you will get to talk about the time you – and not Dak Prescott – were the focus of attention at AT&T Stadium. All of you will, in a sense, be immortalized simply because you are members of the graduating “Class of Coronavirus.”

While you don’t understand this now, you will eventually realize that in all of the missing, you actually found something: A place in history. Some day, the members of a senior class will be studying you. How many grads can say that?

yale@arlingtontoday.com

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EDITORIAL Editor Yale Youngblood Sports Columnist John Rhadigan Special Columnist Major General Patrick Brady Website & Social Media Manager Bailey Woodard Contributing Graphic Artists Francisco Cuevas, Susan Darovich Contributing Writers O.K Carter, Kenneth Perkins Contributing Photographers Dwayne Lee, Heather Lee, Bruce Maxwell SALES / CIRCULATION Business Manager Bridget Dean Sales Managers Laura DiStefano, Amy Lively, Andrea Proctor, Debbie Roach, Tricia Schwartz Distribution Manager Hanna Areksoussi PRODUCTION Production Manager Susan Darovich ARLINGTON TODAY is published monthly.

Copyright 2020 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.

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ARLINGTON TODAY GIVES BACK Arlington Today magazine proudly sponsors the AWARE Foundation, the Junior League of Arlington, The Salvation Army and Theatre Arlington.

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• THIS ‘N DATA

TEIK LIM NAMED UTA INTERIM PRESIDENT

L

ast month, Teik Lim was appointed interim president of the University of Texas at Arlington, temporarily filling the void left by the March resignation of Vistasp Karbhari.

“He is an accomplished and experienced academic administrator, and I believe the university will benefit from his leadership as interim president at this time,” University of Texas System Chancellor James Milliken said of Lim in a university-wide email that addressed the change.

Lim had been in the role of administrator in charge of UTA since Karbhari stepped down on March 19.

The search for a new university president has been temporarily paused to address COVID-19 and its effects, Milliken said, adding that the UT System wants to ensure it is able to receive attention and participation from the best candidates around the country. Plans to launch the search will be communicated with the university in the weeks ahead.

CHAMBER IS A FINALIST FOR A PRESTIGIOUS HONOR

T

he Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce has been named a finalist for the 2020 Chamber of the Year competition, the most prestigious award presented annually by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).

The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce has been named a finalist for the 2020 Chamber of the Year competition, the most prestigious award presented annually by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).

Last month, ACCE announced 12 Chamber of the Year finalists in four categories. The categories are organized by size of membership, revenue and the community served. The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce was named a Category 3 finalist along with the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce and the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership.

“To be recognized by our peers as one of the best of the best is humbling and gratifying,” says Michael Jacobson, President & CEO of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, “All facets of our organization – our board, our members, our staff – are aligned to deliver on our mission. This recognition demonstrates our tagline is spot-on: Together, We Succeed.”

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ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

Teik Lim Photo: theshorthorn.com

Celebrating Kindness REPUBLIC SERVICES has purchased meals for its employees and their families each week to show appreciation and support for crews, as well as local businesses. This includes lunch at work and a take home meal for a family of four from local restaurants such as Tipsy Oak, Grease Monkey, Marquez Bakery, Fred’s Downtown Philly, Dino’s Subs and others.

Republic Services also began giving each front-line employee a $100 gift card every other week and encouraged their employees to use those gift cards at small locally owned businesses.

“This is just another way for us to let our guys know how much we appreciate them and their hard work in serving the Arlington community,” says Richard Gelowicz, Arlington Business Unit manager. “And since our daily operations are based in Arlington, doing this also helps with supporting the community we serve.”

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• THIS ‘N DATA

Picture this ...

It’s not often that local residents get to see a Black-bellied Whistling Duck, but here is a couple with their recently hatched chicks about two days out of their eggs. Audubon explains that their breeding in North Texas is uncommon, as their main habitat is in the Southern reaches of the state and into Mexico. The young are tended by both parents and quickly find all their own food as they are doing in the Wimbledon Creek. Their name comes from the predominately black feathers on their underside and the occasional whistling sound they make.

THE TEXAS RANGERS will begin hosting First Look Tours at Globe Life Field on Monday, June 1. Fans can tour the brand-new facility for the first time, providing guests with the first look at a number of behind-the-scenes aspects of Globe Life Field. Tickets are on sale to the general public at texasrangers.com/tours and are available online only.

RAISE YOUR HAND if you knew that Dave Nelson was the first Texas Ranger to play in the field during a Major League All-Star game.

He did that in 1973, getting in an inning at third base (alas, he didn’t get to bat) during the American League’s 4-3 loss to the National League at Atlanta’s Fulton County Stadium. In that same game Jim Spencer had a pinch-hit appearance. If you’re a longtime Rangers historian, you might wonder why the feats of Nelson and Spencer were a club first, given that the Rangers started playing a year earlier. The team’s All Star in 1972, Toby Harrah, was injured and didn’t get to participate in the All-Star game.

1. The Arlington Public Library has reopened select locations at reduced capacity. The Northeast, East Arlington, Southeast and Lake Arlington Branches are open for in-person service from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The Library’s other three locations will continue to offer curbside service only.

3

SCOOPS

2. River Legacy Nature Center is offering virtual summer camps this year as a response to the coronavirus pandemic. There will be week-long programs offered in June and July focused on wildlife, ecology and the environment. The curriculum will be tailored to the child’s age and will include at-home activities coupled with video lessons filmed at the Nature Center. For more: riverlegacy.org/summer-classes.

3. The Arlington ISD student meal plan, which started March 16, surpassed the one-million meal mark last month. The student meals assure anyone 18-and-under can get 12 meals a week during the school closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

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15

• THIS ‘N DATA

KINDESS HAS ALWAYS BEEN AT THE HEART OF THE ARLINGTON TOMORROW FOUNDATION

#atpetofthemonth

I

n last month’s issue, Timi Hazle, Arlington’s resident Kindness Lady and chair of the Kindness Commission, told us about how #ArlingtonKindness is shining a light on thousands of points of kindness in Arlington. In these dreary, scary COVID-19 days, there is no better therapy than what the Arlington Kindness Initiative provides.

Arlington Kindness, however, was around long before COVID-19 and long before the Arlington Kindness Initiative formally began in 2017. You could probably go back to 1876, when Arlington was founded, to find a foundation of kindness from the very beginning, but let’s focus on 2007. That was the year that the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation was formed.

Arlington was receiving a windfall from leasing the minerals under Arlington’s land-first bonus payments and then future royalty payments. This was no small windfall. It was a LOT OF MONEY. It would have been easy for the Arlington City Council to find the current squeakiest wheels and start greasing them. But that is not what happened. Instead, the Council directed the City to create the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation and fund it with the revenue from the minerals that were leased. All told, $100 million was contributed to the Foundation’s corpus with the restriction that grants be made from the corpus’ earnings.

The City Council no doubt knew they were doing something significant, but they probably did not know how far-reaching and meaningful it would be. The earnings from that money have been a foundation for funding kindness and charity in Arlington ever since, as more than $27 million dollars have been invested into the future of Arlington so far. That number will only continue to grow.

To be sure, there have been headliner beneficiaries and signature projects. The Levitt Pavilion, the Downtown Arlington Library, and the River Legacy Living Science Center are just a few of the landscape-changing projects that might not have been completed if not for the Foundation. However, the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation is much more than that.

Every year, dozens of local charities are supported by the Foundation, both big and small.

Mission Arlington, Meals on Wheels, Open Arms, and Arlington Life Shelter, among many others, have all been supported by the Foundation. And just last month, the Foundation sponsored North Texas Giving Tuesday, resulting in $448,000 for Arlington charities.

It is tempting to feel isolated and a bit discouraged these days. But take time to notice the good all around us. Thousands of points of kindness shine all over this city. The Arlington Tomorrow Foundation shines among the brightest.

– Paul Johnson, Chair of the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation Citizens Advisory Committee

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ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

This is Kona. This sweet girl will be 15 on July 17th this year! We bought her from a breeder who was out in front of the Parks Mall almost 15 years ago.

– R.J. Newman

APPARENTLY, WE LOVE OUR GRUB

H

ouseholds in the Dallas-Fort Worth area spend an average of $7,330 annually on food items – in a region where the average household income is $78,854 – meaning we spend 9.3 percent of our income satisfying our collective appetites. According to SmartAsset.com, that places the Metroplex 14th in the nation in food spending.

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valedictorian Bowie High School Yen Duyen Le University of Texas at Arlington Biomedical Engineering

valedictorian Arlington High School

valedictorian Martin High School

Farah Ahmad University of Texas at Arlington Engineering

Payton Smith Texas A&M University Microbiology Pre-Medicine

valedictorian Sam Houston High School Madison Nguyen University of Texas at Arlington Nursing

valedictorian Arlington Collegiate High School

valedictorian Lamar High School

Valeria Gonzalez Texas Wesleyan University Business Management

Jenna Losh University of Texas at Arlington Business

valedictorian Seguin High School Tracy Nguyen University of Texas at Arlington Aerospace Engineering

Salutatorian Arlington High School Fatima Alaredhi University of Texas at Arlington Biomedical Engineering

Salutatorian Arlington Collegiate High School

Salutatorian Lamar High School

David Murguia University of Texas at Arlington Mathematics (Actuarial Science)

Joseph Khair University of Texas at Austin Biomedical Engineering

Salutatorian Seguin High School Katherine Le University of Texas at Austin Engineering

Salutatorian Sam Houston High School

Salutatorian Bowie High School

Eduardo Rodriguez-PiĂąa Southern Methodist University Computer Science/ Music Composition

Kevin Vu University of Texas at Arlington Software Engineering

Salutatorian Martin High School Sabrina Lu University of Texas at Austin Neuroscience/Interdisciplinary Studies

SCENE Snapshots from various local scenes depicting how folks in the Arlington / Mansfield/ Grand Prairie area have been forging ahead during these interesting times (Photos courtesy of the people/groups featured)

Mansfield’s Parks & Recreation Department has introduced Virtual Recreation to allow residents to take advantage of the programs they love from the comfort of their homes.

Local financial advisor Derrick Kinney (right on screen) has drawn quite an audience during recent television appearances.

Amira Kobty, who helped found Prince Lebanese Grill, celebrated her birthday last month.

Professional chef and Arlington native Katie Seelye has taken to YouTube and Facebook to offer cooking tips.

Volunteers with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County deliver meals to local residents in need.

Belinda Reed of the Eunice Activity Center delivered flowers and gifts to the center’s moms on Mother’s Day.

Mayor Jeff Williams introduced Play Ball MLB, featuring at-home exercises to instill a love for the game while families social-distance.

The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation partnered with local restaurants to provide meals to health care workers at Medical City Arlington.

Photos courtesy of David L. Cook

Spencer and Amy Cearnal take advantage of drive-thru service during a break from their work at Front Real Estate Co.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

Carl Cravens presents a donation from Affiliated Bank to Lt. Timothy Isreal to help support The Salvation Army’s Youth Education Town.

Terry Gaines did some nifty welding work on a gate at the home of his friend, Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce President Michael Jacobson.

Sue Phillips relaxed outdoors with a good friend.

Geraldine Mills, director of the Arlington Historical Society, took in some rays with James Mills.

One of last month’s area-wide highlights was the flyover by the Blue Angels to honor the work of the nation’s healthcare providers. This shot was taken in Mansfield.

Melisa and Daryle Perez prepared meals that were part of a Mansfield Mission Center project that provided food, financial and medical assistance to needy families in the city.

Raul Gonzalez celebrated Mother’s Day with his mom Martha.

Downtown Arlington Management Corp. President Maggie Campbell hosted Episode 4 of DAMC’s “Downtown Arlington Roots” podcast.

UTA Researcher Erick C. Jones was recently named a fellow of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers.

For more great SCENE shots, visit arlingtontoday.com

During “Operation Thank a Hero,” employees of Park Place Motorcars Arlington delivered pizzas to the front line team at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital. (Left) Jimi Durmisi of Joe’s Pizza and Park Place’s Marco Lopez prepare to load a car for delivery. (Right) Park Place’s Malcolm Gage drops off pizzas to TH Arlington Memorial’s Vicky Popplewell. arlingtontoday.com • June 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

21

• AROUND TOWN

NOTHING CAN STOP CARSON FROM CARING

J

une is a charmed time in the Bold domiciliary because that’s where Carson Cares began, innocently – even, you might say, prophetically – on the front lawn of the family homestead in the central part of town where the homes are modest yet tenets are high.

Carson Bold was six, pint-sized in stature but gigantic in heart. Even then the precocious kid with the dark hair and round face yearned to do something far beyond his loftiness. He wanted to give money to SafeHaven, the nonprofit servicing domestic violence victims where his mother, LaShaunn, worked, and where he’d noticed something he rarely experienced under his own roof: despondency.

Carson’s aspiration was Kenneth simple, really. He’d been Perkins there, saw the emotional toil, wanted to help by giving what he had materially and emotionally. So he did by doing what adorable little kids can get away with on summer mornings: setting up a run-of-the-mill lemonade stand, a diminutive entrepreneur in the making. He pocketed $22, all of which he forked over to SafeHaven.

Now 20, an Arlington High School alum and rising Southern Methodist University junior majoring in marketing, Carson – and his legacy – endures. That lemonade stand turned into Carson Cares, a full-fledged service organization that plugs a number of needs: a community in wanting of things and a community wanting to help provide those things. The lemonade stand grew into LemonAID Stand and Yard Sale, earning a couple thousand dollars and, still earmarked for SafeHaven, allowing the kids there to bask in fun activities during the summer with enough left over for monthly stocking stuffers for the holidays.

Perhaps more importantly, though, Carson Cares has become

Photos: Carson Cares

a sort of Pied Piper of Service, lassoing kids from elementary age to high school seniors under its service tent, doling out help all year long to aid everyone from Mission Arlington and the Arlington Pregnancy Center to the Alliance for Children. Its own Season of Giving event is an impressively massive enterprise, taking over the Bailey Junior High cafeteria in assembling shoe boxes full of toys earmarked for overseas children who might otherwise see nothing on Christmas morning.

Our current pandemic pivot has been troubling, to say the least, for those in need, and frustrating for service organizations wanting to fill that.

Saturday, June 20, is the date for the big LemonAID Stand and Yard Sale, now held in the parking lot of Pantego Christian Academy, on Park Row. Yet while the state has eased COVID-19 restrictions, big gatherings remain a problem area, so Carson Cares has teetered between a virtual yard sale and a real one with masks and social distancing.

“It’s difficult to sit here with ideas and not be able to carry them out,” says Carson, who had just polished off his last college final. “The need is even greater than it was before all of this.”

No sheltering in place for Carson Cares, though. Since the Big Shutdown, the group has still managed to write Thank You notes to first responders, partnered with a church to provide Easter eggs at Mission Arlington, and, while they couldn’t meet with residents of a rehab center, went to Plan B: putting encouraging messages on the bulletin board for them to see.

Of course, it’s not the same thing, especially for the young service soldiers chopping at the bit to do more.

“We’re trying to be innovative,” says LaShaunn, who has helped steer the ship in Carson’s absence, especially last summer when his study abroad trip to China prevented him from attending the 12th LemonAID. “That’s the frustrating part. People need us. We’re still here, and the kids are really eager to help. So we have overcome that and just figure out other ways to help.”

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 • June 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

Uplifting notes are just a small part of what Carson Cares is all about.

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• COVER STORY

PANTEGO CHRISTIAN ACADEMY This private Christian school has been setting a standard of excellence for the past 57 years

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n June 19, Pantego Christian Academy will honor the peers, teachers and families. They have been amazing leaders for Class of 2020 with a graduation ceremony celebrating 43 the younger students of Pantego Christian Academy. Our school outstanding, unique students – who, despite facing trying seeks each student’s God-given fruits and uses them to grow God’s circumstances that curtailed their time at the school, managed kingdom. This is what PCA is all about!” mutually to personify the values represented by the school.

As the members of this class move on, their PCA experience has “The Class of 2020 is collectively prepared them for new challenges a group of hard-working, Godat institutions of higher learning honoring young men and women such as Savannah College of Arts that have shown strong faith, and Design in Georgia, Loyola humility, perseverance and Marymount University in California, positivity during this time of Belmont University in Tennessee, ABOUT THE SCHOOL adversity,” says Carrie Weems, PCA the University of Alabama, the • Established in 1963 parent of two (one is graduating; University of Texas, Texas A&M, • Private Christian School serving ages 18 months to the other will be a sophomore).

Abilene Christian University, 12th grade • Address: 2201 W. Park Row Drive “They continue to focus on the Stephen F. Austin, Texas Tech, Baylor, • Phone: 817-460-3315 amazing memories they made Texas Christian University and • Email: admissions@pantego.com at PCA and take these cherished Dallas Baptist University. One soon• Total enrollment 2019-2020 School year: 554 memories with them as they look to-be former student will partake • Association of Christian Schools (ACSI) Accredited • Average ACT score for PCA student: 29.2 (state forward to their bright futures.” in World Race, an 11-month, worldaverage 20.6) They also earned $3.2 million wide mission trip. in merit scholarships – and the “They are a small class but ALL SCHOOL ACCOMPLISHMENTS amount is still growing, says Patty mighty!”

Patty Kulpa says. “They • Pantego Christian Academy Gives Back: an all-day Kulpa, PCA Director of College & give of their talent in their churches community service where students of all ages (18 months to 12th grade) serve the Arlington community.

Academic Advising. and communities. Their class mission • High School freshman, sophomore, junior and seniors This year’s graduating class trips to Mississippi, New Orleans take mission trips at the end of each school year to is extremely diverse. It features and Brownsville had them helping Houston, New Orleans, Brownsville, and Jamaica artists going to prestigious art impoverished areas with a smile serving others and spreading the Word.

• Panther Pals: 4th and 5th Grade students are paired schools, a foreign exchange and enthusiasm. They lead worship with PreK through 3rd grade students for mentoring, student going to culinary school, services at school and in their learning, and giving back to the community. athletes playing D1 football and churches musically and in small and • Junior Panther Program: High School student athletes college baseball, civil engineering large groups.” mentor our younger generation of athletes in elementary school. students, students pursuing the In essence, they personify the • Rooted: Better Together Women’s Program: Parents medical fields to practice medicine philosophy that has been at the heart of PCA host a women’s event to inspire other women or nursing, as well as students who of a Pantego Christian Academy and spread the Word. will major in film directing. About education for more than half a a third of the members of the century. Serving students from 18 graduating class will attend college out of state. months through high school, PCA administrators see the education “These seniors’ academic strengths, leadership abilities, theatrical of each child as a partnership among the school, parents and the talents, musical talents, athletic abilities, spiritual maturity and church. artistic talents are all what make this class special,” Patty Kulpa “No one slips through the cracks; all students are met where says. “There is so much contagious spirit in this group of kids! They they are and brought to where they’d like to be, or where we know ran the all-school overnight retreat that was one of the best in ages! they can be,” Dr. Kathy Ferrell, Head of School, says.

The Class of 2020 has exemplified loving camaraderie amongst their To that end, the school focuses on Christian Education, with 24

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

Biblical integration in all subjects, thus honing the mind, body and soul of every student who sets foot in a classroom. Because of the comprehensive nature of the PCA experience, students are well prepared for college – or wherever the next step leads them.

Prospective families should know that PCA is about being “As One” in the community and among its families. PCA’s strong belief in growing together in Christ, showing love to all, supporting those in need and celebrating successes is what makes the school a comfortable, peaceful, and incredible place to learn and grow.

While she is currently Head of School, Dr. Ferrell has served in many capacities since coming to PCA in 2011, notably as Learning Differences Coordinator, Middle School Principal and Elementary Principal.

The native Texan grew up in Fort Worth. She received a bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University in 1992, a Master of Education from the University of North Texas in 1999, and a Doctor of Education from Texas A&M-Commerce in 2015.

In 2011, she joined the faculty at the school at which her oldest daughter attended.

She was hired at Pantego Christian Academy to start the Learning Lab, a one-of-a-kind program in the private school realm that provides additional support for students with learning differences. Her success in that position spawned the subsequent administrative advances. She was named Interim Head of School in August 2019, and in December 2019, she was named Pantego Christian Academy’s Head of School.

Since assuming that position, she has initiated a program for older elementary students to mentor younger students (Panther Pals). She has started a ladies event (Rooted) to encourage women and strengthen their relationships, and is establishing a scholarship fund to help support children who have lost a parent.

Dr. Ferrell has been married to Shane Ferrell, an Arlington business owner, for 25 years, and they have three children. Their oldest daughter, Blair, graduated from Texas A&M University last month with a degree in Landscape Architecture. Caroline is a full-time nursing student at the University of Texas at Arlington, and Cooper is an incoming senior at Pantego Christian Academy.

Pantego Christian proudly serves more than 550 students, who partake in a unique curriculum that focuses on the aforementioned partnership among the school, parents and the church. Classes each student takes in order to graduate include Bible, English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, Fine Arts, Physical Education and Electives. Since 1993, the school has produced 11 National Merit Finalists, 24 National Merit Commended, two National Achievement Scholars and three National Hispanic Recognition Scholars.

In addition to the academic regimen, PCA students can participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, from fine arts to athletics, as well as service organizations designed to help them grow and demonstrate their faith. Regardless of the endeavor, everything that takes place at Pantego Christian Academy reinforces the Christian values on which the school was founded. In turn, teachers and students grow together through their faith over time.

The leadership at Pantego Christian Academy takes pride in the school’s diversity, its affordability (notably in the Early Childhood Academy for ages 18 months to PreK) and its ability to maximize the educational experience for all its students and their parents.

To assist with financing, PCA provides tuition assistance to help families defray the cost of a quality Christian school education.

“We are a family,” Dr. Ferrell says. “Teachers have one-on-one relationships with the students. Our families support and love one another. We experience loss and success together. When life happens, PCA is there for one another and the community.”

For more: pantego.com.

Photo IDs: (1) Natalie Freeman, Kati Jo Turner, Claire McCord and Izzy Alexander; (2) Natalie Freeman, Evan Sweezey, Katie Jo Turner, Claire McCord, Jonah Harrison and Izzy Alexander; (3) Jonah Harrison; (4) Kati Jo Turner; (5) Head of School, Dr. Kathy Ferrell arlingtontoday.com • June 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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celebrating

Congratulations to our 2020 8th Grade Graduates We are so proud of your efforts to earn more than 992 high school credits!

Arlington Classics Academy Primary Intermediate Middle School 2800 W. Arkansas Ln. 2800-B W. Arkansas Ln. 5200 S. Bowen Rd. 817-274-2008 817-303-1553 817-987-1909 Strength • Wisdom • Courage • Vigilance • ACAEDU.net

R A E Y R L E O MB O H ME C S E A R TO

• EDUCATION

Here are some high points at local institutions in the midst of some – shall we say? – very interesting times

Quite a class!

With Portia Egbu earning valedictorian honors and Brooke Alantz and Cameron Anderson sharing salutatorian honors, members of the 2020 graduating class at St. Paul’s Preparatory Academy were accepted to 53 colleges/universities and offered $1.1 million in scholarships.

UTA honors grads online

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he University of Texas at Arlington honored its graduates last month with an online celebration, “Cheers! To the Class of 2020.” The virtual event featured students’ favorite memories and moments and recorded remarks from campus leaders.

UTA plans to invite its spring 2020 graduates for an in-person celebration when circumstances and health guidelines make it possible.

There were more than 6,000 graduates, with the newest graduates joining more than 230,000 UTA alumni. Included in that count is approximately 2,000 graduates of the College of Nursing and Health Innovation, 365 of whom are prelicensure nurses who will enter the workforce and help Texas’ efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

The faculty and staff at St. Maria Goretti Catholic School made special graduation deliveries to all the 8th Grade students after the COVID-19 pandemic cut the school year short – on campus, at least.

Here is the work of some talented Arlington Classics Academy Middle School artists.

St. Joseph Catholic School got creative with one of its traditions, and the students had a ball during “Totally 80’s Virtual Field Day.”

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ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

The entrance to Arlington ISD’s Wimbish World Language Academy got a face lift while students have been sheltering from home.

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Arlington venues to host high school graduations

hen the Arlington ISD originally announced it would hold its 2020 graduation ceremonies at the University of Texas at Arlington’s College Park Center, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) had not issued graduation procedures.

Upon learning that ceremonies couldn’t be held indoors, the district immediately began working on a new graduation strategy with Charlotte Jones, executive vice president and chief brand officer, Dallas Cowboys.

They offered AT&T Stadium as a host site to Arlington ISD students and parents. The stadium’s convertible roof makes the facility an outdoor venue that meets TEA guidelines.

“We are humbled and grateful to the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Arlington Youth Foundation and Charlotte Jones for their extraordinary expression of generosity,” says Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, superintendent, Arlington ISD. “For our more than 4,000 seniors at seven high schools we know that being able to graduate in a beautiful location with their classmates and families present will be more meaningful than ever.”

M

ansfield ISD last month announced that in-person graduation ceremonies will be held for its class of 2020 seniors. Amidst the social distancing guidelines set due to the coronavirus outbreak, it was overwhelmingly clear that the desire of the MISD community was to hold a traditional ceremony as long as the proper safety precautions were taken.

To honor that wish and to ensure that a reasonable number of guests can safely and comfortably attend, the graduation ceremonies will be held at Globe Life Field in Arlington. The ballpark is the new home of the Texas Rangers that features a retractable roof.

The 2020 Graduation Schedule: June 2: Legacy High School, 9:30 a.m.

“This is a classic example of the Arlington way,” says Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams. “When a problem presents itself, our community works together and figures out a way to solve it. Our graduating seniors deserve to be celebrated and thanks to the creative thinking of the Dallas Cowboys and AISD, these seniors will get a graduation they’ll never forget.”

The 2020 Graduation Schedule: June 5: Lamar High School, 3:30 p.m.

June 6: Arlington High School, 10 a.m.

June 6: Seguin High School, 3 p.m.

June 6: Martin High School, 8 p.m.

June 7: Arlington Collegiate High School, 10 a.m.

June 7: Bowie High School, 3 p.m.

June 7: Sam Houston High School, 8 p.m.

AT&T Stadium will be hosting in partnership with the Arlington ISD and the Arlington Fire Department to provide the safest graduation possible. Strict safety protocols will be in place for the ceremonies including health screenings and social distancing for all students and guests.

June 2: Summit High School, 2:30 p.m.

June 2: Timberview High School, 7:30 p.m.

June 3: Lake Ridge High School, 9:30 a.m.

June 3: Mansfield High School, 2:30 p.m.

June 3: Frontier High School, 7:30 p.m.

If interested parties are unable to attend an in-person ceremony, all graduations will be streamed live at mansfieldisd.org/news-events/ misdtv-productions. Information about the number of tickets per graduate and receiving tickets will come from the campus principal. Information about health screening protocols that will be conducted prior to entry can be found at shorturl.at/bcnt0. There will not be a separate graduation ceremony for The Phoenix Academy. Academy high school students will participate in their home campus graduation.

arlingtontoday.com • June 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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The Oakridge School’s Cary joins science team

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adison Cary, an eighth-grade student at The Oakridge School was recognized by the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and the University of North Texas Department of Learning Technologies as a Teen Technology Research Scientist. Cary joined 13 other Teen Technology Research Scientists on a project that investigated digital usage and the impacts of COVID-19 changes upon screen time.

A drive-by graduation honored students of Primrose School of NE Green Oaks.

42 students from Venture have graduated this year

D

espite the school closure because of the COVID-19 pandemic, students from Venture, the district’s high school for students who thrive in non-traditional settings, were able to graduate.

Eighteen students graduated from Venture in March.

In April that number jumped to 24, giving the school 42 graduates since schooling returned with the At-Home Learning Hub. “We’ve really worked with all our students, but especially our seniors who were really looking forward to graduating early or on time,” Venture High School principal Greg Meeks says. “They were getting a little antsy as they were trying to catch up or meet their goals. Through our teachers supporting them and us being flexible, we’ve been able to get that done.”

Mansfield Cares scholars

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ach year, Mansfield Cares leads a project to award scholarships to deserving Mansfield ISD students. Recipients are chosen for their accomplishments, both academic and personal, their short essay of a given topic and their need for financial support to attend college.

This year’s winners are: Kindall Keaton, Lake Ridge; JenniLee Johnson, Legacy; Erin Barrett, Mansfield; Ranya Ali, Timberview; Gregory Dey, Summit; Sabeen Al Bashiti, Lake Ridge; Bianca Nwaefulu, Mansfield; Kaylie Hert, Summit; Rolake Feyistetan, Timberview; Devon Cooper, Frontier; Zaid Rabbani, Frontier; Ernesto Rodriguez, Lake Ridge; Yuliana Fabela, Legacy; Macie Patterson, Mansfield; and Oscar Garza-Topete, Timberview.

MISD’s Cantu chosen to COVID-19 task force

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ansfield ISD Superintendent Dr. Kimberley Cantu was chosen to be part of the School Superintendents Association (AASA) COVID-19 Recovery Task Force. AASA launched the advisory panel to provide assistance to district leaders as they grapple with the challenges caused by the coronavirus that forced the shutdown of tens of thousands of schools across the country. The task force consists largely of superintendents.

Photos courtesy of the respective schools

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ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

To the Mansfield ISD

Class of 2020 This isn’t the way we would have imagined the year to end, but you did it!

You have held your head high through the postponements and cancellations, and you have been the epitome of one of Mansfield ISD’s core values — resiliency.

You’ve weathered the storm. You’ve proven that life will throw you curveballs, but it’s the way you respond that shows your true character. We are so proud of everything you have been able to accomplish, and we know that you’ll conquer your goals in the next stage of life as well.

Seniors, we love you, and we wish you nothing but the best in your next chapter.

Sincerely,

Superintendent Dr. Kimberley Cantu

Christopher Phan Frontier High

MANSFIELD ISD VALEDICTORIANS 2020

Richard Libed Lake Ridge High

Juliana Neniel Mansfield High

Katelyn Pasierb Legacy High

Trina Le Summit High

Sydney Su Timberview High

Congratulations Class of 2020

Thien Ly Nguyen Valedictorian

Ryan James Gale Salutatorian

National Merit Commended Scholars Andrew Benkowski, Lucine Devejian, Drew Emrich, Annie Emrich, Ryan Gale, Jacob Marquardt, Connor May, Angel Nguyen, Thien Ly Nguyen, and Drake Varga

The Class of 2020 currently has scholarship offers exceeding $13.4 million.

We congratulate them for their tremendous effort and success.

4501 Bridge St., Fort Worth, TX 76103 | 817.457.2920 | www.nolancatholic.org

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S , C L A S S O F 2 0 2 0 www.theoakridgeschool.org Dylan Benjamin Nick Campbell Rachel Castillo Ross Chavez Helena Chen Jacob Choudhry Coco Cornell Luisa De Vuono Hannah Didehbani

Edwin Escobar Briauna Gervais Vanessa Gonzalez Nick Hauk Mason Heiskell Heather Hellwig Casey Hendrixson Nick Hill Linge Huang

Madeline Hubbard Clayton Jiles Eric Johnson Karli Karanges Joshua Kleinhaus Rosalind Krabill Raegan Lane Mark Le Tram Le

Lauren Lee Shelby Leenhouts Anthony Leland Annie Li Corbin Liang Alicia Lim Yuna Liu Jacob Lopez Alex Luong

Emilio Martinez Josh Martinez Jeremy Mehlmann Matthew Milam Macie Moody Madison Musser Thuy Truc Duyen Nguyen Emily O’Connor

Maya Ogle Cristian Otero Sylvana Pinto Teixeira Michael Romo Annemarie Roos Dexter Roper Brian Sackey Taryn Salako

Marisa Sauls Emma Kate Schecter John Schoening Roman Scott Hajer Shahin Lucas Short Gurleen Singh Colin Skinner

Cayden Smith Vivian Snyder Emily St. Clair Grayson Stephens Mercedes Swinney Jinglong Tang Jacqueline Todd Elizabeth Trimble David Wang

Jiayuan Wang Parker Wayland Alita Whitaker Nicole Williams Josh Wilson Bingjiang Xia Christa York

Valedictorian Hannah Didehbani plans to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Salutatorian Eric Johnson plans to attend Emory University, and Salutatorian Alita Whitaker plans to attend The University of Pittsburgh.

Map graphic by Oakridge Visual Arts student Lilly Deane.

WHERE WE GO FROM HERE...

OUTSIDE TEXAS

The University of Alabama American University The American University of Paris Arizona State University The University of Arizona University of Arkansas Auburn University Belmont University Biola University Bradley University Bryn Mawr College Butler University (College of Fine Arts) California Lutheran University California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo University of California, Davis University of California, Riverside University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Barbara University of California, Santa Cruz Carthage College Chapman University College of Charleston University of Charleston Clark Atlanta University Clark University Clemson University University of Colorado at Boulder University of Colorado Colorado Springs Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University Concordia University - Irvine University of Connecticut Creighton University

University of Denver Drake University Eckerd College Emory University (Scholars Program) Fashion Institute of Technology Florida A&M University University of Florida Fordham University Franklin University Switzerland George Mason University The George Washington University Georgia Institute of Technology University of Georgia Grand Canyon University Hampton University Harding University Hendrix College Hofstra University Howard University Hult International Business School - San Francisco IE University - Segovia University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Indiana University at Bloomington The University of Iowa University of Kansas Kent State University Lake Forest College Lewis & Clark College LIM College (Laboratory Institute of Merchandising) Lindenwood University Long Island University, Post Louisiana State University Loyola Marymount University

100% of our

University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Miami Michigan State University University of Minnesota, Twin Cities University of Mississippi Missouri University of Science and Technology Monash University Montana Tech of The University of Montana Morehouse College University of Nebraska at Lincoln North Carolina A&T State University The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill North Country Community College Northern Arizona University The Ohio State University Oklahoma City University Oklahoma State University The University of Oklahoma University of Oregon Otis College of Art and Design Pace University, New York City Pacific Lutheran University Pennsylvania State University Pepperdine University Philander Smith College University of Pittsburgh Polimoda International Institute of Design and Marketing University of Portland Providence College University of Puget Sound Purdue University Reed College

76 graduates accepted by 159 colleges & universities

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhode Island School of Design Rutgers University-New Brunswick Saint Louis University, Madrid Sam Houston State University Samford University University of San Diego University of San Francisco Savannah College of Art and Design School of the Art Institute of Chicago Skidmore College University of South Carolina University of Southern California Spelman College SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Swarthmore College Syracuse University University of Tennessee, Knoxville The Crown College of the Bible The New School - All Divisions Trinity Washington University Tulane University University of Tulsa Union College (New York) University of British Columbia - Okanagan Campus University of Utah Washington College University of Washington Washington and Lee University Whitworth University Willamette University College of William & Mary University of Wyoming

TEXAS

Abilene Christian University Austin College Austin Community College Baylor University Dallas Baptist University University of Dallas Hardin-Simmons University University of Houston University of the Incarnate Word Lamar University University of North Texas Prairie View A&M University Schreiner University Southern Methodist University Southwestern University St. Edward’s University Stephen F. Austin State University Tarleton State University Texas A&M University Texas Christian University Texas Southern University Texas State University Texas Tech University Texas Wesleyan University The University of Texas, Arlington The University of Texas, Austin The University of Texas, Dallas Trinity University

T H E O A K R I D G E S C H O O L I S A C O E D C O L L E G E P R E PA R AT O R Y S C H O O L S E R V I N G S T U D E N T S A G E 3 T H R O U G H G R A D E 1 2 .

The Oakridge School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, physical disabilities, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, financial aid, and other school sponsored programs.

65 Years of Academic Excellence - Spiritual Formation - Servant Leaders 65 Years of Academic Excellence - Spiritual Formation - Servant Leaders

Please Email Or Or CallCall Judy de la at at Please Email Judy dePena la Pena admissions@smgschool.org for a Virtual Tour admissions@smgschool.org for a Virtual Tour

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

Congrats to the 8th Grade Graduating Class of 2020!

Celebrating 25 years of excellence in Catholic education.

St. Joseph Catholic School provides students with a safe and prayerful learning environment, enveloped by an intimate community of active and faithful families. Find out more about our family-oriented Pre-K4 - 8th grade Catholic school community!

Please email bdoering@stjosephtx.org for more information or a virtual tour.

2015 S.W. GREEN OAKS BLVD • ARLINGTON, TX 76017 817-419-6800 • stjosephtx.org 34

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

#teamRJ

Congratulations to this

Special Class of

2020 Seniors

817-412-9899 • rj-construction.com

! s n o i t a l u t a r Cong JULIA BONNER MANSFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

The

CLASS of 2020 FACT:

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

BALANCED LEARNING® WAY:

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

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

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

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ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

Winner 2017-2019 Readers’ Choice

All Star

All Star Educational Preschool/Day Care

ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

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

2 0 2 0

Congratulations!

M A T T H E W PA L A D I N I CLASS of 2020

N O L A N C AT H O L I C H I G H S C H O O L

2 0 2 0

Congratulations!

ELIZABETH PROCTOR CLASS of 2020

N O L A N C AT H O L I C H I G H S C H O O L

EXPERIENCE THE PCA DIFFERENCE TOURS ARE AVAILABLE WITH PROPER HEALTH PRECAUTIONS FOLLOWED!

18 MONTHS - 12TH GRADE WWW.PANTEGO.COM ADMISSIONS@PANTEGO.COM

2201 West Park Row | Arlington, TX 76013 arlingtontoday.com • June 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

37

’s S t .

P aul P A reparatory

cademy

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

Valedictorian Portia Egbu

Salutatorian

Brooke Alaniz

Congratulations Class of 2020!

Josue Cuevas

Azaria Davis

Constance Fyfe

Martin Hernandez

Zoe Hughes

Jeremy Ingram

Isaac Neuzil

D’Vaughn Rogers

Salutatorian

Cameron Anderson

St. Paul’s Class of 2020 graduates were accepted by 53 colleges and universities for a combined total of $1.1 million in scholarships.

“Our family business is protecting your family business.”

www.LivelyLLP.com

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Lively and Associates 301 Commerce Street, Suite 2900 • Fort Worth, Tx 76102

817.338.1030 • Fax 817.338.1050 38

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

! s n o i t a l u t a r g n o C GRADUATES Class

of

2020 from

ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

• UTA TODAY

A GRAD, AT LAST 50 years after leaving to serve, this Vietnam War vet earns a UTA degree • By Devynn Case

A

t age 75, Steve Kennedy has graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington. It took more than 50 years, some dusty paper transcripts and teamwork from administrators in the College of Liberal Arts to make it possible.

In 1967, Kennedy was nine hours shy of completing his history degree from what was then Arlington State College when he received his commission in the U.S. Army. He had to leave school to begin training as an infantry officer and helicopter pilot.

A year later, Kennedy said a temporary goodbye to his new wife, Wilma – the “cute little red head” he had met at Six Flags Over Texas – and departed for Vietnam. Kennedy eventually logged nearly 1,200 hours of flight time in a UH-1 “Huey” helicopter, ferrying troops and running resupply missions.

“I’m the luckiest sucker that ever put on a flight helmet,” Kennedy says.

When he returned to civilian life, he spent the next three decades raising a family – two children and five grandchildren – and working in telecommunications. All along, he wished he had gone back to finish his UTA degree.

“I spent a great deal of time thinking about it,” says Kennedy, now retired for 13 years and living in DeSoto with Wilma. “What would it take for me to go back and finish? I always regretted that I didn’t complete my degree.”

Fast-forward to fall 2019, when UTA history student Joe Carpenter decided to interview Kennedy, his father-in-law, for an oral history project. The course was Introduction to Military History, taught by James Sandy, assistant professor of instruction.

After completing the project, Carpenter approached Sandy about the possibility of Kennedy receiving his degree. He didn’t tell his father-in-law what he was up to. “He deserves this,” Carpenter says.

“I couldn’t think of a greater way to honor a man who has been such an inspiration and such a valuable mentor.”

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ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

Here is Steve Kennedy’s reaction when he learned he had been awarded a degree from UTA. (Photo: UTA)

Sandy then approached UTA History Department Chair Scott Palmer, who embraced the idea.

“It only seemed proper to recognize the man for the amount of work he put in at UTA,” Palmer says. “That’s exactly what the College of Liberal Arts is supposed to be about: serving individuals, understanding the experience of others and trying to relate how one’s personal experience fits into a larger story.”

Enter Eric Bolsterli, assistant dean for the College of Liberal Arts.

After researching Kennedy’s academic record, Bolsterli discovered paper copies of old transcripts and old course catalogs. He went over them and realized that, thanks to five decades of changes in degree requirements, Kennedy actually had enough credit hours to graduate.

“This is not an honorary degree,” says Elisabeth Cawthon, dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “Steve Kennedy did the work – he earned this degree.”

Carpenter and Cawthon then hatched a plan to surprise Kennedy with the news that he would soon be a college graduate. They invited him to campus under the pretense of meeting Sandy, the history professor who had assigned the oral history project.

After they all gathered in a conference room, the dean told Kennedy he would be a college graduate. Kennedy leaned back in his chair, tears in his eyes and hands covering his mouth.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he said. “I am overwhelmed. This is unbelievable. My mind is totally blown.”

Cawthon says Kennedy is an inspiration to others who have had to leave college but never gave up on their dreams of earning a college degree.

“Steve Kennedy is part of a meaningful group of students who have had to step away from college for one reason or another,” says Cawthon. “I want to say to people like him, here at UTA, we will help you come back.”

Teacher of the Year 2019-2020 PK-1st Finalists Danielle Bringham, Edie Hamill, Debbie Modawell, Eva Novella & Kelly Schrader 2nd-4th Finalists Tamara Gaffney, Stephen Hayes, Stephanie Schneider, Carolina Villatoro & Diane White 5th-6th Finalists Erika Campos, Lynetter Catlin, Julia Pearcy & Hena Perdomo Junior High Finalists Jocelyn Epley, Taryn Fuentes, JG Muonz & David Thompson High School Nominees Lydia Berry, Mark Ingram, Noelle Lozano, Susan McKiissack, Jennifer Meador, Doris Morehead, Mike Roark, Raylene Scott & Tawnya Saracay

Arlington Will Award and Recognize Excellence For more info or to donate visit awarefoundation.com

• BEHIND THE WHEELS

A FAMILY HEIRLOOM

Brian Greene poses with his 1988 Buick Reatta, a classic first purchased new by his father Richard. Brian plans to keep the vehicle, which is in near-mint condition, in the family when he hands it off to his daughter Ashley some day.

Photos: Richard Greene

Social distancing results in this month’s car feature • By Richard Greene

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ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

C

ompliant with the rules of social distancing, I didn’t venture further than my son’s home to produce this month’s classic car feature.

It’s a story in the making for the past 32 years.

I don’t think it was an over rationalization when I decided to purchase this amazing new Buick because it had my initial right there on the front of the hood. And, in the center of the steering wheel.

So, to carry out my apparent responsibility in 1988, I brought this really cool twoseater home, and, after more than three decades, it remains in the family.

My wife Sylvia was the first to have it as her car after I had acquired something that could accommodate more than one other person, and now it is the proud possession of my son Brian.

With the help from the only major supplier of parts for this rare GM production car, he keeps it in top condition with all of its breakthrough technological features working just as they were when it rolled off Vandergriff Buick’s showroom floor.

General Motors wanted their Buick line to include a two-seater like its Chevrolet Corvette, Pontiac Fiero and Cadillac Allante siblings. That desire resulted in the launch of the Reatta.

The company thought this mostly hand-built coupe would produce a “halo effect” and have buyers showing up to support a projected annual production of 20,000 of this new entry into the market. The halo effect, as explained by Wikipedia, is “an evaluation by an individual and can affect the perception of a decision, action, idea,

WITH THE HELP from the only major supplier of parts for this rare GM production car, Brian keeps it in top condition with all of its breakthrough technological features working just as they were when it rolled off Vandergriff Buick’s showroom floor.

arlingtontoday.com • June 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

43

business, person, group, entity or other whenever concrete data is generalized or influences ambiguous information.”

So, the basis for my decision to buy this car fell right into line with expectations.

However, there were nowhere near enough others like me, and production ended after four years when a total of fewer than 22,000 Reattas had been sold.

I suppose that is why so often the reaction of people who see Brian driving around town is that they want to know what kind of car this is and sometimes ask, “Is this a new car.”

One day, when returning to the car after class at Baylor University, he found a note under the wiper blade. It simply read, “Cool Car.” That’s because it really is.

Among the car’s innovative, industry-leading features was the touchscreen computer interface marketed as the Electronic Control Center. That included radio and climate control functions, date reminder, trip computer, user-configurable overspeed alarm, as well as diagnostic access to the vehicles electronic systems and sensors.

While somewhat problematic to maintain at the time (Brian keeps his in complete working order), all of these features are commonplace in just about all of today’s domestic and foreign-made vehicles.

In addition to its sleek body style, twin 16-way power leather bucket seats, keyless entry and the transverse Buick 3600 V6 engine producing 170 horsepower with a top speed of 125 mph, these really imperturbable features inside and out resulted in high satisfaction with its owners.

And, don’t overlook that phone attached to the center console and its antenna rising from the trunk lid. It worked right up to the time when analog service was discontinued.

Consumer Guide’s praise upon its debut summed it all up very nicely.

“We were honestly surprised by how much we liked it, especially its handsome good looks, and found it more agile, better glued to the road, than any Buick before it.”

Current estimates say there are about 200 Reattas remaining today in Texas. Nationwide their number have dropped by almost half in the past 10 years. But this one is destined to wind up in the hands of the third generation in our family.

Brian’s daughter Ashley just recently acquired her driver’s license.

With Dad’s devotion to preservation, she, too, is likely to be fielding those “what kind of car is that?” questions in years to come.

However, that big “R” will always be a reminder of Grandad’s reason for its original acquisition. Did I mention that my initial is also found in the center of all four wheels?

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Despite the fact that this Reatta has been around for more than three decades, its sleek styling and ahead-of-its time technology have helped it hold up very well. In fact, after people see it, they often ask two questions: “What kind of car is it?” and “Is this a new car?”

IT PAYS TO SWITCH.

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Classic Family Agency, Inc. 1001 NE Green Oaks, Suite 171 Arlington, TX 76006

817.468.3066

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“All Star Insurance Agent” Honorable Mention 2018 Readers’ Choice

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G N I H C R A SE S I H T N U F FOR ?

R E M M U S Join the fun at one of our many Arlington Parks and Recreation summer camps. From mini camps to full-day offerings, there is an adventure for everyone in Arlington this summer!

NATURALLYFUN.ORG • 817-459-5474

arlingtontoday.com • June 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

45

• LOCAL HEROES

Area entities are STEPPING UP to help their community address the coronavirus situation

FIND! online tool helps locate child care

City distributes protective masks

hen the COVID-19 pandemic made childcare scarce this spring, partners The Best Place for Kids™ and Child Care Associates took the lead on developing an online childcare search tool in just a couple of days.

As the FIND! tool was established, a coordinated effort of local early childcare mentors (who were also working from home due to stay-at-home orders) sprang into action to call all licensed childcare centers in Tarrant County to identify which centers were operational and the availability at those centers. The data received from over 1,200 hours of calls was used to build the initial availability information in the FIND! search tool in Tarrant County. Through May, research showed that more than 2,000 childcare slots were available in Arlington for children 0-12 years old. The plan is for FIND! to serve as a long-term resource for working parents across Tarrant County as the public health threat of coronavirus changes over time.

For more: find.bestplace4kids.com/families.

s part of phase one of its Roadmap to Reopen and Recover, the City of Arlington last month partnered with Tarrant County, the Texas Rangers, Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau and Downtown Arlington Management Corporation to provide protective masks for free to employees at Arlington businesses and restaurants.

These 250,000 masks, which were distributed to businesses on a first-come, first-serve basis, were generously provided

by Tarrant County to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the most vulnerable in our community.

Distribution of the masks was conducted by drive-thru delivery at Texas Rangers Parking Lot R through the R1 entrance off Cowboys Way. The City of Arlington and all participating stakeholders had staff organized at a tented area of the parking lot to distribute masks.

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Pantego’s SBR Program to the rescue

L

ast month, the Pantego Town Council voted to approve a Small Business Recovery (SBR) Program initiated by the Pantego Economic Development Corporation that will provide financial assistance to small businesses within the town that have been directly impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergency disaster declarations implemented by the Governor of Texas, Tarrant County Judge and Mayor of Pantego.

“The Town of Pantego is home to a diverse mix of locallyowned businesses that have faced tremendous challenges during the two months of shelter-in-place,” says Mayor Doug Davis. “I commend PEDC and the Town Council for moving forward with this initiative. Small businesses are the engine of our local economy. PEDC has a track record of improving our community through economic development initiatives including “Shop Pantego” – a campaign that has proven effective and results-oriented.”

The SBR Program will provide $150,000 in forgivable loans ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 for businesses that demonstrate they face financial hardship due to the current COVID-19 crisis. Applications will be accepted through July 10. For more information on the SBR Program, visit townofpantego.com.

Check this website for job openings

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s coronavirus has cut a swath in the employment ranks, the state now offers a place to find openings in the state, as well as other resources for Texans seeking employment due to the economic effects of COVID-19.

Some 500,000 job openings are currently listed on WorkInTexas.com, a powerful online job matching and workforce solution system developed by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). This system provides fast access to a complete set of employment tools in one website, where job seekers can browse job postings, find education and training, and complete resumes and state applications.

Help UTA students with food donations

A

re you looking for a way to spread kindness and show support for the Arlington community during the COVID-19 pandemic? The UTA Tri-C Food Pantry needs donations to continue providing college students with a mixture of nonperishable foods this summer to supplement their monthly food costs.

The Food Pantry, located at 405 W. 1st Street, is open to any UT Arlington student, faculty or staff member with a UTA I.D. Needs for the pantry include canned vegetables, canned tomato sauce/tomatoes, cereal, oatmeal, dry beans, rice, shelf-stable milk and toiletries.

For more: 817-274-0383 or email leadership@uta.edu.

A message from 100 Men Who Give A Damn – Arlington:

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e all miss being in community and seeing each other, and we hope to be able to get together again soon, maybe this summer! In the meantime, we encourage you to get out and support the local small business as I can tell you it is very much appreciated. Every non-profit I have heard from or spoken to is in need as much if not more in these current times, so if you have a way to support, please do. If there is something specific that you need or know of someone in our community that we as 100 Men – Arlington might be able to help with, please let us know.

– Spencer Cearnal, spencer@frontrec.com

Help for those who can’t pay mortgage

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f you are unable to make your mortgage payments due to COVID-19, help is available through the Federal CARES Act mortgage payment relief for single family homeowners. Mortgage servicers have been instructed to offer deferred or reduced mortgage payments by as much as six months. Assistance is available for FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, VA, USDA and some privately owned mortgages.

Apply for assistance through your mortgage servicer, preferably through its website as phone calls may take longer.

This relief applies to the property you reside in and also to rental properties that you might own.

If you have questions about the process, contact The Housing Channel at housingchannel.org or call 817-924-5091.

The Salvation Army YET Arlington provides Family Home Resource Kits

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he Salvation Army Youth Education Town in Arlington continues to lend a helping hand to community members in need. As a result of COVID-19, the nonprofit organization has provided some 2,000 families with Family Home Resource Kits designed to help kids stay active while at home.

“The kits include emergency food, school supplies and curriculum from our Summer Day Camp Program and are geared toward helping kids continue their learning experience,” says Bridget Lenhardt, special events and volunteer supervisor.

Family Home Resource Kits are available for curbside pickup between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. every Friday, or until kits run out, at The Salvation Army Youth Education Town.

Donations have made it possible to provide supplies necessary to assemble kits for the Mansfield and Arlington community. The organization is currently in need of any kind of canned and dry goods.

Donations can be dropped off at The Salvation Army Youth Education Town entrance, located at 712 W. Abram St., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. any day of the week.

arlingtontoday.com • June 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Jim Ross rallies local teams to create a video thanking frontline providers

Mansfield Public Library to offer virtual programming this summer

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E

im Ross of Jim Ross Law Group knows what it’s like to serve on the front lines. He served his country as a U.S. Marine.

He served his city as an Arlington police officer. Now, he is committed to serving greater Arlington and North Texas as a role model for all small business leaders.

With the help of the Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars, Dallas Wings, American Airlines Center and Coach Bob Stoops, Ross made a heartfelt video showcasing North Texas’ gratitude for the community’s emergency service workers.

“We all partnered up with each other for a reason,” says Ross.

“That’s because there is a mutual respect that we all try to do what we can to help our community and to support one another.”

Ross was motivated to show his support because of his compassion and personal experience. “Not only am I a veteran, but I am a former police officer here in Arlington,” he says. “I know first hand about being out on the streets and dealing with crisis situations.”

It’s times like this that Jim Ross reminds us to think about those who are making sacrifices to keep us safe. “There are a lot of people out there who day in and day out put their personal lives in jeopardy to help,” he says. “Without the work they are doing, Lord only knows where we would be with this pandemic.

They are not running around saying look at what I did, but we should be saying look at what they are doing.”

While Jim Ross is thanking the community’s hardworking medical workers, his heart goes out to the small businesses that are facing uncertainty. For businesses that are struggling, he stresses the importance of relationships: “If you can nurture relationships, those people will look to encourage you, help you get business and rely on you.”

Jim Ross Group is offering support to businesses and the community. The firm is providing free wills, medical and general power of attorney and physician directives. “It is a very small way we can give back to the community that has given so much to all of us,” he says. For more: jimrosslaw.com.

Neighborhood Credit Union gives back

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eighborhood Credit Union is giving back by supporting a local food bank that is feeding families in greater Arlington.

Neighborhood Credit Union started a fundraising campaign for North Texas Food Bank and has pledged to match dollar for dollar, up to $25,000.

“We see what is happening in our world and our communities, and we want to help,” says Neighborhood Credit Union CEO & President, Chet Kimmell. “The core of who we are is our members, and our goal is to be there for our community in both good and bad times. We want to do our part and help those who need it most during this difficult time.”

For more: facebook.com/NeighborhoodCreditUnion.

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ven if you can’t or aren’t inclined to visit Mansfield Public Library in the near future, the Library will still be there to serve you, via Virtual Programming for children throughout the next two months.

The Library will offer programs running the gamut, from Leggo Challenge to Harry Potter Adventure, from Read Along with Ms. Julie to Fairy Pot painting.

To check out the various online programs, visit facebook.com/ MansfieldTxPublicLibrary.

Local man uses 3D printer to make face shields and masks for use locally

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lejandro Moreno is usually hard at work creating eyepopping home décor for his business, Casa Z. Looking at his collection, you would never guess the luxury vases, planters and other accessories were made on a 3D printer.

When coronavirus began sweeping across the United States, Moreno says he was most concerned about first responders and a shortage of personal protective equipment. And he wasn’t alone. Several members of the 3D printing community had already gone to work creating designs for face shields and masks.

Moreno found the blueprints and quickly got to work. The masks and shields take about four hours to print but can easily be reused. Arlington resident Mike Clark donated the elastic needed to finish the masks. North Texas resident William Hillier donated, as well.

Moreno gave a batch of protective equipment to the Arlington Fire Department. The City distributed the masks to Dental Health Arlington and Mission Arlington.

Moreno has also sent shipments of masks and shields to hospitals in New York, Montana and Maryland along with a group of doctors in Mexico. An example of Arlington kindness touching people around the world.

DAMC serving free meals to children

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owntown Arlington Management Corp. will be serving free meals to children this summer in collaboration with City Square. The breakfasts and lunches will be available at three of the city’s Library locations through Aug. 5.

Like many services, the meal pick up format has changed with social distancing requirements. This year, City Square will set up drive-throughs at each location so families can stay safely inside their cars.

For information on all that is going on Downtown during the upcoming months, visit downtownarlington.org.

As a locally owned business, we know how important support for local companies can be.

That's why the team at Arlington Today is urging you to support our advertisers as they take on the challenges of the time. In turn, they will help us continue to bring you the Arlington/Mansfield/ Grand Prairie news you need and long to read. In fact, because of their support, we haven't missed printing an issue yet – and we look forward to keeping that trend going moving forward. One thing the pandemic has revealed is that we all are in this together.

Let's stay strong together.

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ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

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

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All Star Five-time Readers’ Choice All Star CPA/Tax Winner Preparer ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

arlingtontoday.com • June 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

49

• BUSINESS BEAT

Chad Bates & Joy Bates Legacy Financial, Inc. 1205 W. Abram St., Suite 1 • 817-860-3232 legacyfinancial.com

Joovani, Inc. 1205 W. Abram St., Suite 2 • 833-566-8264 joovani.com

The Legacy Group of CrossCountry Mortgage 1205 W. Abram St., Suite 1 • 817-860-3232 legacyfinancial.com

C

had and Joy Bates are among Arlington’s successful entrepreneurs and community volunteers, having attained an array of accolades, including the Arlington Chamber Small Business of the Year and the Better Business Bureau Golden Touch Awards. They now are focused on three new ventures.

“We have started and/or run eight businesses since leaving the corporate world,” Chad says. “We currently run Legacy Financial, Inc. (a real estate holding company that partners with Realtors using technology across the entire State of Texas), Joovani, Inc. (our allnatural and organic skincare line), and we run The Legacy Group of CrossCountry Mortgage (our mortgage operation). We also used our entrepreneurial experience to start the AISD Education Celebration for the AISD Education Foundation that has netted over $1 million for the Foundation in the first six years in partnership with Six Flags.

Unfortunately that event was canceled this year due to COVID 19.”

Chad has more than three decades of experience in lending and has served thousands of happy homeowners in his career. Joy’s business background includes consulting for and managing physician groups, 20 years as a child care owner and director and more than 20 years in the mortgage banking industry.

“My goal for every one of my clients is to have the most amazing experience when buying or refinancing their home,” she says.

“Communication is extremely important to me, so I’m always available to my clients.”

All that business success noted, it’s what they do outside of the office that provides Chad and Joy with some of their more meaningful memories.

“Giving back to Arlington is so important to us,” Chad says. “We do

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it, hopefully, to inspire others to use their God-given talents to make Arlington a better place.”

Here are some highlights of their community involvement: Both are Life Members of PTA and members of St. Peter & St. Paul Anglican Church, where they’ve held numerous leadership positions over the years. Currently, Chad is a board member of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, where he serves on the Executive Committee and as chair of the Economic Development Committee.

He’s also on the AISD Education Foundation Board (he is a past president) and on the Executive Committee.

He is also on the Board of Trustees of the Corporation of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, on the Nashotah House Seminary Board, a member and prior board member of the Rotary Club of Arlington, and a visiting lecturer in the University of Texas at Arlington College of Business.

Joy is a member and board member of the Rotary Club of Arlington, as well as a former member of the Junior League of Arlington.

Previously, Chad was district chairman of the Cross Timbers District of the Boy Scouts of America, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Board, a member of the Arlington YMCA Board, past president of the Young Men for Arlington AISD Bond Steering Committee (co- chair), a member of the AISD Financial Futures Committee, a member of the City of Arlington Bond Committee, a member of the City of Arlington Economic Development Committee, the founding president of the Pope Elementary Dad’s Club, and he has numerous rounds as the president of various local booster clubs. Last, but not least, he coached four sports for years with the Optimist Club of Arlington youth athletic programs.

S

am Mahrouq is an entrepreneur and global businessman who serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the MEI Group (Mahrouq Enterprises International). His most recent focus is iKON Technologies, a vertical expansion of his business products and services in the automotive industry.

Also under Sam’s business umbrella are 11 car dealerships, a prominent Dollar Rent-a-Car franchise, MEI Auto Finance, and a real estate investment group.

ABOUT SAM: A native of Amman, Jordan, Sam is a 1991 graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington School of Business, having come to Texas for what he terms a superior and practical education.

Paying the bills while attending class was paramount, and he admits he MEI Group failed miserably 1161 Corporate Dr. N. in food service.

817-469-6008 So, next step was to shine his own vehicle and sell it to a woman who was overjoyed with his customer service and price. His business acumen showed that, for him, selling used automobiles was most productive and, in many ways, helping others on limited incomes. From that point forward, he was doing business globally.

ABOUT iKON TECHNOLOGIES: iKON Technologies was developed by automobile dealers like Sam – for dealers. The company invests in technologies and its people to partner with dealers so they are able to gain and maintain complete visibility and access over their inventory, while improving customer retention, loyalty and trust. Simply put, iKON’s solutions allow its customers to monitor, protect and optimize their mobile assets throughout the United States.

PHILOSOPHY AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Sam credits his successes to always adhering to best practices, looking for the win-win, and not exploiting others. And, he gives back.

He recently funded the $500,000 UTA School of Business Financial Markets Lab. The galleries in the Arlington Museum of Art are named for the Sam Mahrouq Family in recognition of his financial grant of $500,000 to stabilize the organization financially. He is also a significant donor to the Arlington Life Shelter and Levitt Pavilion in Downtown Arlington, as well as Oak Ridge School, among many more. In 2016, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce honored him with the Small Business of the Year Award.

Sam Mahrouq

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s a real estate investor since 2007 and a license holder since July 2018, Georgie Zang, owner of The Zang Group, is known for integrity, diplomacy and genuineness in all her dealings. During her tenure in the business, she has first and notably strived to be someone in whom tenants, clients, and associates can put their trust and confidence. Her company helps real estate clients across the area and across the globe buy, sell and/or lease properties that ideally fit both their needs and desires.

ABOUT GEORGIE: A born-and-bred Texan, Georgie offers a seasoned knowledge of the DFW Metroplex and surrounding cities and has a profound passion for seeing her community thrive and excel. Above all, The Zang Group Realtors /Compass Georgie values 1000 Ballpark Way, Suite 306 relationships 817-228-8550 • thezanggroup.com over transactions, and much of her business comes from repeat clients or referrals. Whether it’s a first-time home purchase, an investment property, commercial opportunity, or leasing, Georgie provides the same level of unmatched service for all of her clients at any stage of their real estate journeys.

For one of her showcase projects, Main 7 Urban Villas, she made the introductions, brought the potential players together, pitched the project, picked up commitments from prospective residents and marketed the upscale condos as they came online.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Georgie’s community servant heart drives her to volunteer on the Board of Directors for the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce and The Arlington Police Foundation. And she is a founding member of Tennis 4 Troops, a non-profit benefiting the Chris Kyle F.R.O.G. Foundation, an organization that raises money to help support Military families. Georgie is an avid tennis player that looks forward to spring and Special Olympics Texas when she has the opportunity to play tennis tournaments with Special Olympic athletes competing with some of the most wonderful people you could ever meet.

PHILOSOPHY: Georgie’s values, knowledge, and work ethic form the foundation of exceptional client experiences. Whether your real estate needs are local or around the globe, you’re in good hands with Georgie and her team.

Georgie Zang

arlingtontoday.com • June 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

51

• BUSINESS BEAT

J

ohn Parker is the founder of the CPA firm, Parker & Richardson, P.C., which has been in business in the Arlington/Mansfield area since the early 2000s, helping North Texas area clients meet their respective accounting needs.

ABOUT THE COMPANY: “The firm was started in 2004, but its origination dates back to my solo CPA practice that started in 1995,” says Parker. “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 Parker & Richardson, P.C. clients.

500 E. Broad St., Mansfield • 817-226-6100 At Parker & texasins.net Richardson, we are proud of our leadership position as trusted business advisors, serving the DFW Metroplex. Our professionals have a depth of experience and a commitment to quality service that is timely and relevant to our client base.”

SERVICES: “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, we have the people and capabilities to respond effectively and efficiently to your needs,” Parker says. “We have several clients that have us handle all facets of their accounting needs.”

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

CONSULTATION INFORMATION: “The best way for a prospective client to contact us is to call our CPA office at 817-2266100,” Parker says. “I personally call back each prospective client to make sure that we can provide value to them.”

John Parker

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H

anner Shipley is the Independent Risk Manager at Texas Insurance Agency, a locally owned and operated company that provides auto, homeowners, commercial and life insurance. Texas Insurance Agency is associated with reputable insurers, including Allstate, Hartford, Nationwide, Progressive, Safeco and Travelers.

HISTORY WITH THE COMPANY: “After I finished playing college football for Louisiana Tech in 2018, I knew I wanted to get involved in insurance,” Shipley says. As fate would have it, his father-in-law, John Parker, owns Texas Insurance Agency.

“I spent time training for the NFL,” Shipley continues, “and when I was unable to make a roster, I decided to start Hanner Shipley and his wife Audrey my professional career in insurance.”

Texas Insurance Agency PROFESSIONAL 500 E. Broad St., Mansfield • 817-226-9988 PHILOSOPHY: texasins.net “First, to get to know the person who has insurance needs and based on their personality and assets I work on getting a personalized plan tailored to the needs of the client. Texas Insurance Agency is an Independent Insurance Agency, meaning we are not tied to one company.

We have access to all major carriers for personal lines and commercial lines. Having the ability to write with these companies helps me find a customized plan for the needs of the client.”

WHAT MAKES THE COMPANY SPECIAL: “You will always be able to reach a member of our service team within business hours,” Shipley says. “We work hard to meet the needs of new clients with custom plans, while working just as hard to take care of our current clients. As an independent agency we represent the client, not the company. We take your needs to the company and go to bat for you. While other agencies and companies only have access to one plan we have access to numerous amounts of plans.”

MORE ABOUT TIA: Shipley says he would like all prospective clients to know that if they are looking for a team dedicated to service, savings, and coverage, there isn’t a better option than Texas Insurance Agency. “Our goal is to take the core values that we Texans have learned from a young age and apply them to our business practice,” he says. “Just like a Texan, Texas Insurance Agency is built upon protection and service.”

Hanner Shipley

D

onna J. Smiedt is the founding and managing partner of the Family Law Firm of Donna J. Smiedt, PLLC. She has been practicing for more than 33 years, all of which have been devoted to the practice of family law. Smiedt became board certified in family law in 1991 and has maintained her board certification since then.

HONORS: Smiedt has twice been named as a Texas Super Lawyer by her peers, something only five percent of Texas lawyers have achieved. She was awarded the Family Law Attorney of the Year in Arlington every year from 1997-2002 and in 2010, and has also been named a Fort Worth Top Attorney for over a decade. She has garnered one of the highest AV RATINGS by peers. She and The Family Law Firm of Donna J. Smiedt her legal team 3216 W. Arkansas Lane • 817-572-9900 have more than arlingtondivorces.com half a century of experience in serving clients in the practice of family law.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Smiedt is actively involved in the community. She has served for seven years on the Board of the Arlington Animal Shelter, two of those years as the Chairwoman. “My firm and I are dedicated to helping the animals of Arlington, and our office is dog friendly, with a team of ‘divorce therapy dogs,’ who work there full-time,” Smiedt says. She also has served on the Arlington Bar Association Board of Directors for many years, and held the office of President. “We would raise money for a charity every year, and most often this was Arlington Mission,” she says. “We are dedicated to helping the many battered women of Arlington and continue to provide Pro Bono services to women through the Arlington Bar Association.”

ABOUT THE FAMILY LAW FIRM OF DONNA J. SMIEDT: The firm is Arlington’s premier full-service family law firm, Smiedt says.

“From pre-nuptial agreements to appellate work, we cover the complete practice of family law,” she says. “I specialize in complex high asset divorce cases as well as custody litigation, but between all the highly skilled lawyers at the firm we can handle the simplest uncontested divorce to the most contentious custody litigation, as well as non-litigation forms of dispute resolution such as mediation and collaborative law.”

Donna J. Smiedt

Barlow, Maness join Harris Cook legal team D

avid, L. Cook, Managing Partner at Harris Cook, LLP, recently announced that Melinda H. Barlow and Wesly C. Maness of Maness & Barlow Law, PLLC, a boutique Construction and Employment Law firm located in Mansfield, have joined the Harris Cook legal team.

As Harris Cook continues to attract talented and experienced attorneys, the addition of Barlow and Maness will allow the Full-Service Law Firm to provide additional legal services to its Business and Real Estate clients.

“Melinda is profoundly intelligent in Employment Melinda H. Barlow Wesly C. Maness Law matters, joining our firm at a time when her concentration primarily in the employment field is invaluable,” Cook says. “Wes, on the other hand, is the ideal candidate to lead our Construction Practice; with almost thirty years of experience, his knowledge of Construction Law will prove to be a great asset to our firm and our clients. As our firm continues to grow, we are pleased to broaden our capabilities in order to provide counsel to our clients for any of their legal needs.”

Barlow has nearly 30 years of legal experience in North Texas and understands the multifaceted issues that often accompany Employment Law matters. She has spent much of her career defending public and private sector organizations in matters involving allegations of discrimination, violations of state and federal labor laws, internal investigations, and employment agreements involving non-compete clauses and independent contractors, to name a few. As a Partner at Harris Cook, Barlow will focus on offering counsel to business owners regarding up-todate legal guidelines and advice to stay in compliance with Federal and State Employment Laws.

Maness is an established and well-respected attorney and has represented clients in multiple State and Federal courts throughout Texas. He joins the office of Harris Cook as Of Counsel and will lead the firm’s Construction Practice.

He typically represents Commercial Builders, General Contractors, Sub-Contractors, Owners, Suppliers, and Engineers, among other professionals within the Construction Industry. Maness also represents clients in matters of Business and Commercial Litigation and Business Torts.

For more: harriscooklaw.com.

arlingtontoday.com • June 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

53

• HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

Celbrating the (four) fathers

While you’re honoring your favorite dad this month, we pay tribute to a quartet of historicallly significant local patriarchs, who changed our city – and region – in major ways

TOM VANDERGRIFF THE FATHER OF PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL While Vandergriff did a lot of remarkable things as Mayor of Arlington from 1951 to 1977, what he did in 1972 – leading the effort to bring the Rangers from Washington to our fair burg – forever established Arlington as a “major league” city.

Photo: nytimes.com

ANGUS G. WYNNE, JR. THE FATHER OF LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT Following a visit to Disneyland shortly after its opening, Wynne, a real estate developer, decided that his home state of Texas should have a local park for entertainment. Six Flags Over Texas opened in Arlington in 1961. We’ve been on a thrill ride ever since.

Photos: sfotsource.com, sixflags.fandom.com

MARIANO MARTINEZ THE FATHER OF THE FROZEN MARGARITA MACHINE In 1971, the founder of Mariano’s Hacienda had this great idea – and we still drink it up.

Photo: laharanch.com

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

Photo: dallasnews.com

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

#ATPETSOFTHEMONTH

CHUCK MORGAN THE FATHER OF THE DOT RACE Officially, Morgan is executive vice president of Ballpark Entertainment, Promotions and Production for your Texas Rangers.

But he might be most famous for turning a simple tabletop claymation endeavor into a nationwide craze that would become a staple at sports stadiums the world over. Remember, though: This is an exhibition. No wagering, please.

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

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 divorce.

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

Stephanie A. Foster is confident that the collaborative 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 A. Foster will help you navigate through your divorce options and zealously represent you through the process of your choice.

Contact attorney Stephanie A. Foster today to discuss your options.

One option is traditional courtroom litigation. Another option is collaborative divorce.

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

Litigator; Collaborator; Mediator arlingtontoday.com • June 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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READY FOR SUMMER!

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• DWELLINGS

This exquisite 5,800-square-foot-plus dwelling in the 76016 ZIP code in Arlington features a gorgeous exterior, both in the front and the back.

Home Sweet! Home Here’s an amply roomy dwelling that is big on comfort, and you just can’t beat the views

F

or this month’s home tour, we venture to a 1.72-acre lot in Arlington’s 76016 ZIP code to find a beautifully designed estate that offers breathtaking views of the spectacular grounds through expansive windows that provide plenty of natural light.

Of course, if you’re a “pictures first, words second” kind of person, you already realize that this dwelling is oh, so much, more and that it is both spacious and comfortable – and that it holds vast potential for entertaining, relaxing and living the high life.

It’s also for sale.

Listed by Susan Daniels of the Magazzine Cunningham Group, a team of Ebby Halliday Realtors®, this two-story masterpiece showcases a neutral palette, a versatile floor plan, an en-suite bedroom on the first floor, a media room, an office and updates galore.

Its chef’s kitchen is accented by a large island, granite counters and stainless steel appliances, the collection of which opens to a breakfast and family area.

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The gorgeous master suite features a sitting area, a fireplace, a coffee beverage bar and a spa-like bath.

Upstairs you will find three bedrooms, a game room and a hobby-craft room. The downstairs living area showcases the aforementioned large windows, which serve as a visual gateway to a practically designed and expansive back yard.

There is where you can enjoy the swimming pool and the outdoor living and kitchen areas, as well as gorgeous landscaping that complements the various highlights of the yard.

By the numbers, this 5,828-square-foot dwelling, built in 1998, features five bedrooms, four full baths and two half baths. Oh, and to reiterate, the house anchors a BIG lot. It has a three-car covered garage in the rear, as well as a circle drive in the front. The home has forced-air heating and central-air cooling.

If you would like to find out more about this dwelling or about any in the Magazzine Cunningham Group portfolio, visit magazzinecunninghamgroup.ebby.com or call Susan Daniels at 817-797-5076.

Featuring expansive windows that allow natural light to illuminate most areas of the house, this Arlington dwelling was crafted for luxurious comfort. Among the highlights are a variety of sitting areas where you can relax or enjoy the amenities.

arlingtontoday.com • June 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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• GARDENING 101

H

ave you ever been spring cleaning and come across an old packet of planting seeds that you forgot about? Or perhaps you found a good sale on seeds at the end of the planting season and want to know if they can be saved for planting next year.

Many gardeners would like a way to determine if these seeds are still capable of growing if planted. The Arlington Parks & Recreation Department’s Urban Forestry Land Manager Wendy Pappas offers this advice to help you determine if your seeds are still good before you plant them.

The Paper Towel Test One method of testing the growing capability of seeds is to use the paper towel test. This test works on a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. This can be done by taking a regular paper towel and running it under water, or laying the paper towel flat and misting with water. Either way, the paper towel does not need to be dripping wet.

Place your seeds in the middle of the flat, moist paper towel and fold it into a square so that the wet paper towel is both under and over the seeds.

It should look like a small moist square. Then, place this square paper towel in a zip baggy and seal it tight to keep it from drying out.

Place the baggy in a warm area inside your house where it can maintain a temperature of at least 75 degrees. If you are testing multiple types of seeds, it’s a good idea to label your bags so you can tell them apart. Once they are all bagged up, simply wait several days to a week to see if the seeds germinate. Different types of seeds will have different germination windows, so

this will determine how long it should take to expect results depending on which seeds you are testing.

How to Tell if Seeds are Germinating If you are testing seeds that came out of a package, you can likely find the germination window listed on the package and wait approximately that long to check for germination. If the seeds came from elsewhere or you no longer have the package, you can still use some observations to determine if the seeds are in the germinating process.

Seeds should start to swell when beginning to germinate. If you wait several weeks and no swelling has occurred, the seeds are most likely past their prime and will not grow if planted.

You can also note the germination rate of your seeds as an indicator of their growth viability. If you tested 10 seeds in your paper towel and 8 of them germinate, you have a germination rate of 80%, which means your seeds are in good shape and can be planted. If only 3 out of 10 germinate, your germination rate is only 30%, and these seeds are likely not capable of growing well.

It’s a good idea to go ahead and replace seeds if they have a germination rate of 50% or less.

Of course, if you just like to have fun in your garden and you aren’t relying on your garden as a food source, you can always throw any old seeds in the soil and see what happens. Make sure to at least know the type of seeds you are planting so you know when to expect germination. We hope these tips are helpful in your gardening practice and can be used for seasons to come when you come across those old seeds laying around.

– Happy gardening from APRD!

PLANTING POINTERS

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• MAINLY MANSFIELD

THE ROAD(S) TO SUCCESS

Here’s the latest update on various roadwork projects going on in the City of Mansfield

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ansfield’s Spring 2020 Road Report notes that a number of street projects are underway, and some are nearing completion. Here’s the rundown: South Main Street (Broad to Hunt streets) – South Main Street is substantially complete. Remaining miscellaneous items to be installed include street lamps, decorative items, an additional handrail, striping and signage. The pedestrian crossing at Hunt Street will be active once power is provided by Oncor Electric Delivery.

North Street (north of Newt Patterson Road) – This project is complete.

Turner Warnell Road (Callender Road to Wayland Court) – This project will complete a four-lane, divided thoroughfare from the existing end

point near Wayland Court west to Callender Road. It will provide a direct route between FM 157 and U.S. 287. Callender Road will also be completed to the south. The west and north roadway approaches into the City of Arlington will be limited to the transitions to existing asphalt. Currently the sanitary sewer is complete and construction 62

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

of the 12-inch water line is underway. The storm drain is under construction, and paving work will follow. The project is expected to be complete by October.

Miscellaneous Concrete Roadway Reconstruction – This project includes concrete rebuilds of various segments of York Drive and East Dallas Drive (from Walnut Creek Drive to Live Oak Drive). It also includes improving the asphalt eyebrow section on Clover Hill Road and asphalt pavement on Almond Drive (between Yarmouth Lane to Fairfax Drive) to concrete. Construction on York Drive and the eyebrow are complete. Work is underway on Dallas Drive and Almond Drive. The reconstruction of the asphalt portion of Yarmouth Lane to a concrete street has been added to the projects.

Breckenridge Road (Debbie Lane to cul-de-sac) – This project includes rebuilding the asphalt pavement. The work will be performed by Tarrant County through an interlocal agreement. Through this agreement the City purchases the materials and Tarrant County provides the labor and equipment. Construction is underway. Crews removed from the project due to COVID-19 have returned. The project will take about four months.

Magnolia Street (East Broad to North Wisteria streets) – Magnolia Street is being reconstructed to a concrete collector street including sidewalk on the east side, storm drain improvements and water line and sanitary sewer line replacements. Magnolia Street will be closed from Shady Valley Drive to approximately 300 feet north of East Broad St. and will remain closed until paving is complete. Closing Magnolia Street will significantly decrease the construction duration of the project. Construction of the storm drain is underway. Paving operations have begun and should be completed in mid-summer. The project is expected to be complete by late summer.

Mansfield International Business Park (Klein Boulevard and South Seventh Avenue) – The Mansfield Economic Development Corporation is developing its property at Easy Drive and South Second Avenue. This project will construct Klein Boulevard as a four-lane, divided roadway from FM 917 west across South Second Avenue and through the business park.

It also includes constructing South Seventh Avenue as a threelane, undivided roadway along the western boundary north to Easy Drive. Both roadways include water, sanitary sewer and storm drain improvements. This project also includes asphalt improvements to South Second Avenue from the proposed Klein Boulevard south to FM 917. This project is expected to be complete by November.

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We treat your fur baby 1 like Royalty SUMMERTIME GROOMING & DAY CARE! Grooming Available: MONDAYS • THURSDAYS • SATURDAYS

To drop off your dog at Pixee’s: 1. Call from our parking lot.

2. Leave your dog in the vestibule.

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pixeespaws.com Find us on: arlingtontoday.com • June 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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• BULLETIN BOARD

local financial advisor Jack webb earns crps designation

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Mallory Moore

UTA nursing student’s keen reaction saves a liFe, shows what heroism looks like

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ocal attorney Roger “Rocky” Walton recently shared this noble note on his law firm’s Facebook page:

I met Mallory Moore earlier this spring at UTA while I was a guest speaker addressing officers of fraternities and sororities about Risk Management. Mallory introduced herself as a UTA nursing student and president of Delta Delta Delta Sorority.

At a gathering in March of 2019, Mallory observed a highly intoxicated [fraternity] pledge being required to consume even more alcohol. As a nursing student, Mallory felt the pledge had alcohol poisoning and would die if he did not receive emergency care.

Mallory knew if she called 911 it would take at least 15 minutes before help would arrive. Therefore, Mallory rushed the pledge to Arlington Memorial, and they arrived within four minutes.

The pledge “coded” as they got to the hospital, and he had a blood alcohol of .45%, but the hospital saved his life. Cases this high are normally fatalities.

Mallory Moore is a True Hero.

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inancial Advisor Jack Webb of the financial services firm Edward Jones in Arlington has achieved the professional designation of Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor®.

Webb successfully completed the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, or CRPC, Professional Education Program from the Denver-based College for Financial Planning. Those who complete the program, pass a final exam, and sign a code of ethics and disclosure form earn the CRPC designation.

Webb has been a financial advisor with Edward Jones for six years. He has served individual investors in Arlington for four years.

His office is located at 1521 N. Cooper St., Suite 130, at the corner of I-30 and N. Cooper. St.

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

Mansfield Mayor david cook has 10 questions for you ...

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ansfield Mayor David L. Cook is urging city residents to complete the 2020 Census.

“We still have a way to go when it comes to improving our 2020 Census response rate,” Cook says. “Right now Mansfield is at 66.9 percent. We need residents to answer those 10 important Census questions, either online, on the phone or by mail. We especially need the neighborhoods in northwest and southeast Mansfield to respond. It takes less than five minutes to do something that means a lot to our community’s future.”

To complete the report, visit 2020census.gov.

Because of COVID-19 precautions, Arlington Aquatics will only offer private swim lessons throughout the summer season.

Lessons are available at a variety of city swimming centers.

Photo: City of Arlington

River legacy nature center will offer virtual summer camps

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iver Legacy Nature Center will offer virtual summer camps this year as a response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The program will allow campers between preschool and sixth grade to complete hands-on activities from their homes.

There will be week-long programs offered in June and July focused on wildlife, ecology and the environment.

The curriculum will be tailored to the child’s age and will include at-home activities coupled with video lessons filmed at the Nature Center.

The resource kits for each camp will be distributed via curbside pickup.

Virtual summer camps feature daily video lessons and activities. Campers may contact their teachers with questions and comments.

Campers may sign up for one or two camps for their age group. For more: riverlegacy. org/summer-classes.

Photo: City of Arlington

arlington aquatics will offer private swimming lessons through the summer

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wim lessons with Arlington Aquatics will look a bit different this summer.

The City of Arlington is only offering private lessons this summer season.

Arlington Aquatics will offer small group/semi-private lessons upon request for swimmers ages 2 and older. Small group/semi-private lessons can be booked when the students are close together in skill level from the same household.

Parent/child classes are available in two levels: Starfish (6 months to 35 months) and Toddler Swim (3 years old). Both classes will consist of the parent in the water with the student while the instructor gives guidance from the pool deck. Social distancing will be required between families.

“We are excited to offer swimming lessons this season with an emphasis on water safety skills to keep all of our participants safe near, on and around the water,” says Arlington Aquatics Manager Maria Campbell.

Lessons are taught in the mornings at Bad Konigshofen and Allen Bolden from Monday through Thursday, in the evenings at Woodland West and Allen Bolden from Monday through Thursday, and in the evenings Monday only or Tuesday/Thursday and weekends at the Hugh Smith Indoor Pool.

A.M. lessons are available from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. P.M. lessons are available from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Weekends are available from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday and noon-3 p.m. on Sunday. Private lessons cost $100 and feature four 25-minute classes (semi-private lessons are $75/child). Group classes (parent/ child 1 and 2) cost $60 and feature eight 25-minute classes.

You can register for swim lessons online at naturallyfun.org, at any of the city’s swim centers and at the Parks & Recreation Department Administration Building (717 W. Main St.).

Because of COVID-19, Arlington Aquatics has reduced lesson numbers, is regularly screening employees and has implemented a stringent cleaning regiment.

arlingtontoday.com • June 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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• NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR MUSEUM

ARLINGTON WILL BE HOME TO NOBILITY

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merica has no kings or queens, but we do have a nobility. America’s nobility is called – veterans. Their titles range from private to sergeant to general. Or – simply – GI. Our premier titles, however, are KIA, WIA and POW. Unlike other nobilities, these titles were not inherited; they were earned through their blood, sweat and tears, the holy trinity that secures our freedom.

Arlington is set to become the official site of the National Medal of Honor Museum, home to those of America’s nobility who have earned that prestigious distinction.

A preacher friend of mine once said if love is to survive it must be expressed. The same is true of patriotism. Love is our life, patriotism is the life of our nation, and it is in danger. A democratic General society cannot survive Patrick without patriots.

Brady We see alarming signs of declining pride in America among our youth.

Less than a majority are extremely proud to be an American.

A source of our declining pride in America may be the dismal state of our basic knowledge of who we are as a nation. A majority of our youth cannot pass a quiz on basic American history. You cannot love who we are if you don’t know who we are. The decline in patriotism based on a lack of pride and knowledge of America could prove disastrous in any crisis.

Our youth need to understand the wonders of our country if we are to survive.

Alexander Solzhenitsyn warned about the danger of a “nation amputating its memory, and of silent generations growing old and dying without ever talking about themselves either to each other or to their descendants.”

The highest form of patriotism is service to our youth. The

Mount Rushmore features a National Medal of Honor recipient: President Theodore Roosevelt.

Image: canoe.com

NMHM will be a center for expressing and regenerating patriotism; and talking to each other and our descendants about our nobility. It will be a classroom for patriotism in our youth, of the importance of courage and sacrifice in their life and the life of our nation.

We have museums on wars, on services, on branches of service, on functions, even on race. The National Medal of Honor Museum will encompass all wars from the Civil War on, all services, all branches all functions, all religions and all races.

It will identify and tie the individual values that win on the battlefield to the education of those who will win the future of America. This museum will be a vault for our values. It will focus on the values part of valor.

Visitors will learn that Medal of Honor recipients not only defended our country, they helped design, develop and enrich it. What they did in combat pales before what they did for America. Visitors will learn that physical courage can win a battle, but moral courage can change the world.

That person will see on Mount Rushmore not only great Americans but a MOH recipient, Theodore Roosevelt, who spoke the motto of the museum: “The lives of true heroism are those in which there are no great deeds to look back on, the little things well done go to make up a successful and truly good life.” Our youth will learn the importance of patriotism, that they can be a hero and they don’t have to go war to do so.

Future editions will continue to tell the stories of our nobility to be housed in the NMHM.

General Patrick Brady earned the Medal of Honor for actions in Vietnam, where he flew over 2,500 combat missions and rescued more than 5,000 wounded men, women, children, enemy as well as friendly.

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Thank You For Your

Support

During this uncertain time, and for the safety of our community, the 2020 Inspiring Hope Luncheon supporting The Salvation Army North Texas Youth Education Town (YET) has been canceled. This annual event is the primary fundraiser for the YET and needs are greater than ever.

Emergency Food Bags and Educational Resource Kits are being provided weekly to families in our community and programs at the YET will resume as soon as appropriate.

We want to thank each and every one of these businesses and individuals who provided their generous donation although the luncheon was canceled. Your generous gift will help so many!

Doing the Most Good

Bill & Marsha Rickett Family Foundation Dr. Clayton & Anne Dye

Youth Education Town North TExas

Donations received as of May 11, 2020

SHARI & BILL BOWIE

Affiliated Bank • Al Clark State Farm Insurance and Financial Services • Arlington Board of Realtors • Arlington ISD • Auto Liquidators Plus Baker Financial Services Bob Moore Construction, Inc. • Tina & Robert R. Brackeen, CPA • The Broadus Families • City of Arlington • City of North Richland Hills and O. Trevino Construction, LLC Curnutt & Hafer, LLP • Grace Ann & Bud Durden • First Bank Texas • Front Real Estate Co. • Kerry & Raul H. Gonzalez • Mary & Don Grantges and Glenda & Robert Mahoney Independence Title - Sue Smith • Major Travis B. Israel (R) • Majors Terry & Donna Israel • Rania & Sam Mahrouq • Manhattan Construction Company Becky & Jerry McCullough • Nebraska Furniture Mart • Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott LLP • Remax Associate of Arlington & Mansfield - Jody Kautz Republic Services • Rotary Club of Arlington • Jeff Schmid • SCM Real Estate Services • Southern State Rebar, LLC • Stripe-A-Zone Inc. • The Salvation Army ARC Orlando The University of Texas Arlington - Athletics Department • Kala & Dr. Scott Tisdell • VLK Architects • W. O. E. Construction, Inc. • Wade Funeral Home and Amy & Mike Wade The Honorable Kathryn Wilemon • Patti Wolff & Shelly Barber • Women Inspiring Philanthropy • Worthington National Bank • Stephen R. Zimmer

• DINING GUIDE

’S YUM WORD THE

KEEN CUISINE Local eateries you definitely need to check out UPSCALE Chamas do Brazil • 4606 S. Cooper St. • 817-618-2986 • chamasdobrazil2.tru-m.com

Cut & Bourbon

Cut & Bourbon • 1600 E. Randol Mill • 682-277-4950 • loewshotels.com/live-by-loews-arlington-texas The Keg Steakhouse & Bar • 4001 Arlington Highlands Blvd. • 817-465-3700 • kegsteakhouse.com 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

Mercury Chophouse

frieddaze • 5005 S. Cooper St., Suite 159 • 817-472-6666 • frieddaze.com 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 Mac’s Bar & Grill • 6077 W. I-20 • 817-572-0541 • macsteak.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

The Grease Monkey

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

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

El Arroyo

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

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Arlington-Mansfield 5001 S Cooper St, Suite 111 Arlington, TX 76017 (817) 557-2253 Arlington-North 839 E Lamar BLVD Arlington, TX 76011 (817) 583-6522 NothingBundtCakes.com 06/30/2020

Arlington’s Heart Of Main St. Entertainment Box Office 817-275-7661 • 305 W. Main • theatrearlington.org arlingtontoday.com • June 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

69

• SPEAKING OF SPORTS

GET READY TO LOVE BASEBALL FROM AFAR

W

hen I was young, there was no joy like the joy of hearing there was a baseball game behind the Guilbaults’ house. The Guilbaults family lived three doors down and had converted part of their huge backyard into a baseball field. They had baselines and bat racks, they even had a makeshift backstop.

When we knew there was a game we would grab our gloves and bats and run to their backyard to choose up sides. We would play for hours, enjoying every minute of the competition and the strategy and the arguments about safe or out, ball or strike.

Sometimes we played through dinner, but we had to stop when John the street lights came Rhadigan on because, obviously, the field behind the Guilbaults’’ home was not lighted. Do you know what else the Guilbaultses did not have behind their house? Crowds! Not one time did our slowpaced, argument-filled, poorly executed game draw a crowd. I can’t recall one spectator. And yet we loved those games.

I would suggest that every player in Major League Baseball has a memory like that somewhere in his past. The truth is, most of them probably played with very few fans at their high school games, and some were likely offended by how few people attended their college contests.

So, as strange as it will be to play Major League Baseball without fans-in-the-stands, as has been proposed as the game’s officials plot the near future, we are not breaking new ground here. Countless games have been played without a chant or a cheer.

But of course, there will be fans. In fact, millions of them will watch on Fox Sports Southwest and other networks.

Those fans have missed sports so much that they will have a new appreciation for the product, the players, the process.

After a long offseason created by the coronavirus outbreak, baseball is preparing for a “new normal” – games played without fans in the stands.

Photo: Texas Rangers

Those fans have missed sports so much that they will be glued to the games. And they will cheer and chant and high five each other in the non-masked safety of their living rooms.

All of that is not to minimize how strange this is going to be. COVID19 has changed our world forever, and we are about to embark on an era of radical transition in professional sports.

It is okay to mourn the Opening Day opportunity to inaugurate Globe Life Field. It’s okay to long for the taste of a Boomstick and the chance to grab a cold one at Texas Live.

And it’s okay not only to cheer-on but also to empathize with our players.

I realize that it is often difficult to feel empathy because the players are paid so handsomely. But their world has changed just like yours. And guess what? Money can’t buy what these guys want. Like all of us, they want their families to be healthy, their friends to be nearby, and their lives to be normal. Sports normal. They want us with them.

In the short term, I won’t be attending the games either. All Ranger announcers and broadcasters will be in a studio – also watching the games on TV – and providing our commentary in a sterile environment. We will miss the sounds and smells and the fans-in-the-stands, too. Nobody wants this, nobody asked for this, but everybody must deal with it as safely as possible.

So when the games come back, turn on the TV or radio, and make yourself at home. Get creative with your family and socially-distanced friends and create some new memories around America’s pastime.

The players might feel like they are in someone’s backyard playing a game they love and hopefully, giving you a diversion and a reason to chant and cheer in the midst of this pandemic year.

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

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arlingtontoday.com • June 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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• EVENTS, ETC.

ITINERARY Your guide to fun (and the like) Levitt Pavilion cancels summer season Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Levitt Pavilion Arlington’s summer concert series, originally planned for June 19 through July 19, has been canceled.

“Out of concern for the health, safety and wellbeing of our community, we have decided to reschedule the artists we had planned for concerts this summer,” says Letatia Teykl, executive director of Levitt Pavilion Arlington. “It was a difficult decision, and one that wasn’t taken lightly. We just want everyone who comes to the Levitt – our audiences, the artists, our volunteers, crew and staff – to feel safe.”

Teykl says the venue is still scheduled to have fall concert series, which is planned to begin Aug. 28.

Circle the date (July 25): Timeless Concerts Timeless Concerts will present “March Casual Night at the Museum” at 8 p.m. on July 25 at Arlington Museum of Art (201 W. Main St.). “‘Casual Night at the Museum’ means that we performers truly will dress casually and want our audience to be comfortably casual, too,” says Timeless Concerts founder LeeAnne Chenoweth Lawson. “Whether you prefer to be in shorts or sundresses, jeans or athletic wear, whatever you like to wear in July is fine. We’ll be inside in the air conditioning, but why not be causal?”

The evening’s theme will be “music of the movies,” and the music will feature movie themes, as well as classical music made famous by the movies. A post-concert party included with ticket price will tentatively feature complimentary fruit/ cheese/desserts plates and complimentary wine/soft drinks.

BYOB is permitted. Performers will include tenors Sergio Cepeda and Don O’Neal LeBlanc, cellist Jim Higgins, violist Timothy Angel, violinist Lawson and a pianist TBA. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $30 for seniors.

“Due to these strange COVID-19 times, we are not sure if there will be a cap on audience capacity, or if food/drink service will be entirely different,” Lawson says. “We will update our info as needed.”

For more: timelessconcerts.com.

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T

his month, the Texas Rangers will present the “Concert in Your Car” series. The outdoor drive-up concert experience will feature nationally recognized and award-winning recording artists performing live outside the new Globe Life Field.

The Concert in Your Car series is a first-of-its-kind event that will present a unique live-show experience featuring chart topping recording artists, in a socially distant environment. Located in Tundra Lot B, just north of Globe Life Field, the series of concerts will take place on consecutive nights from Thursday, June 4 to Sunday, June 7. Eli Young Band will open the Concert in Your Car series on June 4, followed by Whiskey Myers on June 5, Pat Green on June 6, and Josh Abbott Band & Kevin Fowler on June 7.

Rangers fans and music enthusiasts alike will be able to watch the performances from the safety and comfort of their cars, without interacting with anyone to gain access to the show. The artists will perform directly in front of fans on a stage in the parking lot, complete with jumbo screens to ensure all attendees have a great view of the bands. Concert audio will be available through a specially designated FM radio channel.

“We are eager to once again start providing entertainment to our fans and to be able to offer the experience in a way that takes into account health and safety guidelines,” says Rangers Executive Vice President, Sports & Entertainment Sean Decker. “We have a full slate of bands, and each will present an exciting show every night.”

Every concert starts at 9 p.m. each night, with parking lots opening one hour prior to each show. Tickets are $40 per vehicle, per night. Each show date requires a ticket specific to that event. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation to support their ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts.

Special VIP packages, with guaranteed access in the first two rows of the parking lot, are available in limited quantities and cost $80 per vehicle.

For tickets: texasrangers.com/concertinyourcar.

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arlingtontoday.com • June 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY

73

• FINISH LINE

ADAPTING TO PAY TRIBUTE TO OUR SCHOLARS

A

mid the coronavirus shutdown, the MLB national awardwinning Texas Rangers scholarship program found innovative ways to honor this year’s graduates and welcome those selected for the class of 2021.

It is during the end of the school year when those selected to participate in the unique program designed to identify and train our future leaders are recognized for their commitment to reach their full potential.

This year, however, the 23-year tradition of doing so had to be modified to comply with the shutdown of our school system.

When MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred recognized the Texas Rangers with the highly coveted award for what he identified as the best example of community service among all the 30 major league baseball teams, he said such a program was how he hoped all of them would work to support their host cities.

I was honored by Richard the Rangers in 1997 by Greene attaching my name to the leadership development initiative when the ball club made a 20-year commitment to fund its full development.

What started as a $1 million commitment in awarding $10,000 scholarships annually to a graduate from each of Arlington’s high schools, has now moved way beyond that initial promise.

After following the success of those promising students selected year after year, the Rangers decided to continue the program in perpetuity and celebrate what had become a regular outcome of these young adults exceeding all expectations.

Today the alumni numbering more than 130 individuals have distinguished themselves in family and career development ranging across the fields of medicine, law, business, military service, government leadership, education and more.

The Rangers and a local group of mentors who have been involved in the selection process and support for the chosen students in their senior year as they moved through local government, the public education system, business, and community service organizations didn’t want the year to end

This year’s scholarship graduates: Jose Rebolloso, Sophia Lee, Sofia Mendoza, Blessing Roland-Magaji, Luvia Diaz and Aaron Runnels

without some kind of recognition for both the graduating seniors and those selected for the coming year.

The usual process of doing so would unfold during the annual awards ceremony at each of the city’s six high schools. But, not this year since those events were variously taking place remotely.

So, community leaders Buddy Bridges, Mary Jean Maloney, Sandra Campbell, Judy Rupay, Kris Hawbaker, Sylvia and I reached out to this year’s graduates with gift packages and the delivery of the award medal to wear on their graduation robes.

Recipients included Arlington High graduate Blessing RolandMagaji, who is headed to Scripps College to study molecular biology; Aaron Runnels from Bowie High seeking a business management degree at Florida A&M; Sofia Mendoza from Lamar High and enrolling in UT Austin’s government and prelaw program; Sophia Lee from Martin High, going to Cornell University working on her degree in nutritional science in the field of human ecology. UT Arlington landed Sam Houston High’s Jose Rebolloso majoring in environmental science, and Lluvia Diaz from Seguin High, seeking her degree in business administration.

The selection process usually takes place via in-person interviews that include some of the aforementioned mentors along with the Texas Rangers Foundation executive director Karin Morris and program manager Ray Casas. For the class of 2021 it was conducted over three days via 30-minute individual Zoom meetings with this year’s three finalists from each of the six high schools.

Although we often wish we could choose all three of these best and brightest young people, we are limited to just the one from each school who we believe will be the best fit for the leadership development work that will span the entirety of their senior year.

Those making the final cut included Louis Alexander from Arlington High, Kennedi Arceneaux from Bowie, Siam Tungnung at Lamar, Martin’s Christin Williams, Servando Olvera at Sam Houston, and Seguin’s Ethan Syed.

In years to come, we will look back on this chapter modified by the pandemic of 2020, and celebrate the success for each of these outstanding students. If the past is indeed prologue, that outcome won’t change.

Richard Greene served as 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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ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2020 • arlingtontoday.com

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

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