March 2017 Issue

Have you checked out the YMCA lately?

CELEBRATING LOCAL BUSINESSES

VanDella L. Menifee loves to make people smile

March 2017

your community • your magazine

The great Pudge Rodriguez arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY Serving Arlington, Mansfield, Kennedale and SW Grand Prairie

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Contents March 2017 • Volume 4 • Issue 3

HIGHLIGHTS 30 Celebrating LOCAL businesses

On the Cover

We believe ‘Shopping Local’ rewards all of us. Here are some area companies/practices you need to visit, plus a preview of things to come in future editions from Café Sicilia.

This month, we celebrate one of the all-time great Texas Rangers, catcher Pudge Rodriguez, who will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this summer.

50 Why the ‘Y’?

Artwork used with permission from the series by artist Robert Hurst displayed in the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. More of his work can be viewed on his website, adamnfineartist.com.

54 DEPARTMENTS Starting Line ... 10 This ‘n Data ... 12 Style ... 20 Scene ... 28, 52, 56 Around Town ... 34 The Tee Box ... 70 Dining Guide ... 72 Health/Fitness ... 74 Sights/Sounds ... 76 Speaking of Sports ... 78 Itinerary ... 80 Finish Line ... 82

58

58 One sturdy vehicle

Soon to celebrate their 60th anniversary, Bob and Mildred Kibby are still driving their original car.

62 Groundbreakers

An actor with local ties, Major Attaway, is now officially a Genie. Meanwhile, streets on the east side of town are getting a facelift.

64 Home SWEET! Home

Mansfield Mayor David Cook and his wife Tonya recently did a makeover on their home, located in a small, cozy cul’de’sac in the central part of the city. You’ll love the “before” to “after” transformation.

68 People, places, things

This month, we check in on best-selling author Sandra Brown, the beautiful new Unity Arch in Richard Greene Linear Park, and a celebrated military chaplain who recently received a surprise birthday party.

68

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

54 She loves to make people smile VanDella L. Menifee is involved in a plethora of volunteer projects that make our region better.

62

8

There’s a lot going on at the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA. Here are some highlights.

Dr. Sheri Puffer, Dr. LaTasha Jarrett, Dr. Joan Bergstrom, Dr. Joy Carter, Dr. Dawnette Peppler, Dr. Kiran Nangrani

Women’s Health Services is excited to announce the addition of two new doctors and the opening of our second office in Arlington. Dr. LaTasha Jarrett and Dr. Joy Carter will be starting in July of 2016. All obstetrical deliveries will be provided at Texas Health Arlington Memorial hospital. The doctors of WHS provide full Ob-Gyn services including well woman exams, evaluation of abnormal pap smears, surgery for North Office: 1001 N. Waldrop, Suite 505 Arlington, TX 76012

uterine bleeding, uterine prolapse, bladder suspensions (without mesh), vaginal hysterectomies, in-office

South Office:

ablation for heavy periods and Essure tubal ligations.

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

Visit our new website and make your appointments

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

forward to seeing you soon!

on-line at www.womenshealthservices.com. We look

Starting Line EXECUTIVE BOARD Executive Publisher Judy M. Rupay CEO Richard Greene

$pring has sprung

Let us rejoice in the renaissance of business in our fair burg and its neighbors

I

t’s not a stretch to say business is booming in the Arlington/Mansfield/Kennedale/SW Grand Prairie area. So I’ll go ahead and say it: Business is booming. Actually, it’s not just booming. The looming behind the booming is such that we probably will be able to say business is booming this time next year. And the year after that. And ... well, you get the idea.

A few months back, when Arlington voters gave the OK for a new ball yard for your Texas Rangers, there were already plans in place for “Texas Live!,” the mega-entertainment complex that will be situated near the old ball park for your Texas Rangers and AT&T stadium. But the dreamers behind that project needed Ballpark in Arlington 2.0 to become a reality for “Texas Live” to thrive – or, at least, reach its potential. And its potential is this: Once the Rangers move into their new home and the “Texas Live!” complex opens all its doors for business, Arlington won’t just be the Entertainment Capital of Texas. It will be the go-to destination in all the Metroplex.

Sure, with the Rangers, Cowboys and all the usual vacation and staycation spots in town, entertainment will always be an Arlington cornerstone. But a few years from now, entertainment will unite with “and more,” the likes of which this area has never seen.

Editor Fine dining options? Check. Casual dining choices? Likewise.

Yale Youngblood Upscale hotel accommodations for the throngs that will visit the city or just decide that a staycation is a pretty good idea? We’ll have them covered. Shopping opportunities will be galore, as will the type of big-name entertainment that heretofore has been an iceberg tip. Essentially, our fair city and those that surround it will represent mecca – and that’s just taking into account what’s happening near the stadiums.

The downtown area is also shifting into a higher gear. The new library ... the start-up breweries and restaurants ... the (can you believe this is really happening?) upscale urban dwellings cropping up in the heart of the city ... the veteran establishments that just keep improving ... indeed, this might be the best of times in an area that has experienced its share of good ones in the past.

That’s why, this month, we celebrate Local Businesses. I use capital letters in the reference because they’ve earned them. The folks who believed in their dreams and embraced the folks who could benefit from those dreams have represented the backbone of a prosperous region for decades. To keep that spine sturdy, we need to continue to support them with our patronage. We need to “shop local,” not just because local shopping is convenient, but because what helps them helps us all.

Starting on page 30 of this issue, we offer you a chance to meet and renew your acquaintanceship with nearly two dozen of the area’s best business people. We at Arlington Today magazine heartily endorse their commercial endeavors and earnestly believe you will discover that it will be “a pleasure doing business” with them.

yale@arlingtontoday.com

Visit arlingtontoday.com, like us on Facebook 10

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

and follow us on Twitter

and Instagram

EDITORIAL Editor Yale Youngblood Contributing Editor Marla Thomas Sports Columnist John Rhadigan Style Editor Tricia Schwartz Website & Social Media Director Sam Thomas Contributing Graphic Artists Susan Darovich, Susan Youngblood Contributing Writers Donna Darovich, Michele Duskin, Karen Gavis, Bill Lace, Kenneth Perkins, Toni Randle-Cook, Sam Thomas Contributing Photographers Gary Coots, Dwayne Lee, Heather Lee, Bruce Maxwell, Bob Pruitt SALES / CIRCULATION Business Manager Bridget Dean Sales Managers Laura DiStefano, Amy Lively, Andrea Proctor, Debbie Roach, Alice J. Rogers, Tricia Schwartz Distribution Manager Sam Thomas PRODUCTION Production Manager Susan Darovich ARLINGTON TODAY is published monthly. Copyright 2016 Arlington Today, Inc., 1000 Ballpark Way, Suite 308, Arlington, TX 76011. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means without permission of the publisher.

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

Basic subscriptions are $33.95 for 12 issues (price includes tax and shipping). E-mail subscriptions@arlingtontoday.com

• Phone number: (817) 303-3304

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This ‘n Data

A significant contribution

Dan Dipert makes lead gift to help Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital build a new chapel LONGTIME SUPPORTER AND FORMER Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital Board Trustee Dan Dipert recently made the lead gift for a new chapel at Texas Health Arlington Memorial.

The Dan Dipert Family Chapel will be located off the main hospital lobby to provide a more prominent location for patients, families, visitors and employees needing a quiet space for reflection, meditation and prayer.

Photo: Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital With 338 additional square feet from the current chapel, Brandee Kelley (Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital Board Trustee), Linda Dipert, Dan Dipert the Dan Dipert Family Chapel will be designed to be com(Former Board Trustee), Blake Kretz (Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital President), Billie Farrar, fortable for all who visit, and it will allow the chaplains Kirk King (Texas Health Resources Executive Vice President and Southwest Zone Operations Leader). more opportunities to utilize the space and increase their services to meet patient and family needs. upgrade our chapel a reality.”

As Texas Health Arlington Memorial strives to meet the health With a total budget of $650,000, Texas Health Arlington Mecare, spiritual and emotional needs of the community, hospital morial is relying on philanthropic support to fund this important officials believe the building of a new chapel will be a welcome project. There are many opportunities available to help complete addition for all who enters its doors. the building of this new chapel.

“As a faith-based hospital, it is a priority for us to improve this For more information on how you can help Texas Health Arimportant part of our facility,” says Blake Kretz, Texas Health lington Memorial continue to meet the needs of the communities Arlington Memorial Hospital President. “We thank Dan Dipert it serves, call Lisa Brown at (682) 236-5233 or email her at and his family for their generous donation to make our desire to LisaBrown@TexasHealth.org.

The best medicine ...

A MAN WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD with 20 penguins in the back seat of his car.

A policeman stops him and tells him he can’t drive around with penguins and suggests that the man take them to the zoo. The man agrees and drives off.

The next day the same man is driving down the road with 20 penguins in the back seat. Eventually, he is stopped by the same police officer, who says, “Hey, I thought I told you to take those penguins to the zoo.”

“I did,” the man replies. “And today I’m taking them to the movies.”

12

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery featured on the TV show “Cake Hunters” ARLINGTON’S SUGAR BEE SWEETS BAKERY made its TV debut last month on the Cooking Channel’s “Cake Hunters” program.

In the episode, the owner of the Strokers Dallas custom bike shop was hosting a significant soiree in celebration of its 20 years in business. Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery, which recently relocated to 201 N. East St. in downtown Arlington, was one of the featured bakeries that contributed menu items for the event.

Heidi Allison, owner of Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery, recently shared with myarlingtonTX.com how the television appearance came to be. “We were contacted by the ‘Cake Hunters’ producers in early fall 2016,” she said. “We did a Skype interview, and the next thing we knew they called and said we had been chosen for an episode they were filming in the DFW area.”

So, is that called having your cake and making it, too?

This ‘n Data David Hopkins will deliver “My Spin on the Universe” at 7 p.m. on March 14 at Division Brewing as this month’s installment of Arlington on Tap.

Arlington on Tap to feature David Hopkins

Maren Morris

Pentatonix and Dolly Parton

Photo: billboard.com

Photo: redlightmanagement.com

Pentatonix, Maren Morris among this year’s Grammy Award winners AND THE GRAMMY goes to ...

Those who’ve kept up with the pop and country music scenes recently know that a couple of Arlingtonrooted acts – Pentatonix and Maren Morris – are making significant impacts on their respective genres.

Last month, “significant” rose a notch when both of the local entities took home Grammy Awards for the outstanding music they produce.

Pentatonix’s trophy came via their “Best Country Duo/Group Performance” effort in their collaborative work with county legend Dolly Parton on her song, “Jolene.” While the a cappella group has been in the Grammy winners’ circle before, this is their first major dip in the country music water.

Meanwhile, Morris took home her first Grammy for “Best Country Solo Performance” for her breakthrough song “My Church.” Morris also was nominated for three other awards at the 59th annual celebration of music: “Best New Artist,” “Best Country Song” (“My Church”) and “Best Country Album” (her record, “Hero”).

DAVID HOPKINS, the upcoming March speaker for the popular (and free) downtown happyhour-plus-a-talk series – Arlington on Tap – is a writer who writes a little bit of everything and a whole lot of some things. His talk will be at 7 p.m. on March 14 at Division Brewing, 506 E. Main St. Happy hour starts at 6 p.m.

Hopkins’ work includes the short story collection “We Miss All the Great Parties,” the burlesque memoir “The Wild” and “Wayward Tales of Tammi True.” He has been a regular contributor to D Magazine, Smart Pop Books, and Fanboy Radio.

“He also once wrestled a mountain lion, not on purpose, but things just happen sometimes,” says Arlington Proud director and KFJZ radio show host Mark Joeckel, who with former Arlington Star-Telegram Publisher O.K. Carter created the downtown lecture series.

Hopkins lives in Arlington. For a dozen years he taught creative writing at Martin High School.

“Tap” sponsors include the Arlington Historical Society, Arlington Proud and Arlington Today Magazine.

For the Record

RAISE your hand if you once owned a Joe Lovitto baseball card. Lovitto manned center field in 117 games during the Rangers’ first season in 1972, batting .224 with one homer and 13 stolen bases.

14

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

JOHN W. DITTO teamed with Archibald Collins at the top of the organizational chart of the Land Co. back in the day. Collectively, they and their business donated the land on which Arlington College was created in 1895. Today you know that institution as the University of Texas Arlington.

IF YOU’RE INTO MARKING “FIRSTS,” the city’s first charter and sidewalks (and a new water system) came in 1919, under Mayor William H. Rose.

WE CAN THANK the Arlington Historical Society for the previous two nuggets – as well as for this one: The next exhibit to enjoy at the society’s His-

toric Field House will be “Sports in Arlington.”

For more, visit the Fielder House literally at 1616 W. Abram St. or virtually at historicalarlington.org.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS ARLINGTON not only offers a Master’s degree in Public Administration, it offers an Accelerated Online Master of Public Administration degree.

IN THE 1960s, Six Flags Over Texas introduced the “Tower Section,” named after the Oil Derrick observation tower built in 1969. Another park attraction that was introduced in the ‘60s was the El Aserradero, but you likely just called it “The Log Ride.”

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A silent auction is one of many highlights at the Back the Blue Bash.

Back the Blue

Fourth annual fundraising Bash will help raise money to support the Arlington Police Department THE FOURTH ANNUAL Back the Blue Bash supporting the Arlington Police Department will take place March 3 at the Arlington Convention Center. Doors will open at 6 p.m., the dinner will start at 6:30 p.m. and the program will commence at 7:30 p.m.

The event will feature a band, games of “Heads or Tails” with a chance to win a suite at a Rangers Game, a raffle drawing for a pair of trips and a silent auction.

The Bash is sponsored and run by the Arlington Police Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to support Arlington’s police department.

Local attorney Jim Ross, chairman of the foundation’s board of directors, says the Arlington Police Foundation funds essential equipment and programs for the Arlington Police Department, which are not included in the city budget. “In addition,” Ross says, “the foundation provides financial assis-

They’ll be singin’ the blues on March 11 THE INAUGURAL Arlington Blues and Southern Soul Festival will be held March 11 at Arlington Music Hall (224 N. Center St.). The party begins at 5 p.m. and the music doesn’t stop until midnight.

Hosted by DFW’s own Michael Gunn, the festival will feature some of the more talented local artists of the genre, including: LJ Echols, AYHONZ featuring Kenya C, Lil Jimmie, Paul Byrd, teen phenom Dylan Bishop, and headliner Holland K. Smith. Smith is a guitarist, songwriter and singer of Texas-style blues.

For tickets, visit arlingtonmusichall.net or call (817) 923-9305. All seats are reserved.

16

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

tance to the families of Tarrant County law enforcement officers killed in the Photos courtesy of the Arlington Police Foundation line of duty.”

While the founin 1996,” Ross says. “So I have strong ties dation has hosted golf tournaments and to them.” uses other means to support the police The money raised at this year’s event department cause, the primary fundraiser will go toward numerous endeavors the is the Back the Blue Bash. Last year’s foundation supports. Projects have includevent drew some 1,000 people, and the ed providing financial support for life hope is that this year’s attendance will be saving kits for patrol officers, K-9 officers even greater. and motorcycle officers. The foundation Ross became associated with the founalso supports the Explorer Program, dation five years ago, when then-Police PALS, and numerous other kids-at-risk Chief Theron Bowman asked if he would programs within Arlington. consider getting involved. The two men Ross says anyone is welcome to “back had gone to the police academy together the blue,” noting that the best way to get and had worked together in the Arlington involved is to donate and/or volunteer by Police Department. “I spent near 13 years contacting arlingtonpolicefoundation.org. with the PD prior to going to law school

3 Scoops ...

1. Taking care of the newborns ... Medical City Arlington was recently recognized by the Texas Department of State Health Services for outstanding newborn screening performance. The hospital received the highest honor – Spotlight Recognition – among high-volume facilities in the state of Texas.

2. The city that smiles together ... The Arlington City Council recently relaunched the Community Relations Commission, a 15-member group representative of the growing diversity of The American Dream City. The Council will work with the Commission to address important issues in the community. The first project is an initiative to promote kindness in Arlington neighborhoods.

3. A story with a happy ending ... The Southwest Branch Library (3311 S.W. Green Oaks Blvd.) recently introduced Born to Stand Out, a “choose your own adventure” type of storytime for children of families with special needs. A storytime with songs, movement, activities and stories will be presented, including sensoryfriendly activities. Participants will have the freedom throughout the program to participate in storytime and explore the various sensory centers that focus on storytelling, play and more. For more: (817) 459-6900.

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WITH ARLINGTON PARKS & REC We’ve rolled out a new online registration system allowing you to register and pay for programs, sign up for memberships and view facility reservation availability all from your computer, tablet or smartphone at your own convenience. Search for your favorite programs by keyword, age, day, time, location and more!

Visit NaturallyFun.org for more information.

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1/23/2017 11:36:51 AM arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY 17

Happenings in the Arlington Independent School District • aisd.net

Arlington ISD, North Central Texas Council of Governments partner on traffic support programs The Arlington ISD collaborated with the North Central Texas Council of Governments on projects to improve traffic around our campuses.

After a traffic study for McNutt Elementary and Workman Junior High, the AISD and the NCTCOG agreed to partner on three projects in that area.

The Regional Transportation Council agreed to fund a deceleration lane on Center Street, a deceleration lane on Volunteer Drive and a traffic signal at the corner of Center and Volunteer.

Funding support totaled $365,202.

“We are pleased to partner with the North Central Texas Council of Governments to provide this support for our schools and the surrounding

communities,” AISD Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos said. “The improved traffic flow has been key to having these two schools located in close proximity.”

The partnership with the NCTCOG is one of several strong community partnerships that support the district and its programs – $13 million from Tarrant County College for the Arlington Collegiate High School facility; nearly $2.1 million from Raise Your Hand Texas, the Meadows Foundation, American Express and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Sid Richardson Foundation, and the Rainwater Charitable Foundation

Traffic signal at the corner of Center Street and Volunteer Drive.

Transfer applications open March 6-10 In-district and out-of-district transfers are available at all AISD campuses on a space-available basis for a one-time fee of $65.

Transfer applications are open March 6-10.

Learn more and apply at www.aisd.net/transfers.

for the Emerging Leaders Program; $1.1 million from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington for an after-school center within a new campus; $500,000 from Texas Trust Credit Union for an outdoor performance area at one of the district’s fine arts/dual language academies; more than $200,000 from Moritz Dealerships for the automotive technology program; and nearly $100,000 from the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Arlington Youth Foundation for programs including the AISD Back to School Kickoff, a character training initiative for secondary coaches and athletes and funding for all fifth graders to take part in the art tour at AT&T Stadium.

Deceleration lane on Center Street.

AISD School Hours

Happenings in the Arlington Independent School District • aisd.net

Martin High School Symphony Orchestra named TMEA Honor Orchestra The Martin High School Symphony Orchestra was named a Texas Music Educators Association Honor Orchestra and performed during the TMEA Clinic and Convention in San Antonio. It was the third-straight year that a group from Martin has performed at TMEA, as the String Orchestra performed in 2015 and the Chamber Singers in 2016.

“It is extremely rare for a school to

perform for three consecutive years at TMEA,” AISD Fine Arts Director Jeremy Earnhart said. “This benchmark is a tribute to the outstanding studentmusicians and staff and the consistent campus and community support at Martin.”

The Martin Symphony Orchestra was one of only two high school orchestras to play at the convention. Under the

direction of Michael Stringer, the Martin Symphony Orchestra performed Don Juan, Op. 20 by Strauss; Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88; Mvt. III by Dvorak; Malagueña from Andalucia Suite Espagnole No. 6 by Lecuona/ Grofe; Enigma Variations, IX. Nimrod

by Elgar; and Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36; Mvt. IV by Tchaikovsky.

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

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Spring has Sprung!

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Downtown Arlington is your “Can’t-Miss-Destination” for Music, Culture, Dining and Shopping!

MARCH Mar. 5 Casting Crowns • College Park Center Mar. 7 Maverick Speaker Series: Fareed Zakaria • College Park Center Mar. 10 Richard Marx • Arlington Music Hall Mar. 16 Symphony Arlington - Symphony Goes Wild • Arlington Music Hall Mar. 17 St. Patrick’s Day Block Party • J. Gilligan’s

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arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

23

UTA Today

UTA’s College of Engineering On the Rise

F

or more than 50 years, the College of Engineering at The University of Texas at Arlington has helped set the standard for engineering education in North Texas. Its influence can be felt in all corners of the state and beyond.

The college is the third-largest engineering school in Texas, boasting more than 7,000 students and nearly 30,000 alumni. Recognized annually by U.S. News & World Report as a leader in engineering education, it offers the most comprehensive program in North Texas, with 11 baccalaureate, 14 master’s, and nine doctoral programs in seven departments: Bioengineering; Civil Engineering; Computer Science and Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering; Materials Science and Engineering; and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

Students and faculty represent the increasingly global nature

of higher education. Enrollment among Hispanic students has risen in recent years, as has the number successful first-generation college students. Additionally, the number of women majoring in engineering has nearly doubled since 2012.

The College of Engineering’s research directly impacts the community, with nearly $13 million in funding awarded in infrastructure, cancer, and veterans’ health- and lifestyle-related issues alone. Thousands of alumni work in the DFW Metroplex, and the college’s influence is felt in Fortune 500 companies nationwide.

“We offer quality educational opportunities that are unmatched in the region, and our researchers are making discoveries at the leading edge of their fields,” says Peter Crouch, dean of the College of Engineering. “We are proud to be part of the fabric of Arlington and the surrounding region, and of the real impact we have on the lives of our friends and neighbors.”

Career ready at a university with the

lowest student debt in Texas

• UTA ranks second for lowest average student debt among national universities • 210,000 graduates workforce-ready; many employed at industry leaders like Lockheed Martin, Bell Helicopter, and more • UTA is third-largest producer of college graduates in Texas

Arlington Today Ad 8x4.8125 March 1, 2017.indd 1 ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

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Cover Story

Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez was all smiles when he learned he had been inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame.

Photo: Ron Jenkins/Texas Rangers

PUDGE puts Arlington in the spotlight – again Ivan Rodriguez was the heart and soul of some great Texas Rangers teams, and I’m proud to have been a witness to his – now – Hall of Fame career • By Richard Greene

W

A rookie catcher chats with a veteran mayor at Rangers spring training.

26

hen the Texas Rangers won the American League West Division Championship in 1996 for the first time in the history of the franchise, the team’s remarkable young catcher led the way.

In the regular season, Ivan “Pudge Rodriguez” played in all but nine of the 162 games – a personal record he would not repeat during the entirety of his 21-year career.

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

He batted .300 for the year in a record 685 plate appearances, was the starting catcher in the All-Star Game, garnered his fifth Gold Glove award, and earned his third Silver Slugger trophy.

Already a major-league city, Arlington gained national attention when the Rangers took on the storied New York Yankees that year, and most would say it wouldn’t have happened without the guy wearing the number seven on his uniform.

A wager with New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, in his second year in office, would result in his talking about how he won from Arlington’s mayor the cowboy boots he was wearing in an appearance on David Letterman’s Late Night Show.

When team owner George Steinbrenner led the Yankees to The Ballpark in Arlington for the series, it was my privilege to be sitting next to him for the games.

With the New York television cameras focused on us, the announcers speculated that our conversation was likely to be about how Arlington had built a new ballpark.

They were right. Steinbrenner, praising our achievement, told me they were looking to build a new Yankee Stadium and wanted to know more about Arlington’s success in getting ours done.

And now, Pudge will again turn national attention to us when he is inducted on July 30 as part of the Hall of Fame Weekend in Cooperstown, N.Y. About 50,000 baseball fans will gather there in the sunshine at the home of the National Pastime.

Describing the latest inductee, the HOF superlatives include, “The numbers are staggering for Ivan Rodriguez, including the 14 All-Star Game selections and 13 Gold Glove Awards – both tops for any catcher in history.

“But the best indicator of Rodriguez’s excellence may be his 2,427 games behind the plate. No one has caught more games at the big-league level, and few can say they did it as well.”

Pudge signed a free agent contract with the Rangers when he was 16 years old. Three years

Rangers owner Ray Davis congratulates Rodriguez.

later he was considered one of the best catching prospects in the game and regarded as possibly having the best arm of any catcher in baseball before he even got to the big leagues.

Defensively, he was as advertised, erasing almost half of the runners who tried to steal on him.

By the end of his career, the Society of American Baseball Research would conclude that no one else had ever matched his skill at doing that.

So, when Pudge, wearing the cap of the Texas Rangers that have called Arlington home for 45 years, steps to the microphone on the Hall of Fame induction stage this summer, all eyes across the country and around the world watching on television will be focused on our hometown hero.

Arlington’s pride will swell large that day, a privilege afforded our great city basking in the reflected glory of one of baseball’s greatest players.

Richard Greene’s five mayoral terms overlapped the first seven years of Rodriguez’s career with the Rangers.

Pudge celebrates with his wife, Gloria Patricia “Patry” Gomez.

Photos: Ron Jenkins/Texas Rangers

What others are saying about Pudge ...

“Pudge is a remarkable man who has achieved the “American Dream” right here in Arlington, the American Dream City. I could not be prouder and I’m already booked to be present and represent all our citizens at the induction ceremony in July.” – Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams “I’ve known Ivan for 26 years and been blessed to be a part of his family and help him with his charitable foundation. He is not only a Hall of Famer on the field, but also off the field, he has and continues to give his time, energy, and resources to help others.” – Jamie Adams “Along with Ruben Sierra and Juan Gonzalez, Rodriguez was at the heart of the Rangers’ first real plan to draft, sign and develop its own stars. While the others had Hall of Fame talent, only Rodriguez put together a Hall of Fame-worthy career.” – Evan Grant, Sports Day “Pudge played the game with a lot of enthusiasm and developed into one of the finest catchers that ever played the game. I am looking forward to the induction ceremony in July.”

– Nolan Ryan, Hall of Fame Class of 1999.1 “He was the complete catcher, incredibly durable and intimidating behind the plate but also a very good hitter. It is remarkable he played at such a high level for so long. I am amazed at the number of games he caught, the 13 Gold Gloves he won. Truly impressive.”

– Johnny Bench, Hall of Fame Class of 1989.1 1 Quoted in Sports Day

Awesome numbers for an awesome player 14

2,844

1,332

All-Star Game selections

Major League hits

Career runs batted in

13

311

1,354

Gold Glove awards

.296

Career batting average

Career home runs

572

Career doubles

Career runs scored – best all-time among catchers

1999 American League MVP

Texas Rangers Photo

arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

27

Picture-perfect Moments

Photos: Southern Flair Photography

Charles Snow, Janis Alley-Mitchell, Reginald Alley, Barbara Snow and Tom Hadley

The ribbon cutting, which featured Mayor Williams and Council Woman Kathryn Wilemon

Scene

Snapshots from the Grand Opening of the Homewood Suites by Hilton, the Dedication Ceremony for Eddy & Debby Peach Elementary School, the Champions for Kids event and Arlington Museum of Art’s Eat Your Heart Out

John Lenheiser, Katie Kuehl and Alfredo Ollivierre

Drew Green, Monica Jackson, Terrell Atkins, Delissia Lockett and Marlon Rollins

Photos: Toni Randle-Cook

Debbie Peach and Eddy Peach celebrate the opening of the school in their name.

Lamar High School cheerleaders were part of the festivities.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

Mayor Jeff Williams recognizes the Peaches during the grand opening.

David Brown, Teri Brown, Ian Lee, Tom Grieve, Kathi Stevenson, Ed Lee and Jennifer Lee

Photos: Ambreen Zaveri/Shakar Photography

John Rhadigan, Tom Grieve, Mayor Jeff Williams and Steve Wurm at the Champions for Kids event

Monique Corralez, Jamie Roberts, Homer Bush, Aylizha Sifuentes, Stephanie Gaywood, Tom Grieve and Kailond, a Club member and 2017 Youth of the Year

Paige Farragut, Kellie Fischer, Karin Morris and Angel, a Club member

Mary Hernandez, Grace Rhoden and Sue Wiggins

Photos: Richard Greene

Paula Hightower Pierson and Chris Hightower at the Eat Your Heart Out event

Rania Mahrouq, Sam Mahrouq, Jock Bethune, Lorie White and Brian White arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Celebrating LOCAL businesses We believe ‘Shopping Local’ rewards all of us. Here are some area companies/practices you need to visit

Financially Speaking

Q&A with Private Wealth Advisor Derrick Kinney Money man and long-time Arlington resident Derrick Kinney is often interviewed by local and national media to make complex financial topics “easy-to-understand.”

We caught up with Derrick to gain his wealth wisdom.

you’re well-known for Q Derrick, your passion for education and

should investors Q What do right now?

supporting local schools. Why is that important to you?

As I visit with clients, many tell me they are concerned about the stock market - will it keep going up, or should they brace for a sudden drop? Listen, it’s more important than ever to know how much risk is in each investment you own. Have your advisor run a worst-case scenario on your portfolio.

point Derrick! What about Q Great someone who is about to retire

or is already retired. What tips do you have for them?

While the future is uncertain, here are some easy, yet powerful tips: 1. For retirees, keep 6 months of your income needs in cash. So whatever the market does, you’re not having to sell out of something when an investment is down to maintain your lifestyle.

2. For future retirees, practice living on a “practice retirement budget” for 3 months. This is critical to knowing how much money you need to live on in retirement.

At Derrick Kinney & Associates, our clients are part of something much bigger than us just managing their money. Through us, they are helping recognize outstanding teachers and student leaders and give back to local organizations that make a difference in our community. There isn’t a week that goes by that I don’t think about a past teacher or professor that had a big impact on me.

Teaching is an honorable profession and I respect and admire their dedication. Teachers helped shape me into the man I am today.

For a no-obligation visit with one of their friendly and knowledgeable financial advisors, contact Derrick Kinney and Associates at 817-419-6001 or online at www.DerrickKinney.com.

Derrick Kinney Highlights: Winner

Winner

ALL STARS of

ALL STARS of

 Readers’ Choice 

 Readers’ Choice 

2016

ARLINGTON Today

your community • your magazine

2015

Arlington Today

your community • your magazine

Designations: Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL®) Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) Certified Long Term Care (CLTC) Certified Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®)

Seen On: FOX Business, FOX News, Bloomberg TV, CNBC, and CBS Marketwatch

Recognized by Texas Monthly magazine as a “Five Star Wealth Manager” for the 5th year.

• Featured in the Wall Street Journal as one of five Dallas/Fort Worth Five Star Wealth Managers investors need to know

arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

31

Italian meals

The art of understanding

Food and the art of eating well are taken very seriously in Italy! Italians are immensely proud of their cuisine and fine wines. Many hours are spent around the table enjoying food, wine and great company. Meals are eaten at a leisurely pace and should never be rushed. We often complain if the food is slow to be served or if the server takes too long to bring the check, but in Italy it is rude if the server rushes you! The Italian way of enjoying a meal encourages the diner to relax and unwind with a good meal.

Lunch is generally considered to be the most important meal of the day and consists of a pasta course followed by a meat or fish course with salad or vegetables. After lunch, it is siesta time. What a great way to live! Many a tourist has been caught unaware when they find all the shops are closed for lunch and a nap between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.!

A special occasion dinner consists of multiple courses eaten in a leisurely way.

Good food and wine enjoyed in the company of family and friends.

Look for us in the upcoming Dining Guide in Arlington Today, where you will discover a new feature, Local Italian Flavors, complete with delicious, easy-to-make recipes.

The next course is the Antipasti. This is usually a heavier appetizer like a charcuterie platter with salami, prosciutto

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

The Primi is the first course to contain hot food. This is usually where the pasta comes in! The pasta will most often be a non-meat course. Pasta could be served with olive oil, garlic and chili or perhaps a simple red sauce. Other popular options for the primi course are risotto, polenta and gnocchi. Luxury ingredients like truffles often make an appearance in the primi course.

Local Italian Flavor

The start of the meal is the Aperitivo course. It consists of olives, nuts, cheese and other small bites. The drinks that accompany the aperitivo could be Campari, Aperol, prosecco or wine.

32

and mortadella, served with bread and cheese. Another option could be tuna antipasto, cold salmon or a bruschetta.

Secondi is the next course. Typically, meat such as beef, lamb, pork or chicken will be part of this course. Each region has their own specialties and favorite preparations.

All kinds of seafood such as salt cod, lobster and salmon are also popular secondi dishes.

Contorni are side dishes that accompany the secondi course. The contorni are usually vegetables that could be served either hot or cold. They are served on a different plate than the meat or seafood secondi so as to keep the integrity of the flavors!

Insalata is the salad course, which may just be a simple garden salad.

Formaggi E Frutta is the fruit and cheese course. A selection of regional cheese is served in this course, accompanied by seasonal fruits that complement the cheese.

Dolce, the dessert course, could be as simple as serving gelato, sorbet or granita. However, there are many favorite Italian desserts such as tiramisu, cannoli and panna cotta, which are the perfect way to end an Italian feast!

Not every Italian meal can be a feast meal. Italian food is essentially about good ingredients cooked without too much fuss. It is about enjoying the simple things in life like good food, good wine and La Dolce Vita!

Caffè, or coffee, is often enjoyed after the meal. Italians do not drink coffee with milk after dinner but rather super strong espresso with no sugar added!

Buon Appetito!

Digestivo is the drink served at the conclusion of the meal. This drink is meant to aid the digestion after a long and plentiful meal. Popular options are grappa, limoncello or amaro.

Karin

Arlington 7221 Matlock Road, Arlington TX 76002 (817) 419-2800 Bedford 1548 M Bedford Road, Bedford, TX 76021 (817) 318-6664 Watauga 6801 Rufe Snow Drive, Watauga, TX 76148 (817) 428 5110 The Italian food experts: Joe, Renee and Fernando

Visit cafesicilia.com

arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

33

Around Town

Reimagining Arlington

One year in as Chamber CEO, Michael Jacobson – and the city – are off and running • By Kenneth Perkins

T

he conversation was going rather smoothly until I brought up the whole idea of Arlington as a city pent in by heftier models to the east and west, shinier models to the north and south – trapped, chained, suffocating under success that happened way back when. Maybe it was one of those statement-slash-questions-slash-provocations designed to pick and rattle the brain of our Chamber of Commerce CEO. Michael Jacobson has been in the economic trenches long enough where you can pick at all you want but rattling is at a minimum, and no one would be the slightest surprised to know that he saw the ambush coming.

Anyway, Jacobson didn’t really move at this shift in mode and mood. He didn’t Michael frown. He didn’t groan.

Jacobson He smiled. Then leaned in and said, “The one thing I tell folks is that New York City was probably built out in or around 1830. Did that mean it was over for them at that point? No. You continually build and reimagine and redevelop. Arlington’s future is as bright as it has ever been. To me, it’s just really the beginning.”

Anyone trying to make their way through downtown can see beginning all over the place in those orange cones and guys in orange vests and bright, blinking arrows saying, uh, you can’t go this way. You go left or right and run smack into the University of Texas at Arlington, which is now like a little city all its own. Or you find yourself near City Hall, where that glorious library is taking shape. Stuff is happening in the city, and that’s exactly what Jacobson wants to hear.

He is not the guru of Arlington prosperity or the chief designer of the new downtown that is being erected, but there is something about the word “reimagine” that gets people going – it is the galvanizing force helping to make Arlington matter in a whole, new way.

To imagine is to form a mental imaging, to conceive, to comprehend through the intellect something not necessarily perceived through the senses. This is actually old hat for Jacobson, which is why he was a solid choice to strap the Chamber on his back and go.

So reimagining is rethinking, reworking, what’s already there.

What matters to Jacobson is how a city grows big; not how big the city grows. When people suggest a city is getting too big or not big enough or too this or too that, he shifts the conversation from quantity (or the lack thereof) to quality.

34

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

Chambers of Commerce are uniquely situated to affect this sort of thinking, or rethinking, partly because they are the grassroots of a city, the backbone, since business large and small play such a significant role in the building and sustaining of economic livelihood.

Jacobson and the Chamber Board know that chambers are not the leading force of Arlington’s new downtown – Tony Rutigliano and the Downtown Arlington Management Corp. is knee deep in that, or that they represent the driver of city governance. Mayor Jeff Williams is aptly capable. Yet Chambers are the center sphere of influence in the community.

In just a year, Jacobson has built alliances and is leveraging the talents and resources of its member businesses to improve economic opportunities. As go the businesses here, so goes Arlington.

“A year after being here I have a better understanding,” Jacobson says. “The good news is that what I thought was true turned out to be true. Arlington is a community that comes together, that works hard, is passionate, that dreams big dreams. But more important than dreaming big dreams, they realize dreams.”

He points to the big Yes Campaign to build the new Rangers stadium (Jacobson Photo: Kenneith Perkins served as treasurer) as Exhibit A of that dream realization.

Jacobson is well aware of strength in numbers. When the Chamber hosted its Business Over Breakfast event, the turnout was high despite a cold, rainy morning.

“We have had a year of amazing events and activities, and have been surprised that each event was the biggest and most profitable we’ve had,” Jacobson says. “We couldn’t be more excited.”

To Jacobson, Arlington is moving on. And up.

All it takes is a little bit of reimagining.

Columnist 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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Gerald B. Alley Homewood Suites in South Arlington

4550 Waxwing Drive • (817) 465-4663 • homewoodsuites3.hilton.com

Independently owned by DPG BRAVADO ARLINGTON LLC

Support Locally and Expand Globally

A

s a business grows, it needs to maintain a connection with its employees and its clients. However, with all great organizations, whether it’s Starbucks in Seattle, Wash.; Apple in Cupertino (Silicon Valley), Calif.; or Walmart in Bentonville, Ark., there is a direct relationship between a business performing as a servant leader and the support of the community it serves. That has been the founding principal in which Gerald Alley believes and practices with his city, Arlington.

Gerald Alley is the founder and CEO of Con-Real LP, the leading African-American-owned construction and real estate firm in Texas, as well as in the Southwest United States.

Alley credits his success to the legacy of his parents, Troy and Gladys Alley. In 1934, his father founded one of the first black businesses in Pine Bluff, Ark., the Alley “ESSO” Service Station.

The service station was located across from what is now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and it remained in business until the 1980s. His mother, an educator, served in many education and community organizations. His parents were a great inspiration to him as they believed in a sense of giving 36

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

back to their community as the business and the city grew together.

Since his college days at the University of Arkansas in the early ‘70s, Alley has practiced the theory whenever there was an opportunity to give back to the institution. This philosophy can be seen in his deeds 40 years later with an ongoing relationship with the university, including the Sam Walton School of Business. Gerald and Troy, his brother and business partner, support these schools through scholarships and school endowments such as the Gerald and Candance Foundation and the Alley Scholars, a program that mentors college students towards entrepreneurship.

This practice continued after he received his MBA at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Alley made a commitment to support the university and was recently appointed as the first African-American entrepreneur to serve on the Board of Trustees at SMU. Gerald moved to Arlington in 1980 where he met his wife, Dr. Candace Alley and there, they raised their children, Gina, Stephanie, and Byron who all attended Arlington schools. Upon

moving to Arlington, Gerald was appointed by Mayor Harold Patterson to the Arlington Housing Committee, which addresses the need for affordable housing in the city. In 1999, he relocated Con-Real’s main office from Grand Prairie to Arlington located just outside the Entertainment and Corporate Business District.

Since his youthful days in Arkansas, Alley was a club kid at the Boys & Girls Clubs and, driven by a need to do even more for the community, he now serves on the board at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington.

The board consists of leadership such as Mark Caffey, Kay Duggan, John Landry, Mike Gerro, and Karen Bass, who all share his sense of commitment in making the City of Arlington the city of the future.

Not only has the Arlington Boys & Girls Clubs been vital to the community, other leaders have provided tremendous support in Gerald’s understanding of what makes a better city. Dr. Reverend Dwight McKissic of Cornerstone Baptist Church; Alisa Simmons, President of Arlington’s NAACP; and Dan and Linda Dipert have been influential in addressing the needs and provided voices for many Arlington citizens.

Since moving Con-Real’s corporate office to Arlington, Alley was welcomed by other organizations and business leaders, such as Arlington’s former Mayors Richard Greene and Elzie Odom, Moji Haddad, who owns an architectural firm; and Jim Brothers, an executive with Six Flags. The latter two were chairmen of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce on which Alley had also served.

Charles Green, Jim Maibach, and Mike Patterson also served as fellow board members with Alley at Southwest Securities Bank, the city’s largest locally owned bank during the ‘90s. These individuals all seem to have the pulse on the city and its potential.

Alley was very pleased to see major entertainment venues being developed, from the first Rangers Ballpark Stadium to the Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium. However, during the construction of the Cowboys Stadium, Alley felt that in order for Arlington to maximize its growth, it needed to have more locally owned businesses grow from this major development. Thus, he developed his first hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn, through Bravado LP, an entity owned and managed by Gerald, located on Lamar Boulevard, which was the newest hotel in the Entertainment District for over 20 years.

He credits the support of the hotel development to his relationship with the local community. From that experience, Alley became supportive of several public and private organizations, including the

Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, on which he was a member – and now where he serves as Chairman after being recently appointed as Chairman by Mayor Jeff Williams. In this role, he envisions the growth of Arlington as the entertainment capital of Texas and feels that Arlington will need to assert itself as a corporate location market for global companies. Along with stakeholders such as the City of Arlington and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the ACVB will be involved in marketing the entire benefits to corporations to expand or relocate major facilities into Arlington. Alley believes Arlington is one of the most diverse cities in Texas with strength in every aspect of positive attraction that any corporation would consider important. The mayor and Ronnie Price, president and CEO of ACVB, agree with this opportunity.

With the recent announcement of “Texas Live!,” a mixed-use entertainment venue that will keep Arlington the leading entertainment venue in Texas, Alley is very proud to have been selected by the Cordish Companies and the Texas Rangers to be a joint venture partner to construct this monumental development. Despite having been involved in large projects in the past, Gerald is proud to build a major project in his very own city. Through the commitment and the support of the mayor, the city council, and the city staff leaders, they have adopted an inclusion program that has a goal of increasing MWBE and local-based businesses to be a part of these local projects.

Alley is also proud to have just built his newest hotel, the Homewood Suites by Hilton through his real estate development partnership, DPG/Bravado LP, located at Interstate 20 and Collins Street. DPG is a Daugherty family business that has successfully owned and managed another hotel in Arlington. Gerald is noticing that after only a few weeks since the grand opening of the Homewood Suites, several of his guests are Arlington residents that are utilizing the hotel for their entertainment, staycation, and guest needs. He is elated to see his fellow Arlingtoners supporting this local-based development.

Alley believes this the beginning of America’s Dream City by growing and supporting his local businesses that will not only serve Arlington and North Texas but the nation and the world. Alley’s vision can be summarized by his new unofficial proclamation of the identification of the Metroplex as DFWA (Dallas-Ft. Worth-Arlington) because the Dream City should be a part of the foundation of the North Texas region.

To learn more about Gerald’s company, Con-Real, please visit our website at www.Con-Real.com. arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

37

The Atlas Vein Care team Photo: Southern Flair Photography

Atlas Vein Care 2705 W. Arkansas Lane • (817) 795-8346 • atlasvein.com

A

tlas Vein Care provides compassionate, personalized care to improve quality of life by serving those suffering with vein disease. Dr. Thomas “Eric” Eidson, DO, and his wife Leanora, opened Atlas Vein Care in June of 2016 and began treating patients in the Arlington and surrounding areas.

Born and raised in Arlington, Dr. Eidson knew he wanted to come back home and treat his fellow Texans. After many years of medical and specialty training he found his way back home five years ago and began his medical career dedicated to the treatment of vein disease.

In 2016, after safely and successfully performing thousands of vein procedures to help make his patients look and feel their best, Dr. Eidson founded Atlas Vein Care as a family owned and run medical practice. Dr. Eidson is double board certified in Vein Disease (Phlebology) and Family Medicine. He is certified through the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and the American Board of Osteopathic Family Physicians, successfully completing rigorous training and comprehensive testing in each medical specialty.

“Our Atlas Vein Care promise is ‘You will always be evaluated and treated by a doctor certified to treat vein disease,’” Dr. Eidson says. “All evaluation, diagnostic imaging and treatment is done in house and performed out-patient, saving our patients time and money. We only offer the safest, most up-to-date, and minimally invasive treatment for those suffering from vein disease. We mean it when we say, ‘No more vein stripping.’”

The practice is dedicated completely to the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients suffering from the full spectrum of vein disease,

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from the purely cosmetic, to the medically significant. “We are not dabblers in the field of venous medicine,” Dr. Eidson says. “Our focus is on the treatment of spider vein, varicose veins, and other vein-related issues. You will be able to achieve your ultimate goal of healthy and beautiful legs without surgery, downtime, or a hospital visit.”

Dr. Eidson and his team of health care professionals at the practice embrace the following core values: • Humble Service – No concern is too big or too small • Love & Kindness – Treat patients like family • Integrity – We will never recommend unnecessary treatments or procedures • Teamwork – “That’s not my job” is not in our vocabulary • Positive Attitude – Nothing can stop a determined mind • Be Happy, Smile – Life is too short for frowns Dr. Eidson says that because the practice is family owned and operated, he and his team of experts are especially committed to keeping the personal touch that seems to be missing in so much of the medical field these days.

“I truly believe that the success of any individual or company begins and ends with our service to our patients and our team,” he says. “If we treat our patients how we would want to be treated, and continually look for ways to better serve our team and our patients, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.”

Mary Macken, Teresa Burda and Mike Burda Photo courtesy of Grace Lane Collection

Gracie Lane 4720 S. Cooper St. • (817) 468-5263 • gracielanecollection.com • Follow us on: Facebook-Gracie Lane • Instagram-gracielanecollection • Snap Chat-gracielanearltx

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s long time enthusiasts of the best boutique venues, Mike and Teresa Burda started Gracie Lane in 2013 along with their daughter Mary Macken. With the goal of creating a one-ofa-kind shopping experience in Arlington, Gracie Lane now offers over 80 individual boutiques under one roof. When you visit, you will be pleased with the quality and excited by the experience. If you are looking for a new place to explore exceptional selections, you need to put this boutique on your “must shop” list.

Gracie Lane is all things pretty wrapped up in one package. From the moment you walk through the door you will feel a sense of elegance and lovely fragrances catch you by surprise. You have to spend time at Gracie Lane to truly know the wonderful variety of children’s clothing, stand out pieces for women, gifts that express true personal connections, and home decor that will become focal conversation pieces.

Whether you are looking for a gift for someone special or a stylish accessory for yourself, Dixie’s Charms & More, one of many shops within Gracie Lane, has you covered. Another swoon-worthy boutique, The Lily Field, offers an amazing selection of farmhouse and vintage style decor at affordable prices! You will also discover some of your favorite brands at Gracie Lane, such as Circle E Candles, Tyler Candles, Flax Linen, Joseph

Ribkoff, Umgee, MudPie, Corkcicle, Poo-Pourii and World’s Softest Socks ... just to name a few! With over 20,000 square feet of boutique shopping anyone can achieve hip, trendy design with the latest looks and style.

For those social butterflies out there, Gracie Lane offers various events throughout the year. Gather your “besties” and swing by the Lane for their monthly Sip ‘n Shop events. If you have ever been called a “shopaholic,” this event is most definitely for you. Next Sip n’ Shop will be hosted on Thursday, March 23rd from 6-8 p.m. Follow Gracie Lane on social media or sign up to join their email list to stay in the loop of all things Gracie.

Teresa Burda had two things in mind when concocting the idea for Gracie Lane: Family and Exceptional Shopping. Burda has the rare privilege to work alongside her husband and daughter while doing what she loves.

Her goal is to treat every customer as an extension of her family. You can count on a warm smile and helpful staff to greet you at the door and help locate that perfect find. Customers will enjoy a fresh shopping experience each visit ....with shops updating on a regular basis. Gracie Lane is unique in that it gives customers a “small shop feel” with such a vast variety of selections.

Gracie Lane has been voted best gift shop three years in row by Arlington Today readers. arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Photo courtesy of Anything Goes

Anything Goes 2504 W. Park Row Drive, Suite A • (817) 542-0862 • anythinggoesgiftshop.com

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nything Goes gift shop has more than you can imagine when you see it from the outside. The store owned by Mary Davis, an Arlington High School graduate, recently celebrated its 6th year in business. Many times you will also find Mary’s husband Doug, her mom or girlfriends working the shop, which adds a very warm, family atmosphere. Mary recognized the need for a gift shop in the area of Bowen and Park Row that provided a wide variety of specialty gift items. Her vision became a reality when she opened Anything Goes in February of 2010.

There is something for everyone at Anything Goes – the biggest problem is deciding what not to buy.

The store carries gift items for all seasons and occasions. Mary’s ability to find new product lines from across the country makes shopping for the customer an adventure.

Anything Goes offers a wide range of specialty items: home décor, fine jewelry, collegiate, sorority and fraternity product lines. They have several items that can be personalized from jewelry, drink ware, totes and, most recently, notepads. They are known for that quick “pick me up” item for a co-worker, neighbor or best friend!

(Wrapped and out the door).

There are many well known lines, including Mud Pie, Consuela, Natural Life, Baggallini, Home T and Stephan Joseph for kids. If you need something showing your Texas Pride, they have you covered, too! There are lots of jewelry options, from the latest trends to classic and custom-made pieces crafted by Jewels by Molly. The latter includes a wide variety of earrings, bracelets and necklaces made in sterling silver, 14K gold-filled, semi precious stones, leather and pearls.

Some of the favorite gift ideas include frames, candles, signs, magnetic boards, chalkboards and lots of drink ware. Now, what’s better than to have a fun “boutique” for the ladies, but a place the boyfriends and husbands like, also?

There are lots of sports memorabilia choices, great gifts for the hunter and fisherman and Ranger/Cowboy items for our fans. Many other gift items include military, newborn, wedding and much more.

“The goal at Anything Goes is to make the customer feel as special as all the fantastic merchandise we have to offer,” Davis says. “We want everyone who visits the shop to leave feeling special with a smile on their face. The shopping experience at Anything Goes is like meeting a girlfriend for coffee. It is the place to shop for all your gift needs.”

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Alexandra Harris, Doctor of Audiology, Melissa Danchak, Owner/Doctor of Audiology, and Marc Gracia, Doctor of Audiology

Photo: Southern Flair Photography

Kos/Danchak Audiology 101 W. Randol Mill Road • (817) 277-7039 • NorthTxHearing.com Improved Hearing Health Has Many Benefits It has been proven that hearing health is directly connected to overall health and well-being. People who are able to hear well and clearly understand what is being said engage with the world around them and have an overall better quality of life.

Helping people hear the best they can is why Kos/Danchak Audiology & Hearing Aids has been a cornerstone in the Arlington community for over 30 years. Since day one in 1984, they have centered everything they do around their patients.

Dr. Melissa Danchak, owner/audiologist, says “our approach has consistently and successfully improved the overall quality of life for the people we meet with every day. We believe that our consistent success is the result of our efforts to adapt and improve upon the way we meet with and help people who need hearing health care services.”

Each day, people are exposed to many situations that include a variety of sounds. Today’s hearing aids have been designed to handle the demands of the many complex listening environments we all experience. Dr. Marc Gracia, Audiologist at Kos/Danchak Audiology, says “our patients have told us they experienced an immediate difference in clarity and that they’ve noticed a significant improvement in sound quality when comparing their older technology to newer devices. They have also shared with us that they are impressed with the sound quality and clarity when they listen to music and when they are on the phone.”

People will say that they hear just fine – they just don’t always understand everything that is being said. That is what hearing loss really is. The features of today’s technology optimizes speech so the user will hear better and understand more clearly what is being said whether they are in a one-on-one setting with their doctor, on the phone with their grandchild, or at a social event with friends.

Dr. Alexandra Harris, audiologist at Kos/Danchak Audiology, says “what we have found is the majority of our patients do not live in discreet listening environments.

Their world is full of various situations and listening settings. Hearing aid technology today provides them with the most natural hearing experience for their needs.”

Consumers in general want choices and options that specifically fit their lifestyle. Hearing aid users are no different. They want a natural listening experience and they want to better understand in a variety of settings. They also want a choice when it comes to the style of devices they wear, including the color!

Dr. Danchak says “what we have also noticed is that more and more younger North Texans are addressing their hearing health care needs earlier than ever before. This younger generation has their own set of communication needs, and those needs are very centered around staying connected from a technology perspective. These patients have shared with us that they feel their devices are no different than the glasses that they wear. Their hearing aids are a part of who they are, and a necessary one for sure.”

While hearing aid technology plays a significant role in the satisfaction of their patients improved hearing experiences, the staff at Kos/Danchak Audiology believes that a person’s experience with hearing aids is really only as good as the expertise of the person fitting them and the counseling and follow-up care they provide.

Kos/Danchak Audiology is so emphatic about their patients having the best possible hearing health care experience, they provide a complete hearing health care program. It is essentially a warm blanket of services after you buy your hearing aids. And, you don’t have to reach into your pocket and keep paying after you are fit – they supply the batteries for the lifetime of your devices! In many other offices, there is a fee-for-service approach every time you visit the office.

Serving the customer at the highest level with quality hearing healthcare and consistent service, and providing the latest in hearing aid technology is the culture at Kos/Danchak Audiology. As their mission states, they strive to provide the highest standard of audiology and hearing healthcare services for their patients.

Dr. Danchak says “we are very proud that many of our satisfied patients refer their friends and family members to us every month, and we are humbled that over 50 physicians and family doctors in the Arlington and DFW communities trust us for their patients hearing health care needs.” arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Dr. Nathan J Flesher, his wife Becca and their dog Hank Photo courtesy of Dr. Nathan J Flesher

Dentistry by Nathan J Flesher, DMD 3310 W. Park Row Drive, Pantego (817) 277-1188 nathanjflesherdmd.com

entistry by Nathan J Flesher, DMD, was recently established in a transition involving the 39-year-old practice formerly operated by Dr. David Bridgwater. Dr. Flesher heads a small, personable staff consisting of hygienist Greg Little, two assistants and his wife Becca, a registered nurse.

Dr. Flesher is passionate about providing high-quality general dentistry services for the entire family at any age. He has extensive training in both emergency dentistry and comprehensive dentistry (complex cases). “My emergency experience taught me so much about relieving both dental pain and dental fear. People are always so relieved to find that we can take them out of pain in a gentle and caring way,” he says.

After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 2014, he then “followed God’s calling to Texas through the Christian Medical and Dental Association placement program,” ultimately winding up in Pantego.

Among his proudest accomplishments was commissioning as an officer in the Army National Guard Dental Corp, where his main mission is to promote and restore the dental health of service members.

Despite the demands of private practice and Army responsibilities, Dr. Flesher devotes as much time as possible to giving back to the community and staying active in organized dentistry. Most Fridays he can be found performing charitable dentistry at Beautiful Feet Ministries in Fort Worth, where Becca also volunteers on Wednesdays in the medical clinic.

Greg Little, the team’s hygienist, has been practicing since 1997, and is also active in the community. He is president of the St. Jude Association, a board member of the City of Arlington Ethic Review Board, and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus council 6269.

Dr. Flesher says his team is passionate about providing best care possible for its patients. “We are here to educate and support your decisions in a zero-pressure atmosphere,” he says. “New patients notice that we’re different in that we take our time getting to know them and what each individual wants for their oral health.”

Lane Boots 1101 Avenue G (214) 412-1108 • LaneBoots.com Photo courtesy of Lane Boots

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very day, we come to work hoping to do two things: spread our passion for boots and help make the world a little better. That was true when we created the first pair of Lane boots in 2007 and it is just as true today.

The owner and visionary behind the brand is Patrick Lane. He is an entrepreneur with a “Let’s Do This” approach to business.

Patrick, a Texas native from Fort Worth, brought Lane to life in 2007.

We have a number of different capsules in the line and have been able to incorporate fashion trends for a fun, contemporary take on western. We are also known for our turquoise soles and superior comfort. Fashion and Function, nailed it!

We moved our home to Arlington in 2013 and are proud to have our corporate office here. We love being so close to the airport and enjoy showing our clients the AT&T Stadium from our conference room!

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each other to accomplish our goals. Collaboration is the key to our success, and we are constantly trying to make both ourselves and our brand better!

In late 2013 we officially opened our manufacturing facility in Leon, Mexico, to keep up with the souring demand.

Developing partnerships with other design leaders has given our artisans in Mexico the opportunity to push the envelope when it comes to intricate details and workmanship. These partnerships have allowed us to try new processes, develop new talents and work with amazing people who have the same passion for quality and that we do!

Our customers are a part of our Lane family, and we truly value their business.

In this world of one-click online purchases we want our customers’ experience to be a more personal and tailored experience. We are known for our beautiful and comfortable boots, but we also want to be known as a company that cares and is easy to work with!

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r. Kristin Robbins and Dr. Lisa B. Fell founded Audiology Experts in 2008 on the belief that every person impacted by hearing loss should be educated and informed on how to manage it so that life can be lived to the fullest. Nearly a decade later, Audiology Experts has become the Arlington area’s trusted source for audiology solutions.

“It takes passion, and finding solutions for improved communication is something we are passionate about,” Dr. Fell says. “We are pleased to say that we are nine years into the venture and growing every year and happy while doing it.”

Audiology Experts provides a wide range of services, including professional hearing healthcare, complete hearing assessment, tinnitus evaluation and management, solutions for easier communication, hearing aid selection and fittings, and custom solutions for hearing protection.

“Managing hearing loss is not just about fitting hearing aids,” Dr. Fell says.

“Adapting to hearing aids is a process. In fact, only one-third of the fitting is about the actual device and the remaining two-thirds is about the process. The process includes discussing patient history, thorough evaluation, pre-fitting counseling, instrument selection, impression-taking and building a custom product, fitting the hearing aids, making physical and program modifications, teaching orientation and maintenance, long-term follow-up care, repair service and report correspondence with primary care physicians. This list encompasses what we do. The process is what makes users successful with their hearing aids, it’s not the aids by themselves.”

Since studies are showing how health conditions like depression, diabetes, dementia and heart disease are being linked to hearing loss, it is important that people get evaluated sooner than later. Once you or a significant other is noticing the TV volume is too loud or if you are frequently asking for repetition it is time to have the hearing tested!

Because Audiology Experts is privately-owned, patients can be assured of quality, personal service. “I do not envy the person that has to sort through all the

Country Acres Kennels offers limo service.

Photo courtesy of Country Acres Kennels

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Dr. Kristin Robbins and Dr. Lisa. B. Fell

Photo courtesy of Audiology Experts

Audiology Experts 1261 W. Green Oaks Blvd., Suite 105 (817) 451-4818 • AudiologyExperts.com

hearing aid junk mail, infomercials and newspaper advertisements that highlight a tiny, cheap device as the solution,” Dr. Fell says. “We attempt to be as informative and straight forward as possible. We understand that people aren’t real excited about getting hearing instruments, but we try to make the experience positive and rewarding, and our patients appreciate that.”

Country Acres Kennels 7817 S. Cooper St. (817) 467-2511 countryacreskennels.com

ountry Acres Kennels is a veritable country club for dogs, cats and other pets, including birds, fish, hamsters and rabbits. Established in 1972, Country Acres Kennels is nestled in 20 acres in the middle of the city, and owner Don Praeger and his team are dedicated to providing superior service at what he calls “the only real kennel” in Arlington, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Kennedale and the surrounding area.

“We are animal people,” Praeger says. “We treat all pets like they were our own pets. There has never been a day in over 40 years that all pets in the kennel have not been properly cared for. That includes Christmas, etc.”

Country Acres Kennels has managers who live on the property in different

homes, overseeing services that include boarding (inside or outside with pools and play yards), training (puppy kindergarten through advanced off-leash obedience training) and day care (dogs can stay and play while the owner is at work).

Additionally, Country Acres Kennels offers grooming, pet supplies, low-cost vaccinations and flea/tick products, as well as a 5-acre dog park, where its “guests” can enjoy the spacious grounds.

Praeger also takes pride in the company’s limousine pick-up and drop-off for boarding or grooming, which has been expanded to have staff members take customers who board their pets at the kennel to and from the airport for a nominal charge. arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Dr. Kenyon Godwin Photo courtesy of Dr. Kenyon Godwin

Active Family Wellness Center 4927 S. Collins St., Suite 105 (817) 532-310 • txwellnessdoc.com

ctive Family Wellness Center is the go-to-place for holistic family health – and that’s according to patients living all over the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Area. For the past three years, the practice founded by Dr. Kenyon Godwin in 2010 has been named Arlington’s top chiropractic practice in Arlington Today’s Readers’ Choice awards. It also won the Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 Veteran-owned Small Business of the Year. And just recently, Angie’s List invited Active Family Wellness Center to participate in its acclaimed service.

Dr. Godwin says AFWC combines education, training and people-focused service to help families live longer, stronger, healthier lives. To that end, Dr. Stephanie Beavers recently joined the staff to give Active Family Wellness Center a whole new realm of expertise. She is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner, and a specialist with athletes, sport injuries and functional rehabilitation. And Dr. Godwin recently completed training to become a Whiplash Specialist.

“Our catalyzing statement is a holistic and healthy family inside of every home,” Dr. Godwin says. “Arlington is a place where families enjoy professional sports teams, theme parks, recreational sports, traveling and outdoor events. We help the family step up to those physical demands. We help people in the American Dream City live their dream by having the health to do so.”

The practice is built on the concept of treating the whole individual, versus just addressing specific medical issues as they arise. By taking this preventative wellness approach, Dr. Godwin and his team are able to help patients reach their optimal level of health, move beyond illness and injury, and prevent future maladies. Services include specific science-based adjustments, corrective care for scoliosis and weakened spines, spinal decompression and injury prevention for all levels of athletes. On the wellness side, AFWC offers weight loss, prenatal adjustments, pediatric adjustments, health talks, and organic, all-in-one vitamins.

“Patients tell us we are more than chiropractors and can tell a stark difference on the first visit!,” Dr. Godwin says. “They love the feel of our office that adds to the results. We are able to help people where our current healthcare system has failed. In 2016, we helped one of our patients lose 100 pounds! People just need doctors that care about their health more than their wealth.”

Active Family Wellness Center uses cutting-edge technology and now offers advanced motion study X-rays, and the latest software for notes, check-in and appointment reminders. Says Dr. Godwin: “Our two top values are 5-Star Service and adding value – that is what AFWC is all about!”

Texas Insurance Agency 1000 Ballpark Way, #311 • (817) 226-9988 500 E. Broad St., #150, Mansfield • (817) 453-8692 texasins.net

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exas Insurance Agency traces its start back to 1959 in east Texas. The agency has gone through many changes over the years and has grown to include several locations in the north Texas area. Texas Insurance Agency is locally owned and operated.

“People often ask why choose a local Independent Agency?” says owner John Parker. “Our response is we represent many different insurance companies, so we can compare coverage and price to give you the best possible value. Simply put ... we work for our clients. We also live and work in the same communities as our insureds, and as such we are always available for a face-to-face meeting.”

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ance. It is associated with reputable insurers, including Allstate, Hartford, Mercury, Progressive, Safeco, and Travelers. “These insurance companies allow us to offer a wide range of quality insurance products that are competitively priced,” Parker says.

The company has added the ability for prospective clients to get actual real time quotes directly from its website, texasins.net.

“This allows the insured to reach out to us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year,” Parker says. “The client information, as well as the policy pricing, is uploaded to us. We contact the client within 24 hours to confirm and update the information. This has been a valuable tool for prospective insureds because it gives them an idea of what their insurance costs will be.”

The Farah Law Firm, P.C. 1801 W. Pioneer Pkwy.

(817) 467-1889 farahlegal.com

Michael E. Farah, Coutney Kelly, Amira Farah, Natalie Grounds and Wayne M. Taylor

Photo: Southern Flair Photography

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he Farah Law Firm is one of the highest-volume residential real estate law firms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and represents some of the most successful investors of property in Texas.

Owner Michael Farah and Associate Wayne Taylor lead a team that is community-minded and dedicated to the success of its clients.

The firm specializes in real estate law and offers real estate investors a host of services. “As a lawyer, my job is to solve problems,” Farah says. “Fortunately, my professional background of owning and managing a large portfolio of

property allows me to relate to my clients in order to develop the most costand time-effective way of resolving an issue or ensuring future problems will not arise with good planning.”

The firm offers prospective clients a free, 15-minute call to discuss goals and desired solutions. “At the same time, we make clear the cost estimates for our services going forward and in many cases can provide guidance on how a particular matter will resolve,” Farah says.

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Laura McCaskill and Julie Short of The Julie Short Team, Coldwell Banker Residential

Photo courtesy of Julie Short

The Julie Short Team Coldwell Banker Residential (682) 552-4384 julieshort.cbintouch.com

s a real estate agent who’s an expert in this local area, Julie Short of The Julie Short Team, Coldwell Banker Residential, brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to customers hoping to buy and sell real estate in Arlington, Mansfield and the surrounding region.

Because of her experience in the construction realm, Short and her staff can help customers negotiate with builders, find a home in “just the right location,” and sell their homes. In fact, she offers consultation services on home-selling tactics such as effective staging, making appropriate repairs or minor improvements and painting.

“We are a full service real estate team, proficient at working with sellers and buyers,” Short says. “One of the biggest complaints people have with Realtors is that they never answer their phones. We are focused on customer service and being available to our clients.”

When the company lists a home, it doesn’t just stick a sign in the yard and wait for buyers. “Our marketing is second to none and widespread to promote your home to a large audience and bring in the best offers,” Short says. “We always have professional photos made of your property, because first impressions are everything.”

Short says that because of her extensive background in the building/construction industry, the company is certified as a “New Construction Specialist.” “You want us to represent you with a builder,” she says. “And, as always, there is no charge for our services to assist you in your new home purchase.”

Short and her team have a shared philosophy. “We are committed, connected, compassionate,” she says. “We are COMMITTED to giving our clients the best service possible. We are CONNECTED in the community. We are COMPASSIONATE – we realize real estate transactions can be stressful, so we do our best to ensure that things run smoothly by anticipating hurdles and helping our clients prepare and overcome. Also, we really work to put our clients’ needs first. It is never about the paycheck; we strive to treat our clients just like we would want to be treated. The Golden Rule never fails.” arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Elegant ambience and quality recipes make Piccolo Mondo an Arlington-area favorite.

Piccolo Mondo 829 Lamar Blvd. East (817) 265-9174 piccolomondo.com Photo courtesy of Piccolo Mondo

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iccolo Mondo Italian Restaurant was established more than three decades ago and is known as one of the more popular and famous Italian eateries in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. And, why not? The restaurant combines unique, delicious dishes with good service and an elegant atmosphere – such so that it has been honored as one of the area’s finer restaurants three straight years in Arlington Today’s Readers’ Choice poll.

Soon after Antonio Capaccioli and Nicola Saracino opened Piccolo Mondo in a strip center on the farthest end of East Lamar Boulevard, patrons began visiting and returning to enjoy a little slice of Italy right here in Arlington. Capaccioli credits the outstanding cuisine to Saracino’s culinary genius, but he adds his own touch

of charming hospitality to the recipe, which continues to attract customers to daily dinners and weekday lunches. The restaurant’s piano bar and banquet room are additional draws, and take-out orders aren’t just available, but quite popular.

“We’re more traditional in style, I guess,” Capaccioli says. “I traveled a lot when I was younger, and when I found something I liked to eat, I took note. And when we opened here, we offered all the things I liked myself – plus what Nicola liked and like to cook.”

Patrons obviously approve of the menu – as do food critics. “The Zagat DallasFort Worth Restaurant Guide named Piccolo Mondo “One of the Top 10 for Food in the Fort Worth area.”

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isa Ostrowski, MPAS, PA-C, is the primary care provider at Texas Dermatology Associates-Mansfield office. An interview with Lisa bought us up to date on her career. Clearly inspired along the way, she explains: ”What is a PA “? many ask – especially when I graduated from UTMB-Galveston in 1986. The long answer is that we are educated by Physicians to work with physicians as an extension of their practice. Board certified every six years in all specialties, so we may be found from Pediatrics to Geriatrics. Often Mastered in specialties, as I am in Dermatology. The short answer is “forever a resident,” we are always affiliated with a Physician and may not hang our own shingle.

This dependence sets Physician Assistants apart from most Providers in that we are forever gleaning from the expertise of those we have been blessed to work with. My dermatology journey began with Dr. Moore, a brilliant educator and Dermatologist, who was a springboard to the experience of our beloved Dr. Gayle Mullanax, “Big Daddy;” he welcomed me to the family at the climax of an esteemed 40-plus-year career. He had such an eye for talent, assembling renaissance man Dr. Hensley and innovative Tri Nguyen. The experience and expertise of Drs. Gano and Silverman were undeniable assets. Working with Dr. Hoang and her hunger for evolution in the approach to treating holistically accentuated and exploded the possibilities of healing from the inside out. Blessed to collaborate with PA-Cs Slay, Brant, Wilbanks and Moody, each have their own flair, sharing pearls and perils. It’s no wonder the PA profession is the fastest growing and one of the most rewarding professions of all time!

How can I thank my patients that have followed me from “A” to now our final “Z” – Dr. Alan Menter, the renowned international Dermatologist and the founder of Texas Dermatology Associates, P.A. I can both grow in expertise from Menter Cosmetic Institute, Menter Research-psoriasis and eczema trials, or the Texas Dermatology Clinic, where patients travel from around the world to be treated and where high-caliber Dermatology Residents train.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

Lisa Ostrowski, MPAS, PA-C, of Texas Dermatology Associates, P.A. Photo: Bruce Maxwell

Texas Dermatology Associates, P.A. 1830 E. Broad St., Suite 102, Mansfield • (682) 518-1515 • texasderm.com

What we all have in common is our love for our patients! People who over the past 20 years have become family. I am blessed to contribute to their wellness and hope to help them embrace the beautiful gift that they are to all they connect with, most especially to me!

Photo courtesy of Rocky Walton

The Law Firm of Roger “Rocky” Walton, P.C. 2310 W. Interstate 20, Suite 200 • (817) 429-4299 • rockywaltoninjurylawyers.com

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he Law Firm of Roger “Rocky” Walton, P.C., has been located in Arlington since 1975 and has been at the 2310 W. Interstate 20 location for 13 years. Rocky Walton is a specialist in Personal Injury Trial Law, certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

John Parker, owner, Parker & Richardson

“We work very hard for our clients and we keep them very informed,” Walton says.

“We are highly qualified and know the law and best strategy to get the desired results. We are completely honest and ethical with our clients and treat them the way we would want to be treated.”

Parker & Richardson 1000 Ballpark Way, Suite 311 (817) 226-6100 parkercpas.com

Photo: Southern Flair Photography

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arker & Richardson, a certified public accountant firm, opened in 2004, but its origination dates back to the solo CPA practice owner John Parker started in 1995.

Over the years the practice has evolved into a boutique CPA practice that specializes in catering to the distinct needs of business owners.

“As both entrepreneurs and business owners, we understand the issues associated with owning and operating a business,” Parker says. “This experience, coupled with our tax expertise, allows us to be as tax efficient as possible when assisting clients.”

Parker & Richardson provides tax planning and tax preparation, as well as

accounting and consulting. “We have several clients that have us handle all facets of their accounting needs,” Parker says, also noting that the firm’s staff strives to provide great service and always do what is best for the client. “These two 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.”

Parker says the firm has had numerous clients over the years praise its work.

“They tell us what a great job we have done for them and that they trusted us enough to refer their family members to us,” he says. “We appreciate the faith and trust that our clients place in us, and we work extremely hard to provide them with superior service.” arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

47

C &W Antiques C&W Antiques offers a vast array of unique and rare items.

2100 N. Hwy 360, Suite 705 - 706, Grand Prairie (817) 637-7637 candwantiques.com

Photo courtesy of C&W Antiques

F

or the past two decades, C&W Antiques has offered unique, rare and interesting furniture and accessories not found at most stores stateside. From their flagship showroom in Grand Prairie, co-proprietors Jim Carpenter and Patrick Walsh create an inviting ambiance with fragrant candles, music and vignettes of oldworld rooms that stimulate the senses.

C&W Antique’s philosophy is to make customers feel welcome. “With our passion for antiques, Patrick and I welcome each customer and provide a friendly atmosphere for their unique shopping experience,” Carpenter says. “We treat our customers like family. Many customers have become great friends and have referred to our store as their ‘happy place’ and their second home.”

RJ

RJ Construction offers an array of services, all geared to satisfy the customer.

Photo courtesy of RJ Construction

RJ Construction 2912 W. Park Row Drive, Pantego (817) 412-9899 rj-construction.com

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ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

C&W Antiques specializes in 17th, 18th, and 19th century English and French furniture. It also has an exquisite collection of original fine art by Italian, French, Russian, English and U.S. artists, and its Faberge collection is the largest in the Metroplex.”

In addition to in-store service, C&W Antiques provides floral arrangements by designer Tony Houston (formerly with The Market), as well as decorating consultations in the store or in the customer’s home by appointment. “In the event a customer could not find a particular item they are looking for, we will reach out to our European buyers and import the items for the customer,” Carpenter says. “We also offer layaway.”

The showroom is open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Monday through Friday by appointment.

Construction is a true General Contractor in every sense of the word.

The company specializes in insurance work, from a fire loss, storm damage (wind, hail and tornado), water loss, flood loss, and even vandalism. “We handle everything from start to finish,” says owner Robert Jordan.

“We are there with the fire trucks and bring flowers to the final move home day.”

RJ Construction has an army of people to ensure quick, quality professional service. “If you have a need for our services we will start work faster than anyone else,” Jordan says. “We also offer high-end remodeling, along with commercial, residential, and new construction roofing.”

Jordan says one of the company’s strengths is in helping customers work with their insurance companies. “Dealing with an insurance company is complicated by design, and we have a process that simplifies the entire experience,” he says. “From the first moment we land on the job site we are taking pictures, and preparing the loss for mitigation that will not hurt the financial impact of the customer. Once the site is secured, we meet with the insurance adjuster and walk though the loss to make sure that nothing is missed and all financial obligation by the insurance company is met. During the construction process, we often find things that are not readily seen by the adjuster at the initial inspection. We handle the supplement with the insurance company, which saves you time with phone calls, and not getting the run-around about extra money needed to complete your job.”

RJ Construction’s roofing prowess is also virtually unsurpassed. “We are one of the top 100 largest roofing companies in the entire country without chasing storms across the country, but by building relationships, building a reputation, and repeatedly putting a top-quality product on the table in our own backyard,” Jordan says.

In 2016, the company was awarded Texas’ highest roofing honor, and it has won the Golden Hammer award from the North Texas Roofing Contractors Association for the preservation of a 1920s clay tile roof. Also in 2016, GAF, the largest shingle manufacture in North America, awarded the company with the Triple Excellence award.

Dino’s Subs 2221 S. Collins St., Suite 105 (817) 274-1140

Photo: yelp.com

W

hen Jade Dino, owner of Dino’s Subs, learned her popular eatery had been tabbed as the “Best Deli” last August in the annual Arlington Today magazine All Stars Readers’ Choice poll, she exclaimed, “My father is looking down and smiling. He would be so proud.”

Jade took over the primary roles at the popular sandwich shop after the passing of her father and Dino’s founder, Larry Dino. And, she says, Daddy taught her well.

“He said, ‘never, ever, go down on quality,’” Jade says. “All our meats are fresh to order; everything is fresh. That’s the way he did it, and that’s the way we still do it at Dino’s Subs.”

Patrons clearly appreciate the attention Dino’s Subs gives to making their meals fresh and delicious. In fact, here are a couple of the reviews on yelp.com lauding the restaurant: “I come here any time I’m in the area and need a somewhat quick meal or something to go. I was introduced to this place by a professor of mine when I went to UTA, and when he said you will never want to eat a [sub sandwich] anywhere else again, he was right!”

“Oh my ... Oh my ... how I love this place. It was my first time here, and I can tell if I lived closer, I’d eat here a couple times a month. If you love a good sandwich, don’t walk ... run towards Dino’s!”

arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

49

Conversation

Why the ‘Y’?

Here’s why ...

President and CEO Roberto E. Aguirre fields questions – and gives some great answers – about the benefits of affiliating with the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA

Roberto E. Aguirre is President and CEO for the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

R

oberto E. Aguirre has served as President and CEO for the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA (AMA YMCA) for the past four years. His involvement with the YMCA in general goes back 34 years, when he first became engaged with the YMCA of Greater Houston Area as a part-time employee at Camp Cullen, located in Trinity, Texas. From that point forward, his “Y” experience included leadership positions in El Paso, San Antonio, New Mexico, Florida and Abilene. So, he is unequivocally qualified to expain how the YMCA works – and works for its member. This month he does just that in a conversation with Arlington Today.

Arlington Today: In a nutshell, what does the job of the leader of the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA entail?

Roberto Aguirre: As the President and CEO for the AMA YMCA I am ultimately responsible for the experience we provide to our 30,000-plus members and participants, responsible for the quality of the delivery of our programs, and working in conjunction with volunteer community leaders, my responsibilities also include raising the necessary funds to support those in need within our service area.

AT: What, in your opinion, is the greatest service provided by the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA?

RA: Family programming. The vision of the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA is to become the Family Center for the communities we serve.

Our YMCA provides services to families of all ages, including wellness and social programs for almost 5,000 seniors. From Health and Wellness programs to Summer Day Camp and Swimming instruction, the YMCA is committed to delivering a menu of programs that will support the family and will help individuals improve their quality of life.

AT: What are some of the other ways the “Y” represents a positive influPhotos: Southern Flair Photography ence on the communities it serves?

RA: The YMCA does not deny services to anyone due to their inability to pay for services. Each year, YMCA volunteers go out in the community to raise the necessary funds to support our scholarship program. In 2016, the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA provided $502,028 in financial assistance to youth and families

The various branches of the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA serve more than 30,000 local residents.

in our community.

Furthermore, the YMCA collaborates with community organizations like the Trinity Sports Foundation, area schools (public, private and charter schools), and other not-for-profits to deliver a quality program and improve the quality of life of those we serve.

AT: Despite all the good the YMCA does, you have been quoted saying that “Y” programs remain something of a well-kept secret. What are some of these programs and what benefits do they provide?

RA: The AMA YMCA is probably one of the best kept secrets, even after 60 years of existence within the Arlington and Mansfield areas. Normally known for “Gym and Swim” programs, our YMCA provides many other programs to members of our community.

In the area of Healthy Living, we are active in diabetes prevention, offering our evidence-based YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program. Providing support to cancer survivors, the AMA YMCA offers the Livestrong Program designed to build communities and support systems in order to improve the quality of life for individuals dealing with cancer.

Related to Youth Development, over 9,000 children ages 3-15 participated in Youth Sports last year, a program commonly known within YMCAs. But how about our Youth and Government program? The Youth and Government program is shaping future community leaders by exposing high school students to “hands on” experiences within our judicial system and democratic processes. Or how about our Youth Wellness Program teaching children starting at the age of 10 years old about exercise, healthy eating, and healthy lifestyle choices?

And within the field of Social Responsibility, providing 126,000 free meals in 2016 to children and families in need. Furthermore, the YMCA does not deny services to anyone due to their inability to pay. As you can see, the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA is way more than a Gym and Swim.

AT: How does the Y bond with its community, not only through the obvious health benefits it provides, but through its staffing and service initiatives?

RA: As a community service organization we believe it is important to give back. In 2016 our YMCA engaged 921 volunteers to help us deliver programs to our youth. On a different initiative, the AMA YMCA during the month of November asked new and

current YMCA members to donate canned food or a cash donation to support Mission Arlington. In early December, all full-time staff took a day to deliver to Mission Arlington three truckloads of food, and a cash donation of $2,860. Furthermore, the YMCA staff helped organize the Mission Arlington Christmas Store, a project we have been doing for a number of years. As you can see, in many different ways our members and our staff give back to our community.

AT: Speaking of staffing, how big is the YMCA staff?

RA: The Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA is one of the largest community non-profits. Led by a volunteer Board of Directors, in 2016 the AMA YMCA employed a workforce of more than 400 employees and 921 program and policy volunteers.

AT: Let’s say that a family has just moved into the area. What information would you like to share with them to help them seriously consider becoming members?

RA: The Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA makes it easy for your entire family to get involved in many different programs. With a unique Value-Add membership program, when you join our YMCA you have access to all three Family Centers … you will never have an excuse not to work out, we have state of the art wellness equipment, all of your group exercise classes are included with your membership, and within our service area there is always a YMCA near you that you can use at no additional cost. Furthermore, Youth Sports and other youth programs are a part of your Family Membership. Yes, that is correct, with the same affordable monthly rate of your membership (plus a small supply fee at times) you can enroll your children in sports, swim team, martial arts, dance and many other activities. Your YMCA includes half-day preschool age camps during the summer and multiple monthly Parents Night Out. Drop off your child at the YMCA and enjoy an evening with your significant other while your children have a blast at the Y! Finally, you don’t have to sign a contract. Our goal at the AMA YMCA is that you remain a member because the services are of value to you, your family, and help you be a better you.

AT: (last one) Please finish this sentence: It’s a great day for the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA when ...”

RA: ... A family or an individual finds the YMCA connection that will help build a stronger person in spirit, mind and body.

arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

51

Picture-perfect Moments

Photos: Bruce Maxwell

Polly Flanigan, Brian Hill, Yodvadee Poeuachaipatt, Amporn Li, Willie Li and Julian Nunez

Francis Su, Justine Lord, Deborah Su and Brian Edwards

Cathy Trinh and Grace McDermott at the Asian Lunar New Year Good Fortune banquet

Scene

Snapshots from the Asian Lunar New Year Banquet, hosted by the US Pan Asian Chamber of Commerce - Southwest and from the Mansfield Cares Charity Ball

Eunsup Kim, Soo Nam, Jimmy Vaughn and Benjamin Oh

City Council Member Sheri Capehart, Judge Glen Whitley and City Council Member Victoria Farrar-Myers 52

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

Dr. Pairoj Pratumrat, Ing Pratumrat, Pam Siatragul and Prakit Siatragul

Mansfield Mayor David L. Cook and Tonya Cook

City Councilman Larry Broseh and Cindy Broseh at the Mansfield Cares Charity Ball

Jon (Kit) Gallini and Heidi Gallini Mansfield Police Chief Tracy Aaron and Sherri Aaron

Photos courtesy of Mansfield Cares

Co-Chair Chuck Wilson and Joni Wilson share a dance.

Dr. Michael Thornton, Raquel Goodsell, Christine Tarbox and Grant Tarbox arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Altruism

She loves to make people SMILE VanDella L. Menifee has been volunteering for as long as she can remember – and her community is better because of her service

E

Photo: VanDella L. Menifee’s Facebook page

VanDella L. Menifee was named Grand Prairie’s Woman of the Year in January.

arlier this year, as the moment arrived at the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet to announce the winner of the “Woman of the Year” award, the name that was called surprised no one. Well, no one who has kept an eye on the local volunteer scene since 2005, when VanDella L. Menifee moved to North Texas from Atlanta.

Grand Prairie’s recent recipient of the prestigious honor could just as easily have been cited for excellence anywhere in this region where community service is needed and noted.

It’s not just what she does that makes a difference. It’s who she is: the preacher’s kid and a longtime official with the Department of Justice, who consolidated the selflessness she was taught at home and the calling to make a difference in people’s lives that was honed in a workplace that begged for difference makers. What emerged is the quintessential volunteer who is most happy when others are, as well.

“Volunteers can make the difference in the community,” she says.

“Children are our future, and the elderly people are often forgotten and need to be remembered.”

On the former front, since her retirement in 2012, she has volunteered with or assisted schools in Dallas ISD, Fort Worth ISD, Lancaster ISD, Arlington ISD, Mansfield ISD and Grand Prairie ISD. Meanwhile, she has chosen to serve with several non-profit organizations assisting the elderly and joined and rallied others to join causes within the African American, Asian, White and Hispanic communities. She has served on various committees throughout DFW, specifically in her hometown of Grand Prairie, in Mansfield and in Arlington. She has become so good at helping others that friends have suggested she become a paid consultant.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

Menifee, who also treasures time spent with her husband Robert and sons, William and Richard, will have none of that. “Volunteering gives me the satisfaction and flexibility of doing things I enjoy and getting involved without monetary compensation,” she says. “I don’t have to worry about a conflict of interest, because of the monetary compensation. I ask those whom I support to support the other organizations or committees I support. Full circle! Also, I have been blessed to retire and not have to work at this time. I have been offered many great employment opportunities and declined these offers, because I love volunteering with a variety, more.”

Menifee’s upbringing certainly contributed to her altruistic nature.

She was the oldest of five siblings and learned early on how to take care of others. “My humble beginnings gave me an insight of seeing the positive in life and how a smile can sometimes be the difference in making someone’s day better,” she says.

As a third grader in Chicago, she helped organize an SOS (Save our School) march – the school didn’t close. From the third to fifth grades, she gathered neighborhood children on her porch to help them hone their reading skills. In high school, she assisted with the care of her great aunt and her cousin, who was mentally disabled. At Jacksonville State University in Alabama, Menifee volunteered with campus organizations to find money/clothes, canned goods or books for various non-profit organizations, churches and the local schools.

“I continued my volunteer services in some form up to this present time,” she says. “I cannot imagine how many volunteer hours I must have over the past 40-plus years.”

Few can. But they should appreciate how those hours – and the smiling woman who devoted them – helped improve their lives.

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Picture-perfect Moments

Photos: Richard Greene

Rev. Eric Herrstrom, Michael Jacobson and Rev. Dean Posey

Clyde Godfrey, Jerry McCullough, Esteban Blanco and Dr. Kenyon Godwin

County Judge Glen Whitley and James Spaniolo

Scene

Snapshots from the Second Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast hosted by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce

Commissioner Andy Nguyen and Rev. Kennedy Jones

Arlington Police Chief Will Johnson and Tillie Burgin 56

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

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57

Classic Cars

Mildred and Bob Kibby purchased their Porsche for $4,000 some 57 years ago with the help of a loan from his parents.

The car has proven to be one of their wiser investments.

Photos: Richard Greene

J One

STURDY vehicle

Soon to celebrate their 60th anniversary, Bob and Mildred Kibby are still driving their original car • Richard Greene

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ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

ust out of the University of Oklahoma with an MS degree in engineering, an ROTC commission and his bride Mildred, Bob Kibby wanted one more thing really bad: A sports car. Of course.

So, the Kibbys looked at Corvettes, Thunderbirds, Jaguars, MGs and Triumphs. All of them presented a problem to someone who stood 6 feet, 6 inches tall.

Bob couldn’t fit in any of them. “Either my head hit the roof or I could not get the seat back far enough to put my left foot on the clutch,” he laments.

Then they found what solved the problem at a Porsche dealer in Cincinnati, Ohio. The only thing that then stood in the way of acquiring the car of their dreams was the $4,000 price tag.

On a second lieutenant’s salary of $320 per month, it wasn’t going to happen.

Then Bob’s parents stepped in with an interest-free loan for the young couple, and they took delivery of their 1960 Ruby Red 356B Super Coupe in March – exactly 57 years ago.

They were able to even add a passenger-side head rest for an extra $25 but had to pass on the radio option since it was $200 more than they had.

Now the nimble-handling, 1.3-liter engine, rear wheel drive, two-door

Whether it is heading toward you or moving away from you, this classy automobile is quite the head-turner. Despite its relatively unassuming size, the Porsche is roomy enough for the 6-foot, 6-inch Bob to fit comfortably in the driver’s seat.

arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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The Ruby Red 356B Super Coupe features all the perks owners of Porsches enjoy, including this valve stem clip (above), which prevents “whip around” at speed, a feature that satisfies purists wanting a correct original appearance.

They are very rare since there is no after-market availability for them.

While it didn’t actually take a “zillion” years, it was not until 2004 hardtop coupe was theirs and would remain so throughout their life that the car was finally returned to service. together.

Now, the couple who have other current model cars for their daily Following Bob’s discharge from the Air Force in 1962 and with Miluse, do manage to drive their Porsche about 3,000 miles every year. dred six months pregnant, they headed to Arlington where they would Mildred is one of Arlington’s role models of community service, make their home. having developed a distinguished record of leadership Her Air Force doctor, who had mentioned having as a member of the planning and zoning commission, heard an echo inside her ever-expanding middle, told the Junior League, a board member of the chamber of her to stop every two or three hours on the way to commerce, a United Way trustee, one of the founders of Texas. “We did that, and Mildred was very adept at the Fielder House Museum, and others. getting in and out of the Porsche although she was With his service in the Air Force and long career in really large,” Bob recalls. the aerospace industry, Bob developed a passion for Then it turned out that that “echo,” as explained by sailplanes and airplanes. her new obstetrician, was caused by two heartbeats – “Life is good,” he says, “when you have a great the Kibbys were going to have twins. spouse, two children and their spouses who have So, when it was time to take the babies home, it grown into outstanding adults, seven fantastic grandwas a good thing that their little sports car had a back children, a Ruby Red Porsche, a Discus Sailplane, a seat. Well, sort of a back seat. light sport aircraft, K2 skis, an Aspen library card and a If you are looking at these pictures and wondering season ski pass.” how a really tall guy, his wife and two infants would And, as the original owners of that Porsche with all all fit in this car, you are not alone. Bob explains: “Milits serial numbers matching – the engine, transaxle, dred sat in the right jump seat holding Merrill in her doors, hood, etc. – they can enjoy the fact that their lap. We put Robert in the infant seat and put it on top original investment – and cost for the refreshment to of the folded down jump seat behind me. We were a the pristine condition it is in today – is but a fraction of little anxious, but we made it from Baylor Hospital in The original title, dated March 19, 1960 its current value.

Dallas to Arlington without any problems.”

No matter about that, however. It has been theirs for more than five By 1976 the Porsche was retired to the family garage in need of lots of and a half decades and is going nowhere other than the places they will work. “My intent,” he says, “was to get it back to a respectable driving take it. condition – this turned out to be a zillion-year project.”

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ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

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61

UTA Today Groundbreakers

As you WISH! Theatre Arlington alum Major Attaway lands his biggest role yet: Genie in the smash Broadway hit, ‘Aladdin’

N

ow that Major Attaway has had his wish granted, he has assumed the role of wish granter – actually, one of the best known wish granters: Genie in the Broadway play “Aladdin.” The Theatre Arlington veteran recently segued from stand-by to star in the acclaimed production, taking over the Genie role last month.

He replaced James Monroe Iglehart, who won a Tony for originating the role in the Disney musical and who made his final appearance as Genie at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Feb. 19 before joining the cast of Hamilton.

“Aladdin” represents Attaway’s Broadway debut. His regional credits include “Ragtime,” “Big River,” “The Mikado,” “Hand on a Hardbody,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “Rent” – after launching his career at venues in the DFW Metroplex, including Theatre Arlington.

“Making my Broadway debut in ‘Aladdin’ was an affirmation beyond imagining,” Attaway said in a statement. “I get to play a catalyst for joy and hope, and I’m really looking forward to moving into the lamp on a full-time basis; I’ve got some BIG TEX-an ideas for redecorating!”

While Attaway is well-known throughout North Texas for his local performances on stage, he also has done a lot of voice-over work in animated films and for video games. Now, he’s not just talking or acting; he is also literally dancing his way into the hearts of audience members in the country’s premiere theatrical showcase.

“I’m tap dancing on Broadway, which is pretty spectacular,” the Fort Worth native told his former local newspaper, the Star-Telegram, last month. Dancing is just one of the many talents he is displaying in his new role, for which he underwent a rigorous training regimen to lose 50 pounds so he could perform the many dance routines required of the character.

That kind of determination is nothing new for the 28-year-old Attaway. When he was a child, he suffered from Blount’s disease, a growth disorder of the shin bone that required surgery to correct.

According to nbcdfw.com, he recalled what he was thinking as he was being prepared for the operation: “When I was lying in bed, waiting for surgery and the anesthesia was taking over, I said I was scared, but I have to do this so I can be on Broadway.”

Some two decades later, he is on Broadway. His wish was granted. And now he gets the opportunity to grant some wishes of his own.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

Major Attaway, whose list of acting credits includes awardwinning performances at Theatre Arlington, made his debut on Broadway last month as Genie in “Aladdin.”

Photo: Matthew Murphy

Mansfield’s 30 in 30 Project was the brainchild of Eddie and Mary Elizabeth Phillips.

Photos: The City of Arlington

Road WORK

Efforts have begun to rebuild some of east Arlington’s older streets – then more byway repair will follow

A

they are beyond routine maintenance,” says Clint Hoover, a $4.8 million project is under way to rebuild decades-old Public Works Department civil engineer. streets in a section of east Arlington. The 2015 Residen Work began earlier this month and some trees and vegetatial Street Rebuild Phase II project targets six deteriotion were removed from the public right-of-way in advance of rating streets in an area bordered by Park Drive to the the project. The City will also need to temporarily disconnect north, Sherry Street to the east, Pioneer Parkway to the south portions of property owners’ in-ground sprinkler systems that and Daniel Drive to the west. Over the next year, Arbor Lane, extend into the right-of-way but those secKent Drive, Monaco Court, Monaco tions will be reconnected once construction is Drive, Tower Drive and Trent Drive will THE CITY OF ARLINGTON plans to complete, Hoover says. be rebuilt and improved with storm spend an estimated $20.3 million The City of Arlington plans to spend an drain, water, and sanitary sewer line in bond funding this year rebuilding estimated $20.3 million in bond funding this renewals. year rebuilding residential streets. This does Using a rating system, the City of residential streets. not include design costs or water and sanitary Arlington selects streets identified as sewer improvements. Rebuilding residential streets align with being in the worst condition for replacement through the annuthe Arlington City Council Priority to Enhance Regional Mobilial bond-funded Residential Street Rebuild Program. ty. Voters approved funding for this particular Residential Street These six asphalt streets, built in the 1950s and 1960s, will Rebuild project in the 2014 bond election. be replaced with concrete streets designed to last for decades.

– arlington-tx.gov “These are streets that need to be completely rebuilt because

arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

63

Local Homes

This home, owned by Mansfield Mayor David L. Cook and his wife Tonya, is located in a small, cozy cul’de’sac in Central Mansfield, on Walnut Creek Golf Course.

Photos courtesy of Julie Short

Home, SWEET! Home

Mansfield Mayor David L. Cook and his wife Tonya recently refurnished a home. Take note: Its’ for sale

T

he Cooks – David L. and Tonya – have been quite busy of late, turning a four-bedroom, four-bathroom, 4,925-square-foot home located in Central Mansfield into a veritable palace. Now, they’re interested in turning it on the market.

His name is probably familiar. After all, he is Mansfield’s mayor. Tonya is a guidance counselor at Mansfield High School, and she volunteers on a weekly basis at Metroplex Women’s Clinic. It’s her avocation, though, that plays most prominently into the new home endeavor.

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“I also enjoy renovating homes – more on the color side of interior design,” she says. As the photos on the ensuing pages suggest, she is being modest. She doesn’t simply add color; she helps turn good into grand, and now she and David hope the fruits of that labor might pique interest in prospective buyers.

To help them in the process, they’ve enlisted the services of The Julie Short Team, Coldwell Banker Residential. More about how to reach her later; first there’s a home renovation to address.

Tonya and David were drawn to the property about a year ago, initially because of its design. “We also liked the location

The kitchen Before

After

Before

After

Tonya Cook’s vocation is high school guidance counselor, but her avocation is renovating homes. And her passion is working with color. It shows here.

The living area

This “before” and “after” shot of the living area shows many subtle changes. One not-so-subtle change is the addition of a wine area inside the staircase.

of being on the golf course (it’s next to Walunt Creek Country Club) and its fabulous curb appeal,” Tonya says.”We both really enjoy the mid-century modern look of the home, and its open concept, which makes it a great place to entertain.”

That noted, Tonya is also fond of the home’s coziness. “One can easily create a Hallmark Night and cuddle up by the fireplace or sit outside on the terrace under a starry night with a nice bottle of wine from the glass wine bar,” she says.

Other favorite areas include the large, glassed-in bubble tub-shower combo that is ideal for relaxing and winding down.

After the Cooks purchased the property, they set about a refurbishing project that converted practically every space of the home, inside and out, into something different and better.

“In the master bedroom, we added French doors and a private terrace with a golf course view,” Tonya says. “It’s a great place to enjoy morning coffee or a glass of wine. “The master bathroom was very small with limited amenities. We added new cabinets and a ladies vanity area. In addition, we wanted to make this area unique and give it a pop by adding the glassed-in shower/bubble tub combo. We also created a arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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The entry Before

After

Before

After

Both David L. and Tony Cook aspired to give the home an open-concept look. This view shows several ways they were able to accomplish this goal.

The master bath

The renovation of the master bathroon included the addition of new fixtures, new lighting that “pops” and a calmer, more relaxing color scheme.

new Master closet that maximized the space, and we added an additional guest bathroom.”

Tonya says the original dining/kitchen area was closed off when they bought the home, so she and David decided to remove a wall to create an open concept. They also replaced fixtures and tapped her interior design expertise with color to craft a new, more comfortable look and feel in one of the more important areas in any home.

As the renovation process continued, the Cooks added an office with a window view down stairs, and then Tonya went 66

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

to work updating the look and feel throughout the home. “As for colors, we went with a more calming hue,” she says. “And we added new lighting that pops. We used Chrystal throughout the house. One of my favorite areas of renovating a house is picking out the lighting. This little attention to detail can make a big difference to a home.”

Eventually, the new additions on the first floor resulted in a second living area; the aforementioned office; a larger, more modern-looking master bath; the new closet; a new, large laundry; a mud room and two full baths. They also added French

The back porch Before

After

One of the highlights of the home is the outdoor space. The Cooks refurnished the back area of the house to look as inviting as the views of Mansfield it affords.

Other highlights A closeup of the wine area

A glassed-in bubble tub/shower combo

The stairs and fireplace

Who doesn’t need more closet space?

Landscaping done well

doors in the master bedroom that provide a breathtaking vista of a beautiful place in the beautiful city the Cooks helped to reach its potential.

“What we were hoping for, ultimately, was to create more versatility for a family,” Tonya says. “In addition, we updated the entire house with a new color scheme to give it a fresh, clean look with an open concept.”

Outdoors, specifically in the back, the Cooks enhanced the view of the area that provides the view – the back porch – with attractive landscaping choices that complemented the overall

A porch that makes relaxation a breeze

theme of the renovation project. They also added direct access to the golf course with a new garage area, making them just a “chip and putt” away from a nearby fairway.

The sum of all these parts is a picturesque home that combines the capacity to easily entertain large gatherings with a coziness in various nooks and crannies that allows dwellers to relax, study, work or play. And, because of the size of the home, several dwellers can do all of the above at the same time.

As noted previously, The Julie Short Team is handling the marketing of the home. For more information, call (682) 552-4384. arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

67

People, Places, Things

Sandra Brown to be guest at library gala

B

est-selling author and Arlington resident Sandra Brown will be the special guest on Saturday, March 23, at “Building a Dream,” a gala presented by the Friends and Foundation of the Arlington Public Library to raise funds for the new Downtown Library.

The event will be from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Arlington Museum of Art. It will feature remarks by Brown, a presentation of plans for the new facility by Libraries Director Yoko Matsumoto, live music, a silent auction and a selection of heavy hors d’ouvres.

A Waco native raised in North Richland Hills, Brown began her career in 1981 at the urging of husband Michael, an award-winning cinematographer. Since then, she has published almost 70 novels and has more than 50 New York Times bestsellers to her credit. Her latest work, “Sting,” came out last year.

The gala is part of the FFAPL’s “DREAM Central – Building the

A surprise birthday party for a highly decorated veteran 68

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

Sandra Brown

Library of Tomorrow” capital campaign. Proceeds will help provide furniture, fixtures and equipment. Plans are for Building a Dream to be an annual event, with funds in future years going to support programs and services offered through the new Library.

Tickets for the Building a Dream gala are $100 and may be purchased online at arlingtonlibrary.org.

Brown started her writing career in 1981 after her husband dared her to and began a run of success that made her one of the world’s more acclaimed novelists. In 2008, she was presented with an honorary doctorate of humane letters from her alma mater, TCU. Her novel “French Silk” was made into a television movie, released in 1994. Susan Lucci, Shari Belafonte, and Lee Horsley starred. In 2007, she contributed to Court TV’s series “Murder By The Book,” about the murder of Betty Gore in Wylie, Texas, on June 13, 1980.

ARLINGTON IS HOME to a great many veterans whose distinguished service makes us all grateful and proud.

When Retired Commander Richmond Stoglin’s 60th birthday rolled around, his wife Reecia decided to surprise him with a big dinner party staged at the Arlington Hilton Hotel.

Friends and fellow service men and women from his 28 years of the uniform of our country around the world showed up for an evening of celebration and reminiscing about the journeys they shared with him.

Among his assignments was as Regimental Chaplain to the 14th Marines, the largest artillery command in the U. S. Marine Corps.

Previously he had duty as the Senior Chaplain of the NATO Training Mission in Afghanistan and the Combined Security Training Command there. The troops he served and trained consisted of American military personnel and coalition

troops from 38 nations.

His last duty found him as the ranking military advisor to the Religious and Cultural Affairs of the Afghan National Army.

Among his more than 20 distinguished military recognitions and awards were the Defense Meritorious Service Medal in Kabul, Afghanistan, including one pinned on him by the Commanding General of the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan; the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with cluster, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal awarded by the Secretary of the Navy for commendable service.

Included among his educational and professional training degrees, Rich holds a Master of Public Administration from UT Arlington and is a graduate of Leadership Arlington.

Serving as its Executive Director, Rich launched Redemption Bridge soon after his

Unity Arch sculpture embodies city spirit

U

nity Arch is the newest addition to the city’s Entertainment District Sculpture Trail – and what an addition it is. The stainless Photos: arlington-tx.gov steel infinity sculpture, installed last month in Richard Greene Linear Park, stands nearly 14 feet tall, is 25 feet wide and is covFirst there was artist Owen ered with a mesh made of reflective metal plates.

Morrel’s vision. Now Unity The sculpture was designed and created by renowned artist Owen Arch has found its home.

Morrel, who says its evolution was rooted as much in practicality as in aesthetics. Morrel came up with the design by wrapping chicken wire around a football. What ultimately emerged is a beautiful design that is already drawing visitors, even a month before the official presentation ceremony.

Morrel says he will leave interpreting the sculpture’s meaning to those who view it. However, he knows what it means to him. “Unity Arch is a gathering place for people of all ages and backgrounds,” he says. “Through the language of pure geometry it creates space where the mind can travel and question, where conversation can emerge between strangers, and positive, inspiring energy called ‘Community Spirit’ can flourish.”

Unity Arch was selected from 21 proposals as the best representation of the community spirit supporting Arlington’s growing Entertainment District. That area already features the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Cowboys and the Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor theme parks. And with the promising “Texas Live!” entertainment hub already under construction, Unity Arch will be sure to be seen by many visitors and residents alike.

Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams says Unity Arch symbolizes the spirit of the city and its residents. “And where better to showcase that ‘can do’ attitude than in our Entertainment District, which took the passion and spirit of our residents to build,” he says. “Arlington: the American Dream City, is based on our incredible diversity, aspiration and educational opportunities. The Unity Arch symbolizes this through art, and we are proud to have it as one of the foundations of our Richard Greene Linear Park.”

retirement. He explains the mission of the program is to develop a sustainable, scalable, replicable model for re-entry and re-integration for ex-offenders, veterans, and juvenile offenders into family, community and society with life skills to be successful, thus reducing recidivism.

Beyond that work, he is active in a number capacities with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce including the launch of the Community Influence Leaders Roundtable.

The initiative brings together Arlington and Fort Worth community, business, and elected leaders to pursue the goal of fostering minority inclusion in the business community that will positively impact the future of economic development, policy and community issues.

So, his birthday celebration was not only an occasion of looking back on a remarkable military career but emphasizing the promise of his continued role of leadership in his hometown.

Celebrating with family & friends Chaplain Rich Stoglin had a festive 60th birthday, which is only fitting, given his years of service to his country. In the photo on the left, Rich Sand his wife Reecia prepare to cut the birthday cake. Above, Rich (fourth from left) is joined by friends Lee Ferrell, Haywood Gordon, Dr. Robert Reeves, Robert Kerr, Bryan Sudan, Don Stinnett and Harry Croxton.

arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

69

The Tee Box

A STROKE of genius

A

rlington Golf recently introduced its 2017 Frequent Players Club, which rewards residents for their loyalty to city courses. 2017 Arlington Golf Frequent Players Club Membership cards are available for purchase for $99.99.

The Frequent Player’s Club Program offers local players the following benefits: • 10 percent off green fee and cart rental, good anytime Monday through Thursday and after 11 a.m. on Friday through Sunday • One hour advanced notice on SMS texts for golf discounts • 10 percent off non-sale merchandise • 10 percent off food and non-alcoholic beverages • A complimentary round of golf with ½ cart at your choice of Lake Arlington, Meadowbrook Park or Tierra Verde. This is valid anytime at Lake Arlington or Meadowbrook Park and valid Monday through Thursday anytime or after 1 p.m. Friday through Sunday at Tierra Verde Golf Club • A twilight advantage – you receive the twilight rate one hour prior to normal twilight start time • An eight-day advance reservation privilege Prices of membership are subject to change without notice. They are not valid with any other offers, replay fees, tournaments, leagues, or on holidays. This offer is good through December 31, regardless of the purchase date.

The card must be presented at each visit. Arlington Golf will send members periodic emails detailing upcoming golf and food specials. All data is kept confidential, and you may opt-out of communications at any time.

For more information on the 2017 Frequent Players Club, please call or visit any city course pro shop.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

Arlington Golf’s Frequent Players Club rewards local players for their loyalty to city courses.

Photos: arlingtongolf.com

Experience.

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

Although attorney Stephanie Foster Gilbert is prepared to be the warrior in your courtroom battle as she has been in thousands of Tarrant County divorce cases over the past 25 years, her preference is to be the peacemaker in your interest-based negotiations through the dignified, private, child-protecting process known as collaborative law divorce which involves no courts.

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

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

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Contact attorney Stephanie Foster Gilbert today to discuss your options.

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

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arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

71

Dining Guide

IT OUT >>>

Keen cuisine!

Here are local restaurants you should check out UPSCALE Chamas do Brazil chamasdobrazil2.tru-m.com 4606 S. Cooper St. (817) 618-2986 The Keg Steakhouse • Bar kegsteakhouse.com 4001 Arlington Highlands Blvd.

(817) 465-3700 The Melting Pot meltingpot.com 4000 Five Points Drive (817) 472-9988 Piccolo Mondo piccolomondo.com 829 Lamar Blvd. E. (817) 265-9174 restaurant506 at The Sanford House restaurant506.com 506 N. Center St. (817) 801-5541

AMERICAN Candlelite Inn candleliteinnarlington.com 1202 E. Division St. (817) 275-9613 Chop House Burgers chophouseburgers.com 2230 W. Park Row Drive, Suite A, Pantego (817) 459-3700

J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill jgilligans.com 400 E. Abram St. (817) 274-8561

3

Mac’s Bar & Grill macsteak.com 6077 West-I20 (817) 572-0541 Dino’s Subs 2221 S. Collins St. (817) 274-1140

MEXICAN/TEX-MEX Blue Mesa Grill bluemesagrill.com 550 Lincoln Square (682) 323-3050

2 4

1. The Keg Steakhouse 2. Chamas do Brazil 3. Dino’s Subs 4. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Photos: yelp.com

El Arroyo elarroyoarlington.com 5024 S. Cooper St. (817) 468-2557 El Primo’s Mexican Grill & Cantina elprimos.net 2300 Matlock Road, #21, Mansfield (817) 225-4140 Fuzzy’s Taco Shop fuzzystacoshop.com 510 E. Abram St. (817) 265-8226 4201 W. Green Oaks Blvd.

(817) 516-8226 1601 E. Debbie Lane, Mansfield (817) 453-1682

Grease Monkey greasemonkeyburgers.com 200 N. Mesquite St. (817) 665-5454 72

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ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

Rio Mambo riomambo.com 2150 E. Lamar Blvd.

(817) 795-4555 6407 S. Cooper St. (817) 465-3122

ITALIAN/PIZZA Cafe Sicilia cafesicilia.com 7221 Matlock Road (817) 419-2800 Gino’s East ginoseast.com 1350 E. Copeland Road (817) 809-7437

Mama’s Pizza mammaspizzas.com 1200 N. Fielder (817) 795-8700

SEAFOOD Pantego Bay Gulf Coast Café 2233 West Park Row, Pantego (817) 303-4853

BARBECUE David’s Barbecue davidsbarbecue.com 2224 West Park Row (817) 261-9998

Top Five Restaurants - “Bar Foods” -- Food Network

Best Italian food in Texas.

Our 38th Annual

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Visit us at cafesicilia.com for specials and new menu items!

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Expires 3/31/17.

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

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

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

Takeout available. Fax 817.226.3474 arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

73

Health & Fitness

Healthy living!

This month’s Arlington Aging Well Expo can help you be a better you in 2017

N

ew year, new you? You can start this year off right by learning ways to improve your health and lifestyle at the Arlington Aging Well Expo. The free event will take place The Arlington Aging Well Expo will feature health and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 30 at the wellness screenings – and Bob Duncan Center (2800 S. Center St. in Vandergriff much more.

Park) and will feature a variety of informative presenPhoto: galleryhip.com tations on wellness to empower adults of any age.

Event Coordinator Kelly Geer with the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department recently shared why city reseach type of professional so that attendees can find someone that idents should consider attending this year’s expo during a Q&A meets their needs but isn’t located too far away. The complete list with MyArlingtonTX.com. Here are highlights of that interview. of vendors, as their information becomes available, can be found on our website.

What can people expect at this event?

Who would benefit from attending this event?

We will have speakers, fitness demonstrations, and a variety of health and wellness screenings available throughout the day. As All adults! We titled this year’s expo the Aging Well Expo bethe schedule is updated and finalized, it will be posted on the cause no matter what age you are, your goal should always be to Aging Well Expo webpage. Attendees will also receive a procontinue aging well. Quality health and wellness goes beyond gram at the door with all the relevant information. the doctor’s office so our well-rounded group of vendors can offer expertise and services that impact your entire life. Adults Are only adults able to attend? of all ages can find helpful information and professionals to use as they strive to live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

Yes, the expo is geared for adults 21 and up.

Are people able to register now?

What are some examples of the planned presentations and vendors?

Yes, a complimentary box lunch is available to the first 800 registrants. People have three ways to register: • Download the AWE Attendee Registration Form and fax, Attendees will have the chance to hear tips and tricks from a mail, or hand deliver to Eunice Activity Center. (1000 Eunice St, master gardener, learn about identity theft and protection from Arlington TX, 76010, Fax: 817-548-8782) an FBI Agent, understand more about aging and Alzheimer’s • Sign up online. from a doctor in UNT’s Health Science Center, and much more.

• Give us a call (817) 277-8091 We will have representatives from the major local hospitals as For more, call (817) 277-8091; arlington-tx.gov/agingwell. well as smaller offices. We always try to have more than one of 74

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

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

Theatre Arlington Board of Directors invite you to attend a

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• LUXURY AUCTION • CASH BAR • CLASSY CASUAL

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For more information contact us: 817.261.9628 or http://www.TheatreArlington.org/Gala.html arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

75

Nightlife & More

Sights/Sounds

COMING ATTRACTIONS

Your resource for entertainment in and around Arlington TRIVIA: Live Trivia with the PubGuys When: March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Where: World of Beer (5005 S. Cooper St.) Show time: 7 p.m.

Notes: Here’s a tip to help you make the most of the evening: Bring your smart friends for the answers and your rich friends for the tab.

For more: worldofbeer.com/ locations

THEATER: School of Rock – Youth Musical When: March 1-5 Where: Theatre Arlington (305 W. Main St.) Show time: 7:30 p.m. on Friday; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday; 2 p.m. on Sunday Notes: This new musical based on the movie follows Dewey Finn, a “wannabe” rock star who decides to earn extra bucks as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Disinterested in academic work, Dewey decides to create his own curriculum, turning his class into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band.

This stage musical, featuring all the original songs from the movie plus 14 new songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is a loving testimony to the transforming power of music.

For more: theatrearlington.org

MUSIC:March Concerts at Arlington Music Hall When: March 3, 10, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 Where: Arlington Music Hall (224 76

N. Center St.) Show time: 7:30 p.m.

Notes: This month’s featured peformers at the storied venue include Doug Stone (March 3), Richard Marx (March 10), the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (March 17), “In My Life – A Musical Theater Tribute to the Beatles” (March 18), Chubby Checker (March 24), Gene Watson (March 25) and Ronnie Milsap (March 31).

For more: arlingtonmusichall.net

MUSIC: Acoustic Sundays with Jesse Jennings & Friends on the Patio When: March 5, 12, 19, 26 Where: Fat Daddy’s Sports & Spirits Cafe (781 W. Debbie Lane, Mansfield) Show time: 7 p.m.

Notes: A Fat Daddy’s staple, Jesse Jennings is a singer, songwriter and musician based in Fort Worth.

His lyrics are reflections of his personal experiences: love, loss, heartache, small town life, life on the road and more. Every weekend he and some of his friends perform live acoustic concerts.

For more: fatdaddyslive.com

MUSIC: Arlington Blues & Southern Soul Music Festival When: March 11-12 Where: Arlington Music Hall (224 N. Center St.) Show time: 5 p.m.

Notes: The festival will feature some the more talented Blues and Southern Soul Artist the Metroplex has to offer. Perform-

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

ers include Holland K. Smith, LJ Echols, the Paul Byrd Band, Lil Jimmie, Dylan Bishop and AYHONZ featuring Kenya C. For more: arlingtonmusichall.net

MUSIC: Symphony Arlington with featured pianists Alex and Robert McDonald When: March16 Where: Arlington Music Hall (224 N. Center St.) Show time: 7:30 p.m.

Notes: Robert McDonald is a strong advocate of multiple forms of classical keyboard performance, including solo rep ranging from Bach to Messiaen, chamber music, vocal collaborating and new works. Brother Alex McDonald has soloed with the Orquesta Sinfónica del Estado de Mexico, the Louisiana Philharmonic, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, and the Utah Symphony Orchestra, among others.

For more: symphonyarlington.org

MUSIC: Country Celebration with the Chris Rivers Band When: March 18 Where: Traders Village (2602 Mayfield Road, Grand Prairie) Show time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Notes: The Chris Rivers Band was the “Official Band of Gilley’s Dallas” for five years every Friday and Saturday night. The band also appeared on the TV series “Dallas” (the new version). Admission to this concert is free; parking is $4.

For more: tradersvillage.com/ grand-prairie

Sharks vs. Jets, as told by Mavericks THE UNIVERSITY of Texas Arlington’s Maverick Theatre Company will present the classic musical “West Side Story” on March 1-5 at the Fine Arts Building North (502 South Cooper St.). Show time is 8 p.m for the Wednesday-Saturday shows and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The play centers on two youngsters from rival New York City gangs whose love builds toward tragedy.

For more: uta.edu/theatre.

Photo:ibtimes.co.uk

Demi Lovato

Songs in the key of life BEAUTYKIND, an online retailer where consumers can shop prestige beauty brands while raising funds for charities of their choice, will host “BeautyKind Unites: A Concert For Causes” at 5 p.m. on March 25th at AT&T Stadium. Artists scheduled to perform include Demi Lovato, The Band Perry, Cole Swindell, Randy Travis and Jake Owen. Fifty percent of each ticket sale will be donated to the charity of the customer’s choice.

For more: attstadium.com.

Don’t Miss the 3rd Annual

MAY 3RD, 2017 • 12PM

ON THE FIELD OF AT&T STADIUM

Photo credit: Jeremiah Jhass

GUEST SPEAKER

EMMITT SMITH

Mistress of Ceremonies Karen Borta Honorary Chairs

The Honorable Mayor Jeff & Karen Williams The Honorable Mayor David & Tonya Cook Special Guest Singer Aquile Luncheon Chairman Mark Caffey Luncheon Vice-Chair Claire Wheeler

All Proceeds Go to Support The YOUTH EDUCATION TOWN NORTH TEXAS Sponsorships & Tables Available, Contact: mc.michaelcunningham@gmail.com lindamagazzine@ebby.com bridget.lenhardt@uss.salvationarmy.org For tickets: 817-860-1836 or inspiringhopeluncheon.eventbrite.com

Speaking of Sports

2017 Rangers preview

Texas appears to be strong in two areas that matter: pitching depth and talent up the middle • By John Rhadigan

O

ne of the great things about this time of year in Texas is the fact that we can open windows. There is nothing like the freshness of a cool spring breeze blowing through the house. Of course, time waits for no one, and soon we must shut the windows. It is something we would like to avoid.

It happens with sports teams, too. The Rangers window has been open for some seven years, but they have no intention of shutting it any time soon. It seems likely that it will remain open for this season.

After an off-season that could be called quiet, you may wonder how, but remember this: The Rangers had the best record in the American League last year. Because they have lost six straight post season games to the Toronto Blue Jays, the perception is that they have lots of flaws. Actually, they will return the core of a team that cruised to 95 wins. They won the American League West by nine games, and one could argue that they actually got better where it matters most.

The improvements came in the area where every team is always trying to improve, pitching.

Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross Photo: rattleandhumsports.com could give this rotation the kind of depth that we have not seen ever in these parts. Cashner is a Texan who was born and raised in Conroe, where his family runs a mortuary business. He pitched at TCU and was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Cubs. The “Book” on him is that he has never realized his full potential or lived up to that pedigree. Being back home and under the watchful eye of pitching coach Doug Brocail could push Cashner to thrive.

Tyson Ross has a high upside, as well. He won’t be available until May after surgery to correct thoracic outlet syndrome. Like many Rangers pitchers before him, he had a rib removed. Once fully healthy, he should be a part of the best rotation in the American League West. It will include Yu Darvish, Cole Hamels, Martin Perez, Cashner and Ross – with A.J. Griffin and a couple of others to provide depth.

The bullpen will be without Jake Diekman for about half of the season after he had major intestinal surgery. But it still has Sam Dyson, Keona Kela, Matt Bush, Alex Claudio, Tanner Scheppers, 78

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Tony Barnette and Jeremy Jeffress – all with the chance of fortifying things even before Diekman comes back. There are lots of live and fresh arms out there, and, with a better rotation, their workload may not be as heavy this year.

The offense took a hit when it lost Ian Desmond, Mitch Moreland and Carlos Beltran, but General Manager Jon Daniels has offset some of that with the additions of Mike Napoli and James Loney, and the Rangers should have a healthy Shin Soo Choo. There is The 2017 Texas Rangers also a chance that Josh Hamilton will welcome back a will return to form. At his age, this familiar figure, slugger is a long shot, but he has defied Mike Napoli. the odds before. The truth is: A baseball team should be strong up the middle, and this team is, with Jonathon Lucroy back for a full season at catcher, Elvis Andrus and Rougned Odor as the keystone combination and Carolos Gomez in center field. The Rangers will be strong where it matters the most.

What you have heard is true: The Astros and Mariners have gotten better in the off-season, but the Rangers were nine games better than Seattle last year, and 11 games better than their neighbors to the south. Did either of them get that much better? Did the Rangers get that much worse? I say no to both. The AL West will be a battle again, but nobody said it would be easy, and it would not be much fun if it was easy.

So, go ahead – open the windows. It is the perfect time of year to do it, and then, like the Rangers, keep them open. And if you listen closely you will hear the sound of cheering as the fans celebrate wildly for your neighbor, the Rangers, whose window is open, too.

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

Events, etc.

Itinerary

CIRCLE THE DATES

Your official Arlington-area guide to fun (and the like) March 1-12 What: Kurios - Cabinet of Curiosities Where: Lone Star Park (1000 Lone Star Pkwy., Grand Prairie) When: Check website for show times.

In a nutshell: Cirque du Soleil presents Kurios - Cabinet of Curiosities at Lone Star Park’s The Grand Chapiteau (Big Top). The venue seats over 2,600 spectators per performance.

For more: goo.gl/dZfMdd

March 1-May 28 What: Planetarium Spring Shows Where: The Planetarium at the University of Texas Arlington (700 Planetarium Place) When: See below for show times In a nutshell: Spring shows will include “Phantom of the Universe” (6 p.m.) and “Pink Floyd” (7 p.m.) on Fridays; “One World One Sky, Big Bird’s Adventure” (1 p.m.), “Secret of the Cardboard Rocket” (2 p.m.), “Phantom of the Universe” (6 p.m.) and “Pink Floyd” (7 p.m.) on Saturdays; and “Astronaut” (1:30 p.m.) and “Spacepark 360” (2:30 p.m.) on Sundays.

For more: uta.edu/planetarium

March 1 - Dec. 31 What: Donray Traveling Exhibits Where: Arlington Museum of Art (201 W. Main St.) When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.

In a nutshell: This exhibit demonstrates the majesty of the Western American landscapes, birds, 80

and performers. Donray’s technique captures the beauty of the natural world while commenting on the silent danger that exists out in the open, secluded space.

For more: arlingtonmuseum.org

March 8-12 What: University of Texas Arlington men’s and women’s basketball Where: Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, La. When: Check website for tipoff times In a nutshell: The UTA Mavericks teams will play in the Sun Belt Tournamenat for a chance to play in the NCAA tournament.

For more: sunbeltsports.org

March 9-19 What: Spring Break at Six Flags Over Texas Where: Six Flags Over Texas When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

In a nutshell: Midterms, group projects, research papers and mounds of homework can wear you down. Relieve the stress during Spring Break at Six Flags Over Texas!

For more: sixflags.com/overtexas

March 13-17 What: Spring Break at the Science Center Where: River Legacy Living Science Center (703 N.W. Green Oaks Blvd.)

When: Activies begin at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

In a nutshell: Here is the schedule for activities during this special spring break event:

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

March 13 - Tree Hikes – Join a Naturalist on a hike looking for common trees found in the forest. Supplies will be provided for children to do leaf and bark rubbings.

March 14 - Reptile Adventure – Get an up-close look at turtles, snakes or lizards during an animal investigation followed by a craft.

March 15 - Aquatic Adventures – Grab a dip net and see what interesting watery inhabitants you can find in the Science Center pond.

March 16 - Mammal Adventure – Get an up-close look and learn about different mammals found in Texas during an animal investigation followed by a related craft.

March 17 - Bug Adventure Hike – Join a Naturalist on a hike looking for insects. Magnifying glasses and bug boxes will be available to use during the hike.

For more: (817) 860.6752

March 18 What: Pickle Parade & Palooza Where: Historic Downtown Mansfield When: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

In a nutshell: The world’s only St. Paddy’s Pickle Parade & Palooza in Mansfield is pure Texan family fun. Activities include the annual Pickle Parade; a 10k, 5K and Fun Run; vendor markets; a food court; performances on the community and main stages; a pet parade; a playground and more.

For more: pickleparade.org

Do you have an Itinerary item?

Email yale@arlingtontoday.com.

Photo: thehollywoodgossip.com

Maverick Speaker: Fareed Zakaria CNN HOST Fareed Zakaria will discusss “The Politics and Culture of the Global Economy” at 7:30 p.m. on March 7 at College Park Center. Zakaria’s talk is the next installment of the University of Texas Arlington’s Maverick Speaker Series, and is presented in partnership with Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital.

Zakaria is widely respected for his thoughtful analysis and ability to spot economic and political trends.

For more: uta.edu/maverickspeakers.

Photo: youtube.com

Our team will stomp your team STOMP WARS 2017, the largest teen step show in the nation, comes back to Arlington for its 11th year during a competition that starts at 5:30 p.m. on March 11 at College Park Center.

Stomp Wars features high-energy youth step teams performing, in addition to guest performances by the Dancing Dolls from Lifetime’s Reality TV series “Bring It!” For more: StompWars.com.

Arlington Urban Ministries Presents

Boots, Chaps & Cowboy Hats Details

Join us for dinner wearing your denim, diamonds & boots.

Enjoy live music by Zach Coffey, silent & live auctions, raffle, a wine pull, cash bar and the Doing Good in the Neighborhood Awards ceremony.

Emceed by retired news anchor, Jim Douglas.

River Ranch 500 NE 23rd Street Fort Worth, TX 76164

$65 Tickets Purchase before March 20 Make your reservation online: www. ArlingtonUrbanMinistries.org

Sunday, April 2, 2017 VIP Reception 4:00 p.m.

Doors Open 5:00 p.m.

Sponsored By

Provides emergency assistance for utilities, rent and food for those in crisis in the Arlington community. arlingtontoday.com • March 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

81

Finish Line

Still leading the way

The sobering responsibility of serving the United States of America • By Richard Greene

A

s I observe the process of a new president organizing his administration, I am reminded of the sobering responsibility accompanying an appointment to a position as our country’s representative. People serving in the top levels in the departments and agencies of our government are chosen by the president as his emissaries in carrying out the policies he was elected to pursue.

Many require the approval of the U. S. Senate, and all of them are subject to the Constitution and laws of the United States.

When I was privileged to receive one such assignment, like all the others so chosen, I swore this oath: “I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.

So help me God.” As those words sank in, I felt the mantle of public trust come to rest on my shoulders, and I tried to commit myself to fulfilling the responsibility all of that implied.

Then one day, I gained further realization of just how powerful the role of our country is around the globe. The occasion was an international conference where leaders of other nations were gathered in a big meeting room to discuss matters of mutual interest and chart the course for the next steps in serving the people of the countries we represented.

Our agenda suggested the occasion was destined to last most of the day, as there were many speakers to be called upon by a moderator following a schedule of topics and issues to be addressed.

Each leader spoke from his place at the tables arranged so as to form a big square where everyone could see each other. One by one, they read from prepared material, assisted by staff members sitting behind them. There was a din of noise in the room, cell phones ringing, people milling around, being distracted by side bar conversations and people coming and going from their seats.

I was surprised that so many were not paying a lot of attention to the speakers as their turns were announced. Then came the time 82

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

when the moderator said, “Now we will hear from the representative of the United States.”

With those words the room suddenly became silent. Everyone stopped whatever else they were doing. All the eyes in the room turned in my direction.

They weren’t looking at Richard. Alas, few had ever met me.

They were looking at the guy sitting behind a nameplate that read “The United States.” I realized at that moment something that surprised me but probably should not have.

The rest of the world looks more to our country than any other.

This conference wasn’t even about anything as profound as national or world security, or economic leadership, or human rights, or anything one might have encountered on the front pages of the newspapers.

The subject we were dealing with was environmental quality. Significant, yes.

But the people that day in leadership roles in other countries turned their full attention to the person representing the most successful nation in the world.

That occasion gave personal meaning to Wherever this banner the words of John F. Kennedy on the day yets waves, the rest of of his inauguration: the world takes notice.

“I do not believe than any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it – and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.”

Perhaps political opinions and differences that divide us should be guided by the reality that we are the freest people in human history and the envy of the rest of the world.

Richard Greene was Arlington’s mayor from 1987-1997, was appointed by President George W. Bush as Regional Administrator to the EPA, and currently teaches in the University of Texas Arlington’s graduate program in the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs.

At WADE FAMILY FUNERAL HOME our family believes while we all will one day lose someone we love, there are no two families, no two funerals exactly alike.

The needs of your family will vary. The grief process for each individual will be unique.

At this very difficult time, in the face of making such important decisions, the Wade Family knows you need peace of mind and the comfort that comes with the fact that your family matters most to us.

Our Arlington family is here for you.

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4140 W. Pioneer Pkwy. • Arlington, Tx 76013 • 817-274-9233 wadefamilyfuneralhome.com