Fort Worth Magazine - December 2021

Fast. Friendly. Fair.

Here's the deal.

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MAKE A STATEMENT.

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59

Art, Eats, and Cowgirls

The perfect itinerary for taking in the best parts of the Cultural District in under 24 hours.

66 To Kill an Evil It has been two years since Jack Wilson confronted hell in a west Fort Worth church sanctuary.

72 One Eye on the Past 100 years after the lynching of Fred Rouse, Fort Worth is improving its future by looking to its past. 84 Top Attorneys

Our list of the top lawyers in town, as voted on by their peers.

Van Darien

the

14 The Lead

So long, Coach P, you were best-in-class as a builder of men.

16 Buzz

The Amon Carter Museum is bringing a first in Indigenous photography to Fort Worth.

20 Calendar

Run, Rudolph, run to all the things to do in December.

22 Fort Worthian

The role of Santa is not a job but a calling for George Campbell.

24 Good Reads

Who better to recommend a good book than our friends? We asked them.

26 Art

Colton Batts brought out a dark side at “After Hours,” and Fort Worth loved it.

28 Music

Before it was transcendent, Nirvana graced a blissful hole-in-the-wall club, The Axis.

34 Style

In North Texas, December means sweater weather.

36 Sports

Panther City Lacrosse Club brings the unique style of the National Lacrosse League to Dickies Arena.

40 Holidays

Who needs the North Pole for an authentic holiday feel when the Christmas Capital of Texas is in our backyard?

42 Recipes

Delicious cocktails that will complete the palate and, perhaps, make you very merry.

50 Restaurant News

Jenna Kinard is phat and happy, an excellent chef who is ecstatic to be back to work in Southlake.

78 Snaps: Heart of Gold Luncheon, Steeplechase Club, and more.

176 Close: Finding Iowa in a field in Roanoke.

Community Connection

It’s no secret that Texans love their pickup trucks. While there are many variations, the 2019 Ford F-150 Lariat with 6.5-foot bed from SouthWest Ford in Weatherford is the first choice for Mike Micallef, president of Reata restaurants and co-founder of the Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival. As an avid fisherman, Micallef frequently uses his pickup truck’s working features like towing and four-wheel drive to efficiently pull his bass boat. Plus, the Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ feature takes the hassle out of backing up his boat trailer. “I probably use the backup camera and folding mirrors the most, but I also like the towing feature,” Micallef says.

Micallef recommends SouthWest Ford, a Gilchrist Automotive dealership, not only for the extensive inventory of quality new and pre-owned Ford vehicles but also because, like his Reata restaurants, it is family owned and gives back to the communities where it operates. “One of the great trends recently is buying local and the importance of relationships. This is even more evident as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and have lost contact with our friends, family, and co-workers,” he says. “The Gilchrists live in our community and are important members of it.”

PICTURED: Mike Micallef, customer; Chris Bonnett, General Manager; Stephen Gilchrist, Dealer Operator.

Regarding Henry

Larger than life” is an interesting term. It’s a phrase we throw around liberally — perhaps a little too liberally — when describing someone who regularly catches our attention through vociferous or charismatic behavior. I suppose I have a more clear-cut interpretation of the phrase. I think of a largerthan-life person as someone who breaches our self-imposed limits of life. It’s someone who defies — in some way, shape, or form — the physics and metaphysics of humanity. Life, at least as we understand it, cannot contain them.

So, it’s safe to say I deem few people as “larger than life,” and my friend Henry Abuto is one of those people.

You also might’ve seen Henry in our magazine. He’s a chef who owns a food truck called ByWasonga — we’ve written about him, and he did our Thanksgiving leftovers feature in our November issue. One week after we went to press with said issue, Henry had a heart attack and was in cardiac arrest for 14 minutes. He’s only 30.

Henry’s a man of unwavering faith and has, little by little, helped iron out much of my own skepticism. He’s not preachy, just comfortable and confident in his beliefs — there is a God, and that God is good. Following his heart attack, Henry was placed in a medically induced coma. It was widely thrown about that, for Henry to survive, much less return as someone resembling the larger-than-life Henry of old, would take a miracle.

Three days later, I received a text from him in what was an unmistakably Henryesque tone. He survived and his mind had lost zero steps. The miracle worker was putting in some overtime for Mr. Abuto.

But now, he’s in need of another miracle. He needs a new heart. Henry’s back home with his dog and a pacemaker that will keep his ticker beating for a few years while he waits for his name to slowly climb the transplant waitlist — a procedure that will cost $1.3 million. While, putting this in perspective, such a price tag is a miniscule cost for saving a life (you could buy three homes in Mira Vista for said price), it’s still money few have.

So, yes, I’m asking that, if you have a few minutes and a few dollars to spare, you help my friend out. You can donate some money via his GoFundMe page (just go to gofundme. com and search for Henry Wasonga Abuto), or prayers and good vibes sent his way are always welcome, too.

Best,

THE COVER:

Our photographer, Crystal Wise, took a stroll around the Cultural District with a few of the ladies who work at local retailer City Boots. Pictured is Virginia Huffman sporting a cowgirl hat from American Hat Co in front of the Pioneer Tower.

owner/publisher hal a. brown

president mike waldum

owner/publisher hal a. brown

president mike waldum

EDITORIAL

executive editor brian kendall

managing editor samantha calimbahin

contributing writers brandi addison, hilaire baumgartner, sean chaffin, tina howard, malcolm mayhew, mary murphy, jessica strange, jillian verzwyvelt

copy editor sharon casseday

ART

creative director craig sylva

senior art director spray gleaves

advertising art director ed woolf

contributing photographers olaf growald, darah hubbard, crystal wise

ADVERTISING

advertising account supervisors gina burns-wigginton x150, marion c. knight x135

account executive tammy denapoli x141

territory manager, fort worth inc. rita hale x133 sales support coordinator josh anderson x140

MARKETING

digital marketing & development director robby kyser

marketing manager sarah benkendorfer

Corrections? Comments? Concerns? Send to executive editor Brian Kendall at bkendall@ fwtexas.com.

NEXT MONTH

Staycations

The Rodeo Returns

A Roundtable with the New City Council

digital marketing specialist brenntyn rhea events and partnership manager melissa carr marketing intern lauren roberts

CORPORATE

chief financial officer charles newton founding publisher mark hulme CONTACT US

Brian Kendall EXECUTIVE EDITOR

ON

Let’s Chat

A few words from our readers

Our editor received this email from a reader concerning the magazine’s latest cover story on the local music scene: [The following has been edited for grammar and brevity]

Dear Brian,

While I enjoyed Shilo Urban’s feature on the FW music scene, in her plea for more music venues in the Fort, she chose to ignore many existing bars and pubs that offer music nightly. Billy Bob’s, for one (40 years!), and White Elephant, for another. Then you have Lola’s and The Post at River East and a whole mess of Southside bars that sometimes have entertainment. Yes, we all should get out more. But you did a real disservice in ignoring what we already have.

@betterbismuthbureau It’s photogenic because of Walker, Texas Ranger

TRENDING ONLINE

Visit fwtx.com for the full story.

» TCU Football Fortunes Fall to a Coaching Search Committee The Horned Frogs begin life without their revered coaching icon.

» Crowley-based R. Watson Boots Gets Unofficial Endorsement from Drake Rap superstar Drake gave one Crowley boot company a little free publicity at his high-profile birthday party.

» Panther Island Ice Announces Dates for Annual Skating Event Better sharpen those blades. Ice skating is back in Fort Worth at its usual spot.

@mrskatstupka Best known for being the most stylish Fort Worthian in the history of ever.

DIGITAL EDITION: The virtual editions of both current and previous issues are available on our website. Flip through the pages to read more about the great city of Fort Worth by visiting fwtx.com.

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fwtxmag The Fort Worth sky showcased a rare occurrence on Aug. 22 when a phenomenon known as the Sturgeon Moon rose over the city...

A New Legacy is Rising

Fort Worth’s premier neighborhood, Montrachet

Lots are available to individuals and builders and are highlighted by groves of mature trees, fifty acres of parks and green-space, miles of hiking and biking trails, resort-style amenities, and 24-hour manned security. Bordered by Mary’s Creek to the north, Montserrat to the east, Team Ranch Road to the south, and FM 2871 to the west, Montrachet is ideally situated for convenience, security, and maintaining legacy property values for future generations.

Goodbye, Coach P

For former TCU coach Gary Patterson, football was big — but life was bigger.

BY SAMANTHA CALIMBAHIN

PHOTO

TCU’s Halloween-night announcement that Gary Patterson was out as head coach of the football team was no less than a shock heard ’round Fort Worth as Horned Frog fans, still clad in their costumes, sat grappling with the fact that Coach P’s 20-plus-year tenure was over.

Among those Frog fans was me, a proud TCU alumna who’s had the pleasure of covering Patterson since my days as a wide-eyed student journalist. Admittedly, one of my most memorable moments with Patterson was also perhaps my worst. The very first time I interviewed him one-on-one, I asked about how his signature 4-2-5 “offense” — the, ahem, defensive scheme which utilized four defensive linemen, two linebackers, and five defensive backs — helped prepare players for the NFL. I asked this on camera, not realizing my mistake until I was in the editing room of TCU’s Moudy South Building, digging my face into my palms, asking how I could have been so stupid.

I chuckle about it now, but the realization that the final chapter of the Patterson era has officially closed, albeit so suddenly, has a way of striking memories.

Patterson joined TCU in 1998 as defensive coordinator and safeties coach. After then-head coach Dennis Franchione took a gig with Alabama in 2000, Patterson stepped in, leading TCU to what would be a whirlwind two decades and national recognition the school would never have dreamed of.

Under Patterson, TCU hopped conferences from the WAC to Conference USA to the Mountain West. While there, star quarterback Andy Dalton helped lead the team to a perfect season and Rose Bowl win in 2011 — a moment that was not only a turning point for the program, but for the city of Fort Worth. The win put Cowtown on the proverbial sports map, and the city suddenly saw an influx of Southern Californians who were no doubt impressed by the play of the Horned Frogs in Pasadena. TCU football, meanwhile, seemed destined for bigger things.

The program confirmed that notion when the Frogs received an invitation to the Big 12 Conference and embarked on a $164 million renovation of Amon G. Carter Stadium. The team’s first three years in the Big 12 would play out somewhat poetically — a decent 7-6 season in 2012, a disappointing 4-8 season in 2013, and then a dream season in 2014 when the Frogs finished 12-1 and routed Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl.

Patterson would become TCU’s winningest coach with an overall 181-79 record, six conference championships, and a bronze statue just outside the stadium.

But beyond the trophies and accolades, Patterson also became known for his signature quirks now etched into TCU lore: the way he’d pull his pants up on the sidelines, yell himself hoarse by the end of each game, and string together odd metaphors about life and football during postgame press conferences. Fans fondly remember when Patterson changed from a black shirt to a purple shirt at halftime during the 2016 Alamo Bowl — which totally

accounts for the Frogs’ miraculous 31-point rally to beat Oregon 47-41 after triple overtime. Needless to say, Horned Frog Nation loved Gary for both his football prowess and endearing qualities.

Which is part of what makes the move to let Patterson go, despite the team’s rough season this year, so surprising. Considering Patterson’s legacy, one would think he would have eventually led the team to a national championship and ridden off into the sunset, as is what most coaches dream of. But something wasn’t clicking between Patterson and TCU, and after three losses in a row leading up to the Revivalry game against then-No. 12 Baylor, both decided to part ways. Immediately.

A few days after the announcement, Patterson told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that he wanted to “stop the noise” of negativity surrounding TCU’s football program after three straight losses: “I have all options open. I don’t know which direction I will go. Right now, I want to help my coaches and players the best I can to have a good finish to the season.”

Patterson’s abrupt exit wasn’t out of ill will; he just didn’t want to be a distraction. Even at the end, he wanted what was best for the team.

That following Saturday against Baylor, Patterson took the “TCU” off his Twitter handle (it’s @FBCoachP now) but remained vocal about his support for his former team. After a tight bout led by backup quarterback Chandler Morris, TCU pulled off the upset, handing Baylor its second loss of the season, and Patterson tweeted, “Yesssssssssssssssss! Go Frogs!” following the game.

Clearly, he still loved his guys.

That’s because, for Patterson, football was big — but life was bigger. Outside coaching, he was heavily involved with his Gary Patterson Foundation and The Big Good with Leon Bridges, conducting food drives and fundraisers for local families in need. Fort Worth was also the place Patterson made his musical debut, releasing two country singles and even performing for charity at Billy Bob’s Texas.

As of press time, it’s unclear what’s next for Patterson or TCU for that matter. Jerry Kill is serving as interim head coach, and there’s no announcement on Patterson’s replacement.

What’s for sure, though, is that Patterson will be missed, and his legacy won’t be forgotten.

Neither will I forget my golden moment with Coach P, when I erroneously asked about his 4-2-5 “offense” during my college years. Patterson didn’t call me out for this mistake, answered the question, and treated me as he would any professional from the Star-Telegram or ESPN. Perhaps he didn’t mind. Perhaps he understood that I misspoke, that I was talking too fast, or that I was a student reporter who deserved a little grace.

That or he just wasn’t paying attention.

Native Genius

The first-ever major survey of contemporary Indigenous photography is coming to the Carter Museum in 2022.

BY SAMANTHA CALIMBAHIN

Looking toward the new year, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art is getting ready for a showcase that no major museum has done before — a

survey of contemporary Indigenous photography.

The Carter Museum recently announced that it will present “Speaking with Light: Contemporary Indigenous Photography” from Oct.

30, 2022 – Jan. 22, 2023. The exhibit will highlight nearly 100 works by more than 30 Indigenous artists over the past three decades, meant to “reclaim representation and affirm their existence, perspectives, and trauma,” according to the museum. Prints by Hulleah Tsinhnahjinnie, Wendy Red Star, and Nicholas Galanin; site-responsive installations by Kapulani Landgraf and Jolene Rickard; and a new large-scale photo weaving by Sarah Sense, commissioned by the Carter, are among the works that will be on display.

Accompanying the exhibit will be a publication of the same name by Radius Books, authored wholly by Indigenous scholars, including

Meryl McMaster, “Bring Me to This Place”

Gina Adams, “Ancestor Beadwork,” 2018

Sarah Sense, “Cowgirl, Custer, and Young Impressions,” 2018

Follow Your Dream, Home This Holiday Season

Jennifer Nez Denetdale, Dylan Miner, Jolene Rickard, and Paul Chaat Smith.

The exhibit was organized by the Carter and co-curated by the museum’s senior curator of photographs, John Rohrbach, with artist Will Wilson, a citizen of the Navajo Nation and photography program head at Santa Fe Community College.

“Through our vast range of lenses — cultural, geographic, generational, and gender — the creators featured in ‘Speaking with Light’ crystalize a vibrant reclaiming of personal and communal representation,” Wilson said in a statement. “We invite visitors to lean into discomfort and counter-narratives to access a different understanding of our world — one that provides healthier relationships with each other and the earth. Drawing the institution and its audience into this Indigenous space lays the groundwork for the Carter to become an important site of contemporary Indigenous photography practices and research.”

10Things to Know This Month

1

The Texas A&M University System plans to expand in Fort Worth with a three-building research campus anchored by the existing School of Law at 1515 Commerce St. The law school building will be torn down and rebuilt, while two new developments — the Texas A&M System Research and Innovation Center, and Education Alliance Building — will stand along Jones Street on what’s currently a parking lot. No timeline for the project has been announced as of press time.

2

Of the four propositions the Fort Worth Independent School District listed as part of a $1.5 billion bond package on the Nov. 2 ballot, only one passed — Proposition A, which called for more than $1.2 billion to renovate middle schools and build three new elementary campuses. This is the largest of the four proposals, which the ISD says will help improve student performance.

3

Professional lacrosse makes its debut in Cowtown this month. Panther City Lacrosse Club will face the Vancouver Warriors on Dec. 10 at Dickies Arena. The full season schedule, tickets, and more information are available at panthercitylax.com.

4

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden | Botanical Research Institute of Texas announced the launch of a master-planning committee tasked with designing a comprehensive master plan to inform the direction and priorities for the next 20 years of infrastructure and facility improvements across the 120-acre campus. A website has been created for the master-planning effort: brit.org/masterplan.

5

Exhibits featuring two revered painters from American and British history are now open in the museum district — Milton Avery at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and J.M.W. Turner at the Kimbell Art Museum, a showcase dubbed “Turner’s Modern World.” Both run through the beginning of 2022.

6

The anticipated “Yellowstone” prequel, “1883,” is set to premiere Dec. 19 on Paramount+. Keep an eye out for local landmarks — the series filmed here in Fort Worth, mainly in the Stockyards, this summer.

More information is available at cartermuseum.org.

7

Opal Lee’s dream of making Juneteenth a national holiday is taking another step further. Fort Worth-based public affairs and marketing firm Sable Brands, LLC announced that it plans to build the National Juneteenth Museum in the Historic Southside neighborhood as part of a mixed-use development meant to revitalize the area.

8

The diamond year of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition is already off to a monumental start. A record-breaking 388 applications came through for the 2022 event — the “largest and most diverse in the organization’s 60-year history,” according to The Cliburn. The competition is scheduled for June 2 – 18.

9

A 100-year-old home in Fort Worth’s Polytechnic neighborhood will soon host artists, educational programs, and more under the direction of local artists Sedrick and Letitia Huckaby. Kinfolk House, previously the home of Sedrick’s grandmother, is planning a grand opening for 2022.

10

There’s a new baby at the Fort Worth Zoo. Brazos, an elephant born Oct. 21, made his public debut in November. Named after the Brazos River in Texas, he marks the fourth elephant birth in the zoo’s 112-year history as part of conservation efforts to help the endangered species.

Kiliii Yüyan, “Joy Mask, IK,” 2018

*Please visit each event’s website for information on COVID-19 protocols.

DEC. 9

Who’s the Best –The Who Tribute

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles … Expect smashing guitars, swinging mics, and faithful recitations of many of The Who’s top hits as the local tribute band Who’s Best takes to the stage at Tulips.

Tulips

112 St. Louis Ave. tulipsftw.com

817.367.9798

DEC. 10 – DEC. 26

The Nutcracker

Adventure through a dreamland of sugar plums and snowflakes as Texas Ballet Theater’s annual production returns to the stage this holiday season after a 19-month hiatus.

Bass Performance Hall texasballettheater.org

877.828.9200

NOV. 20 – DEC. 23

DEC. 11

Art for the Cause Market

Benefit ACH Child and Family Services while checking off your holiday gift list at this event hosted by Rahr & Sons Brewing Co.

Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. 701 Galveston Ave. wanderingrootsmarkets.com 817.810.9266

DEC. 11

Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl

Don your tackiest holiday sweater and explore the West Seventh bar area as part of this inaugural festival. ’Tis the season of Bacchus.

Various locations uglysweaterfortworth. eventbrite.com 678.243.8639

DEC. 12

2021 Signarama World Axe Throwing Championship

Watch competitors hurl Hatchet, Big Axe, Duals, and Knives for the chance to win the title of World Champion and the $50,000 grand prize. Watch your fingers.

Billy Bob’s Texas 2520 Rodeo Plaza billybobtexas.com 817.624.7117

DEC. 13

The Gatlin Brothers and Crystal Gayle — Holiday & Hits

All the Gold in Cal-i-forni-a. Experience these country music legends getting together for the first time in this brandnew special production featuring many of your holiday favorites.

Bass Performance Hall 525 Commerce St. basshall.com 817.212.4280

Art for the Cause Market

DEC. 11

Holiday in the Garden

Rain or shine, this celebration returns for another year and will feature local artisan vendors, gourmet food trucks, live music from local bands, and a special visit from Santa Claus.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd. | brit.org | 817.463.4160

DEC. 22

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl

Ready! Set! Hut! A salute to U.S. veterans and armed service members, this annual postseason college football game celebrates its 19th edition and features flyovers, demonstrations, and other military tributes.

TCU’s Amon G. Carter Stadium armedforcesbowl.com 817.810.0012

DEC. 25

Christmas Day 5K

They do run, run, run … they do run, run. Runners and race walkers of all levels are welcome to partake in this spirited family-friendly 5K and 1-mile fun run.

Trinity Park, Pavilion No. 1 2300 W. Seventh St.

JAN. 2

Panther City Marathon

Start the New Year off strong by taking part in this annual race along the Trinity Trail system and signing up for the full marathon, half marathon, 5K, or 10K. A full marathon without any prep might be overcorrecting on that New Year’s resolution.

Cox Running Club

Trinity Park, Pavilion No. 3 panthercity.athlete360.com

DEC. 31

A New Year in Hollywood

Ring in the New Year with a glamourous evening featuring an open wine and beer bar, champagne toast, New Year’s Eve favors, and late-night bites hosted by the AC Hotel Fort Worth.

AC Hotel Fort Worth Downtown 101 W. Fifth St. marriott.com

682.291.0700

DEC. 31

Parker McCollum

Catch singer-songwriter and Texas native Parker McCullum in concert at his New Year’s Eve performance at Dickies Arena.

Dickies Arena

1911 Montgomery St. dickiesarena.com 817.402.9000

JAN. 4 – 9

Dear Evan Hansen

The six-time Tony Award-winning musical makes its long-awaited debut at Bass Performance Hall as part of its 2021 – 22 Broadway at the Bass season. “Even if you never get around to doing some remarkable thing, that doesn’t mean that you’re not worth remembering.”

Bass Performance Hall 525 Commerce St. basshall.com 817.212.4280

Scrooge in Rouge Stage

West invites audiences to experience a somewhat twisted take on “A Christmas Carol” when things suddenly go awry in a not-youreveryday rendition of Dickens.

Stage West 821 W. Vickery Blvd. stagewest.org 817.784.9378 DEC. 2 – 24

Santa George Campbell

BY JILLIAN VERZWYVELT

BY

Professional Santa Claus, graphic designer

PHOTO

OLAF GROWALD

1. When it comes to memorable moments, there are too many to name. But Santa George always appreciates opportunities to honor members of the armed services. 2. Santa George spends some of the off-season volunteering at local school districts. 3. Making a list and checking it twice. 4. Each year Santa George is invited to participate in parades and Christmas tree lightings across North Texas. 5. All of Santa George’s reindeer are well-fed on a special diet of magic corn and oats that allows them to fly on Christmas Eve. 6. Dabbling in graphic design on the side. 7. Santa George’s summertime substitute for the sleigh.

Odds are you’ve heard the legend of Santa Claus. To some, he’s only a story. To others, he’s a career.

Santa George Campbell has been a professional Santa for almost a decade. Behind the fluffy white beard and the bright red suit, a lot of preparation goes into playing the common Christmas character. “It’s a life-learning process,” he says. To be an effective Santa, Santa George attends online improv classes out of North Carolina to learn the best storytelling techniques. He also boasts an advanced master’s degree from the International University of Santa Claus and is working toward his Ph.D. in Santalogy.

“From the history of the character to all of the different aspects, there’s so much to work on” he says.

Becoming a brother of St. Nicholas wasn’t something Santa George saw himself doing. But when the call came, he couldn’t resist. After retiring from his role in marketing and advertising, he began to allow his naturally white beard to grow long. While he was waiting on a tire repair at a local tire center, a 3-year-old ran to him with a large package of cookies and, jumping onto his knee, said,

“Here, Santa, these are for you.”

“That’s when I discovered one of the best ways to become a Santa is by being chosen by a child,” he says.

As one of the most sought-after Santas in the area, Santa George doesn’t typically see an off-season. “I never stop being Santa,” he says. He books photoshoots and events beginning in July, but free moments are filled with graphic design. “I actually design typefaces that Santa would’ve used,” he says. “Like, ‘Workshop Wonderbold’ and ‘Elfin Script.’”

Santa George is, of course, privy to all of Santa’s best-kept secrets, but he only agreed to reveal a few tricks of the trade.

People tend to be particularly concerned with how Santa is able to deliver all of the toys in a single night, he says, but a special green fairy dust allows the elves to teleport the gifts from the North Pole into Santa’s sack and keep a steady stream of toys at the ready.

After almost a decade of seeing upward of 7,000 people each year, Santa George isn’t quitting anytime soon. “I plan to do it until my last sleigh ride,” he says. “It’s one of the most wonderful things that you can do.”

Santa’s Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup salted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon sea or kosher salt

• 2 cups chocolate chips (chunks or chopped chocolate also work)

Instructions:

1. Preheat an oven to 375 F.

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon cookie sheet and set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.

4. Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until combined.

5. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until fluffy.

6. Mix in the dry ingredients until combined.

7. Add 2 cups of chocolate chips.

8. Roll 2 – 3 tablespoons (depending on how large you like your cookies) of

dough at a time into balls and place them evenly spaced on your prepared cookie sheets.

9. Bake in preheated oven for approximately 8 – 10 minutes. Remove them from the oven when the cookies look like they are just barely starting to turn brown.

10. Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.

PHOTO BY AKA PHOTOGRAPHY

Good Reads

Local friends’ notable reads from 2021.

BY TINA HOWARD

Just after World War II in Iceland, paper was one of the few resources with lenient import restrictions. As a result, Icelanders, who have a long literary history, claimed books as their gift of choice and began the tradition of spending Christmas Eve with a new book and eating or drinking chocolate. Now, Iceland publishes more books per capita than any other country in the world, with the majority being released from late September to early November, earning the moniker “Jolabokaflod,” or the Christmas Book Flood. Each year, Icelanders, who read or listen to an average of 2.5 books per month (compared to Americans, of whom 25% say they haven’t read a book in the past year; and of those who do, read about four books per year) anticipate the arrival of a catalog of new publications from the Iceland Publishers Association, distributed free to every Icelandic home. This year, we invite you to join the Icelandic tradition of gifting books and chocolate and spending time reading during the holidays. To get you started, we asked a few local friends about their notable reads from 2021.

Tina Howard, along with her husband, Todd, is the owner of Leaves Book and Tea Shop on St. Louis Avenue in the Near Southside.

Elizabeth Beck, Fort Worth City Council member, District 9

The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt

If you’re interested in having meaningful discussions around subjects that are often polarizing or difficult, this book provides insight on why people think differently and provides perspective on how we can better communicate with people of differing views.

Gregory Ibañez, principal at Ibañez Shaw Architecture

The Living Sea of Waking Dreams by Richard Flanagan

While this novel by the Man Booker Prize-winning Australian author is set amid the environmental and health issues of today, it is focused on the timeless themes of families, loss, and loneliness. His writing and characters are compelling and evocative, and he again demonstrates his ear for beautiful dialogue.

Brent Doré, attorney at Doré Rothberg McKay

The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee

This book unlocks the hidden costs of racism and racial injustice using an exacting economic lens to explore how structural racism harms all of us. McGhee explains that our only way forward is to identify, fight, and rebuild our economy and society on a morejust foundation.

Kari Seher, founder and CEO of Melt Ice Creams

Small Giants by Bo Burlingham

This book reminded me that growth doesn’t mean we lose who we are as a company. We are shaped by our community, and in turn, we hope to shape parts of our communities. Being a small business with a big heart to do good has a purpose; one we get to determine every day by showing up and doing right by our employees and customers.

Shelley Lowe, owner of Monkey and Dog Books

Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

The timeliness of this historical perspective of the bubonic plague and the exquisite narrative made this my favorite book of the year.

Dev’n Goodman, local educator

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

This was the fantasy book I was looking for as a young Black girl who loved fantasy and heroic adventures. While on the surface, the book reflects some of my lived experience; it also addresses how to navigate grief, the bonds that connect people, and growing from ancestral legacies to become our full selves.

Tina Howard, owner of Leaves Book & Tea Shop

The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki

A thought-provoking and poignant story of a young boy experiencing loss, mental illness, and grappling with our relationship to things. This novel is narrated by the boy’s own book, with interjections from the boy, as it invites the reader to trace through various forms of emptiness and how we fill them.

in Fort Worth and friend of Batts. “It’s pretty and dark with deep meaning and distant and spooky. It’s cool. It’s great.”

Colton Batts, Unfiltered

The 37-year-old artist brings the dark side to Fort Worth.

BY JOHN HENRY

Art, a noted non-Philistine once articulated, has the capacity to make us nervous. Now, meet Colton Batts, whose art can make one, if not nervous, a little uncertain about his surroundings.

“It almost looks like it has this Colton Batts’ filter over the world,” says Jay Wilkinson, a celebrated oil painter

Batts was formally introduced to Fort Worth’s art society during a monthlong show, “After Hours,” at Wilkinson’s Dang Good Candy in downtown’s Sundance Square, which featured his absolutely spectacular photography and digital editing skills that enable him to enhance what the camera sees.

On display were his photos of Fort Worth after dark, which featured the town in foggy mornings and foggy nights. Along with them is an accompanying eerie feeling that Freddy Krueger lurks.

The show was a hit. Batts, a connoisseur of the “darker aesthetics,” says he sold 75% – 80% of his inventory there and has had collectors on the phone since. He added that Simon Sinek, the British-American author and inspirational speaker, has inquired about his services. Not bad for a guy who

discovered this only five or so years ago, a self-taught endeavor that he has literally made an art form.

It’s not as if this has come completely out of the blue. Batts, 37, who was raised in Richland Hills and went to Birdville High School was, he says, “an artist always, super into art in school.”

“Honestly,” says Wilkinson, who grew up with Batts at Birdville, “he has always been a talented dude, but it’s only been in the last four or five years that he really pushed himself into being an artist. I’ve been a painter forever … and he was like, ‘I’m gonna, I’m gonna.’ And then he just did. He’s got a really unique voice. He just came up quicky and powerfully. It’s really unique, it’s really him, and I love it.”

Batts used Stephen King, the master of the horror fiction genre, as inspiration to get out and work at it. In King’s On Writing, Batts says, the author tutors would-be artists on what it takes to be a successful artist.

Go out there, even when you don’t feel like it and do your art.

To that end, Batts published a photo a day on Instagram for a year, an endeavor that really acted as a “springboard for my art, just making myself do it every day.”

It was as a graphic artist that Batts uncovered this interest. He rarely liked any of the stock photo options in front of him, so he would do the photography himself.

“I would shoot my own assets,” he says. “That turned into, ‘I’m going to teach myself photography.’ And that became a love affair with light. I’m obsessed with light.”

Batts has progressed from “spraying and praying,” as he puts it, to working with knowledge and purpose every time he activates the shutter. Initially, he would go out and shoot 500 pictures at a time.

“Now I’ll come back with 10 shots I made,” Batts says. “It has just become more intentional. I’m not trying to spray and pray. I’ve got a pretty good idea of what I want to do. I tell new artists that you need to shoot 10,000

photos and edit them before you can even start to be like, ‘OK, this is what I like even.’ Initially, it was trying to see what works.”

He’s currently working on a new collection, “Southern Gospel,” consisting of Southern religious iconography, such as old churches with some magical realism, he says.

“It’s really an aesthetic that I like,” says Batts, recently married to the former Kait Rhone, who is an embroidery artist. “I’ve always been drawn to religious aesthetics, like Masons, secret societies. I love that cultist iconography. It’s not like my belief system, just the general visual aesthetic that I love.”

Batts’ odyssey to the present took a winding pathway all the way to The City That Never Sleeps.

To earn his keep and pay his electric bill and those kinds of incidentals, he worked for an indie film production company, Killer Films, doing film sets, props, and set dressings.

“Things like that,” he says reminiscing. He knew some people in the industry and “just kind of lucked into the job.”

His closest brush with Hollywood stardom was 2007’s “Then She Found Me,” tarring Helen Hunt, who also produced and directed the film.” Matthew Broderick and Colin Firth co-starred, and Bette Midler had a role, as well.

In the film, April Epner (Hunt) finds herself at a crossroads when the wheels come off her life.

Fast-forward a few years, and you’ll discover some irony. Batts confronted a life-changing event of his own when one night about 10 years ago his Brooklyn apartment building burned to the ground. His possessions went poof into the night air of New York. He had no money and, most importantly, he had no renter’s insurance.

“I said, ‘You know what? I’m going to go home,’” he says.

Perhaps the event was serendipity or fate. Who really knows? But back in Fort Worth, Batts found something. The light.

5

Artists are often required to dig deep for inspiration. One of those whom Colton Batts relies on is David Lynch, his favorite artist. Batts was asked to note five things he has learned from Lynch. Here are his answers.

1 Don’t compromise:

“Don’t listen to outside input from anyone or anything on what your art ‘should be.’”

2

You don’t owe anyone an explanation: “Sometimes naming a thing can destroy it.”

3

Leave room to dream:

“This is something Lynch talks about a lot. I try to practice being super-freethinking when I edit. Should that tree be purple? G’head.”

4 Fail:

“It’s so freeing. It’s beautiful in a way, to have a great failure; there’s nowhere to go but up.”

5 Try new things:

“Hands down, my favorite thing I’ve learned from Lynch. He said, ‘Everything I learned in my life, I learned because I decided to try something new.’ I just could not agree more.”

Colton Batts

On the Axis

Before M.A.S.S., Lola’s, and Tulips, there was The Axis, Fort Worth’s first music venue to host the underground scene.

BY MALCOLM MAYHEW

On July 2, 1989, a band that would eventually change the face and direction of contemporary pop music made its auspicious Fort Worth debut. This was the night Nirvana played The Axis.

“There are 300 people who will tell you they were at that show, but there were maybe 50,” says Melissa Kirkendall, a filmmaker and one-time concert promoter whose first visit to The Axis was the night Nirvana played. “I remember liking them, but I didn’t say to myself, ‘These guys are going to be huge.’ A few months

later, they were on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ and the world changed.”

The Axis plays a vastly important role in the history of Fort Worth’s alternative music scene. Located at 1229 S. Main St., in a 1926 building topped with Spanish tile, it was opened by Michael and Kelly Parker, brothers who played together in a band called League of None. Although it was open for less than a year, it was instrumental in cultivating what could be described as the city’s first alternative rock scene.

“Before The Axis, there was pretty much nowhere in Fort Worth for alternative or punk bands to play and

nowhere in Fort Worth for fans of those bands to gather,” says longtime Fort Worth musician Terry Valderas. “There were places that booked those shows here and there but not consistently. It’s the most important rock club in Fort Worth. It’s the one that started it all.”

The club catered primarily to local and national bands that the Parker brothers loved.

“We were just a couple kids from the small Texas town of Coleman who wanted to open a rock and roll club,” says Michael, who now lives in California. “At first, we were just booking our friends and other local bands. And then word started to spread. National bands were calling us. I remember I got home from work one

day, and Ian MacKeye from Fugazi had left me a message about playing there. I just about lost it.”

Over the course of its short existence, The Axis hosted several national bands that were or would become hugely influential in the punk/underground circuit: Fugazi, Alice Donut, Liveskull, Tad, Dharma Bums, Pussy Galore, Steel Pole Bathtub, Shudder to Think, Swiz.

Many of the shows were captured by brothers Tom and James Finn, amateur filmmakers who videotaped concerts in the Fort Worth-Dallas area; some of The Axis gigs have been uploaded to YouTube.

“The Fugazi show was an important one for me,” James says. “It was wall-to-wall packed. Fugazi was already well known, and for them to be playing this club in Fort Worth meant something.”

The club is best known for hosting a then-little-known band from the Pacific Northwest called Nirvana. The group had recently released its debut record, Bleach, for Sub Pop Records and was on tour to support it. On a rainy July night, the group played to, maybe, three dozen people.

“There wasn’t a big buzz on the show or anything like that,” Kirkendall says. “They were just this cool band from Seattle that a few people were excited about seeing.”

The 2015 documentary film, “Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck,” includes about 20 seconds of Nirvana’s time in Fort Worth. The footage was shot before the show as the band was loading in and features a

quick clip of Cobain sitting on the sidewalk in front of the club, a flyer for an upcoming show by another then-unknown band, the Goo Goo Dolls, behind him.

By the time Nirvana had its commercial breakthrough two years later, The Axis was gone. Kirkendall, who began dating Kelly Parker shortly after meeting him at the Nirvana show, said numerous problems led to its closure in September 1989. “It wasn’t just one thing,” she says. “There were some undesirables hanging around, mostly skinheads, and that caused some problems with the cops. It was an all-ages venue, too, so no alcohol was served. That’s how clubs make their money, with alcohol. The club struggled in different ways.”

Throughout the ’90s, Parker, who passed away in 2010, and Kirkendall opened a string of like-minded music venues in Fort Worth, including Mad Hatters, helping bolster the city’s underground rock scene. But The Axis will always play a special role in the lives of the few people who were lucky enough to experience it.

“I think one of the most memorable nights there was after this band called The Chemical People played,” Michael says. “We were shutting the place down, and this guy in a convertible rolls up and gets out and starts rapping and dancing in front of us, using a boombox for music. We were all just stunned, like who the hell is this guy? Well, it was Vanilla Ice, trying to get a show there. That was the thing about The Axis. Anything could happen.”

Local rock band

Silence Obscure performs at The Axis club in Fort Worth in 1989.

Dream Street:

A Brief Retrospective

Our Dream projects have come a long way over 23 years. Here, we look back at a few of our faves.

BY FWTXSTAFF

Fort Worth Magazine hadn’t even been a publication for a year before it decided to embark on a concept called Dream Home. The idea was to get one of the area’s best builders, team them up with the area’s best designers and subcontractors, and sell tickets for touring of the home that would benefit a local charity.

The fact that the magazine is 23

years old and continues to produce near annual — and sometimes biannual — lavish Dream Home projects speaks to the success of its inaugural year.

Today, what was once a one-home project has tripled in size. Three renowned builders, Windmiller Custom Homes, Heritage Homes, and HGC Residential Development are in the process of constructing three luxury

homes in the new Montrachet development in West Fort Worth. Touring of these three homes is set to begin in March 2022, and all proceeds from the touring will benefit a Wish with Wings.

But, because we’ve been feeling nostalgic as of late, we’re going to take a look back on three Dream Homes that hold a special place in our hearts.

September 2000

The First Dream Home

October 2015

The Oasis in Southlake

September 2008

The Green Home

September 2000

The First Builder: Morrison Group

Interior Designer: Stafford Interiors

Neighborhood: Mira Vista

Called Home 2000 and built at the turn of the century in the exclusive Mira Vista development, this house certainly had a lot of design quirks from that era: dark woods and cabinetry, gaudy traditional interior design that takes its cues from the Palace of Versailles, and far too many arched doorways. While some of this hasn’t aged particularly well, the home that kicked off all future Dream Home projects was a massive success.

September 2008

The Green Home

Builder: Village Homes

Interior Designer: Grandeur Designs

Neighborhood: Montseratt

A bit of an outlier among the magazine’s bevy of Dream Homes is the 2008 environmentally friendly Green Home. Partnering with Innovative Home Magazine, the two publications set out to produce a home with a greatly reduced carbon footprint — especially when compared to other mansions consistently popping up around town. Almost every feature on the home was at least “carbon conscious,” including its metal roof, e-shield windows, solar panels, spray foam insulation, and a 1,000-gallon water collector.

October 2015

The Oasis in Southlake

Builder: Atwood Custom Homes

Interior Designer: Stacy Furniture & Design

Neighborhood: Carillon

Fort Worth Magazine moved north to Southlake to build this 2015 gem. And the magazine recruited one of Southlake’s best builders, Jon Atwood, who built the home in the same neighborhood where he resides. With its hacienda-inspired façade, wide-open floor plan, high ceilings, and classic interior design, the home feels as fresh and modern today as when it was built six years ago. Atwood would go on to become one of the builders for the magazine’s inaugural Dream Street in 2020.

4616 ESPRIT

Builder: HGC Residential Development

Realtor: Christie’s International Real

Estate | Ulterre

Interior Designer: Tori Rubinson Interiors

Appliances: Expressions Home Gallery

Cabinets Kitchen: The Kitchen Source

Doors Front: Durango Doors of DFW

Doors Exterior:

Omniview Window and Door

Electrician: Mackey Electric

Flooring (tile, wood and carpet labor, wood and carpet material): Vintage Floors

Flooring Tile (material all spaces): Interceramic USA

Gutters: Loveless Gutters

Home Plans: Karl Hahnfeld Design Group

Low Voltage/AV/Security:

H Customs Audio Visual

Mattresses: The Original Mattress Factory

Patio Screens (motorized): Blinds Brothers

Plumbing Fixtures:

Expressions Home Gallery

Pool: J Caldwell Custom Pools

Roofing/Flashing: WeatherShield Roofing

Stone and Brick Supplies: Metro Brick and Stone

4624 ESPRIT

Builder: Heritage Homes

Realtor: Martha Williams, Williams Trew

Interior Designer:

Susan Semmelmann Interiors

Appliances: The Jarrell Company

Architect: Heritage Design Studio

Cabinets Kitchen: The Kitchen Source

Cabinets Master Closet and Other: Metroplex Cabinets

Countertop Fabrication: Absolute Stone

Countertop Materials: KLZ Stone

Drywall and Texture: Alliance Drywall

Electrician: Mackey Services

Fireplace Tile: Cosentino

Flooring (tile, wood and carpet labor): Galvan Floors

Flooring (wood material): Riva Floors

Flooring Tile: Daltile

Framing: Lone Star Framing

Garage Doors/Openers:

Overhead Door Company of Fort Worth

Garage Epoxy Coating: Premier Custom Floors

Glass (showers-mirrors-other):

Galactic Glass

Gutters: Loveless Gutters

Hardware/Cabinet Hardware:

Pierce Fine Hardware & Plumbing

HVAC (materials and labor): Indoor Climate

Interior Climate Experts HVAC

Landscape/Irrigation/Grade:

Guardado Landscaping

Lighting fixtures (incl. landscaping): Passion Lighting

Low Voltage/AV/Security:

Multimedia Solutions Inc

Patio Furniture: Yard Art Patio & Fireplace

Patio Screens (motorized): Blinds Brothers

Plumbing Fixtures: Facets

Plumbing Labor and Supplies:

Pro Serve Plumbing

Pool: Leschber Designs

Pool Table: Fort Worth Billiards

Stone and Brick Supplies: Metro Brick

4632 ESPRIT

Builder: Windmiller Custom Homes

Realtor: John Zimmerman, Compass

Interior Designer: Amira Windmiller Interiors

Appliances: Factory Builder Stores

Artificial Grass: WinterGreen Synthetic Grass

Cabinets Kitchen: The Kitchen Source

Cabinets Master and other:

Village Cupboards

Concrete: GHC Concrete Services

Countertop Fabrication:

American Granite and Marble

Countertop Materials (all): Levantina

Doors Front: Silverado Custom Door & Window

Doors Study: A&A Custom Iron Doors Corp

Electrician: C&B Electric

Fireplaces Interior linear plus inserts:

Overhead Door Company of Fort Worth

Flooring (wood and carpet material):

Skyline Floorscapes

Flooring tile (material all spaces): Crossville

Garage Doors/Openers:

Open Up Garage Doors

Gutters: Loveless Gutters

Home Plans:

Montebello Architecture & Design

HVAC (materials and labor): Southern Air Mechanical LLC

Interior and Exterior Trim and Door Labor and Materials (includes stair treads/risers):

Builders FirstSource

Interior Doors: Builders FirstSource

Landscape/Irrigation/Grade: Guardado Landscaping

Low Voltage/AV/Security: Comware AV

Lumber and Trusses: Builders FirstSource

Mattresses: The Original Mattress Factory

Outdoor Fire Pit: Best Block

Painting J&V Painting

Plumbing Labor and Supplies:

Pro Serve Plumbing

Pool: Willow Branch Pools

Pool Table: Fort Worth Billiards

Roofing/Flashing: Texas Tile Roofing

Safe Room: Ground Zero Storm Shelters

Stucco (Material and Labor): MCD Stucco

Windows and Doors: Builders FirstSource

Colorado Dreamin’

Once a benefits specialist for an insurance company, David Fisher, along with his wife, Erica, fulfilled a lifelong dream after buying a lodge in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. And now, they want to be curators of joy.

BY BRIAN KENDALL

If Fort Worth is where the West begins, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is where the West picked up its 10-gallon hat and stopped for a 16-ounce steak and a beer. Like Fort Worth, Steamboat Springs fully embraces the tobaccochewing, honky-tonk dwellers, but, located in the heart of Yampa Valley and surrounded by picturesque mountains, this small town of only 13,000 residents is also home to some of the country’s best skiing.

So, when one takes all that’s charming about Cowtown and adds some

slopes, it’s easy to see why such a place would be a dream destination for Fort Worthians. After all, living in Steamboat Springs was David Fisher’s dream all along.

It’s not that David, a longtime Fort Worthian who now owns Sky Valley Chateau in Steamboat Springs, was too big for Texas (no one is, right?). But the man who had worked at Gus Bates Insurance & Investments for most of his adult life knew he was destined for more than being a North Texas insurance guy.

“I never wanted to be in insurance my entire life,” David says. “My

ultimate dream was, selfishly, to live in a mountain town. I wanted to live in the mountains. I wanted to experience seasons. And I always tried to think of things that I enjoyed that I could have as a profession that would allow me to eventually move to Colorado.”

Unlike many aspirations that some might deem far-fetched, David was determined and fixated on accomplishing this goal and, fortunately, married someone, Erica, who not only shared his dreams but became a co-conspirator — finding ways to make that dream a reality.

“It was 22 years ago, on our second date at Chili’s, that David told me his dream was to live in a mountain town in Colorado,” Erica says. “I wide-eyedly looked at him and said, ‘Well, that sounds fantastic.’ Not really knowing that we would get to this point, but we certainly did. We planned and saved and strategized throughout the rearing of our children.”

Two decades later, the couple purchased Sky Valley Chateau, a 10-bedroom lodge that fits 33 people

under a single roof.

David says the timing was perfect.

“We got real serious about moving two years ago because my daughter was going to be graduating from high school in the spring of 2021 and off to college,” he says. “And my son is going to be a freshman in high school. What a good time to make that transition and change.”

To get things straight, Sky Valley Chateau is not a hotel; David and Erica don’t rent out single rooms for a weekend getaway. Instead, the property is meant for larger groups who will occupy most, if not all, 10 rooms.

“Could be family reunions, could be corporate retreats, could be small intimate weddings, could be workshops — you name it,” David says. “Couples’ trips, bachelorette parties. Anything that would collectively be a larger group.”

WHERE TO DINE IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

While Sky Valley Chateau’s large kitchen with brandnew appliances will have you itching to cook some hearty meals, we recommend going out at least a couple times to check out some great eats.

Laundry

127 11th St. 970.870.0681

thelaundryrestaurant.com

Creekside Cafe and Grill

131 11th St. 970.879.4925

creekside-cafe.com

Low Country Kitchen

207 Ninth St. 970.761.2693

lowrestaurant.com

Back Door Grill 825 Oak St. 970.871.7888 thebackdoorgrill.com

Salt & Lime

628 Lincoln Ave. 970.871.6277 suckalime.com

David says the average-size group is between 25 and 28 guests. And, based on the property’s amenities, which include a large kitchen and 16-person hot tub to boot, one could be perfectly comfortable and depart Steamboat Springs feeling refreshed without ever having stepped in the town. That’s not to say you shouldn’t; the quaint but lively town offers hiking (including six stunning mountain peaks), skiing, rodeos, shopping, and excellent cuisine. But, one could imagine it being a struggle to break away from the picturesque lodge surrounded by aspens and stunning views.

The 9,400-square-foot property has naturally evolved over the course of its lifetime. Originally one of a triplet of similar properties, the lodge was

constructed in 1972 and was initially a dormitory for a nearby preparatory school.

It has since served as an inn and a bed-andbreakfast before finally landing on its current iteration as a lodge.

While it has the name Chateau attached to it, the French word for castle, David prefers to call it a lodge. Whether this is David’s vernacular being unable to escape his Fort Worthian ways or not, we’re not sure.

“It had the name Chateau attached to it, so we just went with that,” David says. “I’m not entirely sure what Chateau means, to be honest. Obviously, I didn’t do that much back research, but it’s a large lodge.”

Each room comes equipped with a king- or queen-size bed.

“We don’t inflate how many people that we can accommodate by having every room jammed full of bunk beds,” David says. “It’s not like you’re going to be on the lower bunk, and your spouse is on the top bunk. Right?

“Which makes it kind of unique, too. All the rooms are good-size rooms,” David says.

While the Fishers have only been in

possession of the property since July 1, they’re already looking for ways to put their stamp on the lodge.

The couple plans on doing a fullscale renovation, including bringing in décor to give it more of a local flare — historical photographs and local artwork — redoing the bathrooms, creating 10 en-suite rooms, and additional bathroom and restroom facilities in the bar area.

It’s clear the pair has found their passion and are in it for the long haul.

“For so long, David helped and assisted people at their worst moments in time,” Erica says. “You know, death claims, cancer claims, sickness, and illness. And this time we feel like we get to be curators of joy. We get to really step in and show people hospitality and the opportunity to curate and help facilitate joy-filled gatherings of people.”

Sky Valley Chateau

33790 Sky Valley Drive, Steamboat Springs, Colorado 970.875.4915 skyvalleychateau.com

Sweater Weather

Six handsome cardigans and pullovers to add to your winter wardrobe

BY FWTX STAFF

Preferring your winter wardrobe might be an old cliché, but let’s face it — the colder months do usher in one positive: the ability to bust out your favorite sweaters. The streets of Fort Worth will be covered in an array of knit tops, from cardigans to turtlenecks, once the temp drops below 60 degrees.

While you’ll undoubtedly retrieve some threads from your pine closet, every winter wardrobe could use a little update. Here are some of our favorites as we enter a new season.

Lite circle cardigan in rosewood: Barefoot Dreams, $115, barefootdreams.com.

Open-front, striped cardigan sweater in mustard: Faatoop, $28.99, amazon.com.

Knotted relaxed-fit sweater in copper mélange: Scotch & Soda, $165, scotchandsoda.com.

CozyChic

Classic pointelle cardigan in natural: Anthropologie, $130, anthropologie.com.

Crew-neck, striped block pullover sweater in blue: Zesica, $35.99, zesica.com.

Button cowl-neck sweater in beige: Asvivid, $43.99, amazon.com.

Net Work

In football-crazy

North

Texas, the

new Panther

City Lacrosse Club — Fort Worth’s first major sports franchise — looks to carve out its niche.

BY SEAN CHAFFIN

Growing up in Canada meant two things for many young athletes ice hockey in the winter and lacrosse in the summer. The ice time brought plenty of bumps and bruises, but plenty of big hits came with lacrosse season as well. Growing up in Kitchener, Ontario, Ryan Benesch experienced this firsthand. The 36-year-old first grabbed a lacrosse

stick at age 4 and went on to play for his city team for 15 years — he’s currently the second all-time leading scorer for the Kitchener-Waterloo Braves. He eventually graduated to the National Lacrosse League and was named the league’s Rookie of the Year in 2007. The 15-year veteran now brings his 451 career goals to Cowtown and is expected to be a leader for the new Panther City Lacrosse

The NLL’s version of the game is called “box lacrosse” and features sixon-six playing on an ice hockey rink with a turf field over the ice and glass and boards intact. Fans can expect the on-the-fly substitutions of hockey (as well as the penalty box and power plays), the positioning and precision of basketball, and the physical play of football. Also expect high scoring with games averaging about 25 goals. Continuous music, video, and sound effects throughout the game add a bit of a rock concert or video game element to the action on the turf. Benesch believes Panther City brings something new to North Texas, and fans won’t be disappointed.

“It’s going to be interesting; it’s going to be a good opportunity,” he says about heading to a new team in Fort Worth. “Once people in Texas

Club when the team debuts in Dickies Arena on Dec. 10.

Phil Caputo and the Panther City Lacrosse Club make their Fort Worth debut Dec. 10 at Dickies Arena.

come and watch one box lacrosse game, they’re going to be hooked instantly. So, it’s one of those ‘you’ve got to believe it’ type things. When we can get large crowds in the arena, loud and cheering us on, there’s nothing like it.”

Action and Intensity In football-crazy North Texas, what makes someone decide to start a professional lacrosse team? With the Cowboys, Horned Frogs, Mustangs, and the Friday Night Lights of high school football, options abound for fans looking to get their gridiron fix. While lacrosse has grown in recent years with youth programs around the metroplex, is there really room for a pro team?

Panther City management believes there is. One reason: the fast-paced action. Benesch stresses that those expecting a noncontact evening of competition may be in for a surprise. The NLL brings plenty of big hits, speed, and skill — even with an occasional fight. A quick YouTube search yields plenty of NLL videos highlighting some of the league’s bone-rattling collisions. It’s the sport’s action and athleticism that Panther City management hopes the sport’s action and athleticism keep fans coming back..

Panther City becomes the league’s 14th franchise and will regularly take on teams from across the country, like the Toronto Rock, New York Riptide, Calgary Roughnecks, and Colorado Mammoth. Whether lacrosse can succeed in Texas remains to be seen, but ownership believes the game’s intensity will appeal to fans of the Cowboys, Stars, and Mavericks. The season runs from December through May with Panther City opening on the road against Philadelphia on Dec. 4.

Along with the action, the NLL stresses its family friendly atmosphere with ticket prices much lower than other pro teams. At a time when taking the family to a Cowboys game may run hundreds of dollars, a good seat at a Panther game runs as low as $15. Team president and CEO Greg Bibb says box lacrosse also has the opportunity to appeal to a broad range

of fans with the best players in the world. That was key in choosing to bring an NLL team to North Texas.

“We really liked that the game had something for everyone,” Bibb says.

Growing a Fanbase Beyond the action on the field, Bibb believes Panther City has a chance to find a niche as Fort Worth’s only major professional team. The team is the third professional franchise for owner Bill Cameron, who owns the Dallas Wings of the WNBA and has a minority stake in the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder.

When his company began searching for another local sports opportunity,

Bibb says the NLL seemed like the best option. With Fort Worth now the country’s 12th-largest city and seeing significant growth, Bibb believes the team is in the right place at the right time. Transplants from the Northeast who grew up playing lacrosse also offer an opportunity.

“There were a few things about the National Lacrosse League that made it the best choice for us,” he says. “First and foremost is lacrosse. It’s a fast-growing sport across the country. North Texas is one of the fastest-growing youth markets in the country, and we felt like there was an opportunity to jump into that growth

Panther City Lacrosse Club ownership promises plenty of atmosphere for games featuring the likes of Ryan Benesch, left, and Phil Caputo, as well as affordable tickets as low as $15.

market at the right time.”

But Panther City isn’t relying just on the game’s appeal. Bibb knows finding success in the Fort Worth market will require overcoming some obstacles to get butts in seats. The game may be growing among youth, but will Texans embrace the professional version of the game? Also, in a sports-saturated market, can another franchise find some room? Bibb and his team believe there is an opportunity and has been marketing the team since launching last November. That has included grassroots connections with local lacrosse groups to help grow the sport and launching an ad campaign in traditional media.

Panther City also hosted several community events to help sell season tickets. Benesch and other players even headed to the Stockyards in October to help promote the upcoming season.

Playing in the new Dickies Arena also allows the team to showcase its product in a brand-new, state-of-theart facility. The arena holds 11,000 for lacrosse, and Panther City becomes its first pro sports tenant.

Fans of the league won’t find a flyby-night organization, Bibb notes. The NLL has been around for 35 years and found stable local ownership groups with experience in the industry. NLL officials have worked to create a more national game than just a Northeastern and Canadian sport. That paid off in October when the league announced

a multiyear television deal with ESPN. The network will broadcast at least 10 national games each season, and fans can also watch numerous others on the ESPN+ streaming service, including all Panther City games.

Bibb hopes all of these efforts come together for a successful first season in Fort Worth, engaging those already interested in lacrosse and also finding new fans along the way. The goal isn’t to compete with other area sports per se but to find its own niche.

“You don’t necessarily have to be a hardcore lacrosse fan,” he says. “If we had to rely solely on the lacrosse market, it would be a tough go. By having a much broader audience opportunity, it gives us a great chance to be successful.”

On the Field Building hype and building a team on the field are two different things. That job goes to Bob Hamley, Panther City general manager and vice president of lacrosse operations, and coach Tracey Kelusky, a former No. 1 draft pick and five-time All-Star. Expansion teams aren’t always the most competitive. But through an expansion draft and free agency, Hamley believes Fort Worth can compete.

An NLL team comes with some unique roster management not seen in other leagues. Most players aren’t full time. Benesch works for the City of Kitchener, back in Ontario — a municipal employee by day and pro lacrosse

star by night. Like most players in the league, he keeps in shape during the week and discusses strategy with teammates online. He then flies out to play lacrosse on Fridays. The team then practices Friday night and gears up for a game on Saturday night.

The league seems to make the system work. Hamley grew up playing lacrosse in Canada before playing in the NLL. He’s now been a coach or general manager since 2004. Launching a new team in Texas brought some challenges, only exacerbated by COVID-19.

“We have a great ownership group here, an incredible building, and an incredible staff, and we’ve been pounding the pavement to get the word out,” he says. “We really feel that we came out of expansion and the entry draft with a team that we’re going to be proud of right away.”

Beyond Benesch, Hamley points to a few other players who should be key to the team’s success. Defenseman Chad Cummings, acquired via trade with Calgary, checks in at 6 foot, 4 inches and has appeared in 61 games and caused 44 turnovers. Forward Patrick Dodds was selected 21st in the 2020 draft and expected to be a major scoring threat. Defenseman Matt Hossack is a five-year league veteran and brings plenty of scoring and hitting from the back.

Hamley believes fans will get their money’s worth when showing up for a game, with plenty of fun in the building and athleticism and action on the field. Talk to a player or someone with the team, and one notion comes across for those who are curious — just get to a game in person. NLL fans love the speed and excitement, and Panther City management and players hope Fort Worth fans experience that firsthand.

“Come to the game; that’s all I can stress,” Benesch says. “Just get to a game, and I guarantee you’ll be hooked for life.”

Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer and editor whose work has appeared in numerous publications

Ryan Benesch

Winter Wonderland of the West

You don’t have to travel far for a holiday season getaway. Grapevine, which is the official Christmas Capital of Texas (no, really), offers visitors the biggest dose of holiday cheer you’ll find this side of the North Pole.

BY MARY MURPHY

With 40 days of festivities and enough holiday décor and Christmas lights to cause a massive grid outage, it’s no wonder why Grapevine has earned its title as the Christmas Capital of Texas. And this isn’t just a mere colloquialism; in 2009, the Senate of the State of Texas proclaimed the city such and applauded Grapevine for creating multiple magical holiday experiences over the past decade.

Grapevine continues to wow visitors and locals alike with annual parades, like the Parade of Lights (Dec. 2) and the Twinkle Light Boat Parade (Dec. 4), and Christmas activities every day in December. Sneak away for a weekend and use this guide to plan a getaway in Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas.

Friday

First, get your endorphins flowing with a walk down Main Street. The all-

out storefront decorations, delicious dining options, shopping therapy, and (of course) wine tasting at top-notch wineries are enough to jumpstart anyone’s holiday spirit.

While walking, visit the Town Square Gazebo to see a 40-foot tall Singing Christmas Tree that serenades passersby daily. If you’re strolling into the evening, stop by Dr. Sue’s Chocolate and warm up with hot cocoa (served every day from 4 – 6 p.m.) before heading to City Hall to watch the choreographed Light Show Spectacular, occurring nightly.

Once you’ve seen the lights up close, make your way to the Visitor Information Center in Grapevine Main Station. This is the place for tips on what to experience during your Grapevine stay, and it’s also the starting point for daily Tower Tours ($3) — an experience that will take you 150 feet in the air for a bird’s-eye view of the DallasFort Worth skylines and Grapevine’s Christmas lights. After soaking in the beauty from above, pop over to Harvest Hall (Grapevine’s new food hall) for an array of dinner options.

Saturday

A visit to the Christmas Capital of Texas wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Grapevine Christmas Village, situated in the Cotton Belt Railroad Historic District along Main Street. Head to the North Pole General Store and snap a professional photo with Main Street Santa (reservations available at mainstreetsanta.com) or walk through the Snowy Christmas Forest where there’s 100% chance of snow (a rare find at this latitude).

While in the Christmas Village, kiddos can create souvenirs with Herman the Elf during Grapevine Christmas Passport – Elf Adventure ($8), an experience that brings historic Grapevine to life with activities like stamping a brass gift tag at Millican’s Blacksmith Shop. Teens and adults, meanwhile, can meander next door to Vetro Glassblowing Studio and learn how to make a Christmas ornament from hot, molten glass in a one-of-a-kind class ($65).

The North Pole Express and Christ-

The atrium at the Gaylord Texas Resort & Convention Center, decked out for Christmas

mas Wine Trains may be booked this season, but visitors can still admire the decorated trains at the station before they take off for the Stockyards. Anyone who wants to keep the holiday cheer going full steam ahead can reserve seats on the After Christmas Trains (running Dec. 26 – 30).

After experiencing Grapevine’s Christmas Village, make your way to Nash Farm, where you can step back in time and see a historic farmhouse from 1869. The farm will have special events on Dec. 3, 4, 11, and 17, along with daily Victorian Card Printing, Christmas Ornament Making, and Cookie Baking.

Finally, round out the day with one of the many live performances happening in December. Texas Dinner Theater offers interactive entertainment with its holiday show, “A Cold-Hearted Christmas,” and there’s a variety of talent to see at the Historic Palace Theatre, including the “Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin Christmas Tribute” (Dec. 16 – 17) and the “It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Play” (Dec. 10 – 11). Fans of Christmas classic, “Elf,” won’t want to miss “Elf: The Musical” at OhLook Performing Arts Center (Dec. 10 – 12 and 17 – 19).

Sunday

Before winding down the weekend, cross some stress off your list by tackling Christmas shopping at Grapevine Mills Mall. If you need a break in between buying gifts, check out the two unique Christmas attractions at the mall: Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Center and Scuba Diving Santa at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium.

Still struggling to find the perfect present? Swing back by Main Street while the Grapevine Christmas Market is open from 2 – 9 p.m. (Saturdays and Sundays) at the Town Square Gazebo. If you’re not ready to return home just yet, visit the Gaylord Texan Hotel and slide down a snow-tubing hill ($22) or enjoy the indoor ice-skating rink ($18). Once the sun sets, walk through Merry & Light, an outdoor attraction with more than 400,000

Christmas lights ($12 for kids, $18 for adults). It’s a great way to soak in the magic of the season before heading back home.

Where to Eat

Start your days with sweet waffles and strong coffee at Brew & Batter or sit down for a delicious brunch at Main Street Bistro & Bakery, a cozy local restaurant with excellent décor. When your stomach starts growling for lunch, head to Tolbert’s for phenomenal chili in a down-to-earth setting or stop by Mason & Dixie for Southern charm and comfort. At the end of the day, satisfy your taste buds with dinner at Piaf Kitchen and Wine Bar, where you can watch Grapevine’s lights twinkle from the patio. Can’t decide on just one thing? Harvest Hall’s chef-driven eateries offer plenty to choose from: burgers, noodles, shawarma, and more.

Where to Stay

Hotel Vin — Grapevine’s newest boutique hotel is located within walking distance of Main Street and all the holiday festivities. It boasts 120 luxury rooms with classy décor and comfortable beds, along with easy access to The Junction, where you can often experience live music in the evenings. Also in Hotel Vin is Bacchus Kitchen + Bar, a restaurant where you can savor Mediterranean-inspired cuisine while watching trains as they arrive at the historic Grapevine Main Station next door.

The Rioja Rooftop Terrace, part of Bacchus Kitchen + Bar, is open on the weekends for great views of Grapevine, delicious tapas, and drinks. Better yet, Harvest Hall is attached to Hotel Vin, so there’s plenty of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Anyone who’s a fan of trying different cuisine in a new, luxurious location is sure to enjoy staying at this high-class hotel.

The Vineyards Campgrounds and Cabins — These quaint cabins are situated on the shores of Lake Grapevine, within a five-minute drive of Historic Downtown. Stay here and rest assured that you’ll have a great view of the Twinkle Light Boat Parade on Dec. 4, as

well as a cozy place to call home for the weekend. There are plenty of RV sites but only 14 cabins, so make reservations ASAP.

This little haven is extremely wellkept, and it even features a private beach on Lake Grapevine where you can swim if it’s not too chilly outside. (Yes, it’s December, but it’s also Texas.) Each cabin offers a lakefront view from the patio deck and more budgetfriendly options than other high-end hotels in the area, with cabin rates averaging around $150 per night. If you’re craving solitude and serenity amidst the holiday cheer, book a stay here and enjoy a weekend of beautiful sunrises and sunsets over Lake Grapevine.

Gaylord Texan Hotel For an allout Christmas experience, there’s no better place to stay than the Gaylord. This luxury resort’s guest rooms offer a comfortable place to relax while looking out into the atrium, which is decked out with twinkle lights and ornaments hanging above a giant Christmas tree. Although the Gaylord is often applauded for its Texas hospitality and great amenities, holidays here are all about the events.

Inside the expansive hotel, you’ll find a snow-tubing hill, an ice-skating rink, an area where you can build snowmen, a gingerbread decorating corner, and (for adults) a “North Star Bar” with holiday décor. This year, there’s also the all-new Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf, a multisensory, immersive experience where visitors can play games and explore the world of Buddy the Elf.

These ticketed events are open to the public, but overnight guests at the Gaylord will have the opportunity to save big with discount packages like the Lone Star Christmas Package, which includes tickets to the Elf experience, Snow Tubing, Merry & Bright lights, and a one- to two-night stay at the hotel.

Want to see an overview of everything happening in the Christmas Capital of Texas this year? Visit grapevinetexasusa. com/christmas-capital-of-texas for key dates and details.

Cheers to the Holidays

Ring in the holiday season with these four delicious cocktails and mocktails.

BY HILLAIRE BAUMGARTNER

TEXAS MIMOSA

Serves: 4

Fresh Texas grapefruit juice is topped with champagne. An easy, bubbly drink to celebrate the season.

Ingredients:

• Juice from 6 large Texas grapefruits

• Champagne

Instructions:

Pour the juice evenly between glasses and top with champagne. Enjoy immediately.

SALTED CARAMEL ESPRESSO

MARTINI

Serves: 1

Freshly brewed espresso is shaken together with flavorful coffee liqueur and vodka.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces freshly brewed espresso

• 1 1/2 ounces salted caramel coffee liqueur

• 1 ounce vodka

• Handful of ice

Instructions:

1. Add the espresso, coffee liqueur, ice, and vodka into a cocktail shaker.

2. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled martini glass.

POMEGRANATE VIRGIN MOJITO

Serves: 1

A cool, punchy mocktail mojito with a homemade pomegranate simple syrup built into a drinking glass.

Ingredients:

• 1 large pomegranate

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 ounce fresh lime juice, plus the shells from ½ lime

• 2 ounces sparkling water or club soda

• 10 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish

• Ice

Directions:

1. Make the simple syrup by adding the seeds and juices from one pomegranate, sugar, and water to a saucepan. Bring to a low boil for a couple of minutes, then set aside to cool completely.

2. Juice the lime and then cut into 1/4 pieces.

3. Gently slap the mint leaves between your hands to release the oils. Then, add the leaves, lime shells, and lime juice into a tall drinking glass. Muddle together.

4. Add 2 ounces pomegranate syrup, then fill the glass with ice. Fill the rest with sparkling water or club soda and stir well. Top with crushed ice and mint leaves.

INTERIOR DESIGN: WWSD WHAT WOULD SUSAN DO?

At Susan Semmelmann Interiors, we often tell our clients, “Our style is your style.” We are well-versed and experienced at implementing many design styles, and we know how to work expertly within them all. Our signature is not so much tied to a particular style as it is to beautifully executing the plans and visions of every client. What is your style? We are featuring some of our favorites to spark some inspiration!

Traditional design is a classic style based mainly on 18th- and 19th-century European styles; it is timeless, elegant, and not overly ornate. The term traditional indicates that it is founded on past traditions but isn’t specific to a particular time or location. The furniture, textiles, and décor used to complement this look represent home and family history and reflect the importance of establishing deep roots and close-knit connections. This style is leveled up by using a softer, lighter color palette against clean lines, resulting in a fresh, bright finish. There is comfort in the familiar, and traditional interiors have staying power that stands the test of time.

Contemporary design is timely and timeless, on-trend, but not trendy, where fashion meets function and architecture meets aesthetics. This sleek and simple style is beautifully appointed; it has lasting power for years to come as a statement style with wow-factor and beautiful flow. The color palette is varied yet soothing to the eye, focusing on the juxtaposition of light, texture, and focal décor pieces. The emphasis on grand spaces and large windows invites the outside in for a serene and peaceful atmosphere as natural light plays off the interior surfaces. The bold use of statement light fixtures creates space and breath in each room.

Modern design is often misconstrued as closely related to or interchangeable with contemporary design, which is far from accurate! Based on a design movement that began around the turn of the 20th century, the modern style of furnishings and decor emphasizes natural materials like wood and concrete and eliminates unnecessary embellishments or details. Born out of German and Scandinavian architecture and design, the modern design style is simple, clean, and unadorned, utilizing a

neutral, earthy color palette. Form, function, and utility take the forefront with this style. The modern design movement took hold and inspired midcentury modern and postmodern styles as well.

Industrial Chic By definition, these design terms are opposites; industrial is raw, utilitarian, and edgy, while chic is elegant, fashionable, and finished. But you know what they say, opposites attract! The hallmarks of this design style are elements like exposed bricks and beams, metal structures, cement floors, and open, loft-like spaces juxtaposed against sleek lighting, aged woods, elegant furnishings, focal artwork, and soft layering pieces. The result is a rich and stunning composition that is both masculine and feminine, built on a foundation of bold lines with a warm and inviting finish.

Modern Glam is sleek and elegant, combining clean lines and a neutral canvas with a touch of glitz and glamour, resulting in a luxurious yet livable vibe. This gorgeous look utilizes elements from the Hollywood Regency style but is not nearly as dramatic. Hollywood Regency’s architecture, art, and décor have influences of Classic Greek, Roman, Baroque, and Art Deco styles. It combines jewel-toned colors, elaborate patterns, varying textures, classic furnishings, and over-scaled, extravagant light fixtures. Modern Glam is much more understated and focuses on borrowing several of these elements to showcase them against a light, crisp color palette with a stylish contemporary flair, creating a series of fabulous focal points throughout a room.

Eclectic homes have a beautiful story to tell through the highly unique and personalized pieces featured throughout. Eclectic style is often confused with bohemian style. Bohemian has no rules, favoring personal taste above any overarching design principle. On the other hand, eclectic bends the rules a bit but doesn’t break with the prevailing principles of design. It encompasses a range of periods and styles married together through color, shape, and texture. It also relies on balance, proportion, and scale to make it cohesive and striking, introducing varying elements with restraint and an eye for high design.

Modern French Chic and sophisticated best describe the French aesthetic, characterized by signature architectural details and elegant flourishes against a soft, natural color palette. The modern take on this style forgoes much of the old-world baroque-inspired design elements, yet it maintains French architecture’s soft lines and classic features, such as tall windows, soaring arches, wood or natural stone flooring, slate roofing, and beautifully plastered walls. Add polished finishes like sculptural lighting, mirrored surfaces, and sleek furnishings to create an ambiance of pure artistry. Modern French design is elegant and rooted in simplicity; the visual impact results from keeping each space stylishly understated. Whatever style resonates with you, your home design should be as unique as a fingerprint. Let Susan Semmelmann Interiors help you discover your signature design style and cast a vision for your perfect dream home!

TOM & JERRY

Serves: 1

This warm, Midwestern holiday drink is made with brandy, rum, hot water, and a silky, whipped egg batter.

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

• 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 6 – 8 ounces hot water

• 1 ounce brandy

• 1 ounce rum

• Nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Make the batter by separating the egg yolks and whites and putting them in two different bowls.

2. Add cream of tartar to egg white bowl and beat until stiff peaks. Then, add sugar and vanilla to the bowl of yolks and whip until they turn pale yellow.

3. Fold in the yolks/sugar mixture into the egg white until incorporated.

4. In a mug, add hot water, brandy, and rum. Scoop a dollop of the batter on top and stir to combine. Sprinkle it with nutmeg and enjoy.

Back Where She Belongs

After spending much of 2020 out of the spotlight, popular chef Jenna Kinard is ecstatic to be making a long-awaited return to the restaurant world at a hopping, new spot in Southlake.

BY MALCOLM MAYHEW

During a recent photo shoot, chef Jenna Kinard leans back in her chair, kicks her feet up on the table, and gives the camera a smile as wide as Texas itself.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been this happy,” she says a few days later

the kitchen at Jellico’s, a hot, new restaurant inside a hot, new hotel, the Westin Dallas Southlake. There, she will serve her take on upscale American cuisine — the style of food closest to her heart.

at a Starbucks in Willow Park, near where she and her husband have lived for the past few years. “It feels good to feel this good again.”

For all intents and purposes, Jenna Kinard is back. The former chef at Max’s Wine Dive and the winner of Fort Worth Magazine’s 2019 Top Chef competition will soon lead

Lunch and dinner dishes will include grilled shrimp tacos with sesame lime slaw, seared halibut in garlic white wine sauce and braised Brussels sprouts, butternut squash ravioli in toasted walnut brown butter, enoki mushroom confit, fried sage, and local honey. Interestingly, Kinard adds, she is being trained as a master beekeeper, which will allow her to make her own honey.

Her lunch menu will focus a bit more on sandwiches, such as a friedchicken sandwich with chili mayo, a veggie burger, and bowls.

PHOTOS

Jenna Kinard is back in a kitchen after pandemic setbacks.

Kinard’s dishes will have a Southern flair.

Roasted beets

Named after Jellico, the original 19th century settlement located where Southlake now stands, the restaurant will also be open for breakfast and weekend brunch, with menu items such as s’mores pop tarts, served with housemade horchata ice cream; blueberry cobbler pancakes; and, what she says is her signature dish, chicken and doughnuts. That is a mashup of fried chicken, a glazed cake doughnut, jalapeño-orange preserves, and fried sage.

“It’s a menu that really illustrates who I am as a person and as a chef,” she says. “A lot of the recipes are based on recipes from my grandmother, or they’re based on dishes I loved growing up and we all made together as a family. I think more than any other menu I’ve developed, this one has the most me in it.”

This is definitely a déjà vu moment for the Texas-born chef, who was raised in the small southeast town of Waller. Two years ago, Kinard was set to begin a new career as executive chef of 97 West, the upscale Southern-themed restaurant inside

the then-soon-to-open Hotel Drover, the centerpiece of a new development in the Fort Worth Stockyards called Mule Alley. The Drover was easily the most anticipated hotel to open in Fort Worth in recent memory, and Kinard was its star chef.

Halfway into 2020, during the midst of the Drover’s construction, Kinard was laid off, a victim of a growing pandemic that would soon obliterate the restaurant and hotel industries.

“As you can imagine, I was devastated,” she says. “And shocked. I remember being so shocked. No one had a clue of the destruction COVID would cause — millions of people losing their jobs. To think it would affect restaurants the way it did was unfathomable to me. It still is.”

Kinard turned inward and, save for a singular Instagram post in which she announced her departure from the Drover, she practically shut out the rest of the world. She spent time with her husband, reconnected with her family and, ultimately, used the downtime to recharge.

“It took a while for me to figure out what I was going to do,” she says. “I wasn’t sure if I wanted to get back into restaurants or do something entirely different.”

A friend told her about the opening at the Westin, and soon she met – and instantly clicked with, she says – the owners. She would be given full reign of the kitchen, they promised, free to make the food she wanted to make. Kinard was in.

“It’s an opportunity for me to finally be myself,” she says. “My grandmother was a huge influence on me and my life. She was a tremendous cook, and the most warmhearted person. So, what I’m trying to do with Jellico’s is recreate those parts of her life — great, homecooking-style food served in a warm atmosphere. That’s my goal now — or my new goal now.”

Jellico’s and its accompanying Curve Lounge will open mid-to-late November; 1200 E. State Highway 114, Southlake; Marriott.com

Chili garlic chicken wings

Shrimp and grits

Gold Standard

Goldee’s Barbeque has gone from a little joint near Kennedale to seemingly the most in demand after being selected the best ’cue in the state. What’s next?

BY MALCOLM MAYHEW

Lane Milne assures you that, yes, you can still eat at Goldee’s Barbecue — that is, if you have some patience to spare and a bit of time to kill.

Only a couple months ago, you could breeze into the southeast Fort Worth barbecue spot, located on a bumpy backroad near Kennedale, and be in and out in less than 30 minutes.

But that was before Oct. 18, when Texas Monthly crowned the restaurant its No. 1 in the 2021 edition of its much-coveted 50 Best BBQ Joints story, practically the highest honor a Texas barbecue spot can be bestowed. It’s the equivalent of a Grammy in the ’cue world, and for the owners, it’s insurance that their barbecue business will boom indefinitely.

Texas Monthly named Goldee’s best barbecue in the state and featured the joint on their October cover.

Since the announcement in a story that shined a light on 49 other Texas ’cue joints, including Smoke-A-Holics BBQ, Dayne’s Craft BBQ, and Panther City BBQ in Fort Worth and Hurtado Barbecue in Arlington, Goldee’s has been swamped by ’cue lovers from near and far, with some arriving as early as 4 a.m. for a chance to get a taste.

Milne, who along with buddies Jalen Heard, Nupohn Inthanousay, Jonny White, and P.J. Inthanousay owns the restaurant, chatted with Fort Worth Magazine about the restaurant’s newfound fame.

Fort Worth Magazine: Does this mean I can’t eat there anymore?

Milne: Ha, yeah, you can still eat here. The line may be a little longer. But we’re figuring out ways to make it a better experience. Right now, we’re giving away free beer and water and going up and down the line with free food samples.

FWM: What’s the average wait time now?

Milne: It depends on when you get here. A lot of people are getting here before we open, like around 4:30 or 5 in the morning. So, if you get here that early, you’ve got a long wait ahead of you. We don’t open until 11.

But if you get here around 11 or so, you may wind up waiting an hour or so, depending on how fast we’re able to serve people.

FWM: You’re able to serve everyone?

Milne: This is what we do: We go down the line and take people’s orders. That way, we can gauge how much food we’re going to need. If we’re not going to have enough food, then we cut the line off and tell people we won’t be able to accommodate them today.

FWM: Did you know you were going to be No. 1?

Milne: No one ever told us we were straight-up No. 1. They did a photo shoot here and a video shoot, so that tipped us off that maybe we did OK. Maybe we’d get a good mention. But nobody said, “You’re going to be No. 1.” That was a complete surprise. It still seems surreal. Every time someone gets there to eat before I get there to work, I feel humbled and honored.

FWM: Brisket, ribs, and sausage I know to get. What do I not know to get?

Milne: A lot of people will tell you to always get fatty brisket, but I think our lean is just as good. Don’t sleep on the turkey, either.

FWM: So, what’s next for Goldee’s?

Milne: Right now, we want to find ways to better manage the influx of people and create a better experience for everyone. We’re planning on building some kind of outdoor shelter so people won’t have to wait in rain and heat.

FWM: Any local barbecue-joint favorites of yours that didn’t make the list?

Milne: I love Brix BBQ in Fort Worth. Everything he does there is great. David’s Barbecue in Pantego for ribs and coleslaw. Bailey’s Barbecue downtown Fort Worth. I love the old-school places.

4645 Dick Price Road, open 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., or until food runs out, Friday – Sunday, goldeesbbq.com

The curious and admirers alike line up as early as 4 a.m. for lunch.

Downsized, but still ‘squisito’

Longtime Italian restaurateurs take a simpler approach to their new fast-casual concept in Trophy Club, but it’s still delicious.

BY MALCOLM MAYHEW

In the same way some rock stars like to scale back and do unplugged albums, some restaurateurs like to get away from their big and boisterous places for simple, straightforward eateries.

That’s what happened with Joseph and Blerta Ajro, who, after spending the last two decades managing or owning a string of larger-than-life Italian restaurants in the Dallas area, headed to the quiet confines of a strip mall in Trophy Club to open an unusual fast-casual concept.

Pastaza specializes in pizza, risotto, and pasta. But it’s far from your average Joe’s Pizza strip mall joint. The couple, as they did in their big, full-service restaurants, make mostly everything by hand, including the excellent pastas.

“It’s the same handmade, high-quality food we’ve been doing for years but served in a fast-casual environment,” Joseph says. “Because I don’t have 40 employees or a lot of overhead, our prices are very reasonable. They’re fast-casual-style prices.”

It’s a fast-casual-style menu, too. Guests first pick out their pasta — selections include gnocchi, spaghetti, pappardelle, and cavatappi. Next is a choice of sauce: basil pesto, Alfredo, or roasted pepper. Finally, you can add toppings and, for an additional cost, proteins.

Risotto and pizzas are constructed the same way, built ingredient by ingredient by guests. There are also three varieties of handmade ravioli and a small assortment of salads.

Prices are low, too, with most of the pastas circling the $10 – $12 range, depending on toppings. It’s a luxury, Joseph says, that he wasn’t afforded at his past ventures, including Crudo in Frisco and Pana Vino Osteria in Dallas.

“There, I had 40 employees, lavish décor, and a lot of overhead,” he says. “Here, I can charge $10 for the same quality pasta because it’s just my wife and I serving it.”

301 Trophy Lake Drive, pastazaitalian.com

Bits and Bites

I thought the hot chicken trend was on its way out, but hot-chick restaurants keep opening. Case in point: Dave’s Hot Chicken, a small national chain that specializes in Nashvillestyle hot chicken, recently opened its first Fort Worth location on Bryant Irvin in the former Schlotzsky’s location. The concept was founded in Los Angeles in 2017 by classically trained chef Dave Kopushyan and three buddies who initially started selling food at parking lot pop-ups. Their business took off, and they’ve since expanded into multiple brick-and-mortar locations.

Dave’s menu consists of hot chicken tenders and sliders along with sides such as kale slaw, mac and cheese, and fries, drenched in cheese, if you like. Like other Nashville hot chicken spots, Dave’s rates the heat level of its chicken, its scale going from mild to reaper. Obviously for knuckleheads who think they can handle the reaper-level chicken, there are milkshakes that double as a fire extinguisher. 4608 Bryant Irvin Road, daveshotchicken.com

Local chef and busy restaurateur Lanny Lancarte, whose Righteous Foods is profiled on page 65 (“Art, Eats, and Cowgirls”), has launched his second ghost kitchen. Pizza Zapasta serves pizzas and pastas (now do you get the name? pizzas and pasta?) with dashes of Mexican-food flair, which in itself is sort of a new concept for Fort Worth. I’ve heard of birria on pizzas ( Birrieria y Taqueria Cortez does that), but I don’t know of another place in town that does a combo wagyu-barbacoa-and-braised-fennel pie, or a goat and beef salami pie. I’m eager to try some of the pastas, too, like the rigatoni with barbacoa Bolognese and bucatini with shrimp and jalapeño sausage. Lancarte helped usher in the ghost kitchen movement in Fort Worth last year with Eat Fajitas and later this year/early next, he’ll launch a third ghost kitchen, a chicken concept called El Pollo Tocayo. For more info on Pizza Zapasta, hit up pizzazapasta.com.

We should all say a prayer for West Side homecooking palace Drew’s Place, which is on an indefinite hiatus because of rising costs of food and a dwindling number of employees. According to the restaurant’s Facebook page, Drew’s will reopen sometime down the road, but in the meantime, they’re only doing catering. So, yeah, put in a big catering order for Christmas. Email drewsplace87@gmail.com.

Art, Eats, and Cowgirls

The perfect itinerary for experiencing the best parts of the Cultural District in under 24 hours.

BY JESSICA STRANGE AND MALCOLM MAYHEW

PHOTO BY CRYSTAL

WISE

Museum Meandering

By Jessica Strange

A relaxing day meandering through a museum is a day well spent. But when you have multiple world-class museums and galleries all within walking distance of each other, as Fort Worth’s Cultural District does, it’s worth strapping on a pair of sensible shoes and hitting the pavement to take in everything the area has to offer.

From dinosaur fossils to history-making cowgirls to some of the world’s most famous works of art and the world-renowned architecture that houses them, the district is aptly dubbed the “museum capital of the Southwest.” Here’s how you can see it all in one day.

10 a.m. — Amon Carter Museum of American Art

3501 Camp Bowie Blvd.

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art is home to a deep collection of American art from the last 200 years. While the museum was founded initially on Amon G. Carter’s collection of western art by Frederic Remington and Charles Russell, it’s current holdings are a broad mix of works ranging from historical to contemporary, from photography and works on paper to site-specific installations.

Shirley Reece-Hughes, curator of paintings, sculpture, and works on paper, says experiencing the Carter in under an hour is absolutely possible.

“We have so many fantastic masterworks that people can see that are on permanent collection view,” she says. “From the beloved works by Georgia O’Keeffe, our famous Thomas Eakins’ ‘Swimming,’ to Grant Wood’s ‘Parson Weem’s Fable’ and Ruth Asawa’s ‘Untitled’ sculpture, Mary Cassatt, Jacob Lawrence — all the classics.”

When you first enter the Carter, you’re greeted by 20th century works like iconic American Southwest painter Georgia O’Keeffe’s 1927 abstract oil painting, “Red Cannas,” and James Surls’ “Seven and Seven Flower.” Next, you’ll want to make

your way to the central atrium for Dallasbased Gabriel Dawe’s majestic “Plexus no. 34,” a site-specific commission installation made from over 80 miles of multicolored thread highlighting the Carter’s architecture designed by Phillip Johnson.

“It’s a different experience at different times of day,” Reece-Hughes says of the light-catching technicolor installation.

On the second floor, you’ll find the Carter’s 19th-century American art collection along with its temporary exhibitions and legacy galleries for those still fascinated by the Western works of Remington and Russell.

Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by the research library and archives, where the Carter houses extensive material available to visitors interested in taking a deeper dive into American art. Come back and enjoy its reading room sometime when you’re not planning on hitting five other attractions in a single day.

HOURS: Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Closed Monday

ADMISSION: Free

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS TO CHECK OUT:

Natasha Bowdoin: “In the Night Garden” — on view

through December 2021

ANILA QUAYYUM AGHA: “A Beautiful Despair” — September 25, 2021 – January 9, 2022

11 a.m. — Fort Worth Community Arts Center

1300 Gendy St.

Make your way across the street to Fort Worth Community Arts Center, another architecturally striking building in the district designed by Herbert Bayer, which was once home to the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

FWCAC is a venue for local and regional visual and performing arts and events managed by the Arts Council of Fort Worth. While there’s no permanent collection, the center hosts rotating shows in its nine galleries showcasing work from artists in the area.

Outside, visit the Shelia and Houston Hill Courtyard Gallery, where sculptures by emerging artists Ben Munoz and Jihye Han sit atop plinths designed by local artist Kris Pearce, inspired by Bayer’s design.

HOURS: Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed Sundays

ADMISSION: Free

Noon — Lunch at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth 3200 Darnell St.

You’ve likely worked up an appetite by now, so head on over for a patio lunch at Café Modern, where executive chef Jett Mora of Wolfgang Puck Catering serves up seasonal fare with local roots.

Order up a plate of comfort food like the mini po’boy sandwiches, pan-roasted chicken paillard, or the local grind burger.

Of course, if you’d like to just sip a cocktail while enjoying the reflection pond and one of the “world’s most beautiful art museums’’ designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, that’s totally acceptable, too.

After you’ve noshed, be sure to check out the 21-foot bronze KAWS sculpture, “Clean Slate,” that overlooks the museum’s pond before heading back inside.

Downstairs, you’ll find permanent collection works like Anselm Keifer’s “Book with Wings” sculpture, Jenny Holzer’s LED installation “Kind of Blue,” Ellsworth Kelly’s “Red Panel,” “Dark Green Panel,” and “Dark Blue Panel,” as well as works by modern and contemporary greats like Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Martin Puryear, Gerhard Richter, Richard Serra, Agnes Martin, Cindy Sherman, and Mark Bradford.

But associate curator Alison Hearst is especially excited about a recent acquisition — Wangechi Mutu’s “The

interactive media like the new Science on a Sphere display, and rotating history galleries, there’s educational fun for all ages.

If you have little ones with you, swing by the play area in the Children’s Museum, but adults and kids alike can enjoy the neighboring DinoLabs exhibit with towering dinosaur skeletons native to the area.

Don’t miss the Innovation studios, where you get a hands-on chance to doodle, design, and create your own inventions.

Upstairs, you’ll find the Cattle Raisers Museum, where you can learn about the history and science of the cattle industry (you’re in Cowtown, after all).

HOURS: Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Closed Monday – Thursday

ADMISSION: Senior (age 65+): $14, Adult (age 12 – 64): $16, Junior (age 3 – 11): $12, Child (age 0 – 2): Free, includes admission to both FWMSH and Cattle Raisers Museum

Seated III,” a striking bronze female sculpture by the Kenyan artist inspired by the traditions of African sculpture.

If time allows, visit the second-floor galleries to see the museum’s current exhibitions.

HOURS: Tuesday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday/Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed Mondays

ADMISSION: $16 general/$12 seniors, military, and first responders/$10 students/free under 18/halfpriced tickets on Sundays/Free on Fridays

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS TO CHECK OUT: Teresa Hubbard/Alexander Birchler: Flora — on view through through January 16, 2022

FOCUS: Frances Stark — on view through January 9, 2022, Milton Avery — on view through January 30, 2022

1:30 p.m.

— Fort Worth Museum of

Science and History/Cattle Raisers Museum

1600 Gendy St.

After you’ve had your fill of modern art, head over to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History to explore the past and imagine the future. With cuttingedge science exhibits like the new Current Science Studio, a virtual gallery with

2:30

p.m. — Afternoon Tea at the Kimbell

Art Museum

3333 Camp Bowie Blvd.

You can’t plan a day exploring the Cultural District without a stop at the Kimbell Art Museum. Designed by world-renowned architect Louis I. Kahn, the Kimbell is as well known for its broad collection of masterpieces like Michelangelo’s first painting, “The Torment of Saint Anthony,’’ as it is for the iconic building that houses them.

“The Louis Kahn building is one of the greatest works of architecture in the world,” Kimbell director Eric Lee says. “We’re renowned all over the world for this building. It’s one of our greatest treasures.”

The Kimbell now offers a proper English tea each afternoon with various loose, fragrant teas, pastries, jams, and finger sandwiches. For $25, you and a guest can practice your best pinkies-out tea etiquette while snacking on bites like lavender shortbread cookies and pimento finger sandwiches. Champagne is available for an extra $10 a glass. (We recommend getting the champagne.)

Lee says teatime has quickly gained popularity and highly recommends making reservations.

PHOTO BY DARAH HUBBARD

Kimbell Art Museum

After wetting your whistle, you should still have time to visit the Kimbell’s most famous works like Caravaggio’s “The Cardsharps,” Michelangelo’s “The Torment of Saint Anthony,” Monet’s “Weeping Willow,” and Picasso’s “Nude Combing her Hair.”

HOURS: Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday –Thursday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

ADMISSION: Permanent collection is always free CURRENT AND UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS TO CHECK OUT: Turner’s Modern World — on view through February 6, 2022, The Language of Beauty in African Art — April 3 – July 31, 2022

4 p.m. — National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

1720 Gendy St.

To wrap up your day of exploration, giddyup on over to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. The one-ofa-kind museum is the only in the world dedicated to honoring the women of past and present who helped shape the West. The hall of fame includes over 200 honorees who exemplify the pioneer spirit of the West, like Sacagawea, Annie Oakley, and Justice Sandra Day O’Connor — just to name a few.

On the first floor, you’ll find the film lounge that shows a rotation of three different short films. You can also check out must-see artifacts like sharpshooter Annie Oakley’s belt or performer Lulu Bell Parr’s beaded vest.

If you look up into the rotunda, you can see Hall of Fame inductees memorialized with portraits and brass stars.

Upstairs in the It’s Never Just a Horse gallery, bedazzled saddles and outfits designed by Nudie Cohn, like country music singer Judy Lynn’s saddle with over 8,000 rhinestones, are on display. You can also learn about famous horses in Hollywood (Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman costume is a must-see), the history of ranching, and the healing relationship between horses and humans. If you’re able, we recommend mustering up enough energy to ride the robotized bronco to complete your day of museum-going in the most Fort Worthian way possible.

HOURS: Tuesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Closed Monday

ADMISSION: Adults: $12, Seniors, Military, and First Responders: $9, Children: $6, Children (0-3): Free, Cowgirl Family Special (2 adults and up to 4 children, ages 4-12): $36

Eric Lee has been the director at the Kimbell Art Museum since 2009, only two months before the museum acquired the earliestknown Michelangelo painting — Lee tells us the acquisition of said painting would be an entire feature story unto itself.

Lee, who manages one of the world’s most renowned art collections, was gracious enough to carve out some time for a brief interview. We chatted about how the museum selects exhibitions, specific paintings visitors can’t miss, and some of his personal faves. Think of this as the real insider’s guide.

FW: I’ve always been curious; how does the museum select and curate exhibitions?

Lee: Well, some exhibitions that we do are inspired by our permanent collection.

An example is the early and late Monet exhibitions that we did a few years ago. We have a very important early Monet, and then we have a very important late Monet. We decided to do an exhibition focused on those two paintings, and they were curated by George Shackelford. But we also do exhibitions that are tailored to the expertise of our staff, and George, for instance, is one of the leading experts in the world on French impressionism, painting in France in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Art Directing

by Brian Kendall

FW: What are some of the Kimbell’s must-see pieces?

Lee: I mean, everything in the collection is worth seeing, but I guess I’d say the two most famous paintings in the collection are the Michelangelo and the Caravaggio.

It’s the only Michelangelo painting in the Americas, and he was only 12 years old when he painted it. And then the Caravaggio, within the history of art, is an absolute landmark painting. It’s one of the works that established Caravaggio’s reputation and made him famous in Rome, and he became one of the most influential artists in the history of art.

FW: Outside of what you would call must-sees, do you have any personal favorites?

Lee: Well, I’ve got lots of personal favorites. But, the painting that I would say is dearest to me, is the Michelangelo. It was the first painting that the Kimbell acquired after I arrived here, and so for personal reasons, it just means so much to me. So, there’re works that I love for personal reasons because I was somehow involved with the acquisition, but then there are other great works like the 17th century Dutch view of a church interior by [Pieter Jansz] Saenredam. It’s a white church interior, it’s incredibly modern, and it just looks spectacular in the Louis Kahn building. I also love the little Fra Angelico painting that we have; it’s one of my favorite works in the collection. In fact, I’d say those two are among my favorites.

Caravaggio, “The Cardsharps,” c. 1595, at the Kimbell Art Museum

District Dining

By Malcolm Mayhew

The quality of your 24-hour excursion into Fort Worth’s Cultural District hinges greatly on where you eat. Dozens of restaurants, from the upscale to the downtrodden, from shiny and new to dusty and revered, eek out from converted old warehouses and brand-new developments, offering not just food but experiences. For this guide, we’re zeroing in on those places specifically, the restaurants that make Fort Worth, Fort Worth.

Where to breakfast: Montgomery Street Café

Only a few remain — the classic cafés and diners that once roared in numbers in Fort Worth are almost nearly silent now, snuffed out by progress, time, and changing tastes. Montgomery Street Café takes you back to a time when momand-pop cafes were lords of the highway, gathering places where locals and tourists and the poor and the rich chowed down on big platters of bacon and eggs and sausage and pancakes with syrup and extra butter,

and no one cared about calories and dying too young and all that nonsense. Owned since 1986 by lifelong Fort Worthian and former American Airlines flight attendant Claudette Finley, Montgomery Street stokes those memories to a T, offering egg dishes, pancakes, and gargantuan biscuits, steaming hot when you tear them to open to slather on butter or dunk them in gravy. “They’re still the biggest seller,” says Finley, who at 83, still oversees the place. “People rave about the hashbrowns, too. They’re made to order. They don’t sit underneath a heating lamp and get all mushy.”

The restaurant opened in 1949, and you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who says it’s changed a bit. Certainly, inflation has caused the cost of bacon to rise from a nickel to a couple bucks, and maybe the café’s various owners through the years tinkered with the recipes here and there. But Finley swears up and down it’s almost a spitting image of itself when it opened seven decades ago. “A lot of people used to come in here and say, ‘My daddy brought me here when I was a kid, my grandma brought my mom here when she was a kid, and it hasn’t changed a bit,’” she says. “It’s one of those things that gets passed down from generation to generation, and each generation remembers it from when they were kids, and then eventually, they bring their kids. Why change something that people love so much?”

2000 Montgomery St., 817.731.8033

EAT HERE, TOO:

Hurts Donut Co.: 24-hour doughnut shop serves doughnuts both plain and fancy, plus super-sizeme sausage rolls. 901 Foch St., facebook.com/ hurtsdonutfortworth

Jazz Café: Originally located downtown, in the 19th century building last occupied by Bird Café, this long-running, eclectically decorated Greek restaurant serves a mean gyro, but the time to go is on the weekends during breakfast when the menu consists of thick, fluffy pancakes; hashbrowns topped with black beans, sour cream, and pico de gallo; and the S.O.B. eggs, the café’s wonderfully unhealthy take on migas. Call before you go; sometimes they’re open and sometimes they’re not. 2504 Montgomery St., 817.737.0043.

Where to Lunch: Hatsuyuki Handroll Bar

No other restaurant in Fort Worth is quite like Hatsuyuki Handroll Bar, which resides in a strip mall on the edge of the Cultural District, along the spine of the West Seventh area. But forget the part where we said, “West Seventh area.” Hatsuyuki is the furthest thing from the fratty hangouts that have given the area a bad name. Instead, this independent restaurant, opened three years ago by Seoul-born sushi chef Jun Mo Yeon, offers a wholly unique dining experience. Have a seat at the horseshoe-shaped bar, and within seconds a server will drop off a paper menu. Using tiny, putt-puttsize pencils, you fill out the form, selecting your rolls of choice. Ten minutes later, you’re eating, and about five minutes after that, you very well could be on your way. The restaurant specializes in hand rolls — sheets of seaweed wrapped in a cone, enclosing a filling of fish, rice, and vegetables. They take minutes to make and seconds to eat.

Yeon wanted to open a concept that would be unique to Fort Worth, he says, not another sushi restaurant whose rolls are drowned in people-pleasing sauces. “Simple, fresh flavors,” he says, emphasizing the freshness of his fish, which is flown in from around the world daily. The restaurant also offers daily and weekly specials that incorporate mussels, clams, oysters, and scallops.

In May, the restaurant was parked at No. 11 on Yelp’s list of Top 100 Places to Eat in

Claudette Finley of Montgomery Street Café

PHOTO BY CRYSTAL WISE

Michael Thompson’s namesake restaurant serves a menu of self-dubbed “contemporary ranch cuisine.” Pictured here,

The Louis Vuitton pizza.

Texas — but in Fort Worth, it’s still a hidden gem. “We have people who come in from all over Texas to eat here,” server Francisco Salazar told us earlier this year. “But sometimes people who live here in the city will come in and say, ‘Gosh, I never knew you were here.’” 907 Foch St., 817.720.5330

EAT HERE, TOO:

Café Modern: The Modern Art Museum’s restaurant extols exquisite views of the museum’s grounds and edgy takes on classic dishes by recently hired chef Jett Mora of Wolfgang Puck Catering. 3200 Darnell St., themodern.org

Hanabi Ramen: The nearby Kintaro Ramen is one of the city’s best new restaurants, but don’t sleep on this cozy ramen spot, which may serve the best bowl of tonkotsu in the city. 3204 Camp Bowie Blvd., ramenhanabi.com

Rodeo Goat: If you’re cool with venturing into the heart of the West Seventh area, put this popular burger and beer joint on your list of must-eats. Safe for veggie burger-lovers, too. 2836 Bledsoe St., rodeogoat.com

Where to Beer:30: Michael’s Cuisine

Beer:30 is that all-important slice of time between lunch and dinner, usually around 5:30 or 6, when you get off work and dinner’s not ‘til 8, and the last thing you ate was at noon. The bar at Michael’s Cuisine, playfully called the Ancho Bar, is the perfect place to sate your happy hour desires: The drinks are inexpensive, and the food goes against the grain of typical happy hour food.

That’s because it comes from the hands of longtime chef Michael Thomson, whose hidden gem of a restaurant, opened in 1992 in The Chicotsky shopping center in the Upper West Seventh area, is known primarily by area foodies, other chefs, and those who long ago fell in love with his white tablecloth odes to Americana dishes.

Thomson’s bread and butter is his dinner service, no question, when he brandishes what he calls “contemporary ranch cuisine,” served in an elegant dining room that could be mistaken for

an art gallery, so much local and regional art hangs from its walls.

But you could make a night of it, and many of us do, hanging out at the Ancho, passing around plates of Oysters Rockefeller, smoked beef brisket wonton tacos, and baked goat cheese with raspberry chipotle vinaigrette and basil pesto toast. Dinner, schminner — we’ll save you a seat at the Ancho.

3413 W. Seventh St., michaelscuisine.com

Where to Dinner: Paris 7th

Another unique dining experience can be had at Paris 7th, one of the city’s only two French restaurants. The other one, Saint-Emilion, is located just a block or two from here and is owned by the same family, French chef Bernard Tronche and his wife, Karin Kelly, a former news reporter and anchor at WFAA.

But the two restaurants don’t monopolize one another as much as they feed off each other. Paris 7th is a classy affair — a suit and tie to Saint-E’s more laid-back button-down and khakis. Either can fulfill your night on the town; dress to the nines, though, when you go to Paris 7th.

From beginning to end, Paris 7th is a plush, high-end affair: dim lighting, roses on every tableclothed table, white-glove service, foie gras, and caviar. There’s a dessert tray, a cheese tray, and charcuterie, along with a lovely wine selection. You haven’t had French onion soup until you’ve had it here; you’ll scrape the bottom of your bowl, looking for more of the melted gruyere.

Entrées include melt-in-your-mouth dover sole, roasted duck served on a bed of

Paris 7th serves upscale French fare, including a changing selection of fresh fish.

PHOTOS BY CRYSTAL WISE

Kintaro Ramen

spinach, rack of lamb.

It’s food made for special occasions and moments of triumph, but it’s not as crazyexpensive as you might think.

“Nice doesn’t automatically mean expensive,” Tronche told us a few years ago when we profiled his restaurants. “People sometimes get scared if they hear a restaurant serves caviar — they think they can’t afford it. But look at our prices — they’re not as high as you may think.”

EAT HERE, TOO:

Maestro Tacos: Out of all the gringo-friendly taquerias that have opened over the past few years, this tiny spot on the outskirts of the West Seventh area reigns supreme. Tacos with fillings such as trompo and beef fajita come cradled in housemade tortillas, with showers of fresh onions and cilantro; wash ‘em down with housemade agua frescas. 3011 Bledsoe St., maestrotacos.com

Piola: Charming, family-owned Italian spot, housed in a 1940s cottage, is among the city’s best restaurants, with a beautiful, lush patio, excellent wine list, and housemade Italian classics. 3700 Mattison Ave., fwpiola.com

Saint-Emilion: Paris 7th’s sibling restaurant, located just a few blocks away. Two words: steak frites. Two more words: You’re welcome. 3617 W. Seventh St., saint-emilionrestaurant.com

Where to late-night nosh: Kintaro Ramen

There was a time when late-night grub was an easy find in this area. Postpandemic, not so much. While most sit-down, full-service restaurants in the neighborhood close around 10 or 11, even on weekends, Kintaro Ramen is open until midnight, giving late-night diners an afterhours ramen option.

Opened last year by popular Fort Worth chef Jesus Garcia, who made a name for himself among Fort Worth diners as a sushi chef at several local restaurants, Kintaro is the brick-and-mortar version of a ghost kitchen of the same name. Garcia, who has always been on top of or in front of dining trends, was the first chef to open a ghost kitchen in Fort Worth. Now, there are dozens.

The Kintaro ghost kitchen (and original brick-and-mortar store in Arlington) was itself an offshoot of another Garcia ramen

concept called Oni Ramen, which, coincidentally, occupies the same space as the brickand-mortar version of Kintaro. Garcia closed the Fort Worth location of Oni to focus on the Deep Ellum location but got the itch to reopen a Fort Worth ramen spot. Enter Kintaro.

Techies and introverts will dig Kintaro’s ordering process, in which diners place their orders at standing kiosks. Servers do come into the picture eventually, though, as they deliver your food and drinks.

You can’t go wrong with any of Garcia’s half-dozen or so bowls of ramen. Some are permanent fixtures; others, he rotates on and off, depending on the season and his whims. Recent specials have included thai red curry ramen, made with a chicken broth spiked with red curry and coconut milk, and Dracula’s Bane, a ramen made with garlic-infused broth, pork belly, and peppery bean sprouts.

He also does off-the-cuff, nonramen specials, such as chilled noodle salad topped with smoked brisket and surf and turf okonomiyaki.

2801 W. Seventh St., kintaroramen.com

EAT HERE, TOO:

Trinity College Irish Pub: One of the city’s best new restaurants has late hours — every day of the week. The kitchen usually stays open until at least midnight through the week, later on the weekends. The corned beef and cabbage rolls are outtasight.

Where to Brunch: Righteous Foods

For many Fort Worthians, brunch is still the most important meal of the day, and many choose to spend it at chef Lanny Lancarte’s stylish tribute to healthy, clean eating.

Lancarte, a member of the same family of restaurateurs who own Joe T. Garcia’s, opened Righteous Foods in 2014, in the same space where he ran, for nearly a decade, a

popular, upscale Mexican restaurant. Lancarte will gladly tell you the story of how he became more health-conscious and how that decision affected the direction in which he would take his restaurant. Lancarte had the right idea at the right time, as Fort Worth was slowly beginning to take more notice of healthy eating.

That’s not to say all RIghteous serves is smoothies and celery. Lancarte will make you a burger for sure, a good burger, too, but it’s going to be made with super-fresh ingredients, sourced with all-natural meat that hasn’t been through the processing ringer, and topped with top-of-the-line, organic veggies.

For brunch, you’re going to want to get to know the superb green eggs and ham bowl — basically, Lancarte’s imaginative take on chilaquiles, made with organic eggs, corn tortillas, pork, and queso fresco.

The housemade granola’s monstrously popular, too, and for heartier appetites, there are burritos, so many burritos. Those with veggies on their mind can indulge in the aptly named veggie burrito, but meat-lovers can go hog-wild, literally, with a meaty burrito filled with bacon, pork, chicken-apple sausage, and cheese. 3405 West Seventh St., eatrighteously.com

EAT HERE, TOO:

Blue Sushi Sake Grill: Fancy sushi served in a pretty, atmospheric environment, accented with cool lighting and thumping trance music pitter-pattering in the background. 3131 W. Seventh St., bluesushisakegrill.com

The aforementioned Café Modern is also among the best brunch options in the area.

Lanny Lancarte’s Righteous Foods is a healthy option on West Seventh Street.

to kill an EVIL

How the heroic actions of Jack Wilson on Dec. 29, 2019, at West Freeway Church of Christ saved lives, elicited praise, and reignited an age-old debate over gun laws.

BY BRANDI ADDISON ILLUSTRATIONS BY BRANDON HAYMAN

Three shots rang out midway through communion prayer at the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement. It was the first service after Christmas in 2019. A collective gasp and faint screams filled the air as nearly 250 panic-stricken parishioners, clad in sweaters and jackets over their Sunday best, frantically ducked behind the pews. For six seconds, hell had broken loose.

The shots occurred in quick succession — each almost exactly two seconds apart. The first two came from Keith Thomas Kinnunen’s shotgun and killed Anton “Tony” Wallace and Richard White, two parishioners. The third shot came from a volunteer security guard and struck the active shooter, Kinnunen, in the head.

The church regularly livestreams its services, so footage of the tragedy quickly made the media rounds — uploaded to almost every major news site. Following the trio of gunshots, the video shows the security guard, Jack Wilson, slowly pacing the back of the sanctuary with his finger still on the trigger of his pistol pointed toward the body of Kinnunen.

Several other armed churchgoers simultaneously drew their weapons and creeped down the aisles, inching closer to Kinnunen until they could confirm there was no longer an imminent threat. One crouched on the floor and peeked his head over the front-row pew that he used to prop his hand on for an easy position to shoot.

Wilson quickly kicked the short-barreled shotgun away from Kinnunen’s bleeding body — Kinnunen still having 10 rounds on his presence.

Church leaders and Wilson were familiar with the perpetrator, who had frequently sought assistance from the church. They had always obliged by giving him food, but Wilson says he was upset because they would never give him money.

Though Kinnunen had been to the church several times and there were no prior issues, Wilson’s gut sunk of unease when he saw an unrecognizable Kinnunen walk through the front doors in his attention-grabbing garb — he was clad in an oversized trench coat and masked by a wig and fake beard.

“You know, where you can feel intuition — that gut feeling or whatever — it didn’t seem right,” Wilson says.

But the security team was hesitant to approach Kinnunen because, at the time, they didn’t recognize him and believed he may have been concealing flaws he was embarrassed of, such as severe burns or hair loss from chemotherapy treatments.

Still, they determined they should keep a close eye on him, and Wilson advised the church staff to fixate the security cameras on him until the service concluded.

When facing the front podium, Kinnunen sat on the left side of the room, a few pews in from the back wall.

Sitting in the pew directly in front of him was church member Isabel Arreola, 38, who told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram a day after the shooting that she felt uncomfortable around him. She also knew the security team was suspicious because Wilson had propped himself against the back wall to watch him. And White — who was carrying a

concealed firearm — sat a couple pews directly behind him.

But before the scene began to unravel, she and her husband had already moved to the opposite side of the sanctuary with their then-7year-old daughter.

“I should have listened to my gut,” Arreola told the Star-Telegram “While he was there, I couldn’t sing. I couldn’t pray. There was just something not right about him. But at the same time, I thought maybe I was being too hard.”

Kinnunen sat quietly and paid attention during most of the church service, only speaking at one point to ask directions to the restroom. After returning, he approached Wallace, who stood in the back corner after administering communion to the congregation. The two briefly spoke, and Kinnunen returned to his seat again. Wilson says, to this day, no one knows the conversation they had.

Moments later, Kinnunen rose from his seat, leaned into Wallace with a couple feet between them and said, “Drop it!” The subject he referenced is not clear, but Wallace was still holding his communion tray.

As Kinnunen pulled the shotgun from beneath his coat, White carefully pulled his own weapon from his holster. Kinnunen appeared to have caught White’s movement and immediately fired at him before turning his arms toward Wallace and shooting him from only a few feet away.

Wallace was not immediately killed and, in the video, can be seen stumbling into a chair while holding part of his stomach. His daughter, Tiffany Wallace, saw him from across the room and ran quickly, leaping around others, to care for him.

The remainder of the crowd immediately dove downward, seeking protection in the cushions of the church pews and floor.

The man reciting the communion prayer when the initial shots were fired slowly crawled down the small steps of the carpeted stage. A wooden altar behind him had engraved lettering which read: “This Do in Remembrance of Me.”

Wilson fired at Kinnunen from about a 15-yard distance, the only available target being his head.

A licensed firearms instructor, Wilson later told me he teaches his students to avoid head shots unless it’s all you have. With several people moving between them and no time to spare, a head shot was all he had. And, with one shot, Wilson had killed Kinnunen.

When I asked Wilson if he thinks about the tragedy daily, he responded, “Only because of Tony and Richard.”

“I don’t feel like I killed a human,” Wilson says. “I killed an evil. That’s how I coped with the situation even that night.”

At some point in the interview, he showed me that he still carries the gun he used to stop Kinnunen.

Wilson speaks with confidence about everything: his family, political views, guns, and the tragedy that took place that morning. As expected of any humble protagonist, he has always denied any labels praising him as a hero.

He instead attributes his on-the-spot-thinking and quick maneuvers to decades of training. To Wilson, shooting a firearm is second nature.

Above all, Wilson gives credit to the presence of God.

“Yeah, I practice and train, but I also know God’s hand was on mine

when I pulled the trigger,” he says.

Although he made steady eye contact while speaking, Wilson appeared to still have a slight detachment from the conversation, as if he was reciting his side of the story from memory after telling it over and over again.

He has a stern disposition, although if you can get him to smile, you’ll notice its authenticity with the shift of his eyes.

Wilson — along with his wife, Jayma, and their three daughters, Jennifer, Jaynette, and Julie — attended the small Church of Christ for about 55 years. During the morning of the shooting, he could count 16 relatives and dozens of close friends sitting around the sanctuary, including Wallace and White, with whom he shared decades-long friendships.

But shortly after the tragedy occurred, the couple moved to a church closer to their home in Hood County, where Wilson began to serve as county commissioner, a position voters elected him to serve in November 2020.

Still today, Wilson says he doesn’t see himself as much more than your regular man.

He lives in the small town of Acton with his high school sweetheart, Jayma — the couple met at Brewer High School, where Wilson won the state competition in the band drumline and graduated in 1967.

In addition to their three daughters, the couple shares 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren together. The newest was fresh from the hospital, only a week old, at the time of this interview.

“I’ve pretty much always seen myself as a protector because of my family,” Wilson says.

Growing up, he lived in the small Texas Panhandle town of Shamrock, at one time a favorite stop on the popular and nowdecommissioned Route 66, before moving to White Settlement as a preteen — a move required of his military family, whose ringleader, his father, served in the Texas Army National Guard for 38 years.

He hasn’t spent much time away from his comfort zone inside the North-Central Texas region, except for a short period of time when his family lived in Fort Polk, Louisiana, and when he lived

through his own brief stint with the National Guard in South Carolina for about a year.

His quaint farm is home to many animals, including a donkey, lamb, and some chickens — which came with the property purchase several years ago — and a couple heifers they brought in later.

His commissioner office — cold from the air conditioning — had a medal he received from the governor for his heroism, a couple of flags, and some framed maps of the county on display. The large waiting area was bare, with the exception of a few chairs.

Wilson firmly believes he’s just an ordinary man who was in the right spot at the right time with the right training.

He’s spent most of his life around firearms, preparing for such a scarring event that he had hoped he would never actually face. His first memory of holding a gun is from nearly 70 years ago.

While still living in the Panhandle, Wilson recalls hiding under burlap beanbags with his dad and brother during bird hunting season. They laid with their rifles in the wheat stubble fields, waiting to shoot anything that flew in the sky above them.

Then, when he was a preteen, he purchased a firearm to call his own.

Now decades later, his entire work life has revolved around guns as a former service member in the National Guard and Hood County’s former reserve deputy sheriff.

He also became a licensed firearms instructor shortly after he obtained his concealed handgun license in 1995.

He owned his own gun range and training facility and estimates that he trained thousands of locals before his retirement a few years ago.

It’s not far-fetched to say that Wilson had been training for this moment his entire life. He was put in a situation he was uniquely qualified to handle. This expertise is likely what has created his indifference to the adulation he’s received. Despite this humility, his gallantry elicited high praise from celebrities and national leaders alike, including then-President Donald Trump.

“It was over in six seconds,” Trump said, “thanks to the brave parishioners who acted to protect 242 fellow worshippers.”

The West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, where Keith Thomas Kinnunen opened fire on parishioners on Dec. 29, 2019.

The admiration continued weeks later when Texas Governor Greg Abbott bestowed the first-ever Governor’s Medal of Courage.

Described by his office as the highest honor given to civilians by the governor, Abbott created the award for Texas citizens “who display great acts of heroism by risking their own safety to save another’s life.” His office didn’t clarify when the award was invented, but many believe it was due to the church tragedy.

“Only God knows who is alive today because of Jack Wilson,” Abbott said during the award ceremony. “What we do know is that so many lives were saved because of Jack Wilson’s quick action, his calmness under pressure, and above all else, his courage and his willingness to risk his own life to save the lives of others.”

One team of Oklahomabased bull riders — Gene Owen and Bill Henson — gave their high-performing bull Wilson’s namesake as a gift of gratitude. Like Wilson, the bull — previously known as The Punisher — could make surefire moves at a moment’s notice with an average buck-off time of 3.24 seconds.

“I thought Jack Wilson is the coolest guy walking right now,” Owen told the New York Post when they made the name change. “He took out an evil man with one shot, and within six seconds, the whole deal was done.”

A day after the shooting, dozens of congregants and community members gathered on the grass outside of the church for a candlelight vigil. They held hands and hugged. They took turns sharing their favorite stories of their friends.

“His presence on this earth will be missed by all who knew him,” his obituary reads.

It concludes with a Biblical passage from John 13:15: “Greater love has no man than this ... that he lay down his life for his friends.”

Wallace was a 64-year-old nurse manager of the hemodialysis unit at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in downtown Fort Worth. He was also a church deacon, welcoming all who entered their doors, including Kinnunen that midmorning.

He was born into a military family of 10 — made up of his parents, four daughters and four sons, including himself — and moved around the world until they finally settled in Mineral Wells, where he graduated from the local high school.

Many who knew the two fallen men told stories of the illuminating kindness displayed by the “Godly men.”

White served on the church’s security team and attempted to stop the perpetrator when he noticed he was armed. His family published a statement on Facebook after the shooting, labeling him a hero when he died.

At the time of his death, he was a sales manager at Tankheads, Inc., where he worked for more than 20 years. He was also a husband and father to five children, as well as a grandfather to 11.

His family also described him as an avid outdoorsman who loved to be outside.

“Richard constantly put others first and was always willing to help with a smile on his face,” they wrote.

Born in West Texas, White always sported jeans and boots, according to his obituary, so his family jokingly called him “John Wayne” for his signature Western wardrobe.

“Tony’s love for people and his commitment to providing the best and most compassionate medical care is what made him the exceptional nurse that he was,” his obituary states. “Tony had three loves in his life: God, family, and nursing.

He was a faithful servant of God, serving through the years at his home church — Sixth Avenue Church of Christ [in] Mineral Wells, and more recently, at West Freeway Church of Christ.

“Anyone that knew Tony, knew of his strong faith and knew that he not only talked the talk, but walked the walk every day,” the obituary continues.

He was a husband and father to two daughters and a grandfather to four.

Just two years prior, a similar scene unfolded in a small church of an unincorporated town in Central Texas called Sutherland Springs. A gunman had killed 26 congregants and wounded 20 others in the middle of a church service.

State leaders lifted restrictions on carrying guns in religious spaces, and the 2017 tragedy and a new state law allowed all churches to have armed volunteer security forces and required all places of worship to give advanced notice of any bans on firearms in their facilities.

When Wilson heard the news of the Sutherland Springs shooting — and took into consideration the West Freeway Church of Christ’s new location at Las Vegas Trail, a street known in the Fort Worth suburbs for its high crime — he felt an urge to create a safer environment inside the building.

He says he trained church security guards, who attended nearly 300 hours of firearms classes and practiced on multiple moving targets.

“There are no safe havens left, whether it be schools, whether it be churches,” Wilson said upon receiving the governor’s Medal of Courage. “You have to be prepared for what will come out in front of you at any time.”

The church also purchased a security system, surveillance

Jack Wilson

cameras, and other technologies for the facility. Church secretary Darla Gladden, who trained with Wilson and was also present during the shooting, says Wilson was a great mentor.

The two practiced shooting from every angle, including while sitting in a chair because Wilson wanted to ensure Gladden was trained to protect herself at any given time.

“He thought of so many aspects and was so caring,” Gladden says. “With me being the secretary, he wanted to make sure that I was comfortable and capable if I needed to be.”

Both Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick credited the lives saved by Wilson to the team’s diligence in preparing for such a tragedy.

“The heroism today is unparalleled,” Patrick said in a news conference. “This team responded quickly, and within seconds, the shooting was over.”

Many other state officials and gun rights advocates used the shooting to leverage their stance on accessible guns.

states, indicates that it was illegal for him to own — or even possess — a firearm.

“No one should have to worry about gun violence, in church least of all — but thanks to our weak gun laws, we have to,” says Kathryn Vargas, volunteer with the Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action.

Wilson shared, during his interview, a conversation he had with law enforcement the day of the shooting. He says they pondered on how Kinnunen obtained a gun so easily given his past record.

“I don’t feel like I killed a human. I killed an evil. That’s how I coped with the situation even that night.” – Jack Wilson on killing Keith Thomas Kinnunen

“One shot, 15 yards, to the head, less than three seconds in response,” Lieutenant Colonel Allen West wrote in a Facebook post when he and Wilson met at the Texas State Rifle Association about two months after the tragedy. “That’s what a well-trained, law-abiding, legal gun owner calls gun control.”

But on the other side of the political pendulum, gun reformists, including a journalist at the Arizon Republica, pushed back against the loose regulations they believed were the cause of the tragedy.

An opinion piece by Elvia Diaz — which received backlash from many — criticized gun advocates for using Wilson’s “split-second heroism” as, what she described, a “PR tool.”

“The reality of Wilson’s heroism is a lot more complex,” she wrote. “He wasn’t just an ordinary parishioner, as gun advocates may want you to believe. The church’s volunteer security team member is a firearms instructor, gun range owner, and former reserve deputy with a local sheriff’s department. In other words, he’s exactly the kind of man you want around with a firearm. But we know nothing about the at least six other parishioners who also appeared to draw their handguns at West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, Texas.

“And that’s terrifying,” she continued.

Other anti-gun advocates spoke against the fact that Kinnunen — who had a history of drug abuse and mental illness — could so easily obtain the firearm in the first place.

Court documents show Kinnunen had a lengthy history of run-ins with law enforcement. He was arrested, years prior in 2012, in Oklahoma, where he was accused of setting a cotton field on fire by soaking tampons in lamp oil and lighting them. During that same year, his former wife, Cindy Glasgow-Voegle, sought a protective order against him.

Court documents state that she told state officials Kinnunen had shown up with no money or car but wanted to see their son, whom she alleged was terrified of his father. She reported him to have been violent and “paranoid.” He even went on a hunger strike because he thought he was being poisoned and attacked fellow inmates while in custody.

Kinnunen’s troubling history, with a criminal record in several

“I told them, ‘Well, let me explain something to you, sir. I can walk out the front door, go down Las Vegas Trail under I-30, and I’ll be back in an hour with at least one gun,’” Wilson recalls of the conversation. “And I said, ‘There’s no gun shops over there. But if I wanted to get a gun, I can get it. There’s always gun issues over there.’”

The closest gun shop — at the time called Elk Castle but now Intrepid Shooting Sports — is less than half a mile from the church on the I-30 service road.

But state gun laws have continued to become even less restricting since the tragedy.

During the most recent legislative session, Texas lawmakers passed several open carry and permitless carry laws.

“Regardless of the dangerous permitless carry bill that our lawmakers recklessly passed this past session, it’s still on every responsible gun owner to make sure that they’re properly trained, because more guns in less-trained hands puts us all in danger,” gun reform advocate Vargas says.

A lot has happened in the two years since the shooting at West Freeway Church of Christ.

Just a couple months after the incident — while the church, friends, and family members were still mourning the loss of Wallace and White — COVID-19 would make its way stateside. Racial unrest would ensue months later, and economic turmoil has seemed ever-present.

If ever there was a test of faith, members of the West Freeway Church of Christ have undoubtedly been administered it.

Despite a series of troubling circumstances, many would return after a months-long separation and find their memory-filled sanctuary anew late last summer.

Fresh carpet laid across the stage that became a familiar image around the nation. New blue-cushioned pews replaced those tainted by tragedy. Reconfigured walls and lowered ceilings concealed the deep hurt felt by the entire community.

Congregants would see the sanctuary they once associated with evil now adorned with strength.

They would embrace the words of an old hymnal they sang in unison as they held hands during the candlelight vigil early in their mourning.

And they would remember the message uttered by their minister, Britt Farmer, just hours after tragedy struck: “Sometimes evil overcomes good, but we’re not going to let evil win.”

An Eye on the Past

A lynching that occurred 100 years ago is forcing a city to reckon with its past while providing hope for its future.

BY BRIAN KENDALL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY OLAF GROWALD

Fred Rouse III at the site where a mob lynched his grandfather 100 years ago.

At the southeast corner of Samuels Avenue and 12th Street, only 1 mile from the Stockyards, rests a small patch of land that butts up to the painted red wall of a local window-cleaning company. Treeless, the grass is mowed regularly but has the typical overgrowth of your everyday, innocuous vacant lot. Before the Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice acquired the land, it served as a spot for its previous owners to set aside shipping containers and park unused utility vehicles. It wasn’t anything unsightly, but nothing that would grab your attention, either. At least, if you didn’t know its history as being the spot where, 100 years ago, Fred Rouse was shot eight times, stabbed, beaten, and lynched on a hackberry tree. Today, the lot is empty.

Fred Rouse III, Rouse’s grandson, examines the plot of land — which will soon become the Mr. Fred Rouse Memorial — with an undeniably pensive look; he stands just a few feet from where the hackberry tree once stood. Rouse III carries a sturdy disposition — he doesn’t stutter and is clearly steadfast in his beliefs — and, according to accounts, isn’t built too dissimilarly from his grandfather — strong and stout. It was less than two years ago that Rouse III learned of his grandfather’s horrific fate, and the story continues to jar and confuse him. Despite never meeting his grandfather and never hearing the typical tall tales of his forebears, Rouse’s lynching felt fresh and personal because he now understood how it has affected him. How it affected his father. And how it affected his entire family. Speaking with him, it’s clear he continues to ruminate on the lynching. It’s as if he became close to and started to know a grandfather whom he had never met and understood he never will meet. “I felt disbelief that somebody could treat another human like that,” Rouse III says. “He was shot eight times. He was stabbed. He was beat. He was hung from a tree. He had small kids at home. My dad was 5 or 6 months old when this happened, so he grew up never knowing his dad.”

Rouse III, 46 at the time, was watching the Miami Heat play the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2020 NBA Finals when he got a call from an old college friend who said he spoke with some people who’d been trying to reach him concerning his genealogy. After relaying his number through his friend, he quickly received a call. This is how he found out about his grandfather.

Only because of the three that suffixed his name was he even aware that his grandfather existed. And, within the span of a brief phone call, was told that he was lynched by a mob in 1921.

When Fred Rouse III was young, before our memories typically kick in, his parents got a divorce. He moved to East Texas, in Corrigan, and was raised by his great-grandmother. His biological father, Fred Rouse Jr., whom Rouse III saw only intermittently and lived in Houston, died when Rouse III was only 12.

Rouse III says that his father grew up angry. He grew up hating White people. On Oct. 9, 2002, Tim Madigan for the Star-Telegram wrote a feature story on the lynching, which included an interview with Rouse Jr.’s cousin, Robert Rouse.

“Bitterness poured from Fred Rouse Jr. then, venom that never seemed to abate, to the point that relatives eventually tried to persuade him to forgive, if not forget,”

Madigan wrote. “But the son of Fort Worth’s last lynching victim would not hear of it. He hated White people for what they did to his father, hated them until the day in the spring of 1986 when Fred Rouse Jr. died.”

When his father married his mom, Rouse Jr. was 20 years her senior and, according to Rouse III, his father was so pained by his father’s lynching that he never told his wife.

“He just couldn’t talk about it,” Rouse III says. “It just took control of his life. I think that, that’s what happens in a lot of African-American communities when you have people, fathers, sons, mothers, daughters killed and raped and hung and stabbed in such a brutal way, it causes a generation of a race of people to hate a generation of another race of people.”

Rouse III went through high school, college — he graduated from Texas Tech — then came to Dallas and started a job at Texas Instruments right after college. Today, Rouse III is an executive board member of the Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice and has become an active and engaging voice in the fight for equality and justice.

“Righting the wrongs of the past is definitely one of the reasons why I’m at the forefront,” Rouse III says. “Someone isn’t going to kill our relatives, kill our

people, or humans in general, and just push it under the rug, because then they win.

“But when you have to face the wrongs that were done, that’s when change happens because hearing it and seeing it stings. And when it stings, you have to move because you don’t want it to sting anymore. I think that’s the fastest way you get to racial equality.”

Just a month prior to receiving the phone call informing him of his grandfather, Rouse had lost his mother to COVID-19. As he put it, it was an emotional roller coaster. But learning more about his family, even the gruesome details, also brought them closer together.

“In October [2020], I got a chance to meet some relatives here in Fort Worth

that I never knew ever existed,” Rouse III says. “So out of the tragic news about my grandfather, there was some good news that came out of it.

“I’m thankful for everything that’s occurred in the past several months,” Rouse III says. “Because it not only enabled me to learn my family’s history, but it also brought me together with relatives that I never knew. It brought families together.”

Most accounts of everything that occurred during the cold late-night hours on Dec. 11, 1921, begin with Rouse shooting Tom and Tracy Maclin during a picket-line fracas that occurred outside the meatpacking plant where Rouse worked. But, according to Adam McKinney, president of the Tarrant County Coalition of Peace

and Justice, this is not why Fred Rouse was murdered. Fred Rouse was murdered because he was Black.

In the days following the lynching, local newspapers identified Rouse as “Fred Rouse, Negro” and ignored any other details about his life — the fact that he was a husband and a father to three children or the fact that he worked tirelessly at the Swift meatpacking plant in what was then Niles City to provide for his family.

Like so many, Rouse moved his family to the area from East Texas in search for a better life. Wages in the area were lofty, and the Swift meatpacking plant was offering a steady paycheck. And it was this paycheck that spurred his willingness to walk to work on Dec. 6,

Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice. From left to right: Rev. Sandi Michels; Dr. Bradley Borougerdi; Daniel Banks; Stephanie Hawkins; James Gray; Austin Allen with Design Jones;

President of Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice, Adam McKinney, and Fred Rouse III

1921, with a pistol in his belt — crossing a picket line full of union workers. He was a strikebreaker. He was defiant. He was walking to and from work in support of what he felt was right.

“Because Mr. Fred Rouse resisted as a Black person, he was murdered,” McKinney says. “Because Mr. Fred Rouse spoke up, he was murdered. Because Mr. Fred Rouse fought back, he was murdered.”

After he shot Tom and Tracy in selfdefense (no charges were ever filed against Rouse), Rouse was beaten, stomped, stabbed, and left for dead. He received a skull fracture that day and would be transported to the City-County Hospital on East Fourth and Jones streets, the same hospital where the Maclin brothers would fully recover from their wounds. Five days later, on Dec. 11, a mob of 20 men wielding weapons received little resistance when abducting Rouse from the hospital.

The men pushed him into one of several sedans that would caravan down Jones Street to a hackberry tree on Samuels Avenue. A short time later, Rouse, barefoot and in his hospital gown, was hanging from one of its limbs with members of the mob continuing to fire bullets into his body.

“to encourage goodwill toward men come Christmas.”

Speak to any Fort Worthian about the lynching of Fred Rouse, and it’s clear the narrative has remained one of the city’s most unnerving and powerful stories. And it’s a story that’s yet to be finished. The continued effect on all communities to demand positive change and the conversations it’s started have given Fred Rouse a new life.

“You have so many people in the communities now, and not just Black people, not just African Americans fighting for equality,” Rouse III says. “You have White people, Hispanic, everybody is fighting for equality. It’s a good thing because we’re all coming together now and saying, ‘Hey, you know what? This is wrong. This is wrong. This is wrong.’”

“I think the more we tell the truth and accept the truth, the more easily we can walk the path that is now illuminated for us.”

– Adam McKinney, president of Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice

According to a story published in The Fort Worth Press the day after the lynching, law enforcement was as much to blame as the mob itself. In February of the following year, three men were charged in the murder of Fred Rouse, including two Niles City police officers. None were indicted.

Four days after Rouse’s lifeless body hung from one of its limbs, the property’s owner, A.S. Dingee, ordered the tree be chopped down. One year prior, Tom Vickery, who had killed a police officer, was lynched on the same hackberry tree, which became known as Hangman’s Tree. While reports vary on why Dingee removed the tree, it’s often said she did so

As Rouse III and McKinney so eloquently told us, acts of racism have a generational effect.

“It’s important to know what happened to understand why we’re seeing the results of many generations of trauma be enacted in our communities, in our neighborhoods, in our families, on our bodies,” McKinney says. But, if we acknowledge and learn from history, humanity should improve with every generation.

“I think the more we tell the truth and accept the truth, the more easily we can walk the path that is now illuminated for us,” McKinney says.

With at least an eye maintaining focus on injustices and inequalities that still exist, it’s important to examine the good being done and steps being taken to rectify the city’s past. Fort Worth is full of earnest, passionate people who are beginning conversations that, decades ago, were never being had.

“We’re all trying to be more intentional about finding our way through conversations about race and the realities of systemic racism and the experiences of people of color in our community,” Sara Geer of the Rainwater Foundation

says. “And I think we’re looking for opportunities for philanthropy to work on behalf of those who have been disenfranchised over time.”

Numerous organizations, including the Rainwater Foundation, Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice, and DNAWorks, are engaging the community in conversations about race. And Fort Worth is listening.

“The apathy or complacency is an old narrative that does not pertain to us now,” McKinney says.

The Lynching Tour, an interactive tour via bicycle or car hosted by DNAWorks that takes guests through the events of Dec. 11, 1921, has been a big success with dates continuing in 2022. That same group is teaming with others in the community to purchase 1012 North Main St. — colloquially known as the old KKK building — and transform it into the Fred Rouse Center and Museum for Arts and Community Healing.

The Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice, for whom Rouse III is an executive member, recently purchased the vacant lot on Samuels Avenue and 12th Street where Fred Rouse was lynched and will be creating the Mr. Fred Rouse Memorial. While it might be easiest to simply erect a historical marker, the group plans on making the area more than a brief educational point for passersby. While plans have not yet been divulged, the TCCPJ is partnering with landscape architect Design Jones to bring an engaging experience that will honor the memory of Rouse.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the lynching of Rouse, the TCCPJ will be coordinating a Memorial March for Justice on Friday, Dec. 10, at 4 p.m. in downtown Fort Worth. The following day, Texas Heritage Trails will unveil a historical marker at the Maddox-Muse Center, which was once the City-County Hospital where a mob abducted Rouse. Then, at 1 p.m. a groundbreaking ceremony will take place for the Mr. Fred Rouse Memorial at 1000 NE 12th St., where the hackberry tree once stood.

“That we have an opportunity to change the now and the future,” McKinney says. “And I’m hopeful.”

Heart of Gold Luncheon

Attendees of the Arts Council’s 2021 Heart of Gold Luncheon celebrated the extraordinary impact of Bill and Pam Campbell on the arts of Fort Worth at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center. For nine years, the Heart of Gold awards have honored those who make the performing and visual arts in Fort Worth a quintessential part of this city’s identity.

Clifton Crofford, Pam & Bill Campbell

Kris Lindsay, Ginny Tigue

Angelo & Julie Otero

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL ASBILL, ARTS COUNCIL OF FORT WORTH

Elizabeth Beck, Carlos Flores

Debutantes (from clockwise starting with 12:00) Lauren

Officers (L to R):

Steeplechase Club

Debutantes

The Steeplechase Club presented its 2020 and 2021 debutantes at its annual ball on Oct. 30 at River Crest Country Club. This year’s theme was pop art. Decorations featured Piet Mondrian panels and a raised cocktail bar as well as roaming Mondrian live models. Roy Lichtenstein cartoons were well represented as well as a special room featuring the 12 debutantes as Andy Warhol prints. For the Steeplechase president, George Marshall Young III, art has always been a significant part of his legacy, beginning with his grandfather and then his father. This 104th Steeplechase Ball conveyed that this tradition for art appreciation continues for yet another generation.

Cares for Kids Luncheon

Caring members of the Fort Worth community attended the Texans Can Academies – Fort Worth Cares for Kids

Luncheon honoring Larry and Karen Anfin for years of distinguished leadership and service to the community’s most vulnerable youth. The luncheon supported careereducation programming that is helping to empower young lives to find bright, promising futures.

Cheryl Van Zandt, Debby Brown

Dr. Rachel and Carlo Capua

Gloria Starling, Karen & Larry Anfin, Charlie Powell

Brenda Matamoros-Beveridge, Deborah Ferguson

The Assembly Debutantes

The 105th Annual Ball of The Assembly was held at Ridglea Country Club Saturday, Nov. 6. Nine Assembly Debutantes from 2020 and 2021 were presented. The James Davis Orchestra and InTenCity Band provided entertainment.

2020-21 Debutantes: (front row) Lauris Hillard, Ashley Moncrief, Christina Kelly, Adelaide Kelly, (back row) Alexandra Galloway, Georgia Smith, Anna Caroline Turner, Carlotta Murrin, Kirsten Pruitt

GENERATIONS OF EXPERIENCE

RECOGNITION

Our attorneys are consistently recognized year after year for the quality services they provide, including Top Attorneys, Fort Worth Magazine; Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters; Top Attorneys, 360 West Magazine; Power Attorneys, Fort Worth Business Press, and 40 under 40, Fort Worth Business Press

PRACTICE AREAS

Banking & Finance, Business & Corporate, Commercial Litigation, Construction, Estate Planning & Probate, Intellectual Property, Labor & Employment, Mediation, Mergers & Acquisitions, Oil & Gas, Real Estate & Real Estate Litigation

From left to right: Janet Hahn, Philip Spencer, Adam Fulkerson, Randy Hall, Charles Milliken, Brian Yost, Timothy Malone, James Stripling, Mark Dugan, Michael Goodrich

As a full-service law firm headquartered in Fort Worth, Decker Jones proudly serves clients throughout North Texas with business and personal interests across the U.S for more than 125 years. The firm believes in a one-on-one approach, with every client having a single point of contact supported by a network of attorneys working together. Decker Jones applies creative solutions to complex legal issues. In doing so, they help their clients achieve long-term goals while addressing immediate legal needs and seizing business opportunities.

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From left to right: Daniel Bates, Gary Moates, Vianei Braun, Anthony Cuesta, Jacob Tucker, Bradley Rice, Eamonn Wiles, Raymond Kelly, III

2021 Top Attorneys

While it’s true that legal advice is best left to the pros, you also want to make sure the pro you have in your corner is up to the task. To ensure you have the best representation, we recommend starting here with Fort Worth Magazine’s 2021 Top Attorneys, our annual listing of the best lawyers in town, as voted for by their peers.

This year, 666 lawyers made the list, categorized by specialty and whether they’ve been in practice for more or less than five years.

How we did it: Earlier this year, we asked local attorneys to submit nominations via our website, fwtx.com. The magazine applied a minimum number of votes it took to make the list, giving bonus weight to lawyers who made the list any of the prior three years. We then asked a panel of highly regarded lawyers in the area to review the list prior to publication and make recommendations on other lawyers who should be on the list, and even ones who should come off for any reason. With this input, we finalized the 2021 Top Attorneys list. By including a lawyer on these lists, the magazine does not recommend or endorse his or her service. Lawyers licensed as of December 2016 are considered to have more than five years in practice for this list.

MORE THAN FIVE YEARS IN PRACTICE

ADMINISTRATIVE

Virginia Carter

Katrina Washington

ADOPTION

Eric Freeby

Kellye Hughes

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

John Brookman

John Allen Chalk

Christian Dennie

Trey Gordon

Randy Hall

Kight Higgins

Joseph Horn

Roland Johnson

Beth Krugler

Wade McMullen

Diego Pena

David Seidler

Len Wade

APPELLATE

Adam Arrington

Marianne Auld

Mary Barkley

Russell Barton

John Cayce

Joe Greenhill

Thomas Harkins

Steven Hayes

David Johnson

David Keltner

Chris Knight

Scott Lindsey

Thomas Michel

Karen S. Precella

Brittani Rollen

Brent Shellhorse

Matthew Staton

Shelby White

AVIATION

Jonathan Harrison

John Proctor

Dan Vela

BANKING

Brandon Hill

Daniel Lowry

Matthew Luensmann

Bruce McGee

Trey Penny

Dan Settle

BANKRUPTCY

John Bonds

John Corbin

Bobby Forshey

Mark French

Kat Hopkins

Michael McConnell

Mark Petrocchi

Stephen Pezanosky

Lauren Powell

David Pritchard

Jeff Prostok

Brad Scalise

Sharon Sherman

Robert Simon

Lindsay Steele

Clay Taylor

Shelly Terrill

Behrooz Vida

BUSINESS/ COMMERCIAL

Geffrey Anderson

Katie Anderson

5,555

Total number of active attorneys in Tarrant County

Source: State Bar of Texas

Brian Barnard

Michael Bourland

Chad Cacciotti

Mark Dugan

Adam Fulkerson

James Gordon

Marshall Jacobini

Andrew Norman

Olyn Poole

Thomas Ryder

CIVIL LAW & LITIGATION

Daniel Aguilar

Chad Arnette

Brandy Austin

Lars Berg

Greg Blaies

John Brender

Kirk Bryant

Caleb Bulls

William Campbell

Derek Carson

Christopher Collins

Hugh Connor

Anneke Cronje

Anthony Cuesta

Kelly Curnutt

Dwain Dent

Russell Devenport

Brad Dowell

David Drez

Ralph Duggins

Rebecca Eaton

Jacob Fain

Austin Franklin

Sharon Fulgham

Doug Hafer

Michael Hassett

Barry Hasten

Albon Head

Don Herrmann

Tim Hoch

Emily Hollenbeck

Bruce James

Dee J. Kelly Jr.

Koy Killen

Jeff Kinsel Jr.

William R. “Butch” Korb

Jeff Lacy

John Lively, Jr.

Jennefer Lowe

Justin Malone

Brant Martin

Matt McLain

Jerold Mitchell

Caleb Moore

George Muckleroy

Preston Mundt

Jennifer Munoz

Chris Neal

Brian Newby

Jay Newton

Eric Nickols

Charles Noteboom

Shane O’Dell

Troy Okruhlik

Andrea Paris

Schyler Parker

Michael Peck

Alex Pelley

Tony Pettitt

Scot Pierce

Chris Pruitt

Guy H. Riddle

Jerrod Rinehart

Leslie Robnett

Roland Schafer

Marshall Searcy

Morris Sheats

Patrick Sheridan

Dwayne Smith

Joakim Soederbaum

Mack Ed Swindle

Stephen Taylor

Jeffrey Tillman

Joe Tolbert

Kelli Walter

Brittany Weaver

Scott Wiehle

Jay Wieser

Eamonn Wiles

Thomas Williams

Shauna Wright

Mahan Wright

CIVIL

LAW, TRANSACTIONAL

Ola Campbell

Kathryn McGlinchey

COMMERCIAL

LITIGATION

Ali Allman

Dan Bates

Jacob Boyd

Christian Ellis

Zac Farrar

Chad Fillmore

Michael Forman

Toby Galloway

Jeff Gilmore

Tim Howell

William Jenkins, Jr.

Punam Kaji

Matthias Kleinsasser

Kelly Knotts

Jamie Lacy

Hunter McLean

Daniel Luke McMahan

Marcus Mungioli

David Palmer

Adam Plumbley

Fredrick “Fritz” Quast

Joseph Regan

Jim Scott

Andy Sims

Ryan Valdez

Bill Warren

CONSTRUCTION

Richard DeBerry

Luis Galindo

Stephanie Harrison

Stephen Harrison

Cara Kennemer

Andrew Piel

Zak Presley

Brad Rice

Kyle Wortham

CORPORATE

COUNSEL

Seth Burt

Clinton Dennis

Lindsay Hubbell

Andrew Lombardi

Robert “Bobby” Masterson

Andrea Palmer

Michael “Chad” Parsons

Brian Restivo

Ricky Torlincasi

Craig Woodcook

CORPORATE

FINANCE/MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Paul Bradford

David Cook

Kent Durham

Gavin Fearey

Charles Florsheim

William Greenhill

Janet Hahn

Justin Hoover

Kris Landrith

Veronica Law

Charles Milliken

Vernon Rew

Stephen Westermann

CRIMINAL

Chad Allman

Sherry Armstrong

Collin Ashworth

Brandon Barnett

County

Source: State Bar of Texas

Bruce Beasley

Lanny Begley

William Biggs

Blake Burns

Kara Carreras

Bradley Clark

MarQuetta Clayton

Cody Cofer

Mimi Coffey

Dan Collins

Craig Dameron

Mark Daniel

Nick Davis

Leigh Davis

Clemente De La Cruz

Andrew Deegan

Brian Eppes

Lance Evans

Dawn Ferguson

Taylor Ferguson

Brandon Fulgham

Steve Gebhardt

Cami Gildner

Ashley Gilmore

Brock Groom

Lisa Haines

Phillip Hall

Randi Hartin

Daniel Hernandez

Lisa Herrick

Bryan Hoeller

Jeff Hoover

Jason Howard

Robert Huseman

Christy Jack

Harold V. Johnson

Jeff Kearney

Tracie Kenan

Jeff Kennedy

Kim Knapp

William Knight

Emily LaChance

Chris Lankford

Pia Lederman

Violent crimes in Tarrant County increased

by 18% — or 1,666 cases — from 2019 to 2020

Trent Loftin

Landon Loker

James Luster

Letty Martinez

Chelsi McLarty

Gary Medlin

Courtney Miller

Blakely Mohr

Thomas Murphree

Brian Newman

Graham Norris

Dinah O’Neal

Shawn Paschall

Andy Platt

Brian Poe

Albert Roberts

Tim Rodgers

Jordan Rolfe

John Ross

Micheal Schneider

Harmony Schuerman

Jonathan Simpson

Justin Sparks

Ty Stimpson

Anna Summersett

Samuel Terry

Dorys Tijerina

Dustin Trammel

Lindsay Truly

Benson Varghese

Kyle Whitaker

Harry White

Luke Williams

Bryan Wilson

Fiona Worthy

Bethel Zehaie

EDUCATION/

Source: State Bar of Texas

SCHOOL LAW

Janet Bubert

Sarah Flournoy

Thomas Myers

Lynn Rossi Scott

Matthew Wallis

James Whitton

ELDER LAW

Monica Benson

Antoinette Bone

James Davidson

Kelcie Hibbs

Charles Kennedy

Dana Zachry

FAMILY

Bryan Abercrombie

Laura Alexander

Katherine Allen

Alexis Allen

Andrew Anderson

Devin AuClair

Bryan Ballew

Elizabeth Barr

Leslie Barrows

Stephanie Beamer

Kathleen Berry

Francesca Blackard

Kristen Carr

Nicole Carroll

Mark Childress

J. Kevin Clark

Mark Cochran

Theresa Copeland

Ali Crocker Russell

Anita Cutrer

Lori Dally

Rachel Dalton

Paul Daly

Kelly Decker

Lauren Duffer

Robert Epstein

Rashelle Fetty

Stephanie Foster

Jane Fowler

Bodie Freeman

Aulstin Gardiner

Crystal Gayden

Kayla Gertch

A nderson & Riddle, LLP A RESPECTED TEAM

Geffrey Anderson and Guy Riddle work to achieve goals for clients of all sizes, from individuals to major corporations. Anderson and Riddle lead the firm of Anderson & Riddle, LLP, a civil trial and appellate firm with its office in Fort Worth The firm’s attorneys represent clients in Texas and other states. The honors bestowed on the members of the firm by their peers in the Texas Lawyer, and other publications, reflect the firm’s depth of talent. The fact that other clients confirm the firm’s reputation for excellent work. The firm’s straightforward approach to litigation produces results, and the lawyers’ collegiality and professionalism allow for quick resolution of most cases. If an agreement cannot be reached, each lawyer maintains the courage to perform under fire and thoroughly present the dispute to the jury. This combination of common sense and talent sets the firm apart.

Geffrey W. “Geff” Anderson selected to 2010-2021 Super Lawyers; 2005, 2008 Rising Stars; Top Attorney in Fort Worth, Fort Worth Magazine (2012-2021); Guy H. Riddle selected to 2011-2021 Super Lawyers; 2010 Rising Stars; Top Attorney in Fort Worth, Fort Worth Magazine (2003, 2010-2021); Jonathan W. “Jon” Harrison selected to 2021 Super Lawyers; 2012-2020 Rising Stars; Top Attorney in Fort Worth, Fort Worth Magazine (2021); Trey Gordon Toper Attorney in Fort Worth, Fort Worth Magazine (2021).

Standing (L to R): Jonathan W. “Jon” Harrison, James S. “Jim” Kiser, Guy H. Riddle, Geffrey W. “Geff” Anderson, Trey Gordon, John Gunter Barber Seated (L to R); Shannon Dugan, Kristin Newman, Amber Hernandez

Left to Right (Page 1, Standing Up): R. Matt Thompson; Shelli A. Harveson; S. Kyle Voss; Jessica L. Francis; Randal L. Dean Left to Right (Page 1, Sitting Down): Eric C. Freeby; Tristan L. Watson; Chandler O. Olson; Christopher T. Nezworski Left to Right (Page 2, Standing Up): Christopher J. Pruitt; Michael L. Forman; Alyssa A. Jacobs; Andrew

Wambsganss; R. Mark Oliver Left to Right (Page 2, Sitting Down): Misty M. Pratt; Daniel J. Paret; Michael J. Moore; Zachary S. Cate

Wade Griffin

Vicki Hafer

Courtney Harbaugh

Walker

Trey Harris

Laura Hatton

Nathan Hatton

Tom Hill

Robert Hoover

Lisa Hoppes

Jessica Janicek

Karmen Johnson

Jeff Johnson

Jill Johnston

Kevin Jones

Tracey Justice

David Kelley

Heather King

David Kulesz

Ashley Lovine

Brenna Loyd

Sean Lynch

Dana Manry

Ken McAlister

Kelly McClure

Brent McMullen

Zena McNulty

Constance Mims

Jason Nash

Kimberly Naylor

Stephen Naylor

Lyndsay Newell

Chris Nickelson

Gary Nickelson

Spencer Nilsson

Jessica Phillips

Alison Porterfield

Dick Price

Shannon Pritchard

Danielle Reagan

Sarah Robbins

Stephanie Sabelhaus

Samuel Sanchez

Kevin Schmid

Sarah Seltzer

Justin Sisemore

Donna Smiedt

Susan Smith

Kate Smith

Lori Spearman

Keith Spencer

Melissa Swan

Carrie Tapia

Chrissy Tefera

Anna Teller

Donald Teller

Chris Tolbert

Whitney Vaughan

Tom Vick

Diane Wanger

Dana White

Pamela Wilder

Drew Williamson

Dena Wilson

Samantha Wommack

HEALTH

Jordan Parker

IMMIGRATION

Francisco Hernanadez

Edwardo Meza

Jason Mills

Margarita Morton

Melissa Wilks

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Decker Cammack

Joseph F. Cleveland, Jr.

J. Heath Coffman

Clark Cowley

Scott Fredricks

Dave Gunter

Lee Hunt

Cheryl Leb

Enrique Sanchez

Richard Schwartz

Homicides increased by 22% from 2019 to 2020

Source: State Bar of Texas

David Skeels

Jon Suder

Brian Yost

LABOR & EMPLOYMENTEMPLOYEE

Susan Hutchison

Chris Medlenka

Jason Smith

Rod Tanner

LABOR & EMPLOYMENTEMPLOYER

Antonio Allen

Tom Brandon

Vianei Braun

Russell Cawyer

Lindsey Harmon

Caroline Harrison

Cynthia Hill

Michael Hutchens

Claudine Jackson

Danielle Needham

Hannah Parks

Lu Pham

Julie Ross

Jay Rutherford

Jennifer Sweeny

Jim Zadeh

LAND USE & ENVIRONMENT

Sarah Fullenwider

J. Ray Oujesky

MEDICAL MALPRACTICEDEFENSE

Bruce Moon

Sunny Smith

MEDICAL MALPRACTICEPLAINTIFF

Darrell Keith

Whitaker Chalk congratulates our 16 Top Attorneys who practice in our Intellectual Property group.

Thomas Brandon BL | J. Kirk Bryant | Decker Cammack ⨁ BL SL | John Allen Chalk BL SL

Clark Cowley | Tave Parker Doty RS | Rebecca Eaton | Charles Gunter ⨁ SL

Thomas Harkins | Hunter McLean BL SL | Stephen Mosher ⨁ | Rick Sanchez ⨁ RS

Rocky Schwartz ⨁ BL SL | Brent Shellhorse | David Skeels SL | Mack Ed Swindle BL SL

Intellectual Property is just one of our strengths.

Whitaker Chalk also congratulates our other 2021 Top Attorneys

Prichard Bevis | Jake Boyd | John Fahy | Tim Harvard | Michael Hutchens

Bruce James | Michael Kaitcer BL SL | Bruce McGee | Scot Pierce | Vernon Rew

Robert Simon BL SL | Brian Smith | Melinda Smith | Robert West SL | Wayne Whitaker SL

MOVING VIOLATIONS

Andrew Hawkins

Justin T. Holt

Chance Smith

Sommer Walker

Bonnie Wolf

NONPROFIT LAW

Darren Moore

Dana Stayton

OIL & GAS

Prichard Bevis

Kyle Brashier

Bill Bredthauer

Cole Bredthauer

Eric Camp

Colby Crosby

Bob Grable

Raymond Kelly

Jeff King

Timothy Malone

Michael Malone

Mark Matula

Terry McClure

Pat Murphy

Andrew Neal

Roger Neely

Hunter Parrish

Clark Rucker

Bart Rue

Brian Smith

Todd Spake

John Thompson

Thomas Turet

Phil Vickers

Paul Westbrook

Rafael Ylanan

PERSONAL INJURY - DEFENSE

Greg Hargrove

Grant Liser

The top three law schools attended by Tarrant County Attorneys: Texas A&M School of Law, University of Texas, Southern Methodist University

Source: State Bar of Texas

James Watson

James L. Williams

PERSONAL INJURY - PLAINTIFF

Seth Anderson

Mark Anderson

Art Brender

Gene Burkett

Brian Butcher

R. Rieker Carsey

John Cummings

Adam Drawhorn

Christina Fox

Mark Frenkel

Scott Frenkel

David Frisby

Robert Haslam

Robert Henry

Wesley Hightower

James Robert Hudson

Greg Jackson

Kolter Jennings

John Jensen

John Jose

Robert Kisselburgh

Steven Laird

Jesse Lotspeich

Kent McAfee

Rachel Montes

John Nohinek

Brad Parker

Travis Patterson

Victor Rodriguez

Jason Stephens

Christopher Stoy

Mark Sudderth

Tennessee Walker

Roger “Rocky” Walton

Nate Washington

Scott Wert

Ben Westbrook

Coby Wooten

PROBATE, ESTATES, TRUST

Michael Appleman

David Bakutis

Craig Bishop

Marvin Blum

Thomas “Tommy” Boswell

Natalie Brackett

Daniel Cherkassky

B.C. Cornish

Emily Daniell

Matt Davidson

Eric Dean

Levi Dillon

Tena Fox

Stephen Franscini

Robert Gieb

Michael Grover

Beth Hampton

Shelli Harveson

Thomas Henry

Amanda Holliday

Traci Hutton

Lisa Jamieson

Karen Johnson

Michael Kaitcer

Terry Leach

Andrew Lewis

Bob Loudermilk

Jennifer Lovelace

Dan McCarthy

Dyann McCully

Paula Moore

Scott Moseley

Colin Murchison

Katey Powell Stimek

James Ravsten

Rachel Saltsman

Joel Sawyer

Aaron Shutt

Melinda Smith

Dee Steer

Aimee Stone

Michael Sweet

Congratulations to the “Top Attorneys” Listed in Fort Worth Magazine

Winstead’s Fort Worth office is

shares

and

David F. Johnson Managing Shareholder

WINSTEAD – FORT WORTH OFFICE

Jarrod Azopardi

Justin Hoover

Sam Udovich

Anneke Cronje

Brandon Jones

Andrew Rosell

Gavin Fearey

Matthias Kleinsasser

Stephen Taylor

Charlie Florsheim

Kelly Knotts

Beth Thurman

Jamie Lacy

John Turnage

Toby M. Galloway

L to R: Seth McCloskey and Steven C. Laird Both attorneys are Board Certified in Personal Injury Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Board Certified Truck Accident Lawyers

Steve Laird and Seth McCloskey are 2 of only 12 lawyers in Texas to achieve Board Certification in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA).

Steve Laird is the only Tarrant County Personal Injury Lawyer to be recognized as ONE of the Top 100 Super Lawyers* (out of 100,000 Lawyers in the state of Texas) for 15 out of the last 16 years (2005-2013, 2015-2021).

He also maintains the highest AV Rating for lawyers by Martindale-Hubbell and has an AVVO Rating of 10.0; Superb.

*Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers

Leslie Thomas

Laurie Weir

Shawna Young

REAL ESTATE

Neal Adams

Julia Barth

Mark Bishop

Jarrod Cone

Brett Epstein

Martin Garcia

Jay Garrett

Elliot Garsek

Zachary Garsek

Noelle Garsek

Michael Goodrich

Bryon Hammer

Tim Harvard

Alan Hegi

Joel Heydenburk

Jason Jones

Chad Key

Jared King

William Kuhlmann

Lisa Leaton

Patricia Meadows

Sharon Millians

Gary Moates

Mitchell Moses

David Munden

Jennifer Nachtigal

Peter Nguyen

Russell Norment

Sarah Powers

Jeremy Pruett

Jeffrey Rattikin

J. Andrew Rogers

Jennifer Rosell

Grant Sorenson

Rick Sorenson

Kenneth Stogdill

Beth Thurman

J. Jody Walker

Hannah Watkins

Ginger Webber

Robert West

SECURITIES

John Fahy

Michael King

Andrew Rosell

Wayne Whitaker

TAX

Sean Bryan

Brandon Jones

LESS

THAN FIVE YEARS IN PRACTICE

BUSINESS/ COMMERCIAL

Tave Doty

CIVIL LAW & LITIGATION

Cash Barker

David Miles

Grant Moore

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

John Easter

Kate Hancock

Bryan Kelly

John Robinson

CONSTRUCTION

Aaron Cartwright

CORPORATE FINANCE/MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Jarrod Azopardi

Jonathan Heathman

Kayla Matus

CRIMINAL

Francisco Balderrama

Steven Ditommaso

Rebeccah Tejada

FAMILY

Cory Bennett McKenzie Coe

Callie Dodson

Alexis Gebhardt

Desiree Hartwigsen

JaNeen Hopkins

Taryn Horton Konnor Lee

Daniel Morton

Scott Prescher

Hannah Rector

Matt Towson

Ryan Towson

IMMIGRATION

Lisa McBee

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Carder Brooks

LABOR & EMPLOYMENTEMPLOYEE

Jack Walters

LABOR & EMPLOYMENTEMPLOYER

Braden Allman

Spencer Mainka

MOVING VIOLATIONS

Lauren Trimble

NONPROFIT LAW

Harrison Smith

PERSONAL INJURY - PLAINTIFF

Meagan Garcia

Elizabeth Haslam

Travis Heller

Brittanie Johnson

PROBATE, ESTATES, TRUST

Elizabeth Brooks

Tyler Craig

Ellen Dickerson

Beth Edwards

Morgan Parker

REAL ESTATE

Kylie Rahl

Greg Roper

COWTOWN

home of Justin Boots since 1925

Understanding the value of heritage is a belief we don’t take lightly. Fort Worth is our home and has been since 1925. The memories we’ve made and the community we share is what we believe to be the driving force behind this great city we call home. For more than 90 years we have grown with you and will continue to for many years to come.

Thank you, Fort Worth.

Scan to watch our short film and learn more about what makes Justin the Standard of the West.

FOCUS Lawyers

They stand by us through some of life’s more memorable moments. They guide us through everything from an adoption to starting a company. They are some of Greater Fort Worth’s brightest, most-sought-after professionals, and they want to tell you how hiring them will benefit you.

The information in this section is provided by the advertisers and has not been independently verified by Fort Worth Magazine.

FOCUS LAWYERS

Brackett & Ellis, P.C.

SPECIALTY: Brackett & Ellis is a civil practice law firm providing multidisciplined legal services, including Fort Worth’s only combination of legal expertise in intellectual property, public and private education, and international syndicated insurance matters. AWARDS/HONORS: U.S. News & World Report, Best Law Firms: Commercial Litigation, Tier 1-Dallas/Fort Worth; Intellectual Property, Tier 1-Dallas/Fort Worth; Education Law, Tier 1-Dallas/Fort Worth. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS: Providing

top-quality legal services to the Fort Worth community for over 40 years. MISSION: Our mission is to serve our clients with the type of quality legal counsel that we would expect for ourselves, our families, and our friends. Composed of hard-working professionals, dedicated to delivering the best possible outcomes for our clients, our firm believes that by following the Golden Rule of treating others as we would like to be treated, we are able to obtain more robust interpersonal relationships and positive experiences

with our clients. WHAT SETS THEM APART: We advocate for our clients by putting them and their interests first. Our diligent legal professionals are responsive, clear communicators and dedicated to positive results for our clients. PICTURED: (top) Andrew Norman, Jerrod Rinehart, Jim Whitton, Heath Coffman, Tom Myers, Jeffrey Tillman; (bottom) Sarah Flournoy, Russell Norment, Mike Sweet, Joe Tolbert, Lynn Rossi Scott, Joe Cleveland, Veronica Chavez Law, Lee Hunt; (not pictured) Tommy Boswell.

& Ellis, P.C.

817.338.1700 Fax 817.870.2265 belaw.com

Brackett

Law Offices of Mark M. Childress

SPECIALTY: Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody. AWARDS/ HONORS: Top Attorneys; Texas Monthly Super Lawyers - Rising Stars; Expertise Best Divorce Lawyers in Fort Worth. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/ASSOCIATIONS: Tarrant County Bar Association; American Bar Association.

PROFESSIONAL APPROACH: Our team is led by knowledgeable attorneys who are ready to help you identify your goals and create a strategy for achieving them. We are prepared to go the distance to make sure you receive the best

possible outcome for you and your children. WHAT SETS THEM

APART: We are a firm that prepares each case for every possible twist and turn to make sure that we are able to serve our clients’ interests. Whether your case can be settled amicably or it is in your best interest to go to trial, our attorneys will be your strongest advocates every step of the way. PICTURED : Jericka Childress, Sara Brandt, Melissa Mozingo, Sarah Robbins, Amie Wilson, Mark Childress, Laura Richardson, Desiree Hartwigsen, Elizabeth Barr, Konnor Lee.

FOCUS LAWYERS

FOCUS: The firm focuses on personal injury cases resulting from the negligence of commercial vehicles: 18-wheeler, rideshare, delivery, and other company vehicles. We also handle car and motorcycle wrecks and cases involving dangerous/defective drugs and/ or products, such as automotive defects and medical devices. AWARDS/HONORS: Scott Frenkel – Best Lawyers in Dallas, D Magazine, 2002 and 2007-2021; Texas Super Lawyer, a Thomson Reuters publication, 2011-2021; Best Lawyers in Fort Worth, 2017-2020; Million Dollar Advocates Forum & Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum; member, Texas Bar College. Mark Frenkel – Past President, Dallas Trial Lawyers Association; Best Lawyers in Dallas, D Magazine 2009-2021; Texas Super Lawyer, a Thomson Reuters publication, 2014-2018; Million Dollar Advocates Forum & Multi- Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Gene Burkett – Best Lawyers in Dallas, D Magazine, 2015-2021; Best Lawyers in Fort Worth, 2017-2021; Texas Super Lawyer 2020-2021, a Thomson Reuters publication, Million Dollar Advocates Forum & Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum; member, Texas Bar College. Addison Magazine readers voted Frenkel & Frenkel their favorite law firm, 2013-2021. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Creating this firm has helped tens of thousands of individuals in their time of need. Daily, we give our clients the ability to take on any adversary. We will not be outworked, and we have the resources to take on any adversary. WHAT SETS THEM APART: We can handle and fund any size case; employ advanced techniques learned over 25+ years; and stay at the front of technology useful in presenting our clients’ cases. Our experience on the defense side of the docket gives us insight into how the opposition works. APPROACH TO LAW: Clients first; results-oriented. We hold careless and negligent companies and individuals accountable for their actions. Having been practicing in Texas for over a quarter of a century, insurance companies and defense lawyers know we fight vigorously to get our clients what they deserve. MOTTO: Integrity. Safety. Results. FREE ADVICE: If you’ve been in a wreck, call us immediately. The other side is not there to help you. They are there to get your claim settled as inexpensively and quickly as possible. PICTURED: Scott B. Frenkel (Partner), H. Gene Burkett (Partner), and Mark D. Frenkel (Partner). NOT PICTURED: Jason L. Boorstein (Associate), David I. Adest (Associate), Aaron C. Spahr (Associate), Joshua A. Cohen (Associate), Carlos A. Fernandez (Associate), Shawn Thompson (Associate), Brett Baker (Associate), Andrew M. Gross, MD, JD (Of Counsel).

Frenkel & Frenkel

12700 Park Central Drive, Ste. 1900 • Dallas, Texas 75251 817.222.2222 • 214.333.3333 • Fax 214.265.9360 TruckWreck.com

Frenkel & Frenkel

FOCUS LAWYERS

Greg Jackson Law

SPECIALTY: Personal injury (automobile/trucking accidents; medical malpractice; workplace injuries; boating accidents; slips, trips and falls; dog bites; brain injuries; defective products; cycling/ pedestrian injuries; etc.). EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: Baylor University, BBA, 1994; Baylor University School of Law, J.D., 1995; Board Certified, Personal Injury Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2001-present. AWARDS/HONORS: Outstanding Young Lawyer of Tarrant County, 2006; Baylor Young Lawyer of

the Year, 2005; AV Peer Review Rating, 2005-present; Texas Super Lawyer, 2009-2012, 2014-present. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: State Bar of Texas, Tarrant County Bar Association, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Tarrant County Trial Lawyers Association, American Bar Association, Texas Bar Foundation, Tarrant County Bar Foundation. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Board certification after only six years of practice. WHY HE CHOSE THE LEGAL FIELD: I wanted to fight for those unable to fight for

themselves. APPROACH TO LAW: Take care of clients like they are family, fight for their rights to the limit of the law, conduct myself in a professional manner so as to bring honor to the legal profession. FREE ADVICE: Go to the hospital or see your doctor as soon as possible after an injury, even if you think the injury is minor. The injury may turn out to be more serious than you thought. Not seeing a health care provider early can be used against you later in the claims process. PICTURED: Greg Jackson.

Greg Jackson Law

201 Main St., Ste. 600

817.926.1003 Fax 817.886.3653 gjackson@gregjacksonlaw.com gregjacksonlaw.com

Law Office of Gary L. Nickelson

Gary L. Nickelson

Chris Nickelson

CONCENTRATION: The firm is uniquely qualified to handle the most complicated matrimonial cases in trial or appellate courts throughout Texas. CERTIFICATION: Gary L. Nickelson is board-certified in Family Law through the State Bar of Texas. Chris Nickelson is board-certified in Civil Appellate Law through the State Bar of Texas. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: Gary has been the chair of the Family Law Section of the State Bar, president of the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers – both the Texas Chapter and national organization and is a former director of the State Bar of Texas. He is also a diplomate in The American College of Family Trial Lawyers, which is by invitation only and limited to 100 Family Law attorneys nationwide. Chris is past president of the Tarrant County Bar Association, Appellate Section, and is a past chair of the Family Law Council of the State Bar’s Family Law Section. Father and son are frequent authors and lecturers for the State Bar and other organizations. HONORS: Gary holds many prestigious awards and has been named a “Texas Super Lawyer,” a Thomson Reuters business, as published in Texas Monthly magazine since 2003. Chris has been named as “Texas Super Lawyer,” a Thomson Reuters business, in the Super Lawyer issue published in Texas Monthly since 2014. Gary and Chris have won the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas’ highest and most prestigious award, The Dan Price Award, in 2003 and 2013, respectively. EXPERIENCE: Gary has handled family law cases exclusively over 40 years. His experience allows him to handle all types of family law cases throughout Texas. Chris, a 22-year attorney, clerked in El Paso Court of Appeals, appeared as an attorney in many of the appellate courts in Texas, and is an accomplished family and appellate law attorney.

5201 W. Freeway, Ste. 100 Fort Worth, Texas 76107

817.735.4000

Fax 817.735.1480 garynickelson.com

Law Office of Gary L. Nickelson

P. Micheal Schneider Law Firm, P.C.

FIRM FOCUS: Family Law and Criminal Defense. PREFERRED

CASES: High-Conflict Divorce Litigation; Paternity Suits; Custody Fights, including Jury Trials; Family Violence Defense; Sex Crimes Defense. WHAT SETS US APART: We have a comprehensive team of attorneys that not only have experience in procedure, evidence, and trial dynamics, but a reputation within the Tarrant County legal community of practicing with respect for our colleagues and a fierce advocacy for our clients. From the initial client meeting through

final disposition, we bring life experience, legal knowledge, and empathetic determination to navigating clients through what can be a difficult and lengthy process. We understand that communication is key, and we want to make sure that each of our clients feels validated and heard so that they have the best opportunity to achieve a favorable result. FIRM’S MISSION: Win every case. MOTTO: No matter what, go into court and be a tiger! Schneider Law Firm’s team is dedicated to practicing with a “client-driven” approach and

believes that communicating with clients about their options and providing them with objective advice through each difficult decision of the litigation process helps achieve for them their best outcome and one for which they have ownership over their unique situation. Our attorneys are both fierce in the courtroom and compassionate toward clients. PICTURED: (left to right) Callie Dodson, Alison Porterfield, Melissa Swan, Jennifer Liles, P. Micheal Schneider, Jessica Phillips, Emily LaChance, Karen Alexander, and Trenton Marshall.

P. Micheal Schneider Law Firm, P.C.

Fort Worth Office • 400 E. Weatherford St., Ste. 106

Fort Worth, Texas 76102 • 817.850.9955

Arlington Office • 5001 S. Cooper St., Ste 221 Arlington, Texas 76017 • 817.276.6050

Alliance/Keller Office • 5332 N. Tarrant Pkwy. Fort Worth, Texas 76244 • 817.849.2404

TeamSLF.com

FOCUS LAWYERS

Varghese Summersett

Criminal Defense and Family Law

SPECIALTY: Varghese Summersett is a criminal defense and family practice law firm. WHAT SETS THEM APART: All of our senior criminal attorneys are former prosecutors, and four are boardcertified in criminal law, the highest designation an attorney can reach. Collectively, we have more than 120 years of experience and have tried more than 750 cases before state and federal juries. We have more 5-star reviews that any other defense firm in town, for good reason. As nationally recognized trial attorneys, we are

also frequently asked by news organizations to weigh in on local or national stories. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS: Our lawyers have been recognized as top lawyers by numerous publications and organizations. The firm has also been named one of America’s Fastest Growing Companies by Inc. Magazine and the “Best Law Firm” by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. We are committed to giving back to our community: Special needs scholarships, law student mentorships, and local volunteer work

are just a few of the ways we contribute. PROFESSIONAL APPROACH: We recognize your case isn’t just a set of facts; it is about you. Here, you are more than a number; you are part of the team. FREE ADVICE: Other than to your lawyer, don’t talk.

PICTURED: (left to right) Christy Jack, Benson Varghese, Anna Summersett, Julie Lystad, Turner Thornton, Katie Heflin, Bresha Shepherd, Robert Huseman, Mitch Monthie, Taylor Brumbaugh, Alex Thornton, Letty Martinez.

Varghese Summersett

300 Throckmorton St., Ste. 1650

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

817.203.2220 - criminal law versustexas.com 817-900-3220 - family law familytexas.com

FOCUS LAWYERS

SPECIALTY: Serious Personal Injuries and Wrongful Death; Auto and Trucking Accidents; Oil Field Accidents; Product Liability. EDUCATION/ CERTIFICATIONS: John Cummings – UT Austin, South Texas Law; Board-Certified, Personal Injury Trial Law, TBLS and Civil Trial Law, NBTA; licensed in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Seth Anderson – UT Austin, Baylor Law; Board-Certified, Personal Injury Trial Law, TBLS; licensed in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Adam Drawhorn –Auburn, Baylor Law; licensed in Texas. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Fewer than 2% of Texas attorneys are Board-Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law. Seth Anderson and John Cummings are in that 2%. With over 50 years of combined experience representing those who have been harmed, our results in and out of the courtroom have earned the respect of insurance adjusters, opposing counsel, referring colleagues, judges, jurors, and most importantly, our clients. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: With hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements, we have a proven track record of results. In case after case, we have demonstrated why individuals and families turn to us when they seek the compensation they rightfully deserve. FREE ADVICE: Good people don’t choose to be injured, but they can choose the lawyers who represent them in seeking justice. Choose wisely.

Anderson

& Cummings, LLP

John M. Cumming, Seth M. Anderson, and B. Adam Drawhorn

Anderson & Cummings, LLP

4200 West Vickery Blvd. Fort Worth, Texas 76107

817.920.9000

Fax 817.920.9016

anderson-cummings.com

sharon@anderson-cummings.com

FOCUS LAWYERS

SPECIALTY: Family Law and Criminal Law. AWARDS/HONORS: Fort Worth Magazine’s Top Attorney’s Top Lawyer for Criminal Defense and DWI Defense. MEMBERSHIPS/ AFFILIATIONS: Member of the State Bar and American Bar Association, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Tarrant County Family Bar Association, Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS: Attorney Laura Zachariah is the co-author of the published legal manual Texas Drunk Driving Law. PROFESSIONAL APPROACH: When dealing with a divorce, your children, or your freedom, we think it’s important to find a law firm that truly cares about you and your story. At the Law Office of Lauren L. Boysen, you aren’t just another name on a list. Your story matters. When you trust us to take on your case and you become a part of our team, you’re not just another case for us ... you matter. Our attention to detail and hands-on approach are what helps make this firm so effective in getting the best results possible. PICTURED: (front) Laura Zachariah and Lauren Boysen, Attorneys; (back) Ana Rangel, Alejandra Gonsales, and Cindy Calzada.

Law Office of Lauren L. Boysen, PLLC 1008 Macon St. • Fort Worth, Texas 76102 817.768.6468 • Fax 817.900.9137

lawofficelaurenboysen.com

The Brender Law Firm

John Brender and Art Brender

SPECIALTY: Personal injury and criminal law. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: John Brender – B.A., University of Texas; J.D., Baylor University School of Law; former Felony Prosecutor. Art Brender – B.A. and J.D., University of Texas; Board Certified, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Personal Injury Trial Law. AWARDS/HONORS: John Brender is a highly successful attorney in the DFW area. John’s reputation for courtroom excellence across the metroplex has led to him being chosen as a “Top Attorney” by Fort Worth Magazine in 2009-2021 and named by Texas Monthly magazine a “Rising Star” in 2009 and a “Super Lawyer” in 2018-2021. While working with Art, John handled a variety of cases ranging from personal injury lawsuits to first-degree felonies. John was an Assistant Dallas District Attorney for six years where he handled misdemeanors and felonies. Due to this vast experience, John is skilled in personal injury law and criminal law litigation. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Since 1973, Art Brender and John Brender have successfully represented, tried, and won hundreds of cases in Fort Worth, Tarrant and surrounding counties involving personal injury, car and truck wrecks, jail injury, products liability, insurance bad faith, civil rights, medical negligence, mass torts, class actions, criminal, sexual harassment, and employment discrimination. MOTTO: Experienced Lawyers

Who Get Results!

The Brender Law Firm

600 Eighth Ave. Fort Worth, Texas 76104

817.334.0171

Fax 817.334.0274 brenderlawfirm.com

FOCUS LAWYERS

SPECIALTY: Family Law, Divorce, Custody Support, Grandparents’ Rights, Modifications, and General Civil Litigation. AWARDS/ HONORS: J. Kevin Clark is board-certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The firm has an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating granted to attorneys. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: State Bar of Texas. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS: Helping people through difficult times. PROFESSIONAL APPROACH: We take a very personal approach with our clients. WHAT SETS THEM APART: The personal approach and attention to detail. FREE ADVICE: Write all communications as if a judge will eventually read them. PICTURED: J. Kevin Clark, Lisa Peterchuck, and Brooke M. Wilson.

Law Office of J. Kevin Clark, P.C.

608 Eighth Ave. Fort Worth, Texas 76104

817.348.6723 817.DIVORCE Fax 817.377.9893 fortworth-civil-attorney.com

Law Office of J. Kevin Clark, P.C.

SPECIALTY: Criminal Defense, Family Law, Adoption, Child Welfare. PROFESSIONAL APPROACH: We leverage our combined halfcentury of experience and commitment to justice and excellence through tailor-made strategies to achieve the specific legal goals of each client. WHAT SETS THEM APART: We are a “homegrown” law firm. We limit our representation to cases in which we believe we can make a real difference. HONORS: Brad Clark – Rusty Ladd Scholarship Award, Texas Association of Specialty Courts; Mentor Award, Fort Worth Business Press. Zena McNulty – 360 West Top Attorney. MEMBERSHIPS/ AFFILIATIONS: Brad Clark – Tarrant County Reentry Coalition, Board of Directors; Tarrant County Bar Association, Chair, Criminal Law Section; Texas and Tarrant County Bar Foundations, Fellow; Mahon Inn of Court, Master. Breanne Clark – Certified Mediator. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Building relationships of trust and integrity in the legal community and making a positive impact on the lives of citizens of Tarrant County. FREE ADVICE: Choose an attorney that you are comfortable with and trust. You will be called upon to make important decisions based on their advice. PICTURED: Bradley L. Clark, M. Breanne Clark, Zena McNulty, Beth Gillentine, Tiffany Purtzer, and Ashley Bolin.

101 Summit Ave., Ste. 1020 Fort Worth, Texas 76102

817.332.7739

Fax 817.332.7161

texasclarkfirm.com

Clark Law Firm

Clark Law Firm

SPECIALTY: Texas and Federal Criminal Defense. MISSION: Hard work will make a difference in every case. Cofer Luster attorneys are in the “sweet spot” of their legal careers. They have the experience and well-developed skills to provide elite defense. And the attorneys still have the energy and passion to charge into the fight. We live for the exhilaration of battle with the government. Without vicious defense of the criminally accused, law enforcement and prosecution will abrade our freedoms into dust. Our calling is to rage against the behemoth government engine of oppression. Victory is achieved by getting the best possible result for every client. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Anticipation, readiness, and adaptability. We have handled thousands of cases. Our intuition and pool of empirical information give us the means to anticipate the likely path of an investigation or prosecution. We are deliberate about developing strategy and tactics. We do not passively represent clients. Our experience has shown us that every case is different. The best defense team must have a mind like water — instant and expert reaction to whatever comes. WHAT MOTIVATES THEM: Loyalty to our clients. Regardless of the accusations clients face, we are completely invested. We connect with our clients and their families. By taking the time to know and understand our clients, we keep our heart in it.

300 Burnett St., Ste. 130 • Fort Worth, Texas 76102

682.777.3336 • Fax 682.238.5577 coferluster.com

Cofer Luster Law Firm, PC

Cofer Luster Law Firm, PC

Mimi Coffey The Coffey Firm

CONCENTRATION: DWI, Criminal Defense.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: Baylor University, Texas Tech School of Law, Board-Certified in DWI by the NCDD. SFST Practitioner, Instructor, and DRE mini short course training, Borkenstein Technical Supervisor School for both drugs and alcohol, gas chromatography – Axion Analytical Labs. AWARDS/HONORS: Regent to the National College of DUI Defense; national speaker on DWI; five national articles published in The Champion; seven statewide articles in The Voice; author of Texas DWI Defense now in its second edition; Texas Lawyer: 2015 Extraordinary Minorities in Texas Law.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS:

NCDD, NACDL, TCDLA, TCCDLA, DCDLA, Texas Tech School of Law Foundation Board, State Bar College, Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. SPECIAL INTERESTS: “I love people. I love to help people. Everyone makes mistakes.”

VOLUNTEER WORK/CHARITIES: DBA volunteer mock trial judging; teaching law to Ukrainian law students through Leavitt Institute; State Bar of Texas Jury Service Committee. EXPERIENCE: 26 years of experience with over 350-plus trials.

The Coffey Firm

4700 Airport Freeway Fort Worth, Texas 76117

817.831.3100

Fax 817.831.3340

mimicoffey.com

Deandra Grant Law

SPECIALTY: Criminal and DWI defense in Texas. FOCUS: With five offices across Texas, Deandra Grant Law defends criminal offenses including DWI, drug offenses, sex crimes, violent felonies, and assaults. Deandra Grant Law offices are in Fort Worth, Dallas, Denton, Allen, and Austin. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: Deandra Grant is both an attorney and a forensic consultant. She obtained her law degree at SMU. She has a master’s degree in pharmaceutical science with a concentration in forensic science and a graduate certificate in forensic toxicology. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Grant is the co-author of The Texas DWI Manual, which is now in its ninth edition. It is considered the go-to book for attorneys in Texas defending DWI cases. INTERESTS: When not “lawyering,” Grant can be found rescuing dachshunds and other small breeds from local shelters. She is vice president of a dog rescue in Royse City called Living the Doxie Dream Rescue and Sanctuary. FREE ADVICE: You have the right to remain silent. Use it. PICTURED: Makenzie Zarate, Clark Martin, Madisen Pittman, Douglas Huff, Deandra Grant.

Deandra Grant Law

4500 Airport Freeway, Ste. 102 Fort Worth, Texas 76117

972.943.8500

DefenseIsReady.com

Deandra@DefenseIsReady.com

CONCENTRATION: Criminal Law. EDUCATION/ CERTIFICATIONS: TCU, M.J. Neely School of Business; TWU, School of Law. AWARDS/ HONORS: A Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. Election to the Fellows is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a member of the State Bar of Texas. Other honors include Fort Worth Magazine Top Attorney, 2012 - 2021; National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, 2016 - 2021; Law Review Editor, Texas Wesleyan School of Law with Academic Honors. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Saint Andrews Catholic Church; TCU Chancellor’s Advisory Committee, 2018 - 2023; Leadership Fort Worth. MISSION: Clemente is a 36-year retired Fort Worth Fire Captain. His time with FWFD gave him experience in responding to the most difficult situations. These situations required preparedness, skill, compassion, and a calling to help others while overcoming great risks.

PICTURED: Clemente De La Cruz and legal assistant, Noah De La Cruz, Notary.

Law Office of Clemente De La Cruz 601 University Drive, Ste. 109 Fort Worth, Texas 76107 817.335.5050 delacruzlawoffice.com csdtxlaw@gmail.com

Law Office of Clemente De La Cruz

The Dent Law Firm

Dwain Dent

CONCENTRATION: Wrongful death, pharmaceutical, insurance, and injury.

EDUCATION: Dwain Dent – St. Mary’s School of Law and TCU undergraduate. REASON FOR BEING A LAWYER: He has a passion for fighting the giants, i.e., David versus Goliath. The law gives him an opportunity to help others.

HISTORY: The Dent Law Firm, founded in 1990, has successfully represented thousands of clients in serious injury and death claims, claims against insurance companies, car wrecks, aviation, and other personal injury cases. HONORS: Recognized Trial Lawyer of the Year Finalist, Trial Lawyers for Public Justice Foundation, Washington, D.C., 2011; Pre-eminent Lawyers in America; Who’s Who in American Law; Million-Dollar Advocate Forum Member; voted “Top Attorney” in Fort Worth Magazine 2003 - present; voted “Texas Super Lawyer” by Texas Monthly magazine every year since 2003; St. Mary’s Law School Distinguished Graduate, 2012; St. Mary’s Law School Hall of Fame, 2013; Recognized Best Lawyers in America; Board Certified Personal Injury State of Texas, National Board of Trial Advocacy. MOTTO: Represent clients with commitment, integrity and professionalism. ADVICE: “Never assume an insurance company will do the right thing.”

SERVICE: The Dent Law Firm is dedicated to service and committed to supporting the Texas community, both professionally and personally.

The Dent Law Firm

1120 Penn St. Fort Worth, Texas 76102

817.332.2889

thedentlawfirm@cs.com

thedentlawfirm.com

Durham & Galindo, PLLC

W. Kent Durham

Gracie Galindo

SPECIALTY: Corporate Finance / Mergers and Acquisitions; Business Commercial Real Estate. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: Kent Durham – Texas Tech University School of Law, 2001. Gracie Galindo – Texas Tech University School of Law, 2001. AWARDS/HONORS: Durham –Fort Worth Business Forty Under Forty Award, 2016; Fort Worth Magazine’s Top Attorney, Real Estate, 2021. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS: The friendship and business associations that we have gained along the way.

MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Life Fellow of Texas Bar Foundation; Fellow of Tarrant County Bar Foundation; Chair of Corporate Counsel Section of Tarrant County Bar Association, 20092011. FIRM’S PROFESSIONAL APPROACH: We focus on understanding our clients’ objectives and tailoring our representation so that we can best accomplish their objectives. WHAT SETS THE FIRM APART: Our approach to negotiations sets us apart. We view negotiations as collaborations with the opposing parties with the goal of arriving at solutions that solve problems for all participants — not as zero-sum contests with winners and losers.

FREE ADVICE: Make sure your attorney is someone you feel comfortable talking to. Effective communication is key to a successful and productive attorney-client relationship.

PICTURED: W. Kent Durham and Gracie Galindo.

Durham & Galindo, PLLC

1700 Adams Lane Azle, Texas 76020

817.533.9641

kdurham@durhamgalindo.com durhamgalindo.com

FOCUS LAWYERS

FOCUS: Family Law: divorce, property division, child custody disputes, modifications, child support, premarital agreements. WHAT SETS HER APART: Lisa has ranked in the top 5% of family law attorneys in the state by Texas Monthly for many years. Board-certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, she is highly skilled in litigation, mediation, collaborative law, and negotiation. However, those many accomplishments do not show what makes Lisa truly extraordinary — Lisa is a fierce advocate for her clients and balances that with a clear understanding of the heavy circumstances that brought them to her. She is fully aware that those who hire her are likely going through one of the worst times of their life. Lisa and her staff work very hard to ensure clients get what they need to move forward in the best way possible by putting the client first, listening deeply, and keeping them informed of all options, rights, and potential consequences. EDUCATION/ BACKGROUND: Lisa graduated from Louisiana State University School of Law in 1993. She is a frequent lecturer for Texas State Bar Continuing Legal Education courses, including serving as a co-course director at the Advanced Family Law course in 2019, the biggest Continuing Legal Education seminar in the country. Lisa currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.

Hoppes Law Firm, PLLC

959 W. Glade Road Hurst, Texas 76054

817.283.3999 info@hoppeslawfirm.com hoppeslawfirm.com

William

A. Knight, Assistant Criminal District Attorney for Tarrant County

SPECIALTY: Criminal Law. EDUCATION/ CERTIFICATIONS: JD/MBA with honors, St. Mary’s University; BBA, Southern Methodist University; member of the State Bar of Texas, State Bar of Minnesota, District of Columbia Bar. AWARDS/HONORS : 2019 Child Abuse Prosecutor of the Year as voted by his law enforcement peers; Assistant Chief Prosecutor, Intimate Partner Violence Unit; former Special Victims Unit Prosecutor; State Bar of Texas and Texas A&M Law School lecturer; Phi Delta Phi, Barrister of the Month, December 2021, Fort Worth Magazine Top Attorney 2021. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Receiving a hug from a 10-year-old boy who thanked me that his abuser will never hurt him again.

MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: All Saints’ Episcopal School Board of Trustees member; All Saints’ Alumni Association president; The Federalist Society, former chapter president; St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. WHAT SETS HIM APART: “I am excited to announce that I am seeking the Republican nomination to be the next elected judge of Criminal District Court No. 4 for Tarrant County in 2022. Tarrant County has a strong history of electing judges who care to get it right, and I am humbly asking you for the privilege to carry on in that tradition. In my court, we will do everything we can to correctly follow the law. The rule of law is the cornerstone of liberty, and we need judges who understand its importance ... I do.”

William A. Knight, Assistant Criminal District Attorney

P.O. Box 1066

Fort Worth, Texas 76101 knightforjudge.com william@knightforjudge.com

KoonsFuller, P.C. Family Law

SPECIALTY: Family law is all we do, from premarital agreements to appeals and everything in between. Our four full-service North Texas offices offer a level of clout and a range of resources unmatched by any other family law firm in the Southwest. MISSION: To provide the best family law representation to our clients while simultaneously helping them work toward the primary goal of reasonable settlement of their case. If litigation becomes necessary, we strive to provide our clients with the best legal representation every step of the way, from preparation to trial to appeal. WHAT SETS THEM APART: KoonsFuller is one of the largest family law firms in the Southwest and familiar with courts all over Texas. Whether your case calls for informal negotiations, mediation, collaborative law or court proceedings, KoonsFuller is equipped to handle cases of all sizes and issues and has been doing so for over 40 years. FREE ADVICE: Family law should always be approached with the mindset of preservation of the post-litigation family. If reasonable terms are available, settle if you can. If it appears that contested litigation is in your future, hire attorneys with plenty of courtroom experience. PICTURED: (left to right) Dana Manry*, Heather King*, Drew Williamson, Jessica Janicek*, Courtney Harbaugh Walker. *Board-Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

KoonsFuller, P.C. Family Law 550 Reserve St., Ste. 450 Southlake, Texas 76092

817.481.2710

Fax 817.481.2637 koonsfuller.com

Principal office in Dallas.

Law Offices of J. Kent McAfee, PC

J. Kent McAfee

Brittany McAfee

SPECIALTY: Kent McAfee has been a Texas attorney for over 37 years, serving injured victims in Fort Worth and throughout Texas. CONCENTRATION: Personal Injury (Plaintiff), Civil Litigation. EDUCATION: J. Kent McAfee – B.S., University of Tennessee; Graduate Studies (M.P.A.), Memphis State University; J.D., Cumberland School of Law, Samford University. Brittany McAfee – B.S. in Criminal Justice, University of Mississippi; J.D., Lincoln Memorial University-Duncan School of Law; Licensed in Texas and Tennessee. HONORS: The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Attorneys, 2017-2019. EXPERIENCE: Kent began practicing law in 1984, with a desire to serve the public and to make a difference. “Focusing on personal injury victims allows me the opportunity to give a voice to individuals and to ‘level the playing field’ against powerful corporations and insurance companies.” PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: Licensed by the Texas Supreme Court; member of the State Bar of Texas; American Association for Justice; served on the State Bar of Texas District 7 Grievance Committee. WHAT SETS THEM APART: “Communication is paramount ... the client must understand what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and participate in that process.” MOTTO: Never accept “no” for an answer. ADVICE: “Do not hire an attorney who won’t talk with you in the initial meeting. It won’t improve in the future.”

Law Offices of J. Kent McAfee, PC

One Legal Place 925 Eighth Ave. • Fort Worth, Texas 76104 817.332.7678

onelegalplace.com kent@onelegalplace.com brittany@mcafeelawtx.com

McClure Law Group

Kate Mataya, Kelly McClure, Francesca Blackard, Brandon Joseph

SPECIALTY: Our firm is 100% dedicated to family law. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: McClure Law Group’s founder and CEO, Kelly McClure, is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. HONORS: CEO Kelly McClure, Managing Partner Francesca Blackard, and partners Brandon Joseph and Kate Mataya have been recognized as Best Family Lawyers and Texas Super Lawyers. McClure, Blackard, and Mataya have been honored as the Most Dynamic Women in their field. WHAT SETS THEM APART: McClure Law Group’s financial acumen, tax law skills, state-of-the-art forensic accounting, research strategies, extensive trial experience, and collaborative law knowledge equip their attorneys to advocate for their clients’ positions. From the simplest divorce to the most complex business and property cases, their seasoned attorneys help minimize the financial and emotional toll a divorce can have on a family and guide them through what is unarguably one of the most difficult chapters of their lives. PROFESSIONAL APPROACH: Recognized as Best Law Firms 2022 by U.S. News & World Report, McClure Law Group knows clients want their family law dealings to be as seamless as possible, and their approach is the gold standard for divorces, custody, property, and pre- and post-marital agreements. PICTURED: Kate Mataya, Kelly McClure, Francesca Blackard, and Brandon Joseph.

SPECIALTY: The Law Offices of Jason Mills was established in 2001 as a full-service immigration and naturalization law firm specializing in Immigration Law. Established by Jason Mills, the first-ever board-certified specialist in immigration and nationality law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Fort Worth in 2006, it is a successful multidisciplinary practice focusing on all aspects of U.S. immigration law, including consular processing, waivers, removal defense, family-based visas, business visas, and investor-related cases. EDUCATION/ CERTIFICATIONS: Mills – Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M, 1995; Juris doctorate from Texas A&M School of Law, 2000; international studies, Cambridge Law School, England; admitted to the State Bar of Texas, the Northern District of Texas, and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Creating an honest environment for people to come in and get advice. APPROACH TO LAW: It is essential to be honest and efficient with clients. The firm’s approach in maintaining clients begins with keeping the client informed. The firm emphasizes a progressive and hands-on approach to problem-solving and effectively and efficiently handling legal matters.

FREE ADVICE: Check references in the form of former clients before hiring an attorney.

PICTURED: Jason Mills, Lauren Wallis, and Jorge Arias

Law Offices of Jason Mills, PLLC

1403 Ellis Ave. • Fort Worth, Texas 76164 817.335.0220 • Fax 817.335.0240 immigrationnation.net info@immigrationnation.net Law Offices of Jason Mills, PLLC Immigration Law Firm

FOCUS LAWYERS

SPECIALTY: Commercial Real Estate and Business Transactions and Disputes. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: Julia Siddique Mitchell – Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Juris Doctorate, cum laude. Jennifer Nachtigal –Bachelor of Science, Juris Doctorate. AWARDS/ HONORS: Fort Worth Magazine Top Attorneys, 2020-2021; Texas Monthly Super Lawyers.

GREATEST

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS:

Each matter we handle for each of our clients is our great achievement, but it’s always rewarding to settle a dispute to relieve a stressed client or to negotiate a deal to keep it from dying. Our firm has settled millions of dollars in disputes and has participated in $2 billion in real estate transactions since the firm’s inception. MISSION: Because we are businesspeople like most of our clients, our mission is to perform outstanding legal services quickly at a cost that our clients can afford while donating our money and time to causes that help better our communities. WHAT SETS THEM APART: As lawyers, we protect our clients’ interests, but as businesspeople, we understand our clients’ needs from a business perspective to get the deal done strategically. FREE ADVICE: Protect yourself, your family, your business, and future by preparing before a problem occurs. Hire a lawyer to guide you before a problem arises. PICTURED: Julia Mitchell, Jennifer Nachtigal, Meagan Roush, Britani Zimmerman, Elizabeth Kenyon.

4001 Gateway Drive, Ste. 200 Colleyville, Texas 76034

682.738.3213

m-nlegal.com

Montes Law Group, PC

SPECIALTY: Board-Certified in Personal Injury/ Wrongful Death Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, helping those who have been harmed by the negligence of others, including commercial vehicle and car crash cases, insurance claims, unsafe premises cases, unsafe workplace injuries, day care negligence cases, and defective products cases, among others. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Wesleyan School of Law, The Trial Lawyers College.

AWARDS/HONORS: Multiple accolades, including Best Lawyers Under 40 in Dallas, Best Lawyer in Dallas in PI/Wrongful Death multiple years, “10 Best Attorneys” for Texas in PI, Texas Super Lawyer 2003-present, “10 Best Attorneys” for Texas by the American Institute of PI Attorneys, Best Law Firms U.S. News and World Report MEMBERSHIPS/ AFFILIATIONS: Dallas Trial Lawyers Association, Tarrant County Trial Lawyers Association, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Attorneys Serving the Community, Dallas Women Lawyers Association.

APPROACH TO LAW: Leave no stone unturned. Montes Law Group aggressively pursues justice in all forms, builds solutions, and works all cases to achieve the best, maximum result in the least amount of time, oftentimes with safety upgrades that benefit the community. FREE ADVICE: Hire an experienced, board-certified trial lawyer to protect your rights and those of your family. We create solutions to benefit you and your family. We put our clients first.

PICTURED: Rachel Montes.

Montes Law Group, PC

1121 Kinwest Parkway, Ste. 100 Irving, Texas 75063

214.522.9401

Fax 214.522.9428

monteslawgroup.com

rachel@monteslawgroup.com

FOCUS LAWYERS

SPECIALTY: Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Support, Child Welfare, Adoption, Termination, Litigation, and Mediation.

EDUCATION/ CERTIFICATIONS: Texas Wesleyan School of Law, J.D., 2012; Texas Tech University, BBA, 2006; Certified Mediator, 2012. AWARDS/ HONORS: Super Lawyers, Rising Star; Fort Worth Magazine Top Attorney; National Advocates Top 40 Under 40; 360 West Top Attorney; Lead Counsel Verified, 10 Best by American Institute of Family Law Attorneys; DBA Civil Trial Academy; Mensa. MEMBERSHIPS: State Bar of Texas, Tarrant County Bar Association, Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association, Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association, Phi Delta Phi, Animal Legal Defense Fund. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Helping our clients get through what is probably the hardest time of their lives. WHY HE CHOSE THE LEGAL FIELD: “I am lucky to have mentors that fostered an interest in family law and encouraged me to pursue it.” APPROACH TO LAW: “As one person, I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person.” – Paul Shane Spear. FREE ADVICE: Don’t confuse your Google search with my law degree. PICTURED: J. Spencer Nilsson, Sarah Hall, and Kimberly Buck.

J. Spencer Nilsson

930 West First St., Ste. 200 Fort Worth, Texas 76102

817.953.6688 Fax 682.224.0483 ftwlegal.com spencer@ftwlegal.com

J. Spencer Nilsson Nilsson Legal Group, PLLC

Anthony N. Pettitt (“Tony” or “TFP”)

The Pettitt Firm, PC

SPECIALTY: Trial Lawyer in the fields of Personal Injury (Defense and Plaintiffs), Commercial Disputes, and Agriculture. Fluent in Spanish. EDUCATION: B.A., TCU, History/Spanish, 1993; St. Mary’s School of Law, 1997; TCU Ranch Management, 2001. AWARDS/HONORS: “AV-Preeminent,” the highest possible peer rating; Licensed in U.S. Supreme Court in 2001; Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, a recognition afforded to only one-third of 1% of Texas Attorneys; Texas Monthly Rising Star/Super Lawyer: Personal Injury Defense, 2005-2008, and Plaintiffs, 2009-2011; previously named in Fort Worth Magazine as a top trial attorney in Tarrant County, 2007, 2012, 2015-2020. MEMBERSHIPS: Friends of the Fort Worth Herd, Board Member; Dallas Safari Club, Life Member; National Rifle Association, Life Member. PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Having achieved extensive trial experience and an eventual partnership in a large Dallas-based firm, Tony got back to his roots and opened his own law office over 15 years ago in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards. He now achieves a healthy balance between his family, his trial practice, and his passion for hunting and fishing worldwide. APPROACH: Boots and Jeans Attitude, Coat and Tie Service. ADVICE: Work hard, then play hard. PICTURED: Anthony N. Pettitt (shown here playing hard off the coast of Louisiana).

The Pettitt Firm, PC 121 NE 21st St. Fort Worth, Texas 76164

817.626.4444

Fax 817.626.4445

tpettitt@stockyardslawfirm.com

FOCUS LAWYERS

SPECIALTY: Family Law. EDUCATION/ CERTIFICATIONS: Sarah C. Seltzer – B.A., Texas Tech; J.D., Texas Wesleyan; Board Certified in Child Welfare Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Lori E. Dally – B.S., TCU; J.D., Texas Wesleyan. Daniel P. Webb – B.B.A., ACU; J.D., Texas Wesleyan; Board Certified in Family Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization. AWARDS/ HONORS: Lori and Sarah – Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers (2019-2022); Top Attorney in Family Law, Fort Worth Magazine (2017-2021). Daniel – Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers (2012-2020) and Super Lawyer (2021-2022).

MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Sarah – Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans Tarrant County committee member. Lori – Board President, Fort Worth Pregnancy Center. Daniel – Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Sarah – CASA Attorney Ad Litem of the Year (2020). Lori – Swearing in before the United States Supreme Court. Daniel – Acceptance to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. APPROACH TO LAW: To provide excellent and effective representation through communication, compassion, and commitment. WHAT SETS THEM APART: We genuinely care about our clients and provide an unparalleled level of representation. FREE ADVICE: Beware of technology — you never know when your texts, emails, or social media will end up in front of a judge. PICTURED: (left to right) Daniel P. Webb, Lori E. Dally, and Sarah C. Seltzer.

Seltzer, Dally & Webb, PLLC

6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 340 Fort Worth, Texas 76116

817.887.9206

YourTexasFamilyLawyer.com

SPECIALTY: Commercial and Residential Real Estate & Title Insurance, Real Estate Investment Trusts. EDUCATION: Martin A. Garcia – Texas A&M School of Law (formerly known as Texas Wesleyan School of Law), J.D., 2012; Certified Title Insurance Professional designation from The Texas Land Title Association. AWARDS/ HONORS: Fort Worth Magazine Top Attorney consecutively since 2014; Texas Super Lawyers Rising Star in Real Estate consecutively since 2016; 2018 Texas Wesleyan Young Alumnus Achievement Award; 360 West and 76107 Top Attorney Recognition for five consecutive years.

GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Continuing to grow Simplified Title Company and leading it to record years, year over year, with the same crew as seen above. MISSION: To build an innovative company that impacts lives for the better while incorporating our Core Values of grit, ownership, integrity, and communication. PICTURED: (front) Katy Garcia, Martin Garcia, Courtney Coulter; (back) Whitney Walls, Ethan Stinson, Meredith Newberry, Susan Hudson.

Simplified Title Company, LLC

3108 W. Sixth St., Ste. 222

Fort Worth, Texas 76107

817.727.8984

Texas-Title.com

simplifiedtitleco.com martin@simplifiedtitleco.com

FOCUS LAWYERS

SPECIALTY: Board Certified Family Law Specialist, Family Law Mediator, and Collaborative Attorney, serving the entire DFW area. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: B.A., Southern Methodist University; J.D., Southern Methodist University School of Law; BoardCertified by State Bar of Texas in Family Law. HONORS/AWARDS: Texas Super Lawyer; Arlington Family Law Attorney of the Year; Top Attorney, Family Law, Fort Worth Magazine MEMBERSHIPS: Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists; Arlington Bar Association; Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association; Tarrant County Bar Association. GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT: Being sworn in by Chief Justice Rehnquist to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2000. APPROACH TO LAW: We strive to provide the highest level of legal expertise tempered with an empathy and understanding of the great emotional toll that clients are experiencing in their family law cases, with the goal of facilitating their brave path to achieving the most peaceful, healthy, and loving new family dynamic. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Experience, expertise, and the extraordinary commitment to advocate for not only the client’s stated objectives, but the wellness of the entire family, especially the children involved. MOTTO: When your family and finances matter, experience counts! PICTURED: (front) Donna J. Smiedt, Managing Partner; (second row) Amanda N. Smith, Office Manager; (third row) Brooke Hallisey, Law Clerk; Morgan MacDonald, Paralegal; Desaray A. Muma, Attorney/ Non-Equity Partner; (back) Alexia Garcia, Receptionist/Legal Assistant.

Family Law Firm of Donna J. Smiedt, PLLC

3216 W. Arkansas Lane

Arlington, Texas 76016

817.572.9900

Fax 817.572.7679

smiedtlaw.com

arlingtondivorces.com

Family Law Firm of Donna J. Smiedt, PLLC

FOCUS OF PRACTICE: Collaborative Law, Family Law, Mediation, Estate Planning. EDUCATION/ CERTIFICATION: Board Certified in Family Law; J.D., Texas Wesleyan; LL.M, Pepperdine University School of Law; B.A., University of Houston. AWARDS/HONORS: Recognized as a Master/Credentialed Collaborative Professional by Collaborative Divorce Texas; nominated by peers as a Super Lawyer Rising Star, 2014 and 2015. PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS: Board Member Collaborative Divorce Texas; Past President of Northeast Tarrant County Bar Association; Chairperson of the Collaborative Law Section of the Tarrant County Bar; Leadership Southlake; Faculty Staff, CEELI Institute Prague, Winter 2019. WHY SHE CHOSE THE LEGAL FIELD: Prior to going to law school, I mediated family law cases to help families reach resolution without having the court make decisions for their family. I have a passion for helping families find their way through the legal system while retaining as much autonomy as possible regarding the important decisions in their lives. MISSION: I am proud to have dedicated my practice to solving disputes by utilizing alternative methods such as collaborative law and mediation. I strive to help families navigate through tough times by empowering clients to make decisions for their families without asking for court intervention, if possible. ADVICE: Always consider alternatives prior to litigation. Make sure that whomever you choose to represent you shares your method of problem-solving and vision of the general direction of your case. PICTURED: Kate Smith.

1205 Hall Johnson Road Colleyville, Texas 76034 817.479.0562

Law Office of Kate Smith, PLLC

Law Office of Kate Smith, PLLC

Sparks Law Firm

SPECIALTY: Criminal defense, federal and state. All federal or state charges including firearms, self-defense, DWI, and white collar. Our representation includes individuals or entities with white collar allegations; clients accused of DWI; and clients forced to defend themselves who later face criminal charges.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: Justin Sparks –BBA, Baylor University; J.D., Texas A&M School of Law. Graham Norris – B.A., Dallas Baptist University; J.D., Texas A&M School of Law. Lisa Herrick – B.S., University of Oklahoma; J.D., University of Oklahoma. Lindsay Williams – BBA, Texas A&M University; J.D./M.B.A. Texas Tech University. AWARDS/HONORS: Justin – Fort Worth Magazine Top Attorneys, 2010-2021; Texas Monthly Super Lawyer 2019-2021; Texas Monthly Rising Stars, 2014-2017; Texas Monthly 2017 Up and Coming 100 (ranking amongst attorneys in all Texas practice areas); year-round speaker on self-defense and stand your ground. Graham –Fort Worth Magazine Top Attorneys, 2018-2021; Texas Monthly Rising Stars, 2020-2021; National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, 2019. Lisa – Board Certified in Juvenile Law; Fort Worth Magazine Top Attorneys, 2020 - 2021. Lindsay – Board Certified in Criminal Appeals, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Fort Worth Magazine Top Attorneys, 2020. PROFESSIONAL APPROACH: Proactive, not reactive. We pride ourselves on our preparation and results. GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT: The appreciation from our clients and their families when we successfully defend them. PICTURED: Justin Sparks, Lisa Herrick, Lindsay Williams, and Graham Norris.

Sparks Law Firm

603 E. Belknap

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

817.334.0300

Fax 844.722.2940 sparkslawfirm.com justin@sparkslawfirm.com

Stephens Law Firm PLLC

SPECIALTY: Jason Stephens is a passionate advocate for individuals and families involved in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. He limits his practice to select cases, allowing him to fully understand his clients’ losses and struggles while forging a strategic plan to help them piece their lives back together. “When I take on a case, my client’s problem becomes my problem, and I am driven to righting that wrong.” AWARDS/HONORS: AV® rated by Martindale-Hubble; Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association, (2011-present); and Texas Super Lawyer by Thomas Reuters, (2004-present). FIRM’S PROFESSIONAL APPROACH: Jason and his talented support team are devoted to helping clients get answers, move toward healing, and seek the financial compensation they deserve. Jason takes the trust of clients seriously and personally and always strives to serve his clients and community with honor and integrity. “Helping good folks through tragic times is my calling,” Jason says. WHAT SETS HIM APART: With two decades of experience and a long track record of success, Jason’s legal achievements have resulted in safety policies and changes to better protect children and our communities, as well as a litany of multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements. Jason’s clients say he is a caring, relentless advocate — a difference maker. PICTURED: Jason Stephens.

1300 S. University Drive, Ste. 406 Fort Worth, Texas 76107 817.420.7000 stephenslaw.com

Stephens Law Firm PLLC

FOCUS LAWYERS

SPECIALTY: Personal Injury (Plaintiff). FIRM’S PROFESSIONAL APPROACH: We are trial lawyers, committed to obtaining justice for individuals in a legal system that is skewed in favor of corporations and insurance companies. WHAT SETS THEM APART: The attorneys at Stoy Law Group are fearless trial lawyers. We are always ready to fight for your rights and ensure that you are compensated for the pain and suffering that you have experienced. PICTURED: Chris Stoy, Rob Hudson, Meagan Garcia and Brittanie Johnson.

Stoy Law Group, PLLC

505 Pecan St., Ste. 101 Fort Worth, Texas 76102 817.JUSTICE

Fax 817.820.0111

WarriorsforJustice.com

Stoy Law Group, PLLC

FOCUS LAWYERS

Witherite Law Group

John Nohinek

Victor Rodriguez

SPECIALTY: Personal Injury Law for Car and Truck Wrecks. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: John Nohinek – B.A., College of William and Mary; J.D., Oklahoma City University School of Law. Victor Rodriguez – B.A., Stephen F. Austin State University; J.D., Texas Tech School of Law. AWARDS/HONORS: Best D 2021, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, National Association of Distinguished Counsel, Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, Super Lawyers, Top 100 Places to Work. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS: Witherite Law Group has settled thousands of cases over the past 20 years, and millions of dollars have been paid to our clients. Winning cases for our clients will always be our greatest achievement.

PROFESSIONAL APPROACH: Witherite Law Group strives to improve the lives of each person we serve – our clients, community, and one another. People First. Unmatched Expertise. Integrity Always. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Expertise in car and truck wrecks is what sets us apart from other personal injury firms. Our attorneys attend Truck Driving Training School and drive 18-wheelers, giving them the experience and perspective needed to understand our clients’ cases. This training and expertise are difference-makers for our clients. FREE ADVICE: Truck wrecks are complex, include multiple responsible parties, and involve many laws/regulations. For these reasons, it is critical to hire a personal injury firm whose accident attorneys have truck wreck training and expertise. PICTURED: John Nohinek and Victor Rodriguez.

Witherite Law Group

901 West Vickery Blvd. Fort Worth, Texas 76104

800.277.9732 • 214.378.6670 witheritelaw.com

FOCUS LAWYERS

Law Offices of George Parker Young, PC

SPECIALTY: Commercial Litigation, Oil and Gas Litigation, Fiduciary Duty Litigation.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: JD, Texas Tech School of Law; 1982 licensed to practice law in Texas; admitted to practice in U.S. Supreme Court, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and various U.S. District Court Districts; Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization: Civil Litigation; Associate, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

AWARDS/HONORS: Repeatedly chosen as a Texas “Super Lawyer” by Texas Monthly, including 2014-2021; Top Attorneys in Tarrant County, by Fort Worth Magazine, 2015-2021; Best Lawyers in America Finalist; Finalist, 2003 Trial Lawyer of the Year, Trial Lawyers for Public Justice.

GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS: Young briefed and argued to the U.S. Supreme Court a landmark case on ERISA preemption and HMO liability, 2004; multiple jury verdicts over $1 million; recently represented over 13,000 royalty owners in MDL Litigation related to royalty underpayments, obtaining $52.5 million settlement; successful appellate lawyer in numerous appeals. WHAT SETS THE FIRM APART: A combination of 39 years of litigation experience on both sides of the docket, breadth of involvement in varied complex litigation matters ranging from business and contract disputes, oil and gas litigation for royalty owners and producers, handling trust, estate and other fiduciary duty matters, as well as flexibility in providing cost-efficient client fee arrangements.

Law Offices of George Parker Young, PC

509 Pecan St., Ste. 106 Fort Worth, Texas 76102

817.247.9999

gpy@gpylaw.com gpylaw.com

George Parker Young

Sunny L. Smith

SPECIALTY: Medical Malpractice Defense; Health Care; Professional Liability Defense; Personal Injury Defense. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: B.A., Texas Wesleyan University; J.D., Baylor School of Law. AWARDS/HONORS: AV-rated Attorney, Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory; “Texas Rising Stars” by Super Lawyers, Texas Monthly Magazine, 2010-2013; Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Tarrant County Bar Association; Texas Association of Defense Counsel; Fellow, Tarrant County Bar Foundation; Litigation and Women and the Law Sections of State Bar of Texas; Dallas Bar Association; U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas; U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas.

Sunny L. Smith

Ray Peña McChristian Law Firm 101 Summit Ave., Ste. 705 Fort Worth, Texas 76102 817.335.7201 Fax 817.335.7335 raylaw.com

FOCUS LAWYERS

Alexis Allen Alexis Allen Law

SPECIALTY: Family Law and Estate Planning. EDUCATION: BA, UTA; J.D., TWU School of Law.

PROFESSIONAL APPROACH:

Unlike firms that take a one-size fits-all approach, our team at Alexis Allen Law strives to provide individualized attention to all our clients. Our goal is to provide each client a strategy that works best for their case and assist them in accomplishing their desired outcome. WHAT SETS THEM APART: We recognize the standards provided by the Family Code do not work best for every client and their case, which is why we are ready and willing to work diligently toward a customized outcome for each of our clients.

Alexis Allen Law

601 Strada Circle, Ste. 106 Mansfield, Texas 76063

817.405.9007

Fax 817.549.1790 alexisallenlaw.com

Peter Nguyen The Nguyen Law Firm

SPECIALTY: Real Estate – General Practice. MEMBERSHIPS/ AFFILIATIONS: Licensed Texas Realtor. WHAT SETS HIM APART: I have been in the real estate business for over 20 years. I can help with almost all aspects of residential and commercial transactions and contracts. FREE ADVICE: Be selective in choosing your agent to handle your real estate transaction. Most agents cannot give legal advice, which can severely affect your rights and position under the contract. By having an attorney represent you, you can get legal advice and make a better-informed decision.

PICTURED: Peter Nguyen.

The Nguyen Law Firm

318 E. Long Ave., Ste. 1 • Fort Worth, Texas 76106

682.990.0990 • Fax 817.585.4040 thenguyenlawfirm.com

SPECIALTY: Attorney Laurie Weir guides her clients through probate and estate planning, aiming to provide them peace of mind when their questions are answered and problems resolved. EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE: Ms. Weir began her career in advertising and marketing on both agency and client side, then worked as a Christian Education director while raising her family. She enrolled in night law school and was in the inaugural December 2013 graduating class of Texas A&M School of Law.

APPROACH TO LAW: She focuses her practice on probate, estate planning, small business law, and Social Security disability. She believes that addressing each client’s needs requires compassion, a firm grasp of the law, an ability to explain complicated matters simply, and an eye for detail.

Laurie Weir, Attorney at Law Law Office of Carey Thompson, PC 817.840.7503 thompsonlawtx.com

Laurie Weir, Attorney at Law Law Office of Carey Thompson, PC

Fort Worth Magazine would like to congratulate our 2021 Top Attorneys and thank our sponsors for the reception to celebrate the Top Attorneys at City Club on Nov. 18.

Platinum Sponsor Partner Sponsors

The

Let us know the places and people you consider Fort Worth’s finest in:

Cast your votes by visiting: fwtx.com/2022-best-of-voting

Submissions end Dec. 17

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (required by 39 U.S.C. 3685). Title of Publication: Fort Worth Magazine Publication No. 1536-8939 Date of filing: 11/8/2021 Frequency of Issue (Monthly) Number of issues published annually: 12 Annual subscription price is $23.95 Complete mailing address of Publication: 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 130, Fort Worth, Texas 76116 Complete mailing address of Headquarters of general business office of publisher: Panther City Media Group, LP, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 130, Fort Worth, Texas 76116 Names and complete mailing address of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor, Publisher: Hal A. Brown, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 130, Fort Worth, Texas 76116, Editor: Hal A. Brown, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 130, Fort Worth, Texas 76116 Managing Editor: Brian Kendall, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 130, Fort Worth, Texas 76116 Owners: Panther City Media Group LP, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 130, Fort Worth, Texas 76116, Hal A. Brown, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste.130, Fort Worth, Texas 76116. Known bondholders, mortgages and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amounts of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None Tax status: has not changed during preceding 12 months Publication Title: Fort Worth Magazine Issue date for circulation: 10/2021 Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: Total no. copies printed (Net Press Run) 11,808 Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution(By mail and outside the mail): Mailed Outside-County Paid/Requested Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 7,270 Mailed In-County Paid/ Requested Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 0 Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Paid or Requested Distribution outside USPS: 755 Requested Copies by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS: 0. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b, (1), (2), (3) and (4): 8,024 Total Nonrequested Distribution: Outside County Copies stated on PS Form 3541: 1,776 In-County Nonrequested Copies included on PS Form 3541: 0 Nonrequested Copies Distributed through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail: 721 Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail: 0 Total Nonrequested Distribution (Sum of 15d, (1), (2), (3) and (4): 2,497 Total Distribution (sum of 15c and 15e): 10,521 Copies not Distributed: 1,288 Total (sum of 15f and 15g): 11,808 Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15f times 100): 76.3% Requested and Paid Electronic Copies: 1,269 Total Requested and Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a): 9,293 Total Requested Copy Distribution (Line 15f) + Requested/ Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a): 11,790 Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Both Print & Electronic Copies)(16b divided by 16c x 100): 78.8% No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest To Filing Date: printed (Net Press Run) 12,984 Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution (By mail and outside the mail): Mailed Outside-County Paid/Requested Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 5,835 Mailed In-County Paid/Requested Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 0. Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Paid or Requested Distribution outside USPS: 925 Requested Copies by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS: 0 Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b, (1), (2), (3) and (4): 6,760 Total Nonrequested Distribution: Outside County Copies stated on PS Form 3541: 2,715 In-County Nonrequested Copies included on PS Form 3541: 0 Nonrequested Copies Distributed through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail: 1,929 Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail: 0 Total Nonrequested Distribution (Sum of 15d, (1), (2), (3) and (4): 4,644 Total Distribution (sum of 15c and 15e): 11,404 Copies not Distributed: 1,580 Total (sum of 15f and g): 12,984 Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15f times 100): 59.3% Requested and Paid Electronic Copies: 1,170 Total Requested and Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a): 7,930 Total Requested Copy Distribution (Line 15f) + Requested/ Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a): 12,574 Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Both Print & Electronic Copies)(16b divided by 16c x 100): 63.1% Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the December 2021 issue of this publication. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Hal A. Brown Date: 11/8/2021 I certify that all information furnished in this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties.)

FOCUS Vision Specialists

Our eyes are one of our most precious gifts. That’s why it is important that we maintain good vision and eye health as we age. To help you select a vision care specialist who will meet your needs, the following experts want to tell you more about themselves, their practices, and how their services can help improve your outlook on life.

The information in this section is provided by the advertisers and has not been independently verified by Fort Worth Magazine.

Key-Whitman Eye Center

SPECIALTY: Ophthalmology – adult eye care including treatment for cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, and dry eyes. Also offering laser vision correction and high-tech lens implants for reduced dependence on glasses and contacts, as well as cosmetic eyelid surgery.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: Chian-Huey “Amy” Hong, M.D. – cum laude, Columbia University; B.A., pre-med and economics; medical degree, UT Southwestern Medical School; internship, ophthalmology residency and glaucoma fellowship, Tulane School of Medicine. Ronald Barke, M.D. – undergraduate and medical school, University of Southern California; internship, Los Angeles County University of Southern California Medical Center; fellowship, Jules Stein Eye Institute in lens and cataract biochemistry; training, UT Southwestern Medical School, fellowship in oculoplastics and residency in ophthalmology; currently on staff as a clinical volunteer at UT Southwestern Medical School. Leslie Pfeiffer, M.D. – Duke University, B.A., pre-med and Public Policy Studies; medical degree, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston; two-year fellowship in oculoplastics at the Eyesthetica and USC Roski Eye Institute at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Key-Whitman is one of the few eye centers that offers the full range of options to improve your vision, with customized LASIK and high-tech lenses for cataract procedures. INNOVATIONS: The advances in high-tech lenses like the Light Adjustable Lens, Synergy, Vivity, PanOptix, Symfony, and the Toric lens using the latest techniques with Femtosecond laser, which give many patients a wide range of vision for near or far distances with less dependency on glasses or contacts. FREE ADVICE: Everyone needs to have regular eye health exams. Oftentimes, permanent vision loss can be easily prevented with early diagnosis and treatment of conditions before any symptoms are present.

PICTURED: Ronald Barke, M.D. and Amy Hong, M.D.

Key-Whitman Eye Center

910 N. Davis Drive • Arlington, Texas 76012

400 W. Arbrook Blvd. • Arlington, Texas 76014

3400 N. Tarrant Parkway • Fort Worth, Texas 76177

817.460.2272 • Toll-free 1.800.442.5330 • Fax 817.265.9684 patientservices@keywhitman.com • keywhitman.com

Fort

SPECIALTY: Our physicians provide a wide range of services including comprehensive eye exams for children and adults, LASIK, Premium IOLs, advanced cataract surgery, contact lens fitting, eye muscle surgery, glaucoma care, diabetic eye exams and dry eye treatment. The doctors also provide cosmetic injections including Botox Cosmetic®, Kybella ®, Juvederm ®, Volure ® and Volbella ® EDUCATION: Ann Ranelle, D.O. –Saint Mary’s University, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, pediatric ophthalmology fellowship at Children’s Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Tyler Moore, M.D. – University of Texas, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Kacy Pate, O.D. – University of Oklahoma, Northeastern State University College of Optometry. AWARDS/HONORS: Ann Ranelle – Past-President, Tarrant County Medical Society. MEMBERSHIPS: Ann Ranelle – boardcertified member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. AFFILIATIONS: Baylor Medical Center of Fort Worth, Baylor Surgicare of Fort Worth, Cook Children’s Medical Center, Texas Pediatric Surgery Center. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Serving the Greater Fort Worth area for over 40 years. UNIQUE PATIENT CARE: Warm, compassionate, and professional. FREE ADVICE: Be an active participant in your health care – ask questions! PICTURED: Ann Ranelle, D.O.; Tyler Moore, M.D.; Kacy Pate, O.D.

Fort Worth Eye Associates

5000 Collinwood Ave.

Fort Worth, Texas 76107

817.732.5593

Fax 817.732.5499 ranelle.com

Worth Eye Associates

Reinke Eye and Laser Center

SPECIALTY: Ophthalmology: cataract surgery, premium lens implants (Toric Lens, PanOptix, Vivity, Tecnis, Symfony), diseases of the retina and vitreous, diabetic retinopathy/lasers, macular degeneration, glaucoma treatment.

EDUCATION: B.A., magna cum laude, Harvard University, 1986; M.D., University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, 1990; Ophthalmology Residency, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, 1995; Vitreoretinal Fellowship, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 1997.

CERTIFICATIONS: Board Certified, American Board of Ophthalmology. AWARDS: Physician’s Recognition Award, American Medical Association. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Texas Ophthalmological Association, Texas Medical Association, Tarrant County Medical Society. AFFILIATIONS: Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital Las Colinas, Baylor Scott & White-Irving, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Texas Health Surgery Center Arlington. PATIENT CARE: A commitment to excellence in eye care is enhanced by our outstanding, caring staff. Dr. Reinke is a uniquely talented surgeon who personally provides all preoperative and postoperative care. PICTURED: Dr. Martin Reinke.

Reinke Eye and Laser Center

1310 N. White Chapel Blvd. • Southlake, Texas 76092 817.310.6080 • Fax 817.310.6014

1916 Central Drive • Bedford, Texas 76021 817.283.6607 • Fax 817.283.2674

7433 Las Colinas Blvd. • Irving, Texas 75063 972.556.1915 • Fax 972.556.1877

reinke.southlake@gmail.com dfwlasercataract.com

FOCUS VISION SPECIALISTS

Wedgwood Optometry Associates

SPECIALTY: Complete family practice with subspecialties in glaucoma management, juvenile myopia control, and multifocal/specialty contact lens fitting. EDUCATION/ CERTIFICATIONS: Colette Manning, OD – U of H College of Optometry. Sara Hillerbrand, OD – Kentucky College of Optometry. Both are Certified Therapeutic Optometrists and Certified Glaucoma Management Specialists. INNOVATIONS: We are fully equipped with new technology to monitor glaucoma and macular diseases more thoroughly and efficiently. This up-to-date equipment allows us to diagnose these disorders much earlier and monitor even the slightest progression easily.

UNIQUE PATIENT CARE: Our patient care is specialized in ocular disease, including management of glaucoma, dry eye, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. We allow reasonable appointment duration to be able to fully address our patients concerns. We love focusing on the medical aspect of optometry just as much as the visual refractive aspect. PICTURED: Colette Manning, OD; Sara Hillerbrand, OD.

Wedgwood Optometry Associates

6404 McCart Ave. • Fort Worth, Texas 76133 817.294.7456 • Fax 682.708.7345

WedgwoodOptometryAssociates.com

Give Back

There’s nothing more rewarding than giving back and making a difference in the lives of people in this great community. As the city’s magazine — which has the eyes and ears of some of Fort Worth’s most affluent and philanthropic citizens — we feel a responsibility to give back to the people of the city that is our namesake, which is why Philanthropy is one of our core values.

Every year, Fort Worth Magazine sponsors more than 100 charity events, which range from luncheons to black-tie galas. The following promotional section is devoted to these charities and their fundraisers. We invite you to consciously peruse and consider lending a helping hand by either making a donation or attending these events.

Dec. 3

Home for the Holidays Gala Presbyterian Night Shelter

Dec. 7

Creating Hope 2021 Catholic Charities Fort Worth

Dec. 22

Armed Forces Bowl 2022

Armed Forces Bowl

MEDIA

eb3 Media

Fort Worth Magazine

Fox 4 – KDFW

Jon Bonnell Bonnell’s/Waters

Jenny Castor Luckybee Kitchen

Brendan Lamb

Smiley’s BBQ

Joe Risckey

The Meat Board

SIGNATURE CHEFS

Feeding Motherhood

For more than 80 years, March of Dimes has been leading the fight for the health of every mom and baby. Our sincere gratitude to everyone who helped make this year’s auction an incredible success. And a very special thank you to the following:

EVENT CO-CHAIRS

Sarah and Menard Doswell

Barbara and Thurman Schweitzer

CHEFS

Molly McCook, Lead Chef Ellerbe Fine Foods

Sarah Hooten and Matt Mobley Hot Box Biscuit

CHEF CHAIR

Richard King

Joe Lancarte

Joe T. Garcia’s

Stefon Rishel Wishbone & Flynt

Jake Burkett

The Biscuit Bar

Jonathan Gentry Kincaid’s Hamburger

Ben Merritt Fixture

Michael Thomson

Michael’s Cuisine

SILVER SPONSOR: BRONZE SPONSORS:

Virginia Anderson Sarah and Menard Doswell

Barbara and Thurman Schweitzer

Sandy and Mike Stepp

The Hessing and Gadberry Families

Lisa and Cannon Camp Natalie and Jordan Boenker

Dr. Shanna Combs

These are a few of my favorite things…

$150 Sponsors a 4th Grader with a mentor for an entire school year.

$215 Pays for a prescription for a sick child who is uninsured.

$300 Provides five counseling sessions for a veteran’s and their family’s emotional health.

$25 Gives a free classroom shopping spree to a hard-working teacher.

$42,169 Contribute to each organization and each project in The Catalog.

$140 Provides meals for a client for one month.

$ 60 Provides one session of early stage social engagement group for those recently diagnosed and their care partners.

$400 Provides support for in-depth career and college readiness assessment for an at-risk teen or young adult.

$500 Provides pet food to a senior center for a month.

These are 9 of the 91 great ways to help in the community this year through The Greatest Gift Catalog Ever®. Each organization has matching funds available through The Catalog to make your contribution go even further.

For more information visit tggce.org or call 817-922-8297.

PURCHASE A RAFFLE TICKET AND ENTER TO WIN ONE OF THESE AMAZING PRIZES! THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS!

THE TEMPTATIONS & THE FOUR TOPS AND OFFICIAL JEWELER AMON G. CARTER JR. EXHIBITS HALL

GIVE BACK

Jewel Charity Angel donors are the heart of our organization. Angel gifts provide access to care for the precious patients at Cook Children’s. To become an Angel or for other ways to help, please visit our website.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Child Abuse Prevention is everyone’s responsibility, and we want more people to understand how important this issue is to our community.

Last year in Tarrant County, there were 6,202 confirmed cases of child abuse.

We can’t accept that and need your help: Only by working together as a community can we make a difference in the lives of our children.

Have a Heart

Lend a Hand

The Lend a Hand Luncheon is aimed at bringing awareness and advocacy for abused and neglected children.

Join Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, ACH Child and Family Services CEO Dr. Wayne Carson, and a panel of State Senators and Representatives as they discuss the Child Welfare System and Community-Based Care.

The Date: April 8, 2022

Pioneered in Texas by ACH, Community-Based Care gives local communities the flexibility and authority to improve foster care services—particularly for high-needs children.

Senator Lois Kolkhorst

Representative James Frank

Senator Beverly Powell

Representative Stephanie Klick

PANELIST LINEUP:

Dr. Wayne Carson

Mayor Mattie Parker GIVE BACK

You hardly have to squint for parts of Roanoke to resemble the heavenly farm fields of Iowa. The town of 9,000 residents is located just north of the Fort Worth city limits and is where photographer Norman Chavis snapped this photo during his morning walk. “It just had a calmness that captured me,” Chavis says. “It was that crisp early-morning calm that exists in those hours before everything gets started.” With the orange light reflecting ever so faintly on the maize in front of him, Chavis got to the level of the field on his knees and snapped this breathtaking sunrise with his Canon SL2.

So you’ve snapped a cool pic of the city. We want to see it. Tag your photos on Instagram with #fwtxmag. The winning image will get published on this page — so hit us with your best shot. main line 817.560.6111 | subscriptions 800.856.2032 | website fwtx.com

@norman_chavis_photography

PHOTO BY NORMAN CHAVIS

High-Spirited Ride

While driving her redesigned 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71, TCU fan Karen Culberson is turning heads. She’s getting second looks in her big, bold, and beautiful Chevy Tahoe SUV from Platinum Chevrolet in Terrell. While she fell in love with its all-new design the first time she saw it, Culberson especially enjoys the panoramic sunroof, mobile app, and connectivity features of her 2021 Chevy Tahoe. “I had very specific features in mind that were necessary for my ‘boy mom’ life and busy work world,” says the mother of two boys, McCoy, 16, and Phoenix, 11. “Stephen Gilchrist, Justin Rudd, and Tracy Fox put me in the ideal vehicle that was a perfect mix of rugged luxury,” says Culberson, a medical sales and marketing representative.

But it isn’t just the Chevy Tahoe that earns the former TCU cheerleader’s enthusiasm. “The customer service at Platinum Chevrolet is first class,” Culberson says. “It was important to me to have a dealership that would work with me and understand my needs through the process. They exceeded my expectations in every way.” Although she’s a first-time Gilchrist Automotive dealership customer, she says she’ll never go anywhere else. “The Platinum Promise, among many other top-notch services, influenced my decision to buy exclusively with Gilchrist Automotive.”

PICTURED: Stephen Gilchrist, Dealer Operator; Justin Rudd, General Manager; Karen Culberson, customer.

MAJESTIC Rides

Aledo residents John and Jodie Ludwig say that Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth sales managers Robert Grimmett and Walter Reed worked with them to find the right cars for their family. “We have owned many different brands over the years,” says John, Co-COO of Alliant Insurance Specialty Division. “We choose Mercedes because they are the absolute best in class. The attention to detail and feel of a Mercedes is like nothing else in the market.” Wrapped in elegance and luxury, John’s 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 comes with a plethora of comfort features. And John says Jodie loves how silky her sumptuous 2020 Mercedes-Benz S560 drives and handles. Their son, Andrew, a TCU senior, motors around in a sporty 2018 Mercedes-AMG C43 and a striking 2018

Mercedes-AMG GTR, and daughter Brianna, an SMU grad, drives a sleek 2021 MercedesBenz GLE 350. “Every time we get in the cars, we say, ‘Wow, this is a great vehicle.’”

John says he has found an especially caring relationship with the Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth dealership where he has purchased five vehicles in the last 15 months.

“Park Place is Our Place because of Robert and the Park Place team. It is a bit like when Norm from ‘Cheers’ walks in the bar, that is his place, and everyone shouts his name. That is the same feeling we get every time we walk into Park Place.”