Fort Worth Magazine - September 2025 by fwtx

TRUE GRIT

These leading ladies in male-dominated ﬁelds are shattering obstacles to get the job done.

Kylie Johnson Athletic coordinator and ﬂag football coach, Southwest High School

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FEATURES

50

After the tragedy in Uvalde, Fort Worth Sen. Beverly Powell made one call that set in motion a collaboration of architects, philanthropists, and the immense power of goodwill to give Uvalde’s children a new school, and a community a place to heal.

42 Cowboy Code Compliant

Brady Fielder goes about his business on the back of a bull like an accountant reconciling the books, but this Steady Eddie is the Texas Rattlers’ key presence and performer.

Stephen Montoya

The Power of Good

By John Henry

True Grit

From the oil industry’s boardrooms to the ﬁre station, meet the women thriving where they were once told they didn’t belong.

By Brian Kendall

DEPARTMENTS

THE FORT

14 City Dweller

Hilly-wood? You better believe it. Taylor Sheridan, Paramount plant a ﬁlm studio bigger than Texas in north Fort Worth.

20 Calendar

What’s going on in September? James Taylor brings his sizable catalog and a collection of Grammys to Dickies Arena.

22 Fort Worthian

Andrew Turner, host of “Fort Worth Roots Podcast.”

24 History

The tough women whose moxie helped shape the legend of the Chisholm Trail.

28 Sports

TCU football preview: Have QB, will travel.

32 Style

Lots of cow (fashion) sense on display in the Dickies Arena corridors during The American Performance Horseman.

36 State Lines Pampa, Texas: pop. 16,543.

40 Cowhand Culture

From Pappy O’Daniel Doughboy to Django — Muryel Campbell’s electriﬁed swing.

42 The Reverie

The urban legend of the 1895 Tarrant County Courthouse.

98 Dining

Newly opened Lil JJ’s Smokehouse is a tribute to the owners’ late son, and the namesake is nearby at every turn.

Magic Hour in Graford

As with anything one is attempting to schedule, the two most important details are time and place. And, when sharing such information with the attending parties, one hopes these particulars are reasonable. In other words, not too early and not too far away. For instance, 2 p.m. at Bowie House would be a completely acceptable time and place, and neither would elicit any groans or verbal pushbacks.

But, when scheduling photo shoots, early hours are often preferred, an unfortunate fact that has long caused vocational crises within the brain of this night owl. You see, there’s a little something called the “magic hour” — a brief window of time when natural light is at its best for outside photography. It’s when the sun, still skirting on the horizon, casts a soft golden hue that seems to agree with most skin tones and camera lenses. I heard Terrence Mallick once ﬁlmed an entire movie during magic hour, only doing takes at dusk and dawn. Somehow, he staved off a violent mutiny from the cast and crew.

For the photo shoot I’m writing about, which you can ﬁnd in our cover story on page 58, we needed a working pumpjack. Now, the magazine has photographed next to pumpjacks before, but I thought it best to avoid trespassing private property and hopping barbed-wire fences this time — luck’s bound to run out with the landowners at some point. Fortunately, Kathy Robertson, our landman subject for the cover story, has a friend just north of Graford with a pumpjack on his property.

Yeah, Graford — about an 80-minute drive sans trafﬁc from downtown Fort Worth.

So, photo shoot arrival time scheduled for 7 a.m. — on a Saturday, no less — at an address my Google Maps can’t even identify; but I’m assured knowledge of the general direction will get us there. I hate being the

bearer of bad news, and this sounded like bad news. But I was pleasantly surprised how enthusiastic everyone was. Surely the ﬁve people to whom I had to communicate this unpleasant news had better things to do on their Saturday morning. Or, I don’t know, sleep. But our photog, Olaf Growald; designer, Craig Sylva; and landman, the aforementioned Robertson, were all, dare I say, excited.

It’s always nice to be reminded that attending a photo shoot with an incredible subject in some uncharted territory during the most beautiful time of the day is, in fact, just about the coolest thing one can do on a Saturday morning.

Of course, upon arrival, we were immediately warned the ranch was infested with copperheads. And yet another anecdote for another day.

ON THE COVER:

We met Kylie Johnson a week before the beginning of fall semester at Southwest High School, where she braved the afternoon heat to toss the football around for a photo shoot. Johnson is the athletic director and coach for Fort Worth’s ﬁrst ﬂag football team. PhotobyOlafGrowald. CORRECTIONS? COMMENTS? CONCERNS?

Send to executive editor Brian Kendall at bkendall@fwtexas.com.

NEXT MONTH

Brian Kendall EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Best of Fort Worth

John Henry Talks to the Dead

Have you or a woman you know ever worked in a maledominated ﬁeld? What was it like?

Worked on a story several years ago on the ﬁrst woman, I think, to join the local carpenters union in the early 1970s. In the early 2010s, she had built her own home in Johnson County using recycled materials and/or materials like rocks and trees from her own property.

While in college, my daughter worked as an education outreach assistant at the Fort Worth Zoo, where she cared for animals like a boa constrictor, a great horned owl, penguins, baby alligators, and a bearcat. She handled feeding, training, socialization, as well as cleaning animal enclosures. As part of the zoo’s outreach team, she presented live animal demonstrations at schools and zoo stage shows — handling hawks and wrangling snakes. She stepped into a role often seen as male-dominated and thrived in it.

I spent a summer as a teen on top of a mountain in Colorado helping my dad grout (ﬁx) a natural dam. Sure wish I still had those muscles that could throw around 100-pound sacks of concrete!

owner/publisher hal a. brown

president mike waldum

EDITORIAL

executive editor brian kendall

contributing editor john henry

digital editor stephen montoya

contributing writers malcolm mayhew, michael h. price, shilo urban

copy editor sharon casseday

editorial intern maddy clark

ART

creative director craig sylva

senior art director spray gleaves

contributing ad designer jonathon won

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

senior production manager

michelle mcghee x116

MARKETING

director of digital robby kyser director of marketing grace behr events and promotions director victoria albrecht

project manager kaitlyn lisenby events and promotion interns

keely garcia, stella todd

CORPORATE

chief financial officer charles newton

founding publisher mark hulme

main line 817.560.6111

subscriptions 817.766.5550 fwmagsubscriptions@omeda.com

My daughter, Sarah Brown Armstrong, trains horses for a living in New Mexico. She was even on the hit TV show, “Cowgirls,” riding saddle broncs for three seasons and placing ﬁrst in two of the seasons. Married to a cowboy, Sarah’s current main job is being a mother to three girls. Oh, and she’s also a social media inﬂuencer, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t share her Instagram: @sarahk_brown.

Nicole English is a project manager at Herzog Contracting, which is a very male-dominated industry. Nicole is a construction manager in rail transit development including transit design, construction, testing, commissioning, and track/systems. She has managed construction projects that have expanded the major public transit agencies in the metroplex, including Trinity Metro, DART, and DCTA. Nicole has been at this position for nearly 20 years.

I worked as the ONLY woman on a sales team of 20-plus in a maledominated environment. While it was intimidating at first, I quickly felt included and respected. The experience taught me to confidently share my perspective, stand firm in my convictions, and, after any conflict, move forward with respect for my teammates.

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.

FortWorthMagazine(ISSN 1536-8939) is published monthly by Panther City Media Group, LP, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Suite 130, Fort Worth, TX 76116. Periodicals Postage Paid at Fort Worth, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notices and undeliverable copies to Panther City Media Group, PO Box 213, Lincolnshire, IL 60069. Volume 28, Number 9, September 2025. Basic Subscription price: $21.95 per year. Single copy price: $4.99

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From Longhorns to Legacy

Williams Trew Toasts 25 Years in Fort Worth Real Estate

The longhorns weren’t just for show – they were the greeters. Hoss, Rocky, and pint-sized Handsome Hank welcomed guests to The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame for Williams Trew’s 25th Anniversary celebration. Branded with temporary “WT25” markings, these photogenic icons from women-owned Lonesome Longhorn set the tone for an evening that honored tradition with a fresh, Fort Worth twist.

Held on June 25, 2025, the celebration marked a quarter-century of impact for Williams Trew – a ﬁrm built on integrity, community, and local expertise. Co-founded in 2000 by Martha Williams, the late Joan Trew, and Marshall Boyd, the company has grown into a trusted name with more than 125 agents and ofﬁces across Fort Worth and Parker County. From supporting beloved local institutions to helping generations of clients, Williams Trew has become part of the city’s fabric.

The venue was ﬁtting: The Cowgirl pays tribute to trail-

blazing women, echoing the legacy of founders Williams and Trew. Guests arrived in cowboy chic attire and were serenaded by Sapphire Strings, a violin duo in rhinestones, cowboy hats and custom WT25 belt buckles, that played everything from Shania Twain to Chappell Roan with electric ﬂair.

The Fort Worth pride didn’t stop there. Local touches were everywhere – from WT25 logo tees on Rent A Frog valets, to Teresa’s Event Stafﬁng aprons, to keepsake bandanas created by Printed Threads and personalized onsite by Daniel “The Magic Cowboy” Wright. Guests wore their black-and-white bandanas proudly, featuring city icons like the Stockyards sign and a Bass Hall angel.

Carolyn McCann, Sales Leader of Williams Trew, addressed the crowd with gratitude and pride. “You are the reason Williams Trew is still the best in the business. Bar none,” she said, before welcoming co-founder Martha Williams for a heartfelt toast.

Longhorn Trivia: Hoss may have looked familiar to some – he recently appeared in Gray Malin’s spring 2025 photo series at the ﬂagship Neiman Marcus in Downtown Dallas (left). Photo courtesy graymalin.com

Electric violinists Val and Melissa of Sapphire Strings lit up the entry hall in cowboy hats, rhinestones, and custom WT25 belt buckles—proving Fort Worth ﬂair pairs perfectly with high-voltage performance.

“So tonight, let’s raise our glass to a milestone 25 years,” Williams said in her closing toast. “Williams Trew began with a vision – thanks to Marshall Boyd and Joan Trew – to bring integrity, excellence, and service to Fort Worth real estate. To our clients, our agents, and the relationships we’ve built: you are the reason we’re able to celebrate tonight. You’ve built a legacy that will continue for many years to come. So here’s a toast to you.”

The event was more than a party. It was a tribute to 25 years of shaping neighborhoods, building relationships, and blazing trails in Fort Worth real estate. Williams Trew isn’t just part of the city’s real estate history – it has helped deﬁne it. As the ﬁrm looks ahead, one thing is clear: the next 25 years will be just as bold, just as rooted in community, and just as uniquely Fort Worth.

Attendees had their custom WT25 bandanas (inset) personalized by Daniel “The Magic Cowboy” Wright of Fort Worth’s W Durable Goods, who stitched names on-site with a vintage Singer machine.

From left to right: Martha Williams & Marshall Boyd, Co-Founders of Williams Trew.

THE FORT

PEOPLE TO KNOW THINGS TO DO PLACES TO GO

STYLE

The fashion in the aisles is as eye-catching as a dandy 2 1/2-minute run at The American Performance Horseman at Dickies Arena.

WHAT WE’RE WRITING ABOUT THIS MONTH:

On page 14 Choreographer Suki John’s award-winning narrative dance ﬁlm has a loud message for viewers. On page 20 Things to do in September. On page 22 Andrew Turner, “Fort Worth Roots Podcast” host. On page 24 The ladies of the Chisholm Trail. On page 28 TCU football outlook for 2025. On page 36 A trip to Pampa, Texas. On page 40 “Zeke” Campbell’s subversive strings in Western swing. On page 42 Tarrant County’s election story that wasn’t.

by Stephen Montoya

Silent Masterpiece

TCU professor’s award-winning dance ﬁlm is a call for young audiences to listen

In an art form that trades in silence, choreographer and TCU professor of dance Dr. Suki John is telling the loudest story of her life.

This summer, John received the 2025 Chita Rivera Award for Outstanding Choreography in a Feature Film for “Sh’ma: A Story of Survival,” a haunting and luminous narrative dance ﬁlm based on her mother’s experience during the Holocaust. In a category usually dominated by big-budget musicals and Disney spectacles, John’s deeply personal project stood out.

“I beat ‘Wicked,’ ‘Emelia Perez,‘ and a Disney movie,” she said during a phone interview. “There’s no Oscar for choreography. So, to win best choreography in a feature ﬁlm over major Oscar contenders? I’m blown away.”

“Sh’ma,” which means “listen” in Hebrew, is a work of stunning clarity

and emotional power — a wordless chronicle of loss, resistance, and resilience rendered entirely through movement. It began as a ballet in 1990, initially commissioned by the People’s Theater of the former Yugoslavia. She restaged it in New York after the Bosnian War to critical acclaim. Later on, during the peak of the pandemic, John saw a new path forward.

“I reimagined it as a ﬁlm, abstracting time and place to help young viewers connect,” she says. “Directing it pushed me to use everything I had — from choreography and storytelling to production, psychology, and the art of collaboration.”

The result is a visceral, choreographic language that speaks directly to audiences — even (and especially) in the absence of dialogue. “‘Sh’ma’ is my magnum opus,” John says. “It’s the ballet I was born to make.”

John’s mother, born in Budapest, survived the Holocaust as a child. When “Sh’ma” had its ﬁrst European screening in Budapest during her recent summer tour, the moment was layered with personal meaning.

“It was moving beyond words,” John says. “It was incredibly special.”

The screening also brought an unexpected surprise: “I met three cousins I didn’t know I had,” she says. “Their grandfather was actually the inspiration for one of the characters.”

John traveled through four countries showing “Sh’ma” in five cities total. Each stop had its own tenor. In Paris, conversation was intellectual. In Kraków — the final stop on her tour — she screened the film as part of the Jewish Culture Festival, where the response was warm and curious.

Despite the ﬁlm’s critical success, John noticed a troubling pattern.

“The only disappointment across the entire tour was the lack of young people in the audience,” she says.

In France, she presented “Sh’ma” at a prestigious dance school shortly after winning the Chita. She assumed students would jump at the chance to see the work.

“Most of the young dancers didn’t come,” she says. “They were afraid the subject would upset them. Their teachers were livid — they had carved out time for this, and the students stayed away.”

For John, that moment crystallized why “The Sh’ma Project: Move Against Hate” — an educational initiative using the ﬁlm in Texas classrooms — is so vital.

“There’s a lot of Holocaust ignorance in younger generations,” she says. “It’s not intentional. They just haven’t met survivors, because there are so few left. That’s why education is crucial. Because genocide, oppression, and ethnic violence are still happening.”

With the support of the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission, John and her team have crafted a condensed version of the ﬁlm to bring Holocaust

education into classrooms.

“The language is dance,” she says. “No archival footage. Just movement. It reveals moments of beauty in the face of horror.”

But that purity can be misunderstood. In a time of growing global conﬂict, the project has touched unexpected nerves. The ﬁlm is dedicated to “the children of Israel and Gaza,” and John says she’s worried people might interpret that as a political statement.

“It’s not about sides — it’s about civilians,” she says. “There’s no excuse for killing or starving children, ever.”

She adds, “We need to see the signs — when people who are different from us start being seen as less than human. That’s where it begins.”

Back in Fort Worth, John is preparing to return to teaching this fall and already laying the groundwork for her next dance ﬁlm. Inspired by a Gabriel García Márquez novel and composed by a longtime collaborator in New York, the piece would be shot in Fort Worth — her artistic home for more than two decades.

“I’m planting the seeds,” she says. “But distribution for ‘Sh’ma’ is still a full-time job.”

She may even return to Serbia this fall, where “Sh’ma” was ﬁrst staged in 1990, to screen the ﬁlm at an academic conference.

Until then, she’s chasing the same goal she’s had since she began reimagining the project during the pandemic.

“I want young people to see it,” she says simply. “I want them to listen.”

TCU for All Texans

Starting 2026, TCU will fully fund top students from lowincome families.

Cost of attendance has been driving would-be students from Texas away from TCU. The school hears you.

TCU is eliminating ﬁnancial barriers for some of the state’s top students through a new initiative. Beginning with the Fall 2026 class, the university will offer full tuition and ﬁnancial assistance for food and housing to qualifying Texas students as part of its newly launched TCU for Texans program.

The aid initiative will cover all tuition costs for incoming ﬁrst-year students from Texas whose families earn $70,000 or less in adjusted gross income and meet additional eligibility criteria, including Pell Grant eligibility, and submission of required ﬁnancial aid forms by Nov. 1, 2025.

“TCU for Texans opens our doors to the state’s best and brightest students who may have once considered a TCU education out of reach,” said TCU Chancellor Daniel W. Pullin in a statement. “If you have the drive and talent, we have the support.”

In addition to full tuition, the program includes support for housing, meals, and other needs, with aid renewable throughout a student’s college career based on annual reassessment of ﬁnancial need.

The initiative builds on TCU’s LEAD ON: Values in Action strategic plan, which aims to broaden access to the

university’s top-tier academics, student experience, and athletics. The school has quietly piloted the program over the past three years, providing aid to hundreds of academically strong Texas students. Now, with expanded capacity and formalized infrastructure, the program is a key part of the university’s push to support student-centered growth.

“As TCU continues to attract a student body from every state in the nation, we want Texan families to know they remain a bedrock at TCU,” said Heath Einstein, vice provost for enrollment management. “Academically talented Texas students can have conﬁdence that a TCU education is attainable.”

TCU joins a growing number of Texas universities — including Rice, Texas A&M, UT Arlington, and Baylor — in offering full tuition or comprehensive aid packages for low-income, in-state students. TCU’s approach stands out in part because, as a private university, it charges the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students: $63,500 in tuition and $18,020 for room and board for the 2025–26 academic year.

More than half of TCU’s incoming students are from outside Texas, and more than 1,400 undergraduates received Pell Grants in the 2022–23 academic year, according to federal data.

by John Henry

Hilly-wood

Hillwood, SGS Studios, and Paramount launch Texas’ largest ﬁlm studio.

One of these days someone should really do a miniseries on the career of Bob Bolen. It would be quite appropriate if it was all shot at the 450,000-square-foot production campus at AllianceTexas.

Bolen as Fort Worth mayor was the civic visionary behind that project, giving Ross Perot Jr. a warm embrace when the scion of one of the world’s richest men wanted to build an industrial airport in north Fort Worth pasture.

It’s hard to believe anyone ever saw Hillwood’s 27,000-acre AllianceTexas development becoming home to the state’s largest operating studio facility in Texas.

But here we are.

Hillwood last month formalized a landmark partnership with SGS Studios to bring large-scale ﬁlm and television production to Fort Worth.

Operated by SGS Studios in collaboration with Paramount Television, the venture introduces a 450,000-squarefoot production campus capable of supporting four concurrent large-scale productions.

The partnership unites three industry leaders: SGS Studios, founded by creator Taylor Sheridan, with a next-generation production infrastructure; Hillwood, a global force in large-scale real estate

development; and Paramount Television, producer of cultural landmarks like “Yellowstone” and “Landman.”

The two-building campus — SGS 1 and SGS 2 — offers fully HVAC-equipped and power-optimized sound stages, mill space, wardrobe, and green screen capabilities. Filming began in March with the second season of “Landman.”

“Texas offers something rare: the space to dream big, the freedom to build fast, and a community that still believes storytelling matters,” Sheridan said.

Looking ahead, the partnership will develop the ﬁrst master-planned studio campus within AllianceTexas, with additional stages, post-production suites, and vendor support designed to attract global productions.

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker called the move “signiﬁcant in showcasing what Fort Worth can offer to attract major productions,” while SGS has partnered with Tarrant County College to train more than 150 students in specialized production skills.

The project, designated as a Media Production Development Zone by the city of Fort Worth, the Texas Film Commission, and the Texas Comptroller, is expected to solidify Texas as a premier destination for content creation.

Around Cowtown in 8 Seconds

A smattering of things you might’ve missed

Staying out of Trouble? Fort Worth ISD’s academic accountability ratings improved, but three middle schools received fourth consecutive F’s, just one year shy of a mandatory state intervention. Yet, new Superintendent Karen Molinar is conﬁdent in “the direction we’re going in.”

The Big Badge: By this time next month, we’ll likely have a new chief of police in Fort Worth. Interim Chief Robert Alldredge, former Dallas Chief Eddie Garcia, and Vernon Hale, former Dallas deputy chief — all ﬁnalists for the job — took part in a townhall at City Hall to meet residents. “Transparency,” “trust,” and “oversight” were the key words. Redress on the Redraw: The League of Women Voters of Tarrant County and LULAC are suing Tarrant County, the county’s Commissioners Court, and County Judge Tim O’Hare over its mid-decade redistricting. The groups allege the “secretive, rushed process” violates the Texas Open Meetings Act and purposely discriminates against Black and Latino voters.

FirstGen Pin: Texas Wesleyan has been honored for its commitment to helping ﬁrstgeneration college students succeed by being recognized as a FirstGen Forward institution, a national designation awarded by NASPA–Student A airs Administrators in Higher Education and the Suder Foundation.

Doesn’t Fly: Birders are outraged at the city of Fort Worth closing Village Creek, considered one of the most important birding sites in Texas. A petition is making the rounds. It had more than 900 signatures as of mid-August.

Requiescat in Pace: Rest well, Morton Meyerson — good and faithful servant, and a damn proud Paschal Panther.

Dave Ramsey Is Proud: The city of Arlington has paid o its portion of the ﬁnancing for the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium. By paying it o 10 years early, the city saved itself $151 million in interest and fees.

Law of the Land: 835 new state laws came online Sept. 1, including the highly scrutinized school vouchers bill. No money will be available until next school year. A marijuana bill — not the one the governor vetoed — expands doctor-prescribed marijuana.

Sept.

5–28

‘Heartbreak House’

The cast of Hip Pocket Theatre will perform one of English playwright George Bernard Shaw’s most revered works, “Heartbreak House,” which shares the strange events that occur during a dinner party at the house of an eccentric older man during the onset of World War I. Hip Pocket Theatre hippocket.org

Fall

Gallery Night

Hosted by the Fort Worth Art Dealers Association, 41 local spots made up of museums, galleries, retailers, and restaurants stay open till 9 p.m. to showcase works by hundreds of local and national artists. Various locations fwada.com

Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection

A new exhibit featuring 58 pieces, including 24 newly restored works from the world’s most important private collection of ancient Roman sculptures. The

pieces span in origin from 5th century BC to 2nd century AD.

The Kimbell Art Museum kimbellart.org

19 Lainey Wilson

One of country music’s most prominent new voices — and biggest star in bell-bottoms since Bobbie Gentry — Lainey Wilson’s latest album, Whirlwind, topped charts across the globe and earned Wilson a Grammy nod for Best Country Album.

Dickies Arena dickiesarena.com

19 – 23

‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’

A group of ballet dancers from Bruce Wood Dance Dallas will join the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra as they perform composer Joby Talbot’s musical interpretation of the famous Lewis Carroll novel.

Bass Performance Hall basshall.com

TCU vs. SMU

Despite the storied rivalry — the teams have faced

off 103 times over the last 109 years — this will mark the ﬁnal time the Horned Frogs will face the Ponies in football for the foreseeable future. TCU looks to avenge last year’s loss to keep the Iron Skillet in Fort Worth till they meet again.

Amon Carter Stadium gofrogs.com

21 Ben Folds

Just like its name suggests, the “Ben Folds and a Piano Tour,” is just that: Ben Folds and a piano. The pop music maestro who had a string of hits in the ’90s with his band, Ben Folds Five, will deliver stripped-down versions of his biggest hits.

Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall tannahills.com

23-28

‘The Life of Pi’

The Tony and Olivier award-winning play is a stage adaption of Yann Martel’s bestsell-

Sept. 17

James Taylor & His All-Star Band

The legendary singersongwriter who boasts more than 100 million in album sales, six Grammys, and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction to boot comes to Dickies Arena with his AllStar Band. Dickies Arena | dickiesarena.com

ing novel that tells the story of 16-year-old Pi and his animal companions as they embark on an adventure across the Paciﬁc Ocean after a catastrophic shipwreck.

Bass Performance Hall basshall.com

25–27

Oktoberfest

Get your steins out and lederhosen dry-cleaned, the ultimate three-day celebration of all things Germany returns to Trinity Park. Festivities include live polka, carnival rides, costume contests, a 5K run, and plenty of beer and brats. Trinity Park fortworthoktoberfest.com

Summer sips and Quince trips.

Andrew Turner

Podcaster,

By Brian Kendall

Fort Worth Roots

Photo by Richard W. Rodriguez

Over the last few years, we assume you’ve either heard this question or have personally asked it aloud: Why does everyone have a podcast?

With over 6 million audio shows on Spotify, it’s easy to feel like the podcast space is oversaturated with surface-level chats and monologues from not-subject-matter experts acting like subject-matter experts. But when one expertly navigates these airwaves and takes the time to separate the wheat from the chaff, one will discover that some people are ﬂat-out worth listening to. And Andrew Turner is one of these people.

Turner’s “Fort Worth Roots Podcast,” which delivers thoughtful interviews with local personalities — be it with artists, musicians, civic leaders, or entrepreneurs — has been around for over five years and just notched Episode No. 440. Yeah, this wasn’t some flash-in-the-pan, flavor-of-the-week podcast situation; Turner’s clearly in it for the long haul.

An Army veteran and an avid listener of podcasts — “I was probably eating up about 50 or 60 hours-worth of podcast content per week” — Turner saw the potential to replicate and put a Fort Worth twist on shows he was regularly tuning into. Things like “The Joe Rogan Experience” and “WTF with Marc Maron,” shows that featured laid-back conversations that led to insightful and revealing information on a wide range of topics.

“I saw some real value in podcasting long-form,” Turner says. “I thought it would be very impactful. There are so many amazing people [in Fort Worth], and I just thought there was a space for it.”

Born and raised in Abilene, Turner joined the U.S. Army in 2005 and served two overseas combat deployments. He’d end up in Fort Worth in 2010 when he was stationed at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth and, like many who arrive expecting a short-term stint, he’d

make it his long-term home.

While the transition from Abilene to Fort Worth wouldn’t exactly result in culture shock, Turner, like many of us, is technically one of those transplants who’s at the heart of Fort Worth’s population boom.

“It is cool if you’re born in Fort Worth and never left,” Turner says. “But there’s something even more special about it whenever you show up to Fort Worth and you go, ‘Oh, this is it. This is home.’”

His genuine love for the city is undoubtedly what’s at the heart of his “Fort Worth Roots Podcast.” No matter who Turner interviews or what he promotes, there’s a sense of altruism in everything the podcast does. And while this charity expands to the community at large, there is one local space where he aims to make the most difference: the local music scene.

“At the end of the day, when I think about what I can affect, I’m wondering if I can get more bands on stages,” he says. “The music scene isn’t thriving the way it used to, but there are still so many incredible, talented artists around our city. And I’m going to do my part to get the city back to where it used to be — we almost became the music capital of Texas. I’ll be on this mic, cheerleading as hard as I can.”

BY THE WAY....

Who’s been your favorite interview on “Fort Worth Roots”?

“Rather than focusing on one episode, I’d say the category that’s been my favorite is the work we’ve done with the child advocacy groups — child placement services like Gladney Center for Adoption and excellent Tarrant County organizations that are taking care of the most important people in our community: our children. Those are my favorite because, to me, ‘Fort Worth Roots’ is meeting its max potential whenever we’re part of something so big and so important.”

1. Keeping Fort Worth funky. 2. Interviewing Mayor Mattie Parker. 3. Outside Ridglea Theatre following FortWorthWeeklyMusic Awards. 4. Our Taphouse. 5. Turner with his wife in Terlingua. 6. With local musician Bencjones. 7. With District 3 City Council Member Michael Crain.

by Shilo Urban

Cowgirls of the Chisholm Trail

We’re not talking about the toll road. No ma’am, this 800-mile cattle drive from Texas to Kansas, which came through Fort Worth, created living legends and shaped the future of the Lone Star State.

Resilient, determined, and independent-minded…know any Texas women like that? The frontier may be closed, but its tenacious spirit lives on in the steely will of the Texas woman. Her fortitude was forged in a rugged landscape of lawless borderlands and remote homesteads, where survival demanded self-reliance and tradition taught grace under pressure. Life was harsh and unforgiving,

and no place more so than on the Chisholm Trail.

Between 1867 and 1884, over ﬁve million longhorns traveled from Texas ranches to Kansas railheads via the Chisholm Trail. Women faced the same dangers as men on the 800-mile cattle drive, and then some. Along with perilous river crossings, stampedes, and storms — they were burdened with suspicion, social stigma, and child care. And they did it all in petticoats.

Countless wives and daughters joined the cattle drives, and history has forgotten most of their names. But not all. Meet ﬁve tough women who deﬁed expectations to travel the Chisholm Trail and whose moxie helped to shape the story of Texas.

AMANDA BURKS: True Grit

The ﬁrst documented woman to head north on the Chisholm Trail, Amanda Burks set off with her husband in April 1871 to drive “4,000 beeves” to Abilene, Kansas, from Cotulla in South Texas. A real-deal cowgirl, the 30-year-old rounded up and branded cattle, helped with camp chores, and drove her own buggy.

One cowboy noted she “was with us all the time, going through all the storms, the mud, and dangers of the trail without a murmur. She often gave the boys coffee and kind words when they came off herd, and the boys all respected and admired her.”

Storms left the biggest impression on Amanda, who wrote about them decades later. “Some of the worst electrical and hailstorms I have ever witnessed were in [North Texas]. The lightning seemed to settle on the ground and creep along like something alive. It would run up the wagon tongue and over the covers, frightening the cattle and men alike.”

After selling their herd in Kansas, the couple returned to ranch life in Texas. Amanda took over ranch operations following her husband’s death six years later, expanding the property and trading cattle for another 50 years.

Amanda Burks

HATTIE CLUCK: One Tough Mother

“I wasn’t afraid,” said Hattie Cluck. “I could ride as well as any man.” It’s easy to imagine plucky Hattie Cluck setting her jaw, putting her foot down, and insisting to her husband: “I’m going with you, and that’s that.” The 25-year-old hit the trail from Round Rock in 1871, but she didn’t wrangle any steers. She was too busy wrangling a toddler and a 5-year-old — and being several months pregnant.

“I rode horseback all the way and crossed the Red River on horseback,” she said. River crossings could be deadly on cattle drives, and the Red River was at ﬂood stage when Hattie arrived. She handed each child to a cowboy and rode across the muddy, fast-ﬂowing waters. By the time Hattie, her kids, and the herd reached the river’s opposite banks, the powerful current had carried them a mile downstream from where they started. The crew later had to fend off bandits but reached Kansas safely, where Hattie gave birth that October.

Later in the 1930s, interest in the cattle drives peaked, and writers clamored to interview Hattie, now in her 80s. They turned her memories into tall tales and birthed the legend of Hattie Cluck, a bronco-busting crack shot (the best in Texas) who fought off Indians with the courage of Joan of Arc. Sensationalism aside, Hattie’s story speaks to the strength and endurance of mothers everywhere. “I cooked for the outﬁt and took care of my children as best I could. There were hardships, but we made it.”

MARGARET BORLAND: Boss Babe

When Margaret Borland drove 2,500 longhorns up the Chisholm Trail in 1886, the 49-year-old grandmother had already been battle-tested by tragedy. Born in Ireland, Margaret immigrated to America at age 5. Her father was killed shortly afterward during the Texas Revolution — possibly at the Goliad Massacre, according to family lore. Her ﬁrst husband died in a pistol duel, her second husband

died of cholera, and her third husband died in a yellow fever epidemic that also killed ﬁve of her children. Welcome to the frontier.

Each of Margaret’s husbands had been in the ranching business, and by 1873 the three-time widow owned a sizable ranch and 10,000 cattle, the largest herd in Victoria, Texas. That same year, she became the only woman in U.S. history to personally run a cattle drive, managing the trail crew and handling all the logistics. Her three living children (out of nine born) and a 6-year-old granddaughter came along. Margaret successfully drove 2,500 cattle to Kansas, but she didn’t get to enjoy the proﬁts. She died one month later from “trail fever” and “congestion of the brain,”

the ﬁnal calamity in this trailblazing Texan’s hard-knock life.

MOLLIE BUNTON: Newlywed on the Trail

The daughter of a successful Austin doctor, Mary Taylor “Mollie” Bunton was raised in luxury and educated in New York City’s most exclusive schools. But this society belle had a mind of her own. Eschewing Austin’s wealthy bachelors, she married a West Texas cowboy in late 1885 and moved to his ranch in Sweetwater. She learned to hunt and shocked the ranch hands by riding horses in fancy new boots — and breeches, which women just didn’t wear.

Right before the spring cattle drive began, a crisis erupted: The trail boss was struck blind. Unable to ﬁnd a

Margaret Borland

Hattie Cluck

Mollie Bunton

STATEMENT PIECE

replacement, Mollie’s husband decided to lead the 5,000-strong herd himself. But Mollie wasn’t about to be stuck at home. She pleaded to go, and her husband relented, assuming she’d only last a day or two. Mollie had other plans. Conﬁdent she would reach Kansas, the 26-year-old packed an evening dress to wear upon arrival.

the trail — where she wore her beautiful ballgown, just as she knew she would.

LIZZIE JOHNSON WILLIAMS: Businesswoman Extraordinaire

Lizzie Johnson Williams was ahead of her time. As a young Austin schoolteacher with a whip-sharp mind, she wrote ﬁction (anonymously) for a national magazine and kept books for local cattle barons. Seeing the money they made, Lizzie invested in livestock and registered her own brand in 1871. She was 31 and unmarried, and two days later, she purchased her ﬁrst parcel of land. It wouldn’t be the last.

Slowly accumulating land and longhorns, Lizzie’s assets had grown substantially eight years later when she married Hezekiah Williams. She insisted on a prenup to retain control of her ﬁnances and property, which was almost unheard of…and a fantastic idea. Hezekiah lacked her business acumen, and she frequently bailed him out of debt and bad deals, even paying a $50,000 ransom after he was kidnapped in Cuba.

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Mollie later wrote about her adventures in her memoir, “A Bride on the Old Chisholm Trail.” “The wind was always blowing, and the dust never settled. Sometimes it seemed the very sky was filled with cattle and grit. My teeth crunched with it.” Like Amanda, she was captivated by storms: “Sometimes the lightning would fall from the sky in fiery darts of flame; again, there would be a flash, and it would look as if millions of fairies in glittering robes of fire were dancing in mad glee over the backs of the cattle and jumping from the horns of one steer to another.”

She killed a rattlesnake with her ﬁshing pole and “much squeamishness,” cutting off its rattles and earning some cred with the cowboys. “Most of them were good-natured and considerate, but their speech was full of slang and oaths. I learned to overlook it.” With her two horses (Darling and Beautiful), Mollie made it to Kansas after three months on

But Lizzie loved “the old buzzard,” and the couple made three trips up the Chisholm Trail, riding together in a buggy but keeping their herds separate. After he died, she lived so frugally in a tiny Austin apartment that people assumed she was poor — until her death revealed $250,000 in assets, including diamonds hidden on her properties across Central Texas. Now in Fort Worth’s National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, she’s known as the Cattle Queen of Texas.

Whether they roped horses, traded cattle, or kept children alive on the Chisholm Trail — all these women bucked convention by riding out in a man’s world that expected them to stay home. Their legacy of guts and grit endures today in the soul of the Lone Star State. So, the next time a Texas woman sets her jaw and puts her foot down, remember that she’s in good company with the formidable frontier women who came before.

From well-known personalities to music and Western, you’ll ﬁnd the perfect piece for your space.

fine art as unique as fort worth

Cowgirl Western Gallery

Lizzie Johnson Williams

John Henry

A Giant Leap, Frogs

Here’s the Magic 8-Ball outlook on TCU’s football season.

The Horned Frogs will kick o play on Labor Day in a high-proﬁle game against North Carolina, where they’ll begin outside of the esteemed AP Top 25 for the second consecutive year.

Though they didn’t crack the all-important list, Sonny Dykes’ fourth team at TCU wasn’t completely ignored by the “experts” — the Frogs received some votes in the preseason poll. Nonetheless, TCU is running under the radar. And I’m kind of wondering why.

Yes, it’s true that TCU has lost some key returning players, particularly on offense. A team doesn’t graduate two wide receivers — Jack Bech and Savion

Williams — to the NFL and suddenly get better at moving down the ﬁeld.

However, nine starters are back on each side of the ball, including the most important of them all: quarterback Josh Hoover.

But despite passing for a school record 3,949 yards and accounted for 31 total touchdowns in 2024, that’s not the part of Hoover’s return that made headlines. The junior turned down a reported $1 million more from Tennessee to come back to Stadium Drive. He is paid well at TCU, but $1 million more is $1 million more. And that’s why Dykes has called this “old soul” a unique player.

“I am really excited about who he is, what kind of leader he is, what kind of player he is,” Dykes said at Big 12 Media Days in July.

So are we.

As one of our favorite sports philosophers, Randy Galloway, used to tell us: “It’s always about the damn quarterback.”

O ensive Preview

OK, so, Josh Hoover set a single-season school record for passing yards and lost three top receiving targets.

Leave your concerns at the tailgate.

Believe it or not, don’t expect a dropoff at wide receiver under coordinator Kendal Briles (are we allowed to say his name yet?). Eric McAlister, an Azle High graduate who began his college career at Boise State, is the Frogs’ undisputed No. 1 at receiver. A preseason All-Big 12 pick, he’s a proven commodity after posting 762 yards and ﬁve touchdowns last season as a second-stringer.

Receivers Jordan Dwyer and Joseph Manjack IV transferred from Idaho and Houston respectively, with Dwyer registering 1,000 yards last season with the Hawkeyes.

On the ground, the Frogs struggled moving the ball in 2024 but believe they’ll be better in 2025 with a running back-by-committee approach. I’m told UTSA transfer Kevorian Barnes, who rushed for 1,803 yards and 14 touchdowns over three seasons while he averaged almost ﬁve yards per carry will “probably” be the starter to begin the season.

Helping him out will be sophomore Jeremy Payne, a four-star prospect in the Class of 2024 who showed a little something as a freshman, and Nate Palmer, a redshirt freshman who had a proliﬁc career at Decatur High School.

In the trenches, the Frogs have conﬁdence in protecting the QB and opening running lanes with expected starters Ryan Hughes, Cade Bennett, Coltin Deery, Carson Bruno, and Ben Taylor-Whitﬁeld.

Keep an eye on Bennett (6-4, 305), a former All-Mountain West Conference performer at San Diego State who

missed all of last season with a back injury. If Bennett is the difference maker up front like the Frogs think he will be, then TCU might paint scoreboards with proliﬁc purple numbers.

Defend the Carter

TCU will again roll out a 4-2-5 scheme under second-year coordinator Andy Avalos.

Depth is a concern on the defensive line, though the Frogs like their starters, which include brothers Deavan and Markis Deal — one a defensive end and the other a tackle. Deavan was honorable mention All-Big 12 a year ago as a major disruptor in the backﬁeld. He led TCU with 9.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Markis Deal made an impact plugging holes at tackle before being lost to injury.

I’m planning to remember the name Zach Chapman, a second-team freshman All-American selection by The Athletic after ﬁnishing with three sacks and a QB hurry as a redshirt freshman in 2024. He’s got something, and the line will need to put some pressure on quarterbacks to protect two new starters at cornerback.

Namdi Obiazor’s return as a starter at linebacker is a key asset for the defense. The former safety had 81 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and an interception. He has serious NFL ambitions. Former All-Pac-12 performer Kaleb Elarms-Orr is moving in to replace Johnny Hodges. ElarmsOrr had 54 tackles and two sacks as a backup last season.

The spotlight in the secondary will shine on Avery Helm and Vernon Glover, who both missed all of last season with injuries. The Frogs also brought in Elijah Jackson, a transfer from Washington who played ﬁve years for the Huskies.

One of our favorites, Bud Clark, is back for a sixth season at safety. One of the last remaining from the 2022 CFP Championship team, Clark has more than 30 starts over the past three seasons and has amassed 158 total tackles, 24 pass breakups, and 11 interceptions.

Strong safety Jamel Johnson also returns, but the Frogs are looking for a new nickel starter with the depar-

ture of Abe Camara. Austin Johnson is expected to be that guy.

Can these guys get off the ﬁeld on third down and be more consistent players in the oppositions’ backﬁeld? Both of those metrics were shaky in 2024.

Special Teams

Kyle Lemmerman, considered by some to be the best kicker nationally in his high school class as a senior at Southlake Carroll, is back as a sophomore. As a true freshman, he made 15-of-22 ﬁeld goal attempts with a long of 48 yards. The Frogs are conﬁdent in Lemmerman’s leg with the game on the line.

Aussie Ethan Craw is back at punter. He averaged 42.4 yards a punt, with 19 of 42 punts going inside the 20 and only three touchbacks.

We hope not to see him much, with all due respect to Mr. Craw.

Big 12 Preview

I can without any reservation say that TCU will be in the mix for the Big 12 championship.

Why?

Because a lot of teams look to be in the mix for the Big 12 championship. Last season, four teams ﬁnished atop the standings at 7-2. Three, including TCU, went 6-3. Two others, 5-4. And last year’s Big 12 champion, Arizona State, was picked to ﬁnish 16th — dead last — in the preseason. So, expect something as unpredictable as the Wi-Fi signal during the big game on Saturday night. There is a consensus building around Arizona State, Kansas State, and Texas Tech as one through three. The No. 11 Sun Devils, No. 17 Kansas State, No. 22 Iowa State, and No. 23 Red Raiders are the Big 12’s ranked teams going into the season.

I expect the Frogs to vie for this fourth spot, and who knows what happens when the breaks and loose balls start falling the right way.

I remember 2022.

The Season Says What?

The bottom line: TCU has got a hornet’s nest of a schedule. A nine-win season

might be Sonny Dykes and his staff’s best coaching job. (I’ve got them at 9-3.)

Sept. 1 at North Carolina

The eyes of a nation will be on the Frogs, who get the honor of playing in Bill Belichick’s girlfriend’s season debut. Give me the Frogs.

Sept. 13 Abilene Christian

The last time these teams played was 95 years ago. TCU won 62-0. ACU is a good little FCS. Frogs go to 2-0.

Sept. 20 SMU

The start of a whipping of a stretch, the No. 16 Mustangs come to Fort Worth for the last of the annual game between archrivals. The bad guys get the last one.

Sept. 26 at Arizona State

What exactly are you, Sun Devils? The experts are on their side. Frogs drop a close one on the road.

Oct. 4 Colorado

No sneaking in here like the last time. Lots of skepticism about Coach Prime’s third team. TCU blows the door o the Bu s.

Oct. 11 at Kansas State

Frogs are 1-6 against the Wildcats since 2018, including a loss in the 2022 Big 12 Championship Game. Not liking this one.

Oct. 18 Baylor

The Bears get back on the bus as losers. Frogs get a big one in Fort Worth.

Oct. 25 at West Virginia

Rich Rodriguez is back as coach in Morgantown. He either quits at midseason or ups his intake of moonshine. Frogs roll here.

Nov. 8 Iowa State

Does it ever stop, this schedule? This is a deﬁning game for TCU, which turns this upset into a seminal victory.

Nov. 15 at BYU

Book this one against the Mormons. Frogs on a roll.

Nov. 22 at Houston

Houston will make modest gains in Willie Fritz’s second year. Still not good enough to beat the visiting Frogs.

Nov. 29 Cincinnati

The Bearcats have taken their lumps since joining the Big 12. Cincy might be a bowl team, but one of those six will not be coming in Fort Worth.

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Boots on the Catwalk

When The American Performance Horseman came to Dickies Arena, so did the future trends for Western wear.

By Brian Kendall Photos by Olaf Growald

Eva Blanton

(Evapartneredwith DoubleD,whooutfitted thecuttingchampwith itemscurrentlyinstock andsomethathaveyetto bereleased.)

Jacket: Tulip Time in mahogany by Double D Skirt: Tiered ruffled skirt by Double D

“I saw the jacket and I had to wear it, and I was like, it’s 100 degrees outside, and I don’t even care because it’s such a stunning jacket.”

Not suggesting it’s a stroke of genius — not even close, mind you — but the lightbulb moment did hit me out of the blue during The American Performance Horseman this past July at Dickies Arena. The thought: Any event at Dickies Arena that features horses and livestock is the New York Fashion Week of the Western world.

In recent years, such events have become both the time and the place to dress to the nines, add a little bling or sauce to your duds, and take some Western fashion risks in the name of self-expression. Like Fashion Week, it’s become a place to set the trends.

“It’s no longer pull out your old pair of boots and buy a hat at a concession stand,” says Rachel Patton, an amateur cutting world champion who’s been attending Fort Worth Western events her entire life.

While the events have gotten bigger — The American Performance Horseman, which featured cutting and reining, filled the arena to the brim — and flashier, this doesn’t mean a Fort Worth attendee should sacrifice authenticity for glitz and glam. This isn’t Vegas, after all.

According to Rachel, it’s a balancing act.

“It’s not the fake rodeo,” she says. “You should ask yourself: Am I wearing the right shaped cowboy hat? I think authenticity is one of the coolest things about Western fashion. It will never go out of style.”

That said, according to Eva Blanton, also an amateur cutting world champion, one shouldn’t feel like they can’t mix and match and get a little creative if they’re not as steeped in Western culture.

“Even if you’re from the city, you can come to Fort Worth and wear your city stuff and pair it with your Western ﬂare,” Eva says. “You can have a little bit of both. As long as you feel conﬁdent and are doing things to represent your authentic self instead of following trends.”

That said, they both agree one item of clothing is an absolute must if one is to attend a Western event: boots.

We caught up with Rachel and Eva at The American Horseman at Dickies Arena, where they showed us how to dress for the modern West.

Shelby Mayﬁeld

Kat Dunn

“I’m always going to lean toward classic and timeless, but not necessarily blending in. I want to feel good in what I’m wearing, so comfort’s always the most important thing.”

Rachel Patton

Shirt: DL 1961

Skirt: Western skirt in tobacco by Alemais Belt buckle: Amateur NCHA Futurity World Champion Boots: Tan suede custom cowboy boots from Cavender’s

–Allison I.

by Shilo Urban

Pampa, Texas

Population: 16,543

“W

e talked of the end of the world, and then, we’d sing a song and then sing it again.”

~ Woody Guthrie

If you lived in the Panhandle town of Pampa on April 14, 1935, you would have witnessed a sunny, blue-sky Sunday swallowed up by a ferocious storm of biblical proportions. Towering two miles high, the black blizzard engulfed the

ranchland in an inky darkness, its 60-mile-per-hour winds roiling with 300,000 tons of topsoil. For this was no cloud — it was a dust storm, and the very earth that Pampa’s farmers depended on for survival now rose up to choke them.

The terrifying wall of dirt and debris had crept down America’s High Plains, blistering skin, suffocating animals, and burying homes

up to their roofs. Crops and ﬁelds were destroyed. The swirling squall shoved its way into homes and lungs; it ruined tractors and cars. People caught out in their yards had to crawl on hands and knees to ﬁnd their front doors. Many thought it was the end of the world. But it was Black Sunday — the worst storm of the Dust Bowl, a decade-long drought that devastated farmers and shaped the face of America long after.

But within the darkness of so much suffering, light found a way through. Black Sunday ﬁnally compelled the federal government to address the Dust Bowl crisis, and within two weeks, new legislation laid out plans for soil conservation and farmer-relief programs. The Dust Bowl prompted hundreds of thousands of people to migrate from the Great Plains to California and sparked a shift in literary, artistic, and musical culture. John Steinbeck wrote The Grapes of Wrath, Dorothea Lange photographed the resilient “Okies,” and in Pampa, a young man named Woody Guthrie would transform the trauma of the Dust Bowl into folk music loved by millions.

Famously described as Bob Dylan’s “hero,” Guthrie’s songs like “This Land Is Your Land” have seeped into America’s collective consciousness. He moved to Pampa from Oklahoma in 1929 when he was 17, arriving just as “Million Dollar Row” was

Pampa City Hall

being constructed on Russell Street: City Hall, Gray County Courthouse, and Pampa Central Fire Station. These opulent beaux arts buildings showcased Pampa’s newfound wealth from the 1920s Panhandle oil boom, and they still evoke elegance and grandeur today.

Guthrie spent the next eight years in Pampa, forming his identity and learning to write songs. He found his ﬁrst guitar in the back room of Harris Drug Store, where he also worked as a soda jerk (and sold bootleg whiskey from under the counter). It’s now home to the Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center and a come-as-you-are jam session on Friday evenings. Across town, there’s a 150-foot-long sculpture of the sheet music for “This Land Is Your Land,” a popular photo op for folk music pilgrims.

While Guthrie’s left-leaning humanist views weren’t always appreciated in his hometown, his music sparked a folk music revival and inspired everyone from Johnny Cash and Pete Seeger to Bruce Springsteen and U2. His workingman songs were a balm for hard times, creating hope and resilience amidst massive economic and social upheaval — giving us an enduring reminder that no matter how dark the storm, the light will come again.

“Life has got a habit of not standing hitched. You got to ride it like you ﬁnd it. You got to change with it. ~ Woody Guthrie

Explore Pampa

Savor: You can’t miss the ﬂashing neon red “CAFÉ” sign at Coney Island Café, a true Texas legend. Open since 1933, it’s the oldest restaurant in the Panhandle. Guthrie wrote his song “All Alone on Saturday Night” about mopping and washing dishes there, and Bob Wills and Van Cliburn also stopped by. Order a classic Coney dog (with chili, mustard, and onions) and some scratch-made egg custard pie. Enjoy a di erent kind of pie at 19:30 Pizzeria, which opened in January with artisan pizzas like hot honey pepperoni and garlic burrata. If Pampa’s ranching heritage inspires a desire for beef, Texas Rose Steakhouse cooks everything on a live-ﬁre mesquite grill.

Shop: Pampa’s gift stores and fashion boutiques congregate along N. Cuyler Street, including one of the newest: Jade + Co Boutique & Creamery. Owned by two former teachers, the shop sells Consuela bags and Oliver + Co. fragrances — and the build-your-own sundae bar adds a sweet twist to retail therapy. Another newcomer is It’s About Time, a poke-around store featuring 20-plus vendors of antiques, handmade jewelry, and eclectica. A few blocks away, the Garden Owl greenhouse is worth a stroll for the e ervescent ﬂowers and foliage, and you can pick up colorful garden gifts like windchimes and welcome mats.

Enjoy: Explore Panhandle history at the White Deer Land Museum, a well-designed treasure trove with pioneer toys, Red River War relics, and period reproductions of a schoolroom, country store, and homestead. The museum is housed in the restored 1916 o ce of the White Deer Land Company, which existed before the town of Pampa and covered 857,000 acres of ranchland. Head to Freedom Museum USA to check out military memorabilia indoors and out, including a World War II-era B-25 bomber, an F-105 Thunderchief ﬁghter jet, and an M60 tank from Operation Desert Storm.

Snooze: You’ll ﬁnd some interesting rentals on Airbnb and Vrbo, like

a ﬁve-bedroom villa with a theater room, indoor pool, and wood-burning pizza oven. For a luxe log cabin experience, Cabin on the Plains has a cozy indoor ﬁreplace and an air-controlled king bed (and horses are welcome). Harold’s farmhouse is another peaceful country retreat with a wraparound porch, an antique bathtub, and a beautiful backyard. Pampa’s best hotel is Wyndham’s La Quinta Inn & Suites.

How to Get There: Drive north from Fort Worth on I-35 and exit to U.S. 287-N, about 9 miles from downtown. Stay on Highway 287 for 270 miles, passing through Wichita Falls and Childress. When you reach Clarendon, turn right onto State Highway 70 N. In 20 miles, Highway 70 will merge with Interstate 40 for a few miles. Hop on I-40 heading west, then exit in 3.5 miles to get back on Highway 70. Continue north for 24 miles, and you’ll arrive in Pampa. The 325-mile trip takes about 5 hours.

Above: Harris Drug Store which is now home to the Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center. Right: Model chapel in White Deer Museum

Hillbilly Jazz

Zeke Campbell hid his jazz artistry in plain countriﬁed sight.

Members of his household addressed him as Muryel — pronounced like Merle — but for three-quarters of his lifetime, W.M. Campbell went for the most part by the made-up name of Zeke.

“Pappy Lee O’Daniel liked to have his players go by countriﬁed-sounding rube names,” Campbell explained during a visit in 1981 at his homestead in Hurst. “For one reason or another, I got tagged with ‘Zeke.’

“It was kind of a burden, what with my wanting to be recognized as a hip and with-it jazz musician but ﬁnding myself typecast as some

kind of hillbilly — but a fellow takes his opportunities where he ﬁnds ’em. And I am country folks by origin.

“But this music we call Western swing, now, it has always been subversive, anyhow,” Campbell continued. “There’s always been a certain satisfaction from insinuating jazz and the blues into what most people consider country music.”

By 1981, of course, many enthusiasts had accepted the basis in jazz of that Texas-styled idiom, and Campbell’s performing name had outgrown its hokier connotation

to become synonymous with an energetic and boundlessly inventive manner of single-note runs and leaps upon the guitar.

Campbell (1914-1997) contributed mightily to the development of Western swing during eight crucial years — the middle 1930s into wartime — as a member of the Light Crust Doughboys, the Burrus Mill & Elevator Company’s promotional band, which also had yielded such bandleaders as Bob Wills and Milton Brown.

The motivating ﬁgure behind the Doughboys was W. Lee “Pappy” O’Daniel, the ﬂour-mill executive who rode an image of populist folksiness into a hitch as governor of Texas, largely on the strength of entertainment value. (O’Daniel’s most memorable slogan — “Pass the biscuits, Pappy!” — was puredee down-home salesmanship, an illusion of working-class folksiness.)

“It was one of those strange things that change the course of your life,” Campbell said. “And if it hadn’t been for that opportunity to join the Doughboys, I’d probably just have spent all these years pickin’ in the parlor.”

And by extension, if not for that opportunity, a rural West Texas youngster named Frankie Kinman likely would not have heard Campbell’s spring-loaded guitar solos over WBAP-Radio and might not have been inspired to model his own guitar-playing ambitions after the Campbell style.

Kinman, who became a respected teacher-performer, was quick to acknowledge a mentor: “Zeke, man! That’s where it all begins for a whole bunch of us Texas jazz-billies!”

Campbell, a native of Marietta, Oklahoma, began playing during the Depression, he said, “when there wasn’t much of anything else to do for fun.” He learned guitar via a give-andtake process with fellow musicians. Campbell ﬁrst played professionally on radio broadcasts in East Texas.

“Muryel has a fantastic single-string technique,” fellow Doughboy Marvin “Smokey” Montgomery told me in 1984

Michael H. Price

Photo by

John Makeig

during a reunion of players at Dallas. “We had this habit of going down to the Black folks’ clubs — in Dallas’ Deep Ellum district, at Fort Worth’s Jim Hotel, places like that — after hours to sit in, and that’s where Zeke, I mean Muryel, learned all that single-note business.”

But Campbell also had absorbed an ability to anchor country-style ﬁddlers with a rock-steady guitar rhythm. “Once I got grown up, more or less, various musically inclined friends and I would travel out into the backcountry and play for these oldtime country dances.

“It was called string-band music, back then. They’d call it country and western music today, although today’s C & W doesn’t have much in common with what we were doing. We’d play the old hymns, hoedowns and breakdowns, popular tunes — but strangely enough, our playing was strongly inﬂuenced by the jazz players and the blues players.”

Although his direct inﬂuences were few — he pointed to the Continental European Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt, whose work sounds modernistic even today — Campbell spoke of his role as a matter of his reinforcing innovations made by artists such as Eddie Lang and Lonnie Johnson. Campbell’s early work, including

a pioneering use of the electriﬁed guitar, was unlike any other style heard at the time on the Southwestern front. Jim Boyd, working with Roy Newman’s Dallas band in 1935, had arrived earlier as an ampliﬁed guitarist, but Campbell was more adventurous. Campbell’s stinging approach helped to force a new direction for the Light Crust Doughboys.

Burrus Mill & Elevator invited Campbell to join the Doughboys after Bob Wills had split from Burrus on hostile terms to run his own shows. Bandleader Milton Brown had departed Burrus yet earlier and by 1935 was registering an international scale though still headquartered in Fort Worth.

“If any one artist embodied an essence of Western swing,” Campbell said, “it was Milton. Milton set the pace and made it easy for the rest of us to introduce whatever new sounds we were capable of. If Milton had not died [in 1936], then Bob Wills would not have made it so big. Wills was able to step in and ﬁll the gap...”

As they intensiﬁed a jazz orientation while maintaining the required popular image of rusticity, the Light Crust Doughboys remained a force. Hollywood-based Republic Pictures used the Doughboys in two of Gene Autry’s starring pictures, “Oh, Susanna!” and “The Big Show” (both from 1936). One scene in “Oh,

Susanna!” features an astonishing solo break by Campbell, as astringent as grain alcohol.

The band’s phonograph records bear out the jazz basis. Burrus Mills supplied a library of musical scores, with which the players felt free to improvise.

Recalled Smokey Montgomery: “We had to be in the studio at 9 o’clock of a morning, but we didn’t go on the air till ’leven o’clock. We’d just hang out and jam. Zeke and [pianist] Knocky [Parker] and I, we’d pick out a song, start tinkering with it — change the key, change the modalities, through everwhich many ways there were to play the thing.

“Knocky and Muryel got to be so tight that they were adapting each other’s approaches — Knocky was doing guitar parts on the piano, and Muryel was playing piano parts on the guitar,” Montgomery continued. “Muryel would take a saxophone part or a brass-horn part and adapt it to the guitar.”

Montgomery also invoked the name of a more widely known jazzman: “I kind of like to think of Muryel as the Charlie Christian before Charlie Christian.” Of course, Christian never found it needful to pose as a country player in order to collect a paycheck.

The Light Crust Doughboys

by John Henry

The Courthouse Coup That Never Was

One of the most notable episodes in Fort Worth lore is the 1894 Tarrant County Commissioners Court election.

As the story goes, irate voters took out commissioners who voted to approve bonds for the construction of the 1895 Tarrant County Courthouse. To many, the lavish public expense was an insult to residents struggling through the economic hardships of the Panic of 1893.

So, voters imposed their own term limits, tossing out the offending commissioners on their backside and into a mineﬁeld of saddle chips.

Only it didn’t happen. When I went to research it, I couldn’t ﬁnd a thing. Stumped, I went to the experts.

It’s all a myth, this thing about angry mobs with pitchforks pulling levers against them damn crazed spenders downtown writing checks in deﬁance of the will of a people surviving on beans.

“This is one of those many instances in local history where ﬁction gets told so often it becomes an accepted fact,” says Quentin McGown, an authority on local history and author of four books about Fort Worth. “A lot of us have grown up with the story, and some of us have been working to debunk it.”

If there was a taxpayer revolt over the courthouse, it left no tracks in the run-up to the November 1894 election, Fort Worth historian Richard Selcer points out. By then, the ﬁght was already over. The real battle had played out in the May Democratic primary, when George W. Armstrong unseated County Judge R.G. John-

son. Johnson, suitably chastened, announced his “retirement” at the end of the term.

Armstrong had an, ahem, interesting story. His grandfather signed the Texas Declaration of Independence and went on to survey the original state boundary with the United States. A graduate of UT law school, Armstrong, who also later ran for governor of Texas, was an early advocate of cooperation between Dallas and Fort Worth in civic development. His reputation never got any better. Armstrong, who amassed a fortune in oil, banking, steel, and real estate, gained national headlines in 1949 when he offered Jefferson Military College in Mississippi a large endowment — reportedly $50 million — to teach the “superiority of the AngloSaxon and Latin American races” and exclude Blacks, Jews, and Asians from the school.

But back to those courthouse bonds. They’d been voted in years earlier. By 1894, that ship had sailed, Selcer says. In fact, just a month before the election, commissioners greenlit extra funds to dig a tunnel from the courthouse to the jail across Belknap Street. Nary a discouraging word. And while voters were still paying off a city bond for the waterworks, nobody raised a ruckus about that either. If bonds were the hill to die on, wouldn’t both have drawn ﬁre?

The real drama was the pitched battle between the Democrats and the Populists, each side vying for control of county government. The Democrats nearly swept the table.

At a September campaign stop, Armstrong and Populist S.O. Moodie traded “virulent personal attacks,” according to reporting at the time.

But not a syllable deployed about courthouse costs.

After the dust settled, the Gazette rolled out the red carpet for the winners, hailing their Democratic pedigree — “Democrats know how to govern” — noting only two ofﬁcials were stepping down and sending them off with compliments on their “patriotic and high-minded” service. No scandal. No outrage.

The reality, Selcer says, is that turnover on the Commissioners Court was routine. Most ﬁgured two years in public service was plenty.

McGown, however, has a theory about how this urban legend came to be.

Commissioner Henry R. Wall of Grapevine held a seat on the court from 1891 until his death in 1919, except, that is, for one term. His obituary in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram gave an explanation for why he lost in 1893.

“His ﬁrst term as county commissioner began in 1891. He was defeated for reelection two years later because he had been criticized by his opposition for building the present county courthouse. His opponents believed the building to be too large and too expensive for the county and were against issuance of the bonds.”

The Dallas Morning News echoed this belief — likely Wall’s belief — that his defeat was caused by illogical voter behavior: “Many of his constituents in the Grapevine precinct opposed the bond issue at that time.”

Both newspapers noted that Wall lived to see the bond issue retired nearly a year ago.

“I can only speculate, but I think, based on the scant evidence, that one man’s explanation for his political defeat fueled a legend that just stuck,” McGown says. “It is certainly more entertaining than a mundane election transition

COWBOY CODE COMPLIANT

Brady Fielder is on the ride of his life — bulls just happen to be part of the equation.

By Stephen Montoya

“A cowboy must be a good worker.”

- The 7th Tenet of Gene Autry’s Cowboy Code

Brady Fielder may have grown up in the red-dirt cattle country of Queensland, Australia, but these days, the lanky 5-foot-9 bull rider is all in on the Lone Star State.

Soft-spoken and sporting a shaggy coif of light brown hair, outside of his thick Australian accent, there’s nothing particularly ﬂashy about Fielder. Whether his boots are on the ground or spurring bulls, he’s about as even-keeled and unoffensive as one can get. In fact, when riding a bull, he looks more like he’s adjusting a recently purchased recliner than straddling a whirling, 2,000-pound bovine. Don’t believe us? Check out the YouTube video of Fielder’s March ride atop Smokestack, the No. 10-ranked bull in the world. It’s the epitome of a rider in control — his back posture-perfect and his torso immovable. “Brady Fielder really does, sometimes, make this look too easy,” the PBR announcers said. Give him another minute, and he might’ve had Smokestack in a canter.

But this lack of ﬂash has yielded results.

At 25, Fielder has become the backbone of Fort Worth’s premier professional sports team, PBR’s Texas Rattlers. And his consistency, calm demeanor, and understated riding style have elevated the Cowtown-based squad to one of the league’s premier teams.

Taken 26th by the Rattlers during the Team Series’ inaugural draft in 2022, Fielder was instrumental in the squad capturing the 2023 PBR Team Series World Championship in Las Vegas, where they unseated in-state rival Austin Gamblers during the ﬁnal. Though this remains its only championship, the team hasn’t kicked its habit of winning; the Rattlers have never entered the PBR Teams Championship seeded lower than fourth. Only two of the league’s 10 teams can make this claim.

But it was 2024 that proved to be Fielder’s breakout year. He ﬁnished No. 8 in the Unleash the Beast standings and received the inaugural Great 8 award, which recognizes the PBR teams rider with the highest riding percentage — in other words, eight-second rides.

Now in his fourth season as a Texas Rattler, Fielder’s bull-riding campaign has progressed even further. In May, Fielder finished on the podium (No. 3) for the Unleash the Beast tour, which included seven consecutive weeks atop the standings and a historic 12-consecutive-ride streak. And the Rattlers, who kicked off their season in July, already find themselves in a fierce battle for the No.1 seed. As the season enters its final stretch, the Rattlers will no doubt be leaning on their quiet superstar.

“I’m very proud of myself for where I’ve gotten,” Fielder says. “But it’s all part of the process, and I’ve still got more that I want to achieve.”

“A cowboy must never go back on his word or a trust confided in him.”

Raised on a sprawling 56,000-acre cattle station (that’s a ranch for us Yanks) outside Clermont, Australia, horses and cattle shaped Fielder’s early days — the rugged outback forging a cowboy spirit from the start.

“It’s all I’ve ever done since I was a little kid,” he says. “I started out riding sheep and calves.” Fielder still recalls terrorizing the calves in the branding pen on his family’s ranch. “One kicked me right in the belly, and I had a hoof print there for a while. It didn’t worry me one bit, though.”

Fielder would apply his cattle station experience to youth rodeo competitions across Queensland. This despite his family moving away from the ranch and Charters Towers, Australia, following his parents split when he was 5. But the rodeo ﬁre was already lit, and years of local competitions would follow.

“It’s a great achievement,” Fielder says before immediately returning to his workman-like attitude. “It’s what I do for a living. It’s an everyday thing for me.”

Fielder’s most memorable moment during this award-winning season came during the Rattlers’ annual homestand at Dickies Arena, when the Australian’s 89-point ride clinched the team’s third win of the week and sent fans into a frenzy. With the victory, the Rattlers remain the only team in PBR that can boast an undefeated home record at 9-0 — a streak they’ll attempt to keep alive during the upcoming Rattler Days from Sept. 26 – 28 at Dickies Arena.

“We could qualify through this association back home,” Fielder says. “And if you ﬁnished, I think it was in the top ﬁve or something, you might’ve had the chance to come over [and compete in] the States.”

And this is precisely the path Fielder took. After success in Australia, Fielder was 15 when he would punch his golden ticket to ride in the Youth Finals in Abilene — an event he competed in for three consecutive years.

“That was sort of my ﬁrst taste of [competing in the U.S.],” he says. “Didn’t do so well to start off with. But by the third year, I kind of got a little experience in how it all works and what it’s all about.”

In 2019, Fielder would officially turn pro in bull riding, competing in the PBR Australia tour, where he’d capture the Rookie Champion award and qualify for the PBR World Finals in Las Vegas. But after going 0 for 5 and notching only one attempt over the five-second mark, Fielder’s first outing in Las Vegas proved to be a humbling experience.

- The 2nd Tenet of Gene Autry’s Cowboy Code

“I really thought that I had a chance to win the world ﬁnals over here in Vegas and that kind of thing,” Fielder says. “But it didn’t go how I planned, and that really kind of upset me. It broke me a little bit, but I knew this is where I wanted to be, and I wasn’t done yet. I had that ﬁght in me. I knew I was going to come back and do great.”

Picking himself up and dusting off the loss — something bull riders become accustomed to — Fielder would split time the following year between his home soil and the U.S., where he competed in PBR’s Unleash the Beast before COVID-19 decided to wreak havoc on the world. Returning to PBR Australia in late September, Fielder capped off his year with a victory at the Australian Grand Finals. Returning to PBR Australia in 2021, Fielder would compile ﬁve podium ﬁnishes and end the year ranked second on the tour.

Fielder would become a regular rider on the stateside PBR tour in 2022 — a year he spent living out of a suitcase and juggling 17-hour return ﬂights home to maintain his visa.

“That was a lot, but I was quite determined to make it work,” he says. “I think [my determination] is how I was able to make it all happen, really.”

That same year, the PBR Teams League launched. With a new format and eight charter franchises (increased to 10 in 2024) in the likes of New York, Nashville, and Kansas City, no longer was it one cowboy against the world. Riders were now drafted to teams, traveled on coordinated schedules, and squared off in ﬁve-on-ﬁve matchups. It was more akin to the NBA than the PBR. The season

runs from summer to fall, ending in a high-stakes playoff and a championship weekend in Las Vegas in October.

For a sport rooted in individual skill, the change was bold. But Fielder took to it like a natural.

“When you ride bulls your whole life by yourself, you don’t think much about team dynamics,” Fielder says. “But once I got in that locker room with the Rattlers, it clicked. We’ve got each other’s backs. We ride for each other.”

“A

cowboy must always tell the truth.”

- The 3rd Tenet of Gene Autry’s Cowboy Code

The Rattlers’ practice facility in Bowie is where the real work begins. A sprawling maze of chutes, metal gates, and livestock, a fully covered arena means that weather never stops the Rattlers’ training. It’s the team’s home away from home, alive with the steady rhythm of boots striking packed dirt and the metallic clang of gates swinging shut. Here, sweat is currency, and discipline isn’t just preached — it’s lived.

During the offseason, Fielder and his teammates push through punishing drills, knee-deep in the dirt, away from the cameras and fanfare — just desire and a quiet pursuit of excellence.

The team clubhouse — humble and rugged — doubles as a crash pad for rookies starting out, offering a roof over their heads until

Brady Fielder embodies the very qualities coach Cody Lambert wants to instill in his riders: toughness, fairness, and a steady presence, both in and out of the arena.

they can stand on their own. The two-story structure resides on the north end of the arena and is equipped with a weight room and meeting space. The digs also feature a catch-all area where riders can store their ropes and safety gear, conveniently located near a washer and dryer. Further into the inner sanctum is the kitchen/ commons area. This is where the team is meeting up today.

Inside this section of the clubhouse is where Rattlers’ head coach Cody Lambert presides. As co-founder of the PBR and one of the sport’s most enduring architects, Lambert commands attention without raising his voice. Boots thick with dirt and wearing a pair of black-rimmed reading glasses, he quietly goes over his notes for the day’s practice.

An experienced bronc buster and bull rider, in April 1993, Lambert became the ﬁrst winner on the PBR tour, taking top honors at PBR’s inaugural event, the Tuff Hedeman Challenge at the Cowtown Coliseum. After Lambert’s win, his friend Hedeman joked, “Proving that longshots can win an event! Luckily drew probably the only bull in the championship round that he could ride.”

Lambert retired from straddling bovines in 1996 and subsequently spent three decades behind the chutes as the organization’s longtime livestock director, handpicking the bulls that helped shape the PBR into a global spectacle. He also invented the safety vest you now see all bull riders wear. He developed the lifesaving

device after the tragic death of his friend, Lane Frost.

Enshrined in both the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Rodeo Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Lambert and his wife, Leanne, now call Bowie home — but the arena remains his true domain.

When the Texas Rattlers formed in 2022 as part of the PBR’s bold experiment to introduce team-based bull riding, the vision was clear: Build something different, something lasting. If anyone could bring that vision to life, it was Lambert.

But coaching, for him, isn’t just about scores or titles — it’s about shaping character. He lives by a code and expects his riders to do the same.

The aforementioned code is a real one; one that might sound familiar to an older generation. The Rattlers follow Gene Autry’s Cowboy Code — 10 rules the singing cowboy created in the hopes of having a positive impact on the children who tuned into his legendary radio and TV shows.

Autry crafted the Cowboy Code with purpose. As “America’s Favorite Singing Cowboy” in the postwar years, he understood the inﬂuence he wielded. While Hollywood Westerns grew grittier, Autry set his cowboy apart — a hero rooted in honesty, patriotism, respect, kindness, and clean living. The Code wasn’t just a personal creed; it reﬂected the era’s idealism and the kind of role model

For Brady Fielder, the bulls, believe it or not, have not been the hardest part of the sport. It’s the distance from home in Queensland. “It took a little bit to adjust. I didn’t know how to handle it all, but it was all part of ﬁnding myself. And that’s what made me better: sticking it out.”

Autry believed a cowboy should be.

“The code is 80 years old, but it should apply 80 years from now,” Lambert says. “It should apply every day. It’s common sense ... doing what’s right. And Brady was really one of those guys who understood that.”

For Lambert, coaching isn’t about perfect technique or ﬂashy moves. It’s about hunger, resilience, and perseverance in the face of adversity. “I want guys who don’t quit,” he says, “guys who ride hard and leave it all out in the arena.”

The Rattlers’ roster reﬂects that ethos — a blend of international talent and Texas toughness. Alongside Fielder, the team includes fellow Aussie Callum Miller, Brazilians Claudio Montanha Jr. and Vinicius Rodrigues Pereira, and Texas standouts like Daniel Keeping, Ezekiel Mitchell, and Braidy Randolph.

“Everyone plays a role,” Riley Lambert, Cody’s son and Rattlers’ assistant general manager, adds. “It’s a brotherhood.”

Gene Autry’s Cowboy Code

1. The Cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage.

2. He must never go back on his word or a trust confided in him.

3. He must always tell the truth.

4. He must be gentle with children, the elderly, and animals.

5. He must not advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas.

6. He must help people in distress.

7. He must be a good worker.

8. He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action, and personal habits.

“I talk to my mom sometimes,” Fielder says. “She’s always wondering how I’m doing. She obviously gets a little worried about me mentally and that kind of thing. But that’s just what mothers do.”

Fielder says he’s grateful for the Lamberts, who have become his surrogate family. When he ﬁrst moved to Texas, Fielder didn’t have a place to stay.

“So, I crashed on the Lamberts’ couch for nearly a year,” he says. “[It was a] short couch, too — my legs hung over the end.”

9. He must respect women, parents, and his nation’s laws.

Minutes after the team assembles in the clubhouse, Cody calls the men into a circle. The camaraderie is palpable — the respect, the easy jokes, the way they push each other. It’s clear these men genuinely care for one another.

It’s a scene few PBR fans get to see. Instead of chaps and beaver felt hats, the men are wearing gym shorts and baseball caps. Gone are their thousand-yard stares and tougher-than-life personas. Today, they are relaxed and ready to put in the work they need to improve their chances of making eight seconds on a raging bull. Only, instead of riding bulls on mud, they rotate through stations that include exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups, and farmer’s carries with heavy duffel bags across the arena. The arena itself is equipped with pro-level amenities, including cross-training setups, pull-up bars, weight stations, resistance bands, a dedicated warmup zone, and a regulation dirt arena.

One of the most grueling parts of this practice comes at the end. Behind a stack of hay bales on the arena’s west side is a 10-foot obstacle course. Riders climb a giant rope to a set of steel monkey bars, ﬁnishing with pull-ups on another rope on the opposite side.

“You never know what a bull’s gonna do,” Fielder says, catching his breath after completing the course. “You gotta be ready for anything.”

“The Cowboy is a patriot.”

- The 3rd Tenet of Gene Autry’s Cowboy Code

The hardest part of this sport for Fielder has never been the bulls — it’s the distance from his home.

“[Moving to Texas] was tough, especially at the start. It took a little bit to adjust to the change, and I didn’t know how to handle it all, but it was all part of ﬁnding myself. And that’s what made me better: sticking it out.”

Fielder comes from a large family back home — two older brothers, an older sister, a younger brother, and a stepbrother.

But the Lamberts aren’t the only family Fielder relies on. He depends on his teammates, and they depend on him. Ezekiel “Blue” Mitchell, the Rattlers’ newest acquisition from the Austin City Gamblers, says he’s admired Fielder from afar — even as an opponent.

“Brady is a great teammate,” Mitchell says. “He’s not someone who talks a lot or tries to pump everyone up — he just does the work and sets the tone by how he carries himself. He’s a naturalborn leader that way. When he does speak, it’s always positive and uplifting. Even when you’re down on yourself, he knows exactly what to say to help get your mind right.”

Callum Miller, Fielder’s teammate from his homeland, echoes those sentiments.

“He’s always positive and keeps things simple,” he says. “Outside of the bucking chutes, he’s the same … quiet and easygoing.”

Easygoing is the last trait you’d expect in a top-tier bull rider, which is precisely why Fielder stands out. He’s an anomaly, and Lambert loves it. Fielder embodies the very qualities Lambert wants to instill in his riders: toughness, fairness, and a steady presence, both in and out of the arena.

The Rattlers take the Cowboy Code seriously. Everyone knows bull riding is dangerous, but it’s also about respect for each other, for the sport, and for the legacy they carry.

After practice, the men walk past a handful of ranch dogs scattered around the arena like furry mascots. They’re on their way to the northwest end of the facility, where there’s a mechanical bull — a favorite for practice, fun, and the occasional dare. It’s housed inside an inﬂatable, bouncy enclosure designed to soften any falls.

Fielder quickly hops on the hydraulic-powered beast as Keeping takes the controls. Lambert shouts out tips as Keeping cranks up the speed. Fielder rides the bull backwards, gripping the sides tightly with his legs. Remember, no stirrups in bull riding; it’s all about hanging on with raw leg strength.

There’s no trophy or prize here; it’s just an after-practice hangout. And in this moment, it’s clear, even when riding a literal tin-horned bull, this is what he loves. Despite the hardships, the broken bones, the broken retinas, and the 8,000-mile distance from home, he’s right where he wants to be.

Bull riding, Fielder explains, is a bittersweet relationship. “It’s a feeling I get inside. Even when it hurts, even when it’s hard, it makes me happy.”

The Cowboy is a patriot.

THE POWER OF

GOOD

From tragedy in Uvalde came an extraordinary partnership in Fort Worth, proving that when Texans choose action, they can rebuild more than walls.

By John Henry

Beverly Powell took the lead on forming a nonproﬁt for Uvalde. “I knew from years of having been in the midst of construction projects with a school district that we could accomplish this. This was the thing I could do.”

May 24, 2022, began as most any other Tuesday for Texas Sen. Beverly Powell of Fort Worth.

In Austin, that means meetings. “We were meeting that day,” she recalls vividly.

On the day’s itinerary was a meeting of the Texas Senate’s Committee on Education. Powell was a member. The meeting was called to order at 9:03 a.m. Agenda items included discussions on COVID-19’s impact on the educator talent pipeline, stafﬁng patterns and practices, and models to improve recruitment. There was the matter of declining student enrollment and attendance. There were items on the Teacher Incentive Allotment and increased compensation for non-administrators under House Bill 3.

At 11:33 a.m. that morning, as the committee was meeting, a gunman walked into Robb Elementary School in Uvalde through a closed but unlocked door. He continued to classrooms 111 and 112 and began opening ﬁre on their doors from the hallway. He walked into the classrooms and began ﬁring inside the two fourthgrade classrooms connected by an interior door.

By the time police ﬁnally neutralized the killer at close to 1 p.m., 21 had been killed, including 19 children, all ages between 9 and 10 years old, and two teachers — Eva Mireles and Irma Garcia.

Powell’s emotions mirrored those of all of Texas and across the country: grief for the loss of life of innocent victims, as well as the most vulnerable among us, and empathy for their families. Schools that are supposed to be

safe havens have too often become sites of tragedy. Horror at the thought of this happening again. There is tremendous guilt and then pure fright at the thought that it could — no, would — happen again. Then, there is anger toward the circumstances that allowed this to happen — the systemic failures, inadequate safety measures, or broader societal factors.

And, of course, there were the stunned survivors, many of them children, who will wear a scar so signiﬁcant as to cause permanent emotional disﬁgurement.

“I knew instantly that the children and their teachers could never cross the threshold of that campus again,” Powell says. “I just couldn’t imagine it. And then when I drove down and saw for myself the facilities and the community and the terrible grief that they were in the midst of, I knew that we needed to do something.”

Schools and school buildings are important to neighborhoods and towns. They symbolize connectedness, the shared heritage and the stories and lore that bind residents together. The buildings are symbolic of permanence, often standing for generations. Schools embody the commitment of the community to its youngest members and the idea that education shapes tomorrow’s citizens and leaders.

“I knew instantly that the children and their teachers could never cross the threshold of that campus again. I just couldn’t imagine it. And then when I drove down and saw for myself the facilities and the community and the terrible grief that they were in the midst of, I knew that we needed to do something.” — Beverly Powell

Powell is a leader’s leader. She is always doing something.

As a single mother with three children, she found her real estate career in crisis during an economic downturn in the 1980s. She did something about it, going back to school at Texas Wesleyan to

earn a degree and later an MBA.

Since then, she has always been doing something.

Something has generally always revolved around education. It was through education that she reinvented herself in the midst of personal turmoil. She eventually landed on the Burleson School Board, rising to president. She was appointed to the board at Wesleyan, eventually becoming the body’s president. After being gerrymandered out of the Texas Senate in 2022 — and declining to run in what she called an “unwinnable” race in a Senate district redrawn to ensure a Republican victory — Powell joined Wesleyan as assistant to the president for external affairs. In that role, she champions grant funding efforts to keep the teacher pipeline strong and the university’s “teachers’ college” heritage alive.

Powell decided she was going to do something for Uvalde, too. She would take a lead role in building a new elementary school in Uvalde.

“I was a school board trustee; we had built $250 million worth of new schools,” Powell says. “I knew from years of having been in the midst of construction projects with a school district that we could accomplish this.

“This was the thing I could do.”

As it turned out, Powell’s vision and action were the ﬁrst of a number of things Fort Worth people did to help Uvalde heal.

Uvalde’s favorite son of yesteryear was John Nance Garner, the whiskeydrinking everyman who won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, ascending to Speaker of the House and ﬁnally to the vice presidency with Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Washington was said to have never changed “Cactus Jack.” He tucked scraps of cooked venison into his pockets, went to bed each night at 9, and kept a dollar watch in the vest of his off-therack suits. He was a Uvalde guy through and through. When the watch inevitably broke, Garner had a special friend who’d buy him another and another and another. Amon Carter, who did everything humanly possible to make

Garner president, would always send the receipt to prove it had cost no more than $1.

In 2022 — 90 years later — Uvalde again had special friends from Fort Worth.

“A couple of weeks after the shooting, I made a phone call to Chris Huckabee, a friend of mine,” Powell says. “I asked him if I could raise the money, would he be willing to design the school pro bono? And without a second of hesitation, he said, ‘Absolutely.’ So, with that one conversation, we were off and running.”

At the time of the shooting, Chris Huckabee was the CEO of Huckabee, an award-winning education architecture firm based in Fort Worth. He was actually likely in the midst of forming a new company, MOREGroup.

MOREGroup was formed through the combination of Huckabee, Rachlin Partners, TSK, Innovative Engineering Group, and E4H Environments for Health Architecture. The family of brands touches all aspects of social infrastructure — from health care, education, and public architecture to the engineering systems that support them all.

Huckabee has since stepped aside as CEO of MOREGroup earlier this year. LaShae Baskin now holds that role while Huckabee has the titles of founder and executive ofﬁcer.

“Our ﬁrm has a long-standing tradition of taking on pro bono projects — partnering with organizations that need our expertise and providing our services at no cost,” Huckabee says. “It’s woven into our history and values.

“While the Uvalde project was rooted in that same commitment, it became the largest and most ambitious pro bono effort we’ve ever undertaken. Given the profound loss this community experienced, we felt a deep responsibility to use our skills to help create a place of healing, hope, and renewed safety for Uvalde’s children.”

Huckabee, too, particularly given

his profession, says he couldn’t stop thinking about the fear those children might feel walking back into the same building.

In that conversation with Powell, it became clear that Uvalde likely didn’t have the resources to build a new school. Huckabee told Powell that, while he didn’t yet know the exact path forward, he was certain they could ﬁnd a way to design and build one.

That same day, he made two calls — one to the Charles Butt family and another to a trusted contractor — to see if they would join the effort. Both agreed without hesitation, and from that moment, the process moved quickly from vision to action.

“There has never been a more emotional project in our firm’s history. The weight of what happened in Uvalde touched every member of our team. Many of us are parents ourselves, and all of us are deeply passionate about creating safe, inspiring places for children to learn. That made this work not just professional, but deeply personal.” — Chris Huckabee

Charles Butt and the CEO of the Charles Butt Foundation, serves as the chairman. Powell is the secretary. Tim Miller, onetime superintendent of the Cleburne school district in Johnson County, is the foundation’s executive director.

The foundation works in harmony with the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District. Ashley Chohlis, the school district superintendent who took over her duties in the aftermath of the shooting, in 2023, is on the board. Two Uvalde school alums are also on the board.

With nearly 60 years of experience designing educational facilities across Texas, Huckabee and his team knew they had both the expertise and the responsibility to step in and deliver a safe, inspiring place for Uvalde’s students.

Huckabee, who graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in architecture, was appointed to that school’s board of regents by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2015. He eventually became its chair. Gov. Rick Perry appointed Huckabee twice to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Charles Butt immediately pledged $10 million through the Butt family and the Charles Butt Foundation. The Butt family founded grocery retailer H-E-B.

That contribution jump-started the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation serving the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District community.

Charles Clines, CFO in the Ofﬁce of

“It’s been a very compatible relationship between our foundation, the [school] board, and the superintendent,” says Powell, who added that a community advisory committee was formed, too.

Fundraising efforts began in Fort Worth and Dallas, Powell says.

“We got a great reception here,” Powell says.

Fort Worth philanthropic community set a $5 million goal for the efforts in Uvalde. The Rainwater Charitable Foundation gave $2 million, plus a $500,000 challenge donation from an anonymous fund holder at the North Texas Community Foundation. A challenge gift is a pledge from a donor to contribute a certain amount if others step forward to give as well.

“I was having breakfast to talk about this project with Jeremy Smith at Rainwater, who’s a good friend of mine, and we were at the Fort Worth Club having breakfast. And Rose Bradshaw [president and CEO of North Texas Com-

munity Foundation] came over and said to me, ‘I have an anonymous contribution for you — a half a million dollars,” Powell says.

“It was one of those heartfelt great Texas philanthropy missions. I don’t know any other way to put it really. Texas rallied around Uvalde and made sure that the community could create a new facility for the elementary students of Uvalde.”

To date, the foundation has fully funded the project by raising more than $67 million, Powell says.

Said Miller, the executive director of the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation, at the time of the Rainwater gift: “We are humbled by … the tremendous generosity of the Fort Worth community.”

Fort Worth artist Juan Velazquez has gained renown as a muralist over the past few years. Find a mural anywhere in Fort Worth and chances are good that it is the work of Velazquez, who always remembers a transformative moment in his life. It was in school. And it was an encounter with an art teacher at Haltom High School.

“He watched over me,” Velazquez says of Haltom art teacher Michael Daniel. “He actually was the one who taught me how to paint.”

Velazquez communicates through his gift of art. Velazquez is the artist of roughly 300 public and private murals around Fort Worth and elsewhere. With them he conveys the emotions of joy and grief, among others, in an amazingly breathtaking uber-realistic style with spray paint.

“I like to paint. I’m just someone who likes to paint,” he says. “Painting just makes me feel like everything is OK.”

The mural that put Velazquez on the map was the portrait of Vanessa Guillen, the U.S. Army soldier murdered at Fort Hood in 2020.

Velazquez says he felt a bond with her because they were both Army soldiers. As it turned out, they both trained at the same time and the same battalion,

though he did not know that at the time.

And so it was, Velazquez says, when he stepped back to evaluate his mural of 10-year-old Alithia Ramirez, one of the 19 children murdered in Uvalde.

“Her father said she always wanted to be an artist and that she wanted people to see her artwork,”

Velazquez says of his portrait as part of a series of mural portraits in Uvalde of the 21 victims.

Alithia’s portrait is surrounded by a rainbow of color, and on her shirt are recreations of her own drawings.

“It’s a bittersweet moment because you’re doing something for somebody,”

served as a kind-of project manager. Velazquez did the portrait. Sarah Ayala, another well-known Fort Worth artist, did the background. Armando Aguirre and Dwayne Guerrero, both former students under Velazquez joined in, too.

“Uvalde … became the largest and most ambitious pro bono effort we’ve ever undertaken. Given the profound loss this community experienced, we felt a deep responsibility to use our skills to help create a place of healing, hope, and renewed safety for Uvalde’s children.” — Chris Huckabee

Velazquez says, “so it’s like you feel good about it, but it’s not the reason you wanted to go to do it.”

Velazquez says he jumped at the chance to go to Uvalde to participate in the project to honor the dead. The project’s founder is Monica Maldonado. Velazquez was the ﬁrst of more than 50 artists who have come from all over Texas to paint tributes.

Velazquez, like presumably all the rest, did it free of charge.

“I think there was something about destiny that I was meant to go that day,” he says.

Velazquez was taken aback by what happened on May 24, 2022. Crushed is probably the better word. At the time, he was the father of one daughter. He began to shiver at the thought of what if it had been his daughter.

“I contacted [Maldonado]. I said, ‘Hey, if you’re getting muralists from all over Texas to do it, I want DFW to lead the way on this. We’ll go do the ﬁrst mural. I’ll organize it, we’ll do it.’”

He gathered Guillermo Tapia, who

“I picked different types of artists because I wanted to represent the entire DFW,” says Velazquez, who a year later met and fell in love with a Uvalde girl, whom he eventually married.

Aprill Velazquez had cousins lost in the classroom shooting. Her own children, though not in the fourth grade, could have been there. The children’s father is a migrant worker who left for Minnesota a week before. He took the children with him.

Velazquez and his new wife have a new daughter, born recently in Uvalde. Velazquez spends a lot of time in what has amounted to his adopted hometown.

Monica Maldonado painted a profound picture for ABC reporters who came to Uvalde to tell the story of the murals.

Alithia’s father was at the site of the mural, completely taken aback by what Velazquez and his crew produced. He stood there with Velazquez. “There’s this moment,” Maldonado says. “Two dads ... they just stood there, staring up at the mural and honoring her.”

Says Velazquez: “If you mess with one of us in Texas, you’re messing with everybody.”

From the outset, Chris Huckabee and his team knew the design for Uvalde’s new school could not follow the usual playbook. Instead, they embraced what he

described to be as “Trauma-Informed Design” — an approach rooted in listening, empathy, and trust-building.

It meant engaging a broader spectrum of voices than ever before, from families of victims and survivors to community members whose lives had been irrevocably altered. Every step was shaped by a commitment to ensuring that every voice was heard, Huckabee says.

Though the process took twice as long as a typical school project, the result was a building reﬂective of the community’s needs. Layered security features, discreetly woven into the architecture, ensure the campus feels open and welcoming without sacriﬁcing safety. The vision was never just about creating a functional learning space.

It was about contributing to Uvalde’s collective healing. A building of renewal and remembrance.

While nothing could bring back the children and teachers lost at Robb Elementary, Huckabee’s team sought to create a place that embodied the love, compassion, and solidarity of people across Texas, and where students could once again feel safe and inspired.

“There has never been a more emotional project in our ﬁrm’s history,” Huckabee says. “The weight of what happened in Uvalde touched every member of our team. Many of us are parents ourselves, and all of us are deeply passionate about creating safe, inspiring places for children to learn. That made this work not just professional, but deeply personal.”

Community input was central to the process. At each stage, the team hosted four standing meetings — one each with teachers and administrators, victims’ families, the school board, and a community steering committee. Key milestones were marked by open community forums where any resident could share their perspective. The feedback, though kept private out of respect for those who offered it, proved invaluable in guiding design decisions and ensuring the ﬁnal school was a true reﬂection of Uvalde’s hopes.

Huckabee says there are subtle architectural details and memorial elements

that may go unnoticed by visitors but will resonate with students, staff, and families.

The Uvalde project has left a mark on how Huckabee’s ﬁrm approaches school and public building design.

While they have always sought to reﬂect each community’s unique vision, this experience introduced innovations — particularly in safety and technology — that set a new benchmark for educational facilities.

For security reasons, the details remain conﬁdential, but Huckabee says the campus represents a “next level” in both safety and design, and the lessons learned here will likely inﬂuence projects for years to come.

in the cause — even if they had no direct connection to Uvalde.”

This school, Huckabee continues, will always stand as a testament not only to the resilience of the Uvalde community, but also to the extraordinary generosity of Fort Worth and countless others who chose to care.

Everyone associated with the project wishes it weren’t necessary. In an ideal world, classes at Robb Elementary would have begun in August just has they always did before May 2022.

“There’s this moment. Two dads ... they just stood there, staring up at the mural and honoring her.” — Monica Maldonado

“When this project began, I sent a message to our entire ﬁrm: ‘If we can, we should.’ We were blessed to have the ability, resources, and expertise to step up — and we knew we had to make it happen.”

Joeris Construction, another Huckabee recruit, donated its preconstruction services, and Satterﬁeld & Pontikes Construction Company discounted its services for the construction work.

“What moves me most, though, is how quickly and generously others joined the effort. I’ve spoken to hundreds of people about this project — from material suppliers and subcontractors to philanthropic partners — and every single one said ‘yes’ without hesitation.

“The Fort Worth community, in particular, stood shoulder to shoulder with us. In fact, more funds were raised from Fort Worth than from any other region. I’m especially grateful to Rose Bradshaw at the North Texas Community Foundation, who answered my call for help with an immediate and enthusiastic ‘yes,’ and to so many friends and colleagues in the Fort Worth community who gave simply because they believed

The new Legacy Elementary School will open Oct. 10 as a monument to good.

Good doesn’t always shout, it isn’t as loud as ﬁred cartridges, but it persists, works quietly, and refuses to yield.

To those who grieve, “Bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

Says Huckabee: “This project reminds me that there are a lot of truly good people in the world. It also speaks to the need for someone to put things into action and Sen. Beverly Powell did just that. She was there on the ﬁrst call, and she’s still there today making sure no detail has been missed.

“To Uvalde, I hope this building says: You are not alone. You are valued, supported, and loved. And to the country, I hope it serves as a reminder that when we choose action, we can create something lasting — something that changes lives for the better.”

Kathy Robertson

TRUE GRIT

By Brian Kendall Photography by Olaf Growald

Four words you’ll never want to say in front of these women: That’s a man’s job. From ﬁghting ﬁres to herding cattle and calling audibles, these local ladies don’t require help opening stubborn pickle jars, thank you very much.

“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.” — Katharine Hepburn

It was sometime near the turn of the 20th century that Lucille Elizabeth Bishop Smith received her ﬁrst cooking instruction courtesy of her grandmother. According to a September 1974 article in the Star-Telegram, Lucille recalled that her grandmother, who had been a slave prior to emancipation, wasn’t particularly impressed. “You’ll never learn to cook,” she told her.

Lucille, it states in the article, likely used this criticism as motivation for her future vocational choices. Perhaps ﬂexing an innate desire to prove people wrong, Lucille brushed off an abundance of barriers and would become a caterer, a program chairman for Fort Worth Public Schools, and a culinary innovator who became the ﬁrst Black female business owner in the state of Texas. Take that, Grandma.

Of course, Lucille is just one of many Fort Worth women who have swung against the odds and managed to break through that proverbial glass ceiling, excelling in male-dominated ﬁelds that were once uncommon or even disallowed. And almost all who did so would say it was worth the trouble. After all, a job is more than a place to gather paychecks, say “yes” to a boss, and punch a clock at 9 and 5. For glass-breakers and world-shakers, a vocation is a big part of what gives a person purpose and helps shape one’s identity — for better or worse. Outside of family, it’s where one can build a legacy and leave a mark on their respective ﬁeld or within their community.

So why not have a job that you love?

Lucille received her certiﬁcate in vocational education from Colorado State College, where she says, “There were 23 white student teachers and one ﬂy in the buttermilk.” While no statistics exist regarding the percent of Black women receiving bachelor’s degrees in 1912, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 1940 only 1.3% of African Americans aged 25 or older had received a bachelor’s degree. And, in the early 20th century, the number of college-educated men outpaced the number of college-educated women. Something that wouldn’t shift until the 1920s.

Lucille moved to Fort Worth soon after graduating with her husband, Ulysses Samuel Smith, who would go on to have an impactful culinary career himself, opening North Side’s iconic U.S. Smith’s Famous Bar-B-Q. When they arrived, the two opened a catering business, and Lucille would pull double duty as a seamstress during the day and caterer at night.

In 1927, Lucille became chairman of the vocational education program for Fort Worth Public Schools. And she soon became one of the district’s most vocal employees, demanding the school provide 25% of the cost for supplies related to vocational instruction. Ten years later, Prairie View A&M recruited Lucille to create one of the nation’s ﬁrst collegiate commercial food and technology programs.

In 1942, during a period of extended rest due to poor health, Lucille developed the ﬁrst mass-produced hot roll mix, Lucille’s All Purpose Hot Roll Mix. Though initially created as a fundraiser for her church, due to high demand, the mix would begin production in a North Side factory in 1944. According to a 2004 article in the Cleburne Times-Review, “the product paved the way for the convenience cooking we know today.”

Lucille died in 1985 at the age of 92.

It was 20 years after Lucille ﬁrst began mass producing her mix that Title XII under the Civil Rights Act, which prohibited potential employers from discrimination on the basis of sex, became law. And its passage in 1964 created more opportunities for women, as the predominately male workforce could no longer immediately dismiss or disallow female candidates.

Today, women make up 47% of the country’s overall workforce — up from 39% in 1973 — and account for 14% of our armed forces, 12% of local police forces, less than 5% of firefighters, and 16% of engineers and architects. In fields that remain typecast as male-dominated, women account for 38% of medical doctors, 25% of professional chefs, 41% of attorneys,

and 22% of software engineers.

While there exist logical reasons certain jobs are made up of predominantly men, other vocations simply retain a false stigma and have yet to attract an abundance of female candidates.

But that doesn’t mean women can’t pursue these jobs, land them, and excel and rise through the ranks. Whether it’s Joan of Arc, Marie Curie, or Lucille Smith, history is chock-full of women who deﬁed all the norms and naysayers to perform the job they were born to do.

Head of the Herd

Georgia Cartwright applied in 1998 to become the ﬁrst trail boss of the Fort Worth Herd, the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive. “I didn’t get an interview,” Cartwright says. “But I’ve done a lot more living and a lot more learning since then.”

Despite the rejection or, should we say, ghosting, Cartwright had found her dream job. It’d just take another 27 years to get there.

Following in the footsteps of Kristin Jaworski’s 23-year stint as trail boss of the Fort Worth Herd, Cartwright came on board only “one month and seven days” before we sat down to chat. Yeah, she got the gig and is still pinching herself to make sure her current state of living the dream isn’t, like, an actual dream.

And one would be hard pressed to ﬁnd a hire that makes more sense; she checks all the proverbial boxes for what makes an excellent trail boss. She showed horses as a youngster; roped calves in the rodeo “long before breakaway roping was cool”; worked as a day-working cowboy, which I learned is a freelance cowboy whose horse and personal herding experience are for hire, on a bevy of East Texas ranches; toured with horses and stage coaches representing Wells Fargo at events across the country; and clocked 11 years at the Tarrant County Clerk’s ofﬁce, where she gained management and budgeting experience. She even used to chew on saddle reins as a toddler during lead line classes — not a prerequisite, but it doesn’t hurt, either.

Almost every one of the above experiences, Cartwright will put to good use as the leader of the Fort Worth Herd. And we should remind you, this is a legitimate herd.

“Even though it seems like a simple task of walking 17 longhorns down East Exchange,” Cartwright says. “It’s not. And our prime responsibility is the care of the animals. Every morning, we assess all of our horses and all of our cattle to ensure they’re healthy and in the best possible shape. We have a great herd of cattle here, and we have very well-trained horses here. The very least I can do is make sure that their every need is met.”

The thing that makes the Fort Worth Herd so dang majestic is its authenticity. These folks — the drovers, the trail boss, the equines, and the bovines — they’re the real deal. They aren’t actors putting on a show. They look good doing what they do because, well, it is what they do.

That said, the trail boss and drovers are some of Fort Worth’s most prominent and accessible ambassadors, which brings Cartwright to the Herd’s other main responsibility: the visitors. “I want to ensure that my drovers, they go out on the street

Georgia Cartwright

Kylie Johnson

before the cattle drive to visit with our guests, to answer questions, to take photos, to make someone’s trip to the stockyards a memorable one.”

By the Numbers:

The Most Male-Dominated Fields*

Plumber: 1.6%

Automotive service: 2.2%

Carpenter: 2.3%

Electrician: 2.7%

Fireﬁghter: 4.7%

And leading a crew of legit drovers, albeit with her as the lone cowgirl in sight? Well, it seems it hardly occurred to her. “The wonderful thing about cowboy culture is you gain your merits on your ability, your knowledge, and your work ethic,” Cartwright says. “Just like when I was a day-working cowboy and I would be the only woman in the pasture, I still had the same responsibilities as anyone else that was on horseback. And I was welcomed because you’re there on your merit. If you don’t have the skills, you’re not going to get the phone call.”

She’s a Landman

Landscape: 5.1%

Truck driver: 6%

Computer programmer: 8.6%

Construction managers: 9.6%

Electrical engineer: 9.4%

Mechanical engineer: 9.7%

*Statistics retrieved from the Women’s BureauoftheU.S.DepartmentofLabor

When one thinks of West Texas, wind, dust, and gas stations that double as cafes are likely to come to mind. We’re also willing to bet oil, gas, mineral rights, and pumpjacks as far as the eye can see will pop into that noggin, too.

So, when landman and PlainsCapital Bank senior vice president Kathy Robertson told me she was born in Fort Worth but grew up in a West Texas town called Dell City, I ﬁgured her vocation was a return to her roots. But it turns out, Dell City is in what Robertson dubs “far, far West Texas — on the west side of the Guadalupe Mountains. Population: 500. It’s in the middle of nowhere.” But it’s no doubt beautiful country, and it’s an area Robertson continues to regularly visit.

She’d make her way to the South Plains and attend Texas Tech, where she studied animal science and eventually found her way back to where it all began: Fort Worth.

Of course, anyone who keeps up with what goes on below ground in Cowtown knows that Fort Worth was one heck of a place to be circa 2002, thanks to the Barnett Shale boom. Working in real estate at the time, the boom saw Robertson transition to becoming a landman after being convinced by a local developer to work for him under that capacity.

Now, if you have yet to watch an episode of Taylor Sheridan’s Fort Worth-ﬁlmed show “Landman,” don’t sweat it. If you have, Robertson suggests not using it as your textbook for understanding the role of the show’s titular vocation. And, though women making up on only a quarter of landmen, the work itself isn’t laden with machismo energy. A landman is a mineral rights deal maker, someone who, through hours of arduous research of public and private records to determine property ownership — which can sometimes evolve into studying multipronged, multigenerational family trees — to ensure the right people receive the right compensation when the drilling and fracking begins.

But after the Barnett Shale cooled off and the price of natural gas dropped, companies headed for the hills — or, Pennsylvania, toward the now-booming Marcellus Shale, to be speciﬁc.

“I had a young daughter in junior high, so I didn’t want to leave and go to Pennsylvania,” Robertson says. “So, I sent my resume out to a few companies, and Petrodata Systems out of Arlington picked it up.”

A niche accounting software for managing oil and gas assets, Petrodata Systems gave Robertson experience on the accounting side of the industry, while also providing her account management experience after the company “dumped seven banks into my lap” during a coworker’s extended absence. With this welcomed responsibility, Robertson was now getting experience in every aspect of oil and gas property operations.

Taking on more banks as clients, Robertson would eventually parlay this job into her current position. “I found out that PlainsCapital Bank acquired the software and started the department. So, I applied for and got the job,” says Robertson, who now serves as the company’s senior vice president and manager of oil and gas property operations. “And we’ve built the department from the ground up.”

Robertson now manages 105 clients — of whom she could tell 105 fascinating stories about — and is a respected voice and veteran leader within the industry. As she and I were leaving the breakfast joint where we chatted, she mentioned speaking at a conference and having young women approach her, telling her, “You’re a badass.”

Robertson then tells me, “I never thought I’d be a badass at 62.”

A League of Her Own

Perhaps not a widely accepted fact that would rival Isaac Newton’s second law — or even his third, for that matter — but coaches, especially those in the realm of gridiron football, have a specific air. Sure, it’s an aura of confidence, authority, and a dash of intimidation. But there’s also a je ne sais quoi that I can only define as empathy and genuine, heart-on-his-or-hersleeves caring for their players.

In what might be one of the most male-dominated career paths, it’s incredible how Kylie Johnson, coach and athletic director at Southwest High School, embodies all of the above. She was born for this stuff.

One doesn’t even have to mention that the football she coaches at Southwest, while still on a gridiron, played with an oblong ball made of swine skin, has the same positions, and includes metal bleachers for fans, is actually ﬂag football. The main differences become apparent when one realizes it’s an all-girls team and tackling is supplanted with stripping ﬂags from a waist band. But the games, they’re just as an intense, strategic, and dare I say physical — but not I-was-just-in-a-carcrash physical.

Johnson says, “Fort Worth was the ﬁrst district in Texas to initiate ﬂag football, and now Dallas and Houston and all the

other metroplex schools are getting involved, too.” Kicking off play in 2022, Johnson was at the forefront of the establishing the new sport in the district, starting at Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School during the sport’s inaugural season before moving to North Side High School, where they made it to the district championship and the Final Four the following year. Last year served as her ﬁrst year at Southwest, and the team ﬁnished in the Elite Eight in district.

And, according to Johnson, who also coaches women’s volleyball and serves as the school’s athletic coordinator, the sport has continued to increase in popularity, and past team members can’t wait to get back on the ﬁeld for the 2026 season.

“I think girls being able to play a ‘boys sport’ is just so empowering,” Johnson says. “I think that it really brings a lot of conﬁdence that maybe other sports don’t. And everything [these girls] are learning is beyond football. They’re learning work ethic, dealing with hardships and adversity, all those things that will help them in the future. The fact that they can now see themselves as a football player — something none of them ever even dreamed was possible just a few years ago. It shows them there’s nothing they can’t do. It’s making them better women. It’s making them better human beings.”

And it’s not as if Johnson’s green to spread offenses or calling audibles, her football experience is extensive. She played in the ﬁrst All American Flag Football game and played in the same game the followed year. She also played intramural ﬂag football while a student at UNT, which is where she would graduate with a degree in kinesiology.

“And my [intramural] team was really, really good,” Johnson says. “And we went to Texas Tech and played in many different leagues. So, I’ve been playing, but I’m always learning.”

You can catch Southwest High School’s ﬂag football team when they begin competition in spring 2026.

Fort Worth’s Female Firsts

Kay Granger: FirstfemalemayorofFortWorth(1991-95)andﬁrst femaleRepublicanrepresentativefromthestateofTexas(19962024)

Lucille Elizabeth Bishop Smith (1892-1985): Inventor of the ﬁrst hot biscuit mix and the ﬁrst African American businesswoman in Texas

Anna Shelton (1861-1939): Fort Worth’s ﬁrst female real estate developerandfounderofTheWoman’sClubofFortWorth

Charlie Mary Noble (1877-1959): Astronomyeducatorandfounder oftheFortWorthAstronomicalSociety,oneoftheﬁrstastronomy clubsintheU.S.,andﬁrstwomantohaveaplanetariumnamedin her honor

Hazel Vaughn Leigh (1897-1995): FounderofFortWorthBoysClub, where she served as director from 1935 to 1973. First female director ofaboys’clubintheU.S.

The Fire Inside

When one is attempting to become a Fort Worth Fireﬁghter, the ﬁrst test they require potential candidates perform is a climb up a 135-foot ladder — the tallest ladder in the city — just to ensure one is able to do it. To put this in perspective, this ladder is still taller than the tallest building in Vermont by nearly 20 feet. The department also makes one perform a black-out challenge, where a trainee is wearing a mask in a pitch-black darkness,

“It’s facing and overcoming fears,” says Abigail Sanchez, a ﬁreﬁghter who’s been with the Fort Worth Fire Department for eight years. “Fear of heights, claustrophobia, disorientation; these are legit phobias that can cause panic, which is never ideal for our job. If they want to join, they better get over them quick.”

The training is nonstop, Sanchez says, because they’re never sure when they’re going to get a call that will be something extraordinary; and they need to remain as prepared as possible for any scenario. Every day, you have to be in the best shape of your life, ’cause you never know when someone in need might depend on you.

Fireﬁghters typically work 24-hour shifts and receive 48 hours off. Their days-on consist of making breakfast, cleaning the ﬁretruck — it’s emaculate — regularly scheduled PT, and answering any calls that happen at the drop of a pen.

Sanchez was in an early college for high school students when she found out was precisely what she wanted to do for a living. With ﬁreﬁghters and EMTs offering courses she started easily seeing herself donning their sharp uniforms one day. “I feel like people love a man in a uniform,” Sanchez says. “And I was like, man, screw that. I think I would look good in that uniform.”

Looking around Station 45 near Harmon Ranch, where Sanchez is assigned, it’s not difficult to deduce that she’s the only woman in the station. Women make up less than 5% of all firefighters. But when I bring up this obvious observation, she seems unphased.

“I don’t feel like I have to take on a certain role,” Sanchez says. “I think they treat me as their equal; I don’t feel like I’m any different. We know that I’m a female, and I know that they’re men. But we joke around. We have fun. I’m just one of the guys, and I don’t feel like I get treated any differently. I’m very glad that’s the case.”

Echoing something similar to what Georgia Cartwright said earlier, whether it’s drovers, ﬁreﬁghters, mechanics, etc., yes, it’s likely a woman will have to contend with a certain amount of prejudice. But, once one proves themselves capable, they’ve earned respect based on skill and merit. When it comes to jobs like these for women, there’s no room for feelings of imposter syndrome, no time-to-get-your-sea-legs moment, and no “can you show me that again but slower?” When a woman has a job like this, one can be assured she’s earned it; and she’s damn good at it, too.

Abigail Sanchez

Women Who Forward Fort Worth

Just a glance across the business landscape of Fort Worth and the surrounding cities reveals many women who own or run companies or other organizations that greatly inﬂuence the life of the community. On the next few pages, these successful women will tell you more about their professional endeavors and share inspiring advice.

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

FOCUS WOMEN WHO FORWARD FORT WORTH

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

SPECIALTY: Founded in 1960, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty is the leading luxury brokerage in North Texas. Our main Fort Worth hub — a modern, minimalist space along the historic Camp Bowie Boulevard bricks — keeps us close to our wonderful clients, right in the heart of things. Plus, we love joining in on the neighborhood fun — from supporting our favorite small businesses (and neighbors) in Camp Bowie District to transforming our ofﬁce into an artists showcase during the Fort Worth Art Dealers Association’s biannual Gallery Night. And with our newer outpost in Willow Park, we now get to serve even more clients, namely in Parker County and westernmost Tarrant County. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Christ Chapel Bible Church; Cowtown Warriors; First United

Methodist Church of Fort Worth; Fort Worth Academy; Fort Worth Art Dealers Association; Fort Worth Botanic Garden; The Fort Worth Club; Fort Worth Country Day School; Fort Worth Farm and Ranch Club; Fort Worth Lecture Foundation; Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS®; Jewel Charity; Junior League of Fort Worth; Ridglea Country Club; River Crest Country Club; Saving Hope Animal Rescue; Tarrant County Master Gardener Association; TCU Frog Club; Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth; United Way of Parker County; UT Arlington Alumni Association; The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth; Women Steering Business. ADVICE FOR ASPIRING CAREER WOMEN: Love what you do and do what you love. You can’t do it alone, and it’s important to ﬁnd mentors you admire

and trust who can guide you throughout your career. Find a group of women who love and encourage you to always be the best version of yourself. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Watch and learn from others who are successful, and don’t be afraid to ask them questions. Promote strategic thinking and embrace change. Always be willing to go the extra mile. In life and in business, treat people the way you would want to be treated. PICTURED: (left to right) Caren Parten, Gwen Harper, Ashley Mooring, Adrianne Holland, Susan Thornton, Michaela Chicotsky, Megan Green, Christy Cockrell, Margaret Motheral, Barbara Schweitzer, Stephanie McPeak, ReyAnne Moorehead, and Michelle Stum.

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

4828 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth 76107

601 Willow Crossing E. Willow Park 76008

817.731.8466 briggsfreeman.com

EDUCATION: Courtney Garner Lewis – BBA, Finance, SMU. Kim Heisey – A.A., Ashford University; B.A. Esther Boyer College of Music. Zan Sharp Prince – BBA, TWU; MBA, Business Administration - Strategic Management, UNT. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Lewis – Great Women of Texas 2025 and DCEO M&A Debt Provider of the Year 2024; Prince – Athena Award from Parker County Chamber of Commerce.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Lewis – Housing Channel, board member, past board chair; Rotary Club of Fort Worth, past president; Ronald McDonald House, past president. Heisey – Women United (United Way of the Coastal Bend) member and Art Museum of South Texas executive board member. Prince – Republican activism, organizations that meet the education, physical, and spiritual needs of the community.

MOTTO/MISSION: Lewis – Improvise, adapt and overcome. Heisey – Use my experience and knowledge to invest in innovative financial education that sparks creativity, empowers each individual, and builds a more financially secure and vibrant society for all. Prince – My motto mirrors the First Bank Texas mission statement: “To achieve high performance through our employees who partner with bank customers and our community to make this a better place for our families and businesses while demonstrating a Kingdom purpose.” WHAT SETS THEM APART: First Bank Texas is built on relationships with employees, customers, and the community with a commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Lewis – Attaining my college degree as a single mom. Heisey – Joining the First Bank Texas team; launching Private Banking and 1880 Advisors has absolutely been the greatest professional achievement of my career. Prince – The honor of working with an amazing bank family that is committed to each other and meeting the banking and personal needs of our customers and communities.

MOST INFLUENCE: Lewis – My maternal grandfather whom we lived with taught me about hard work and integrity at a young age. Both have served me well both personally and professionally. Heisey – Some of the most amazing female leaders have graciously spent time mentoring and developing me professionally. My current female role model gives me constant encouragement that I share with my team. Prince – My dad’s parents who were always there with words of accountability and encouragement with a focus on faith, family, hard work, and generosity. PICTURED: Courtney Garner Lewis, Fort Worth Area President; Kim Heisey, EVP Director of Wealth Management & Private Banking; Zan Sharp Prince, Chairman of First Bank Texas.

First Bank Texas

100 Willow Bend Drive Willow Park 76008

817.550.8962 go2fbt.com Member FDIC

FOCUS WOMEN WHO FORWARD FORT WORTH

EDUCATION: B.A. in Accounting, Hillsdale College. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: I was recently appointed managing director at Texas Capital, a meaningful and significant milestone in my career. I have also been selected to serve on the Fort Worth Market Leadership Team as the head of the Culture Committee. INTERESTS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I serve as the board chair for the Women’s Center of Tarrant County, an organization that inspires and empowers women, men, and children to overcome violence, crisis, and poverty. I also previously served as board chair for Women United. My hobbies include traveling with my husband, Murat; golfing; and playing mahjong. MOTTO: Have a good attitude, work hard, and have fun. WHAT SETS THE FIRM APART: Texas Capital is the premier full-service financial services firm headquartered in Texas delivering customized solutions to businesses, entrepreneurs, and individual customers. Since our founding more than 25 years ago, Texas Capital has undergone an enterprise-wide transformation designed to provide our clients with the widest possible range of differentiated products and services, on parity with those of the largest Wall Street banks. Texas Capital offers industryleading expertise, global reach, and a uniquely Texan approach to best serve our clients. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Building long-term relationships with clients and colleagues. I measure my success by the success of those I am fortunate to serve. MOST INFLUENCED BY: My mother and father, both of whom have had a long-lasting impact on my career and life. FREE ADVICE: Listen, pay attention to the details, and be kind.

Jennifer Baggs Kamacioglu

Texas Capital, Managing Director Fort Worth Middle Market Leader and Market President

Texas Capital

Fort Worth Downtown Financial Center

300 Throckmorton St., Ste. 100 Fort Worth 76102

817.212.8333

texascapitalbank.com

The American Heart Association

MOTTO: Advancing Cardiovascular Health in Tarrant County. FOCUS: The American Heart Association has made a profound and enduring impact on Tarrant County through its steadfast dedication to improving cardiovascular health and enhancing overall community well-being. COMMUNITY

INVOLVEMENT: By addressing the leading causes of death in our region, the Association drives progress through research, education, prevention, and expanded access to care. With the invaluable support of our community and the leadership of committed executive volunteers, we continue to grow programs that empower individuals to live longer, healthier lives—from CPR training and nutrition education to maternal health initiatives and cardiovascular disease prevention. WHAT SETS THEM APART: The Nation of Lifesavers initiative aims to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. With nearly 90% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests resulting in death, increasing bystander intervention is critical. We invite communities to join this life-saving movement by learning CPR—an essential skill that can double or even triple survival chances when administered quickly. MISSION: Our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. PICTURED: Michele Reynolds, 2026 Go Red for Women Honorary Chair and 2025 Woman of Impact Winner; Courtney Lewis, 2024 Leader of Impact Winner and Fort Worth Area President of First Bank Texas; Kat Kinley, 2025 Heart Walk Chair and Chief of Staff of Kinley Construction.

The American Heart Association www.heart.org

EDUCATION: B.S., Texas A&M University; M.Ed., University of Missouri. AWARDS/ RECOGNITIONS: American Society of Interior Designers, Kathy Hammond Industry Partner Award 2023 and 2025, Presidents Award 2021 and 2024. Interior Design Society of DFW, Presidents Award 2022 and Salute to the Sars 2022-2024. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Amy Mints serves as a Designer for Dogs volunteer and donation coordinator for a wide network of dog rescue organizations and women’s charities throughout the Fort Worth/Dallas area. MISSION: To offer the most effective, customized products and services that solve real problems and create lasting value for every client. WHAT SETS THEM APART: What sets Complete Coatings apart is its commitment to protecting and preserving your home or building from everyday living and weather.

MOST INFLUENCED BY: Dr. Howard Hesby, animal science professor at Texas A&M University.

Amy Mints 940.357.9308 amy@interiortextilesolutions.com interiortextilesolutions.com

WOMEN WHO FORWARD FORT WORTH

Lauren Boysen

Law O ice of Lauren L. Boysen, PLLC

FOCUS: Family Law. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: St. Mary’s School of Law, Juris Doctorate; Texas Bar License; University of Texas at Arlington, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. RECOGNITIONS: Faces of Fort Worth, 2023-2024; Fort Worth Magazine’s Women Who Forward Fort Worth, 2022 Attorneys to Know, and Top Attorneys 2020 – 2022; BBB accredited; Top Lawyer for Criminal Defense and DWI Defense. MEMBERSHIPS: Member of the State Bar and American Bar Association, Texas Family Law Section of State Bar of Texas, Texas Family Law Foundation, Tarrant County Family Law Section, Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association. ADVICE FOR ASPIRING CAREER WOMEN: Stop ﬁxating on the obstacles. They exist, sure, but they’re not the headline. The real truth? Being a woman is a strategic advantage, not a setback. You weren’t built to survive the system; you were built to disrupt it. Understand this. Use this. Weaponize this. Then walk into every room like you’re the closing deal — because most of the time, you are. MOTTO: In a war, you need an army. Choose your soldiers wisely. PICTURED: (left to right) Cindy Calzada (staff), Jennifer Lockwood (staff), Attorney Lauren L. Boysen, and Melanie McCarty (staff).

Law Ofﬁce of Lauren L. Boysen, PLLC

1008 Macon St. Fort Worth 76102

817.768.6468

Fax 817.900.9137

lawofﬁcelaurenboysen.com

Amy Longspaugh

ClearWater Plumbers

President/General Manager

EDUCATION: B.S. in Education, Texas Wesleyan University. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: DFW Favorites, 2024 - 2025; Best of Fort Worth, 2022 and 2024; Best Companies to Work For, 2025; Faces of Fort Worth: Face of Cast Iron Pipe Service; PHCC Texas 2023 - Excellence in Workforce Development. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Our company supports TRWD Adopt a Trail and TXDOT Adopt a Highway cleanup programs. Personally, I work with a high school booster club and mentor young women. MOTTO: To live life by choosing joy, believing in the power of positivity because we are meant to live and thrive, not exist and survive. PROFESSIONAL MISSION: Using discipline to focus on self-care, balance, and leadership to create an environment focused on servant attitude, integrity, teamwork, accountability and innovation. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Being a woman in a predominantly male industry has allowed me to think outside of the standard box of operational practices. I focused on changing the mindset from managers to leaders and established the direction of the company to be forward moving and growth mindset driven. MOST INFLUENCED BY: Through QSC (Quality Service Contractors), the knowledge and experience of the core nine plumbing company owners/GMs from around the country empowered me to continue to focus on people versus operational standards to be a change in this industry.

ClearWater Plumbers

6954 Boat Club Road Fort Worth 76179 clearwaterplumber.com

“Eddie” Parker Defender Outdoors

CERTIFICATIONS: I possess over 17 instructor certifications in the disciplines of self-defense and firearms training. These credentials encompass Tactical Anatomy: Shooting with X-Ray Vision, Deliberate Coaching instructor, Deadly Force instructor, as well as certifications in the instruction of pepper spray and other personal defense methodologies. RECOGNITION: My greatest recognition comes through the referrals I receive from former students. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I’m actively engaged in Cook Children’s Aim for Safety initiative, where I collaborate with their team to deliver firearm safety education and training for families. I’m also a proud member of Fort Worth Republican Women and serve on the A-Team for the Fort Worth chapter of A Girl & A Gun, supporting women through firearm safety and community involvement.

MISSION: Annie Oakley said it best: “I would like to see all women handle guns as naturally as they handle babies.” That spirit captures my personal mission to provide safety and self-defense training not only to women but to families as a whole. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Defender Outdoors offers a female-friendly environment where women feel welcome to ask questions, make informed purchases, and receive training in a space that respects their comfort and conﬁdence. MOST INFLUENCED BY: Among those who’ve shaped me as an instructor and coach are Tatiana Whitlock, Brian Hill, and Steve Moses. PICTURED: Edwina Parker.

Defenders Outdoors

2900 Shotts St. Fort Worth 76107 817.935.8377 defenderoutdoors.com

Edwina

Gloria Vázquez Starling

Director of Operations, The Fort Worth Club

EDUCATION: Hospitality Management. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Business of the Year – Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (The Capital Grille Fort Worth, Gloria Starling, Managing Partner); Chairman’s Award – Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Fort Worth Business Press Women of Inﬂuence Honoree; Great Women of Texas Honoree. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Board of Directors, Performing Arts Fort Worth (Bass Hall) and Board of Trustees, Fort Worth Police Foundation; Executive Director, Tough Stars Give Back; Women Steering Business Board and Downtown Fort Worth Inc. MOTTO: Lead with heart. Serve with purpose. Elevate others. And always remember, empowered women empower women. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: My journey from managing partner at The Capital Grille to director of operations at The Fort Worth Club has been ﬁlled with purpose, growth, and meaning. But what I’m most proud of is the legacy of leadership I’m building through mentorship, service, and community. INFLUENCED MOST BY: My mother, María Dolores Vázquez. She was the strongest woman I’ve ever known — her quiet strength, deep faith, and boundless love shaped every part of who I am and continue to guide me. FREE ADVICE: Purpose doesn’t wait for perfect. Show up with what you have and watch what happens. Lead with love, stay rooted in gratitude, and trust that the right door will open when you are walking in purpose.

The Fort Worth Club

306 West Seventh St. Fort Worth 76102 817.336.7211

FOCUS WOMEN WHO FORWARD FORT WORTH

Ann E. Ranelle, D.O. Fort Worth Eye Associates

EDUCATION: D.O. from Kansas City University. RECENT AWARDS: Top Docs multiple years in a row; DFW Favorites, Eye Surgeon. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Project Access Volunteer Physician; North Texas Eye Alliance founder and board member; Community Eye Clinic; Cornerstone. PROFESSIONAL MISSION: The Fort Worth Eye Associates mission is to provide exceptional surgical and medical eye care to adult and pediatric patients with dignity, honesty, and integrity. Utilizing advanced technology and over 50 years of experience, we are committed to delivering the highest quality of care while fostering a compassionate, professional, and patient-centered environment. WHAT SETS THEM APART: What sets us apart is that we listen to our patients. Our practice has been around for 53 years. It is physician owned and run. Our core values are innovation, excellence, and patient-centered trust and compassion. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: “I’ve enjoyed so many, but some standouts are Tarrant County Medical Society Community Service Award; being the ﬁrst Tarrant County Medical Society president who is an osteopathic physician; leading and running an incredible group of committed physicians and staff; and working and learning alongside my father for 15 years.” MOST INFLUENCE: My family has made me a better human being. FREE ADVICE: Listen more than you speak.

Fort Worth Eye Associates

5000 Collinwood Ave. Fort Worth 76107

817.732.5593 ranelle.com

FOCUS WOMEN WHO FORWARD FORT WORTH

Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains

MISSION: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Girl Scouts participate in service projects and take action projects throughout their community. Through the Girl Scouts Highest Awards programs, Girl Scouts have the opportunity to create projects in their communities to earn their Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Girls know the experiences they have through Girl Scouts are unique — from learning about STEM, business, astronomy, and more in an all-girl environment to the sisterhood connections found across cities, states, and even the world as they travel with Girl Scout sisters. MOST INFLUENCED BY: Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouting, believed in the power of girls. Her dream to provide girls with leadership opportunities has remained the influence for all Girl Scout programming since she started the first troop in 1912. FREE ADVICE: Our girls remind us that Girl Scouts has something for everyone — no matter what they are interested in, and the skills learned in Girl Scouting will last a lifetime. PICTURED: (front) Laila Johnson, Laiya Johnson, Laila Sifuentes, Juleah Sanchez; (back) Delaney Riesen, Alice Laminack, and Henley Baker.

Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains 4901 Briarhaven Road Fort Worth 76109

800.582.7272

gs-top.org

Goranson Bain Ausley Family Law

MISSION: At Goranson Bain Ausley — voted the No. 1 family law firm in Fort Worth/Dallas and Austin by Texas Lawyer in 2025 — women are not just part of the team; they help lead it. More than half of our firm’s 50 attorneys are women, and over 50% of our partners are, including Managing Partner Lindley Bain. This leadership reflects GBA’s enduring commitment to excellence, integrity, and client-focused representation. PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS: Partner Cindy V. Tisdale

– A past president of the State Bar of Texas and recipient of the 2023 Dan Price Award for outstanding contributions to family law, Cindy is Board Certified in Family Law and a fellow of both the International and American Academies of Matrimonial Lawyers. Associate Cassidy Pearson – Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, brings over a decade of experience handling high-conflict divorces, complex custody disputes, premarital agreements, and more. Named a Top Attorney by Fort Worth Magazine, 2024, a Super Lawyers Rising Star since 2022, and recognized by Best Lawyers in America in 2025, Cassidy offers clients trusted counsel and strategic advocacy. WHAT SETS US APART: We protect what matters most — your family, your future, and your financial security. FREE ADVICE: Choose a family lawyer who will safeguard your long-term interests and guide you forward with clarity and strength.

Goranson Bain Ausley Family Law

1200 Summit Ave., Ste. 800 Fort Worth 76102

817.670.2484 gbafamilylaw.com

The Kitchen Source

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts, Certified Kitchen Designers. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: The Kitchen Source gives back to the community by opening its showrooms to host nonprofit organization events. One of the first events supported the Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids and has broadened to sponsoring events and organizations for cystic fibrosis, prevention of human trafficking, a Wish with Wings, Safe Haven, and others. Each member of the TKS family is not only encouraged but often given time off to support the community. MISSION: At The Kitchen Source, our vision is to revolutionize the remodeling industry by offering a full turnkey solution that seamlessly integrates design, construction, and finishing touches. We aspire to be a trusted partner for our clients throughout the process, combining innovative design, superior craftsmanship, and exceptional project management. Our goal is to take the complexity out of remodeling by delivering a streamlined, stress-free experience that exceeds expectations at every turn. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: The greatest professional achievements come when homeowners recommend us to someone else or they invite us back to do another area of their home. MOST INFLUENCED BY: Each design is most influenced by the client — their style and how they plan to use the space. FREE ADVICE: Set a budget upfront, quality over quantity. Identify your wants versus your needs. PICTURED: Jennifer Johns, Amber Paulk, Elizabeth Tranberg, and Corinne Danicki.

The Kitchen Source 3116 W. Sixth St. Fort Worth 76107 817.731.4299

thekitchensource.com

FOCUS WOMEN WHO FORWARD FORT WORTH

Kelly Roberts

Moss

Heating & Cooling CEO

Moss Utilities CFO

EDUCATION: West Texas A&M, BBA. AWARDS/ RECOGNITIONS: Dallas Business Journal Women in Business award recipient, 2025. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: American Red Cross, advisory board member; RMHD, Toy Drive at Moss; Operation Kindness, Mosssponsored pet adoption; Dallas Habitat for Humanity, Women Build Project. MISSION: Our mission at Moss is to improve the lives of the people we serve. Whether it’s a customer, employee, or a whole community, we aim to add value to their lives. WHAT

SETS THEM APART: At Moss, we focus on simply being the best at what we do. This means we compensate our employees better than any other company in DFW. We want the most talented and skilled employees in the metroplex because we believe we can’t provide homeowners with the best solutions without the right people representing us.

GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT:

I launched Pressure Tested, a podcast spotlighting women leaders across DFW — from CEOs to bankers and beyond. Its mission is to share their stories and inspire others to rise to the top of their ﬁelds. Building a supportive network through this platform has been deeply rewarding. INFLUENCED HER MOST:

My mentor, Tonya Johannsen, is one of the most successful and strongest women I know. FREE ADVICE: Surround yourself with people whose dreams are as big as your own.

Moss Heating & Cooling

11145 Morrison Lane Dallas 75229

972.616.4894 askmoss.com

Rattana Mao, Co-Founder

Next Level Event Co.

EDUCATION: MBA, University of Phoenix. RECOGNITIONS: Orchid Giving Circle. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I’ve had the privilege of partnering with local nonprofits to bring their events to life and create meaningful experiences for our community. MOTTO: “Lead with purpose, serve with heart, and elevate others along the way.” WHAT SETS THEM APART: Next Level Event Co. brings firsthand nonprofit experience in leadership, fundraising, and program development to help mission-driven organizations share their story. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: My greatest professional achievement has been helping secure millions of dollars in funding for nonprofits by strategizing and executing events that connect missions with donors. MOST INFLUENCED BY: My mother. Her resilience, grace, and belief in giving back shaped how I lead, love, and serve today. FREE ADVICE: Don’t wait for the “perfect time” — start with what you have and build forward from there. PICTURED: Kim Giles, Rattana Mao, Tina Mooney, Samantha Middleton.

Next Level Event Co.

6309 N. Ridge Road Fort Worth 76135

682.552.0436 nextlevelevent.co

Perrone Pharmacy, Inc./PerroneRX, LLC

EDUCATION: Newcomb College; Tulane School of Law. RECOGNITIONS: Paula Perrone has served as an advisory board member for the UNT Health College of Pharmacy and currently serves as presidentelect of the Emeritus Club of Tulane Board of Governors. MISSION: Perrone Pharmacy and PerroneRX, its sister contract services pharmacy, deliver high-quality services while expanding vital access for critically ill patients. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Paula established the Paul M. Perrone Pharmacy Scholarship at UNT Health in honor of her father’s legacy. In addition, she contributes funds for Tulane University scholarships. She is a member of Jewel Charity, beneﬁting Cook Children’s. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Founded in 1952, Perrone Pharmacy continues its rich legacy of providing personalized care and creating tailored medications. PerroneRX, established in 2010, provides DFW hospice patients with emergency medications delivered 24/7. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: By funding scholarships, Paula fulﬁlls her commitment to making higher education, the greatest equalizer in society, available for deserving students from all walks of life. MOST INFLUENCED BY: Paula’s values are informed by her father whose D-Day survival and life of service in gratitude left an indelible impression; by her mother, a remarkable educator and life-long student. ADVICE: What truly matters in this life is honoring God, your family, and your commitment to others. PICTURED: Paula Perrone.

Perrone Pharmacy, Inc. 3921 Benbrook Highway Fort Worth 76116 817.738.2135 perronepharmacy.com

Stephanie Ragsdale Vice President Human Resources

Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics

EDUCATION: Texas Tech University. EXPERIENCE: Stephanie Ragsdale has over two decades of leadership experience and brings a deep passion for people and purpose to her role as vice president of human resources at Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics. PROFESSIONAL MISSION: Stephanie joined Rodeo Dental, inspired by its mission — not only to provide high-end dental care, but to deliver unforgettable experiences to patients in underserved communities. WHAT SETS THEM APART: At Rodeo, the focus extends beyond clinical excellence to joy, compassion, and impact — especially for children and families. “We’re not just ﬁxing smiles,” Stephanie says, “we’re building conﬁdence and creating memories that last a lifetime.” INTERESTS AND COMMUNITY

INVOLVEMENT: Outside of work, Stephanie is actively involved in her church, serving in the children’s ministry where she continues to pour into the next generation with the same care and energy she brings to her professional life. She considers it a true blessing to be part of an organization that’s making a meaningful difference every day — in kids’ lives, in communities, and in the hearts of the team members who serve them. ADVICE: “When you take care of your people, everything else follows.” This philosophy has guided her career and is one of the many reasons she was drawn to Rodeo Dental more than three years ago.

Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics

8505 Freeport Parkway Irving 75063 rodeodental.com

WHO FORWARD FORT WORTH

Sarah C. Seltzer

Seltzer Family Law, PLLC

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: B.A., Texas Tech; J.D., Texas Wesleyan; Board Certified in Child Welfare Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization; mediation trained; licensed to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. RECOGNITIONS: Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers (20192025); Top Attorney in Family Law, Fort Worth Magazine (2017-2023); CASA Attorney Ad Litem of the Year (2020). INTERESTS/INVOLVEMENT: When I am not at the office, you can typically find me working in the yard or doing projects around the house with my kids. WHAT SETS HER APART: For the last several years, I have focused on hiring individuals who have the personality, character, interpersonal communication skills, and mental and emotional stamina necessary to be successful in family law – even if that means training technical skills and knowledge at a foundational level. Clients often come to us during their most vulnerable and stressful periods of life and trust us with their most important, personal, and valuable assets. Working effectively in family law is difficult and demanding at times, but by hiring and being surrounded by brilliant, passionate, and dedicated individuals, the firm has experienced exponential growth and success. FREE ADVICE: Feel the fear and do it anyway. PICTURED: Sarah C. Seltzer.

Seltzer Family Law, PLLC 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 340 Fort Worth 76116 817.887.9206 YourTexasFamilyLawyer.com Contact@YourTexasFamilyLawyer.com

Susan Semmelmann

Semmelmann

Interiors FOCUS WOMEN WHO FORWARD FORT WORTH

EDUCATION: Texas Christian University. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Best Interior Design Firm in DFW (2022–2025); over 10 ASID Design Excellence Awards; Woman of Impact and Woman of Inﬂuence; Best Companies To Work For (2024–2025).

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Philanthropy is at the heart of everything we do. We’ve raised over $1 million for local and national charities, including a Wish with Wings, Wings for Life, National Angels, St. Jude and Texas Health, and founded the Susan Semmelmann Foundation to help families furnish their homes with dignity and love. MOTTO: The spirit of living is in the giving. WHAT SETS THEM APART: We’re a couture interior design ﬁrm of radical creators, blending construction expertise with in-house artistry to design homes that are bold, soulful, and deeply personal. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Transforming a business into a platform that brings joy, beauty, and generosity into people’s lives — most recently with the launch of the Susan Semmelmann Couture Collection, a bespoke line created to elevate the everyday through meaningful design. KEY INFLUENCES: God, my family, my business coaches, and the people I get to work alongside and learn from each day — my Dream Team. FREE ADVICE: Stay grounded. Stay inspired. Invest in spaces, places, and people who equip you to live with purpose — so you can go out and serve others well.

PICTURED: Susan Semmelmann.

4374 West Vickery Blvd. Fort Worth 76107 817.774.4045 semmelmanninteriors.com

Semmelmann Interiors

FOCUS WOMEN WHO FORWARD FORT WORTH

Lydick, Realtor

FOCUS: Real estate expertise across residential, farm & ranch, and commercial sectors. RECOGNITIONS: Throughout her real estate career, Talia has garnered numerous accolades and has been consistently recognized as a Top Realtor in Fort Worth Magazine for several years. PHILOSOPHY OF MANAGEMENT: Talia’s influence extends beyond Fort Worth, encompassing connections that span coast to coast. Her expansive network within the equine realm uniquely positions her to connect clients with exclusive ranch properties not publicly known in the Greater Fort Worth area. OUTSIDE INTERESTS: When she’s not negotiating real estate deals, Talia can be found indulging her passion for horses or competing in equestrian events. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: A standout accomplishment is Talia’s ability to maintain a strong presence among clients from diverse backgrounds, aiding them in both buying and selling real estate. Her unwavering dedication, robust negotiation skills, and resolute determination define her approach. ADVICE FOR ASPIRING CAREER WOMEN: Talia’s counsel to aspiring women is to discover endeavors that ignite a sense of vitality and significance. While deeply engaged in the Fort Worth community, she has embraced the equestrian culture as her driving force. MISSION: Talia’s business model centers on a commitment to hard work, fostering relationships, and delivering exceptional customer service. PICTURED: Talia Lydick.

3707 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 300 Fort Worth 76107

817.692.4821

talia.lydick@williamstrew.com williamstrew.com

Talia Lydick - Williams Trew

Talia

Williams Trew

FOCUS WOMEN WHO FORWARD FORT WORTH

Emily Messer, Ed.D. President, Texas Wesleyan University

EDUCATION: Ed.D., Higher Education Administration, University of Alabama; MPA, Education, Jacksonville State University; B.A., English, Jacksonville State University. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Top 500 in Fort Worth Most Inﬂuential Leaders (2025); Top 400 in Fort Worth Most Inﬂuential Leaders (2024); Women in Leadership Inspirational Guidance Award; Executive Leadership Academy, American Academic Leadership Institute. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: President Messer’s community involvement includes John Roach Executive Roundtable, Fort Worth Business Leaders Thursday Morning Breakfast Association, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce Board, Mary I. Gourley Foundation Board, and Rev Partnership Board. PROFESSIONAL MISSION: “My personal mission is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students by creating pathways to opportunity through education. I believe higher education is one of the most powerful tools for transformation — not just for individuals, but for families and communities across future generations.” GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT:

President Messer’s greatest professional achievement is her transformational impact on students throughout her higher education journey. From her early roles in student life and enrollment management to her current presidency at Texas Wesleyan, she is a champion for student success, access, and retention. FREE ADVICE: Support all institutions of higher education in our Fort Worth community. Each one plays a vital role in shaping the future of our city by educating the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers.

Texas Wesleyan University

1201 Wesleyan St. Fort Worth 76105 817.531.4444 txwes.edu

FOCUS WOMEN WHO FORWARD FORT WORTH

Emily Preston

The Property Shop

FOCUS: Residential, Luxury, Farm and Ranch Real Estate. PROFESSIONAL MISSION: Emily Preston is the #openhousequeen because she does two or three open houses every weekend and has for seven years. Emily has represented buyers and sellers in luxury, farm and ranch properties and has established a reputation for successfully achieving her clients’ real estate acquisitions. If looking to buy or sell a luxury property that exceeds expectations, call Emily. Once in a lifetime properties are her specialty. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Real Producers DFW Top 1%; Fort Worth Magazine Top Realtors; Top Producer of Stryve Realty in 2023 (No. 2 out of 80 Realtors). INTERESTS: Traveling and spending time with my two girls and family. WHAT SETS HER APART: Emily is the powerhouse behind the sale of a $7.1 million, 10,000-square-foot, luxury home at Possum Kingdom Lake, remarkable for closing in only three months in a challenging real estate market. GREATEST PROFESSONAL ACHIEVEMENT: In 2023, Emily had the honor and privilege to help her client buy a $12 million exotic animal ranch in Meridian, Texas. MOST INFLUENCED BY: “My parents, by far! I would not be where I am today without them.” FREE ADVICE: No matter what, don’t ever stop working. Good old-fashioned work ethic trumps everything! #cantstopwontstop

The Property Shop

120 Saint Louis Ave., Ste. 117 Fort Worth 76104

817.992.4604

facebook.com/emilyprestonrealtor/

WOMEN WHO FORWARD FORT WORTH

EDUCATION: J.D. TAMU Law, B.A. Baylor. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Forty Under Forty (Fort Worth Business Press); Top Attorney (Southlake Style, Fort Worth Magazine, 360 West); Entrepreneur of Excellence (Fort Worth Inc.); Fort Worth Woman of the Month (Fort Worth Woman Magazine); Top Texas Women Attorneys (Texas Monthly); Rising Star (Super Lawyers) COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: We support dozens of causes — from annual scholarships for special needs children to Habitat for Humanity. This year, I’m proud to host the Mad Scientist Ball at the FWMSH. MISSION: Our mission is to provide unmatched service and obtain unparalleled outcomes while maintaining a growth mindset, connecting with compassion, and supporting our firm members and their families. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Our unique value lies in combining premier customer service with expert legal representation. As trial attorneys, we understand the importance of results, but as service providers, we also understand the necessity of a peaceful process. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Building a four-location firm that has helped thousands navigate life’s greatest challenges and earning the trust of clients who refer us to their friends and family. MOST INFLUENCE: The women attorneys in my firm are tenacious, intelligent, compassionate, and resilient. FREE ADVICE: Proactive representation is key. If you feel something is wrong, out of place, get an expert legal opinion immediately. PICTURED: Anna Summersett.

Varghese Summersett

300 Throckmorton St., Ste. 700 Fort Worth 76102 817.203.2220 versustexas.com

Anna Summersett

Varghese Summersett

EDUCATION: Texas A&M University, Texas Christian University. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Sustainer of the Junior League of Fort Worth; board member of TechFW, Women Steering Business, and National Charity League. PROFESSIONAL MISSION: To bring financial transparency for business owners to make better decisions. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Webb CFO specializes in supporting businesses that are too complex for DIY accounting but not yet large enough to justify a full-time CFO. This “in-between” stage is where many businesses struggle — and Webb CFO steps in to fill that gap with expert financial strategy, cash flow management, and operational support. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: As a team, we’ve worked with businesses in all types of financial shape and struggles. One of our greatest achievements was supporting a small business with a sale into a larger organization that was a great culture fit operatically as well for their customers and employees. MOST INFLUENCED BY: My parents continue to have a significant impact on my life from marriage advice to lamenting on raising teenagers and everything in between. I have a great support system with my husband and family close by. FREE ADVICE: Always be experimenting. Try something new in your marketplace or industry. If it doesn’t work, it’s not a failed experiment — you now know what not to do. Be willing to be risk-taking on a small experimental scale.

817.502.2658

swebb@webbcfo.com webbcfo.com

MAKE YOUR WEDDING UNFORGETTABLE

Whether you’re planning a cozy celebration or a grand affair, River Ranch Stockyards is the ideal backdrop for your big day. With full-service offerings for ceremonies and receptions, our experienced team is here to support you with planning, custom menus, and creating the perfect setting from start to finish.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR BIG DAY

From start to finish, we offer everything to make your wedding smooth and unforgettable. Enjoy private dressing rooms, convenient on-site parking, and catering and bar options tailored to your style. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, complimentary tables and chairs, and easy vendor access, every aspect is designed with comfort and sophistication in mind.

LOCAL EATS AND RESTAURANT NEWS

A Culinary Evolution

Cured Ora King salmon topped with a crown of chile lime espuma foam — not exactly what you’d expect from a restaurant opened by a couple barbcue guys. But newly opened The Mont is full of culinary surprises.

WHAT WE’RE CHEWING OVER THIS MONTH: On page 98:

Newly opened Lil JJ’s Smokehouse is a family’s tribute to a fallen son. On page 100: Ritzy Mexican restaurant Polanco brings a romantic vibe and octopus tacos to downtown’s The Tower.

by Malcolm Mayhew

Seasoned With Love

A Fort Worth family keeps their son’s memory alive through smoke and sauce at their new barbecue joint Lil JJ’s Smokehouse.

In many ways, Lil JJ’s Smokehouse falls right in line with other Texas barbecue joints. On a recent Saturday afternoon, the unmistakable booms of meat cutters chopping brisket boomerang through this small restaurant in far north Fort Worth, while the mouthwatering fragrance of smoked meats drifts from kitchen to dining room, tantalizing those standing in line for John and Brandi Berry’s brisket and ribs.

But lean in and you’ll see that this newly opened spot is far from your typical barbecue joint. Everywhere you

look — on the walls, on the menu — you’ll ﬁnd tributes to the restaurant’s namesake, Lil JJ. Here’s a photo of him playing football and another of him hanging out with his friends. On the menu, there’s a sandwich named after him. Matter of fact, the restaurant’s logo is a photo of JJ, smiling wide. Lil JJ, you see, is John’s son, John Jr., and this restaurant is a tribute to JJ’s memory. Last year, at the age of 20, JJ passed away from a fentanyl overdose — another life lost to the relentlessly deadly drug.

“This is his restaurant,” John says. “Every part of it, every inch of it. It’s our memorial to him.”

Many North Texas barbecue aﬁcionados knew JJ from when he worked at his pop’s previous place, Berry Best BBQ in northeast Tarrant, where he started out sweeping ﬂoors and scooping beans into to-go containers. A few years later, he was chopping beef alongside his dad. JJ, in fact, came up with the idea for the restaurant’s most popular sandwich, made with a mountain of chopped brisket and chopped sausage.

“He said, ‘Dad, why don’t you mix chopped brisket with chopped sausage? You know it’d be good,’” says Brandi. “To this day, it’s still our top-selling sandwich.”

It was a heartwarming story, how this family worked so closely together, just a few feet apart from one another, morning, noon and night, always, always busy — stressful circumstances that could very well tear other families apart. In 2021, for Valentine’s Day, we proﬁled John and Brandi and told their story of how they fell — and stayed — in love.

Last year, the North Texas barbecue community watched in disbelief as John shared the news on social media that JJ had died. On March 10, 2024, JJ passed away from a fentanyl overdose, devastating the family in ways unimaginable.

“Losing a child, there’s nothing like it,” Brandi says. “There’s no way to describe that feeling, that emptiness. No way at all.”

Disillusioned, John says he was initially hesitant to continue the restaurant. “For a while, I just didn’t know what to do,” he says.

The couple had already endured so much — a ﬁnicky economy, a ﬁre that severely damaged a previous location, the craft barbecue trend that stole some of their thunder. But through prayer and the support of friends and family, Brandi and John say, the couple decided to start anew — new location, new name, new beginning.

Thus was born Lil JJ’s Smokehouse,

Photos by Thanin Viriyaki

John and Brandi Berry

which opened earlier this year in blossoming north Fort Worth, where there’s not another family-run barbecue joint for miles.

“There’s so much happening in Fort Worth now, so much growth, we knew we wanted to be a part of it,” John says. “Fort Worth has been our home for a long time, so it makes sense for us to ﬁnally move our business here.”

The Berrys’ food isn’t a part of the trendy craft-cue craze. Instead, it’s reminiscent of the Fort Worth barbecue of yesterday — before fatty brisket became all the rage; portions are both sizable and affordable.

Brisket is served lean, outlined in just enough crust and tiny tufts of fat to give it ﬂavor, personality, and nuance. It’s excellent on its own, served in a sandwich or a plate, but chopped up, it becomes a wondrous thing, every bite the perfect balance of crust, fat, and smoky beef.

The menu also includes other barbecue standards such as pork ribs, chicken, bologna, and turkey, all smoked in indoor rotisserie smokers — an about-face from the family’s previous outdoor, offset smokers. But John does wonders with rotisseries, imbuing a smoky ﬂavor that’s deep, balanced, and distinctly his own, thanks to his secret seven-blend seasoning.

New items include Boom Boom Candy, which John describes as a bitesize Texas Twinkie, with bacon, pepper jack cheese, and a jalapeño wrapped around a chunk of brisket.

As was the case at Berry Best, much thought and effort are put into the sides. Collard greens are leafy and perfectly salty. Mac and cheese is appropriately ﬂuffy and outrageously cheesy. Potato salad is gloriously old school.

But as far as sides go, baked beans remain the star attraction. Mixed with assorted smoked meats and brimming with both a sweet and savory ﬂavor, they’re the reason Berry Best attracted the attention of Texas Monthly, the Star-Telegram, and other media outlets near and far, putting

the restaurant on Texas’ barbecue map.

“We haven’t changed the recipe by one ingredient,” says Brandi. “People still order it as their main dish.” Now you can order the beans by themselves as a side or with a sausage dunked in them.

For nearly a decade, with JJ often in tow, the Berrys have played an integral role in the North Texas barbecue scene. Their business started, as it often does for barbecue restaurants, in their backyard, where John would cook for friends and family.

At their urging, the Oak Cliff native took the leap into the food business in 2016, ﬁrst with a food truck, then with a tiny, to-go-only spot in Watauga.

“JJ was John’s ﬁrst employee,” Brandi says, laughing. “He was a good helper.”

As their popularity grew, so did their ambition and soon came a second location at North East Mall. But the couple closed both locations when they found their dream spot: a 2,000-square-foot brick-and-mortar in North Richland Hills.

They spent ﬁve years there, surviving the pandemic, the craft-cue craze, an unsteady economy. “The restaurant business is not for the meek,” John says. “We went through a lot there, experienced a lot, learned a lot.”

Now well into their next chapter at Lil JJ’s Smokehouse, the couple has employed two other family mem-

bers: sons Traelon and Trenton. Not far from where Trenton slices up brisket and Traelon helps man the kitchen is a life-size photo of their brother, that big smile on his face.

“I took that picture of JJ while we were standing in the yard, getting ready to go out to eat,” says Brandi. “It makes me so happy to see him so happy.

“John and I choose to look at the positives,” Brandi says. “We have this amazing opportunity to carry on his memory. It’s an honor to be able to do that.”

LilJJ’sSmokehouse,9321NorthFreeway, liljjsmokehouse.com

Trays of tasty ‘cue at Lil JJ’s Smokehouse

A life-size picture of John Berry Jr. hangs on the wall at Lil JJ’s Smokehouse

by Malcolm Mayhew

Beyond the Combo Plate

“You’ll like it, I promise,” he says before dashing off, possibly knowing I detest it so much, I might end up tossing it at him. Or tossing something else, rather. Like my lunch.

A bite of it, however, revealed to me not a suppressed passion for broccoli but rather a newfound love for this restaurant’s unique approach to it. Cut into bite-size pieces, drizzled with a piquant Roma dressing, and dusted with grated Parmesan and toasted pistachios, this was broccoli transformed; I doubt I’ll ever eat broccoli again, unless it comes from Polanco.

In the same way Polanco challenged my tolerance for broccoli, it’ll challenge all of us in what we think of and consider to be Mexican food. Beautifully cooked scallops are served in a pool of ajillo sauce. There’s a New York strip with fried kale and chambray onions. Enchiladas are stuffed with octopus, and tacos come ﬁlled with salmon.

But Polanco doesn’t just feel like a high-end take on a beloved cuisine; it’s also the next logical step in Fort Worth’s Mexican dining scene. Restaurants like Lanny Lancarte’s edgy — and much-missed — Lanny’s Alta Cocina Mexicana, Meso Maya, and, of course, Don Artemio have already elevated us beyond standard Tex-Mex, focusing on interior Mexican dishes with both ﬂavor and style. Polanco builds on that foundation, pushing the boundaries even further.

“So much of what we do here is new for Fort Worth,” Alcala says.

Polanco, a new Mexican restaurant perched on the second ﬂoor of The Tower downtown, is about to make me do something I swore I’d never do again: eat broccoli.

I feel about broccoli the same way that you, chances are, feel about broccoli — I loathe it. Even with

cheese poured on top, I can’t stand it. It’s one of the few foods that, after tasting it when I was a kid, I told myself I’d never have again.

But Polanco manager Ricardo Alcala brought me a small portion of it to try. It’s one of the most popular appetizers on his menu, he says.

The restaurant, too, doesn’t resemble most of the Mexican restaurants in Fort Worth. Rather, Polanco is part of a wave of new restaurants here, like The Chumley House, Emilia’s, and The Mont, designed to take us away, not remind us of where we are.

That experience begins the moment you walk in when you’re escorted up to the second ﬂoor, via a long, wide staircase to a romantic dining room, its tables set with glistening stemware that catches the twinkling lights of the city below;

Photos by Thanin Viriyaki

Aguachile Carnivoro, made with beef ﬁlet, avocado, radishes and tru e oil.

ﬂoor-to-ceiling windows offer killer views.

Service is on the same level as the city’s most high-end spots, with servers brushing away crumbs and refolding napkins when you leave the table for a bit. Servers prepare or embellish many of the dishes tableside, adding another level of ooh and aah.

Flanking the dining room are two posh private dining rooms — both of which were full on my visit — and a happening bar with comfy, colorful seats and designer drinks.

To say it’s unlike anything else in Fort Worth would be repeating myself — I believe I said the same thing about The Chumley House and, I bet, I’ll write something similar in my story about The Mont, which also appears in the issue.

But not-the-norm is the new norm here. We have new people moving to Fort Worth every day, people from California, people with money to burn, people who are used to seeing restaurants like this. In a way, Polanco is the end-result of our city trying to keep up with the culinary demand of newcomers.

Those familiar with Mexico City, whose cuisine inspires many of the dishes here, will know there’s truth in the restaurant’s name. Polanco is a ritzy community in Mexico City, lined with mansions and high-end stores. To reﬂect that vibe, the restaurant employs a business casual dress code, so no shorts or T-shirts.

But I swear, the broccoli alone is worth it. Polanco,570ThrockmortonSt.,polancodfw.com

The Chowtown Lowdown

The rebirth of Fort Worth-bred Tex-Mex chain Pulido’s continues: The Westland Restaurant Group has reopened a location in the city of Eastland, about 90 minutes west of Fort Worth, and another will soon rise a little closer, in bustling Willow Park. The Willow Park location is brand-new and is being built at 104 S. Ranch House Road in what used to be a western wear store. Willow Park location manager Luis Suarez, whom I chatted with as he was training at the reopened Pulido’s in Hurst, says he’s hoping to bring back some favorite dishes that have yet to appear on other Pulido’s menus, such as carne guisada. Suarez worked for nearly 20 years at another Fort Worth-famous Tex-Mex chain, Rio Mambo. Pulido’s dates back to 1967, when Pedro and Dionicia opened their original restaurant just west of downtown. Numerous locations came and went over the next several years. Westland acquired the brand in 2023 and began reopening some of the shuttered locations, including the Hurst store and Fort Worth original. Look for the Willow Park location to open this fall. pulidostx.com

Brix Barbecue may have closed last month, but owner and pitmaster Trevor Sales is continuing his cooking journey through another endeavor: a private dining experience called Tallow. Started in 2021, the dinners are announced a few weeks out on Instagram and typically sell out quickly. Open to 12 people, they’re held in private locations. The six-course menus change with every dinner. A few recent dishes included wood-fire oven sausage and peppers, mini dry-aged tomahawks served with garlic confit chimichurri, and a pasta tirrena with cured and fried tasso ham, fire-roasted San Marzano tomatoes, and grated pecorino cheese. Dude needs to open an Italian restaurant. Cost for the dinners varies. Formoreinformation,followTallowon Insta:instagram.com/tallowfortworth.

Sorry, Fort Worth, but we often have to drive to the ‘burbs for good Indian food, and here’s another place worth the trek: The Spark, a newly opened Indian and Nepalese restaurant in North Richland Hills. It’s a family-owned spot, run by the same owners as the similar Aroma restaurant in Keller. The Spark’s menu is vast — there are 14 naan options alone, CultureMap recently pointed out, no doubt equally shocked. Fourteen. Other items include butter chicken, various rice and noodle dishes, and eight di erent types of momos, along with other items you don’t see a lot around here, like khasiko bhutan, stirfried goat intestines, and marpha ko aalu, a spicy potato dish comprised of deep-fried potatoes sauteed in butter, garlic, and Sichuan peppers. 8245PrecinctLineRoad,NorthRichlandHills, thesparkindiannepalicusine.com

Fort Worth-born Rodeo Goat took its sweet time opening an Arlington location, but here it is, a newly minted locale in A-town at 333 E. Division St. Just a couple blocks away, a second location of south Arlington/Dallas fave The Breakfast Brothers will soon open at 400 E. Front St. Owner Rickey Booker’s immensely popular breakfast and lunch spots serve deliciously indulgent dishes such as fried catﬁsh with red velvet wa es, fried chicken with French toast, lamb chops and eggs, and fried salmon with pancakes. I only wish they served sides of Zepbound.

Polanco’s signature Torre Reforma, a seafood tower made with sea bass, octopus, avocado, and other ingredients

Ojo de Ribeye with bone marrow

Polanco’s snazzy dining room

by Malcolm Mayhew

Photos by Samantha Marie

Barbewho?

Newly opened in the Montserrat area of west Fort Worth, The Mont is a midcentury-inspired, New American restaurant — a surprise venture from a couple barbecue dudes.

When Fort Worth restaurant business partners Je Payne and Jason Cross started working on a new restaurant concept, the ﬁrst thing you may have expected them to do was, actually, the last thing they wantedto do.

In a plot twist no one saw coming, the co-owners of Cousin’s Barbecue have embarked on an unexpected journey: The Mont, a ﬁne-dining restaurant in far west Fort Worth.

There is meat on the menu, to be sure — quite a bit, in fact. A 20-ounce rib-eye, Wagyu beef tartare, a burger if you sit in the bar, a New York strip. But there’s not a sliver of pork belly, a single rib, or a slab of brisket to be found.

“You know what’s funny? I was chatting with my sister-in-law, and she had told her friends we were opening a new restaurant,” Cross says. “And what’s funny is, she said her friends got excited when they found out it wasn’t going to be barbecue.”

That was afﬁrmation, Cross says, the two were on the right track. On a

hill that overlooks Interstate 20 near Montserrat, they have created an exquisite dining experience that is far removed from the world of barbecue.

The menu, rather, is decidedly New American. In addition to the aforementioned meat dishes, highlights include duck served two ways, roasted breast and a fried thigh; roasted monkﬁsh tail with trufﬂe vinaigrette; a double long-bone pork chop; and a rotating, housemade pasta.

The showstopping dish is, without a doubt, the Irodori Wagyu tomahawk — a 42-ounce cut of beef from a crossbreed of Wagyu and Black Angus cattle.

“In terms of steaks, there’s really nothing else out there like it,” Cross says. “It’s rich, buttery, tender. We may be the only restaurant in Texas to serve it.”

Small plates include decadent lobster hush puppies with trufﬂe aioli and deviled eggs topped with caviar. Lighter choices include red snapper ceviche and scallops with

butter-lemon sage.

The restaurant marks a return to Fort Worth for Michael Arlt, former executive chef at Beast & Co., a shortly lived but forward-thinking global cuisine restaurant in the Near Southside. Arlt, the culinary director for Around the Fire Hospitality, brought aboard Michael Duff, formerly of Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, as executive chef.

“You’ve got this group of hopelessly devoted foodies,” says Cross, who spent years working in Fort Worth’s Tex-Mex scene before joining Payne at Cousin’s.

“We all come from different backgrounds and bring something unique to the table. So, as far as the menu is concerned, the sky’s the limit.”

Designed by Fort Worth architectural ﬁrm Maven, the 7,400-square-foot space has a sophisticated, midcentury vibe — a handsome, groovy blend of rich mahogany wood, plush leather seating, and gorgeous chandeliers crafted by Fort Worthbased Stage Works.

Plans for Cross and Payne to deviate from barbecue have been in the works for years.

“The idea to do something different, something other than barbecue, is a conversation Jeff and I have been having for a long, long time,” Cross says. “We started talking and making plans, and then the world turned up on its end. Fortunately, we were able to get through COVID, and after we did, we regrouped and started putting together a plan.”

That plan also includes Beverly’s Downtown, a forthcoming elevated Mexican restaurant opening later this year in the basement of the historic Hogan Building at 901 Houston St. Cross says he’s hoping it’ll open by the end of the year.

“We still love barbecue, of course,” he says. “But we also love other types of food. The city’s growing and its palate is, too. We see these restaurants as opportunities to show people what else we can do and what else Fort Worth can do.”

TheMont,4729St.AmandCircle, themontfw.com

The Mont’s Irodori Wagyu tomahawk steak

Engagement and Empowerment: How do we go beyond the Pink Ribbon?

Breast cancer remains one of the most common diagnoses among women worldwide. Misconceptions about breast cancer and cancer treatments can hinder women from seeking care. However, advances in surgical techniques and a focus on patient-centered care have revolutionized treatment options and outcomes. Dr. Arianne Gallaty gives insights into her approach with her patients, and how women can stay proactive about their breast health.

A Calling to Make a Di erence

Breast cancer is not merely a clinical diagnosis; it profoundly impacts a person’s identity and emotional well-being. I aspire to be the type of physician who not only treats the disease, but also walks alongside patients through every stage of their journey; from diagnosis to recovery and survivorship, o ering both expert care and compassionate support. My approach blends technical surgical precision with the opportunity for lasting, meaningful patient relationships.

Advances in Treatments

Depending on the stage of breast cancer, minimally invasive procedures, oncoplastic techniques, and personalized reconstructive options now allow e ective cancer removal with decreased impact on appearance and function of the breast. Neoadjuvant therapies can shrink tumors to provide more surgical options. These methods enable patients not only to treat their cancer but to do so with their quality of life thoughtfully preserved.

Multidisciplinary Care

Every patient’s journey is unique. I collaborate with a team of oncologists, radiologists, genetic

counselors, psychologists, and other specialists. Our shared objective is to deliver care that is not only medically e ective, but also personalized - addressing both physical health and emotional well-being.

Knowledge and Support

Facing a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. In my practice, I prioritize open communication, and patient education; encouraging individuals to ask questions, understand their treatment options, and take an active role in their journey. We discuss their fears, hopes and personal goals, focusing not only on their medical needs but also their emotional and social well -being. Connecting them with resources such as integrative medicine, nutritionists, massage therapy and acupuncture can also be beneﬁcial. My goal is to empower each person to make informed, conﬁdent decisions so as not to feel passively carried through the process, but to move forward with understanding and agency.

Year-Round Awareness

My hope is that women feel encouraged to prioritize their health every day by performing self-exams, staying up to date with their screenings, and advocating

when something feels o . A compassionate community stands ready to support them every step of the way. By staying informed and engaged, women can face a diagnosis with strength and resilience. Breast cancer awareness is more than a Pink Ribbon; it is about knowledge, vigilance, and taking action every day of the year.

HEALTHTALK

Welcome to HealthTalk, a section dedicated to empowering our readers with vital insights into the world of health and wellness. Here, we delve into critical topics that matter most from causes and treatments to signs and symptoms. Whether you’re looking to stay informed or seeking to understand complex health issues, HealthTalk is your trusted source for the knowledge you need to lead a healthier life. The information provided in this section is provided by our advertisers and has not been independently verified by Fort Worth Magazine.

What is a deep plane facelift?

Q: What is a deep plane facelift, and how is it di erent from a regular facelift?

A: A deep plane facelift lifts the deeper layers of the face, not just the skin. This allows for a more natural and longer-lasting result. Traditional facelifts often tighten just the skin or surface layers, which can look tight or pulled over time. Deep plane facelifts move the underlying structure, giving you a refreshed but never overdone look, and restore things to their anatomic position.

Q: Why do some facelifts look “pulled,” and

how does this avoid that?

A: That “pulled” appearance happens when only the skin is tightened without lifting the deeper tissues. In a deep plane facelift, the deeper facial layers are gently repositioned, so the skin sits naturally. You’ll look like a more rested, youthful version of yourself — not like someone who had surgery.

Q: What areas does a deep plane facelift improve?

A: This procedure is especially good for lifting the

cheeks, improving the jowls, tightening the jawline, and smoothing the neck. It rejuvenates the midface and creates a clean, elegant contour from the chin to the collarbone.

Q: What’s the di erence between a regular neck lift and a deep neck lift?

A: A deep neck lift goes beneath the surface muscles of the neck to remove deeper fat and, when needed, reﬁne muscles and glands that cause bulkiness. It’s ideal for people with fullness under the chin that generally always had ‘heavier’ necks. These patients tend to be younger and show less of the typical signs of facial aging.

Q: Who is a good candidate for this type of facelift or neck lift?

A: Great candidates are typically in their 40s to 70s and have noticed sagging in the cheeks, jawline, or neck. If you feel like your reﬂection looks older or heavier than you feel — especially in photos — this might be a great option for you. It is important to ﬁnd a surgeon that makes you feel heard, is honest, and whose goals align with yours. It is also essential before moving forward with any procedure to ensure you are in good health and a safe candidate for surgery—your safety is always the top priority.

Q: What is the recovery like?

A: You can expect some swelling and bruising for the ﬁrst one to two weeks. Most people feel comfortable returning to social events or work after about 10–14 days. Your results will continue to improve over the next few months as healing completes.

Q: Why is the surgeon’s technique so important?

A: This is a technically advanced procedure that requires a deep understanding of facial anatomy and an artistic eye. When done well, it avoids the “overdone” look and gives you results that are both natural and long-lasting. In my practice, our goal is to make you look refreshed and like yourself, just younger.

Accent on You Cosmetic Surgery Center

Dr. Sameer Halani

3030 S. Cooper St. Arlington 76015 817.417.7200 accentonyou.com

How does breathing inﬂuence my child’s behavior?

Q: What are the signs that may indicate my child’s behavioral issues may be due to a deeper airway problem?

A: Some signs to watch for include:

• Hyperactivity or trouble focusing

• Chronic fatigue

• Mouth breathing

• Bed wetting beyond the normal age

• Dark circles around the eyes

• Poor performance in school and activities

• Snoring or restless sleep

Q: If my child has any of these symptoms, how do I address them?

A: Observe and document:

• Keep a record of your child’s symptoms, behaviors, and sleep patterns to share with health care providers.

• Schedule a pediatric evaluation: Consult your pediatrician or pediatric dentist to discuss your concerns. They can assess possible airway issues and rule out other causes.

• Seek specialized health care if needed

• Explore potential interventions: Treatments

could include addressing allergies, nasal obstructions, or breathing di culties, which can signiﬁcantly improve behavior and sleep quality.

• Promote overall health at home: Encourage good sleep routines, healthy diet, and physical activity to support your child’s well-being.

• Stay informed and supportive: Be patient as your child undergoes assessment and potential treatment.

Q: How do I talk to my health care provider about airway and behavioral concerns?

A: Prepare and take your list of your child’s behaviors and symptoms. Share your concerns clearly. Ask speciﬁc questions such as “Could these behaviors be linked to breathing di culties, and what assessments are available to check? Are there treatments or specialists you recommend?”

Q: What speciﬁc tests are available?

A: An at-home sleep study can assess if your child has sleep apnea or an obstructive airway disorder in addition to seeking professional airway assessments from an ENT or pediatric dentist.

Q: What’s the downside of watching and waiting to see if they improve?

A: A majority of a child’s facial development occurs by the age of 6 years; therefore, early intervention and being proactive are usually less expensive and extensive than if the condition is allowed to continue. Increasing their airway and sleep-related issues can optimize your child’s own growth and development, improving overall performance in addition to their quality of life.

Dr. Sandra Armstrong Pediatric Airway and Smile Clinic

1480 Corporate Circle, Ste. 100 Southlake 76092 262.887.6453 southlakepediatricairway clinic.com

What are the common signs of hearing loss?

Q: What are the common signs of hearing loss?

A: Common signs include frequently asking people to repeat themselves, di culty understanding conversations in noisy environments, and turning the volume of the television up.

Q: What causes hearing loss?

A: Hearing loss can be caused by many things. Trauma, noise exposure, medications, and the process of getting older, to name a few.

Q: How is hearing loss diagnosed?

A: A hearing test (audiogram) is performed by an audiologist. It includes pure tone testing, bone conduction testing, speech in quiet and in noise

tests, and tests for middle ear function.

Q: Who should get a hearing test?

A: Anyone over the age of 50 should have a baseline hearing test. Physicians often encourage their patient to get vision screenings, dermatology, colonoscopies, and mammograms, but often overlook this important part of our anatomy!

Q: Why is it so important to get your hearing tested?

A: There are many reasons it is important to get your hearing tested. An increased risk of cognitive decline, memory issues, an increased risk of falling, listening fatigue, and social isolation and withdrawal are just a few of the consequences of untreated hearing loss.

Q: How can I ﬁnd a qualiﬁed hearing health care provider?

A: It’s so important to ﬁnd a great provider that you can trust. Look for a licensed audiologist or provider and ask about their credentials. Finding a practice with great reviews in your area is also a great way to ﬁnd a provider. It is very important that you choose a provider that o ers several di erent hearing instrument manufacturers; there should never be a “cookie cutter” approach to treating hearing loss.

Q: Are hearing aids the only treatment for hearing loss?

A: No. Treatment depends on the type and severity of hearing loss. For many individuals with a hearing loss, hearing aids are a great option. However, some patients may be cochlear implant candidates and others with a conductive hearing loss may need other medical intervention. Our audiologist can determine the origin of the hearing loss and refer you to a physician if necessary.

Q: Is there any advantage to addressing a hearing loss sooner than later?

A: As with any health condition, the sooner you address it, the better the outcome. The longer you deprive your brain of hearing normally, the more di cult it is to correct. If you don’t use it, you lose it!

Carson Hearing Care

Robin Carson, Au.D. 5104 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth 76107

817.737.4327

carsonhearing.com

How is THC legal in Texas?

Q: How is THC legal in Texas?

A: Although marijuana is illegal in the state of Texas, the Texas legislature passed HB1325 in 2019 after the nationwide passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. This allowed a 0.3% delta-9 THC concentration on a dry weight basis in consumable hemp products such as beverages, oils, and edibles. Delta-9 THC derived from hemp is chemically identical to delta-9 THC derived from marijuana. They both have the same molecular structure, producing the same psychoactive effects and potential benefits.

Q: What are cannabinoids?

A: Cannabinoids are several structural classes of compounds found primarily in the cannabis plants, hemp, and marijuana. There are more than 100 cannabinoids found in each plant, but the commonly known and major cannabinoids are delta-9 THC and CBD. Other cannabinoids that are becoming increasingly popular are CBG, which can help with joint pain, and CBN shown to aid in sleep and rest for most people.

Q: Hemp vs. marijuana: What’s the difference?

A: Hemp and marijuana are two different names for cannabis, a type of flowering plant in the Cannabaceae family. Legally, the key difference between each plant is the THC content. Hemp is defined as a cannabis plant that contains 0.3% or less THC, while marijuana is a cannabis plant that contains more than 0.3% THC.

Q: What about THCA?

A: THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a natural cannabinoid found abundantly in raw cannabis plants. It is also the precursor to THC. THCA is most commonly consumed by smoking because under intense heat, or put to a flame, the “a” (acid) burns and organically converts to THC. In hemp cultivation, timing the harvest to maximize THCA content involves carefully monitoring the plant’s development.

Q: What are terpenes?

A: Terpenes are highly aromatic, organic compounds found in plants and herbs contributing to their distinctive smells and tastes. They are also believed to influence the effects of cannabis on the body. Like rosemary’s unique flavor, effects, and aroma, there are over 20,000 known terpenes found in plants and even animals. Humans are animals so this creates one’s “terp” (terpene) profile, which naturally encourages people to gravitate to or dislike certain terpenes. The main hypothesis scientists have is the terpene profile coincides with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of each person making you feel calm, uplifted, or relaxed, depending on which you take. A few popular terpenes are caryophyllene, pinene, humulene, limonene, linalool, and myrcene. These are all different aromas/tastes targeting an array of feelings and therapeutic benefits. Emerald Organics Candice Stinnett

5317 Golden Triangle Blvd. Fort Worth 76244

682.593.0195

emeraldorg.com

Does having sleep apnea mean I have to use a CPAP?

Q: Does being diagnosed with sleep apnea mean I have to use a CPAP machine?

A: Not necessarily. While CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is a common and e ective treatment, it is not the only option. At Fort Worth Snoring and Sleep Center, Dr. Mitch Conditt reviews your sleep study and medical history to determine the best solution, which may include a CPAP or a custom oral appliance, especially for mild to moderate cases.

Q: What is an oral appliance, and how is it customized?

A: It is a small, custom-made device worn during sleep that repositions your lower jaw to help keep your airway open. We use digital scans and bite registration to ensure a precise ﬁt, then make adjustments as needed and may follow up with a sleep study to conﬁrm results.

Q: Is oral appliance therapy really e ective?

A: Yes. Oral appliances are recommended by the

American Academy of Sleep Medicine for mild to moderate OSA or for those who cannot tolerate CPAP. When ﬁtted by a trained provider like Dr. Conditt, they are highly e ective.

Q: What results can I expect from oral appliance therapy?

A: Patients often report better sleep, reduced snoring, and more daytime energy. Follow-up testing usually shows improved oxygen levels. We continue to monitor and adjust your appliance for long-term success.

Q: I couldn’t tolerate CPAP—can you still help?

A: Deﬁnitely. Many patients come to us after struggling with CPAP. Dr. Conditt works with sleep physicians to co-manage care and may recommend an oral appliance, combination therapy, or other solutions if needed.

Q: How is Fort Worth Snoring and Sleep Center di erent?

A: We specialize in dental sleep medicine. Dr. Conditt has advanced training and focuses exclusively on sleep-related breathing disorders. We follow strict protocols, use objective monitoring, and coordinate care with your physician and insurance provider.

Q: Will insurance cover oral appliance therapy?

A: Often, yes. Most insurance plans cover it when medically necessary. Our team helps verify your beneﬁts and manage paperwork for you.

Q: What’s the ﬁrst step if I want an alternative to CPAP?

A: Schedule a consultation. Dr. Conditt will perform a detailed airway evaluation with 3D imaging to determine if you are a good candidate for oral appliance therapy.

Fort Worth Snoring and Sleep Center

Dr. Mitch Conditt

451 University Drive, Ste. 102 Fort Worth 76107

817.502.9449

fortworthsnoringand sleepcenter.com

How can lifestyle medicine help chronic disease prevention?

Q: What is lifestyle medicine, and how is it di erent from traditional care?

A: Lifestyle medicine focuses on preventing, treating and even reversing chronic diseases through sustainable, evidence-based changes. These include a whole-food, plant-predominant diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress management, avoiding risky substances, and maintaining strong social connections. Unlike traditional care that may rely on medication to manage symptoms, lifestyle medicine empowers patients to take control of their health.

Q: What results have you seen when patients make lifestyle changes to manage or prevent chronic conditions?

A: I’ve seen patients lower blood pressure and cholesterol, lose weight, reduce or eliminate medications, and even reverse Type 2 diabetes. Programs like the Ornish and Diabetes Prevention programs show up to 80% of chronic disease can be prevented or reversed. Patients also report better mood, sleep, energy, and overall quality of life.

Q: Which lifestyle habits make the biggest di erence in preventing long-term health problems?

A: Regular physical activity, a plant-predominant diet, and good sleep are foundational. Stress management and strong social connections also play a key role.

Q: What challenges exist in using lifestyle medicine?

A: Most health care providers receive little training in nutrition, behavior change, or lifestyle counseling. Fewer than 25% of U.S. medical schools require a dedicated nutrition course. The current system prioritizes short visits and prescriptions over preventive care. Systemwide changes, like broader insurance coverage and team-based care, are also needed.

At UNT Health Fort Worth, we’re addressing this through our Master of Science in Lifestyle Health Sciences program, which trains future providers in behavior change strategies.

Q: How do you track whether lifestyle changes are working for your patients?

A: Clinicians track biomarkers like A1C, blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight. Coaches look at lifestyle improvements—diet, sleep, activity, and reduced risky behaviors—as well as how patients feel.

Q: How does income, where someone lives, or access to healthy food impact their ability to beneﬁt from lifestyle medicine?

A: Barriers like food insecurity and unsafe neighborhoods can make healthy choices harder. That’s why we support programs like food prescriptions, mobile cooking classes, and health equity initiatives to expand access.

Q: If you could change one thing about our health care system to better support healthy lifestyles, what would it be?

A: I’d shift the system to reward prevention. Compensating providers for nutrition counseling, ﬁtness planning, and education would lead to healthier populations and lower long-term costs.

UNT Health Fort Worth

Misti Zablosky, PhD, LAT, DipACLM, CHWC

Department of Personalized Health and Well-Being

College of Health Professions 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth 76107 817. 735.2756 unthealth.edu/chp

What is prescription compounding and is it safe?

Q: What is pharmacy compounding?

A: Pharmacy compounding is the customized preparation of medications to fit the unique needs of a patient. This practice involves a licensed pharmacist creating a personalized medication by combining, mixing, or altering ingredients. Compounding is essential when commercially available drugs do not meet a patient’s specific requirements, such as allergy considerations, dosage form, or flavor preferences.

Q: Why is pharmacy compounding important?

A: Compounding plays a vital role in personalized health care. It allows pharmacists to:

• Provide personalized medications tailored to individual needs

• Create medications in strengths or combinations not available commercially

• Allow for unique delivery methods suited to patient preferences or medical conditions

• Provide options for patients with unique metabolic or absorption needs

• O er alternative dosage forms (e.g., liquids, creams, troches) for easier administration

• Fill gaps when commercial drugs are discontinued or in short supply

• Improve medication adherence by customizing ﬂavors or forms for children and pets

Q: Who can beneﬁt from compounded medications?

A: Various patients can beneﬁt from compounded medications, including:

• Children who need ﬂavored or liquid versions of medications.

• Elderly patients who require lower or modiﬁed doses.

• Individuals with allergies to common drug ingredients.

• Patients who need medications in unique forms, such as topical creams or suppositories.

• Animals needing tailored dosages or formulations for easier administration.

Q: Are compounded medications safe?

A: Yes, when prepared by licensed and trained pharmacists following strict guidelines, compounded

medications are safe. Compounding pharmacies adhere to regulations set by the state boards of pharmacy and standards from organizations like the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Patients should always use a reputable pharmacy and consult their health care providers about any concerns.

Q: How do I obtain a compounded medication?

A: To get a compounded medication, you’ll need a prescription from a licensed health care provider. The prescription should specify the need for compounding and include details like dosage, form, and any ingredient considerations. After receiving the prescription, the compounding pharmacist will prepare the customized medication.

Q: What are some common types of compounded medications?

A: Common types include:

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications.

• Weight loss injections.

• Pediatric medications with adjusted ﬂavors or doses.

• Veterinary medications tailored for speciﬁc animals.

• Dermatological preparations, such as acne treatments or scar gels.

Q: How can I ensure the quality of compounded medications?

A: To ensure quality, choose a pharmacy that follows industry best practices and complies with regulatory standards. Ask about the pharmacy’s certiﬁcation, sta qualiﬁcations, and quality assurance processes. It’s also helpful to consult with your health care provider and report any adverse reactions immediately.

Q: Are compounded medications covered by insurance?

A: Coverage varies by insurance provider. Some compounded medications may be covered, while others may not. It’s advisable to check with your insurance company for speciﬁc coverage details and ask the pharmacy about payment options.

Perrone Pharmacy, Inc.

Marcus Zavala, PharmD Chief Pharmacist O cer 3921 Benbrook Hwy. Fort Worth 76116 817. 738.2135 perronepharmacy.com

Could a smile makeover change how you feel?

Q: What makes Dr. James Green a standout in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry?

A: With over 30 years of experience, Dr. James Green blends advanced training, artistic precision, and patient-centered care. At StarImage Dental Boutique in Southlake, he creates natural, functional smiles using innovative technology and meticulous craftsmanship. His extensive postdoctoral education in full mouth rehabilitation and neuromuscular dentistry sets him apart in the ﬁeld.

Q: What cosmetic procedures does he commonly perform?

A: Dr. Green specializes in porcelain veneers, crowns, smile makeovers, and full-mouth reconstructions. Every treatment is customized for both aesthetics and function. He goes beyond surface-level beauty focusing on bite alignment, jaw health, and facial harmony.

Q: How does he approach complex reconstruction cases?

A: He uses 3D imaging, bite analysis, and detailed

planning to address worn, damaged, or missing teeth. His goal is to rebuild a patient’s smile from the foundation up—restoring function, balance, and lasting health.

Q: Can cosmetic dentistry help with TMJ or jaw pain?

A: Yes. TMJ issues often stem from bite misalignment or worn teeth. Dr. Green applies neuromuscular dentistry principles to rebalance the bite and reduce jaw tension, headaches, and discomfort—without surgery.

Q: What is the patient experience like at StarImage Dental Boutique?

A: StarImage Dental Boutique o ers a luxurious, private setting where patients receive Dr. Green’s full attention. Consultations are thorough, and care is collaborative, with clear communication every step of the way.

Q: How does Dr. Green ensure natural-looking results?

A: He designs every smile to complement facial features, lip shape, and skin tone. Using digital smile design technology, patients can preview their transformation before treatment begins. His work is reﬁned, never artiﬁcial.

Q: Who might need a full mouth reconstruction?

A: Patients with multiple worn, broken, missing, or misaligned teeth—often due to grinding, trauma, or neglect—may beneﬁt. Symptoms like jaw pain, di culty chewing, or repeated dental problems are common signs.

Q: What is Dr. Green’s overall treatment philosophy?

A: Dr. Green believes that restoring a smile means restoring conﬁdence, comfort, and long-term oral health. His holistic, detail-oriented approach blends function, aesthetics, and personalized care to deliver lasting results. If you are ready to transform your smile—and your quality of life— schedule a consultation at StarImage Dental Boutique today.

Dr. James Green

1480 Corporate Circle Suite 100 Southlake 76092

817.587.4566 starimagesouthlake.com

What is a Mommy Makeover?

Q: What is a Mommy Makeover?

A: For mothers, the birth of their children is one the most wonderful times a woman will experience. While the new bundle of joy brings excitement and happiness to the family, many women are left with signiﬁcant physical changes that can profoundly a ect her self-conﬁdence — these changes can include loss of breast fullness and sagging, unwelcome fatty deposits, loose skin, and stretch marks on the breast and abdomen. A mommy makeover is a customized set of cosmetic procedures designed to address postpartum changes of the breast and abdomen.

Q: What is done for the breast in a Mommy Makeover?

A: In some cases, a breast augmentation alone is adequate to restore volume loss after pregnancy. Some women may be happy with a breast lift alone to reshape and elevate the breast higher onto the chest. In many cases, a combination breast lift with implant is performed to provide the best of both worlds: a fuller

breast that is shapelier and sits higher on the chest.

Q: What is done for the abdomen/trunk in a Mommy Makeover?

A: In most cases, a full tummy tuck is required. This will allow Dr. Steele to tighten the abdominal wall muscles and remove as many stretch marks and excess skin as possible. This is often combined with ﬂank and hip liposuction to improve the waist contour.

Q: Am I a candidate for a Mommy Makeover?

A: If you are done having children and are close to your pre-pregnancy or ideal body weight, then you may be an excellent candidate for this procedure. Additionally, you should be in good health and a nonsmoker.

Q: Is it safe to combine these procedures, and what are the risks?

A: There are always risks involved with surgery; however, with today’s modern anesthesia, the risk is very minimal in healthy patients. Medical problems

such as asthma, high blood pressure, and diabetes may increase your surgical risk and may require a preoperative medical evaluation to gauge suitability for this longer, elective procedure. All patients go home with an overnight nurse, and in some cases, Dr. Steele may recommend that you spend a night at the surgery center to monitor your vital signs and ﬂuid intake/output.

Q: What about scars and stretch marks?

A: The length and extent of scars will depend on each individual patient and the procedures she chooses. Generally, there will be a tummy tuck scar from hip to hip and some sort of breast incision. Dr. Steele takes the time to make sure that your scars are as ﬁne as possible and will recommend postoperative scar care for optimal healing. Most women are so pleased with their new contours that they feel the results after a Mommy Makeover far outweigh any scarring left behind. Generally, an abdominoplasty will remove all stretch marks below the belly button. Patients with upper abdominal stretch marks will get some improvement — they will be moved lower down on the abdomen and will be tighter, which helps diminish the appearance. Stretch marks in the upper breast cannot be excised; however, the placement of an implant makes them less noticeable by placing tension and stretch on the skin.

Q: What if I get pregnant again?

A: Ideally, you would wait to have a mommy makeover until after all pregnancies are complete. In the event of future pregnancies, you may su er more stretching or sagging of the skin. A later revision surgery may be necessary to correct this.

Q: What other breast and body procedures are available at Steele Plastic Surgery?

A: Dr. Steele o ers a variety of surgical and nonsurgical options to improve your contours. Breast reductions are very helpful for neck/back pain and discomfort related to larger breasts. Liposuction in combination with Renuvion J-plasma skin tightening is a powerful tool to treat stubborn fat deposits and early skin laxity. Finally, we recently launched Sofwave, a noninvasive, powerful new FDA-approved focused ultrasound device designed to tighten skin and improve contour with no downtime.

Matthew H. Steele, M.D.

5656 Edwards Ranch Road, Ste. 202 Fort Worth 76109

817.731.5330

drsteeleplasticsurgery.com

What are the options for cataract surgery?

Q: What are my intraocular lens (IOL) options?

A: Texas Eye and Laser Center o ers a variety of premium IOLs, including PanOptix®, enVista Envy®, Odyssey®, Vivity®, and Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)®. These lenses can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses after surgery, depending on your vision goals and lifestyle.

Q: Do you use laser-assisted cataract surgery?

A: Yes, the center utilizes advanced laser-assisted technologies for cataract removal, aiming for greater precision and improved visual outcomes. This method may enhance recovery times and surgical accuracy.

Q: How do I know if I’m ready for cataract surgery?

A: If you’re experiencing symptoms like cloudy vision, glare, or di culty with night driving, it’s advisable to consult with an eye care professional. Texas Eye and Laser Center provides a free online Cataract Self-Test to help assess your condition.

Q: What is the recovery process like after surgery?

A: Cataract surgery is typically an outpatient procedure with a relatively quick recovery. Many patients notice improved vision within 24–48 hours, though full recovery may take a few weeks. Post-operative care includes using prescribed eye drops and attending follow-up appointments.

Q: Will my insurance cover the procedure?

A: Standard cataract surgery with monofocal lenses is often covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans. However, premium lenses like multifocal or toric IOLs may incur additional out-of-pocket costs. It’s important to discuss coverage details with your insurance provider and the surgery counselor.

Q: Can cataract surgery correct astigmatism?

A: Yes, Texas Eye and Laser Center o ers toric IOLs speciﬁcally designed to correct astigmatism during cataract surgery, potentially reducing dependence on glasses for distance vision.

Q: What sets Texas Eye and Laser Center apart in cataract care?

A: With over 100,000 surgeries performed and more than 50 years in business, the center combines extensive experience with cutting-edge technology. Their on-site accredited surgery center and commitment to patient education ensure a comprehensive and convenient care experience.

Texas Eye and Laser Center

Dr. Jerry Hu

What is regenerative orthopedics?

Q: What is regenerative orthopedics?

A: Don’t operate, REGENERATE! I work with your body’s powerful healing capabilities using your own stem cells and blood platelet rich plasma (PRP) to avoid surgery. Many orthopedic issues heal with mother nature and time. However, there are certain tissues that do not like to heal because they lack good blood ﬂow. These include cartilage, meniscus, tendon, and ligament. The goal is to

generate a healing response in these tissues with poor blood ﬂow.

Q: How do stem cells and platelet-rich-plasma therapies work?

A: These treatments aim to heal damaged tissue by growing new cartilage, tendon, ligament, or bone. Growth factors and hormones are released into the damaged areas which attract healing

cells and stimulate your body’s natural healing capability.

Q: What can be treated?

A: The most common issues I treat are arthritis of the knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, and wrist/thumb; meniscus tears, rotator cu tears, tennis elbow, etc.

Q: How do I know if I’m a candidate?

A: If you are su ering from joint pain because of arthritis, tendonitis, torn tendon, ligament injury, meniscus/labral injury, or cartilage defect, you are a candidate for stem cell therapy. There is no age limit for this procedure.

Q: How is a stem cell procedure performed?

A: Your fat tissue contains far greater concentration of stem cells than your bone marrow. The cells are harvested with a miniliposuction in my o ce. You are not put to sleep. I use local anesthetics and laughing gas. After collecting the cells, they are rinsed with saline, resized and then injected precisely with ultrasound guidance. Most patients can drive home after treatment.

Q: What is the success rate?

A: For arthritis, I am seeing 85% success deﬁned as 50% improvement in pain and function or better. Seventy-ﬁve percent of arthritis patients one year out from treatment show a positive change on x-ray indicating increased cartilage. Meniscus and tendon treatment patients have even better outcomes.

Q: Are these therapies covered by insurance?

A: Regenerative treatments are considered experimental and not covered by any insurance.

Q: As regenerative orthopedics is still a new ﬁeld of medicine, how much experience do you have?

A: I have been performing PRP since 2007. I added stem cell treatments in 2014 and have treated over 1500 patients. I attend annual educational conferences on regenerative orthopedics and have presented my outcomes data at a national meeting.

Steven J. Meyers, M.D.

Sports Medicine, Bone & Joint Clinic

1651 W. Rosedale, Ste 200 Fort Worth 76104

817.335.4316

thcboneandjoint.com

How is gynecologic cancer care evolving?

Q: I don’t have a family history of gynecologic cancer, so I’m OK, right?

A: Not necessarily. Most women with gynecologic cancer don’t have a family history. Cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers are often linked to HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection. Ovarian, fallopian tube, and endometrial cancers can be hereditary, so if you have close relatives with cancer, talk to your doctor about genetic testing.

Q: If I get annual exams, don’t smoke, and live healthy, am I still at risk?

A: Yes. Healthy habits help lower your risk, but they can’t eliminate it completely. PAP tests only screen for cervical cancer—they don’t detect ovarian,

fallopian tube, or endometrial cancers. Many women diagnosed with these cancers have no obvious risk factors. Always see your doctor if you notice ongoing or unexplained symptoms.

Q: I have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer. What do I do now?

A: It’s important to see a gynecologic oncologist, who has specialized training to treat reproductive cancers. They use the latest techniques, like minimally invasive surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy, which can lower complications. Studies show patients treated by specialists have better survival rates.

Q: Are all endometrial cancers the same?

A: No. Most cases are low-risk and estrogenrelated, but some types—like serous, clear cell, and sarcomas—are more aggressive. Molecular testing now helps personalize treatment plans and predict outcomes. Alarmingly, both new cases and deaths from endometrial cancer are rising, with Black and Hispanic women facing higher mortality rates.

Q: Is there hope for advanced ovarian cancer

A: Yes. Although most ovarian cancers are found at later stages, standard treatment—surgery, chemotherapy, and maintenance therapy—can be highly e ective. Some patients, especially those with speciﬁc genetic mutations, may even be cured. Genetic and molecular testing at diagnosis help guide treatment.

Q: What’s new for cervical cancer?

A: Rates have declined thanks to vaccination and screening, but risk remains. Early-stage disease may allow fertility-sparing or minimally invasive surgery. Advanced cervical cancer now beneﬁts from immunotherapy and Antibody Drug Conjugates, signiﬁcantly improving survival.

Q: Are there new treatments for recurrent or metastatic disease?

A: Yes. New FDA-approved immunotherapies and Antibody Drug Conjugates target cancer cells more precisely, reducing side e ects. Some therapies are matched to unique biomarkers. There are even new oral drugs for rare cancers like low-grade serous ovarian cancer.

Q: Are clinical trials available in Fort Worth?

A: Yes. Clinical trials o er access to promising treatments tailored to each patient’s cancer proﬁle. They rarely use placebos alone; most compare new therapies to standard care. Texas Oncology locations in Fort Worth currently have 16 trials open for ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers, o ering hope and progress for patients today and tomorrow.

Noelle Gillette Cloven, M.D.

500 South Henderson Ste. 300, Fort Worth 76104 817.413.1500 texasoncology.com

Ovarian cancer: What do I need to know?

Q: How can I reduce my risk of ovarian cancer?

A: Taking oral contraceptives is the most effective drug treatment to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Although ovarian cancer cannot be completely prevented, risk can be lowered. Certain lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and eating a nutritious diet, may indirectly lower risk. Regarding reproductive factors, pregnancy (one or more, especially before age 26) and breastfeeding both lower risk. If you have a family history of ovarian cancer or other cancers, your doctor may recommend genetic testing. Most ovarian cancer (80%) is not thought to have a hereditary basis. Women found or suspected to have a hereditary cancer

syndrome may be screened more frequently or advised to have surgery earlier in life, depending on their level of risk.

Q: What are the latest treatment options for ovarian cancer?

A: Treatment for ovarian cancer standardly involves the combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are commonly given to women who are in remission in order to maintain their remission, as recurrent ovarian cancer is difficult to treat. For some patients, a type of heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy is used at the time of their initial surgery.

Q: What are early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer?

A: Early signs of ovarian cancer include bloating or increased abdominal size, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full or difficulty eating, or change in bowel or bladder function. Most symptoms are nonspecific and can include weight loss or gain, increased exhaustion, back pain, pain during intercourse, and vaginal discharge or bleeding. It is not uncommon for a woman to be referred to a urologist or gastroenterologist before being evaluated by a gynecologist.

Q: My OB/GYN found an abnormality. What should I do next?

A: Assuming the abnormality is found on the ovary, a transvaginal ultrasound is the single best test for evaluating the mass characteristics. Further imaging may be ordered by the operating surgeon.

Q: How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?

A: The initial diagnosis requires tissue. Although this is often obtained surgically, your doctor may recommend an image-guided needle biopsy to establish the diagnosis so that drug treatment (chemotherapy) can be given to shrink the cancer prior to a larger surgery.

Q: What types of doctors treat ovarian cancer?

A: Ovarian cancer is primarily managed by doctors specializing in gynecologic oncology. These physicians are trained in the surgical and drug treatment of this disease. The correct diagnosis and treatment from a gynecologic oncology expert is highly correlated with the best outcomes.

Q: Can I receive ovarian cancer treatment from a gynecologic oncologist in Fort Worth?

A: Yes. I see patients in Fort Worth at UT Southwestern’s location on Magnolia Avenue.

“Jowell”

M.D.

When is the right time for hospice care?

Q: When is the right time for hospice care?

A: Hospice care is appropriate for any patient with a terminal diagnosis of six months or less, if the disease follows its normal course. A patient’s physician certiﬁes that the patient meets criteria for hospice.

Q: What is the di erence between hospice and palliative care?

A: While hospice care is for those with a serious illness and a prognosis of six months or less, supportive palliative care is for anyone with a serious, debilitating illness who needs help with

symptom management in the home. Palliative care allows patients to maintain their current treatment plans and doctor visits, while having additional help from the supportive palliative care team.

Q: How do I know which hospice company is right for me?

A: Choosing the right hospice involves asking important questions about sta visit frequency, levels of care provided, and whether the doctor makes house calls. To assess quality, you can check the Medicare website for ratings of certiﬁed hospices.

Q: What happens if a caregiver feels overwhelmed or no longer able to care for their loved one at home?

A: VNA’s social workers are there to help ﬁnd the right level of care, as well as providing resources and information about services that may be available in the community. VNA also o ers respite care for short-term caregiver relief.

Q: Are VNA’s doctors able to care for complex medical patients at home?

A: Absolutely. VNA’s physician team is led by a Board-Certiﬁed Hospice and Palliative Medicine doctor with years of experience in symptom management.

Q: Does VNA provide medications for the patient?

A: VNA hospice provides all medications that are related to the patient’s terminal condition, as well as any necessary equipment and supplies, such as personal care supplies. The RN case manager works to ensure that the patient’s unique needs are met.

Q: Are palliative care patients able to continue seeing their care team, including specialists?

A: Yes! With supportive palliative care, patients have the ﬂexibility to see any physician or specialist that is part of their care team. They can receive both symptom management support and maintain all treatment options.

Q: If our family recognizes that it might be time for hospice, how do we get that process started?

A: At VNA, we often receive referrals directly from the patient’s physician (any physician on their care team), but families can also call us directly for more information or visit our website at vnatexas.org.

The Visiting Nurse Association

Vice

817.745.5045

vnatexas.org

Why is comprehensive ophthalmology important?

Q: What does comprehensive ophthalmology cover, and why is it important?

A: Comprehensive ophthalmology encompasses a full spectrum of eye care—from routine vision screenings and medical management of eye diseases to advanced surgical procedures. Routine annual exams are important because this allows the early detection of asymptomatic diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or macular degeneration before irreversible damage occurs. It also helps with monitoring conditions like cataracts and refractive errors. Services include management of a spectrum of eye disorders, as well as cataract surgery, pterygium surgery, blepha-

roplasty, and other surgical procedures.

Q: What is Dr. Moore’s background and areas of expertise?

A: Dr. Moore is a board certiﬁed ophthalmologist with the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He has been in practice at Fort Worth Eye Associates since 2017. He attended The University of Texas at Austin for his undergraduate degree, then earned his medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He then completed an internal medicine internship in 2014 and an ophthalmology residency in 2017. His expertise spans cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, uveitis, and monitoring for ocular e ects of systemic diseases and medications. He prides himself in performing high quality cataract surgery with the latest technology and advanced intraocular lenses, including the Light Adjustable Lens, multifocal lenses, and toric lenses.

Q: How often should adults get comprehensive ophthalmology exams?

A: The American Academy of Ophthalmology recom-

Is IV hydration for me?

Q: Is IV hydration for me?

A: If you’re looking to feel your best from the inside out, IV hydration might be your secret weapon. Whether you’re seeking more energy, immune support, or help reaching weight loss goals, IV therapy delivers nutrients directly into your bloodstream for fast, e ective results.

Many turn to IV hydration for immunity. High-

dose vitamins like C, B-12, zinc, and other immune-boosting nutrients help keep your body strong and resilient. If anti-aging is your goal, IV therapy supports healthy skin and cellular health. Hydration and antioxidants like glutathione can improve clarity, reduce inﬂammation, and promote a youthful glow.

Working toward weight loss or ﬁtness goals? Certain IV drips include amino acids and metabolism boosters to increase energy, support fat burn, and enhance performance—amplifying your nutrition and workouts. IV hydration is ideal for anyone wanting to elevate their wellness and feel better, faster. It’s not just a trend— it’s a lifestyle upgrade.

Q: How often should I get an IV?

A: That depends on your goals. Some clients come weekly for energy and immune support, while others drop in before travel, after workouts, or when feeling run down. A consultation helps tailor the right plan for you.

mends eye exams every one to two years for adults. This is especially important for people with diabetes and hypertension, or people with a family history of eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration.

Q: What is the patient care philosophy and track record of Dr. Moore?

A: Dr. Moore strives to provide high quality care to all patients, listening to people to understand their speciﬁc concerns and needs, and developing treatment plans to protect the long-term health of their vision. Fort Worth Eye Associates has been entrusted with the ocular health of the Fort Worth community for over 50 years, starting with Dr. William Ranelle and continuing through Dr. Ann Ranelle. Our entire team works hard to take care of people, treating our patients as we would members of our own families.

Fort Worth Eye Associates Tyler Moore, MD

817.732.5593

ranelle.com

Q: Is IV therapy safe?

A: Yes. All treatments are administered by licensed medical professionals using medicalgrade ingredients. Each session is customized based on your health history and wellness goals, following a good faith exam.

Q: What is the experience like?

A: Book online, call, or walk in. After a quick intake and consultation, you’ll relax in a zerogravity massage chair during your drip. We’ll then review your wellness plan for continued support.

Cindy Standifer Prime IV Hydration

& Wellness

4750 Bryant Irvin Road

Mary Bates Country Club Cir

GIVE BACK

GREATER FORT WORTH’S CHARITY/SOCIAL EVENTS

Sept. 12

Wild Game Dinner

Ronald McDonald House

The Fort Worth Club

Sept. 13

Jungle Jubilee

Meals On Wheels of Tarrant County

Fort Worth Zoo

Sept. 13

Hoedown for Heroes

American Warrior Association

Highland Farm

Sept. 13

Taste of Fort Worth

Northside Inter-Community Agency

St. Demetrious Greek Church

Sept. 14

Main Table

Downtown Fort Worth, Inc.

Main Street

Sept. 20

Mad Scientist Ball

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Sept. 20

Heart Walk

American Heart Association

Shops at Clearfork

Sept. 24

Mahj for Meals

Tarrant Area Food Bank

River Crest Country Club

Sept. 25

Hearts of Gold Dinner & Auction

Rutledge Cancer Foundation

River Crest Country Club

Sept. 26

Cowtown Ball

American Cancer Society

Tannahill’s Tavern & Concert Hall

Sept. 27

A Cool Night

The WARM Place

TCU

Sept. 27-29

The Gladney Cup

Gladney Center for Adoption

Riviera Country Club, Los Angeles, California

One could call it the Mexican rodeo, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Charrería is the national sport of Mexico that (yes, much like rodeo) arose from skills acquired doing ranch work. But, unlike the rodeo, charrería is a team sport that consists of 10 events (suertes), many of which have rodeo counterparts — bull riding, bronc busting, etc. — while others don’t. One such event happens to be the sole women’s suerte, the escaramuza, which tasks a team of eight to perform high-speed sidesaddle equestrian exercises in perfect coordination. The riders, called charras, don elaborate attire — colorful, pleated, and frilled silk dresses — rooted in Mexican heritage. You can catch a charreada, including performances from escaramuza, at the the Cowtown Coliseum on Sunday, Sept. 14.