West FW March 2017

West FW

WestFWLifestyle.com

MARCH 2017

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House MEETS

Garden

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Lifestyle Letter

The Herb Garden

I

am an avid watcher of the Food Network. I may or may not have a slight crush on Bobby Flay and wish that Ina Garten was our next door neighbor. I seem to also be susceptible to their marketing ploys. One day while watching my “SHOWS” I got the bright idea that I would start a kitchen herb garden and that way I too can cook like my fav celebrity culinary artists. So I went to Archie’s and enlisted the help of Randall. Randall is well aware of my accidental homicidal tendencies with plant life but he was still willing to help me get started. He took me to the greenhouse and helped me pick some herbs that he figured even I couldn’t damage. I am sure you can guess how that turned out.

MARCH 2017 PUBLISHER

Christie & Mike Thomas | CThomas@lifestylepubs.com 817-290-2120 EDITOR

Christie Thomas | cthomas@lifestylepubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Douglas Matus CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Richard Dalton

I love walking into Archie’s it is full of life and happiness just as long as I keep my hands to myself. In this month’s issue you are going to learn a little about what the experts can do to give your home a spruce by bringing the outdoors in.

CORPORATE TEAM

As always we hope you enjoy!

| Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

See you around town,

| Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Christie & Mike Thomas Jeremiah 29:5

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ART DIRECTOR EDITORIAL MANAGERS

Christie Thomas, Publisher Jeremiah 29:5

| Brad Broockerd

| Sara Minor

| Nicole Sylvester, Nicolette Martin

OPERATIONS MANAGER AD COORDINATORS

| DeLand Shore

| Janeane Thompson

| Cyndi Harrington, Chelsi Hornbaker, Megan Seymour, Chad Jensen

LAYOUT DESIGNERS

| Cyndi King, Jessica Sharky, Dana Rudolph

DESIGN SPECIALIST

| Ashleigh Thomson

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

| Melanie Carlisle

EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTANT APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPERS

| Randa Makeen

| Michael O’Connell

| Hanna Park, Scott Lavigne

by Community ™

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West FW Lifestyle | March 2017

TALK TO US

P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 West FW Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of West Fort Worth’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in West FW Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

THE CAMP BOWIE DISTRICT WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR SPONSORS AND ATTENDEES FOR MAKING THE 16TH ANNUAL MEETING SUCH A SUCCESS! WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!

4731 CAMP BOWIE BLVD, FORT WORTH, TX 76107 (817) 737-0100 I CAMPBOWIEDISTRICT.COM

March 2017

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Departments 8

Good Times

10

Around Town

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Locally Owned

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Giving Back

24

Now Open

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Healthy Lifestyle

28 DIY

14 The Playhouse of Your Dreams

Grossman Design Build brings decades of construction

experience to bear on children’s playhouses.

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Lifestyle Calendar

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Parting Thoughts

16 Aim High and Help CASA

CASA of Tarrant County needs your help to save abused and

neglected children.

18 A Fresh Spring Greening

Bring some life into your home with plants -- Bonnie Pressley and

Gina Archie tell you how.

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Good Times

Good Times

The Camp Bowie District Annual meeting was held January 19 at Game On Sports. Special Guests were Mac Churchill and Councilman Zim Zimmerman. Mac was honored with a Longhorn sculpture created by Andrew Bradford. PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAMMY GRAHAM - LOCATIONS PHOTOGRAPHY www.locationsphotography.com

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West FW Lifestyle | March 2017

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Around Town

AROUND TOWN

TOWNES CELEBRATION AT ARTS FIFTH AVENUE It’s a sad fact that one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time

portfolio-wide because it helps elevate the purpose of our properties

goes under-appreciated in his hometown. Townes Van Zandt, Fort

beyond retail and commerce. Art adds soul to a property, along with

Worth-native and writer of such timeless songs as Pancho & Lefty,

educational and inspirational elements,” said Terry Montesi, CEO,

was born on March 7th, 1944 into a family with rich ties to the history

Trademark Property Co. “We are thrilled that WestBend can serve as

of the city. By the time of his death in 1997, Townes had established a

a home for these pieces and hope that the community gets as much

well-earned reputation as a “songwriter’s songwriter”, with an impres-

enjoyment from them as we do.”

sive catalog of exquisitely composed tunes. Townes maintained lifelong ties to Fort Worth, and a few intrepid souls have taken upon themselves the task to memorialize and honor him.

The first iteration focuses on nine works that represent the breadth of the Amon Carter’s collection.

“We are delighted to be working with Trademark to introduce

On March 11th, join director Bruce Payne and his ensemble cast of musi-

illustrations from our distinguished photography collection and pro-

cians and actors for “Townes Van Zandt and the Fort Worth Blues…: A

gram to the broader Fort Worth community through this innovative

Tribute to Townes Van Zandt”. This labor of love marks its 5th and final (for

endeavor,” said John Rohrbach, senior curator of photographs at the

now) annual production with a song cycle and multimedia performance

Amon Carter Museum of American Art.

that celebrates the legacy and mercurial essence of an unparalleled

With more than 45,000 works by over 450 artists, the Amon

American artist. The show begins at 8pm at Arts Fifth Avenue, located

Carter is one of the world’s leading repositories of photography.

at 1628 Fifth Avenue in Fort Worth. Tickets are $15. For more information,

The museum’s holdings span the development of photography,

call 817-923-9500, or visit www.artsfifthavenue.org.

from one of the first images made in the United States, to digital

WESTBEND, TRADEMARK PROPERTY CO. UNIVERSITY DISTRICT MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT, AND THE AMON CARTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART HAVE PARTNERED TO BRING THE AMON CARTER’S CELEBRATED PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTION TO THE HEART OF FORT WORTH’S UNIVERSITY DISTRICT THROUGH A UNIQUE PUBLIC ART PROGRAM. On display now at WestBend is a selection of nine, 4-by-6-foot reproductions from the Amon Carter’s photography collection. The photographs presented on backlit film and displayed in lightboxes, are the first in a series of exhibitions featuring the Amon Carter’s photography program. Each iteration of the series is curated by the Amon Carter and will be on display at WestBend for six month intervals.

The program is part of Trademark Property Co.’s commitment to

prints made in the last twelve months. Besides tracing photography’s artistic development through works created by the medium’s iconic figures, the collection vividly reflects the nation’s diverse natural beauty and history.

In addition to the Amon Carter series, WestBend also features five photographic murals by Fort Worth artist and TCU graduate, Devon Nowlin, assistant registrar at the Amon Carter. The murals, which face the scenic Trinity River and Trinity River Trails and the new Tom Thumb, capture the shopping and dining experience, health and fitness, and the natural surroundings of WestBend. Additional public art initiatives are planned for the property in the coming months.

TRWD FLYFEST – MARCH 11TH Hosted on the Clear Fork of the Trinity River at ACME Brick Headquarters near Bryant Irvin 10 am – 5 pm

local and artisan through its Conscious Place initiative, a stake-

The Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) is partnering with Fort

holder-driven development model that aims to ensure its prop-

Worth’s urban angling community to bring back TRWD Flyfest. The

erties are more than just places of commerce, but also places of

festival will be a family-friendly day of fly fishing, food, wine and craft

community and meaning.

beer in and along the Clear Fork of the Trinity River. Whether you are

“Incorporating public art into our properties by partnering with local and national artists and museums is a key initiative for Trademark

an experienced angler or have never touched a fly rod, this fun day will have something to hook everyone in the whole family.

CONTINUED >

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West FW Lifestyle | March 2017

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Around Town

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West FW Lifestyle | March 2017

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Locally Owned

Playhouse OF YOUR Dreams THE

GROSSMAN DESIGN BUILD BRINGS DECADES OF CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE TO BEAR ON CHILDREN'S PLAYHOUSES.

ARTICLE DOUGLAS MATUS

C

hildren dream of worlds that belong exclusively to them. Most of us have memories of imagined journeys, special hideouts, and days spent in creative play and adventure. Some of us were lucky enough to have actual playhouses, constructed through the aid of a caring adult, that served as centers for our creative play. Chances are, none of us had anything close to the pint-sized palaces created by Grossman Design Build, however. Over the past year, this architecture and design firm has branched out from its traditional, large-scale projects to offer something different: playhouses of unparalleled quality, constructed with the highest degree of professionalism and attention to detail.

These playhouse projects, a special passion for Grossman Design Build partner Brian Grossman, all benefit from the decades of construction and design experience that the firm embodies. Founded by Gary Grossman, the father and son firm also includes Brian’s brother, Eric.

“My dad was an architect at a firm, and then he got to where his side projects got bigger and bigger,” says Brian. “He had to make a decision to go full time. He started his own company, and has been in business since 1988.”

Brian and Eric grew up in the family business. Weekends and summer vacation became opportunities to help dad with his projects, and both later found their way into the business full-time.

“We were both fairly competitive in sports,” says Brian. “Anytime we were not playing, we would work for my dad. We started with

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West FW Lifestyle | March 2017

job-site clean-up, and worked our way up to framing and tiling.

We did things like that all through high school and college.”

The two sons both benefit from this ground-up familiarity with the construction business. Today, Grossman Design Build functions almost as three independent companies. A broad range of projects — from residential to commercial building and design — keeps the trio busy.

“We all work on different projects,” says Brian. “Grossman Design Build now is focusing on the construction of fire stations. We also do a lot of stuff for private schools and churches, and build custom homes.”

Completed projects include everything from resort homes to sports facilities, health care offices to outdoor living spaces. Nonconstruction projects include architecture and interior design, master planning, and even handyman services. Playhouse construction, Grossman Design Build’s newest service, developed out of chance.

“I was remodeling this couple’s house in Mansfield, and the project turned out great,” says Brian. “The couple had four or five grandchildren between the ages of 1 to 5, and they were wanting to build a playhouse in the backyard.”

The resulting “hobbit-style” playhouse was a huge hit for these customers, and inspired Brian to keep the ball rolling.

“It turned out really neat, and I enjoyed the work,” says Brian.

“Since then, I’ve kinda told myself that if all I had to do were fire stations and tree houses, I’d be happy.”

After Brian’s wife posted photos of the completed playhouse on Facebook, calls began to pour in. Among requests for other, original playhouses and tree houses, came a call from a truly special client — the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“Make-A-Wish called and said they had a little girl in Wichita Falls who wanted a princess castle,” says Brian. “I said that sounds like the best thing ever.”

Brian met with the family to design the castle, and the project took off. At its completion, the princess castle had two separate levels, both of which are accessible through an ADA compliant ramp. The castle also has air conditioning and heat, spray-foam insulation, and is fully waterproof.

“You could live in that house,” says Brian. “It has slides, a sandbox — basically everything a little girl could want.”

The experience of this full-service design and construction firm comes fully into play for the playhouses of Grossman Design Build. Each project benefits from the same level of complexity as an actual home, from pier and beam construction, to full framing and finishing with the same materials.

“I really enjoy doing this, because its fun and creative,” says Brian.

“Clients can just give me an idea of what they want, or a couple of items they really want included, and we can go from there. Our background in residential construction really ties it all together.”

To learn more about Grossman Design Build, or begin the journey towards your very own dream playhouse, visit www.grossmandesignbuild.com.

March 2017 | West FW Lifestyle

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Giving Back

AIM HIGH

AND HELP CASA CASA OF TARRANT COUNTY NEEDS YOUR HELP TO SAVE ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN.

N

o one would argue that abused and neglected children are the most vulnerable members of any society. Without the maturity or resources to assume agency over their own lives, these children can become prey to repeated instances of trauma. While the sadness of this plight can affect anyone, few people understand the scope of child abuse within their own communities.

What’s more, fewer know how to help, and reach out a hand to nurture and protect these vulnerable children.

CASA of Tarrant County works exclusively to help those children removed from abusive homes. Every year in Tarrant County, child protective services intervenes to rescue thousands of children from abusive situations. Child Protective Services assumes legal responsibility for these children, who may get placed in foster homes or other facilities.

In these scenarios, siblings can get separated, and children can disappear into an overburdened child welfare system. CASA, which has 350 active volunteers in Tarrant County, works to ensure that this doesn’t happen. CASA provides a voice for the defenseless, stands up for children in the

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West FW Lifestyle | March 2017

ARTICLE DOUGLAS MATUS | PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD DALTON

courtroom, and works to find permanent homes and better environments for the abused and neglected.

“We were founded in 1983 here in Tarrant County,” says Natalie Stalmach, development director for CASA of Tarrant County. “We serve children that have been removed by child protective services and placed in foster care. Once that happens, a court case begins, so we train volunteers to be an extra set of eyes and ears for the judge.”

Thanks to these efforts, a judge can make fully-informed decisions that truly serve the child’s best interests. A singular organization, CASA relies upon the efforts of it volunteers to advocate for children.

“We’re a unique entity in what we do within Tarrant County,” says Natalie. “Because we’re broken up by court jurisdiction, every county in North Texas has its own CASA program. We focus on children in Fort Worth, Arlington, Mansfield, and Benbrook. Dallas has its own CASA, and we’re a nationwide effort with 72 programs in Texas, and 900 across the country.”

Because of the length and complexity of children’s court cases, CASA asks for a sizable commitment from its volunteers.

“Our volunteers make big commitments,” says Natalie. “We ask for 30 hours of training, and the commitment of 12 months to follow a court case.

During this time, volunteers visit children at home, appear before the judge at each hearing to make updates, and ensure that the children don’t fall through the cracks of the CPS system.”

CASA of Tarrant County understands that this level of commitment isn’t for everyone. To enable a broader section of the community to support its efforts for children, CASA has planned its first annual CASA Clay Shoot. This fundraiser will take place May 19th at the Alpine Shooting

Range, and provides two opportunities for the public to get involved.

“We’ll have two sessions,” says Natalie.

“Registration for the morning event begins at 8AM, with the first pull at 9AM. After this session is done, we’ll do a lunch raffle and announce morning awards from 12 to 1:30PM. Those who want to participate in the afternoon session can arrive at 11AM, with the event scheduled for 2PM.” CASA hopes to have between 300 and 500 participants, and has already attracted some big names in its efforts to raise awareness. Fort Worth’s Mayor Betsy Price will serve as honorary chairperson, while XTO Energy, a subsidiary of Exxon-Mobil, will serve as the event’s presenting sponsor. The CASA Clay Shoot has also attracted media sponsors, including this magazine, for support of its worthwhile cause.

The event hopes to raise $100,000, which seems a princely sum until you understand the resources needed to accomplish CASA’s mission.

“The money from this event will go towards our general operating expenses,” says Natalie. “It costs about $2,000 a year per child to do this work.”

CASA of Tarrant County has plenty of children to look out for. In 2015, the latest year for which statistics are currently available, Tarrant County had the second-highest number of reported cases of child abuse in Texas.

“It’s a heavy subject,” says Natalie. “Which is why we like to hold events like the CASA Clay Shoot to raise awareness. People understand what it’s about, without it being too in your face. As an organization, our goal is to change the trajectory of children’s lives.

We’re hopeful we can communicate our mission without too much heaviness, and let people have a good time while helping a great cause.”

“THE MONEY FROM THIS EVENT WILL GO TOWARDS OUR GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES,” SAYS NATALIE. “IT COSTS ABOUT $2,000 A YEAR PER CHILD TO DO THIS WORK.”

March 2017 | West FW Lifestyle

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A FRESH SPRING GREENING Bring some life into your home with plants -Bonnie Pressley and Gina Archie tell you how.

ARTICLE DOUGLAS MATUS | PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD DALTON

A

well placed and chosen plant can light up an entire room. Unfortunately, lending these sparks of greenery and life to our domestic spaces requires more than just a trip to the local garden store. Placement is key, as all plants will not thrive in any area throughout the home. You must also think about design 18

West FW Lifestyle | March 2017

elements, such as how the plant will mesh with your surrounding decor and personal style. To help navigate these complexities — and show you how to add a dash of spring to the indoors — we enlisted the help of two experts.

Bonnie Pressley, home decorator extraordinaire, has owned Fort Worth’s Decorating

Den since 1988. For decades, Fort Worth homeowners have sought out her tasteful expertise for help with everything from full remodels to small-scale redecorating projects.

Gina Archie, wife of Randall Archie, the fourth-generation owner Archie’s Gardenland, knows a thing or two about plants. For the

shoppers that have made Archie’s Gardenland Fort Worth’s premier garden center, Gina stands as a sage source for advice about the care, feeding, and choice of indoor greenery.

Tell us about your experience decorating indoors with plants.

Gina: When I married Randall, they had me come into Archie’s and get my feet wet learning about the indoor plants and working up front. I just fell in love with this new world. I discovered the beauty of different plants, and learned about light requirements, and how plant textures work together with the color and shapes of pots. I feel like that’s what I’ve really been able to share with our customers. A big part of it is keeping up with certain trends, the new colors and styles, along with the needs of customers. For example, if someone says they have a really modern home and need something sleek, what plant can best serve that need.

Bonnie: I’ve often turned to plants in decorating, whether they’re real or permanent, because they soften the room and bring in some nature. I’ve always recommended Archie’s Gardenland to clients, and pull from their outdoor pieces and displays.

How do you go about planning a customer’s project?

Gina: Whenever customers come in, it’s important to get a grasp of what they have in mind. Most people do have some idea, whether it’s a picture on Pinterest, or something they saw in a magazine. We then take them around, give them different options, and tailor CONTINUED > choices as much as possible to suit their needs.

March 2017 | West FW Lifestyle

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A FRESH SPRING GREENING (CON TI N U ED)

Bonnie: Sometimes real plants won’t work because of the need for a certain size and shape that can survive the particular light requirements. If that’s the case, then we will start to look at permanent plantings. If we’re going to use real plants, we just have to be particular about what we pick. I try to shoot first for style, then the size of the plant, and what kind of design it’s going into. Everything depends on the individual needs of each project.

What are some of the more common requests or needs you encounter?

Gina: We do a lot of custom arrangements, and things like terrariums are a very popular request. Sometimes they can intimidate people, and we like to walk people through it, as they’re a very easy thing to build. We get a lot of requests for things to go in the kitchen or on the tabletop. For these, we need something that has a low profile, but will blend with the rest of the decor. We also get a lot of people who have an office space, usually with fluorescent lighting, and they want something green with height for a corner.

Bonnie: I’ll get a lot of comments where people will think that greenery is no longer fashionable. I always say that isn’t the case, but that less is better; you want fewer, more prominent pieces so they make a statement. Succulents are probably the most popular plant right now, as they can go pretty much anywhere. I do a lot with succulents and orchids, actually.

What are some simple ways for people to spruce up their indoor spaces on their own?

Gina: A lot of time, people will come in with a container, something they’ve picked up at an estate sale or elsewhere, that they want to use in their home. That’s when we determine what kind of light they have and what amount of care they can devote, i.e. whether they want something they can ignore or something that does well over time. We try to find out their care habits, whether they tend to overwater, and otherwise serve their needs.

Bonnie: Customers can use real succulents in lots of situations.

There are some very colorful ones available. Anything that blooms is certainly wonderful, even if it only blooms temporarily. If you have something outdoor that blooms, you can take taller cuttings to place in a vase. Another project I often work on is the back porch. You can put pint-sized pansies or something else in a container that you can occasionally move inside for some seasonal color.

What are the benefits of professional guidance?

Gina: A lot of people get intimidated by plants, and that’s when we like to walk them through it, show that it’s not that hard. Once we know what level of care people are capable of, we can tailor plants to their homes.

Bonnie: A professional will look at the aesthetics of your space, in addition to what kinds of plants will work. I’m looking at size, shape, the weight a plant adds to the room, and the overall design concept, as opposed to just buying a plant and sitting it on the table.

For people who have difficulty keeping plants alive indoors, what are some tips you have?

Gina: If you have difficulty keeping plants alive indoors, there are certain plants we can recommend. The mother-in-law’s tongue, also known as the snake plant, is kinda a good go-to. It’s in the 20

West FW Lifestyle | March 2017

succulent family, so doesn’t require a lot of watering, and is easy on light requirements. It can be in a bright or dark space, so fits practically anywhere. In general, succulents have been a big trend from what I’ve seen. People love their variety and longevity. Peace lilies are a good choice if you want green foliage in a darker space.

Bonnie: Plants are usually more hardy than you think, and overwatering is the biggest problem. Otherwise, I tell them to call Archie’s. It’s a little more difficult indoors as far as making choices for plants, and I would turn to Archie’s for more tips.

For help decorating your space with plants, stop by Archie’s Gardenland at 6700

Camp Bowie Boulevard, or visit them online at www.archiesgardenland.com.

To add some greenery to any home, or get help for all your decorating needs, visit www.bonniepressley.decoratingden.com.

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West FW Lifestyle | March 2017

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23

Now Open

ARTICLE DOUGLAS MATUS

YOU’LL

BE FLOORED OAKLINE FLOORS OFFERS AN EXCEPTIONAL SELECTION OF HARDWOOD FLOORING AT UNBEATABLE PRICING AND SERVICE.

A

ll decorating spaces begin with bare walls and empty floors.

We choose adornments to match our tastes, needs, and the limits of our space, and consider this an act of personal expression.

For many people, their home decor represents an honest picture of themselves, and serves to comfort the soul, welcome guests, and provide a source of continual stability. Beneath it all, as the actual foundation upon which our design dreams grow, lay the floors.

Nothing adds elegance and warmth to a room like well-done flooring.

The colors and textures, whether wood or tile, create the palette upon which you can build. Wood floors especially add a sense of rustic warmth unobtainable from other sources, and do much to increase a home’s appeal.

For the past four years, residents of the Fort Worth area could turn to OaKline Floors for the highest standard of flooring needs. With a selection of hardwood and engineered flooring unsurpassed in quality and attractiveness, OaKline Floors acts as the one-stop shop for builders and homeowners alike. An esteemed group of exceptionally trained professionals cater to every need of OaKline’s continually growing clientele, and ensure that all projects benefit from topnotch care. The 24

West FW Lifestyle | March 2017

owner of OaKline Floors, Sammy Kline, will go to any length to serve his customers. His experience in the flooring business, which began over a decade ago, has taken him literally around the world.

“I’ve been in the flooring business for 15 years,” says Kline. “I started out importing wood out of Costa Rica, and it just evolved into a full-blown flooring company. We have a warehouse where we keep our wood, and buy trailers of wood in volume. This gives us a deep discount on pricing, which we can then pass along to the customer.”

The secret to OaKline Floors’ success comes from this volume purchase approach. Sammy Kline travels the world to find the best woods for his customers, then brings them back to Texas. A retail showroom in Granbury allows customers to browse these woods firsthand, inspect the quality for themselves, and pick the perfect choice for their home.

“Because we stock all of our own materials, we can pass savings along to the customer,” says Jennifer Sistrunk of OaKline Floors.

“We feel as though a solid hardwood floor will add to the customer’s home value more than any other type of flooring.”

The Granbury location, found at 4400 E. Highway 377, serves as OaKline’s retail space and showroom. The company’s warehouse, where you can also browse goods, is open in Fort Worth at 360 Mesa Grande Drive. At either location, you will find the same emphasis on quality flooring and excellent customer service.

“We pride ourselves on customer service, and offer full warranties for our work,” says Sistrunk.

“We’ve also have great installers that have been with us for years, who work exclusively for us.”

The next time you have a flooring project — and OaKline does carpeting and tile, too — your choice for materials and installation should be obvious. If you’re left wondering at the wide selection of OaKline, and don’t quite know where to start, Sammy Kline has some insight on current trends.

“Skip sawn, antique and exotic woods can give you a mixture of contemporary and classic design,” says Kline. “Rustic, heavily distressed and natural, old-looking materials in earth tones are also very popular.”

To learn more about OaKLine, or begin the journey to your new floors, visit www.oaklinefloors.net.

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Soon, OaKline Floors will improve this direct line to quality floors even further. Sammy Kline has big plans brewing in Panama, which will make it even easier for Fort Worth residents to choose from among the widest possible selection of high quality and exotic woods.

“We are just now opening a mill in Panama,” says Kline. “We will be milling our own exotic woods for flooring as well as for accent walls. We will literally be able to cut the trees, mill the wood, install and finish it with no middle man whatsoever.”

The selection available at OaKline Floors is truly staggering, with woods to cater to any taste. Those who prefer the rustic look can choose from antique oak and pine, or handscraped hardwoods that preserve the natural variations that make each plank unique. Classic flat-sanded oak and American cherry add the timeless warmth that many homeowners seek, while those with more contemporary tastes can choose from birch maple, walnut, white oak, and more. Regardless of your design preferences, OaKline has you covered.

t. 1 9 9 5

New Landscape Design & Installation March 2017 | West FW Lifestyle

25

Healthy Lifestyle

GET PUMPED FOR SUMMER JAMES CONLEY OFFERS WORKOUT TIPS TO HELP YOU GET IN SHAPE FOR SUMMER. ARTICLE DOUGLAS MATUS | PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD DALTON

T

hough summer officially starts on June 21st,

other words, the indoor workouts to the outdoor

the summer fitness season starts months

workouts. Each has a slightly different feel. When

earlier. Anyone who wants to shed the pounds —

you’re outdoors a lot of the time, you have a

and lassitude — of winter should understand that

much greater tendency to trip and fall, or to oth-

beach bods don’t arrive overnight. You must affect

erwise hurt yourself. During the winter months,

a new routine now, and make spring your personal

we get conditioned to our indoor machines, like

season of change. This doesn’t come easy; after

the smooth, flat surface of a treadmill. Because

all, we’ve just spent months giving into temptation,

of all that, the biggest thing to keep in mind is to

celebrating with friends, and enjoying the forgiving

be careful about transitioning from inside to out-

lines of oversized sweaters. To help you break out

side. Also, since people have a tendency to run

of the winter mold, we asked fitness expert James

on one side of the street, this can create some

Conley for some tips on pre-summer workouts.

ankle soreness from the uneven impact.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MISTAKES

WHAT PROBLEMS DO YOU SEE WITH PEOPLE’S

PEOPLE MAKE TRANSITIONING FROM

WORKOUTS FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR?

WINTER TO SUMMER WORKOUTS?

James: The biggest problem is that when

James: I feel like the transition is usually just

people get outside, they try to do too much

going from the treadmill to the sidewalk. Or, in

too soon. The weather is nice, they’re feeling

26

West FW Lifestyle | March 2017

good, so they increase their intensity. Just

WHEN SHOULD PEOPLE START UPPING

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE

because the weather is warmer and you feel

THEIR GAME TO GET TONED BY JUNE?

WHO ARE CONSISTENTLY DISCOURAGED

invigorated, doesn’t mean you can increase

James: If you’ve done some type of work-

your intensity. There are a couple things you

out during the winter weather, just increase

want to keep in mind: you will sweat more,

your intensity by about 5 to 10 percent.

James: When you workout, just keep in

because of the weather; and you’re more

Everything depends on what you were doing

mind that you’re doing it mainly for your health.

prone to muscle pull and strain. People forget

previous to the spring and summer season,

Everyone’s healthy body is unique to them. A

about these, want to do too much, and then

along with your current fitness level. If you

good workout program is also a longterm pro-

don’t properly warm up.

increase your intensity in stages — say, by 5

gram, and signifies a lifestyle choice. If you keep

WHAT ARE THE HEALTHIEST TYPES OF

percent, then 10 percent, then 20 percent —

in mind “hey this isn’t about how I look, but about

WORKOUTS FOR PEOPLE TO GET THEIR

by June you should be in pretty good shape.

how I feel,” and if you focus on your internal self,

IDEAL BEACH BODY?

AS FAR AS DIET, WHAT DO

then you should generate the positive reinforce-

James: I love walking lunges, granted you

are

we’re all physically different, you should never

are also great. In addition those two, split

excellent for pre-summer workouts. Since

compare yourself to others. Just keep in mind that

squats are great, along with flat jacks and

the weather is warmer, your body will have

you’re doing this for yourself, for your health, and

heel raises. Push-ups are a good one to do,

a tendency to swell when you work out.

that you’re the most important person in your life.

as they’re pretty simple. You can also prac-

Certain foods, including blueberries, broc-

If you take really good care of yourself, it enables

tice bench steps, overhead presses, and

coli, and ginger, are very good to reduce

you to take better care of your loved ones.

anything that works the quads, gluts, calves,

inflammation and swelling. Pineapples and

shoulders, or biceps. If you have any ques-

grains will also help, and you should begin

To learn more or enlist Mr. Conley ’s ser-

tions about proper workouts, those are great

to include these foods into your diet when

vices for your pre-summer workouts , visit

things to bring up with a personal trainer.

you start your pre-summer workouts.

www.jamesconleyfitness.com.

do them properly. All types of ab exercises

Anti-inflammatory

NESS OF THEIR WORKOUT ROUTINES?

ment you need to continue your workouts. Since

YOU RECOMMEND?

James:

ABOUT THEIR BODIES OR THE EFFECTIVE-

foods

Visit Us Online!

What’s on our Website?

PAST ISSUES • CURRENT ARTICLES BUSINESS DIRECTORY • CONTEST REGISTRATION

VISIT US AT

WestFWLifestyle.com March 2017 | West FW Lifestyle

27

DIY

H O W T O M A I N TA I N Y O U R MARBLE

Shower image courtesy of MS International

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTIE THOMAS

V

eins of color and unique patterns give marble tile a truly stunning appearance. However, maintaining that elegance may seem anything but effortless.

Common advice cautions against using vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other general-purpose cleaners, while taking care to prevent scratches from the wheels of an old vacuum or basic sand and dirt is paramount.

With all these rules, it may seem impractical to care for a marble floor, but once you understand the basics, it’s actually quite simple.

Know the difference between etches and stains. “Marble is porous and can stain when it absorbs liquids,” said Jacqueline Tabbah, vice president of the family-owned stone restoration company International Stoneworks in Houston.

Stains can discolor marble and have a dark appearance; they are oftentimes caused by kitchen grease or makeup and lotions.

An etch mark is a chemical corrosion of the surface layer of the stone caused by the acids found in most household cleaners and in substances like tomato sauce, lemon juice and alcohol. Etch marks are often most visible at an angle, when they appear duller and less shiny than the surrounding surface.

28

West FW Lifestyle | March 2017

If a spot is lighter than the surrounding stone, it’s most likely an etch mark. If a spot is darker than the surrounding stone, it’s probably a stain.

To remove stains, use a poultice, which you can buy at a hardware store. Spread it on the stain then cover the area with plastic wrap, holding it down with painter’s tape.

The next day, remove the plastic, allow the poultice to dry completely and gently wipe it up. If the stain is still there but noticeably lighter, repeat the procedure. If it’s just as bad as it was, it will only come out with the help of a professional restorer. Etch marks can usually be prevented by wiping up spills immediately and using the right cleaners.

Be careful what you use to clean. Acids are the main enemy of calcitic marbles. Avoid cleaners containing vinegar or citrus, as well as abrasive powders and creams, which can scratch softer stones. Strong household cleaners like toilet bowl cleaner, metal cleaner or oven cleaners can cause irreparable etching or permanent color changes in stone.

Tabbah recommends a cleaner with a pH level of at least 7 or 8, or buying one that specifically mentions marble.

Mop carefully. “A microfiber mop is the main line of defense for your marble floor,” said Tom Workman, owner of Floor Cleaning Experts, a Florida company that cleans and restores commercial and residential floors.

A dry microfiber mop draws in dry hair and dirt. For deeper cleaning, saturate the mop with water. The thin microfibers have tiny triangular wedges that lift grease and oil as the mop glides across the floor. The small amount of water won’t stain your marble.

Soften water in showers. “If you have hard water, a water softener is a must,” Workman said.

Mineral deposits build up slowly but surely, requiring professional honing and polishing to remove. If you don’t use a water softener, leave the vent fan on after showering and squeegee the walls after use.

Use a doormat. Place a mat outside your front door and another mat or rug inside.

They’ll absorb dirt and sand before it gets to your marble floors.

Don’t shy away from marble. Caring for it is easy if you follow these simple rules.

For more information for caring for marble floors and other stone surfaces, visit naturalstoneinstitute.org/consumers/care.

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Lifestyle Calendar

March MARCH 4 - JULY 1 BRIT FIRST SATURDAY BOTANICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TX (BRIT)

BRIT is open to the public the first Saturday of the month, from 9 a.m. to noon for exhibits, plant ID, Bella's Story Time, tours and classes.

While you're here, make time to explore our pocket prairie and BRITscape. And, since we're just a short stroll from the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, why not explore their grounds, too?

MARCH 4 - JUNE 4

Grandma’s house in time? Or will the charming Big Bad Wolf distract her from her quest?

FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY-

MARCH 25 - MAY 31

STORYLAND: A TRIP THROUGH CHILDHOOD FAVORITES

AMAZING SCAVENGER HUNT ADVENTURE- FORT WORTH

FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY

TARRANT COUNTY COURT HOUSE START LOCATION

Step into the pages of beloved children's books and enter a world of

Turn Fort Worth or the Stockyards into a gameboard with this fun

early literacy adventures! This exhibit immerses children and adults

scavenger hunt adventure. Guided from any smart phone, teams see

in favorite picture books, from the gardens of The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

the sights while solving clues, completing challenges and learning

Storyland engages visitors in storylines and literacy that lead them to

local history. Available 365 days, Sunrise to Sunset. Sign-up online at

discover that it's never too early to develop a love of reading.

www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com

MARCH 9TH RAHR & SONS MID WEEK TASTING Mid-Week tasting 5-8pm with Poo Live Crew. Come celebrate Super Dave’s birthday with this fantastic event. 701 Galveston Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104

MARCH 17 - APRIL 2 CASA MANANA CHILDREN'S THEATRE- RED RIDING HOOD CASA MANANA CHILDREN'S THEATRE A bewitching new musical, Red Riding Hood tells an uplifting story of brave Red, who must journey through the forest to reunite her family and save her mother’s bakery from closing down. Will she reach 30

West FW Lifestyle | March 2017

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31

business directory ART & PHOTOGRAPHY HEALTH & WELLNESS Richard Dalton (817) 249-4918 daltonphoto.com

AUTOMOTIVE Fort Worth Nissan (817) 560-9000 fortworthnissan.com

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ORGANIZATIONS Benbrook Chamber of Commerce (827) 249-4451 benbrookonline.com

City of Benbrook (817) 249-6090

The Camp Bowie District (817) 737-0100 campbowiedistrict.com

Trinity River Vision Authority (817) 698-0700 trinityrivervision.org

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTICS Fort Worth Cosmetic & Family Dentistry (817) 737-6601 ngreendental.com

DRY CLEANERS

Sondra's Premier Cleaners (682) 224-0778

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West FW Lifestyle | March 2017

Medi-Weightloss (817) 737-2700 mediweightloss.com

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS AG Builders (817) 207-8988 agbhomes.com

Glendarroch (817) 966-9751 Glendarrochhomes.com

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

Atlas Rug Gallery (817) 377-8598 atlasruggallery.com

Decorating Den Interiors Bonnie Pressley (817) 249-5779 bonniepressley.decoratingden.com

Oakline Floors (817) 757-4330 oaklinefloors.net

Oliver Dyer (817) 244-1874 oliverdyersappliance.com

Wright at Home (817) 989-8222 wrightathomefw.com

HOME SERVICES

Archies Gardenland (817) 737-6614 archiesgardenland.com

SCL Landscaping (817) 798-3385

Vista Fence & Outdoor Living (817) 889-4020 vistafencefortworth.com

LUXURY AUTOMOTIVE Cowtown Rover (817) 731-3223 cowtownrover.com

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES

Texas Health Resources Willow Park (817) 757-1500 texashealth,org/willow-park-fitness

REAL ESTATE Wilco Realtors (817) 703-7491 wilcorealtors.com

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE Angelo's BBQ (817) 332-0357 angelosbbq.com

Aventinos (817) 570-7940

Buffalo West (817) 732-2370 buffalowestfw.com

The Dive Oyster Bar (817) 560-3483 oscarspub.com

Winslow's Wine Cafe (817) 546-6843 winslowswinecafe.com

SPECIALTY SHOPS Roy Pope Grocery (817) 732-2863 roypopegrocery.com

You Name It Design & Embroidery (817) 570-0557

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33

Parting Thoughts

Research

Deliciousness FOR DOUG RENFRO, PRESIDENT OF RENFRO FOODS, R AND D PROVIDES THE SPICE IN HIS PROFESSIONAL LIFE.

ARTICLE DOUGLAS MATUS

F

ew companies are able to achieve success through the preeminence of a single product. Even in the case of a company like Coca-Cola, whose namesake beverage literally provides shorthand for a world of “cokes”, the range of products and onslaught of the new seems endless. No company embodies this necessity with greater zest and grace than Renfro’s Foods. For decades, the iconic Fort Worth company has stood as both traditionalist and tastemaker in an ever-varied marketplace.

Whether it’s cheese sauce, relish, or the famous salsas, shoppers know quality when they see the friendly face of the Mrs. Renfro label. With new seasonal products continually on the horizon, one might wonder where the team at Mrs. Renfro's gets all of its ideas.

Much of the credit is owed to Doug Renfro, president of Renfro Foods and overseer of product development.

A family company in the truest sense, Renfro Foods now benefits from the leadership of its third generation. As a child, Doug worked every summer from the bottom-rung up, and has a knowledge of his business sorely lacking in many inheritor executives.

“I worked every summer since the 6th grade doing the nasty jobs,” says Doug. “When I was in college, I mixed the spices from 2 to 7pm, and also had the world’s most interesting Subaru.”

The Renfro heirs had to earn their places in the company, and Doug went into the corporate world after graduation.

“I worked for a giant company, and while it was great training, it sucked the soul out of me,” he says. “Research and Development at Renfro’s has been my baby for the past 25 years, and though it only takes up one percent of my time, it’s the fun part.”

The other 99 percent gets devoted to Doug’s duties as president.

He rejoined the company in 1992, and currently oversees risk management, legal, human resources, and information systems. In addition to these duties, Doug helps his cousin, Becky, whom we profiled in a past issue, with sales, finance and accounting, pricing, marketing, public relations, international sales, and social media. As anyone can see, a full plate at Renfro’s Foods does not necessarily contain delectable goodies garnished with salsa, relish, barbecue and cheese sauce; it can also contain all the responsibilities of the ninth largest company of its kind.

As mentioned, new product development provides the spice in Doug’s professional life. Some of Mrs. Renfro’s more recent flavors, such as the Ghost Pepper Salsa and Mango Habanero Salsa, have

34

West FW Lifestyle | March 2017

been huge hits. The process that leads to the creation of these goods serves to illustrate the complexity of the business, as consumer tastes and competition must weigh against the bursts of creativity enjoyed

by Doug and his team.

“We look around. I’m cursed to have to eat at the nicest restaurants, and I’m always reading magazines and visiting gourmet shops” says Doug. “I discovered an amazing mango halibut chutney in a restaurant, but we waited a full five years before we thought that the average consumer would go for our version. If you come out too early with something, the velocity can get you kicked out.”

Price point also provides an indispensable consideration. Mrs. Renfro’s prides itself on offering gourmet goods at an affordable price.

“We can’t get too fancy with our ingredients, so when I saw the ghost pepper at a chop-up bar, I knew the price point had to work first.”

For this component of the process, Doug relies on the expertise of the rest of his family and team. Tongue fatigue can set in after testing too many recipes, or ingredients may get sourced from too small of bottles. From start to finish, the creation of a new good resembles a Rubik’s cube, in which all colors must align before a successful launch to store shelves.

“The joy of RD is that we occasionally have a runaway hit,” says Doug. “The Ghost Pepper sales went from brand new to number three in just three years. It was so popular, that the ghost pepper iterations of our barbecue and cheese sauce helped those items as well.”

So what can Mrs. Renfro’s fans look forward to in the near future?

Doug has one savory tidbit he can offer.

“We just finished our first-ever seasonal item, the pumpkin salsa,” says Doug. “It was very popular, and this concept of new seasonal items is very attractive to us. We’ll have a new one out in just a few weeks.”

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An emergency can happen at any moment. Luckily, 24-hour emergency care is just moments away at Texas Health Neighborhood Care & Wellness Willow Park. As part of the largest health care system in North Texas, Texas Health Willow Park is here for you with emergency-trained physicians on the medical staff and clinical personnel prepared for serious injuries and illnesses. So you can rest assured you and your family are in caring hands.

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Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of the facility. Š 2017