publisher’s letter

publishing PUBLISHER

Misty Morgan

EDITOR

Heather Witherspoon production

ART DIRECTOR

Jennifer Kelley

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Joseph Villegas

Justin Womack

CLIENT SERVICES MANAGERS

Jenefer Grady

Veronica Garza administration

SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR

Todd Collom

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Teresa May advertising/marketing/sales

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Kami Anderson kanderson@livingmagazine.net

SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM MANAGEMENT

Lindsay Clark lclark@livingmagazine.net

BRANDING, MARKETING & INTERACTIVE SPECIALIST

Liz McNeal

SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Mary Kate Leonard

PRINT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Lisa Austin

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23

When I was a mom with young kids at home, I used to dream of a time when I wasn’t meeting myself coming and going. Somehow though, even after my kids were grown, it still felt like there weren’t enough hours in the day. Then, God decided He’d slow me down Himself. It came in the form of major spine surgery. (Thank you to all who sent their prayers and well wishes. My recovery is going great!)

Being forced to slow down made me realize something. All that rushing from sunup to sundown made it hard to find time for the things I really wanted: a deeper relationship with God and others. Being forced to “shut ‘er down” for a while has given me time to embrace a slower pace, to ponder, to process thoughts one at a time, and to really focus on the person in front of me at each moment.

Don’t get me wrong. I adore my career. I am the most blessed person I know. But I want to return to my work-a-day life remembering to stop and truly see the beauty God has placed in front of me and the needs of the people He’s placed in my path. 1 Thessalonians tells us to give thanks in all things. So, thank You, Father, for all the pain and uncertainty You used to help me slow down and focus on what’s most important—You, Your work, and the people You bring into my life.

MISTY MORGAN, OWNER/PUBLISHER

Mmorgan@livingmagazine.net (817) 908-2111

Ur M A Y O R S

Fall is in the air and the good times keep rolling in Mansfield. Parents, have we got a deal for your kids. Check out the STEM fundamentals beginning Thursday September 5th and Watercolors Workshop on Saturday September 7th at the Mansfield Activity Center (MAC). Kids Zone After Dark is promising to be a great night out on the 21st. This event features a great movie, crafts, open gym time and games for everyone, starting at 5pm. For more information about the MAC, go to www.mansfieldtexas.gov.

Outdoor types will love visiting Oliver Nature Park (ONP) this month. On September 26th, learn about dinosaurs with hands on activities experiments, crafts and more during this hourlong exploration at ONP. Come back for Fishing Fun Friday morning, Sept. 27 @ ONP. Kids can test out their fishing skills, play games, read a story, and more during this hourlong class. If that’s not enough, we will be offering an

Intro to Archery Sunday morning, Sept. 29 @ the Parks & Rec Admin Side Field (1164 Matlock Rd). Aim to improve archery skills by learning range safety, equipment knowledge, and proper shooting technique. For our Seniors, meet at the MAC to take a field trip to American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum on Tuesday Sept. 10th or visit the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame Museum on Tuesday, September 24th. For more information, go to our website and click on the calendar. That’s it for September, I look forward to seeing you around town.

Fall is finally here, and that means it’s time to get out and enjoy all the amazing festivals and activities our city has to offer! We’ve got something for everyone, so grab your calendar and get ready for some fun.

Flight of the Monarch Festival - Join us on Saturday, Oct. 5, noon-6 p.m. at EpicCentral to celebrate the agnificent migration of the Monarch butterfly. This event is not just for nature lovers—come enjoy butterfly releases, live music, delicious food and local vendors.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Oct. and head over to the Epic Waters Parking

This is a free event where kids (and kids at heart) can explore and climb into big trucks, police cars, fire engines, and construction vehicles. It’s the perfect day out for the entire family.

Epic Arts & Music Festival - On October 19-20, let’s come together to celebrate the arts at the Epic Arts

& Music Festival at EpicCentral. With incredible performances, vibrant art displays, and activities for all ages, this is one weekend you won’t want to miss.

Strollin’ and Cyclin’ with the Mayor - Wear pink and join me on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 8 a.m. as we stroll together downtown to honor and support breast cancer awareness. And don’t forget to join us on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 5:30 p.m. for the Tyre Community Fair and Bike Ride—it’s a great way to stay active and connect with neighbors.

Street ‘N Treat - Get those costumes ready! On Halloween night 6-8 p.m., head downtown for Street ‘N Treat. There will be face painting, fun activities for the kids, and of course, plenty of trick-or-treating. It’s going to be a spooktacular evening.

For details about these events and more, check out gptx.org. Let’s make this fall the best one yet!

Here’s something to be proud of. The City of Arlington is celebrating its 25th year as a Tree City USA community. The Tree City USA program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, the USDA Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters, gives this national recognition to urban and community forestry programs each year in thousands of towns and cities that are home to millions of Americans.

Arlington is one of more than 3,500 communities nationwide that participate in the Tree City USA program. We first achieved our Tree City USA designation in 1999 in recognition of our efforts to protect and strengthen our urban tree canopy through strategic initiatives and annual community outreach events. A 2020 study determined there are an average of 70.4 trees per acre across sampled Arlington parks and natural areas, with 48 “unique tree species” identified in the survey.

More than just offering beauty to us and a home to wildlife, these trees absorb the sounds of traffic in urban areas and drop the temperature in neighborhoods seven to nine degrees. The shade from trees can reduce energy costs up to 25%. Trees can add to the resale value of a home and trees in our green spaces contribute to the mental and physical wellbeing of Arlington residents. As the old proverb goes, “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” september 28

Pretty In Pink

Arlington Parks and Recreation

Come and join us for a delightful afternoon fit for royalty as we come together to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Month! Mothers and daughters of all ages are invited to don their loveliest pink attire and indulge in a whimsical tea party experience. 4pm-6:30pm. $25. Ages 5+. East Rec Center, 1817 New York Ave. Visit our website to register.

NATURALLYFUN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 6

Skate Night

Arlington Parks and Recreation

Have a blast skating with your friends, playing games and participating in skating activities throughout the evening. $20 per person. Ages 13 and under. 2 slices of pizza and a 12oz drink are included. Elzie Odom, 1601 NE Green Oaks Blvd. Visit our website to register

NATURALLYFUN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 7

DOGGIE DIP AT HOWARD MOORE

Arlington Parks and Recreation

The Howard Moore Play Pool will be open to roam and play in the fountains. It will be open for small dogs (25 lbs. and under) from 9am-10am and for large dogs (26 lbs. and over) from 10:15am – 11:15am. Note-day of drop ins will be $7 per dog. 1999 Bever Blvd. Visit our website to register.

NATURALLYFUN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 7

Pickle Fest

Grand Prairie

Come and enjoy the first ever Pickle Fest! We will have pop-up pickleball tournament, live music, pickle vendors, a pickle-eating contest, beer sales and food vendors. 8am-1pm. Location is Downtown, 120 W. Main St. For more call the Parks and Rec Dept. 972-237-8084 or visit our website.

GRANDFUNGP.COM

SEPTEMBER 13

Paint Night

Arlington Parks and Recreation

Join us at Ventana Grille for an instructor led paint session. Light refreshments will be served. Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase. Take your artwork with you at the end of the night. Ages 18+. Pre-registration is required. 6pm8pm. $40 registration fee. To register visit our website. Ventana Grille, 7005 Golf Club Dr.

NATURALLYFUN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 14 AND 21

Mobile Pet Adoption Event At Petsmart Highlands

Arlington

Join us for a tail-wagging, familyfriendly, pet-saving community event!

Adorable adoptable pets looking for new homes will be available at the mobile adoption unit for immediate adoption! Visit with adoptable cats available inside PetSmart! 10am2pm.Scheduled events are subject to cancelation without notice due to unfavorable weather conditions (heat, cold, storms, etc.) for the safety and protection of adoptable pets, volunteers, and staff. 203 E. I 20.

SEPTEMBER 15

LUCKY LUAU

Mansfield

Beat the heat with this end-ofsummer pup pool party Hawaiian Falls Waterpark! Join us for some swimming with your canine companions. Enjoy the Wave Pool, Turtle Cove, and (small dog) Island. Admission is $19.99 per person or $10 for Season Pass holders including up to two dogs, with proceeds benefiting the Mansfield Animal Care and Control “Lucky Fund” which helps provide medical care for stray pets. 12pm-3pm. 490 Heritage Pkwy. Visit our website to register. Registration cutoff is September 13 at 8am.

MANSFIELDTEXAS.GOV/2013/ LUCKY-LUAU-REGISTRATION

SEPTEMBER 24

VENTANA LUNCH CLUB

Arlington Parks and Recreation

Partnering with Cliff Nelson Rec Center, join us for a monthly social at Ventana Grille. Participation is open to anyone 18 and over. We will meet at Ventana Grille for fellowship and fun. Lunch will be available for purchase with 20% added for gratuity. Pre-registration is request. 11am-1pm. Visit our website to register.

NATURALLYFUN.ORG see more events in your area on LIVINGMAGAZINE.NET

PREMIERING IN SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 27 // THE WILD ROBOT IN THEATERS

From DreamWorks Animation comes a new adaptation of a literary sensation, Peter Brown’s beloved, award-winning, #1 New York Times bestseller, The Wild Robot.

The epic adventure follows the journey of a robot — ROZZUM unit 7134, “Roz” for short — that is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island and becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling.

SEPTEMBER 13 // MIRANDA LAMBERT POSTCARDS FROM TEXAS

SEPTEMBER 6 // GEORGE STRAIT COWBOYS AND DREAMERS

SEPTEMBER 13 // AMY GRANT & VINCE GILL WHEN I THINK OF CHRISTMAS

SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 //

Moneyball

BRAD PITT,

Oakland A’s general manager, Billy Beane (Brad Pitt), challenges the system and defies conventional wisdom when he is forced to rebuild his small-market team on a limited budget. Despite opposition from the old guard, the media, fans, and their own fi eld manager (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Beane — with the help of a young, number-crunching, Yale-educated economist (Jonah Hill) — develops a roster of misfits and along the way, forever changes the way the game is played.

WHAT TO READ

SEPTEMBER 17 // SOUTHERN GET-TOGETHERS: A GUIDE TO HOSTING UNFORGETTABLE GATHERINGS

BY KELSEY BARNARD CLARK

Southern Grit author, Top Chef winner, TV personality, and queen of Southern hospitality Kelsey Barnard Clark presents more than 100 irresistible recipes perfect for a crowd, plus helpful tips on tablescaping, flower arranging, menu planning, food buying, and more ensure you have the confidence and know-how to pull off a memorable celebration of any size. Brimming with beautiful food and lifestyle photography, Southern Get-Togethers is a must-have manual on Southern hospitality and a lively, delicious, all-around cookbook that’s calling for a space on your shelf.