M A Y O R S

The New Year has come, and the City of Mansfield is on a forward trajectory of economic and civic vibrancy. This year is already shaping up to be one for the record books as we continue to grow and welcome new partners in business, restaurants, retail, and fun things to do around town.

Keep an eye out for more details on the State of the City address happening this month. We will discuss the accomplishments that happened in our city and our vision and goals for this new year. To help you get off to a good start, if you have sensitive documents that need to be discarded, do it securely and bring them to our “Shred Day” on January 7th. This is for Mansfield residents only; no businesses will be allowed. Please bring your documents to the Environmental Collection Center located at 616 S. Wisteria St., Mansfield, TX 76063. Proof of residency will be required. You can also recycle your live Christmas tree for free every day until January 20th and help us make mulch to give away in the spring. The drop-off site will be at The Home Depot, located at 1725 North US 287, Mansfield, TX. There will be a self-service trailer next to the garden center where trees may be unloaded. Flocked and artificial trees cannot be mulched and will not be accepted.

As we enter 2023, we anticipate an epic year. To get you ready for it, The Epic Arts, Fitness and Recreation Center offers great membership rates for residents who want to stay in shape using the latest in fitness equipment, training and classes at only $29 a month for an adult resident. All the details can be found at jointheepic.com/memberships or by calling 972-339-3742.

Also in EpicCentral, and opening this spring, are five restaurants: Loop 9 BBQ; Vidorra Cocina de Mexico; an American modern artisanal concept tentatively called The Finch; Serious Pizza, Sliders and Shakes; and a new breakfast/brunch concept called Poach’d. The city is entertaining options for the sixth restaurant space. This is all going near Chicken N Pickle. We will also debut a water and light show in EpicCentral.

Looking for things to do in town? Enjoy our ever-expanding walking trails and experience our pristine parks located throughout our city. Visit, the Man House Museum, located at 604 W. Broad Street. If you have a taste for good food, we gotcha. Mansfield has new restaurants opening every month that will help satisfy your tastebuds.

My State of the City presentation and dinner is March 9, hosted by the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce as one of its primary fund raisers. If you are interested in tickets, call the Chamber at 972-264-1558. We will make a video tape of my remarks available after the event for free on our website.

The Big Event is planned for March 25 and registration for volunteers and job requests is open at gptx.org/bigevent until March 1. The Big Event is a one-day, city-wide day we celebrate commUNITY by matching volunteers with service projects, neighbors helping neighbors. All Big Event jobs are outdoors, do not required the use of power tools and can be completed within a few hours.

Let’s have a great 2023!

Happy 2023! Hope your holidays were full of family and fun. As we start this new year, I find myself reflecting on the people, businesses, and organizations that make the American Dream City so great. Without a doubt one of those organizations is The Arlington Tomorrow Foundation which just celebrated 15 years of making a difference in the lives of Arlington families. Since 2007, they have invested in the arts, our parks, and in human-service organizations across our community.

They’ve helped to build museums and theaters, community centers and shelters for families in transition and animals in distress. Their grants have assisted in the expansion of programs designed to address mental healthcare, social-service programming, education, and food insecurity. They’ve come alongside local nonprofits and City of Arlington departments with $42 million in underwriting for more than 500 programs and truly made a different in the lives of many of our citizens. To all who’ve worked tirelessly, over the past 15 years, I want to extend a hearty and heartfelt “thank you”.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 28th for Texas Rangers Fan Fest 2023. The fest will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Globe Life Field and will include autograph sessions with current Rangers players and alumni, photo ops, on-field activities including running the bases, wiffle ball home run derby, bullpen fast pitch, inflatables, and more. Hope to see many of you there!

NOW - MARCH 3

First Friday Foodie Market

Arlington

Come and enjoy food, live music, family fun, Hosted by approximately 40 vendors at the market ranging from artisan foods to arts and crafts. Market hours are 5pm-9pm. Binions, 208 N. West St.

JANUARY 14 AND 28

Mobile Pet Adoption Event

Arlington

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! Adoptions will be at the Petsmart® in South Arlington, 203 E. I-20 (Arlington Highlands) 10:00am-3:30pm. Scheduled events are subject to cancellation without notice due to weather conditions (heat, cold, storms, etc.) for the safety and protection of adoptable pets, volunteers, and staff.

JANUARY 16

REC 2 YOU

Arlington Parks and Recreation

Let us bring the fun to you! Come together with friends, neighbors and the staff at Dottie Lynn for interactive games, sports and other engaging activities. It’s time to play! All ages. 1am-2pm. Free. Visit our website to register.

NATURALLYFUN.ORG january 9 - 13

DEMO DAYS

Arlington Parks and Recreation

Interested trying out new fitness classes? Join us for Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Qigong, Silver Strength, Zumba and Boot Camp. FREE! Ages 18+. Dottie Lynn Rec Center, 3200 Norwood Lane.

JANUARY 20

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

Arlington Parks and Recreation

Enjoy a night out while we have some fun! A great opportunity for youth to hang out after school playing games, crafting and more. 6pm-8:30pm. Ages 5-12. Cost is $15/ child. East Rec Center, 1817 New York. Visit our website to register.

NATURALLYFUN.ORG

JANUARY 20

BAD ART NIGHT

Arlington Parks and Recreation

Calling all art enthusiasts, parents looking for a date night and Bob Ross lovers. Come out to our themed parent night out, where we provide childcare and activity for your date. We will have refreshments for you to snack on while we follow a guided painting lesson. Ages 18+. $20/couple. Childcare $15/ child. Childcare separate (ages 5-12). Visit our website for registration for painting lesson and childcare.

NATURALLYFUN.ORG

JANUARY 21

HIKE WITH A NATURALIST

Mansfield

Many animals are active at night while we are sleeping. Learn about those animals hiking through the forest searching for wildlife Take an up close look at specimens throughout the hike. All ages. 6pm-7:30pm. Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park, 1650 Matlock Rd. Visit our website to register.

MANSFIELDTEXAS.GOV

JANUARY 29

MAGIC SHOW - YOUNG AND STRANGE

Arlington

Presented by Arlington Music Hall, enjoy Great Britain’s most famous comedy Illusionists Young & Strange come to Arlington for one night of spectacular stage illusions, sleight of hand magic and hilarious comedy perfect for the entire family. Ticket prices from $32. 6pm-8pm. Arlington Music Hall, 224 N. Center St. Visit our website to purchase tickets.

ARLINGTONMUSICHALL.NET

FEBRUARY 4

SMOOCHES 4 POOCHES

Arlington Parks and Recreation

25 cent kisses and puppy wishes! Make your and our Arlington Animal Shelter’s residents dreams come true. Come out to this family Valentine’s event where we’ll have photo and adoption opportunities, as well as snacks and crafts. Ages 5-12 11am-1pm.

$6/child. East Rec Center, 1817 New York. Visit our website to register.

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

JANUARY 13 // A MAN CALLED OTTO IN THEATERS

Otto tells the story of Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks), a grump who no longer sees purpose in his life following the loss of his wife. When a lively young family moves in next door, he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol (Mariana Treviño.) She challenges him to see life differently, leading to an unlikely friendship that turns his world around. A heartwarming and funny story about love, loss, and life, A Man Called Otto shows that family can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places.

THIS MONTH’S MUSIC

What To Read

JANUARY 3 // THE

BY MIKE RUCKER, P H D

JANUARY 19, 2001 (WIDE RELEASE) // CHOCOLAT JULIETTE BINOCHE,

Nobody could have imagined the impact that Vianne would make when she arrived in a tranquil, old-fashioned French town. After opening her unique chocolate shop, she immediately causes a stir, both romantically and societally, among the uptight townsfolk. Nominated for five academy awards, including best picture, Chocolat is the perfect rainy-day romantic film.

Fun Habit

JANUARY 20 // ELLA FITZGERALD LIVE AT MONTREUX 1969

JANUARY 20 // WILCO CRUEL COUNTRY

JANUARY 27 // CARLY SIMON LIVE AT GRAND CENTRAL

Grounded in current research, accessible science, and practical recommendations, The Fun Habit explains how you can build having fun into an actionable and effortless habit and why doing so will help you become healthier, more joyful, and more productive. In the vein of Year of Yes, 10% Happier, and Atomic Habits, The Fun Habit is an inspiring and motivational guidebook you will want to share with everyone in your life.