April 2023

Civil Engineering and Surveying

26 Building Arlington Graham Associates celebrates 50 years

52

Local Eateries & Bars

Arlington's dining and drinking options

HIGHLIGHTS

Starting Line 8

Itinerary 10

This ‘n Data 12

Around Town 18

AISD Stem 20

Scene 22

Bulletin Board 42

Speaking of Sports 46

Keen Cuisine 60

Finish Line 64

48 Luv ya, Blue

A classic car with a classic color

Starting Line

Arlington All Grown Up

I was driving west down I-30 one night recently when I looked to my left and thought I saw a familiar glimmer of a skyline. I’d been living outside the state for several years, and before that I hadn’t spent any serious time in Arlington since college in the early 2010s. How long had I been away? “Arlington is all grown up,” I thought to myself.

2018. Around the same time, owners of 4 as a city that was primed for a growth spurt and they wanted to get in while the getting was good.

Former Arlington mayor Jeff Williams can be credited with attracting a lot of the glitz and glam of this most recent development in his term from 2015 to 2021. But what’s less known city in his capacity as president and CEO of Graham Associates Inc., a civil of helping to build Arlington. In “Building Arlington,” we take a walk down memory lane as we let old newspaper clippings

its founding under Jack Graham to its leadership under the late Jim Wagnon.

Mark Bauer

The faint outline of a skyline wasn't a mirage, it was all the shimmering lights from the new development in the Entertainment District. Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium were easy to pinpoint amidst all the twinkling. There was Choctaw Stadium too. Next to that is the Live! by Loews’ mammoth $550 million hotel and the new Arlington Convention Center, as well as a new 300unit residential community project being constructed by the Cordish Companies and Texas Rangers, expected to total 532,000 square feet.

That skyline, it turns out, isn’t by accident. Arlington Mayor Jim Ross told the Dallas Business Journal last year that it’s serious about attracting new business to the area, and it’s being intentional

He also told the Business Journal that Arlington is just getting warmed up.

It certainly feels like something is cooking in Arlington. In our Local Eateries and Bar feature, we highlight Hurtado Barbecue, which started serving barbecue in a pop-up in Arlington in

In Finish Line, former mayor Richard Greene–who himself was instrumental in keeping the Texas Rangers in Arlington by jockeying for the old Ballpark in Arlington and who famously quipped that “Arlington is nobody’s damn suburb”–pays tribute to Arlington Today’s publisher, Judy Rupay, who was honored last month with the Inspired Women’s Luncheon “Hero Award.” The award recognized her commitment to this community as a businesswoman, former city councilwoman and mentor to countless young leaders who care about

Truth be told, Arlington has been grown up for quite awhile. But that can-do spirit in us doesn’t stop us from continuing to reach for the sky.

Mark Bauer is the Editor of Arlington Today Magazine.

ITINERARY

FAMILY FUN

The inaugural Texas Street Food Festival is coming to Texas Live! April 15-16 from 2 pm to 8pm. The Food Fest is a lively culinary event that celebrates the vibrant and diverse street food culture found around the world, with a particular focus on Texas and Latin American cuisine. Attendees can indulge in a variety

of delicious dishes, from tacos and empanadas to BBQ and burgers. In addition to food, the festival features live music, entertainment, and a fun and festive atmosphere that brings together foodies and families alike. Tickets $8 at texas-live.com/ events/2023-04-15-street-food-fest

The inaugural Asian Heritage Celebration was such a success that it’s back for a second year on Saturday, April 15 from 12 pm to 4 pm. This free event is fun for the whole family, with vendors and food trucks

present. On stage, watch the famous Lion Dance and enjoy a fashion show. This event is hosted by the Mayor’s Asian Advisory Council along with Levitt Arlington. levittpavilionarlington.org

Theatre Arlington is set to present Noises Off, a classic British farce that follows an under-rehearsed cast and crew as they

Nothing On.

The inspiration for Noises Off came from as a playwright, where he noticed that he found what occurred backstage to be far more interesting than the production itself. Award-winning director Cheryl Denson leads an impressive cast of Equity actors, including Gigi Cervantes and Jakie Cabe, production team.

Theatre Arlington's 50th-anniversary season will also see the unveiling of the Walk of Fame.

Showtimes through April 16: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm

The horses are running again at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie. Thoroughbred Racing Season: Opening Night is Thursday, April 13. World-Renowned Elvis

Baseball’s back in full swing at Globe Life Field. The Texas Rangers host the Orioles April 3-5, the Royals

tribute artist Kraig Parker will be performing between races. Gates open at 4:30 pm. Admission is $8, parking is free. Tickets: lonestarpark.com

April 10-12, Athletics April 21-23, Yankees April 2730. Tickets: www.mlb.com/rangers/tickets

The Uncrated exhibit at the Arlington Museum of Art is a fascinating showcase of contemporary art that reimagines the museum's permanent collection. This unique exhibition features over 50

works of art from the museum's archives, many of which have never been displayed before. The exhibit will be showcased from April 1 to May 14, 2023.

It wasn’t here for long, but Tippin’s pies left an indelible mark on the city. In 1988, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram called the chain formerly located at selling 2,100 pies in one day during the holiday season. Pies ranged from 1.60 to $2.35 a slice or $4.75 to $7.25 for a whole. Legendary indeed.

8,500

The number of staff employed by Arlington ISD, the largest employer in Arlington.

Source: City of Arlington

234,000

The number of vehicles projected to traverse I-30 each day by the year 2035.

Source: txdot.gov

+320

The number of restaurants listed on the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

Source: arlington.org

18

Have you done your taxes yet? April 18 is the deadline to get individual tax can request an extension.

Source: IRS.gov

A tasty way to support a good cause

When it comes to supporting good causes,ing way to help those in need.

Arlington Charities' Help & Hope event is an annual fundraiser that has been bringing together the community to support the most vulnerable members of Arlington for the last several years. This event aims to raise funds to help families who are struggling to meet unforeseen circumstances.

The event features a variety of activities and

live music, but what really gets you salivating are the tastings by local restaurant chefs with wine pairings from a professional sommelier. This year, local tastings will be provided by Green of the new Hearsay Arlington, Maurice Ahern of Grounds & Gold and Gold Ribbon Champion, who also appeared on the latest show.

emceed the event and featured cooking and

The funds raised through this event go directly to support Arlington Charities' mission -

been able to help hundreds of families through their various programs, and the Help & Hopeers of the year.

Arlington Charities recently rolled out a new mobile pop-up pantry for providing access to healthy foods in food deserts across the city, as well as to give residents an opportunity to receive nutritional education, assistance with -

ment, and information referrals.

The number of people seeking help from the -

driving up cost of goods and services.

How can you help? Right now a big need for ways to donate or to lend a helping hand, visit their website at arlingtoncharities.org.

What: Help + Hope Culinary Experience

When: 6 pm Thursday, April 20, 2023

Where: The White Room

Tickets: www.arlingtoncharities.org/help-hope-2023

SCAD survivor shares battle against severe heart condition

No smoking or drinking and no high blood pressure or cholesterol, yet Wendy Robinson has faced death four times since her early 40s, and she's not alone.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) tends to affect women younger than 50 who are considered relatively healthy.

In a normal heart attack, a clot blocks

develops when a bleed or a bruise causes a separation between layers of the artery wall, then expands and cuts

than once, and it has,” said Joseph Ortenberg, M.D., a cardiologist on Physicians Group practice.

Robinson found support at Texas

is participating in her second round of cardiac rehabilitation.

During cardiac rehab, patients commit to a tailored program involving physical activity, stress-reduction counseling, educational resources to improve the cardiac recovery process and more.

“Medical studies have determined that cardiac rehabilitation decreases the chances of death following a cardiac event by about 25% and lowers hospital readmissions by 18 percent,” said Brenda Doughty, M.B.A., R.N.-

Memorial cardiac rehabilitation manager. “A heart-healthy lifestyle and cardiac rehab have been two major story.”

Ortenberg emphasizes another key component for addressing SCAD.

“Medical care, particularly from a cardiologist, is important,” he said. “Paying attention to new symptoms, especially severe ones, is imperative to help reduce the risk of complications.”

SCAD patients can experience symptoms similar to those of a heart attack: chest pain, shortness of breath, excessive sweating and dizziness.

“The same things happen every time, and my chest feels extremely heavy, too,” Robinson said. “It feels like a huge elephant is sitting on my chest with no intention of getting off to let me breathe better.”

Unfortunately, more than 10% of SCAD patients have multiple events.

2012. She was just 42. The second time happened in 2016 and the third in 2018. For a while, Robinson thought she was in the clear. Then SCAD struck again in 2022 — the fourth time it threatened Robinson’s life.

“I’m so glad I didn’t brush off my symptoms either. I listened to my body, got it checked out, received phenomenal care and met some wonderful people along the way.”

Robinson appreciates the strong bonds she’s formed with those at Texas Arlington Memorial.

“Everyone has been amazing, from the suggested cardiac rehab to me years ago as I recovered in my patient room, to Brenda and others in cardiac rehab."

For more information about Texas

“Mrs. Robinson’s condition is quite serious, because it can happen more by Jason Boyd

Medical City Arlington Breaks Ground on Patient Tower

Construction for a $144 million Medical City Arlington expansion project, which includes a new patient

On March 1, the project broke ground at a ceremony attended by many Arlington leaders, including Arlington Mayor Jim Ross and University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing Dean Elizabeth Merwin, who also chairs the hospital’s board of trustees. The project will add 127,000 square feet that provides additional beds, surgery rooms, renovations, and more. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2025.

“After almost 50 years of providing healthcare excellence, our hospital is proud to continue to invest in the future of the Arlington community,” said Sharn Barbarin, CEO of Medical City Arlington. “This new patient tower will provide additional accommodations for our world-class caregivers in a variety of specialties, further enabling compassionate, clinically excellent services when and where our community needs them, close to home.”

The three-story tower is part of Medical City Healthcare’s major capital investment initiative of more than $1.4 billion spent or committed over

3 Scoops

1. Superior Urgent Care opens this month, with a ribbon cutting on April 19 at 11 am. The urgent care center company has locations in Keller and The veteran-owned and operated clinic is at 8021 Matlock Road, Suite 131.

2. The Grand Prairie Police Department is hiring for a variety of assignments. Salary ranges from $74K to $103K. civil service exam is Saturday, April 29, 2023. Apply online @ www. grandprairiepolice. org.

expansions, facility enhancements and leading-edge technology.

The tower will provide space for the following additions and improvements:

• 60 additional patient care beds

• 8 private day surgery rooms

• 12 additional post-anesthesia (PACU) bays

• Central energy plant

• Kitchen expansion/renovation

• 2 new neurosurgery, 2 new orthopedic surgery operating rooms

• New main lobby connecting the patient tower to Medical City Women’s Hospital Arlington

3. Late last month the Texas Department of Transportation completed another segment of the $230 million I-30/SH 360 exchange project. The new westbound I-30 interchange ramp to SH 360 opened March 21 and the southbound SH 360 interchange ramp to eastbound I-30 opened on March 17. Hooper.

• Medical Center Arlington, a Level II Trauma Center with an emergency department, treated nearly 107,000 patients last year. The hospital increased its robotic surgery options in 2022 and launched the Center for Lung Health, which provides consultations and coordination of care with a multidisciplinary team of lung experts, including pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and radiologists.

by Jason Boyd

A family new to Arlington wants to introduce you to their sweet Maddie! She’s a 2-year-old Mini Golden Doodle who is very active and enjoys playing with her toys.

Maddie loves her family, wearing bows and scarfs, going on road trips and of course, the Dallas Cowboys!

$144 million expansion provides additional capacity, renovations

Love, Opportunity, Hope

The largest Asian market in Texas shows how food can bring us together

Kenneth Perkins has been a contributing writer for Arlington Today for nearly a decade. He is a freelance writer, editor and photographer.

KENneth Perkins

Matthew Loh

SNAPSHOTS OF ARLINGTON/MANSFIELD/GRAND PRAIRIE AREA NEWSMAKERS

1, 5, 6: Speakers, performers and attendees at the inaugural American Muslim Cultural Celebration on March 4 at the Levitt Pavilion. 2, 3, 4: Attendees at the Greater Arlington Chamber's Inspired Women Luncheon on March 3 at Live! by Loews Hotel.

1. A police offer and cadets pose for photos at the Back the Blue event hosted by the Arlington Police Foundation March 4. 2. attendees at the inaugural American Muslim Cultural Celebration on March 4 at the Levitt Pavilion 3. Award recepeint at the Back the Blue event hosted by the Arlington Police Foundation March 4. 4. Dinner guests at the Bourbon and Bites tasting at Sanford House March 2. 5: Attendees at the Greater Arlington Chamber's Inspired Women Luncheon on March 3 at Live! by Loews Hotel.

Aerial photo of Six Flags Over Texas by IH-30

If you’ve ever traversed the I-30 corridor, shopped ‘til you dropped at the Parks at Arlington Mall, cheered for the home teams at Globe Life Field or AT&T Stadium, or clocked in and out of Six Flags Over Texas via the employee

all that has been made possible in part by the Graham Associates civil engineering

has played an integral role in building Arlington this last

shop in Arlington they may have only had a single client to their credit, but it was a doozy: -

ration, spearheaded by Angussponsible for the development obtaining permission fromGraham Associates to Wagnon

ed getting mentioned in newspapers a decade later, when in -

-

per and I-30, a sorely needed as the roadway bottlenecked to

the city simultaneously experienced an explosion of

from a population of more -

liams has had a hand in a lot engineer when he joined the In a recent conversation

was eager to recognize his and within the city, who made “I want to express gratitude for giving us this great opporI want to express the respectand his great work and dedicahave been many great engineers and surveyors who have helped build and shape our them!”

As for the city itself, Williams says Arlington has been a great community to work in

“Because of the great people here in Arlington, it enabled a great leaders that did things

“Our city is called the can-do city because we get things been cultivated here since the

Choctaw Stadium, then as the Ballpark in Arlington

Photos credit: Graham Associates

beginning of our city’s founding.”

One of the most important projects that stands out to Williams is the Three Bridges Project over I-30, to be able to the Entertainment District,um.

“Three of our senior engineers Mark Burckhard, John night and day for a year for that project to be completed byum opened,” he said. Timing -

“It set a standard. It really helps set the design character for the city,” he said.

Bridges project completed, another design team led by Mike

civil engineering for AT&T Staon time.

hard not to feel like both the

Associates are really hitting their stride. Beyond Arlington, -

liams’ leadership has played a and communities all acrossMart and related development That development necessitated-vergent Diamond Interchange They’re currently involved in the National Medal of Honor Museum, headquartered here in Arlington. They also have

Prairie and throughout North

appeared on the “top 500

Since then, it’s continued -

of the same–living out their ethos as an integral building partner to people and combeyond.

With a top-ranking---

Nolan Ryan Bridge Photos

credit: Graham Associates

First North Texas Park in More than 25 Years to be Headed by UT Arlington Alumnus

By Amber Scott

For James Adams, the commute to moment he steps out of his front door and into 4,000-plus acres of rugged wilderness.

As superintendent of the soon-tobe-opened Palo Pinto Mountains State

Adams lives onsite and oversees every phase of its development.

laughing.

superintendent as being similar to that but one with a constantly changing population. Superintendents manage

safety of every visitor, among countless other duties.

“Basically, we’re ultimately responsible for everything that occurs that it’s something his master’s in public administration from UTA

has well-prepared him for. “It was all tremendously helpful, from governmental relations to human resources to law classes to public budgeting. I’ve used all of that.”

development, Adams has led a team of subject-matter experts, including architects, engineers and resource specialists. Together, they’re focused respecting and retaining its history and will stand the test of time.

similar to how it has for the past 100 years,” he said. “There has not been a lot of development here, which is great.

extent and seeing wild Texas and the Wild West.”

Adams and his team have found evidence of that robust history in the Paleo-Indian point that is about 10,000

1880 to feed the masses when the Texas

“The occupation and use of this land has spanned millennia,” he said. “It’s really exciting to see evidence of that out here.”

cataloged. Some are archived, and some half was excavated and archived, while left in its natural state, preserved for future generations to discover.

“That way, if future archaeologists context it existed originally,” he said.

outdoor activities amid stunning vistas

Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, and is visitors a year.Adams, for one, can’t wait to welcome his fellow Texans inside.

“It’s just a beautiful part of the how beautiful it is until they get here

Photo: UTA

James Adams

Home SWEET! Home

By The Brandee Kelley Group

For those desiring new construction in 76013, look no further! This home boasts 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2 living areas with 10 foot ceilings, 8 foot doors and engineered hardwood downstairs with carpet upstairs. The details throughout this 2,841 square foot home are immaculate, including spray foam insulation throughout (even in the garage)!

The downstairs master bedroom offers recessed lighting, natural lighting, and French doors that open to the patio. The master bathroom showcases dual sinks, an oversized soaking tub, a large tiled walk-in shower, huge walk-in closet with builtin cabinets, and a lit vanity.

The kitchen is a chef’s dream with an eight-burner, gas stove top, double ovens, brass barn sink, a massive island, a walk-in pantry and tons of storage. The focus of the main living windows on either side and access to

the covered back patio.

The upstairs bedrooms have lots of windows bringing in natural light and closets for storage. The two additional bathrooms are a shower-tub combo. The framed attic provides even more storage. The utility room is tiled with a drying rack and cabinets for storage. The oversized backyard and covered patio make for the perfect entertaining space. Call The Brandee Kelley Group today at (817) 635-1141 to make this house your home!

Spring Into Action: How Spring Cleaning Contributes to Our Calm

Next Month's Book Clubs

Good Grounds Book Club

April 19

@Woodland West Branch Book for April: Choose Your Own Book

KUTUB: Arabic Book Club

April 1

@Southeast Branch Book for April: Choose Your Own Book

Night Out Book Club

April 13

@locations vary

Book for April: Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz

Southwest Morning Reading Group

April 12

@Southwest Branch Book for April: Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng

Southwest Spine Crackers

April 20

@Southwest Branch

Book for April: Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach

Wine Down Book Club

April 28

@virtual meetings

Book for April: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Source: arlingtonlibrary.org/book-clubs

A surprising amount of research shows how much our moods can improve when we bring order to chaos •

By Mark Bauer

Spring has sprung, and despite the attention that the start of the year receives for resolutions–spring is actually a more natural time of year to sprout new growth. So if you’ve neglected those new year resolutions, borrow a page from nature's playbook which is only now starting to awaken from its long winter slumber.

Any mention of spring cleaning is bound to bring up feelings of dread. Who wants another chore? It might help to know that research shows tidying up your physical space can have a profound effect on your internal calm.

In the book “Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness,” author Ingrid Fetell Lee explains: “I realized that the joy of order comes in large measure from what it opposes: chaos and disorder. Order isn’t dull and staid,” she says. “It is a tangible manifestation of a vibrant harmony, of disparate parts working in concert to sustain the graceful balance of life.”

I’d wager you’d never thought so deeply about cleaning.

She goes on: “Harmony offers visible evidence that someone cares enough about a place to invest energy in it. Disorder has the opposite effect,” she says. “Disorderly environments have been linked to feelings of powerlessness, fear, anxiety, and depression, and they

You may not be in the mood to clean, but if you can will yourself to it, the dopamine reward that follows will be worth it. And it may be something that will spill over into other areas of your life too.

Need a place to start? We’ve compiled a list of ideas to consider for your home, car and health. By following these spring cleaning tips, you can help keep your home, car and health in good condition and make sure they’re ready for the warmer months ahead.

HOME

Declutter: Go through each room and get rid of things you no longer need or use. This can include clothes, books, and household items.

Clean the windows: Use a glass cleaner to clean the inside and outside of your windows.

tables, and furniture.

Clean the kitchen: Clean the oven, microwave, and refrigerator, and wipe down countertops and cabinets.

Clean the bathroom: Clean the toilet, bathtub, sink, and shower, and wash towels and bath mats.

Wash bedding: Wash all sheets, pillowcases, and comforters.

Clean outdoor spaces: Clean patio furniture, sweep decks, and power wash

driveways and sidewalks.

HEALTH

necessary.

Action!

Filmmaker Angel Gracia told the Dallas News that they considered multiple cities in North Texas, but the the right zoning and the support of city understanding about it, they gave us the best place to do it with the best conditions and the best location,” Gracia

In addition to attracting more

Mbecome the home of a brand new movie production

recently approved an economic development agreement with Super with at least a $70 million price tag for the 1st Phase, has been in the works for several years and is being led by a group of developers who are committed

The new studio will include multiple

The site will also have ample parking, catering facilities, and other amenities to

One of the main goals of the new

the state has a long history of hosting productions, particularly in the Austin area, there is a growing demand for more the resources they need to create high-

developers estimate that the studio will bring 2,000 jobs to the area once it

A company called Creative Tank is News article, the company has similar studios near Atlanta, which has been used for shows and movies including

According to the Texas Film Commission, more than 1,000 movies

Leading to Heal

The Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership selected Nora Frasier Center for the 2022 Excellence in Leadership Award. The award recognizes outstanding leadership in promoting and advancing the recognition of this honor, Nora responded to questions from Arlington Today to take us through her career highlights and achievements. Her answers appear below!

Where did you get your start?

South Texas town to the great Unimy second year, a friend convinced me that nursing school would be a in a hospital as a nursing student. begin my career in Corpus Christi a Catholic hospital which aligned was raised as a nurse by the nuns.

What’s been the greatest surprise or lesson from when you started to you thought they’d be?

The science and technology have evolved exponentially and transformed nursing practice. So many manual processes have been streamlined through technology, and this has actually made patient care safer.

much care to the outpatient setting, and even into the home. And who could have envisioned robotic-assisted surgery 40 years ago when of change is mind-boggling. We continually use the phrase “nurses must be lifelong learners” and this your clinical knowledge and skills up to date with the ever-changing advancements in medicine and the healthcare environment, you will rapidly become obsolete.

What do you think makes your business stand apart from your competitors?

community. They worked tirelessly to save lives – we are so proud of our nurses, physicians, technicians through the darkest of times. And Our team has had a long-standing commitment to excellence. For example, years of hard work culminated in our designation as a Magnet®-recognized hospital which serves as a visible acknowledgement that we have met the most stringent, evidence-based standards of nursing excellence in patient care delivery.

What drove you to achieve?

The desire to lead and the restlessness to want to try new things liked being in charge and having a seat at the table where decisions are made. Problems are like puzzles to me and as my team knows,

discover a beautiful cohesive and interconnected picture. Putting an organizational puzzle together can takes immense amounts of energy, joy when it all comes together!

Who had the single biggest impact on shaping who you are today?

became clearly apparent during the pandemic that we have something as our team never wavered in their dedication to be present for our

There have been so many wonderful mentors over the years who have pushed me outside of my comfort zone. Early in my career, Sister Kathleen who was the CEO of the Catholic health system where to see the world and broaden my the cord and leave the organization, never been daunted by unknown or uncertain challenges since then. After a few years, Sister Kathleen come back and she re-hired me into a senior leadership role at a new hospital acquired by her health system.

Dillon Rai Named Chief Operating

pands to continue providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare for Arlington and surrounding communities,” Barbarin said.

of Operations and then the is a Level I Trauma facility and -

Rai held executive oversight of multiple service lines such as business development, surgical services, cardiovascular, burn and reconstruction, and led several large construction projects.

Rai’s abilities as a respected leader with strong operational insight. “His addition to our executive leadership team will be invaluable as our hospital grows and ex-

Gary Slade Inducted Into the NEAAPA Hall of Fame

Gary Slade, the owner and publisher of Amusement Today, has been inductedyears of experience in the attractions industry since starting as a ride operator at Six Flags Over Texas in 1978. He created Amusement Today in April 1997, and the publication has since become the largest independently-owned trade publication for the amusement industry, publishing

Gary’s contributions to the industry go far beyond publishing. He created

Rai has a proven track record of enhancing patient satisfaction and physician engagement during his time at Swedishwork. Rai received a Master'stration from Trinity University Health from the University of Maryland.ted to providing innovative healthcare solutions that improve the lives of its patients. The hospital's appointment ofnotch healthcare services.

UT Arlington Names New Men’s Basketball Coach

KT Turner, a former UT Arlington men’s basketball student-athlete, has been appointed as the 10th full-time head coach in program history, according to an announcement by the university last month. Turner brings nearly 20 years of experience in collegiate coaching, starting from Texas junior college and most recently as an assistant coach at the University of Kentucky, where he was hired to keep the Wildcats’ Texas recruiting.

Before joining Kentucky, Turner served as an associate head coach at Texas during the 2020-21 season and at Oklahoma during the 2021-22 season, according to a university press release. He previously coached seven years at SMU eventually being promoted to an associate head coach role. He was also an assistant coach for Wichita State in 2012-13, where he helped the Shockers post a 30-9 record and reach the Final

markets, introduced the Golden Ticket Awards to honor the ‘Best of Best’ in the amusement industry, and launched a full section dedicated to Safety, Maintenance & Operations to promote safety in the industry, which remains the only industry publication with this type of targeted news coverage.

Turner's coaching has helped Kenappearance. grew up in Manhattan, Kansas, and graduated from Manhattan High School. three children, according to the university announcement.

Turner replaces previous head coach in February after less than two years with the program.

Mark Caffey

Recognized by Marquis Who's Who

Becky Nussbaum-Gerro Receives Silver Eagle Award -

Choctaw Stadium Isn’t Finished Making New Memories for Fans

Last month I did something I had not done since September 29, 2019. I walked into one of my favorite stadiums of all time. Now called Choctaw Stadium, the loading dock area still smelled the same. It still looked the same. A couple of Rangers executives drove by to ask if I was walking down memory lane.

But then I walked through what was the grounds crew gate

“Coach Stoops runs it like any major college or pro team is run,” says Clarke, who played his college ball at West Virginia and played for the Bengals and Buccaneers in the NFL.

“It’s top tier and professional,” Clarke added. “We get in, get our work done, learn what we are supposed to learn and get out.”

And when they get out, they get out in Arlington. Lot’s of them. Remember while the Renegades are the only team that calls Arlington home, all eight XFL teams are based right

The sounds were different too. The crack of the bat and the pop of the ball hitting a glove has been replaced with “huthut” and the popping of pads. The Arlington Renegades call Choctaw home now.

“It’s a great stadium,” says Renegades’ head coach Bob Stoops. He loves the way the old ballpark has been transformed.

John Rhadigan

it’s a great place to play. It is perfect for what we’re doing,” Stoops said.

Will Clarke is a co-captain on defense who has played in the NFL. In fact he has played down the street at AT&T stadium but he likes the atmosphere here better.

“It’s a great place. It’s amazing everytime we walk out of the locker room and see all the stands and all the fans,” Clarke raved. The Renegades are doing what all times hope

Choctaw. For the players and coaches that process involves total focus on football.

“I love it because it is all football,” coach Stoops said. I don’t have to go to a compliance meeting. I don’t have to go to an academic meeting. We don’t have recruiting meetings. It’s all

The players live in close proximity to the stadium and close proximity to each other.

Clarke loves the centralized nature of the league, “It’s great,” he said. “You get to see so many of your friends. Especially guys you may know from other teams.”

So next time you see a large gathering of extremely large men in one of your favorite establishments, you will know it is most likely some of the 400 XFL players who spend the week here before traveling to their games on the weekend.

Stoops and the coaches have familiarized themselves with the Arlington recreation area too.

“You got everything around here. Texas Live is right across the street which has about twenty places to go and it’s 200 yards from our stadium. So it works out perfectly.”

Clarke is originally from Pittsburgh but says he enjoys what the Lone Star has to offer.

“Being down here in Texas, I love it a lot. I love being in the South and all the places to eat! We try them all out,” he says.

So if you haven’t done so yet, do yourself a favor and go to Choctaw for a Renegades game. If you haven’t been back you will probably have a nostalgic, memory lane moment. But then

and you will realize there are lots more memories to be made here.

Sports columnist John Rhadigan is an anchor for the Bally Sports Southwest television network.

Luv ya, Blue

Jamie Adams’ restored 60-year-old Chevy Short Bed Pickup brings memories from the 1960s

• By Richard Greene

Ed Note: We’re taking a drive down memory lane and re-running some of our best car columns from the past 10 years. This column was initially featured in our May 2018 issue. We hope you enjoy this trip as much as we have!

Jamie Adams is one of the region’s more successful real estate executives, has assisted their homes, is close friends with two members of

the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and manages

And that’s just the beginning of the multifaceted world that seems to be constantly swirling around

he rebuilt one just like this during his high school had some of my greatest memories in that truck,”

car or truck, Jamie wouldn’t let go of the longing old vehicles back to life, would spend two years

transformations throughout, except for the body that would remain true to Chevrolet’s pickup design that

That work took place where Jamie had grown up in Plainview, Texas, and it was completed just in time for him to drive it proudly to his high school class’ 30th reunion.

“I really enjoyed that weekend, running up and down Fifth Street and circling the Sonic Drive-In –just like we used to do when we were teenagers,” he said.

Besides the Rangers blue color – what else would it be? – it’s equipped with a small-block, 350-cubicinch engine with a Performance camshaft, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, a turbo 350 three-speed automatic transmission and a 373-rear end. For those not into mechanical features, think of it all combined to deliver power, speed and handling that is a considerable upgrade from the way this

and Jeremy, wanted to know why I had gotten the our destination being one of those Sonics. A cute

young girl brought us our order, she spent some time admiring and declared, ‘That’s a cool truck!’ I turned to the boys, and said, ‘there’s your answer.’” While he drives the truck frequently, it’s hard to

“In 1989, the Rangers signed Nolan Ryan,” he recalls, “and I helped him and Ruth get settled into a home, became friends with the family and started helping with their charitable foundation. I met Ivan ‘Pudge’ Rodriguez in 1992, helped him get settled in and started the Rodriguez Foundation in 1996 and managed it for him for 12 years.”

River Legacy Foundation during the foundation’s 1994 capital campaign to raise money for the nature center. He brought Rangers heroes of the day Benji Gill and Dean Palmer to the event, where they signed autographs and provided Rangers memorabilia to be auctioned.

It all began when he rebuilt one just like this during his high school junior year in 1978 in his auto mechanics class. “I had some of my greatest memories in that truck,” Jamie says. “I kept it for the next three years and sold it for $600 –and had wanted it back ever since.”

throughout the community. On the impressive list of the area’s better known athletes with whom Jamie developed lasting relationships are names like Yu Darvish, Dirk Nowitzki, Buddy Bell, DeMarcus Ware, Josh Hamilton, Donnie Nelson, Jason Kidd and Dez Bryant. Then you can add to that lineup team owners, managers, coaches, and many more. All of that grew out of the time he was working two jobs, one as a rodeo clown and the second selling cowboy boots. One of his customers, Rangers his real estate license and began introducing him to his teammates.

local collections of memorabilia, much of it one-ofon his walls, in showcases, and adorning furniture throughout.

which of his specialties deserves primary focus among all the choices. You could buy some real love.”

After concluding Jamie’s world is pretty impressive for a guy who was once a rodeo clown, here’s a suggestion: Do it all.

Eating (and Drinking) Local Has Never Tasted So Good

• By Andrew Plock

Continued on Page 54

Photo Credit: Hurtado Barbecue

Photo Credit: Hurtado Barbecue

-

ings is standard fare when it comes to Arlington. But if you drive around the city over the last few years, it’s hard to ignore the feeling that something more is cooking.

By way of example, consider the wild success that’s been Hurtado Barbecue, the always-packed spot just north of Downtown Arlington. Even country singer and Arlington-native Maren Morris recalled Hurtado’s origin story when she mentioned the barbeque joint from stage when she performed at the American Rodeo held in Globe Life Field last month.

What started as a pop-up -

mortar entity here in the Urban Union development area of Arlington. In no time it earned the eye of self-proclaimed “BBQ Snob” Daniel Vaughn and snagged a coveted spot on Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ. It followed that notoriety with another location in Fort Worth and now a permanent concession stand in the aforemen-

tioned Globe Life Field.

While owner Brandon Hurtado was born and raised in Irving, he said no other city really was on the table after having grown to love the city since going to school at UT Arlington and opening a market-

“Arlington has always been home. The whole reason why I opened there was because I went to college at UTA and I just had roots there,” he said. “I started my marketing agency in Arlington and felt like

PLOCK’S PICKS

Speaking of sharing that joy of food we love, here’s my own personal selection of musthave meals from Arlington institutions. Some are already well-known, some need to be known more, and all should be tried at least once.

there was kind of a need for a new craft barbecue restaurant much like what Heim was doing in Fort Worth. And that's what I wanted to bring to Arlington.”

That love and appreciation is a two-way street, given the growth Hurtado’s has experienced in the years since it’s opened.

“Today we have a partnership with the Texas Rangers and that's really special for us to go from pop-up barbecue concept, with no real expecta-

Pho Pasteur and meatball noodle soup) and

Mariano’s Hacienda Combo mesquite grilled fajitas and The Swirl margarita

4 Kahunas

The Kahuna Pearl Diver and any booze-sopping food item handed to me after

Signature cocktails at 4 Kahunas.

Photo credit: 4 Kahunas

Andrew Plock

tions of even having a restaurant, to having a permanent concession stand inside Globe Life Field is just incredible,” he said. “We're really grateful for the Arlington community.”

Remember when I said there’s something cooking in Arlington? Around the same time Hurtado was dipping its toes in the craft barbecue scene, another UT Arlington graduate was himself trying to identify a landing spot for a tiki bar he was conceptualizing. 4 Kahunas opened in 2018 by four co-founders Chris Powell, J.P. Hunter, Randy Shepherd, and Scott Smith–each represented in the tiki carvings adorned behind the bar.

The idea for the bar germinated with Hunter who was nearing retirement in Houston and was dreaming what he might want to do for his next adventure. A trip to a tiki bar in Las Vegas with Chris Powell stirred up nostalgic memories of his California childhood. With that idea in mind, it was a matter of identifying a location. For Hunter, familiarity

with Arlington from his college days was a big plus.

“I don't know what it is about where you go to college, sometimes it feels like that's just home to you always,” Hunter says.

“And truth be told there’s a little bit of a revenge factor, because when I was much younger in my college days, a lot of the weekends consisted of asking, ‘hey, are we gonna go to Dallas or Fort Worth for

our entertainment tonight?,’” he said. “Now that I’m a much older adult, I came back and was like, ‘you know what, I’ll build something that they can come to us for.”

The tiki bar has lived up to that lofty aspiration, with visitors not only coming from nearby cities but also as far-

But that’s what’s to love about Arlington: every corner

Continued on Page 56

David’s BBQ

Brisket and sausage sandwich and two cones of ice cream

Tandoor

Chicken tikka masala and garlic

naan

Hurtado Barbecue

Barbecue tostada with a Modelo

Garden State Deli

Chop cheese sandwich and a Coca-Cola

Gyros House

Gyro combo and a Dr Pepper

Red Claws

Nashville hot chicken sandwich, medium spice and a water

Tom’s Burgers

Chicken fried steak plate and a sweet tea

Fattoush

Lamb kebab with baba ghanouge and a hot tea

Dino’s No. 8, Italian club with The Works, a side of chips and lemonade

Kintaro Ramen

Tonkotsu ramen and a Sapporo

Mi Canton

Chicharron pupusas and a Salvadorian horchata

Ba Le

BBQ Pork Belly and a cappuccino

Brandon Hurtado and his family.

Photo credit: Hurtado Barbecue

of it has a long-standing, musttry establishment just waiting for you to discover it.

Even as some entities look to expand and grow, there’s a certain comfort that comes from a local place that you can only experience in one way. Some of the family-run and legacy restaurants here in Arlinton don’t need to be anywhere other than exactly where they are. It leaves patrons feeling catered to not just their palates, but also leaves them feeling nourished in a neighborly kind of way. Our favorite mealtime hubs can really help us feel rooted to a place.

For example, two of our greatest lunchtime sandwich

shops—Ba Le and Dino’s Sub—are barely three blocks away from one another and have been for years. It’s been a longtime battle to choose between these established purveyors of sandwiches on Pioneer Parkway.

On one hand you have Ba Le where you stroll up to the sandwich counter, unsuccessfully attempt to order just one spot-on bahn mi sandwich to go. Or you choose to sit for a spell with your sandwiches contemplate life in a new way through your veins.

Meanwhile at Dino’s, you go so often you feel comfortable

adding the ordering language to your skills at the bottom of your LinkedIn page. That coded, yet not-so-secret, ability to know to refer to the sandwich by its menu number—not its name—and how you want it topped. Don’t you dare tell that person your drink order, though. Take that to the end of the line, pal.

And to me, that’s the joy of eating locally. Two places, with their own approach and energy, but equally capable of satiating those hunger pangs. It all starts with giving a place a shot. The moment you walk in, it’s like becoming an insider overnight where you immediately earn the right to be able to pass a great meal along to someone so they can share that joy, too. It truly can only happen by taking a chance to support a local restaurant, in all shapes and forms they come in. Maybe

will someday evolve into a larger institution. Or perhaps you’ll be joining the rank and

who’ve been supporting their favorite establishment for 5, 10, 15 and 30+ years.

But ultimately, it doesn’t

a chance to dine at a restaurant in Arlington, it’s got the chance to be your place.

Photo credit: 4 Kahunas

Andrew Plock is a writer and comedian based in North Arlington. When the former UTA grad is not writing ad copy, producing various shoots or being a dad, live comedy with the DFW institution, Four Day Weekend.

Candlelite Inn

AMERICAN

Candlelite Inn • 1202 E. Division St. • 817-275-9613 • candleliteinnarlington.com

Dino's Subs • 2221 S. Collins St. • 817-274-1140

The Grease Monkey • 200 N. Mesquite St. • 817-665-5454 • greasemonkeyburgers.com

Tipsy Oak • 301 E. Front St. • 817-962-0304 • thetipsyoak.com

The Tin Cup • 1025 W. Abram St • 817-303-5518 • tincupdeli.com

ITALIAN/PIZZA

Café Sicilia • 7221 Matlock Rd. #3409 •817-419-2800 • Cafesicillia.com

Moni's Pasta & Pizza • 1730 W. Randol Mill Rd. • 817-860-6664

Italy Pasta Pizza & Subs • 2221 Browning Dr. • 817-276-3200

Old School Pizza Tavern • 603 W Abram St. • 682-310-6266 • oldschoolpizzatavern.com

Vietalia Kitchen • 1220 S Cooper St. • 817-460-1945 • vietaliakitchentx.com

BARBECUE

David's Barbecue • 2224 W. Park Row Drive, Suite H •817-261-9998

Hurtado Barbecue • 205 Front St. • 682-323-5141 • hurtadobbq.com

Jambo's BBQ • 1724 W. Division St. • 817-409-8707 • jambosbbq.com

Jambo's BBQ

Bodacious Bar-B-Q • 1206 E. Division St. • 817-860-4248 • bodaciousbarbq.com

Spring Creek Barbeque • 3608 S. Cooper St. • 817- 465-0553 • springcreekbarbeque.com

Italy Pasta Pizza & Subs

This Month's Keen Cusine

Arlington Mayor Jim Ross held the grand opening for his new restaurant concept in Choctaw Stadium March 3. Here are some photos of the Arlington residents who turned out for it!

3

SNAPSHOTS OF ARLINGTON/MANSFIELD/GRAND PRAIRIE AREA NEWSMAKERS

‘Hero’ Perfectly Suits Her

By Richard Greene

Almost six years ago, on the occasion of Mother’s Day, I used this space to write a tribute to my great friend Judy Rupay who moved from Michigan to Arlington in 1983 and had immediately immersed herself in service to the people of our great city.

After more than 30 years of achieving success in her business while, at the same time, developing an unpresented record of devotion to the missions of several of

many would have thought that was enough.

Instead, Judy started a new business dedicated to spreading the good news of our city and its people) and accelerated her role of leadership to the lasting missions and work of those charitable entities.

And that included a number of new ones who sought to add her to their board of directors because they knew they could count on her to make a difference in their roles of service to those in need.

Although she sought no recognition, all of that has not gone unnoticed as she was acknowledged with the highest honor of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Alliance who presented her with the “Hero Award” at last month’s Inspired Women Awards Ceremony.

of working with Judy, including her tenure on the city council when I served as mayor, could develop a bias for my opinion.

So, I’ll let some others comment as they did after my wife, Sylvia, posted a

congratulatory message on Facebook following the award ceremony:

“You bet we are proud! Such a deserving, beautiful, generous soul and I thank God every day to be able to call her my friend!” – Dalworthington Gardens Mayor Laurie Bianco

“Congratulations to Judy! Such a wonderful lady and most deserving!” –Beth Anne McGovern Woodard

“Judy is always the FIRST to step up and help each and every one of us! I am grateful for her friendship and for her tireless efforts to Make Arlington a better community of ALL of us. Congratulations, Judy! You are a DIFFERENCE maker! We’re so blessed by you in so many ways.” – Reba Blevens

“Judy has been a mentor and encourager to me. So deserving of the Hero Award! Congratulations!” – Former Arlington First Lady, Karen Williams.

“One of the very best! Talented, dedicated, brilliant and beautiful! Love Judy! Congratulations my friend.” –Jeanne Paull-Turner

“Congrats Judy! Well deserved … you set the bar high with all you are to making Arlington and each one of us the best! Thanks for being you. You deserve this!” – Karen Ellen Peters Anderson.

“She’s the bomb! So proud of her!” –Julie Ann Nicholson

“She’s such an inspiration and a great example of “Lift as You Climb” (the awards ceremony theme) – Christina Van Dorf

“Judy is such a blessing to our community.” – Becky McCullough

“Congratulations Judy! A welldeserved award. You are an anchor of Arlington.” – Leslie Whitley Friedman

“I am fortunate to call her my aunt. She has been inspiring me my whole life. So proud of you. Love you.” – Amy Lively Not to leave the impression that her community service and business acumen that really is her priority. As the mother twin great granddaughters, Judy and her husband of 54 years, Brad, enjoy a very full life aside from all the rest. But that’s just another way that Judy demonstrates a remarkable ability to do it all. And just maybe a message to the rest of us that there’s time enough to make a difference in the lives of others.

I’ll conclude by repeating a quote from someone who has known Judy her entire life–that would be her daughter Tricia

“Yeah, that’s my mom – always engaged in the life of this community and she’s never going to quit.”

Richard Greene was Arlington’s mayor from 1987-1997 and currently teaches in UT-Arlington’s graduate program of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs