25 YEARS OF TEXAS RANGERS RICHARD GREENE SCHOLARS ... PAGE 48
your community • your magazine
Today
April 2022
Congratulations to
Miss Cinderella 2021 Francesca Brown Daughter of Carla & Tom Brown
The 62nd Annual Cinderella Charity Ball presented by the Ladies’ Auxiliary will take place on April 16 at Esports Stadium & Expo Center (1200 Ballpark Way). Cocktails will be served at 6:30 p.m., followed by the ceremony at 7:15 p.m. As Arlington’s oldest continuing social charitable event, the Cinderella Ball raises money to support the Arlington branches of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County. The event has raised more than $13 million to date. Last year’s candidates raised $382,548, with Francesca Brown raising – $70,292 – to earn the title of Miss Cinderella 2021. He are the 2022 Miss Cinderella candidates... Here
Lauren Backman
Fort Worth Country Day -Junior
Ryley Chambers
Grace Preparatory Academy – Junior
Stella DeLoach
Arlington High School – Sophomore
Addison Gardner
Arlington High School -Sophomore
Claire Hall-Maxwell
Pantego Christian Academy – Sophomore
Elizabeth Kline
Emily Hill
Caroline Hodges
Emma Northcutt
Karmyn Pompa
The Oakridge School – Sophomore
Pantego Christian Academy – Sophomore
Pantego Christian Academy – Sophomore
Isa Reneau
Dylan Salisbury
Lamar High School – Sophomore
Maddie Spain
Pantego Christian Academy – Sophomore
Martin High School – Junior
Healey Walker
Lamar High School – Sophomore
Lamar High School – Sophomore
Yujung Jones Key School – Sophomore
Emily Porter
Martin High School – Junior
Grace Preparatory Academy – Sophomore
Ellerie Saxon
Sophie Shayman
Gabby Webb
Hadley Worsham
Arlington High School - Sophomore
Arlington High School – Sophomore
Martin High School – Junior
The Oakridge School -Junior
Contents April 2022 • Volume 9 • Issue 4
HIGHLIGHTS
ON THE COVER
This fall, the Arlington Independent School District is going “Full STEM Ahead” by introducing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) as part of the curriculum for four-yearolds in all Pre-K classrooms.
44 26 It’s Tee time in Arlington!
44 Well done (literally)
Korn Ferry Tour’s Veritex Bank Championship will return to the city from April 10-16
During a fateful vacation in 2010, an Arlington couple put in motion a ministry that contues to thrive
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DEPARTMENTS Starting Line 10
Itinerary 12 • This ‘n Data 14 Around Town 22 • Scene 24, 42, 62 Style 54 • Bulletin Board 68 NMOHM 70 • Speaking of Sports 72 Finish Line 74
28 Perveyors of innovation
46 Home SWEET! Home
A pair of UTA engineers have been elected as members of the National Academy of Inventors
This elegant abode features plenty outdoors as alluring as the interior
38 Check out this multidimensional rarity
60 A heart for singing
Ray Kinney owns a 1938 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet by D’leteren that is the only one of its kind
After growing up performing locally, Lauren Urso is sharing her musical gift globally 8
ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2022 • arlingtontoday.com
25 YEARS!
The Texas Rangers Richard Greene Scholars program is celebrating a quarter century of making dreams come true. Page 48
Starting Line your community • your magazine
CULINARY TALK
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s I ponder what to do in the next couple of months, what
showers (and all the Pilgrims that will follow shortly thereafter), I will ponder more seriously the answer to this question: Where should we go out to eat tonight? At least twice a week, that very query is at the heart of regular to devote more than four decades of her adult life to sharing a home with me. I jest not; the discussion almost invariable plays out thusly: Me (climbing into the car and buckling up): “Where should we go out to eat tonight?” Her: “I don’t care.” Me (slowly maneuvering the car toward the commercial realm of our neighborhood): “I’m guessing you do care but are just trying to be nice. Surely there’s something you’re craving this evening.” Her: “No, I really don’t care. You choose.” Me: “How about pizza?” Her: “We had a pizza party at school today honoring the teachers and school workers. I don’t want pizza again.” Me: “OK, how does Chinese sound?” Yale Her: “I’m not really in the mood Youngblood for Chinese.” Me: “We haven’t had tacos in a Editor while. You want tacos?” Her: “Not really.” Me: “Hamburger? Chicken? Barbecue? A deli sandwich?” Her: I really don’t care. Just drive where you want to go, and we’ll have a nice meal there.” (I stop at the stop sign near the major thoroughfare near our home and proceed to turn right.) Her: “Why are you turning right? All the good restaurants are to the left.” Me: “I thought you just said for me to choose.” Her: “I actually want a salad, and there are no places in this direction that have good salads.” Me: “Why didn’t you just say, ‘I want a salad’ when I asked where do you want to eat tonight?” Her: “I was just trying to be nice.” And now you know why we created this month’s special “Taste of the Town” section that begins on page 30 and that offers, for your dining (and discussion) pleasure, literally dozens of options. Some serve turkey, so even the Pilgrims will be pleased.
yale@arlingtontoday.com 10
ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2022 • arlingtontoday.com
Today
EXECUTIVE BOARD Executive Publisher Judy M. Rupay CEO Richard Greene EDITORIAL Editor Yale Youngblood Sports Columnist John Rhadigan Special Columnist Major General Patrick Brady Website & Social Media Manager Bailey Woodard Graphic Artist Francisco Cuevas Contributing Writer Kenneth Perkins Contributing Photographers Dwayne Lee, Heather Lee, Bruce Maxwell SALES / CIRCULATION Business Manager Bridget Dean Sales Managers Laura DiStefano, Andrea Proctor, Debbie Roach, Tricia Schwartz Distribution Manager Hanna Areksoussi PRODUCTION Production Manager Francisco Cuevas ARLINGTON TODAY is published monthly. Copyright 2022 Arlington Today, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means without permission of the publisher. The inclusion of advertising is considered a service to readers and is not an endorsement of products. Basic subscriptions are $33.95 for 12 issues. To subscribe, e-mail subscriptions@arlingtontoday.com.
Phone us at (817) 303-3304
ARLINGTON TODAY GIVES BACK
Arlington Today magazine proudly sponsors Alliance for Children, Arlington Charities, the Arlington Museum of Art, Arlington Urban Ministires, Back the Blue Bash, the Junior League of Arlington, Levitt Foundation and Theatre Arlington.
Events, etc.
DON’T MISS ...
Timeless Concerts Timeless Concerts will present
ITINERARY... ITINERARY...
“Spain to Latin America” at 8 p.m. on April 23 at the Rose Garden Tea Room (4720 S. Cooper St.). Tenor Sergio Cepeda and soprano Sabrina Romero-
LIVE THEATER Theatre Arlington is celebrating its much-anticipated renovation by presenting “Sister Act” through April 16. The feel-good
Wilson will perform songs of Latin America, and Zarzuela of Spain (Spanish traditional musical comedy). There will also be a duet from the opera “Zorro,” and pianist Heejung Kang, violinist LeeAnne Chenoweth, violist Tim Angel and cellist Oliver Schlaffer will perform the three-movement quartet of Joaquin Turina of
Show times: 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. on Sundays. theatrearlington.org
Spain (1890-1949), as well as works of Astor Piazzolla of Argentina (1921-1992), Manuel Ponce (1882-1948) of Mexico.
RANGERS BASEBALL Your Texas Rangers will have four home stands this month to help launch the 2022 season. They’ll host the Colorado Rockies on April 11-12, the Los Angeles Angels on April 14-17, the Houston Astros on April 25-28 Photo: mlb.com/rangers and the Atlanta Braves on April 29-May 1. With the addition of All-Star caliber players such as Marcus Semien, Corey Seager and Jon Gray, the Rangers should have a competitive – and funto-watch – ball club this season. mlb.com/rangers
As usual, a post-concert party will feature complimentary soft drinks, wine and snacks. timelessconcerts.com
Youth Art Month The Arlington Museum of Art (201 W. Main St.) hosts Youth Art Month through April 19. The AMA works collaboratively with the Arlington Independent School District to give students the opportunity to display their pieces in a variety of media.
PRO RUGBY Arlington’s newest professional sports team, the Dallas Jackals, will battle Austin Gilgronis in a Major League Rugby match at 8 p.m. on April Photo: Dallas Jackals 16 at Choctaw Stadium. The Jackals’ inaugural home game in drew the largest MLR crowd of 2022, and this month’s match-up promises to offer another exciting blend of the speed, strength and grit that marks the sport. dallasjackals.com 12
ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2022 • arlingtontoday.com
arlingtonmuseum.org
CIRCLE THE DATE The Levitt Pavilion will open the 2022 season at 8:30 p.m. on May 6 with a concert by Tejano Music legend – and multiple-time Levitt Pavilion performer – Gary Hobbs. levittpavilionarlington.org
This ‘n Data
Here’s an artist’s rendering of the new Fire Station No. 1, set to open next year in Downtown Arlington.
TSLF WILL CELEBRATE LOCAL TOURISM AT ITS MEETING ON MAY 4 he Travel & Sports Legacy Foundation “Celebrate Tourism” inaugural annual Meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on May 4 at the Arlington ISD Center for Visual & Performing Arts. TSLF will honor the Arlington ISD Dan Dipert CTC students, TCC students, and UT Arlington students who participated in the TSLF 40 Futures Initiative, the Milestones Mentoring Program, and the Industry Mentoring Program during the school year. The meeting will be held during the National Travel and Tourism Week, May 1-7. Adam Sacks, Founder and President of Tourism Economics, will serve as the keynote speaker to discuss the future of tourism and its impact on the Arlington’s sports, travel, and tourism industry. The National Travel and Tourism Week is an annual tradition for
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Image: City of Arlington
CITY WILL HAVE A BRAND NEW FIRE STATION NO. 1 NEXT YEAR
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he City of Arlington recently broke ground on a more modern,
two-story, 17,667-square-foot station will replace the previous Fire Station No. 1, which originally opened in 1954 and had gone through various remodels over the decades. The future facility, set to open next year, is designed to provide a approved funding to rebuild Fire Station No. 1, which was the City’s
people inside on watch all the time,” says City Council Representative Rebecca Boxall, whose District 5 includes Downtown. “That someone will represents stability, honor, service and all the best civic virtues. That’s cities, in places of civic pride, on the main street. Such is the case with Fire Station No 1. May it be a beacon for all decades to come.” apparatus bays that can hold more equipment, training areas and indoor and outdoor kennels for the Fire Department’s K9 Unit, a full kitchen and
a time when travel and tourism professionals across the country unite to celebrate the value travel holds for our economy, businesses, communities, and personal well-being. Ticket information is available at travelandsportslegacyfoundation.com.
station. The station will also include a public space for community events and meetings as well as a museum area where residents can learn about the Arlington Fire Department’s history and accomplishments and see
MAREN MORRIS RELEASES NEW ALBUM, ‘HUMBLE QUEST’ rlington native Maren Morris, a winner of multiple music awards for her singing and songwriting, last month released her third record-label album, “Humble Quest,” which features her newest single, “Circles Around This Town.” In a letter announcing the new releases,
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Morris said the new project is a journey to a better self. “What do you write about when the show can’t go on?” she says. “I think every songwriter in the world had a few months of that question at the beginning of the pandemic.” She noted that health crisis was a humbling experience for her.
ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2022 • arlingtontoday.com
This ‘n Data
DIGNITARIES BREAK GROUND ON NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR MUSEUM
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he National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation last month welcomed Medal of Honor recipients, national leaders, and supporters of the project to the groundbreaking ceremony for the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington. The one-of-a-kind museum in recognition of the Medal of Honor, the nation’s This rendering shows what the highest award for valor museum will look like upon completion. It is scheduled to in combat, will stand in open in 2024.
of the Medal of Honor and its 3,511 brave recipients, of whom only 66 are still living today. Image: dezeen.com The groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 25, the same day America observes National Medal of Honor Day. The event featured 16 Medal of Honor recipients who earned their Medals during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and
by Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey; performances by the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, the U.S. Army Band, and the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club; and remarks by multiple distinguished national leaders. Prior to the groundbreaking, the NMOHMF’s major partner American Airlines hosted a celebration on March 24 with leaders of many iconic companies and brands that are supporting the project. The evening also included a performance by Grammy Award winner Clint Black.
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SCOOPS 1. Executive Director Washima Huq of the Texas Trust Gives Foundation has received the Rising Star award from the Greater Arlington Chamber’s Women’s Alliance. Huq was recognized for her unwavering dedication to the mission of enhancing the city of Arlington and its surrounding communities through professional, volunteer, and charitable endeavors and civic engagement. 2. PlayGrand Adventures, Grand Prairie’s “destination” playground, is now open and features high-intensity climbing, swinging and spinning for the region’s youngsters. The playground’s 25-foot observation play tower provides visitors views of Grand Prairie’s EpicCentral and downtown Dallas. For more: playgrandadventures.com 3. The City of Mansfield has launched a website, mansfield2022.com, where residents can learn about the five bond propositions up for election. Visitors to the site can review the planned amenities of each bond proposition and learn about the potential tax impacts of the propositions.
RAISE YOUR HAND if you or a loved one ever shopped at Caton’s Dry Goods, on Center Street between Main and Abram. Keep it up if you also bought something at its adjunct, the Fluffy
#atpetofthemonth This good boy was rescued from the Arlington Animal Shelter nearly 12 years ago. He was a yappy biter, and deemed unadoptable by the shelter staff, all of whom were afraid of him, with good reason. But Little Truman Gatzke has been a stellar addition to our household. – Diane M. Gatzke
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MISD SUPERINTENDENT HONORED M
Superintendent Dr. Kimberley Cantu was given an award for exemplary service at the recent Texas Council of Women School Executives Dr. Cantu annual conference. Dr. Cantu was presented with the 2022 Bravo Award for exemplary practitioners, innovative programs, and initiatives that promote community and parental involvement.
ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2022 • arlingtontoday.com
This ‘n Data
UTA’s Terryn Milton launches a jump shot during the Lady Mavs’ 78-71 loss to Iowa State in the NCAA Tournament.
LOCAL ATTORNEYS HONORED FOR 50 YEARS OF PRACTICE
pair of Arlington attorneys, Kris L. Landrith and Donald K. Nix, were recently recognized by the Tarrant County Bar Association as the only lawyers in the city who had been practicing for the past 50 years.
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Kulesz, PC. After receiving a B.B.A. degree in 1969 from what is now the University of Texas at Arlington, he earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Baylor University School of Law in 1972 and began practicing locally
Photo: UTA
UTA WOMEN’S TEAM EARNS A TRIP TO THE NCAA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and maintains a fee attorney practice with Reunion Title Kris Landrith and other underwriters. When he began his legal career in Arlington he was the youngest lawyer in the city. In 1983, he cofounded the Arlington Margarita Ball in which has now inspired distribution of more than 38,000 toys to needy children at Christmastime. Landrith is married to Ellen Forman Landrith, a retired schoolteacher, and has three children, one Don Nix grandchild, and one more on the way. Nix, who has operated a solo practice in Arlington since 1982, also has Baylor roots, earning his B.A. degree there in 1969 before earning a J.D. degree in 1971. Immediately after graduating from
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in NCAA Women’s Tournament history to ever win a game, the UT Arlington Lady Mavericks gave No. 3 Iowa State all it could a narrow 78-71 decision inside Hilton Coliseum. UTA led for 27 minutes and had a threepoint lead with under six minutes to play before the Cyclones’ high-powered offense game, the Lady Mavs held the nation’s 2ndbest 3-point shooting team to just four makes from beyond the arc, but Iowa State made
now retired Tarrant county district court judges). In 1980, he joined
gutty, spirited and resilient effort from UTA. Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year Starr Jacobs led UTA with 19 points, while De’Sha Benjamin added 14 off the bench and Terryn Milton netted 11. The Lady Mavs also received nine points each from Shyia Smith and Claire Chastain, with Smith pulling down a team-best eight rebounds. With the defeat, the Sun Belt Conference tournament
years later. Nix is a past president of the Arlington Bar Association and a member of the Tarrant County Probate Bar Association. He also has been a member of the Tarrant County Family Bar Association, the Tarrant County Bar Association and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. He is a three-time President of Arlington Kiwanis Southwest. Nix has been married 52 years to Peggy Nix. The couple has two adult children, Stephen Page Nix and Erica Ann Nix, and two grandchildren, Riley Nix and Adam Nix.
Arlington By the numbers
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record. The Lady Mavs played in their third NCAA
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The number of zip codes by which mail is sorted and delivered in the City of Arlington.
The number of feet in height of the city’s tallest building, the Sheraton Arlington Hotel (for now, anyway).
The number of coaches on Texas Rangers Manager Chris Woodward’s staff (plus two bullpen catchers).
Source: city-data.com
Source:emporis.com
Source: mediaroom.arlington.org/trivia
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Around Town
MEET PRESTON NGUYEN, OUR CELEBRITY CHEF
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deliberation, partly because they don’t always line up with what one might call sensible terms. Preston Nguyen was a precocious junior at Martin
while students at Arlington ISD’s Career and Technical Center are expected to be senior-level before snagging internships, an exception was made for his boiling-over capabilities in architecture. Before long he was sitting behind a desk at an actual He liked architecture. Being nailed to a desk? Not so much. Apparently, Preston thrives on movement. Days are now spent at Dallas College El Centro, where he’s a student in the renowned Culinary, Pastry and Hospitality program with evenings reserved for current employer Dallas’ Mansion Restaurant. After that, he’s back home where he, his dad, Peter, and mother, Emma, converge on the kitchen of their Lake Arlington home to train for the World Food Championships’ Final Table, beginning April 30 in South Carolina. Kenneth They are in that hunt Perkins because Preston, at a place in the 2021 World Food Championships in the chef category (mom and dad
this longer than Preston has existed. It seems Preston made the right call in leaving that
Post-epiphany, Preston headed back to the CTC where he went all-out culinary, something that always lurked in his mind, thanks to a family food lineage. Preston’s internship shifted to Prince Lebanese Grill, on West Randol Mill, where he quickly established himself as a kind of culinary wunderkind. “He rocks,” gushes Aziz Kobty, Prince Lebanese Grill owner.
Preston Nguyen, who is just 18, will compete this month in the World Food Championships’ Final Table competition against renowned international chefs. Photo: AISD Communications
“He came into my place with a hunger to learn about not just food but the industry. “ Preston developed his skills at Prince, learning how to be good and fast. Says Kobty: “You should have seen him handle a 300-person lunch in a few hours.” Kobty knew he couldn’t keep wonderboy. “In my place, you can get to kitchen manager, that’s it,” Kobty says. “Unfortunately, he can’t replace me – not yet, anyway. He had to move on.” He did, to the Mansion, the plush restaurant in Turtle Creek, where he spends 50 to 60 hours a week developing more resonate skills. More on that lineage: His father watched his own parents run a cafeteria-style Mexican restaurant in Fort Worth. Emma Nguyen was a culinary student when she met her husband, who took a class at El Centro just to drive her home after night classes. (Nice and romantic). Peter Nguyen was in the midst of transferring from the University of Texas-Dallas to the University of North Texas where he would eventually attend law school. Emma Nguyen completed her degree at the Culinary School of Fort Worth. “Ever since I was in my early 20s we would have the holidays at our house,” Peter Nguyen says. “We cooked, and Preston was always relatively involved, even as a little kid.” Sometimes he’d do. Sometimes just watch. “Still to this day they have their little debate [over] which turkey method is best for cooking for the holidays,” Preston says. “I just loved watching and seeing how many different ways there are to cook different things. It helps you be creative. Usually I look at something that is by the books and ask, how can I incorporate this into my style of cooking?” While law is still Peter Nguyen’s main gig, he has returned to culinary school with his son, and like him, puts in about 30 hours a week at a Dallas restaurant. Surely a Nguyen family restaurant isn’t far off. For Preston, he’s found his calling. is a lot of hard work, but it pays off to see people have a really good time through food,” Preston says. “For me, it’s also a constant adrenaline rush.”
Kenneth Perkins has been a contributing writer for Arlington Today since it debuted. He is a freelance writer, editor and photographer.
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Prince Lebanese Grill has been family owned and operated since 1989. Here at Prince we preach family, community, and hospitality. Our food and friendly service is how we show customers our hospitality. We pour our hearts into everything from our crispy light falafels to our spicy shawarma plates. We don’t need fancy decorations or a white tablecloth for a candle lit dinner, at Prince our food speaks for itself. Francis Kobty aka “The Prince” came to the United States in 1979. After years of being dubbed ”the world’s pickiest eater”, he decided to open up his own shop. The concept of Prince was born with the philosophy of using the freshest, high quality ingredients. Our portions are as big as our Texas spirit, In 2007, Prince moved to an old converted Sonic, changed up the menu to ad some of his mom’s secret recipes and the legend was born. The cuisine even attracted the likes of Flavor Town Mayor Guy Fieri, who featured Prince’s famous rice recipe on his cooking show, Guy Big Bite. Prince was also featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on Food Network and hasn’t looked back since.
est. 1989
Hours: 11am - 9pm daily
BYOB
502 W. Randol Mill Road (1/2 mile from AT&T Stadium)
ARLINGTON, TX 76011 817-469-1811
www.princelebanesegrill.com
Prince also won three awards at Taste of Arlington, including “Best Entrée” and “Best Restaurant”. This recognition has allowed us to expose even more people to the delicious freshness that is Prince Lebanese Grill. So if you are in the area come on by, and have a great meal, good conversation and join the family, we would love to have you.
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Scene
SNAPSHOTS OF ARLINGTON/MANSFIELD/GRAND PRAIRIE AREA NEWSMAKERS
Women’s Alliance Inspired Women Luncheon
Here are some snapshots from the 11th Annual Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce Women’s Alliance Inspired Women Luncheon and Award Ceremony. Photos courtesy of Sherry Jackson
Here are more scenes from the Inspired Women event, held at Live! by Loews-Arlington.
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Professional Golf
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he Korn Ferry Tour, which has paved the way to the PGA Tour for many professional golfers, returns to Arlington from April 10-16 when the second Veritex Bank Championship will be
the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County and The Folded Flag Foundation. The tournament will feature 156 touring pros, who will compete in the Korn Ferry Tour’s only stop in Texas.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County is the largest Boys & Girls Club in the state of Texas. The Clubs provide services and special programs to more than 36,000 youth a year, with ages the community, a low-cost or free resource for all, and a safe and welcoming environment for children and teens. As part of the partnership, the Veritex Bank Championship Junior Clinic presented by Dallas Golf Tour professionals will provide a demo and lead the clinic instruction, while juniors have a chance to chip, putt, and hit balls on the range. In addition, the BGCGTC Mobile Clubhouse will be on-site Wednesday- Saturday of the tournament and All spectators are encouraged to visit the Clubhouse to learn more. The tourney will also support The Folded Fag Foundation for a second consecutive year. The organization provides educational scholarships and support grants to the spouses and children of the U.S. military and government personnel who died because of hostile action or in an accident related to U.S. combat operations. and their families (spouse and children under 18) can attend the championship at no cost from April 13-16. The Veritex Bank Championship will recognize the brave men and women who protect our freedom and keep our communities safe during ceremonies on Saturday, April 16 as part of Military & First Responder Appreciation Day. Veritex Community Bank is the title sponsor of
Tyson Alexander will return to Arlington this month to try to repeat his 2021 victory at the Veritex Bank Championship golf tournament at Texas Rangers Golf Club.
IT’S TEE TIME!
Korn Ferry Tour’s Veritex Bank Championship 10-16
agreement with the PGA TOUR and the City of will return to Arlington from April Arlington. The Dallas-based community bank specializes in business banking, commercial loans, small business lending, treasury management, and mortgages. Through its unique partnership with the PGA TOUR, Veritex is committed to supporting its local community through the game of golf. tournament website, veritexbankchampionship.com. Fans can follow tournament news on social media via Instagram (instagram.com/vbchampionship), Twitter (twitter.com/vbchampionship) and Facebook (facebook.com/VBChampionship). 26
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UTA Today
PERVEYORS OF
INNOVATION
Dr. Yi Hong
A pair of UTA engineers have been elected as members of the prestigious National Academy of Inventors • By Linsey Retcofsky
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Additionally, UTA
he National Academy of Inventors (NAI) has elected two engineers from The University of Texas at Arlington, Yi Hong and Muthu Wijesundara, as senior members of the organization. NAI senior members are active faculty, scientists and administrators who have demonstrated remarkable innovation by producing technologies
distinction separate from that of senior is the most of any university in Texas. Hong has dedicated his career to developing biomaterials for cardiovascular disease treatment and health care for women and children.
impact the welfare of society. Hong is an associate professor of bioengineering, and Wijesundara is a principal research scientist and head of the Biomedical Technologies Division at the University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute (UTARI). “UTA researchers are dedicated to the discovery of groundbreaking technologies that will improve the human condition,” Interim Vice President for Research James Grover says. “For Drs. Hong and Wijesundara, innovation is a calling to help people live better lives. This recognition is well-deserved.” The newly elected faculty brings UTA’s total number of NAI senior members to 11. Jon Weidanz, associate vice president for research, was elected to the inaugural class of senior
the American Heart Association for his outstanding contributions in science, medicine and leadership in heart health. His research focuses on advancing functional and bioactive biodegradable materials for tissue repair and regeneration, drug delivery and bio-imaging applications. Hong has been the primary investigator on research grants totaling more than $3 million since beginning his career, including American Heart Association, National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health grants to develop bioactive and biofunctional materials for heart attack, blood vessel replacement and pelvic organ prolapse. Hong holds
journal articles. Wijesundara is an expert in biomedical technologies for wound healing, preventive care
faculty members were named senior members in the spring and summer
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Dr. Muthu Wijesundara
and robotic-assisted rehabilitation. Intellectual properties developed by UTARI’s biomedical research team and collaborators have led to the development of medical products that are at early-stage trials. Team members from UTARI and the University of Washington pioneered dressing for treatment after hand trauma that enables better and faster healing. Wijesundara’s team has also partnered with the University of Pittsburgh to develop a smart seat cushion to reduce ulcer prevalence with UT Southwestern on creating an active insole technology for diabetic foot lesion prevention aims to reduce diabetes-related amputations. A soft robotic glove, the Rehab Glove developed by the UTARI Team is being explored with virtual reality, in collaboration with Neuro Rehab VR LLC, to provide hand rehabilitation and sustain continuum care for people with hand impairments due to stroke or other neurological conditions.
Wine + Bites + $100 GL Gift Card Giveaway
817-277-3131 arlingtontoday.com • April 2022 • ARLINGTON TODAY
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Taste of the Town
Restaurant506
at the Sanford House
LOCATION: 506 N. Center St. PHONE NUMBER: 817-801-5541 WEBSITE: thesanfordhouse.com/restaurant506 WHY YOU SHOULD EAT HERE: Restaurant506, located in the renowned The Sanford House, combines classic cooking methods with fresh ingredients to create delicious tasting food that is artfully presented. Meanwhile, Restaurant506’s attentive team of servers strive to make your experience at the restaurant as ideal as possible, every time you visit. HOURS: Lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday-Friday; Dinner 5-9 p.m. on Wednesday-Saturday; Brunch Service 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. ONE MORE THING: Restaurant506 won national recognition in 2017 as one of the top 100 brunches in the
Mercury Chophouse LOCATION: 2221 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 910 PHONE NUMBER: 817-381-1157 WEBSITE: mercurychophouse.com WHY YOU SHOULD EAT HERE: Mercury Chophouse
experience for lunch, dinner or private gatherings of all sizes. Located atop the
Brunch in the Star-Telegram’s Readers’ Choice poll.
tower, the elegant eatery provides a breathtaking, panoramic view of Arlington’s Entertainment District. HOURS: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Friday; 4-10 p.m. on Saturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. ONE MORE THING: The Mercury Chophouse menu offers something for everyone, from mouth-watering starts to unique entries – and the staff updates the menu regularly.
Candlelite Inn
No Frills Grill & Sports Bar
LOCATION: 1202 E. Division St. PHONE NUMBER: 817-275-9613 WEBSITE: candleliteinnarlington.com WHY YOU SHOULD EAT HERE: The Candlelite Inn restaurant is a part of Arlington history. Established
LOCATIONS: 4914 Little Road in Arlington; 2851 Matlock
restaurant in the city to offer pizza. When the eatery was in the small rock building next to the existing structure all it served was tacos, pizza, beer, and soft drinks. Now the menu runs the gamut, from Bruschetta and fried jalapenos to grilled shrimp and spicy chicken Alfredo. HOURS: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. on MondayThursday; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. on Friday; 11 a.m.9 p.m. on Saturday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday. ONE MORE THING: When the restaurant re-opened in 2014 it kept the same look of the original, with the red and white checkered tablecloths and candles (now LED). 30
Suite 1200 in Fort Worth; 2846 South Fwy. in Burleson. WEBSITE: nofrillsgrill.com WHY YOU SHOULD EAT HERE: Aside from the fact that a No Frills Grill is probably just around the corner, regardless of the corner on which you live, you’ll HD TVs and 35 Satellites at every location. It’s a great place to bring your team after the game because the dining room was designed with large parties in mind. Each location provides a comfortable atmosphere for families with inexpensive kids’ meals and spacious game rooms. Oh yeah ... the food is delish. ONE MORE THING: With American Pub food to Tex–Mex and many Seafood entrees on the menu, you can always discover something new to eat at No Frills Grill.
ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2022 • arlingtontoday.com
Piccolo Mondo
Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery
LOCATION: 829 E. Lamar Blvd. PHONE NUMBER: 817-265-9174 WEBSITE: piccolomondo.com WHY YOU SHOULD EAT HERE: When Antonio Capaccioli, of Siena, Italy, established Piccolo Mondo in 1983, his
LOCATION: 201 N. East St. PHONE NUMBER: 817-903-8661 WEBSITE: sugarbeesweets.com WHY YOU SHOULD EAT HERE: Sugar Bee Sweets cupcakes in its showcase, along with cookies, pastries for breakfast (or coffee breaks), cake and pie by the slice, and a
taste of his homeland to the Metroplex. He can put a check in that box, for sure. The menu features specialty dishes daily and a vast array of classic favorites, from Spaghetti Bolognese to Osso Bucco Milanese and Lobster Isabella, as well as fresh seafood and prime beef options. HOURS: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:30-9 p.m. on MondayThursday; 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:30-10 p.m. on Friday; 5:30-10 p.m. on Saturday; 5-9 p.m. on Sunday. ONE MORE THING: Piccolo Mondo offers live entertainment every Wednesday through Saturday beginning at 7 p.m. in the piano bar.
The popular pre-work/premeeting spot also offers drip coffee and espresso for all your favorite fancy latte creations, in addition to cold and hot teas. HOURS: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Tuesday-Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. ONE MORE THING: Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery’s sister operation, The Hive, is open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday-Saturday, serving some of the better sandwiches in town, as well as soups and salads.
Prince Lebanese Grill
J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill
LOCATION: 502 W. Randol Mill Road PHONE NUMBER: 817-469-1811 WEBSITE: princelebanesegrill.com WHY YOU SHOULD EAT HERE: Prince Lebanese Grill has been family owned and operated since 1989. Named for its founder, the late Francis “The Prince” Kobty, the vastly popular eatery is known for its scrumptious Lebanese cuisine and virtually unmatched hospitality. The staff pours its heart into everything from the crispy light falafels to its spicy shawarma plates, always using the freshest, high-quality ingredients. HOURS: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. ONE MORE THING: The cuisine has earned the blessing of Flavor Town Mayor Guy Fieri, who featured Prince’s famous rice recipe on his cooking show, “Guy’s Big Bite.” Prince was also featured on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” on the Food Network.
LOCATION: 407 E. South St. PHONE NUMBER: 817-274-8561 WEBSITE: jgilligans.com WHY YOU SHOULD EAT HERE: Pretty much every visitor to Arlington is urged to check out J. Gilligan’s, an Arlington culinary and entertainment treasure that has anchored the downtown area for years. Though it’s best known for its Irish nachos, J. Gilligan’s has plenty of other delicacies to tease the taste buds, from burgers and sandwiches to the 10-ounce, hand-cut ribeye steak. HOURS: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday-Sunday. ONE MORE THING: After taking a hiatus during the pandemic, live music is back in the J. Gilligan’s Draft House, which means the weekends are usually rocking
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Contact us for your catering needs!
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The Candlelite Inn restaurant is a part of history in Arlington, Texas. Established in 1957 it was the first restaurant to offer pizza in Arlington. When the restaurant was in the small rock building next to the existing structure all they served was tacos, pizza, beer, and soft drinks.
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Even More Keen Cuisine ... UPSCALE Chamas do Brazil • 4606 S. Cooper St. • 817-618-2986 • chamasdobrazil2.tru-m.com Cut & Bourbon • 1600 E. Randol Mill • 682-277-4950 • loewshotels.com/live-by-loews-arlington-texas
AMERICAN Dino’s Subs • 2221 S. Collins St. • 817-274-1140 frieddaze • 5005 S. Cooper St., Suite 159 • 817-472-6666 • frieddaze.com The Grease Monkey • 200 N. Mesquite St. • 817-665-5454 • greasemonkeyburgers.com
MEXICAN / TEX-MEX Cartel Taco Bar • 506 E. Division St., Suite 150 • 817-200-6364 • carteltacobar.com El Arroyo • 5024 S. Cooper St. • 817-468-2557 • elarroyoarlington.com El Gabacho Tex-Mex Grill • 2408 W. Abram St. • 817-276-8160 • facebook.com/elgabachotexmex Cut & Bourbon
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop • 510 E. Abram St. • 817-265-8226 • 4201 W. Green Oaks Blvd. • 817-516-8226 La Isla Restaurant • 2201 E. Pioneer Pkwy. • 817-459-1498 • laislarestauranttx.com
INTERNATIONAL R'Haan Thai Cuisine • 2500 N.E. Green Oaks Blvd. • 817-795-9188 • facebook.com/rhaanthaicuisine
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Behind the Wheels
A MULTIDIMENSIONAL RARITY • By Richard Greene
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lassic car collectors celebrate the opportunity to own a very rare vehicle. Not only does scarcity
sets them aside in a world where competition for having something truly special permeates the hobby. The one we are celebrating this month goes appreciably beyond just the fact that it is the only one of its kind ever made.
by D’leteren to Ray Kinney’s all-classics collection is that it has three seats. There are a great many two-seaters to be found, but an arrangement where someone can sit sideways behind the driver and a passenger in the front, is, indeed, quite uncommon in its era. This one, however, was the only one made by Brussels-based D’leteren, whose company
somewhat stretched in proportions making it low and sleek conveying an elegant character through its beautifully sculpted singularity. “Monsieur Baggage enjoyed using the extraordinary Bugatti compelled him to hide it.” The exact history of the car over the following 10 years is lost in the fog of war. But the car passed through the hands Parisian magnates, famed Fauvist painter Andre Derain and other collectors before being acquired by an American owner
Ray Kinney stands with his 1938 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet by D’leteren. It is the only one of its kind ever made.
possession for 35 years. It later fell into the hands of others. Specialists with renowned auctioneer Sotheby’s
describe its recent history thusly:
Netherlands. The vehicle’s provenance recorded in an abundance of comprehensive documentation, including factory build sheets, describes its origins:
collector based in Florida. He submitted the car to the renowned restorer Scott Sargent for a survey (and possible rebuilding). “Though the consignor was initially inclined to conduct a
on behalf of a customer named Baggage who was particularly
retained numerous original components and details, such >>>
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things anyone sees in the recent addition of this 1938 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet by D’leteren to Ray Kinney’s all-classics collection is that it has three seats, including one in the back that is placed sideways. Of course, further inspection reveals a number of other remarkable qualities that make this vehicle a classic.
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This unique automobile has been presented and awarded at major automotive Concours d’Elegance events at Pebble Beach, Retromobile, Techno Classica, Villa d’Este, Audrain Newport and Amelia Island.
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TA C LA 9 72 3 5E
Keeping DFW Comfortable All Year with Reliable Heating and Cooling Services
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Scene
SNAPSHOTS OF ARLINGTON/MANSFIELD/GRAND PRAIRIE AREA NEWSMAKERS
Photos courtesy of Amanda Kowalski
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• Full Body Workout • Core Strength Fitness • Mind and Body Connection • Low Impact Work • Muscular Balance • Group Classes and Private Sessions
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Local Heroes
WELL DONE
This well tower in Kenya is the fruit of efforts by Sandy Mulcahy and her late husband Bud, whose benevolence has spawned eight more wells in the country, with one more in the works.
During a fateful vacation in 2010, an Arlington couple put in motion a ministry that continues to thrive
T
she
Thanks to the altruism of Bud and Sandy Mulcahy – and, Sandy adds, the providence of God – more than a half dozen Kenyan villages now have running wells supplying life-sustaining water.
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Local Dwellings
HOME This elegant abode features plenty of amenities, and outdoors as alluring as its interior
HOME
T
817-654-8405 46
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Milestones
Texas Rangers Richard Greene Scholars program celebrates a quarter century of making dreams come true The Class of 1998 with program founder Tom Schieffer
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The Class of 2012
The Class of 2013
The Class of 2000
The Class of 2014
The Class of 2005
The Class of 2015 The Class of 2008
The Class of 2016 The Class of 2010
The Class of 2011
The Class of 2017
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Todd Gonzales, Corporate Manager: “The program allowed me to attend a college I didn’t expect and attain a career that is better than I ever dreamed of and gave me the skill set to lead a life of happiness I never thought possible.”
The Class of 2018
Fire Chief Matt Baldys: “I directly credit the program for leading me to a career in which I honestly look forward to going to work every day. My job is incredibly challenging, surprisingly fun, and most of all, truly satisfying.”
Family Physician Dr. Eseosa Eguae (pictured with Diane Brewer): “As I reflect on all the people that helped me, I feel deeply connected to this program because of Sylvia Greene’s efforts to reach out to us through online updates and in-person reunions. The program is so much more than a scholarship, it is a lifelong investment.” Pediatrician and Researcher Dr. Kristin Kan: “The program was a seminal experience in sparking my interest in communities and societal systems.”
Accountant Greg Barbosa: “It strengthened my leadership skills and provided a great foundation for my career interests in business, and I know that what I learned from the program will continually guide me to my greatest career potential.”
The Class of 2019
The Class of 2020
The Class of 2021 with Rangers President of Business Operations Neil Leibman
Lockheed Martin Engineer Gustavo Robles, PhD: “I know that I am on the right path to make a difference in my community, my nation and hopefully the world. I can honestly say that I have done all this thanks to the guidance of Mr. and Mrs. Greene, the leadership rotation internships, and service to others.”
NYC Financier Jordan Flowers (with wife Amy): “I was immersed into my hometown community working directly with community leaders to complete projects throughout the rotations. With the leadership skills learned and the importance of community service instilled here, no challenge seemed too big to conquer and no community too small to care for.”
Clear Creek ISD Director of Bands Bennett Parsons: to teach public school through my internship with the Arlington Independent School District. In the years after the program, I have been recognized for my leadership and was
Richard Greene and Neil Leibman display the Major League Baseball Commissioner’s Award for community philanthropy that was presented to the scholarship project in 2018.
Attorney Camesha Little: “I would not have the expansive vision for my career, the ability to gain and access strong networks, and most importantly, a stronger personal belief in myself about the possibilities of my future success.”
Attorney Katherine Gnadinger: “It gave me the opportunity to interact with businesses and civic leaders far earlier than many of my peers and empowered me to take on leadership roles both in my school and community.”
Optometrist Dr. Huy Tran: “To this day, the program has enriched my life with the numerous opportunities for personal development and life-changing experiences. It has played a major role in shaping me to be the person I am today.”
“For 25 years, the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation has been incredibly proud to fund the educational dreams of the Richard Greene Scholars. From interview to graduation, we walk alongside the Greenes and the Scholars and have seen them rise to the highest of successes. We are so thankful for the commitment that AISD, the Greenes and the greater Arlington community has shown to this award-winning program. We look forward to supporting Richard Greene Scholars for years to come.”
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Former Mayor Jeff Williams, a member of the selection committee, joins the scholars for a session at the Career and Technical Center.
Dedicated classroom teacher Alyce Monroe during a Zoom session with the 2020 scholars and Superintendent Cavazos during the Covid pandemic.
Time spent by the 2011 class with the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park learning about the management of a Major League Baseball Team.
AISD Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos joins the scholars for a session at the Career and Technical Center.
Dr. Priscilla LaCroix joins a new class of scholars to share her experience with the program and how it helped to shape her future as a physician.
Gary Guadagnolo, PhD Research Director of the Education Advisory Board in the nation’s capital, meeting the class of 2013 describing the impact of the program on his career.
Mayor Jim Ross hosts the scholars at his Mercury Chophouse with views of the Entertainment District.
Former Congressman Ron Wright meets with the 2018 scholars to discuss his role as the community’s senior representative in the U. S. Congress.
Scholars meet with County Commissioner Devan Allan to explore the work of Tarrant County.
Mayor Jim Ross meets with the scholars at the Career and Tech Center in a discussion of the
Service at Mission Arlington highlighted by a visit with its founder Tillie Burgin.
A rotation through the work of the River Legacy Foundation at the Living Science Center.
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Lt. Commander Pilot Kris Hawbaker, RGScholar 2003, following his retirement from the U. S. Navy, has become a member of the selection committee and mentor for new scholars.
ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2022 • arlingtontoday.com
Throughout the 25-year history of the program UTA Professor Dr. Allan Saxe and former Mayor Richard Greene delivered lecture series in history and leadership.
The Class of 2009
The Class of 2012
The Class of 2017
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Visit our website for more info and purchase tickets/sponsorships www.dentalhealtharlington.org 52
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The Business Beat
MORE
Brumbaugh’s Fine Home Furnishings is one of North Texas’ greater business success stories
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At the heart of Brumbaugh’s Fine Home Furnishings is a family that established the business on principles that always make customer service Priority No. 1.
Cowboys & Indians
Garden & Gun brumbaughs.com 56
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Music Maker
A
FOR SINGING
After growing up performing locally, Lauren Urso is sharing her musical gift globally, thanks to a new virtual studio
L Lauren Urso has enjoyed a storied career as a singer. Now she is helping others realize their dreams through her vocal studio, Your Authentic Voice.
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Scene
SNAPSHOTS OF ARLINGTON/MANSFIELD/GRAND PRAIRIE AREA NEWSMAKERS
Photo: Southern Flair Photography
Photo: City of Grand Prairie
Photos courtesy of Molly Horn
Photo courtesy of Deborah Hawkins
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Mainly Mansfield
HANDS-ON LEARNING Video gamers are toggling their way to college scholarships
O
Independent School District’s Ben Barber Innovation Academy not only encourges students to interact with each other while engaging in their passion – it is helping a number of students earn valuable scholarships to college.
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The The Ben && Mary Ben Mary Doskocil Family Doskocil Family Foundation Foundation
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Bulletin Board
last month presented the Community Health Hero Award to Time Magazine’s “Kid of the Year,” Orion Jean, race to kindness and collected and donated more than 500,000 books for children in need across the United States. He also gathered 100,000 meals to feed the hungry. Orion, who has received numerous other honors, also authored a book on leadership to serve as a guide on how others can make a difference in society Juan Fresquez, Jr., and and their community. He was Laura Sweatt present Orion also instrumental in collecting Jean with the Methodist toys for children in the hospital. Community Health Hero award. His kindness crusade has helped people in need and inspired others to join him. His motto is, “If you see something you really want to change, you can make that change happen.” Hero Award to Orion Jean for his exemplary efforts to improve the health of our champion for kindness and makes the world a kinder place.”
website at
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the United States to integrate on-demand, autonomous vehicles into an existing public transportation service, has provided more
university students, and visitors around Downtown and The University of Texas at Arlington campus. The innovative autonomous vehicle pilot program will expand service later this year. Arlington RAPID’s vehicles, including the wheelchair-accessible vehicle, will continue to be available to riders through the Via app or by calling Via’s customer service Hours are noon
to tap the local camping scene, you should check out Loyd and glamping yurts for rent – all just a rock skip from Joe Pool Lake. There’s also an on-site beach with sand volleyball and
through Friday. The RAPID service area is currently bounded by Division Street to the north, Mary Street to the east, Mitchell Street to the south, and Davis Drive to the west, covering Downtown streets.
For more:
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Prince Lebanese Grill restaurateur and ACVB Board Member, recently announced the establishment of the Francis Kobty Hospitality Scholarship in memory of Francis “The Prince” partnership with the Travel & Sports Legacy Foundation and the Tarrant County College Foundation, the Kobty Family will award one scholarship annually to a student enrolled in the The Culinary Arts scholarship was established in honor of “The Prince’s” legacy and will be awarded annually to homegrown talent from Arlington Independent School District to help a student reach his/her goals at Tarrant County College. The scholarship cover tuition, books, and support mentor to the scholarship recipient. The scholarship will be awarded in August, and it will be matched the second year by the Tarrant County College Foundation. For more:
awarded six grants of $200 each to AISD employees who wanted to enrich their classroom or extracurricular activities. The ARSEA Executive Board reviewed the 21 proposals received before selecting the winners. Several members of the ARSEA Executive Board, including Leticia Graham, President; Patti Belknap, President Elect; Jo McGovern, 2nd Vice President; and Jo Kelley, Secretary, traveled to each school to surprise the grant recipients, including: • Nurse at Fitzgerald Elementary. The funds will be used to replace items for students who have toileting accidents without having to wait for parents, thus losing class time. • Counselor at Goodman Elementary. The funds will be used to develop a library for suicide prevention and leadership skills available for students and staff. • Academic Student Support Interventionalist at West Elementary. The funds will be used to buy phonics
will be held from 10
This family friendly, festival-style event was created to put the fun in environmental
educational and vendor booths, a plant sale and a children’s section. For more:
hands on phonics. • seventh grade Math at Young Junior High School. The funds will be used to buy headphones for utilizing technology instructional videos. • third grade Social Studies at Ditto Elementary. At a proposed “The Caring Kidtrepreneur Fair” the money will purchase supplies for the students’ businesses. • Assistant Principal at Wimbish WLA. The funds will be used to buy materials for Cotillion enrichment club to help learn etiquette when dining and communicating with others.
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National Medal of Honor Museum Melvin Morris served valiantly in Vietnam, but it was more than 30 years after he retired from military service that he was presented the National Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama. Photos: U.S. Army
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embers of the U.S. Army Special Forces have long served our nation, often in combat under extreme adversity. Dozens have received the Medal of Honor for service above and beyond the call of duty. One outstanding Special Forces Medal of Honor recipient, Melvin Morris, was also a pioneer, becoming
Oklahoma, Morris was one of eight children. As a young man he enjoyed sports and outdoor activities such as graduated from high school, Morris joined the Oklahoma National Guard and then transferred to the U.S. Army. “Being in the military,” he later remembered, “was and Airborne training, Morris learned about the formation of the “Green Beret” Special Forces Group and was fascinated by the challenges that it offered. Though small in stature and weighing under 120 pounds, Edward G. Morris excelled in Lengel training, and became
Rising to the rank of staff sergeant, Morris entered his
Battalion of the IV Mobile Strike Force entering action near Chi Lang in the Republic of Vietnam. During the engagement, Morris learned that one of his fellow team leaders had been killed in action near an enemy bunker. He advanced with two other men to retrieve the body and a top-secret map that they could not permit the enemy to recover. As the three Americans approached, however, an
Morris’s men. He helped them to safety, and told them to on his own. As Morris approached the body, he was once again have to neutralize the enemy positions, Morris singlehandedly destroyed four bunkers with hand grenades. He then reached the body and, driving back attacking enemy soldiers, attempted to return with it to his lines. In the process, Morris was seriously wounded three times. He nevertheless succeeded in bringing the body — and the map — to safety before he was medically evacuated. Morris returned to Vietnam for a second tour of duty not long after this action, for which he received the retired from military service and focused on raising his three children. After three years of civilian life, however, Morris opted to return to military service, eventually rising to the rank of
phone call from a representative of the U.S. Army, who told him to expect another phone call from somebody holding a high position in the government. When the phone call came, the man on the other end of the line was none other than the President of the United States, Barack Obama. Morris fell to his knees when he learned from the president that he would be receiving the Medal of Honor. “The government said it was because of racial discrimination that I didn’t receive the Medal of Honor earlier,” Morris recalled, “but I didn’t ever question it; I was Morris received the Medal of Honor at the White House can’t describe,” he said. “But I told myself that now, I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me because I have a message to share. Young children need to know that people are out there putting their lives on the line for them every day.”
Edward G. Lengel, Ph.D., is the Chief Historian of the National Medal of Honor Museum.
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4th Annual
Featuring Arlington’s Next Generation of Chefs BRANDON HURTADO Hurtado BBQ
AZIZ KOBTY ELIZABETH KOBTY
April 21, 2022
Prince Lebanese Grill
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
MAURICE AHERN
SCOTT MURRAY
Gold Ribbon Confections Grounds and Gold
Emcee
For Tickets And More Information, Visit: www.arlingtoncharities.org
Balloting for the 2022 All Star Awards at arlingtontoday.com concludes on April 1. Thanks to all who voted this year, and good luck to all your favorites.
arlingtontoday.com • April 2022 • ARLINGTON TODAY
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Speaking of Sports Texas Rangers Adolis Garcia has the makings of a superstar, which could be a major reason the rebuilt club will give its fans plenty to celebrate during its 50th season in the major leagues. Photo: theathletic.com
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hile grappling with getting old a while back, my wife asked her father, “what has been your favorite decade so far?” A man of few words,
Semien foremost among them. It is those two free agents that set the 50th year of Rangers baseball in the right million. Seager signed a decade-long deal that will pay
She was so excited. She breathlessly told me that we had There is so much to like about this keystone combination.
when I was in my twenties.” burger joints, convertibles and sock hops. But having just
idea he has power at the plate. And, oh by the way, he won
can be a great decade too. It was for me. Here’s hoping it is for the Rangers. Yes, the Rangers are 50 years old. What a year it could
that position at the big league level.
December the team went all in on free agency. They knew what they wanted: that is to be a powerful team that is strong up the middle. Five hundred million dollars later
John Rhadigan
since traded for a hard hitting catcher and could start the season with an Chris Woodward says is a budding superstar. So let’s work backwards
a World Series champion, he was the MVP of the fall classic in 2020, he was the MVP of the NLCS the same year, he’s a He and Chris Woodward worked together in Los Angeles and both know exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Both men are natural-born leaders; in fact Woody is is a veteran, not one of the young guys on a Dodgers team that was full of veteran leadership. For his part Semien is part of the MLBPA executive committee and was personally involved with the negotiations that ended the lockout before too much damage was done. Finally there is Mitch Garver. The Rangers traded fan
made the All Star team last year despite not making the big league club out of spring training. He put up gaudy some second half struggles and emerged as a candidate to become a superstar. Last month, Rangers Manager Chris Woodward told MLB.com, “When he stays in the strike zone, he’s a superstar. I mean, that’s basically what it comes down to. We’ve done all the numbers and data. When he stays in the strike zone he is a superstar.” It will be a lot easier to stay in the strike zone with the heavy hitters around him, Corey Seager and Marcus
the back-up to Bobby Wilson. Bobby is now his position coach. Those are just a few of the Rangers new additions. They will help make this team strong up the middle and help ensure that the team, the franchise and its fans enjoy the
Sports columnist John Rhadigan is an anchor for the Bally Sports Southwest television network.
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Finish Line
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meeting their spouses and even children at reunions
initiative to grant more than a million dollars in a 20-year scholarship program to encourage the development of future community leaders, I was elated and greatly honored. On its 25th anniversary, the success of the program, made possible by the Rangers’ decision to continue the program beyond the original commitment, has been
Living Science Center. We’re in the process of planning a celebratory 25th this coming summer. The program has been supported through the years by dedicated community leaders, advocates, mentors, educators, donors, and personal friends, along
share a few personal reflections on how this John and Grace Hill with their son Atticus. Before John has expanded beyond what we had first became Senior Counsel with Boeing Space Launch, he Rangers Baseball Club imagined. developed a long career with the U. S. Department of Justice. Foundation who manage It has been a privilege to develop the program. relationships with the students selected for Serving with us for the program – all of that because of my wife the longest period has Sylvia’s endless commitment to maintain been George and Sandra contact with them. We enjoy the updates and Campbell, Judy and Brad photos they share concerning their careers, Rupay, Mary Jean and families, and Tim Moloney, Jeff and adventures Karen Williams, Buddy with us Richard and Cindy Bridges, Dr. through Greene Ryan Stewart, PhD his son Miles and father. Ryan pursued Marcelo Cavazos, Michael Facebook, a career in public education culminating as the Secretary of Education for the State of New Mexico. Hill and the late Lisann Christmas Peters, Danny Woodward Cards, emails, and Norm Lyons. reunions, personal visits, and lunches. We appreciate Each year we host the latest high school the AISD counselors seniors in our home for a leadership session who encourage the at Christmastime to make a presentation applications, the on Arlington’s extraordinary history. The teachers and others who lesson reveals a real-life example of the thoughtfully write the kind of outcomes we hope they will see as recommendation letters, instructional. and the administrators At the end of the semester, we host a wrapScholars Neelu Rajput, Sue Alice Sauthoff, Beth Scott, who arrange the up luncheon with them as they graduate to to Japan Tom Schieffer at the U. S. State Department. interviews and prepare evaluate the program, get their suggestions on improvements, and have them share their college plans Included here are a few photos of occasions we’ve and the major courses of study they plan to pursue. experienced over the years. We have thoroughly enjoyed greeting them and Richard Greene was Arlington’s mayor from 1987-1997 and currently teaches in UT-Arlington’s graduate program of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs.
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B R UN C H S ER V I C E: SAT U R D AY & S U N D AY, 1 0 A M - 2 P M
New spring menus coming after Easter S PECI A L P R IX F I XE BR U N C H M E N U S F OR E A S T E R & M OT H E R ’ S D AY
WWW.T H ES ANFORDHOU SE.COM 8 1 7 - 8 6 1 - 2 1 2 9 | 5 0 6 N O R T H C E N T E R S T R E E T | A R L I N G T ON , T E X A S 7 6 0 11
