July 2023

Nehad Dwikat appointed to President of MEI Automotive and Finance at MEI Group

Arlington, May 22, 2023 - MEI Group, a global organization based in Texas, proudly maintains diversified business interests in automotive sales, finance, real estate, and technology. We are excited to announce that Nehad Dwikat has been appointed as the President of MEI Group of Automotive Sales and Finance, effective May 1st. This appointment confidently demonstrates MEI’s resolute commitment to accelerating its growth initiatives through exceptional leadership and driving innovation in the automotive industry.

Nehad Dwikat’s recent promotion to a crucial position is a testament to his exceptional 17-year tenure with the MEI Group. Starting out as an accountant, he witnessed the company’s remarkable growth from a small establishment with only two dealerships to a formidable conglomerate with over 20 registered companies in various sectors, employing over 350 personnel. His extensive business knowledge and unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental in MEI’s financial success, generating hundreds of millions in revenue annually.

Upon receiving the news, Nehad expressed his humility, saying, “It was a truly humbling experience. I am honored to lead the Automotive and Finance division and am committed to its success. “I will carry on Mr. Mahrouq’s vision for the MEI Automotive and Finance divisions of the group. We have an unwavering commitment to our community and charities. Our top priority is to provide our employees and their families with the absolute best workplace environment. Our ultimate goal is to exceed our customers’ expectations by delivering high-quality, dependable, and reasonably priced vehicles.”

Nehad, as President, aims to improve the automotive sales and finance division by utilizing MEI’s resources to acquire highquality vehicles at competitive prices. He plans

to enhance inventory acquisition and leverage technology and innovation to empower the insurance sector within MEI. The goal is to offer better products at more affordable prices while maintaining a competitive advantage in the industry.

Maintaining compliance is a key focus for Nehad Dwikat, especially in the regulated areas of automotive, finance, and insurance. To ensure regulatory adherence, MEI has a dedicated in-house compliance team and partners with reputable legal firms specializing in consumer financing. These measures enable MEI to navigate the market with confidence and integrity. MEI’s chief compliance officer has extensive experience as a former auditor with OCCC, making him well-versed in the regulatory aspects of the business, according to Dwikat.

Sam Mahrouq, CEO and Chairman of the Board at MEI Group, expressed his unwavering confidence in Nehad’s ability to steer MEI towards greater heights, stating, “Nehad’s appointment as President of MEI Automotive and Finance is a strategic move for our organization. His exemplary leadership and

visionary approach to growth make him the ideal candidate for this position. We firmly believe that Nehad will further propel MEI Group’s success and elevate our position in the market.”

Jacob Long, the Vice President of finance, shared his excitement and admiration: “Mr. Dwikat is a remarkable person and exceptional leader who inspires greatness in those around him. He possesses a unique talent for balancing the company’s success, the well-being of employees and their families, customer satisfaction, our community, and charitable organizations. Mr. Dwikat’s level of sophistication and expertise is unparalleled, and both the MEI Finance and Automotive divisions are thrilled and proud of Mr. Dwikat’s accomplishments and the future of MEI.”

Under Dwikat’s leadership, the MEI Automotive and Finance divisions are poised to solidify their position as a pioneering force in the industry. Meanwhile, Ikon Technologies will continue its rapid expansion and triumphs with Sam Mahrouq as its President and CEO. Mahrouq will dedicate his time, expertise, and foresight to meet the escalating demands of the company. This strategic maneuver highlights the significance of Ikon’s accomplishments within the MEI Group and reinforces Dwikat’s elevation to oversee MEI’s Automotive and Finance sector to even greater heights of success.

About MEI Group:

MEI Group is a globally renowned company with a diverse range of business operations, including automotive sales and finance, real estate, insurance, technology, international trade, and resorts. With over 20 companies operating under its umbrella, MEI Group consistently upholds the highest standards of integrity, regulatory compliance, and client satisfaction while delivering exceptional products and services.

NEHAD DWIKAT

Do it all this summer. Except for the ER.

Most summer-related ER visits are preventable with a little precaution, but we’ll always be here when you need us. Remember to use sun protection and insect repellent, stay hydrated, wear life jackets, and leave the fireworks to the professionals. Helping keep our friends and neighbors safe. That’s community and why so many people Trust Methodist

For more summer safety tips, scan the QR code

20-25

Healthy Living

This month’s feature offers advice on how to be your healthiest you

HIGHLIGHTS

Starting Line 10

Itinerary 12

This ’n’ Data 16, 18

Around Town 32

Scene 26, 28, 30, 54

Bulletin Board 58

Speaking of Sports 60

Keen Cuisine 62

Finish Line 66 42

Lieutenant (jg) John K. Koelsch

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In the month we celebrate our nation’s freedom, we’ve provided an issue that reminds us of the sacrifices over the past 247 years while marking the current occasions and events that makes our communities work.

We are inspired by the ten Sam Houston High School students who were selected as TCU Community scholars meaning they’re going to be Horned Frogs for the next four years on scholarships valued at more than $280,000 each. An achievement well worth their being featured on this month’s cover. The full story can be found on page 14.

Our focus on healthy living provides eight strategies ranging from heart health to therapeutic collaboration, pain relief and more from functional medicine, the Pilates Effect dedicated to overall well-being, community outreach sponsored by Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital, health care during pregnancy, and dealing with the effects of aging on your skin.

Columnist Kenneth Perkins takes an in-depth look at the $500 million investment General Motors has made in its Arlington Assembly Plant now approaching its 70th anniversary. The four-million square foot plant is a vital operation that builds GM’s entire portfolio of full-size SUVS – all to the economic benefit as our city’s largest private employer.

Paul Johnson writes a personal tribute to “his” Arlington park and reminds us that the city has some 80 parks and asks the question, “Which one is your park?”

Senior historian for the National Medal of Honor Museum under construction in Arlington’s Entertainment District, Kali Schick provides a moving account of Lt. John K. Koelsch’s WWII heroics that earned him the nation’s highest award for his sacrifices.

The non-profit group Women Inspiring Philanthropy recently announced $150,000 in grants to community programs. Take a look at the most recent recipients and be reminded of the previous grantees who provide vital services to the people of our communities.

Arlington has a new fire chief who also serves as director of emergency management services. You can meet him on page 48 right next to the announcement of the interim superintendent of the Arlington Independent School District.

We’ve done a two-page spread on some of the amazing classic cars that competed in this year’s Downtown Arlington Car Show that produced many entries and record crowds who showed to see them all.

We wrap things up with John Rhadigan’s column describing the amazing first half of this Texas Rangers Baseball season and Richard Greene’s tribute to the 56 men who set out on what most of the world called a “fool’s errand.”

I hope you enjoy it all as much as we at Arlington Today enjoyed bringing it to you!

Sincerely,

Judy Rupay

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Executive Publisher

Judy M. Rupay CEO

Richard Greene

EDITORIAL

Sports Columnist

John Rhadigan

Website & Social Media Manager

Bailey Woodard

Graphic Artists

Francisco Cuevas

Betsy Lewis

Contributing Writers

Kenneth Perkins, Amanda Rogers, Richard Greene, Paul Johnson

Special Columnist

Kali Schick

Contributing Photographers

Dwayne Lee, Heather Lee, Bruce Maxwell, Ryan Brown

SALES / CIRCULATION

Business Manager

Bridget Dean

Sales Managers

Laura DiStefano, Paige Payne, Andrea Proctor, Debbie Roach, Tricia Schwartz

Distribution Manager

Hanna Areksoussi

PRODUCTION

Production Manager

Betsy Lewis

judy@arlingtontoday.com

JUDY M. RUPAY PUBLISHER

EVENT CHAIRS

Nissa and Ryan Harrington

EVENT SPONSORS

Nissa and Ryan Harrington | Anne and Orlando Carvalho | Kelly Hart

Bennett Partners | Byrne Construction Services | Frost Bank

The Projects Group | Tammy and Ty McKinney | Noel and David Nolet

Madolin and Ben Rosenthal | Judy and Brad Rupay | Tricia and Jon Schwartz

Cindy and Russ Anderson/Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s Inernational Realty

TASTING SPONSORS

Bob’s Steak and Chop House Fort Worth | Enchiladas Ole | Fitzgerald

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Fort Worth Catering & Galligaskins | Heim Barbecue | Magdalena’s | Reata

Taco Heads | Trident Restaurant Group | Tierra A Taza | Ben E. Keith

FWMUSEUM.ORG | 817-255-9300 1600 GENDY STREET, FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76107

ITINERARY

LIVE MUSIC DON’T MISS

Catch these shows at Arlington Music Hall

TEXAS CLEARWATER REVIVAL

THE SOUNDS OF FOGERTY AND CCR

Friday, July 7th • 7:30pm

Lavell Crawford

Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Last Comic Standing and All Star Comedy Jam

Arlington Improv

Friday, July 7th and Saturday, July 8th

Two performances each day

FREE FALLIN

THE TOM PETTY CONCERT EXPERIENCE

Friday, July 14th • 8:00pm

Dallas Wings July Home Games

July 2 vs Washington Mystics 2pm

July 7 vs Las Vegas Aces 7pm

July 22 vs Los Angeles Sparks 7pm

July 25 vs Connecticut Sun 7pm

July 28 vs Washington Mystics 7pm

JOHN CONLEE

Thursday, July 27th • 8:00pm

family law for 37 years.

Donna J. Smiedt is collaboratively trained to provide clients with a private form of dispute resolution to avoid litigation.

Arlington by the NUMBERS

604

the average altitude above sea level 99.5

the city’s total area in square miles

1843

the year the Republic of Texas signed a treaty with nine Indian tribes in Arlington -8

the lowest recorded temperature in Arlington in 1899

1840

Arlington was then called Bird’s Fort 51’

the deepest point in Lake Arlington

We adopted Raven last year from North Texas Aussie Rescue. She was a puppy, but has grown to almost 50 pounds. She is wonderful! Very smart and learns quickly. I’m retired, so she follows me around all day like my little assistant. We water the plants and check the mailbox together. She is especially fond of going to the bank drive-thru, as she always gets a cookie from the teller. My wife and I love her very much! – Jay Sabatucci

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME

Texas Rangers Home Series in July

June 30-July 3 vs Houston Astros

(July 1 - 20th Anniversary Rangers Captain Bobblehead)

July 14-16 vs Cleveland Guardians

July 17-19 vs Tampa Bay Rays

July 21-23 vs Los Angeles Dodgers

(July 22 - Topps Baseball Card Giveaway)

FAMILY FIELD DAY

PRESENTED BY MONUMENT REALTY

July 29th • 10:00am-2:00pm

Globe Life Field will host Family Field Day, presented by Monument Realty. The action-packed, familyfriendly day will take place at the Home of the Texas Rangers. The event includes activities for children and adults of all ages. Guests are invited directly on the field at Globe Life Field to experience the Ballpark in a unique way.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

Self-Guided Tours

Alumni Player Appearances

Catch on the Field (One Ball and Glove Allowed Per Person)

Inflatable Obstacle Course + Bounce House

Mini Home Run Derby

Yard Games

Balloon Artists + Face Painters

Run the Bases

Pitching Challenge with Radar Gun

Photo Ops at the Rangers Dugout Ballpark Concessions Available

Globe Life Field

734 Stadium Dr.• $25

BUSINESS OVER BREAKFAST

July 11th • 8:00-9:30am

Join your fellow Chamber members at Business Over Breakfast, a fast-paced, networking event. Everyone has a chance to present! Build relationships and present information on your business or service with prospective clients and customers.

1010 Collins Event Center

1010 N. Collins St.

1. Tarrant County started the first public library in Arlington in 1922 with 300 books. The first librarian’s salary was $6.00 per month. Arlington now has a state-of-the-art library downtown.

2. When Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington opened in 1961, the original admission fees were $2.75 for adults and $2.25 for children. 550,000 visitors came to the park that first year.

3. In 1880, the population of Arlington was 275 people. Arlington is now the 50th largest city in the country with over 400,000 citizens.

Care Chair program donates massage chairs to places in need

by Amanda Rogers

When Robert Nelson went to work for Luraco Technologies in Arlington, he was assigned the job of getting the word out about the company’s line of full-body massage chairs.

So Nelson began looking for people who needed to relax – and on May 18 the company donated the i9 Max series medical massage chair to the City of Arlington.

“Fire chief Don Crowson determined that it should go to the dispatch center because that’s the area where all the dispatcherspolice and fire - are housed,” Nelson said. “You can imagine the stress.”

“We want to do something positive in the community,” he said. “We are strong believers in the city. We invited the police and fire department to come to our showroom for free massages.”

Since 2005, Luraco Technologies has been engineering and building products for the military and health and beauty products for salons, Nelson said.

“The owners are engineers,” he explained. “Ultimately they found that there was a demand in the health and beauty salons. They put massage chairs in salons, and it was requested that they make a fullbody massage chair.

“The i9 Max series medical massage chair is the current series’ ninth iteration of chairs that have evolved over time,” Nelson said. “This company has been putting out massage chairs since 2017. I said ‘we need to come up with a plan that people know we exist, put them in senior citizen homes, with veterans, in fire departments.’”

The program, called Care Chair, donates the $13,490 full-body massage chairs to places in need.

“We are registered with the FDA as a medical massage chair,” Nelson said. “It is the only chair on the market that has been scientifically shown to produce measurable health benefits.

“The chair comes with nine preprogrammed massage modes, depending on the medical issue,” he said. “You can also customize to your own specificity. Whether it’s sleeplessness, joint ache or muscle pain, headaches or anxiety, this helps.”

Of course, the chairs can also be purchased. The chair is on display and available for test drives at Luraco Technologies’ showroom at 1140 107th St. in Arlington. For more information, go to carechair.org or luracochairs.com.

City of Arlington dispatch center receives massage chair donation

JUNIOR GOLF CAMPS

Students will participate in fun, daily activities including golf specific exercises, basic golf instruction, rules and etiquette, course management and skill challenges. Students will learn the very basics in pitching, putting, chipping and full swing, while having a great time, and meeting new friends. The camps are taught by professional certified instructors at Tierra Verde Golf Club and Texas Rangers Golf Club. Camp size is limited to provide plenty of time for individual instruction, so register today!

For more info, please call one of the Golf Shops:

• Tierra Verde Golf Club: 817-478-8500

• Texas Rangers Golf Club: 817-275-5941

HEALTHYLiving

THR Remains Committed to Providing North Texans with Resources on Heart Health

The average age for a heart attack for men is around 65. It’s a distressing fact, yet a vital point nevertheless, which is why Texas Health Resources (THR) spent much of June (National Men’s Health Month) informing North Texans about the risks of heart disease.

According to data from 2005 to 2014, the estimated annual incidence of heart attacks in the United States was 605,000 new and 200,000 recurrent attacks. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States.

“Medical risk factor reduction, behavior modification, and cardiac rehabilitation are the major factors for combating heart disease in patients 60 years of age and older,” said Dr. Kanwal Zahid, Internist, Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital medical staff and Cardiac Rehabilitation medical director.

In 2019, Texas Health Fort Worth was the first hospital in the nation to receive Primary Heart Attack Center certification from The Joint Commission. Many Texas Health facilities have earned recognition from The Joint Commission and have been certified as Primary Heart Attack Centers.

As Dr. Zahid put it, “Cardiac rehabilitation doesn’t change your past, but it can help improve your heart’s future.” texashealth.org

Know Where to Turn When You Need a Place of Healing

Life can be brutal and uncompromising at times. That’s why Balance Beacon was formed in 2015 as a response to a community’s yearning for mental health treatment. Balance Beacon offers traditional services like individual, couple, family, and group therapy. Clients are asked to be participants, not spectators, in their treatment and setting of goals.

Balance Beacon has, in its brief existence, become a premiere place of healing, and it’s never been more critical than now. Despite a growing cultural acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identifications, oppression, discrimination, and marginalization of LGBTQ+ people persists. Balance Beacon can help with the challenges of finding your authentic life.

It’s a therapeutic collaboration. Balance Beacon trusts its clients to work hard to improve their lives, while the clients are asked to trust Balance Beacon to be knowledgeable and provide guidance and support. They believe wholeheartedly in working toward positivity in life.

The overall goal? Help you become well-rounded physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and socially. balancebeacon.com

iStockphoto.com iStockphoto.com

Articles by Kenneth Perkins

Don’t Allow Pain to Steal Your Joy –Be Proactive About Stopping It

Chronic diseases and pain can take over your life and suck out whatever joy you might have. They understand at Active Family Wellness Center. Dr. Kenyon Godwin and his team have one ultimate goal: to make sure you get results. The clients who arrive at Active Family Wellness Center are saddled with headaches, neck pain, herniated discs, sciatica or prenatal, and various pediatric concerns. The center treats all ages; infants with colic just starting in the world, adults who wish to experience everyday wellness, and seniors who want to feel active and mobile throughout their golden years.

The whole family.

Active Family Wellness Center uses multiple strategies to treat chronic pain. It offers a variety of safe, effective options for everything from wrist and knee pain to ankle, shoulder, elbow, hip...you name it.

The center also offers functional medicine, chiropractic, rehabilitation, weight loss, functional fitness, massage therapy, and spinal decompression. The program takes a customized approach to determine your needs.

If you struggle with your weight, have diabetes, thyroid problems, fatigue, or have an autoimmune disorder, functional medicine may be a good solution. txwellnessdoc.com

Transforming Your Body and Mind Doesn’t Have To Be A Chore

The Pilates Effect is a fully-equipped studio dedicated to your overall well-being. And, true, there may be a sore muscle or two, or three, here and there; fitness benefits are well worth the challenge.

“Our goal is to increase our client’s quality of life and to develop all muscles,” said Cami Grasher, who is The Pilates Effect owner and also one of its instructors.

The goal is to fully transform bodies while achieving personal fitness goals and improving your daily physical lifestyle.

“When people focus primarily on the superficial larger muscle groups, they may need to pay more attention to many deep muscular stabilizers beneath that are not being developed or utilized,” Grasher said.

A wide range of classes is designed to specifically meet people where they are and what they need to start. Or continue.

The Pilates Effect also offers private one-on-one sessions tailored to the individual and their specific needs and goals.

Classes are kept small so you can enjoy the fullness of instruction in an intimate setting.

thepilateseffect.com

HEALTHYLiving

Articles by Kenneth Perkins

You Can Find a Solution to Your Pain at Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital

Neck pain isn’t fun. For that matter, neither is hip, shoulder, knee, or ankle pain. When it doesn’t quit, you can find relief at the Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital, the area’s first orthopedic and spine surgery specialty hospital. If surgery is the option, Arlington’s joint replacement & spine specialists created a program for patients undergoing joint or spine surgery. The first step is to attend an informative prep class approximately two weeks before surgery. Classes will be held at Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital – Arlington 707 Highland Boulevard Arlington, TX 76015.

Another vital issue is injury prevention. Regular community outreach classes and events are conducted to provide educational materials and promote injury prevention and safety. Injury prevention tips on safe driving, biking, shopping safety, and more for keeping children safe and healthy.

All sorts of information can be found on the website, including the different types of pain. For instance, there are several neck pain types, from neck sprain and pinched nerves to herniated discs and arthritis. bswarlington.com

Having a Healthy Baby Means a Healthy You While You Are Pregnant

Health care during pregnancy is significant because it lowers the risk of your baby being born too early, which can lead to a litany of health problems.

Prenatal care is the best time a doctor can find any health problems that may come up later. Having a child for the first time can be daunting and nerve-racking, which is why Mansfield Methodist offers many classes dealing with childbirth.

Topics include subjects such as what happens to your body during birth, actual versus false labor, pain control breastfeeding techniques, relaxation, and self-care techniques, breastfeeding and baby care in the first few days, and cesarean section delivery and recovery.

Doctors stress the importance of making the most of each visit to the hospital because they can catch things early. Healthy living means knowing when you need medical care for issues that can come up, such as high blood pressure, dizziness, swelling, pain, bleeding, or contractions.

Overall, the classes stress the importance of making an overall birth plan. Where you’d like to give birth (hospital or birthday center), whom you want for your support, how you want to manage pain, and who should help make medical decisions during childbirth. methodisthealthsystem.org

iStockphoto.com iStockphoto.com

Where Women Can Find Compassionate and Comprehensive Care While Pregnant

Women’s Health Services is an all-female OB/GYN practice that delivers compassionate, comprehensive care to women in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Launched in 1986, the mission was to build an all-inclusive practice designed by women for women. Today the doctors offer a state-of-the-art facility and a top-rated staff. At Women’s Health Services, patients will find many services under one roof.

From preconception counseling, pregnancy care, and birth control to LEEP procedures, colposcopy procedures, in-office hysteroscopy, ablations, and hormonal consultations, Women’s Health Services has the skills, facility, and resources to suit every patient’s unique needs.

One of its popular and valuable features is its ongoing blog, where all sorts of pregnancy-related topics are discussed, such as what happens when your water breaks, how to ensure pleasurable sex during perimenopause, why heavy periods should not be ignored, how aging affects urination, and what are some pregnancyfriendly exercises during the third trimester.

What sets the Women’s Health Services team apart from other women’s health practices is their commitment to working together to deliver the proper care to all patients. Patient safety, satisfaction, and comfort are their top priorities. womenshealthservices.com

When It Comes to Living Healthy, Don’t Forget Your Skin

What’s the first feature people see when they first see you? It’s your skin. The job of Great Skin Spa & Facial Club is to help beautify your skin. They can take one look at you and select the products that will work best for your skin type and help you achieve whatever skincare goals you might have in mind. And it’s not just about looks. It’s about health.

The effects of aging are seemingly endless, from blemishes to hyperpigmentation (dark spots), oily or dry skin, and wrinkles and fine lines. Great Skin offers revolutionary products that are gentle on your skin but powerful in treating unwanted blemishes.

Through facials, chemical peels, full body waxing, LED treatments, non-surgical face, brow & eye lifts, micro resurfacing, microdermabrasion, and other treatments, we can revitalize your skin and deter the effects of aging and the elements.

Great Skin also offers makeover services for weddings, proms, graduations, Quinceaneras, and other special events, including spa packages. In addition, we will help you customize a make-up collection for your skin type and style.

We’ll help you accomplish your goals through our extensive offering of highly effective treatments, products, equipment, and protocols. greatskin4you.com

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Balance Beacon

Photo credit Dwayne Lee

Dr. Reshaundra Strickland and Mayor Linda Martin, Euless

Dr. Reshaundra Strickland and Mayor Linda Martin, Euless with the staff of Balance Beacon

Dr. Reshaundra Strickland, Gennifer Williams and Courtney Jackson

Dr. Reshaundra Strickland and Dr. LaFonya Jones-Hines

Travis Wortham, Jr. and T.J. McDow

Valerie Vargas, Dr. Nichelle Wall and Jolene Norton

Chelsea Rumsey, Jayne McGraw, Connie Bryant, Marylyn Nyumuok and Sheila Green

AHMGC Board and Committee Members say goodbye to Executive Director

The farewell took place Monday, June 5th at the Arlington Historical Society Museum on Abram Street.

Executive Director, Mrs. Sharon Croxton, has played a significant role in helping accomplish the restoration of the Arlington Heritage Memorial Grounds Cemetery. She will be missed in this city and Tarrant County.

Centennial Celebration of the Rotary Club of Arlington

Photo credit Dwayne Lee

Carina Cassell, Lou Ann O’Donnell, Mike O’Donnell, Jill Regina

Steven Zimmer, Robyn Barrere, Al Clark

Paul Fulks, Toni Fulks, Karina Cassell, Jeff Cassell

Julie Nicholson, DWG Mayor Laurie Bianco

AISD Trustees Melody Fowler, Aaron Reich, David Wilbanks, Sarah McMurrough

Mayor Jim Ross, Councilwoman Barbara Odom Wesley, former Judge Glen Whitley

Chris Shipman, Angie Meister

Kyle Myers, Victoria Farrar-Myers, Jason Myers

Shalyn Clark, Aaron Reich, Debra Freiheit

Sue and Jim Spaniolo

Jetta Burton, Don Mebus, Carolyn Mebus, Ron Burton, Lynn Scott

Judge Mary Tom Cravens Curnutt, Mark Gist, Belinda Gist, Karen Williams

Shellie Hill, Jim Quick, Sherri Quick

Thanks to $500 Million, the General Motors and Arlington Lovefest Deepens

by Kenneth Perkins

I’m talking about the pecuniary marriage of General Motors and our beloved city.

It’s as potent as ever, nearly 70 years after the initial I do’s.

The economic lovefest was solidified again last month when GM announced intentions to invest a whopping $500 million in the massive Arlington Assembly plant along the 2500 block of east Abram Street. This infestation of funds will prepare for the production of future internal combustion engine (ICE) full-size SUVs the company spits out and provide job security for the plant’s 5,000plus employees for some years.

The four-million square foot plant is a vital operation that builds GM’s entire portfolio of full-size SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon, and a line of those fabulous Cadillac Escalades.

“How cool is this?” asked a gleeful Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, who joined a litany of dignitaries for the happy day pronouncement. “This signifies a belief in the workers, who deliver day after day after day, and a belief in our community.”

GM employee Robert Nelson told an NBC 5 reporter how he’d toiled there for over 30 years, working in the tow-end pit doing front-end alignments.

“I make sure your vehicle goes straight perfectly,” he said, sounding like a proud papa. “The future looks bright, and we’re building these vehicles with pure love, and they’re standing in line waiting to buy them.”

At least that’s what GM hopes, particularly over the long haul. Arlington GM Plant Executive Director John Urbanic said that the half-a-billion investment would go toward new tooling and equipment in its stamping, body shop, and general assembly areas, with machinery upgrades involving technology.

Gerald Johnson, GM Executive Vice President, Global Manufacturing and Sustainability, said in a statement that the investment also points to the efforts of workers like Nelson, whom he called “dedicated Arlington Assembly employees,” who have “broken production records this year.” (He’s referring to the more than 34,000 new vehicles that hit the streets in March, a new record for the number of cars ever produced in one month).

We should also put out amid all this happy talk that with any long-term relationship comes deep valleys that test character. In December of 1990, GM Chairman Robert Stempel dropped a bomb on Arlington Mayor Richard Greene of a possible Arlington facility closure.

During a tense three months when the plant’s future was uncertain, Greene was constantly asked by media types what kind of hole a GM departure would leave here.

“My answer was consistent,” Greene recalls. “I told them not to underestimate our resolve to ensure that would not happen.”

There are still some uncertainties. Efren Martin II has worked at GM for 24 years and told NBC 5 how the latest facility news is “very up and down, like, what’s going to happen?” he asked.

I guess he’s referring to the absence of a hard yes on Arlington sharing in the electric vehicle glory.

The Arlington plant only produces vehicles with internal combustion engines that require fuel.

GM, you might recall, was the first American carmaker to aim exclusively to manufacture electric vehicles in the targeted year of 2035.

So the news is a big up and teeny, tiny down.

Urbanic is promising to be “very transparent” about GM’s vision over the next couple of decades. Let’s hold him, and GM, to that.

Still, our eternally-upbeat mayor is hopeful.

“We have such tremendous momentum behind GM,” he told the Dallas Morning News. “We have a wonderful product with these SUVs, a city that cares about these folks, and a great company. GM is going to be around for a while in Arlington. This is going to take us well into the next couple of decades.”

And to think some said it wouldn’t last.

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

KENNETH PERKINS

iStockphoto.com

Ode to My Park

My Arlington park is not well known, but it’s a special place. It meanders along a creek that after a particularly hard rain pushes skunks and foxes into the neighborhoods. On a sunny weekend the heart of my park hosts picnics and cookouts. The aroma from the sizzling grills permeates the air and welcomes all-comers while children circle the picnic tables where their parents lay out paper plates and plasticware. Guests of my park celebrate birthdays, family reunions, and life in general. They sit on benches and talk. They fish in the creek. They skateboard in drainage chutes and climb at the playground. They walk, run, and cycle on shaded trails and over wooden bridges. Some push strollers. Some are lead on a leash by their dog. Some harvest pecans and others simply watch for wildlife. My park is home to bobcats, coyotes, red-tailed hawks, armadillos, rabbits, snakes, and of course

by Paul Johnson

squirrels and squirrels and squirrels.

At dusk and into the night my park comes alive, just as most of its guests are leaving. Fireflies often glow along the creek as bats soar and dive overhead. Owls hoot. Coyotes howl. The city seems to recede as evening’s calm, cool solitude sets in. Above, shielded a bit from the city’s lights, stars shine a little brighter.

My two adult sons, who have the knees of young men, have their own parks. In fact, they have many parks. They run through our city over streets and through the parks, often before the sun is up. They see the variety, the availability. They might tell me that my park is not unique and that there are parks like mine all over Arlington. They probably would be right.

I know there are bigger and more developed parks in Arlington- parks with pavilions, basketball and tennis

courts, swimming pools and water features, softball diamonds, rec centers, and ponds. There are parks with statues, parks with education programs, parks showcasing gardening. Those parks are special too. I enjoy them whenever I can. But, those parks are not my park. My park and I have a history. It calms me when I need it. It gives me exercise. It keeps me healthy. My park does not know how old I am, whether I am rich or poor, what my politics are. It welcomes me as I am, whenever I arrive.

The City of Arlington’s website lists over 80 city parks, ranging from the 1,031 acres of River Legacy to pocket parks across the city. Which one is your park?

Paul J. Johnson (paul@harriscooklaw.com) is a Real Estate, Business and Litigation attorney at Harris Cook and is a guest writer for Arlington Today.

10% off when you mention ad

HOME SWEET! HOME

Waxahachie home offers country living just a short drive from the city!

Are you ready to sit on your new back porch and take in nature at it’s best? Or, after a long day at work, relax in your top-of-the-line hot tub in an enclosed wood-paneled spa with heat, air conditioning and dehumidifier.

This property not only features a custom-built home on an acre and a half, it also has covered parking

for numerous cars, boat or jet ski – whatever your toy of choice is! The extra large garage can easily accommodate any type of workshop you can imagine - it even has electricity.

You won’t want to miss the newly renovated walk-in shower in the main bedroom. The laundry room has been reinforced with plywood to create a safe room for your family during

severe weather. The original garage has been converted into a fabulous game room with heat and air, closets and all the room for your next holiday gathering.

The home is 3 bedrooms/2 baths/ 2,834 sf.

For more information, email micah@hightowerrealtors.com.

40 Under Forty Opens Second Year in Greater Arlington

It is vital to our community to highlight young leaders across all industries and walks of life. After a beyond successful inaugural year, The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Arlington Today Magazine, has opened nominations for the second year of the 40 Under 40 program. This is your chance to honor a peer, mentee or someone you admire. It’s also an opportunity to share an inspiring story of success with a larger audience.

“To ensure Arlington’s bright future, it’s our responsibility to cultivate the next generation of business and community leaders,” said Michael Jacobson, President and CEO of the Greater Arlington Chamber, “This program enables us to showcase up-and-comers with everyone in greater Arlington.”

Arlington is the 49th largest city in the USA; we’re larger than New Orleans, Orlando and Pittsburgh. It’s critical to our success to have a pipeline of responsible, communityinvested leaders to serve as our elected officials, lead our businesses and give back to our local nonprofits as board members and volunteers.

We welcome all of those under 40 to be nominated (full eligibility details are listed at the end). Think of the employees in your office as well as the entrepreneurs you interact with. Maybe, it’s a client or vendor that has impressed you; reach out to them and tell them you want to nominate them. Under 40? Ask a mentor, boss or community leader to nominate you and tell them why you feel you deserve this recognition.

by Britton Merritt

After a selection committee from the Chamber evaluates all nominees, the top 40 will be announced, and each honoree will be recognized in a dedicated 40 Under 40 issue of Arlington Today Magazine as well as at a celebration dinner.

“Arlington Today could not be more excited to continue this program,” said Judy Rupay, Co-Creator of the magazine and former City of Arlington Councilwoman, “We must continue to identify future leaders and nurture their growth by connecting them to each other and our community.”

Nominations are open now and close Friday, August 4. You can find all the details at Arlingtontx.com/40under40.

ELIGIBILITY: (1) Highly encouraged to live AND work in Arlington or a city that touches Arlington (Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Kennedale, DWG, Pantego) (2) Only one person per small business will be selected as an honoree. For larger businesses or organizations (500+ employees) two nominees will be considered if they’re from different departments (3) In order to be considered eligible, nominees must be 39 years old or younger as of January 1, 2023 (4) Chosen honorees are required to attend the awards presentation Nov 16, 2023. Inability to attend the awards event is an automatic disqualification from the program. (5) Self-nominations are NOT permitted (6) Chamber membership is NOT a requirement.

Britton Merritt is Vice President of Marketing & Communications for the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce

A Story of Sacrifice –Lieutenant (jg) John K. Koelsch

by Kali Schick

There are six values represented in the Medal of Honor: Courage, Sacrifice, Integrity, Commitment, Citizenship, and Patriotism. These values can be seen in Recipients’ actions, though at times one may rise above the others. The story of Lieutenant (junior grade) John Kelvin Koelsch exemplifies the value of sacrifice.

Born in 1923 in London, England, to American parents, Koelsch spent a childhood that was split between London and the small village of Briarcliff Manor, New York. After the outbreak of World War II, Koelsch left Princeton University, where he was a student, and joined the US Naval Reserve as an air cadet. He earned his naval aviator wings in 1944 and was commissioned ensign. An accomplished torpedo bomber pilot, Koelsch served in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he returned to Princeton and completed a degree in English in 1949.

By the time of his graduation, the likelihood of US involvement in Korea was increasing and military obligations forced Koelsch to delay entry to law school. As a pilot, he had taken on a developing technology—the helicopter. What was to become a pivotal tool in future US military operations was still in its infancy when Koelsch joined the ranks of helicopter pilots. In 1950, he was made Officer in Charge of Helicopter Squadron 1 (HU-1), which was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Princeton (CV-37). Aboard Princeton, Koelsch’s unit flew Sikorsky HO3S-1 helicopters, conducting downed aviator rescues. In June 1951, Koelsch requested transfer to another rescue unit instead of rotating back to the United States. He believed the work he was doing was important and that his skills and experience in rescuing downed pilots were urgently needed.

On July 3, 1951, Koelsch’s unit received information that a pilot, US Marine Corps Captain James Wilkins, had been shot down over North Korea and was trapped by

the enemy. It was getting dark, escalating the danger of an already risky operation. Koelsch volunteered to rescue Wilkins and set out with Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class George Neal. As Koelsch’s Sikorsky reached Wilkins’s reported location, he was forced to descend through a heavy bank of clouds to an extremely low altitude. Intense enemy fire made an already dangerous situation worse, but Koelsch and Neal were committed to rescuing Wilkins.

Despite taking direct hits, Koelsch continued flying low until Wilkins was spotted. The Marine Corps pilot had bailed out of his Corsair and although suffering from severe burns, was able to make contact with the rescue helicopter. With no air support due to the weather conditions, the lone Sikorsky continued to come under fire from North Korean forces as it hovered at a low altitude. Wilkins was later quoted as saying Koelsch’s determination in the face of enemy fire “was the greatest display of guts I ever saw.” As Koelsch hovered in the midst of the firestorm, Neal lowered the rescue sling and hoisted Wilkins up to what they believed to be safety. Suddenly, a direct hit disabled the helicopter, and despite Koelsch’s best efforts, the aircraft crashed.

Wilkins survived his second disaster of the day, as Koelsch pulled him and Neal free from the wreckage. But their ordeal was far from over. Deep behind enemy lines, Koelsch led the men in an attempt to escape capture. Koelsch provided what little care he could to Wilkins as they evaded enemy forces for nine days. Finally captured by North Korean forces, the three men were sent to a prisoner of war camp.

Accounts of their time in prison include brutal beatings, abuse, starvation, and lack of medical care. Koelsch refused to submit to any of his captors’ demands, though the refusals often ended in beatings. Food was scarce, but Koelsch routinely shared his rations with other men. He demanded their captors provide medical care for those in need. Koelsch’s courage and commitment to

his men and his country made him a natural leader among the prisoners. But none of those things were enough. Lieutenant Koelsch died of malnutrition and dysentery in October 1951.

Back home, his mother and two brothers awaited news of Koelsch’s fate. They had been informed he was missing in action, but not that he was a prisoner of war. Sadly, the first news they received was in the late summer of 1953, when North Korea finally released a list of prisoners who had died in camps. Neal and Wilkins survived the prison camp, and their accounts were a testimony to Koelsch’s selfless leadership both as an aviator and a fellow prisoner. Though he was only twenty-eight years old, Koelsch was willing to sacrifice so that his fellow men could survive.

In 1955, Koelsch’s mother, Beulah, accepted the Medal of Honor on behalf of her son. Koelsch was awarded the Medal for his actions in the rescue of Wilkins, and for his fortitude and care for others as a prisoner of war. Presented by Secretary of the Navy Charles Thomas in a ceremony at the Pentagon, Koelsch’s Medal was the first to be awarded to a helicopter pilot. His willingness to put his life at risk and to put others’ needs before his own is representative of the sacrifices so often made by those who are awarded the Medal of Honor.

Kali Schick is Senior Historian for the National Medal of Honor Museum

Arlington-South

5001S.CooperStreet,Suite111

Arlington,TX76017(817)557-2253

Arlington-South

5001S.CooperStreet,Suite111

Arlington,TX76017(817)557-2253

Arlington-South

5001S.CooperStreet,Suite111

Arlington,TX76017(817)557-2253

Building legacies that will transcend time

by Amanda Rogers

Michael Dailey has been training for his role at Invictus Legacy Builders for his entire career.

After 23 years in the military, including serving as a Green Beret, and another decade with Homeland Security, Dailey has a unique take on life and how to help others.

“My perspective is at times unconventional,” Dailey admits. “It is a get-the-job done, no-excuses environment. If you want to affect change, you have to take that step forward. My goal is to instill the ability to overcome adversity.”

As founder and CEO for Invictus Legacy Builders, Dailey is a highperformance success coach and consultant.

“I help people unlock their genius,” he said.

“I help individuals and companies achieve higher levels of growth and overcome hurdles,” Dailey said. “I don’t look at leadership as a cookie cutter approach. I look at individuals as individuals. I ask ‘What is the company doing to achieve its stated outcome?’”

Dailey assesses the company and helps them find their pain points, much like he did in the military and with Homeland Security. Then he helps them find the help that they need, whether it’s in building a company culture, financial planning, marketing or something else. If he can’t help them, he will find resources and build a team that can.

“The way that I approach is I instruct with real world examples,” he said. “My clients have HEART – they are Hungry, believe in Empathy leadership, Actively seeking improvement (accountable for their actions), they are Ripple makers who want to have positive impact and they are Team players.”

Invictus has clients in a range of occupations, including IT, musicians, students, single parents, CEOs and executives, Dailey said.

“I typically work with somebody 60 to 90 minutes a week as we work through ideas and thoughts,” he said.

But individuals’ and companies’ needs vary widely, Dailey explained.

“I could literally come in and give a one-hour speech, do a team building event or come in on a regular basis for three to six months to work with the leadership,” he said.

One situation that requires a very sensitive approach is with companies that are going through a merger or acquisition, Dailey said.

“You can only imagine what the company on the other end feels like, the apprehension, especially middle management,” he said. “How do you win over a new workforce? I start from scratch and assess every area. As the military taught us, to tear it down and build it back up.

“When I was in Homeland Security, my organization trained thousands of individuals in law enforcement,” Dailey said. “I’ve been training people my entire adult life. I thought I could take my expertise in training and instilling leadership and provide that to companies or entrepreneurs.”

Dailey helps people and companies find what is working for them and what is not.

“A lot of times we fail to see the value of what we do for others because we are our own worst critics,” he said.

For more information on Invictus Legacy Builders, go to Michaeldaileycompanies.com or email Michael@invictus-legacy.builders.

“My perspective is at times unconventional. It is a get-the-job done, no-excuses environment.

If you want to affect change, you have to take that step forward. My goal is to instill the ability to overcome adversity.”

Science, art, and outdoor adventures for nature lovers of all ages!

Nature Journaling

Archery Forest Bathing Backyard Bass Fishing AND MORE!

July

WIP Grants $150,000 to community programs

Arlington, May 17, 2023 - Women Inspiring Philanthropy, a community of women seeking to transform lives in Arlington through high-impact and life-long giving, recently awarded three grants of $50,000 each to Advocates for Special People, Arlington Charities, and Taste Project, for a total of $150,000 in grants. Each year proposals are accepted to develop new or extend existing programs in five focus areas: culture, education, environment, family, and health and wellness. Members then review and evaluate grant applications, conduct site visits, and select finalists for consideration by the general membership at their annual meeting each May

WIP’s May 2023 Grantees:

Advocates for Special People: With the funding provided by WIP, Advocates for Special People will purchase a van for their additional program site, Special Connexion 4, in southeast Arlington at St. Andrews United Methodist Church. Advocates for Special People provides critical cognitive stimulation and social interaction opportunities for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The vans provide transportation to life skills outings for clients.

Arlington Charities, Inc.: To continue the long-standing mission of Arlington Charities in providing help and creating hope in the fight against hunger and poverty in the Arlington area, the monies from the WIP grant will be used for the immediate and significant need to purchase a food-

safe, refrigerated truck. The new vehicle will allow Arlington Charities to procure donated and purchased food, offset freight costs, and increase food distribution capabilities.

Taste Project: In efforts to support its goal to help feed the hungry one community at a time, WIP’s grant will help the Taste Project with funding to purchase furniture for its second Taste Community Restaurant to open in Arlington at 200 N. Cooper St. Replicating the same innovative and successful format as its first location in Fort Worth, Arlington’s Taste Project will house a public restaurant, provide job training, and include an urban garden. The new “give and take” restaurant is scheduled to begin construction this fall.

“It is exciting that we can make a difference in many people’s lives,” said Karen Williams, WIP President. “Our organization was created to help others make an impact and we are proud we can continue to do that 10 years later with the help of our dedicated membership and partnerships in the community,” Williams continued.

Previous WIP grantees include AISD Kooken Elementary School, Alliance for Children, Arlington Life Shelter, Arlington Museum of Art, Inc., Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County, Center for Transforming Lives (YWCA when granted), Dental Health Arlington, Friends & Foundation of the Arlington Public Library, Friends of the Levitt Pavilion Arlington, Green

Oaks Education and Support Inc., International Corridor Vision aka Santa Fe International Folk Art Market of Arlington, NEW DAY, Open Arms Health Clinic, River Legacy Foundation, SafeHaven of Tarrant County, Texas Health Resources Foundation Arlington, and Theatre Arlington.

WIP is a non-profit group of women seeking to transform lives in the Arlington area through philanthropy. Each member gives at least $1,000 each year, which is pooled with other member donations, allowing for high-impact grants. Women interested in becoming a member of Women Inspiring Philanthropy are invited to the Annual Membership Reception on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at River Legacy Living Science Center at 703 N.W. Green Oaks Blvd. in Arlington.

For more information about the grants given by Women Inspiring Philanthropy, contact Karen Williams at 817.832.2447 or WomenInspiringPhilanthropy@gmail.com.

SOURCE: WOMEN INSPIRING PHILANTHROPY

About Women Inspiring Philanthropy Women Inspiring Philanthropy, a 501(c)3 tax-deductible organization, is a community of women that seeks to transform lives in Arlington through high-impact and lifelong giving. WIP aims to educate members about local philanthropic opportunities, empower members through grant-making, and engage women through social events. Since its inception in 2012, more than 220 members have given annual gifts of $1,000 and pledged countless hours of time and insight, totaling more than $1 million in grants to the community. For more information or to join WIP, visit www.arlingtonwip.org.

revealed in the August issue.

Arlington ISD Gets Its Superintendent – At Least Temporarily

One minute Arlington ISD had a replacement for the retiring superintendent, Dr. Marcelo Cavazos; the next, it didn’t.

Unease set in when the lone finalist, Dr. Michelle Cavazos, first accepted the job and then decided to remain with GregoryPortland ISD, inking a five-year contract.

With the new school year fast approaching, Arlington ISD went to its bench strength, snagging the district’s chief academic officer, Dr. Steven Wurtz, an education veteran of 23 years and an AISD loyalist for a decade.

by Kenneth Perkins

the district’s strategic plans and priorities and, mainly, how Dr. Cavazos has been able to implement them.

“We know he is committed to delivering superior educational opportunities to our students,” Fowler said of Wurtz.

Wurtz’s educational trajectory started as a bilingual teacher in the Irving ISD, as assistant principal, and then as a principal in the Grand Prairie ISD. He would return to Irving as principal and division director of elementary schools before signing on about ten years ago with AISD as superintendent of elementary schools, supervising 26 schools and providing executive coaching to campus principals. A year later, he moved into the chief academic officer role.

His formal education is impressive. Undergraduate degree in Spanish from Brigham Young University and a Master’s of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Arlington Fire Chief/Director of Emergency Mangement Appointed

Wurtz’s imprint is already all over AISD, having had a strong hand in developing district curricula, setting academic standards, and working closely with faculty heads to ensure those standards are met.

AISD Board President Melody Fowler said in a press release how “pleased” the board is with the temporary hire, adding, “We’re confident he’ll provide steady leadership during this transitional period.”

Fowler said Wurtz’s tenure at AISD has given him a front-row seat to the origins of

He earned a doctorate from Dallas Baptist University in Educational Leadership and serves on the Urban Curriculum Council and the City of Arlington Mayor’s Education Coalition. Involvement and membership in several other educational alliances are too many to name.

According to AISD, Wurtz will fully take the reins on Sept. 1; Dr. Cavazos is expected to hang around in an advisory capacity until then.

“I’m honored to fill this role,” Wurtz said. “My main focus will be maintaining a high-quality learning experience, ensuring smooth operations, and fostering a positive environment for students and staff.”

Bret Stidham was appointed as the City of Arlington’s new fire chief and director of emergency management on June 22, 2023.

Stidham is a 30-year professional firefighter with Dallas Fire-Rescue where he has served as second-incommand since 2019.

“Chief Stidham stood out in a very robust selection process and everyone we spoke with who had the chance to work with him in the City of Dallas had nothing but glowing remarks about his leadership, skills and ability to collaborate,” City Manager Trey Yelverton said.

“I feel like my 30-year career has led me to this moment. There’s a lot going on in Arlington – it’s a destination city and a city on the grow,” said Stidham.

Stidham will begin leading Arlington’s 399-person Fire Department and 113-person 911 Dispatch Center on August 7th.

Photo: ArlingtonTX.gov

Photo: AISD.net

The big GM-sponsored Downtown Arlington Car Show

last month produced a large turn out of great vintage cars and big crowds. We are sharing some snap shots of a few that reveal the variety of vehicles on display. Some of them were winners in the contest. Next year’s show will be even bigger as this event grows annually as another reason to discover the city’s recovery of its vibrant center where the town first developed.

Jeff & Karina Cassell’s 1939 Ford Deluxe Woodiea star in the movie Lolita.

1936 Buick 46C Convertible owned by Marco Rubio and winner of the Mayor’s Pick Award

Used to move the mail from one post office to another is Bill Ancona’s 1957 Chevrolet workhorse.

George Boulton’s very rare 1947 Lincoln Sedan

A 1956 Chevy 3800 Bus belonging to Texas Trust with its driver Alex Godina

Luke Bridges with his grandfather’s 1947 Dodge WD-21 work truck.

Larry Callahan with his green (rare) 1930 Ford Model A Street Rod

Another winner is Craig Hardy’s 1941 two-tone Chevy AK Pickup

Dennis Brown and his sister Reba Blevens with his 3-row seater 1967 Chevy Suburban.

A salute to GM’s sponsorship but not entered because it’s not vintage, but a real attraction, is Anthony Stevenson’s 2021 C-8 Corvette wrapped in sterling silver that he researched and believes is the only one of its kind.

Jack Neal’s 1936 Plymouth

by Amanda Rogers

Mansfield steps up for Summer Reading Challenge

The Mansfield Public Library challenged local readers and they stepped up. Readers have been booking it to the library for the Summer Reading Challenge.

“Participation has been amazing,” said Julie Crisafulli, youth service librarian. “We’ve seen our numbers back to where they were before the pandemic and even beyond. All of our programs are filling up and people are on the wait list. It’s so great to see the library full up and bustling.”

The Summer Reading Challenge has two parts – programs and reading.

Crisafulli has to take some credit for people crowding into the library after lining up interactive programs that include the Professor Brainius science show, kids in the kitchen, Mystery of the Missing Band, movie matinees, tons of story times and crafts.

All programs are free, but some require registration at mansfieldtexas.gov/calendar. And if you really want to attend, you need to sign up.

“If anyone is interested in a particular program, registration opens two weeks

before the event at 10 a.m.,” Crisafulli said. “We had a Fancy Nancy tea party planned. It sold out in 10 minutes.”

The library has free performances on Wednesdays in July that don’t require registration and are held in the Mansfield Activities Center so there will be plenty of room.

As for the reading portion, that’s been updated, too. Instead of focusing on the number of minutes read, the library is asking participants to log how many days they read this summer, with 20 days being the goal. The more participants read, the better chance they have to win a prize, Crisafulli said. Prizes range from books to Flying Squirrel Coffee Company prize pack.

Elementary and middle school readers can earn extra prizes, including a Kindle Fire HD8 Kids Pro, author-signed books, Squishmallows and a giant candy basket from AndiMac Candy Shack.

“If they read five days they get a treasure chest prize, 10 days a drawstring bag, 15 days a book of their choice, 20 days a book

of their choice,” Crisafulli said.

Families can log their hours on the Beanstack tracker app at Mansfieldtexas. gov/src. The deadline to log hours is 11:59 p.m. July 26, and the grand prize drawing will be July 27.

The reading and programs wrap up with a big end-of-summer party at 10 a.m. July 28 at the Mansfield Activities Center, 106 S. Wisteria St., with bounce houses, prizes and pop-up play time. Admission is free.

Youngsters who attend programs at the library can also score a free lunch this summer. Everyone age 17 and younger can get a free lunch from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Monday through Friday at the library through the Mansfield ISD Student Nutrition Services, except the week of Independence Day.

“We’re so ecstatic to see all the families using our services,” Crisafulli said. “The mornings are bustling with programs, free lunches, then programs in the afternoons. It’s hopping all day long.”

Photo courtesy of Mansfield Public Library

SCAN FOR TICKETS

Dental Health Arlington’s Casino Night Fundraiser

Brianna Dao, SMILES volunteer of the year award. Pictured with Glenda Bell, SMILES Director, DHA

Donna Fretz at the craps table Bryan Weatherford, Emcee and Auctioneer Amy Wiernas, RDH accepts award for Dr. Witte for outstanding partnership for DHA

David Curtis - Sally Hopper Golden Crown Award Winner. Pictured with Scott Parsinen, Board President, DHA, Nancy Blinn, Executive Director, DHA, and Sally Hopper

Sharlene Johnson, RDH, Prophy Trophy Award winner with Nancy Blinn, Executive Director, DHA

Melissa Jiles is the 50/50 raffle winner

Dr. Hattaway and his wife, Laureli, accept an award on behalf of the outgoing BOD president

Photo credit Lauren Marie Photography

100 Hours of Play

by Amanda Rogers

Mansfield residents are ready to come out and play – and the parks and recreation department wants to reward them for it.

Last year, the Mansfield Parks & Recreation Department asked residents to put down their game controllers and step away from their televisions to go outside and play for 100 hours. And dozens of families did.

This year, hundreds are participating in the parks department’s 100 Hours of Play.

“We have about three times more people participating,” said Ann Beck, marketing and communications manager for the Mansfield Parks & Recreation Department. “At every event, we are gaining new people. We had about 500 at the kick-off party and about 400 at Truckapalooza. We have big crowds and people participating. People from last year who participated are bound and determined to get 100 hours this year. We are going and blowing and having so much fun.”

The parks department has events scheduled every Thursday to help people reach their 100-hour goal, from playing like kids did in the 1800s at the Man House Museum to shark week at the splash pad. And there will be even more pop-up events that they will announce on Facebook and Instagram.

Parents can log their hours at https:// www.mansfieldtexas.gov/1900/100-Hoursof-PLAY, much like they log hours for the Summer Reading Challenge.

“Everybody who signs up gets a badge,” Beck said. “They can earn pins for different things, if they hit 50 hours or bring a friend. Every week we do a drawing. Everybody

who hits 100 hours gets a special prize pack. Those who hit the most hours get a big prize pack. Last year we were able to give Hawaiian Falls tickets.

“By the end of the summer last year, we had almost 5,000 hours logged,” Beck said. “We are in our third week and we have over 6,000 hours logged.”

The events and 100-hours goal are open to everyone, Beck said. All events are free.

“They don’t have to be Mansfield residents or a certain age,” she said.

“We had entire families for pickleball,” Beck said. “We had grandparents out there. I was surprised how many little kids were out there who really got into it.”

July is going to be big, Beck promises, because it is Parks & Recreation Month.

“We are going to have puppies and painting with the arts commission and the shelter bringing shelter dogs to The LOT,” she said. “You get to paint and play with dogs. July 28 is the end of the program and a joint ending party with the library at the Mansfield Activities Center.”

The idea is to get people outside and enjoying the parks, and enjoying being together,” Beck said.

“I don’t think anybody needs to be told how important it is to get away from the screen,” she said. “It’s always good to get out and play and spend time together. It’s usually not the big moments, it’s the little ones, taking a picnic or swinging on the swing sets. It doesn’t take a lot of money, just spend time together.”

For more information about 100 Hours of Play, go to https://www.mansfieldtexas. gov/1900/100-Hours-of-PLAY.

July Book Club

July 12 – Southwest Morning Reading Group

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams Southwest Branch Library

Concacaf Gold Cup Quarterfinals

July 8 at AT&T Stadium

2023 Soccer Champions Tour FC

July 13 – Night Out Book Club

The Paradox Hotel by Rob Hart

July 19 – Good Grounds for Books

Woodland West Library choose your own book

July 20 – Southwest Spine Crackers

TBA by Jodi Picoult

July 28 – Wine Down Book Club

The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama

SOY COWBOY

is a new Pan-Asian concept restaurant coming to the Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center. This new concept is from the culinary group that created B & B Butchers restaurant in Fort Worth.

Volleyball Nations League: Women’s World Finals

Barcelona

vs Real Madrid

July 29 at AT&T Stadium

Spanish soccer giants Real Madrid and FC Barcelona meet in Texas for the first time ever, as a leg of the 2023 Soccer Champions Tour.

Governor’s Small Business Summit

July 13 8:00am-1:30pm at Globe Life Field

The menu is to include Asian cooking techniques on shareable plates of sushi, tempura, wok, hibachi, Korean barbeque, and other dishes.

Soy Cowboy will be nearly 11,000 sf with an outdoor dining space and is slated to open in February of 2024.

July 13, 15 & 16

4:00pm-9:00pm

Tickets: $13-$432 at utatickets.com

at College Park Center UTA

USA, the reigning Olympic champions, has secured a spot in the VNL Finals as the host, along with 7 other elite teams.

The Governor’s Small Business Summit – Arlington aims to help Texas small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs reach new heights by connecting them with the resources and information needed to start, strengthen and grow a business. This event offers a variety of sessions bringing together local, state and federal resource partners to provide key insights on critical business topics.

Let’s see where this season may lead

by John Rhadigan

The amazing first half of this Rangers season got me thinking about all thirty three Rangers teams that I have had the opportunity to cover. Since 1990 I have been on this beat and from those 33 teams, three will make the medal stand. All have something in common.

Let’s start with the 1996 team. I will never forget Johnny Oates telling me during spring training that year that, “All we need is each of our starting pitchers to win 15 games and we will be right in the hunt.”

Mind you in 1995 they had only one pitcher who won 15 or more, that was Kenny Rogers who won 17. So to say we were skeptical would be an understatement. When it was all said and done they had gotten 16 wins from three spots in the rotation, 15 from one and 14 from the other.

Johnny was right, they won the division, made the playoffs and earned a date with the New York Yankees. The series started in the Bronx at venerable Yankee stadium. What a place for the first playoff game in the history of a franchise. This Rangers team was undaunted. This was a team that had Juan Gonzalez. Mark McLemore recalls Juan telling the team to get on his back that series and he would carry them to victory. He did in Game 1. Gonzalez hit a three run home run as part of a five run fourth inning and the Rangers won their first ever playoff game 6-2.

The heartbreak came in Game 2. It was a great pitching matchup as Ken Hill faced off against twenty one game winner Andy Pettitte. This time Juan hit two home runs and the Rangers had a 4-1 lead after three innings. The Yankees tied the game in the 8th. So they kept playing and playing and playing. The Yankees finally got a run in the 12th. They won in dramatic walk off fashion and never looked back.

Still we knew that the Rangers were so close to winning the first two in New York. If they had this might have been a different

series with a different outcome. Buoyed by that success the Rangers won the division in two of the next three years. Although they lost to the Yankees in the ALDS each time.

More than a decade later this franchise is still looking for its first playoff series win. Three moments stand out from the 2010 season which is another of my three favorite Rangers teams. First, the front office went all in, they traded a package of prospects to Seattle for Cliff Lee.

A move that inspired Ian Kinsler to jump for joy and dance down the hall leading to the clubhouse shouting, “we’re going to the playoffs.”

The players were sure this was the final piece they needed to be a true contender. They were right. Which leads to the second most memorable moment of that season. The Rangers went to Florida to begin the ALDS against the Rays. Lee was given the ball in game one. He was dominant, allowing one run on five hits, he struck out ten in seven innings of work. The Rangers won both games in St. Petersburg and it looked like advancing was a foregone conclusion.

Not so fast. Tampa Bay won both games in Arlington which forced a game five back at Tropicana Field. Lee took the ball again and never handed it back to Ron Washington that day as the Rangers ace went nine innings allowing one run on six hits and he struck out eleven.

The Rangers had won their first playoff series! They had earned their way to the ALCS and a date with the Yankees (uh-oh). Could this time be different? The Rangers got a three run homer from Josh Hamilton in the first inning and took a 5-1 lead to the eighth inning of game one. But the Yankees scored five runs in the eighth and won 6-5 and those of us who were around in the 90s were worried.

Fortunately the players were not. The Rangers won game two, Lee pitched eight

scoreless innings in game three which Texas won 8-0. The two teams split the next two in New York and came back to Arlington for game six.

Friday October 22, 2010 still lives as the best day in Rangers history in the mind of many fans. Behind a great pitching performance by Colby Lewis the Rangers beat the hated Yankees 6-1. When Neftali Feliz struck out Alex Rodriguez on that chilly October night, the Rangers had qualified for the World Series.

Two great teams that have something in common with this year’s team. The offense is putting up numbers that rank with the best offensive teams in the history of MLB the rotation is better than it has ever been. But the thing this team has in common with 96 and 2010 is the joy. These guys are having so much fun. They love coming to the ballpark every day. They love being around their teammates, they love winning.

All winning teams share those things. Yet somehow when a team starts winning after a long stretch of futility there is a novelty and a joy that does not exist when teams are expected to win. This team has that. Let’s see where it leads.

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

Learning to succeed with The Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education

by Amanda Rogers

The Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education has been preparing young women and men for success since 2004, but most of the city doesn’t even know they exist unless they have been involved.

The nonprofit 501c3 foundation was formed by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Xi Theta Omega Chapter, and is comprised of AKA alumni seeking to help the next generation.

“We provide education and scholarships for the underserved populations in Arlington and the surrounding areas, like Mansfield and Grand Prairie,” said Lisa StaplesWherry, vice president of public relations. “Every year we give out over $60,000 in scholarships.”

But the group doesn’t just hand out money to college-bound seniors, they show them how to find other grants and scholarships, how to study and what they need to get into and succeed in college.

The foundation has three signature events: the Winter Emerald & Gold Scholarship Ball and Debutante Presentation, YES! (Youth Education Summit) and the Family Expo.

The debutante ball requires high school girls go through six months of preparation, including teas, etiquette lessons and seminars, before being presented with their fathers and escorts at the November ball.

Girls apply in their junior year (applications closed in April) and earn scholarships based on their participation. The 15 young ladies currently in the program each receive two mentors to help them with their presentations and career choices.

“This puts these girls in a situation that they can see it,” Staples-Wherry said. “We

give them scholarships and have them apply for other scholarships. A lot of times black kids don’t know that things are available to them. These girls are from all different schools. Several have gone on to be AKA.”

A recent seminar for the debutantes focused on mental health, Staples-Wherry said.

“We’re preparing them to go to college, mentally, physically and emotionally,” she said. “We want to see them succeed. We prepare them for life after high school.”

Even though AKA is an international sorority, they haven’t forgotten the young men.

At YES! (Youth Education Summit), seventh- through 12th-grade boys and girls are exposed to college preparation, leadership skills and educational opportunities through interactive workshops. The summit is free, but registration is required. Registration will open soon at Arlingtoneducation.org for the Oct. 7 summit at the University of Texas at Arlington.

At the Family Expo, held in May with the Arlington ISD, the community is invited to learn about home buying, health issues,

entrepreneurship, educational advancement and business opportunities. The expo is also free, but registration is required.

For more information about the Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education, go to Arlingtonfoundation.org.

The young ladies learn to bow, how to dance, how to pour tea – and they learn how to succeed.

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

Ricky’s Hot Chicken • 3810 S Cooper St Ste. 138 • 682-276-6600

Spicy Bites • 1220 S Cooper St. • 817-642-5005

Zack’s Bistro • 900 E. Copeland Rd. • 682-323-8789

Candlelite Inn

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

Piccolo Mondo • 1829 E. Lamar Blvd Arlington. • 817-265-9174

BARBECUE

Italy Pasta Pizza & Subs

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

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

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

Spring Creek BBQ

INTERNATIONAL

Gangnam Rice • 4638 S Cooper St #190. • 682-320-8720

Sunny Thai • 4306 Matlock Rd #108. • 817-617-2216

Tic-Taco • 715 W Park Row Dr. • 817-617-2980

Cane Rosso • 200 N East St, Arlington. • 817-533-3120

Gyros To Go • 710 E Sublett Rd #101 • 817-419-2878

Prince Lebanese • 502 W. Randol Mill Rd Arlington, Texas • 817-469-1811

Most Around the World Called it a Fool’s Errand

by Richard Greene

We’ve reached the 247th anniversary of one of history’s most extraordinary events while the rest of the world considered it to be a fool’s errand.

Actions by the 56 representatives serving in the Continental Congress in a hot Philadelphia July declared the 13 British colonies to be free and independent thus forming the United States of America.

They did so with about one third of the population opposed to the idea of separating themselves, “loyalists” as they were known, from their benefactor, King George III.

Reaction around the world was that the treasonous act would result in total failure and the hanging of those who had signed onto the document declaring complete

separation from the tyranny of the King.

The war with the British had begun with the “shot heard around the world” on the Old North Bridge at Concord, Massachusetts, more than a year earlier and it was going badly. Predictions of failure of the rag tag colonial “army” up against the most powerful military force in the world looked to be professorial.

Yet, somehow, almost seven years later when the British surrendered to General George Washington at Yorktown in 1781, what would eventually become the most successful nation in human history was launched. It was, in terms of the percentage of the country’s population lost in battle, the costliest war in American history.

As it turned out, those 56 American patriots had set into motion a process that would 11 years later with the adoption of the US Constitution proved those ideas in the Declaration to be the most transformative of any society – ever.

It ultimately resulted in the greatest nation on earth.

So, who were these guys in 1776 who put their lives on the line … “We Mutually Pledge To Each Other Our Lives, Our Fortunes, And Our Sacred Honor,” and set all this into motion?

The oldest among them was the 70-yearold Benjamin Franklin who warned his fellow rebels that they must all stand together and be prepared to hang together if their initiative failed – a very likely outcome considering the historic risk they were taking with the mighty British forces.

The youngest, at age 26, was Edward Rutledge with 33-year-old Thomas Jefferson having been drafted among the fivemember committee of Congress to author the document that would explain what they were doing and why.

The other members of the committee were Franklin of Pennsylvania, John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, and New York’s Robert Livingston.

Among the original language was a provision dealing with the ultimate abolition

of slavery that would not survive as it would take the unanimous approval of all 13 colonies lest the document be cast into the trash bin of history. The southern colonies most dependent on slave labor for their economies where the holdouts.

In the end, as described by PBS, their actions deemed treasonous, some were imprisoned and treated as “high value prisoners,” while others, who enjoyed great wealth in their prime, died penniless.

The last among them to die was Maryland’s Charles Carroll at the age of 95 in 1832.

So, when we annually celebrate our nation’s freedom, we should know details of its origins and a reminder to remain true to our founding principles and values as the freest people on earth.

Those 56 patriots placed their “firm reliance on the protection of Devine Providence” and ultimately, were rewarded with the success of that “fool’s errand” when it all began.

Richard Greene is a former Arlington mayor.

Please refer to the Deposit Account Agreement, Account Disclosure, Deposit Rate Sheet and the applicable schedule of fees, or speak with a banker for more details.

1. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 06/13/2023 and is subject to change. Interest is calculated on collected funds only. APY is fixed for the term of the CD. Your disclosed interest rate will not change until the CD renews at first maturity. Your CD will renew automatically at maturity for a similar period unless we send you notice of non-renewal. We will send a notice before maturity to provide you with an opportunity to prevent renewal during the grace period. Business CD or Premier CD: Minimum deposit of $1,000 to earn advertised APY. Personal CD: Minimum deposit of $1,000 to earn 4.90% APY and have or open a Premium Interest, Premier, or Premier Elite Checking account which provides a Relationship Bonus of 0.10% (as of 06/13/2023) to earn advertised 5.00% APY. Premium rate tiers are applied automatically to linked money market or savings accounts, CDs, and IRA accounts when the primary owner of the checking account is also an owner of the linked interest bearing account. Please see the applicable Deposit Rate Sheet for details. The stated APY assumes interest on deposit until maturity and a withdrawal of interest will reduce earnings. Penalties assessed for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings. IRA account must be single owner. Annual contribution limits may apply. Please consult your tax professional for information regarding tax deductibility,