Maren Morris Does It Again /// One HOT Camaro /// Gateway Monument 2.0 December 2020
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Brighten Up Your 2020! L U M I N O V A H O L I D AY S . C O M
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Pantego: Shop local during the holidays! Every business has felt the stress of 2020. This holiday season, think small and help your neighbors keep their doors open. The Town of Pantego has locally-owned shops and restaurants unlike anywhere else for you to enjoy! Here are a few ways to spread cheer this holiday season: Mark your calendar for a Thousand Snowflakes on December 12. Visit our Facebook page to learn more!
Cater your holiday gathering or make reservations at one of our many unique restaurants.
Visit artisan vendors at the Pantego Farmers Market at Bicentennial Park on December 19 from 6-9 p.m.
Browse gifts at our one-of-a-kind shops and find the perfect presents for everyone on your list!
shoppantego.com
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Shopping • Anything Goes • Arlington Coins • Arlington Gold and Silver • Cotoured by Jess • Cox’s Jewelry • DFW Flooring Warehouse
@shop_pantego Dining
• Diamonds and Designs • Hank & Ellie • Jazzy Jems • KTM-Sherco of North Texas, SLM Racing • Maggie & Me • Mailboxes and Such • Martin Locksmith
• • • • • • •
Mountain Sports Nu2U Resale Rustic Craft Supply The Backyard Store The Runner Shop Texas Appliance Urban Country Flower co.
• Angelo’s Pizza, Steak and Spaghetti • The Bomber • Cajun Corner • Cake Bliss • Chef Lin’s Gourmet Donuts • Coker’s BBQ • David’s Barbecue
• • • • • • • •
Donut Palace Donuts Express Dr Jeckyll’s Beer Lab Fattoush Mediterranean Jade Café JRs Grill La Isla Restaurant Luci’s Chicken N Rice
• Mad Mike’s Ice Cream • Mr. B’s Burger Pub • Pantego Café • Saljo’s • Shipley Donuts • Simply Divune Cafe • Vito’s
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©2020. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Contents
ON THE COVER
December 2020 • Volume 7 • Issue 12
HIGHLIGHTS 24
Luminova Holidays, with its 2.7 million flickering lights, is an excellent way to safely – and brilliantly – get yourself in the holiday spirit this year.
Story, page 26
42
DEPARTMENTS
34
44
24 This idea is HOT!
A UTA research team is working on a project that could de-ice Texas bridges
Starting Line 10 This ‘n Data 12 • Around Town 20 Scene 22, 54 • Style 40 Bulletin Board 56 • NMOHM 58 Keen Cuisine 60 • Speaking of Sports 62 Itinerary 64 • Finish Line 66
28 Newsworthy
Dr. Victoria Farrar-Myers earns a prestigious Leadership Arlington award
30 And the Editors’ Choice award goes to ...
IN THIS ISSUE
We put the spotlight on five more entities that help enhance the region
34 Home SWEET! Home
Clay and Brandee Kelley’s home is a culmination of Christmas traditions
42 Pay forward for next year’s garden
Here are five plants to ponder purchasing during the hazy days of winter
44 What’s a ‘Z-Sled’?
Gary Daley’s Camaro has been the car of his dreams for four decades-plus
48 Welcome Home
A second Gateway Monument has been created on the southwestern side of town
50 Class is in session
My Mansfield Muni-Versity will welcome its inaugural class next month
8
ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
With Christmas, Chanukah and New Year’s Day right around the corner, there are more than a few activities planned in the area.
Check out highlights on page 36
2020: New Challenges, Continued Success
T
he new bronze horses outside the updated entrance to the E.H. Hereford University
Center represent features that describe the Mavericks of The University of Texas at Arlington:
STRONG. SOLID. READY FOR THE LONG RUN.
BREAKING RECORDS In 2020, UT Arlington set records coming and going. The fall semester saw the largest freshman class in University history, with 3,820 students starting their lives as Mavericks. The number of graduating students in 2019-20 also reached new highs, with 280 doctoral, 4,970 master’s, and 8,654 bachelor’s degrees conferred.
REACHING MILESTONES By hitting critical benchmarks, UTA has achieved all of the required criteria to receive Texas Tier One designation and funding from the state’s National Research University Fund. It would become just the fourth emerging research university in the state to do so.
COVID-19 RESPONSE Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, across Texas and beyond, thousands of Mavericks provided essential care and support. Thousands of UTA alumni, including nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals cared for patients on the frontlines. Other alumni, students, faculty, and staff members made masks, worked as contact tracers, conducted research, or served as experts advising the public on safe practices. That support continues today. With safety as a priority, the University moved classes online and took cautious steps for a return to campus. To successfully navigate UTA through the pandemic, the University adopted face-masking protocols, minimized our on-campus presence, and initiated proactive testing of higher-risk students. By responding to the many challenges of COVID-19 with Maverick spirit and determination, UTA ensured that students could continue to learn and stay on track for degree attainment.
Thousands of students hard hit by the pandemic found assistance in $15.5 million in direct support via the CARES Act Emergency Grants issued through UT Arlington. Additionally, the University pledged an additional $25 million in scholarships aimed at supporting low-income, first-generation, highachieving students in Texas.
PRIORITIZING INCLUSIVENESS When racial tensions erupted around the nation, UTA hosted a series of virtual town halls to discuss improving support for Black students, faculty, and staff. The University also developed eight initiatives to promote a more diverse, welcoming, and inclusive campus community and has taken actionable steps toward those goals, including a search for a vice president of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, a new department.
ONGOING EXCELLENCE And while those challenges were happening, UTA continued to receive recognition for outstanding programs and celebrate excellence. The College of Engineering celebrated its 60th anniversary. The College of Nursing and Health Innovation was named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing. Programs in the College of Education and the College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs were ranked No. 1 in the nation by Intelligent.com.
As we close out 2020, UTA is looking to the future and an exciting spring semester. See what we have in store at uta.edu.
UTA.EDU
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STARTING LINE your community • your magazine
EXECUTIVE BOARD Executive Publisher Judy M. Rupay
So this is Christmas
CEO Richard Greene
W
hen I recall favorite Christmases past, I can’t help but smile. There was the Christmas of 1965, when I tore off the wrapping paper on the largest box under the tree and shouted with glee at the sight of what lay underneath: that electric football game just like my friend Doug’s – only bigger. There was the Christmas of 1971, when the treasure was too large to bind with a papered chest. Instead, my parents and grandparents heave-hoed the pool table into the living room and constructed it a few hours after I finally succumbed to sleep on Christmas Eve night. It was, I deemed upon the first glance at the scene on the next morning, the greatest holiday gift I had ever received or would ever receive. There was the Christmas of 1980, the first one spent with my wife. There were the Christmases of 1981, 1982, 1985 and 1990, the first ones spent with new members of the family, proving just how wrong was my assessment in 1971. For each of the past nine Yale Christmases, that point has been Youngblood reiterated as I’ve watched first one Editor grandchild, then a second, then a third, lend an undefinable euphoria to the family gathering, especially as each reached the age when what was inside the box was more fun to play with than the container itself. If you have grandchildren, you know the scene: the ripping off of the wrapping; the wide, sparkly eyes just thereafter that define the happiness of the moment; the squeals and untethered hopping that symbolize joy in its purest form. And now I approach Christmas present, which isn’t to be mistaken for a Christmas present. I’m referring to the day, not a bounty of the day, although, as I’ve noted, they can be synonymous. Christmas present comes at a time when most of us are actually more focused on New Year’s Day present, if just because New Year’s Day present officially closes out 2020, which has been among the more tumultuous years of all of our lives. Christmas present could use some pure joy. It could benefit from a notion not lost on the young: Every day is ripe for discovery. Every moment can yield something fresh. I think that in our quest to get back to “normal,” we sometimes forget that normal shouldn’t be enough. We should really aspire to get back to a place when our minds and hearts rejoiced with each new day – and especially with each new Dec. 25th. So, during the upcoming holiday season, I’m making a vow to myself – and now to you – to put the frustrations of the past 300-plus days aside and to purposefully cherish all that has been wonderful about the past 64-plus years. If I am able to do that, I’m pretty sure that when I look back on this time in my life, 2020 will rank among the more important of all my Christmases past. Maybe, even, the most important one.
yale@arlingtontoday.com Visit arlingtontoday.com, like us on Facebook 10
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EDITORIAL Editor Yale Youngblood Sports Columnist John Rhadigan Special Columnist Major General Patrick Brady Website & Social Media Manager Bailey Woodard Contributing Graphic Artists Francisco Cuevas, Susan Darovich Contributing Writers Kenneth Perkins Contributing Photographers Dwayne Lee, Heather Lee, Bruce Maxwell SALES / CIRCULATION Business Manager Bridget Dean Sales Managers Laura DiStefano, Amy Lively, Andrea Proctor, Debbie Roach, Tricia Schwartz Distribution Manager Hanna Areksoussi PRODUCTION Production Manager Susan Darovich ARLINGTON TODAY is published monthly. Copyright 2020 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.
ARLINGTON TODAY GIVES BACK Arlington Today magazine proudly sponsors the Alzheimer’s Association, Arlington Life Shelter, the AWARE Foundation, the Junior League of Arlington and Theatre Arlington.
Phone number: (817) 303-3304
Dr. Sheri Puffer
Dr. Maya Kuriakose
Dr. Joy Carter
Dr. Joan Bergstrom
Dr. Jessica Brown
Dr. Kiran Nangrani
Dr. Dawnette Peppler
Women’s Health Services has been providing outstanding health care for women of all ages for the past 36 years. Originally founded by Dr. Joan Bergstrom, the group has just added their seventh female physician, Maya Kuriakose, MD. She joins Dr. Joan Bergstrom, Dr. Dawnette Peppler, Dr. Kiran Nangrani, Dr. Sheri Puffer, Dr. Joy Carter, and Dr. Jessica Brown. WHS has been recognized in the community for its reputable and thoughtful care. The group offers state-of-the-art female services at two locations in Arlington. They provide all obstetrical and gynecological surgical services at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital which is the premier community hospital in the city. Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital was awarded the American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Status in 2017. The physicians of Women’s Health Services have won Arlington Today Women’s Healthcare Star Award for the past 7 years, Suburban Parent Magazines’ award for Best of Family Healthcare in Obstetrics and Gynecology, DFW Child Magazine’s Mom-Approved Doctors award for OB/GYN. Women’s Health Services offers the full array of OB/GYN services and all physicians are skilled in managing every aspect of women’s health care, including normal and high-risk pregnancy care, gynecologic sur ery i of e ia os i a hera eu i ro e ures for a or a ee i i o i e e rea e annual exams, and contraceptive and hormone therapy needs. Visit their website to schedule your appointment online at www.womenshealthservices.com. Winner Seven-Time ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine
EDITORS’ CHOICE 2020
2014-2020 Readers’ Choice
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THIS ‘N DATA #atpetofthemonth Zaylee Grace is a 2 1/2-year-old Malshi. Zaylee has the sweetest personality. She loves all things human food, going to Granny’s house and getting ice cream. She loves to sprint around our backyard and messing with her big sister, Lacey.
MAREN MORRIS DOES IT
– Danyelle Gates
AGAIN
Jerletha McDonald honored Photo: yahoo.com
A
rlington’s Maren Morris continued her 2020 hot streak at last month’s CMA Awards show, earning three victories – as female vocalist of the year for the first time and single and song of the year, both for the first time, for “The Bones.” Morris is only the eighth person – and second woman – in CMA history to win awards for both single and song of the year for the same work. Morris has now won five CMA Awards. She shared the song of the year award with her co-writers Jimmy Robbins and Laura Veltz. She shared single of the year with her producer, Greg Kurstin. Earlier this year, Morris was named the “Female Artist of the Year” at the 2020 ACM Awards in Nashville. In addition, she was honored for “Music Event of the Year” for her appearance on Miranda Lambert’s “Fooled Around and Fell In Love.” While both award shows highlighted the professional part of 2020 for the popular singer/songwriter, the biggest moment of the year came in March, when she welcomed her first child, son Hayes Andrew, with husband Ryan Hurd. Morris has broken records across the board with her now Triple Platinumcertified hit “The Bones” – even while taking time off to have her son. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic taking a swath out of live entertainment, she also played her biggest show to date to more than 60,000 fans at the Houston rodeo. Morris isn’t the only Arlington-rooted performer to make a mark in country music. Mickey Guyton, who sang in the choir at Mount Olive Baptist Church, made history at the ACM Awards in September as the first Black woman to perform at the show, singing “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?”
Arlington By the numbers 12
258
The number of square miles the city covers, from north to south and east to west
ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
Source: justfunfacts.com
30 million
L
ocal social entrepreneur, family child care provider and national speaker Jerletha McDonald last month received the Child Care Associates North Texas Early Childhood Leadership Award. McDonald was honored for her leadership in the family child care space. She is the founder and CEO of the Arlington DFW Child Care Association, a family child network, working to improve the quality of child care among homebased providers. She is also the owner/ director of Nurturing Gifts Infant and Toddler Center, JayMac Enterprise – a consulting agency for family childcare professionals, and the host of the highly acclaimed Radio/Visual Podcast Show, “The Jerletha McDonald Show: Everything Child Care!” In 2019, she was appointed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s Early Learning Council.
The number of LED lights used to illuminate the screen on the video board at AT&T stadium Source: mediaroom.arlington.org
8
The length in miles of the River Legacy Paddling Trail along the West Fork of the Trinity River Source: mediaroom.arlington.org
Putting your health above it all. At Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, our mission is to not only improve the health of our patients, but that of our entire community. It’s why our care is more than just advanced, it’s also compassionate. With respect for every person, and a commitment to your well-being in all facets of your life, it’s real care, with real caring. And, as always, we have protocols in place designed around your safety. Back & Spine Care Digestive Health Services Kidney Health
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Behavioral Health
Emergency Care
Neurosciences & Stroke Care Urology
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Breast Care
ENT
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Cancer Care
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Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Women & Infants Care
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Diabetes Care
Heart & Vascular Services ■
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Infectious Disease
Rehabilitation Services
Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine
Texas Health is right there with you. Whatever comes.
1-877-THR-WELL TexasHealth.org/Arlington
Doctors on the medical staffs practice independently and are not employees or agents of Texas Health hospitals or Texas Health Resources. © 2020
•
THIS ‘N DATA
ARBOR TABS LOONAM
T
he Arlington Board of REALTORS® last month announced the addition of Walt Loonam as MLS/ IT Director. He will oversee the MLS Department, and will be responsible for MLS technical support and training, software questions, Listing Walt Loonam Checker and MLS rules enforcement. Loonam will also oversee website and digital media functions, be responsible for network and internal systems administration, and serve as staff liaison to the MLS Committees.
Dignitaries cut the ribbon to offically mark completion of the Abram Street Rebuild through Downtown. Photo: City of Arlington
East Library and Rec Center officially opens W
hether you’re looking to take a fitness class, host a pool party, browse the bookshelves or borrow a laptop to do some work online, the newly opened East Library and Recreation Center offers a variety of programs, amenities and resources for residents of all ages. The combined recreation center and library, located at 1817 New York Ave. at Bob Cooke Park in East Arlington, is the first of its kind in The American Dream City. City and community leaders celebrated the grand opening of the 47,249-square-foot facility last month with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and staff-guided tours. “Libraries and parks and recreation make great neighborhoods,” Libraries Director Norma Zuniga said during the event. “The investment made in this community will leave a legacy for years to come.” Library visitors have access to public computing, printing, faxing, scanning, and mobile printing capabilities for a low-cost, as well as free wi-fi and device charging stations. Younger patrons can participate in bilingual story times and dynamic programming that includes exploring STEM concepts. Youth are also able to explore technology through Discovery Stations and access homework resources, as well as educational games through designated children’s computers.
RAISE YOUR HAND if you were part of local history (coincidentally tied to the recording of local history) and paid a visit to the Fielder House Museum when it opened in Arlington in 1980.
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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
3
SCOOPS 1. The median price for Arlington homes continued an upward trend, increasing 7% year-over-year to $247,500 for the third quarter of 2020. Arlington home sales also increased 10.2% over the same yearlong time frame. 2. The City of Arlington is the third city in the State of Texas where VZW 5G Ultra Wideband is available, according to Verizon Wireless. The 5G Ultra Wideband network uses the high-band, ultra-wide millimeter wave spectrum to deliver a better experience for smart phone users and other 5G enabled device users. Houston and Dallas are the only other Texas cities where VZW has officially announced this service.
3. Patrick Brown, vice president of operations for Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, was named the 2020 Early Careerist of the Year by the North Texas Chapter of American College of Healthcare Executives.
Give yourself the gift of Better Hearing for the holidays!
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THIS ‘N DATA
FIVE IN THE BOOKS
Park Place Motorcars Arlington celebrates anniversary with generous gift to non-profits
Curnutt & Hafer are celebrating 20 years
C
urnutt & Hafer began operations on January 1, 2000. Founding partners Kelly Curnutt and Doug Hafer left work at Baker & McKenzie, the largest law firm in the world, to embark on a mission of serving clients one at a time, treating clients’ problems “as if they were our own.” In the 20 years since, the firm has represented clients throughout the State of Texas and beyond. The firm’s victories for clients in state and federal courts have ranged from defending Fortune 500 companies to prosecuting the rights of individuals to million-dollar recoveries. Curnutt & Hafer enjoy involvement and investment in the community through organizations such as Mission Arlington, Rotary Club, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the Arlington ISD Education Foundation and Young Life of Arlington. The firm has steadily grown from a three-person staff to a dozen with offices in both Arlington and Decatur. This growth necessitates change. In December 2020, the firm will move its headquarters into a newly renovated building in Downtown Arlington at 301 West Abram, just a stone’s throw from Arlington City Hall, the Levitt Pavilion and Mission Arlington. Curnutt & Hafer handles and litigates a variety of legal challenges, including business litigation, formation and disputes, injury and death, insurance coverage and bad faith, family law, inheritance disputes, and issues relating to the oil and gas industry. Curnutt & Hafer encourages community members and business owners alike to reach out with their legal concerns or challenges. Curnutt & Hafer is ready to serve now and for the next 20 years. For more: curnutthafer.com
16
ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
P
ark Place Motorcars Arlington celebrated its five-year anniversary last month by donating $10,000 to five non-profit organizations. The dealership donated to the following organizations: • Mansfield Education Foundation • Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation • Boys & Girls Club of Arlington Arlington Education Foundation • Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital “It is a privilege to serve Arlington, Mansfield, and the surrounding area,” says Malcolm Gage, General Manager of Park Place Motorcars Arlington. “As we celebrate five years in Photo: City of Arlington Arlington, Park Place continues to reinforce the importance of giving back in the community where our members live and work.” The Park Place Cares program supports more than 300 organizations around the Dallas-Fort Worth area throughout the year. Park Place’s members are further challenged to volunteer their time and resources to serve local communities.
A CELEBRATION OF THE NEW MAN HOUSE MUSEUM IS SET FOR DEC. 12 A TWO-YEAR LONG JOURNEY to bring a Mansfield founder’s home to life culminates this month with the grand opening of the Man House Museum, the restored homestead of Ralph S. Man. The event, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 12, will introduce the community not only to the restored house turned museum but provide visitors with a glimpse of life in Mansfield in the late 1800s. The grand opening includes tours of the house and more.
PICTURE YOUR BABY’S BIRTH AT METHODIST MANSFIELD.
Bringing new life into the world is a precious moment. It’s comforting to know that Methodist Mansfield Medical Center strives to provide the best care at every stage of your pregnancy. Our Women’s Center features: • Exclusive photographs of your baby’s first moments captured by a professional photographer and memorialized on a DVD • Well-appointed birthing suites and shared mother-baby care • Dedicated obstetrics (OB) emergency department • Neonatal intensive care unit • Childbirth classes • Recognition as the area’s Best Medical Facility and Best Maternity Ward.* So whether you’re a mom-to-be or a mom once more, make Methodist Mansfield your home for comprehensive OB care. Trust. Methodist.
Call 877-637-4297 for a free obstetrician referral, or learn more at MethodistHealthSystem.org/MansfieldOB * Methodist Mansfield Medical Center has been voted Best Hospital by Living Magazine and best Maternity Ward by Focus Daily News. Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, Methodist Health System, or any of its affiliated hospitals. Methodist Health System complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
Apply now at www.aisd.net/specializedprograms Apply now at www.aisd.net/specializedprograms PATHWAYS PATHWAYS STEM STEM Pearcy STEM Academy • Earn college credits and set yourself up for everything from internships to Pearcy STEM Academy the possibility to going to MIT at the STEM Academy at Martin High School •• Earn college credits and set yourself up for everything from internships to Immerse yourself in STEM life in a traditional high school setting the possibility to going to MIT at the STEM Academy at Martin High School FINE ARTS/DUAL LANGUAGE • Immerse yourself in STEM life in a traditional high school setting • Start your student on a path of dual language as literacy and content are FINE ARTS/DUAL LANGUAGE taught in both English and Spanish with Mandarin starting in second grade student onand a path of dual language as literacy and with content are •• Start Piano,your 3D visual arts more are options starting in Pre-K taught in both English and Spanish with Mandarin starting in second grade •• Piano, 3D visual arts and more are options starting in Pre-K with •LEADERSHIP
It’s never too early to set your child up for success in the It’s never too to set Arlington ISD.early Because ofyour our child up forprograms, success in you the can specialized Arlington ISD. Because put them on the path toof anour specialized programs, you can outstanding career or a head put them on the path to an start in college for FREE. outstanding career or a head start in college FREE. language, STEM,for early college or a jump start on a career, you can language, STEM, early college do it all in the Arlington ISD or a jump start on a career, you specialized programs. MIT or can do it all in the Arlington ISD cosmetology? It makes no specialized programs. MIT or cosmetology? It makes right path for them. Andno it starts
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AROUND TOWN
All in the (Lamar High School) family
Kolby Kelly and Zack Riley have come full circle at Lamar High School – starting as members of the band and now teaching at the school. Photo: Kenneth Perkins
Z
“It consumes me, definitely,” says Riley. “But in a good way.” ack Riley and Kolby Kelly didn’t know each other while band It has to. And does for these two, as their career trajectory students at Lamar High School but knew of one another. points out. Riley graduated from UNT in Music Education where Riley was the young, up-and-coming French Horn he performed in the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and the Green guy and Kelly the veteran upper class percussion dude, and Brigade, becoming a section leader. while they orbited the same band rooms and game-day field Kelly is a University of Oklahoma grad who performed with marching and competitions and are-you-kidding-me days the Pride of Oklahoma, the OU Basketball Band, Wind Symphony, practicing on blistering-hot asphalt, it’s not as though they Percussion Orchestra and OU Steel Band. were joined at the hip. Under his guidance at Liberty High in Frisco, the percussion Nowadays, you can rarely speak about Zack without Kolby or group gained recognition in a number of drumline contests at the Kolby without Zack since this reunion tour arrived on the Lamar UIL/TIMEA events. faculty as assistant band directors under the veteran director “When I was a junior, I felt it could go somewhere,” Riley says Alan Lang. of music. “I said I really like music and really like band, so I The fact that Lang was their band director when they were started researching options and decided that teaching would be mere schoolboys exemplifies life north of I-30, where the degrees the bet way to make it be a big chunk of my life.” of separation appear to be razor thin. Of course, he could have gone anywhere. Or just stayed up North Arlington, particularly as you move westward, is so there in Frisco. close-knit that it’s not cliché to say, like Wait. One more Lamar family thing. Riley and Kelly, if you don’t know him Riley’s best girl buddy – yeah, from or her it is very likely someone mighty Lamar – brought lunch over to him close to you does. during one of those long rehearsal Much has been made of Riley and Kenneth Perkins days at the school. She started up a Kelly being Arlington ISD alums now conversation with Kelly, and is now back teaching at the same school where marrying the guy next April. they learned a bulk of what they now THE REUNION TOUR for Kelly won’t have to travel far to visit impart, but after talking to them, what I with the In-Laws. They live on the same found most intriguing was less that, and Zack Riley and Kolby Kelly street where he grew up. more of the notion of staying put to help can be described simply: Oddly, Riley is getting hitched, too, keep a community alive and thriving. It’s a Lamar thing. next May. Two years into a teaching job in Yep. A few weeks apart. Frisco, Kelly bought a house – in “With teaching music, there’s this golden window of time,” Arlington – just two blocks from Lamar. As if the clouds were Kelly says, explaining the closeness in wedding dates. “Fall is parting, the Lamar job opened up a week later. incredibly busy. Winter is too cold. Summer is super busy. So “I had no plans of leaving the Frisco job,” Kelly says. “But it was March 15 to about May 15 is probably okay to get it done.” like the stars kind of aligning.” Although, Riley chimes in, “even during those dates you have They were. When Kelly finished at OU he taught at Boswell UIL Spring Competitions. Jazz band. So, really, in that golden High School in Saginaw, hired by a former Lamar band teacher. time period, I’d say roughly two or three weekends.” “I know, I know,” Kelly says. “This crazy circle of Lamar Thankfully they have understanding fiancés. people.” It’s a Lamar thing, of course. Anyone who has participated in band or knows someone who “Almost half of my groomsmen have some connection to has understands its time consumption. For band students, there’s Lamar,” Riley says. “You meet people here and it lasts a lifetime.” sleep – and then there’s band. 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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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
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PICTURE-PERFECT MOMENTS
Scene
Snapshots of note from places and events in the Arlington/Mansfield/Grand Prairie area
University of Texas at Arlington
Photo: UTA
UTA professor Ali Abolmaali last month was named a fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Veterans Day Observance program
Martin High School band performance
Photo: Sylvia Greene
The Martin High School band performed its complete 2020 show in uniform for band member families and recognized the band’s graduating seniors on the band grid.
Grand opening of the East Library & Recreation Center
Photo: April Pettitt Image: mlb.com Photos courtesy of the City of Arlington and Tom Schlueter
(Left) Dignitaries cut the ribbon to officially open the new East Library and Recreation center. (Right) Tom Schlueter and Councilperson Victoria Farrar-Myers stand outside the new facility.
The Grand Prairie Mayor’s 70 for 70 program
Chris Pettitt received a Congressional Veterans commendation during last month’s Veterans Day Observance program.
Photos: City of Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen keeps popping up all around town as the city continues its celebration of his 70th birthday with activities designed to engage public participation in local programs, events and activities.
Arlington Police Department
Photos: Photo: City of Arlington
APD’s East Foot Patrol Unit partnered with Mission Arlington, Seasons of Change, The Salvation Army and other community members to provide brunch, haircuts and care packages for homeless individuals within our community in November.
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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
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uta.edu/admissions arlingtontoday.com • December 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY
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UTA TODAY
THIS IDEA IS HOT! A UTA research team is working on a project that will utilize geothermal energy to de-ice Texas bridges • By Jeremy Agor
A
team of researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington has earned funding to further test whether geothermal energy can make Texas bridges and overpasses safer during winter weather. Thanks to $100,000 in funding from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Xinbao Yu, associate professor of civil engineering, will test a new design for geothermal loops beneath the bridge deck and perform a cost/benefit analysis and environmental impact survey at the test site, located off Division Street near Dottie Lynn Parkway in Arlington. Anand Puppala, a former UTA civil engineering professor who is now at Texas A&M University, is co-principal investigator on the project. When geothermal de-icing systems are installed in new bridges, groundwater is pumped through a circulation pipe to bring thermal Xinbao Yu, UTA associate energy from the ground to the surface. professor of civil One end of the circulation pipe is engineering, is working on embedded into the bridge deck, which a potentially warms to the point where ice and snow revolutionary project designed melt instead of sticking to the surface. to melt ice on bridges during Installing a similar system on the the winter. underside of existing bridges adds challenges, because the heat-transfer efficiency must be large enough that the heat goes to the bridge deck, not to the air. Yu and Puppala have focused on creating new technology to accomplish this goal. Their original concept involved using panels that contained circulation pipes, but that hindered TxDOT’s ability to inspect the bridge deck from below. So the researchers created a system that left open spaces between the pipes. “We have had excellent results in our tests so far, and I’m
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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
“WE HAVE had excellent results in our tests so far, and I’m very confident that our system will work. This additional funding will allow us to further test our concepts and ensure that it is environmentally safe and fiscally responsible.”
very confident that our system will work,” Yu says. “This additional funding will allow us to further test our concepts and ensure that it is environmentally safe and fiscally responsible.” UTA Civil Engineering Department Chair Ali Abolmaali says Yu’s work is an example of how UTA faculty successfully collaborate with state agencies to provide solutions to infrastructure problems. “We have a long history of working with TxDOT to test
Photos: UTA
materials and solutions to the unique issues the agency faces in maintaining Texas roads,” Abolmaali says. “Dr. Yu’s work could help TxDOT keep bridges and overpasses safer during extreme winter weather in a way that is better for the environment than using salt and sand – and that will be well worth the cost.”
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EDITORS’ CHOICE 2020
The Law Offices of Stephanie A. Foster, P.C. Deciding to divorce is one of the most important decisions a person can face so it makes sense to know your options. One option is traditional courtroom litigation. Another option is collaborative divorce. Although attorney Stephanie A. Foster is prepared to be the warrior in your courtroom battle as she has been in thousands of Tarrant County divorce cases over the past 28 years, her preference is to be the peacemaker in your interest-based negotiations through the dignified, private, child-protecting process known as collaborative divorce which involves no court. Stephanie A. Foster is confident that the collaborative process is a powerful way to generate creative solutions in family law disputes while minimizing financial and emotional damage to the couple and their children all the while promoting post-divorce psychological and financial health of the restructured family. As a family law mediator and one of the first Tarrant County attorneys trained in collaborative law, attorney Stephanie A. Foster will help you navigate through your divorce options and zealously represent you through the process of your choice. Contact attorney Stephanie A. Foster today to discuss your options.
One option is traditional courtroom litigation. Another option is collaborative divorce. Law Offices of Stephanie A. Foster, P.C. 4214 Little Road, Arlington, TX 76016 817-277-2805 • StephanieFosterLawyer.com
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COVER STORY
Make your socially safe holidays merry and bright at LUMINOVA HOLIDAYS
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on’t miss the bright spot of the year at Luminova Holidays, where you can celebrate the season in style! Now through January 3, Globe Life Field, the all-new stadium in Arlington, transforms into a winter wonderland. Surrounded by 2.7 million twinkling lights, there is so much to see and do at the socially safe indoor and outdoor Christmas experience. Luminova offers you something that gets you and your family out of your car to enjoy the most wonderful time of year that we all love so much…. and do it safely. Marvel at larger-than-life displays that include Christmas trees, reindeer, snowflakes, ornaments and brilliantly lit tunnels that are large enough to stroll through. In addition to the more than six acres of lights at Luminova, families and friends will enjoy attractions that provide opportunities for unforgettable holiday memories. Safely snap those selfie-worthy pics that will be perfect for this year’s Christmas card photo. It is even a great place to romantically pop the question to the person you love in a memorable and unique way. There are lots of activities at Luminova Holidays that are
Photos: Luminova Holidays
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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
guaranteed to put smiles on faces, too. Strap on ice skates and experience the thrill of gliding on the largest outdoor rink in Texas. Feel like a kid again as you leap up and down on an interactive lighted hopscotch path. All aboard! Families will enjoy riding on trackless train rides, all while enjoying a tour of the Luminova wonderland. Relax and enjoy snacks and drinks that are sure to please everyone. Even the Big Guy in red will be at the sprawling wonderland, ready to hear everyone’s holiday wishes. With more than 270,000 square feet of outdoor and spacious indoor areas, there is ample social distancing at Luminova Holidays and it is your safe holiday experience this Christmas. Skip the extra cleaning prior to and after gatherings to keep your home and guests safe from germs and viruses. Invite family and friends to meet at Luminova for a socially safe and fun experience. In addition to following the CDC and Texas Department of State Health Services guidelines, Luminova Holidays works closely with
The socially safe Luminova Holidays, featuring more than 2.7 million twinking lights, will captivate visitors of all ages at Globe Life Field this month through Jan. 3.
Tarrant County, the City of Arlington and the Texas Rangers to make sure the holiday celebration meets all guidelines and safety protocols recommended. Be prepared to wear a mask if you are over 10 years of age. No bags are allowed inside Globe Life Field except for necessary medical bags and diaper bags that accompany infants and young children. Small clutch bags and clear bags are not allowed. When purchasing Luminova tickets online, select a timed entry to avoid lines at the entrance. Stay as long as you wish once you enter. The light path experience will be in a one-way directional path, where you can space out accordingly as you wander through the dazzling light trail.
Limited tickets are available nightly to keep the experience enjoyable while social distancing, so be sure to purchase your Luminova Holidays tickets early to secure your preferred night. Prices start at $14.99. A family pack, which includes two adults and up to three kids, starts at $59.99. Online ticket purchases are suggested to avoid inperson contact. From December 3-12, the Luminova plaza will be part of the National Finals Rodeo experience. For a full list of available dates, please visit the Luminova website. Globe Life Field is located at 734 Stadium Drive, Arlington, Texas 76011. Make Luminova Holidays your plan for safe holiday gettogethers this year. It is where the most wonderful time of the year is fun for all ages. For tickets and more information, visit LuminovaHolidays.com.
arlingtontoday.com • December 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY
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NEWSWORTHY
DR. VICTORIA FARRAR-MYERS IS NAMED THE WINNER OF THE 2020 LEADERSHIP ARLINGTON SALLY KALLAM AWARD
L
eadership Arlington recently announced Dr. Victoria A. Farrar-Myers as the 2020 recipient of the Sally Kallam Award. This award recognizes an Arlington leader and alumnus of Leadership Arlington who best emulates the ideals of leadership through efforts devoted to Leadership Arlington and the community. Dr. Farrar-Myers has served as an at-large representative on the Arlington City Council (District 7) since 2016 and as Deputy Mayor since 2018. In this role, she has spearheaded Arlington’s efforts Dr. Victoria Farrar-Myers on human services and workforce issues like access to and quality of childcare and housing as well as promoting small businesses throughout the city. Her commitment to her community, though, started well before being elected to City Council. She has twice served on the Leadership Arlington Board of Directors, including as President in 2016-2017. She has also volunteered and taken on leadership roles in other civic organizations in the city, such as the Arlington Rotary Club, Arlington Education Foundation, and Junior League of Arlington, and had a successful career teaching and mentoring thousands of students as a Professor of Political Science at the University of Texas at Arlington. This year of 2020 has been a year of “new” for everyone, and Leadership Arlington has pivoted during this time, as well – for example, with this year’s Youth and Adult classes graduating in a “drive-thru” ceremony on the campus of UTA. Similarly, Leadership Arlington had to inform Victoria that she was this year’s deserving recipient of the Kallam Award through a surprise Zoom call. The organization hopes to recognize Dr. Farrar-Myers’ accomplishments formally at the 2021 Leadership Arlington graduation ceremony. The Leadership Arlington Sally Kallam Award was first presented to and named after Sally Kallam, the organization’s first Executive Director. The award recipients over the years reads like a “Who’s Who of Arlington,” and the organization is honored to add Dr. Victoria Farrar-Myers’ name to the list. To see the complete list of Kallam Award winners, go to: leadershiparlingtontx.org/sally-kallam-award.html. 28
ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
MICHAEL GLASPIE FIELD ATHLETIC COMPLEX WILL GIVE AISD THREE HIGH SCHOOL STADIUMS
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he Arlington ISD Board of Trustees last month approved the schematic design for the future Michael Glaspie Field Athletic Complex. This Bond 2019 project will renovate the existing practice field at Martin High School and convert it into the Arlington ISD’s third competition field. The new athletic field at Martin was included in the 2019 Bond because the district needs three competition fields for its six high schools. Arlington ISD owns Wilemon Field at Sam Houston High School and Cravens Field at Lamar High School, but it rented UTA Maverick Stadium for its third competition field. However, Arlington ISD no longer has access to UTA Maverick Stadium and needs a replacement competition venue. The new field at Martin will provide that third varsity competition field and serve as the home for Martin and Seguin high schools. The new stadium, being designed by VLK Architects, will include approximately 10,000 seats, a larger press box, locker rooms, restrooms and concessions. Architects are being careful to consider the campus’ existing layout, neighbors, traffic flow – cars, school buses and pedestrians – and parking in their design. They have included a landscape buffer between the stadium and neighboring homes and will utilize modern LED lighting. The LED lighting is significantly better than traditional lighting in that it can be directed into the stadium and onto the playing surface more efficiently, has considerably less spillage from the venue and can be turned on and off quickly. “The district’s newest competition stadium incorporates the foundation of the existing Martin High School stadium with new and improved features to improve access throughout the site for students and the community,” says Kelly Horn, Arlington ISD executive director of plant services. “The larger venue allows the district to host larger events and accommodate larger district crowds with easier access to locker rooms, restrooms and concessions. Utilizing an existing site also reduces costs and time for construction.”
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ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine
EDITORS’ CHOICE 2020
TEX MEX
La Isla Restaurant
T E P Three Dog Y R A Bakery N I L CU E CAR OLF Tierra GVerde E S R U CO 30
IN NOVEMBER, we shared the complete list of our Editors’ Choice selections that represent some of our favorite people, places and things in the Arlington / Mansfield / Grand Prairie area. Here, we spotlight five of the winners who team to make our great region even greater.
I
n 1996, the Zavala family opened the doors at 611 W. Park Row Dr. in the University of Texas at Arlington area. After months of struggling to stay alive, a timely newspaper story featuring La Isla Restaurant as “the new kid on the block” sparked some interest. Now, nearly two and a half decades later, the restaurant isn’t just flourishing; it’s our choice for the best Tex-Mex food in the area. La Isla Restaurant brings a notable passion to cooking – there are more than six dozen delicious choices on the dinner menu, alone – as well as providing fast, friendly service. The bottom line: When we say, “Olé!” (that means, “Bravo!,” by the way), we are joined by a chorus of similarly satisfied patrons. For more: laislarestauranttx.com
I
n 1989, three dogs, two guys, and one $0.59 biscuit cutter created the world’s first bakery for dogs. The revolutionary idea – 100-percent natural, wholesome, human-quality ingredients – gave pet owners a new option in healthy feeding. At the Arlington location, Kim Harmon has taken that foundation and run with it, thanks to a stellar staff made up of humans and bakery dogs who ensure that all their customers leave satisfied. The 2,000 square-foot bakery located at Parkway Central specializes in all-natural, fresh-baked dog treats and personalized celebration cakes, as well as premium dog food, toys, collars and accessories and specialty items. We say the place is so dog-gone perfect, it will make your tail wag. For more: threedog.com/bakery/parkway-central
I
t’s hard to find a more beautiful course than the award-winning Tierra Verde Golf Club. In fact, it is the first golf course in Texas and the first municipal course in the world to be certified as an Audubon Signature Sanctuary. Opened in 1998, and carved from 250 acres of secluded terrain, the course features a layout that encompasses a variety of natural settings and offers an outstanding playing experience on every hole. Tierra Verde was named the top golf course in the DFW Metroplex in 2012 by Avid Golfer magazine (public rankings - premium category). Each hole has five sets of tees, sculpted fairways, strategically placed sand bunkers and water hazards – all accented by stately trees and beautiful native grasses. For more: arlingtongolf.com/tierra-verde
ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
T
R E G BUR
Al’s Hamburgers
here is something to be said for a family owned business that has been putting smiles on customers’ faces for more than six decades. We’ll say this: Al’s, you’re our choice for the best burger in the area. So, how has the team at Al’s Hamburgers managed such success for so long? For starters, there’s the food – from day one, when Al Mathews opened the doors in 1957, he insisted on serving only the freshest meats and produce. That tradition continues today, as Al’s descendant Melody Lawrence and husband Gary head a team that buys only the best and prepares it to perfection in the kitchen. “We’ve made very few changes over the years,” says Melody, who began working at the restaurant at age 18. One thing that Melody and Gary have changed is the location. Just this fall, the restaurant relocated to 1276 Fielder North Plaza, where patrons can enjoy indoor and outdoor dining. They’ll also enjoy a menu that includes breakfast dishes (omelets, pancakes, French toast, biscuits and gravy – and more), as well as “other meals” options such as pot roast, meatloaf, chicken tenders and street tacos. Oh, and burgers. Definitely burgers. You really need to check out the burgers. For more: facebook.com/alshamburgerstx
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DATE NIGHT
restaurant506 at The Sanford House
his month, as you carefully consider how to safely enjoy a long-time tradition, we suggest you also give some thought to another. Pre-holiday endeavors such as looking at lights, shopping or enjoying a Christmas-themed program can easily evolve into Date Night, and when they do, you can ensure that at least the dining portion of date night will be “oh, so, perfect” by including a visit to restaurant506 at The Sanford House as part of the itinerary. The often celebrated restaurant506 features “Inspired American” cuisine. In fact, see the photo to the right for some inspiration. The culinary team creates delicious seasonal menus that are hand-made with the freshest ingredients that look every bit as good as they taste. And your service team, from the person who greets and seats you to every member of the wait staff, is, likewise, inspired to make sure you leave the establishment with a smile. The eatery is open to the public for lunch Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 5 - 9 p.m. and for brunch Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Sanford House practices social distancing measures to make sure you have a safe meal. And, given, that we’re talking “date night,” being secluded during a delicious meal sounds like a great idea. For more: thesanfordhouse.comrestaurant506.
arlingtontoday.com • December 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY
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This season, Downtown Arlington’s small businesses need your support now more than ever. #Shopsmall for your holiday purchases to keep our community bright. Find something to make this season special at
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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
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•
LOCAL DWELLINGS
HOME SWEET! HOME
Christmas isn’t just a day for Clay and Brandee Kelley; it’s a tradition like no other
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hristmas with Clay and Brandee Kelley is all about traditions, and their home, shown here, is where many of their customs began and culminated – especially during the holidays. Speaking of holidays, there’s one that serves as the genesis for Christmas at “Kelley Manor.” “On Labor Day,” Brandee says, “we begin shopping for Christmas presents with the goal of having presents wrapped, cards prepared and the
house decorated by December first so that we can enjoy all the Christmas celebrations, from Bikes For Mission Arlington (Dec. 12 this year) and the annual Michael W. Smith Christmas concert to gatherings with friends and family.” On the weekend before Christmas, the Kelleys celebrate with longtime friends. These unions have changed over the years – the now-grown children are no longer in tow – but Brandee says it is always a great way to begin the week of Christmas. 34
ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
Clay and Brandee traditionally attend the Christmas Eve candlelight service at their church, after which they take in a feast of Mexican food with family. Before opening presents on Christmas morning, their children read the Christmas Story from Luke, Chapter 2, in the Bible. Following the presentopening ritual they eat “Clay’s wonderful tenderloin” for lunch and, when weather permits, take an afternoon stroll to counter all the feasting. Then they revel in the wonder of the day in their beautiful home. “The lights and music are two of our favorite parts of Christmas,” Brandee says. “I especially love the picture of the angel (above, by the mirror) and the lights as I wonder what it was like when the heavenly host of angels sang in Bethlehem when Christ humbly stepped down from heaven to take on human flesh, knowing that His purpose was to die and rise again to give us hope and a future with Him where our sins are forgiven and we can go to heaven with Him.” Like the traditions, many of the decorations are near and dear to the Kelleys. Brandee made the boys’ stockings – “a labor of love, as these are the only needlepoint projects I have ever done. There is a poem about stockings being hung with care; these were also created with care.” This year, Clay and Brandee traded in their traditional red and green for a soft, calming blue theme in parts of the house. Teamed with the outdoor vistas available from virtually every room, the new hues bring an easy peace to the Kelley home. This year, that serenity will be yet another Christmas inspiration. Moving forward, it will be a tradition. A good one.
Christmas at Clay and Brandee Kelley’s home is more than the beautiful decorations you see here. The couple revels in the Christmas story, and each light, package and ornament collectively serve to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Photos: Bruce Maxwell, Southern Flair Photography and Brandee Kelley
arlingtontoday.com • December 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY
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• ‘TIS THE SEASON
Holiday highlights City’s Holiday Lights Parade is set for Dec. 12
ACVB to host ‘12 Days of Christmas’
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T
he Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau is hosting a “12 Days of Christmas” giveaway throughout the month of December. Prizes will range from gift cards to local small businesses, tickets to events in town, free food in Arlington and more leading up to one grand prize. Follow Arlington CVB’s Instagram and Facebook pages and keep a look out for directions on how to participate. arlington.org
he city’s annual Holiday Lights Parade and tree-lighting ceremony will take place on Dec. 12 in Downtown Arlington. The parade traditionally starts at 6 p.m. at the corner of Main and Center Streets and will travel west on Main Street, south on West Street, east on Abram Street and ends at the corner of Abram and East Street. Handicap parking is available in the lot at South Street and Oak Street. Before the parade, activities will begin at 2 p.m. at and around the Levitt Pavilion Arlington (100 W. Abram St.) and will include a variety of entertaining options, set up to ensure that social distancing will be practiced by attendees and participants. Following the hour-long parade, the City’s official treelighting ceremony traditionally takes place. holidaylightsparade.com
There’s music in the air ...
S
ymphony Arlington will present a holiday-themed concert at 7:35 p.m. on Dec. 17 at Arlington Music Hall and online. The concert will feature tenor Ricardo Garcia (pictured) and will include performances of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 in C Major, as well as holiday favorites. To continue a Symphony Arlington tradition, the featured musical artists will ask audience members to join them for a holiday sing along that will include historical, cherished and fun Christmas songs. symphonyarlington.org
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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
Please note: While at press time, the events listed here are scheduled, many are subject to change due to the pandemic. Check the websites this month for updated information.
Here’s your invitation to a Holiday Party
A
re you ready for some Christmas cheer? Then come to Theatre Arlington’s Holiday Party and spend some time with Micah, Leslie and Lori as they sing the night away. This Holiday Party will last from Dec. 4-12, with shows at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. The performing artists will share laughs, stories, songs and give the audience a chance to join in the fun. This is the perfect party and Christmas celebration for 2020 and a fun time to share with the whole family. theatrearlington.org
Mansfield’s gearing up for Hometown Holidays M
ansfield’s Hometown Holidays will take place from 5-9 p.m. on Dec. 4 and from noon-8 p.m. on Dec. 5 in Historic Downtown Mansfield. The 2020 event will include the same crafts, live musical performances, food trucks, petting zoo and ice slides you know and love. New this year, Hometown Holidays will feature exciting carnival rides, including a 40-foot tall Ferris wheel for the middle of Main Street. The free festival traditionally includes live reindeer in a petting zoo and hands-on activities like cookie decorating, ornament making and more. Of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in their house, ready to wave to little ones. The official City of Mansfield tree is moving to The LOT Downtown, at the corner of Main and Broad, and will be lit on Friday night (Dec. 4) at 6:30 p.m. It will remain there throughout December for photos. Fireworks will follow the tree lighting on Friday night and will be done again on Saturday night, both times at approximately 6:30pm. mansfieldtexas.gov/789/Hometown-Holidays
Are you ready for Holiday in the Park? S
eeking thrills along with some holiday magic? Look no further than Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas. Open for select days through Jan. 4, this immersive winter wonderland experience features seasonal entertainment with festive shows and dancing reindeer, a Merry Marketplace where you can indulge in holiday favorites like hot chocolate and smores, and the chance to slide down The Frosty Snow Hill, a hill covered in real snow. World class thrills are also on deck this holiday season, as many of your favorite rides will be operating during Holiday in the Park. That’s favorite, as in El Diablo, The Riddler Revenge, Runaway Mine Train and others. sixflags.com/overtexas
arlingtontoday.com • December 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY
37
Enjoy Interlochen from the safety of your car
T
Festival of Trees to make its debut this month
T
he Junior League of Arlington will bring a new tradition to Arlington this holiday season: the inaugural Festival of Trees, which will be held from Dec. 4-23 at the Center for Community Service (4002 Pioneer Pkwy.). More than 50 uniquely decorated Christmas trees will be on display, each one sponsored and decorated by an individual or group, including local businesses and non-profit organizations. The public is invited to tour the Festival of Trees for free in person or virtually, and can vote for their favorite trees online. The tree that receives the most votes will receive a grant to their non-profit (501(c)3) organization of choice. The public will also have the opportunity to purchase or bid on Christmas trees and decorations beginning Dec. 20. The Festival of Trees will be open for viewing Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. jlarlington.org
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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
he vastly popular Interlochen Christmas Lights, one of the largest holiday light displays in north Texas, will be on display from Dec. 18 through Christmas. Beginning Friday, Dec. 18, the Arlington Police Department will set up traffic control posts from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. to help facilitate safe travel through the area. Motorists must enter the Interlochen neighborhood from Randol Mill Road at Westwood Drive. Every year, more than 200 homeowners in this northwest Arlington neighborhood near Interstate 30 celebrate the season by adorning their homes and property with festive lights and holidaythemed displays. The natural social distancing provided by the free, two-mile car tour through the 200 plus homes parade of Lights makes it one of the few local holiday entertainment options that can go on in a normal way and still be totally safe. Interlochen Neighborhood Entrance and Exit: • Enter the Interlochen neighborhood from Westwood Drive at Randol Mill Road. • From Westbound I-30, take the Fielder Road exit and go south to Randol Mill Road. Turn right on Randol Mill Road and follow it to Westwood Drive. • From Eastbound I-30, take the Eastchase Parkway exit, turn east on Meadowbrook Boulevard to Randol Mill Road, then right on Randol Mill Road to Westwood Drive. • All other streets to the Interlochen neighborhood are closed. Left turns are prohibited from northbound Bowen at Westwood and northbound Oakwood at Randol Mill. All traffic will be forced to turn southbound on Crowley Road. Tour buses will not be allowed on Porto Bello Court. lakeinterlochentx.com/christmas-lights
Viridian Lights The Viridian Lights Drive-through Christmas lights display will run through Jan. 3. The free tour, which is open to the public, will take place along Viridian Park Lane. viridiandfw.com
Prairie Lights is a sight to behold O
fficials at the City of Grand Prairie Parks, Arts, and Recreation Department have good news for fans of the City’s annual Prairie Lights tradition: The park will reopen for a 15th year and be open through Dec. 31 — safely and with almost no adjustments required for park visitors, thanks to the event’s already-baked-in socially-distanced structure. Located along the shores of Joe Pool Lake, Prairie Lights is a two-mile, drive-through holiday park experience that showcases a stunning display of more than five million lights arranged in hundreds of festive holiday scenes throughout the park. While the park’s out-of-car experience (the Holiday Village) will not open this year due to pandemic considerations, the event will feature a new drivethrough concession option; and one of the most famous light installations — the animated grand-finale tunnel — will once again be in place to delight visitors as they make their exit from the park. Since its premiere in 2005, Prairie Lights has become one of the top holiday attractions in the region, drawing more than 29,000 vehicles and 165,000 guests last year alone. Duane Strawn, Executive Director for the City’s Parks, Arts, and Recreation Department, said that the City is expecting an even stronger turnout in 2020. prairielights.org
Observing Chanukah
C
ongregation Beth Shalom (1212 Thannisch Drive) will observe Chanukah with a variety of services from Dec. 11-18. Here are the highlights: Dec. 11: Candle lighting at 5:05 p.m.; Shabbat service at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12: Shabbat service at 10 a.m.; Havdalah at 6:13 p.m.; Brotherhood/ Sisterhood-sponsored virtual Chanukah party at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13: Religious school at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 14: Torah study at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 18: Candle lighting at 5:07 p.m.; Shabbat service at 6:30 p.m. bethshalom.org
Mission Arlington Christmas Store T
he Mission Arlington Christmas Store will be open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Dec. 12-22 (excluding Sundays) and from 10 a.m. - noon on Dec. 23, providing area residents in need with gifts and food. The store is set up like many traditional “stores.” Shelves and tables are used to hold the gifts and divide those gifts by age groups. It is staffed by churches, schools, families and individuals who have donated toys, worked, planned and prayed for the people who will come to the Store. Volunteers’ tasks include being a shopper helper, helping adults to find gifts for their kids, stockers, keeping toys and other gifts placed in the store, child care, providing a safe place for parents to leave their children when they shop – and so much more. missionarlington.org/the-christmas-store
arlingtontoday.com • December 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY
39
Holiday Gift Guide
2
1
from C&W Antiques
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3 from Gracie Lane
from Anything Goes
7
from Anything Goes
10 from Anything Goes
from Anything Goes
5
from Gracie Lane
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from Anything Goes
8
9
from Anything Goes
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from Gracie Lane
12 from Anything Goes
from Anything Goes
Holiday Gift Guide
11
12
from Anything Goes
from C&W Antiques
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14
from Anything Goes
15
from Anything Goes
from Anything Goes
20
16
from Anything Goes
from Gracie Lane
17
from Gracie Lane
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from C&W Antiques
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from Gracie Lane
•
YOUR GARDEN
A PLAN AHEAD to
ensure autumn
COLOR! Witch Hazel
Crepe Myrtle 42
ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
s temperatures drop and tree leaves start to make their winter exodus, you probably aren’t thinking about a fall garden. But with gray days ahead, it might encourage you to envision a landscape full of autumn color next year, and Bottlebrush Buckeye to help you plan for just that, Wendy Pappas, Arlington Parks & Recreation Department’s Urban Forestry Land Manager, suggests five small trees you can add to get a jump on bloom-time beauty once the weather warms up. Flowering Dogwood The Dogwood tree is not only beautiful in the fall, but offers interest in every season all year long. In early spring, Dogwood can bloom in many different colors of white, pink, red and anything in between. In summer, leaves will turn bright green. Fall will bring another gorgeous range of leaf color from red to deep purple. In the winter, Dogwood will grow bright red berries that birds love to eat. This is an ornamental tree that can grow up to 40 feet tall in optimal conditions. Crepe Myrtle This Southern staple is a summer and fall favorite, and for good reason. This fastgrowing tree usually blooms from July to September, and flowers can range in color from white, red, pink, purple or even almost orange. Depending on variety, Crepe Myrtles have brilliant fall leaf colors, including red, orange and yellow. Winged Sumac Winged Sumac trees like full sun and can grow anywhere from 7-15 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide. Much like Dogwood, this tree offers year-round beauty. Sumac blooms clusters of white flowers in the summer and grows berries in the winter. This plant will reproduce rapidly if conditions are favorable. Witch Hazel While many people consider Witch Hazel to be a shrub, it can be grown as either a shrub or a tree. This plant prefers full sun or partial shade and has moderate needs for watering. Overall, Witch Hazel is a very low-maintenance plant, and you won’t need to prune very often. Bottlebrush Buckeye This small tree will grow up to 12 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It is suited for USDA hardiness zones 4-8 and cannot handle drought conditions, so regular watering is important. The Bottlebrush Buckeye tree will bloom white, wispy flowers in June and July, and leaves will turn a bright yellow color in fall. Full to partial shade is ideal for this tree, and you won’t need to do much maintenance. The Bottlebrush Buckeye is very resistant to disease.
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BEHIND THE WHEELS
WHAT’S A
‘Z-SLED’?
As this photograph and those on the ensuing page suggest, Gary Daley’s 1977 Chevy Camaro Z-28 has all the trappings of a classic automobile that was created to stand – and that has stood – the test of time. Photos: Richard Greene
Gary Daley’s Camaro has been the car of his dreams for four decades-plus • By Richard Greene
M
ost young guys share a common enthusiasm for automobiles. It’s hard to predict when that urge kicks in, but it really accelerates when they can buy the car of their dreams. There are few whose stories about how they turned their desire into reality who can match 19-year-old Gary Daley’s procurement of his 1977 Chevy Camaro Z-28 some 43 years ago. Chevrolet reintroduced the Z-28 midway through the 1977 model year – a decision that resulted in less than seven percent of that year’s total Camaro production. They were hard to find and in short supply everywhere. “I was on the wait list,” Gary explains with perfect recall, “and had deposits at five or six Chevy dealers in Kansas City. I frequently called other dealers to see if any of 44
ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
them had gotten any Z-28’s in stock. “One Saturday morning I called New Union Chevrolet and they told me they had one that their buyer had backed out of, so I rushed over with my brother to see the car. “My first choice was brown, and this one was brown! The window sticker price was $6,500 and I told the salesman I would take it for $6,000. ‘No, you won’t’ was his immediate answer as there would be no discounts on this car. So, I paid full sticker price.” A noteworthy moment in Chevrolet history adds to the understanding of the car’s attraction – it was the first year when the Camaro outsold the Ford Mustang. Since that time, Gary’s love for his car has only grown. His attachment to the car can also be better understood when he shares his early experiences with it. >>>
arlingtontoday.com • December 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY
45
Here’s the “Z-Board” that serves as a shrine to Gary Daley’s “Z-Sled.”
“My high school buddy and I (we would later become the best man in each other’s wedding) referred to our cars as “sleds.” Whenever we would plan to go somewhere or just cruising, we would ask each other, ‘Do you want to take my sled or your sled?’ So, as soon as I got my new Camaro, it became known as the Z-Sled.” I asked him if he dated his wife, Vivianne, in his Z-Sled. I could have guessed the answer. “This is the car that my wife and I went on our first date back in 1978, and we’ve now been married for 39 years.” Fast forward in his story about when his son Kyle was soon to turn 16, get his driver’s license and wanting his own car. “We offered him the Z-Sled and his immediate answer – ‘No way, Dad!’ and I thought he declined because it was my car, my toy. “But I asked him why anyway. His response, ‘Dad, It’s brown! Nobody wants a brown car!’” Last year Gary dealt with the reality that his prized possession needed some repairs and restoration. “I fully intended to do the repairs myself, but never seemed to find the time. One day my bride said, ‘Let’s take the Z-Sled to someone and get her tuned up,’ and she didn’t have to twist my arm very hard. So I’ve had many things fixed up thanks to master technician Robert Massengale, who has put it back in as original condition as possible.” Readers may recall that we’ve covered in previous editions of this column some of Massengale’s talents with cars he’s restored for other owners. “These days,” Gary continues, “I frequently tinker with little things on the car and have truly enjoyed having her back up and running well and looking new.” Gary’s long devotion to this pristine vehicle is evidenced by the display board he takes along to car shows that includes the window sticker, build sheet, sales brochure, owner’s manual and sales receipt. All originals. People often ask him how much is his car worth. He’s instantly ready with a classic response: “Way more to me than anyone else!” No, the Z-Sled is not for sale and, after understanding the passion of its oneowner history, anyone would know exactly why. 46
ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
GARY WAS prepared to give the car to his son Kyle as he was about to turn 16, but the teen turned down the offer. “Dad,” Kyle said, “it’s brown! Nobody wants a brown car!”
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CIVIC PRIDE
WELCOME HOME!
A second Gateway Monument has been created on the southwestern side of town
C
ity and community leaders last month celebrated the completion of Arlington’s second Gateway Monument, which welcomes residents and visitors alike as they enter The American Dream City from the south. The lighted monument, located on U.S. Highway 287 near Russell Curry Road in the southwestern side of town, stands 20 feet tall and reflects the City of Arlington’s star logo. It is one of seven gateway monuments planned for the City’s major corridors, including Interstate 20 and State Highway 360. The first monument was installed in 2017 on Interstate 30 north of Randol Mill Park near the Fielder Road exit. With an excelling education system, a strong entrepreneurial business community and diverse neighborhoods, Arlington is a direct reflection of how the American Dream thrives when citizens have an independent spirit and city pride, Mayor Jeff Williams said during last month’s dedication.
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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
“We are the place where dreams and big ideas get done,” the Mayor said. “So, naturally, we would want to announce when people arrive in Arlington – ’We’re here!’ This monument certainly does that. It makes a tremendous statement.” U.S. Highway 287 stretches nearly 1,800 miles from Port Arthur on the Texas Gulf Coast all the way north to Wyoming, bringing a great many travelers through Arlington, District 2 City Council Representative Sheri Capehart said. Thanks to the new monument, travelers will know without a doubt that they have arrived in a community with a great sense of pride. “Not only do you recognize the city you are now in, I think the gateway monument gives you an indication of the kind of city you are in,” Capehart said. “It’s the kind of city that is big and bold and proud of its heritage, proud of the people who live there, proud of its future.” – Susan Schrock, Arlington Office of Communication
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49
•
MAINLY MANSFIELD
A
s the inaugural class finished signing up late last month, The City of Mansfield is ready to introduce its first My Mansfield Muni-Versity civic academy, which will be held from Jan. 13-March 22. My Mansfield Muni-Versity will be an opportunity for residents to learn the “ins and outs” of the city they call home. Participants will get to know the faces behind the programs and hear first-hand from department staff about the programs and services available. Members of the first class had to meet certain residence eligibility requirements – they must be a resident of Mansfield, a student of a Mansfield resident, a Mansfield Independent School District student, or a City of Mansfield employee. Also, they must be 16 years or above at the time class commences. In order to graduate, participants are expected to attend every class in its entirety, save for emergency situations that might preclude attendance. In addition, they will be asked to commit to the calendar schedule listed to the left. Graduation is dependent upon attendance of a minimum of 9 of the 11 classes. Billed as a “fun and engaging experience,” My Mansfield Muni-Versity will focus each session on a particular division, department, or program, and attendees will get to know members from the respective department’s staff. Department staff will class, beginning next month provide a meal for class members, as well as put together the presented information so each meeting will be a different experience. In order to provide the best experience for participants – and because of COVID-related social distancing practices, program officials have limited the number of participants allowed in each My Mansfield Muni-Versity class. The session that begins next month will be the first in a series of classes. Prospective members can visit mansfieldtexas.gov/Faq.aspx?QID=391 periodically to find out when subsequent My Mansfield Muni-Versity sessions will take place.
CLASS IS IN SESSION My Mansfield Muni-Versity to welcome its inaugural
The Calendar for My Mansfield Muni-Versity Jan. 13 (6 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.) – General Introduction & Basic Functions Jan. 20 (6 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.) – Police Jan. 27 (6 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.) – Community Development, Part 1 Feb. 3 (6 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.) – Community Development, Part 2 Feb. 6 (9 a.m.-11:15 a.m.) – Fire Feb. 10 (6 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.) – Water Utilities Feb. 17 (6 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.) – Communications Feb. 24 (6 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.) – Community Services March 3 (6 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.) – Parks & Recreation March 6 (8:30 a.m. - noon) – Service Saturday March 10 (6 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.) – Business Services March 22 (TBD) – Graduation Ceremony with City Council members 50
ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
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51
•
HITHER AND YON
The Great Reset of 2021
A
sk anyone what they think about 2020 and you’ll get a variety of responses. Ask those same people about 2021 and you’ll often hear, “Reset!” I’m not sure exactly what that means since you can’t reset something that hasn’t happened yet. When I think of resetting something, I think of wiping the slate clean and starting over. Or pushing an imaginary button and watching the last thing I did disappear and trying again. In today’s world, maybe reset simply means not repeating 2020. So how does one reset and prepare for a year when so many questions about the health crisis and its effects remain unanswered? Perhaps for some, preparing for 2021 manifests itself into stocking up on tangible items much like people did during the Y2K panic. You make sure your pantry is full with canned and non-perishable goods. Pasta anyone? Load up on plenty of bottled water just in case stores run out faster than they can stock it. Masks and hand sanitizers are available in bulk, and you can purchase anything – and I mean, ANYTHING – online these days. Oh, let’s not forget toilet paper. How a run on toilet paper early this year almost mirrored a run on banks during the Great Depression is still beyond my understanding.
• By Pamela Rainville
Whatever your preparation might be, I do believe each of us is prepared for a better year with great hope ... hope that a vaccine will be readily available to all, hope that our local businesses, in particular, will open their doors to 100% functioning, and hope that life as we mostly used to know it will be ours again. There are uncertainties still on the horizon, but the thing we can always prepare to be is kind to each other. To use a cliche, it costs nothing to be nice to someone. When we are kind to others, a trickle effect occurs, and that kindness continues much like the Starbucks drive-thru lines where the person in front keeps buying the coffee for the person behind. Personally, I’ve never done that, but I guess it’s because I don’t frequent Starbucks often, and, when I do, I walk inside. Okay, I digress. It’s impossible to prepare for every eventuality. If you tried, you wouldn’t be living. Not everything will go as planned. You may experience a few disappointments along the way and maybe even more delightful surprises. No matter what 2021 brings you, be kind and the satisfaction of knowing that the one thing you prepared your heart for – to be kind – was accomplished.
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PICTURE-PERFECT MOMENTS
Scene
Snapshots of note from places and events in the Arlington/Mansfield/Grand Prairie area
Kathy Draves, Stan Parker and Karen Robbins
Photos courtesy of Holly Clinton
Jay Wong and Cris Zertuche Wong participated in last month’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Susan Musfeldt, Ron Musfeldt and Elaine McCann
Prince Lebanese Grill
Miss Grand Prairie
Photo: Van Della Menifee
Miss Grand Prairie Angelica-Jasmine Bates paid a visit to The Epic for its second anniversary celebration.
The Upstairs Gallery
Photo: The Upstairs Gallery
The Upstairs Gallery (1038 W. Abram St.) presented a new art show featuring the abstract work of Lynne Buchanan.
54
Photo courtesy of John McFarlane
Mayor Jeff Williams is shown on the AT&T Stadium video screen welcoming visitors to Arlington.
Kelly Lewis and Joe Bruner display the check Arlington North Rotary Club donated to the cause.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
2020 PBR World Finals
ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
Grand Prairie Libraries
Photos courtesy of Aziz Kobty
Prince Lebanese Grill’s General Manager Aziz Kobty had such success with his keto diet – he lost some 70 pounds over the past few months – that the eatery now offers keto recipes. You can pay a visit to Prince Grill to eat a healthy meal or just to tell Aziz how good he looks. The address is 502 W. Randol Mill Road.
Photo: of Mansfield Photos: The CityCity of Grand Prairie
Peter Sime and Blair Bartley share what’s happening at local libraries on the City of Grand Prairie’s “Check it Out” Youtube program.
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NEWS & NOTES
Bulletin Board Dr. Nate Hearne has a great story, and he loves to share it with others
A
s an assistant football coach at Odessa Permian High School during the late 1980s – an era that spawned a state championship, as well as providing the story that inspired the book and the movie “Friday Night Lights” – Dr. National Hearne got to experience firsthand how success is founded. However, as he told a recent virtual gathering of members of The Rotary Club of Arlington, he learned that lesson much earlier in life. And, he says, he tries to share what he learned as often as anyone will listen. Dr. Hearnes’ Rotary Club talk was titled “Leaving an Intentional Legacy in Today’s Culturally Diverse World,” and he chose that topic because the purpose of Rotary is for the members of the club to use their gifts to empower the less fortunate to do great things for themselves and others with the gifts the organization offers. “Also,” he says, “across this nation and around the world we’re seeing so much social unrest and injustice. I used my story to help the Rotarians and others to see that the best way to reduce social injustice is by building and maintaining an intentional positive relationship and living and leaving an intentional positive legacy for Dr. Nate Hearne others to emulate and follow. My beliefs are based on that premise because my seventh grade science teacher and seventh grade football coach did that for me. I do my best to emulate their legacy in everything I do.” After moving from coaching to school administration, where he was an award-winning principal, Dr. Hearne ultimately established the Euless-based Made Up Minds and The Euless Loaves and Fishes Foundation and uses those platforms to provide training and programs to reach at-risk youth for the purpose of strengthening character, teaching leadership skills, and increasing school attendance. He also averages between 20 to 25 speaking engagements and Personal Discovery workshops per year. “The groups I speak to are elementary staff, junior high staff, high school staff and students, religious groups, businesses, sports programs, male and female coaches and athletes on the junior high, high school, college, and university level.” He is scheduled to speak to the students at Arlington ISD’s Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center in January, but because of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, he says that talk might have to be postponed. “We’re also working with students at TCC in Arlington,” he says, “and we’re in the process of working with students on the UT Arlington campus starting next semester.” If you would like to book Dr. Hearne for a speaking engagement, visit his website, drnatehearne.com.
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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
Lake Viridian
Tree-mendous news from the developer of Viridian
J
ohnson Development, the company that created the 2,000-acre, master plan community Viridian in Arlington, has planted or preserved nearly 2 million trees in its 18 active communities. Tree preservation is one of the first considerations of development, says Larry Johnson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Houston-based Johnson Development. “When we go to lay out a neighborhood or lay out design for arterial roadways, a surveyor first identifies trees in the path of development,” Johnson says. “We often adjust the location of a road or lots to avoid impacting valuable trees.” In Viridian and its other communities in Austin and Atlanta, the developer has planted nearly 342,000 trees. Johnson Development has planted more than 321,000 trees in its 14 Houston-area communities. For more information: johnsondevelopment.com
Do you yearn to discover a new park to explore? Have you checked out Downtown Arlington lately? T
here are all kinds of parks in Arlington. There are parks with trails, and parks where your kids or dogs meet up with friends. There are parks with rides that take you up into the sky, and diamond-shaped parks where we love to hear the ump holler, “Play Ball!” Then there’s one located at the center of it all: Downtown Arlington. This park weaves together green spaces and colorful murals: Public art and mini-gardens tucked among architecture from kitschy to modern ... Dozens of gridpatterned routes made for dog-walking, patio-hopping and 5Ks ... Sounds of live music from inside local hangouts and outside in the night air ... The vibe of a city center that’s not too big, not too small, but just right for meeting friends for a cup of coffee, catching a show, or taking a yoga class on the lawn. Downtown Outdoors is Downtown Arlington’s platform for discovering and experiencing the great outdoors in the heart of the city. Downtown Outdoors not only helps us see Arlington’s historical and cultural district differently, but will create opportunities to discover and engage with the district’s many outdoor spaces through creative new programming that’s open to all. Physically distant, socially active As scientific understanding of the coronavirus continues to advance, we’ve learned that social distancing in outdoor spaces is much more effective in curbing the spread of COVID-19 as compared to indoors. Additionally, the general health benefits of spending time outside are well understood. According to Harvard Medical School, physical activity helps reduce stress, anxiety, and can provide some relief for depression. Breathing fresh air and spending time outside help many people relax, reduce stress and anxiety, increase motivation, and sleep better. Being outdoors, particularly in an urban environment, also keeps us connected with our community. What’s your favorite way to play? Downtown Outdoors will seek to create even more public places to gather, ideas for spending time with family and friends, programs to support healthy lifestyles, and ways to stay connected with your community. For more: downtownarlington.org/visit/downtown-outdoors.
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NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR MUSEUM
Honoring the role of faith in times of war
Over 400 chaplains have been killed in combat. Nine have earned the Medal of Honor.
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Photo: thegospelcoalition.org
the spiritual needs of our warriors. Over 400 chaplains have been he NMOHM may be the most unique museum in the world – killed in combat. Nine have earned the Medal of Honor. I know if not, certainly among the most unique. Not just because of its few MOH recipients who do not attribute much of their success to inclusiveness in terms of wars, of the heroes involved and the their faith. instruments and units of war, but because, unlike many museums, Surely among the most famous of all chaplains were the Four it will embrace and emphasize values, an essential element, Chaplains of World War II, Protestant, Catholic and Jew, who perhaps the most essential element, of valor. gave up their lives to save others after a German submarine There will be a space that addresses the essence of the values part sank their ship. They were classmates from Chaplains school at of valor – faith; the source of courage and a value of our warriors Harvard, last seen locked in arms singing hymns as their ship went that is often overlooked. We hear that there are no atheists in down. Although these men clearly earned the Medal of Honor, foxholes, and as one who has witnessed the battlefield death rattle it was denied for a technicality, and they received instead the of our warriors, I can say that may be true; many final thoughts Distinguished Service Cross, our second highest award. were of God, that God would save them, that He would forgive More recently we have two chaplains who are being considered them, take care of their families, and those thoughts almost always for sainthood by the Catholic Church for actions that earned them included love. the Medal of Honor, Father Emil Kapaun and Father Vincent Our great generals down through the years, understanding the Capodonno. role of faith in courage, have prayed Father Kapaun volunteered to stay before battle. General Patton believed behind to care for the wounded rather that prayer was a combat multiplier. than escape during the battle of Unsan Soldiers love their Chaplains. George General in Korea. He continued to care for them Washington, who helped found a Patrick Brady during a 60-mile march in bitter cold country based in faith, actually kept to a Chinese POW camp. For seven a prayer journal. Perhaps the most months, in impossible conditions, he memorable image of a general in prayer WE FOUND OUT that administered to the spiritual and medical is that of Washington at Valley Forge. needs of his fellow soldiers until he died America recognized early that military warriors fight best when total exhaustion. training was only part of building a they know that their spiritual of Father Capodonno died in Vietnam fighting force. We found that warriors needs will be covered. on his second tour while administering fight best when they know that, not only to the medical and spiritual needs of their medical, but their spiritual needs his fellow soldiers. The communists shot him 27 times before he will be covered. We have the finest combat medicine ever. To cover stopped caring for his fellow soldiers. Father Capodonno is special the spiritual needs George Washington founded the chaplains to me because he was killed in an area I covered on a day and time I Corps in 1775 about a month after he stood up our Army. was flying. My crew may have recovered his remains. The word chaplain comes from the military cloak, a capella, of St. This museum will have many unique combinations of hero and Martin (born 316, died 397), which he tore in half to warm a beggar. outstanding citizen; Theodore Roosevelt, for example, who was not His cloak became a holy relic carried into battle by middle age only a Medal of Honor recipient but also the President of the United kings hoping God would carry them to victory. Today the cloak has States – and is on Mount Rushmore. But what could be a greater been replaced by men of God, chaplains. combination than to be a Saint and a Medal of Honor recipient? If We have many MOH recipients who risked, and gave, their it happens, Father Kapaun and Father Cappadonna will surely be a lives to administer to the physical needs of our warriors. We also blessing on our museum. have many chaplains who died and risked their lives to care for General Patrick Brady earned the Medal of Honor for actions in Vietnam, where he flew over 2,500 combat missions and rescued more than 5,000 wounded men, women, children, enemy as well as friendly.
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DINING GUIDE
Keen Cuisine UPSCALE
restaurant506
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 The Keg • 4001 Arlington Highlands Blvd. • 817-465-3700 • kegsteakhouse.com Mercury Chophouse • 2221 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 910 • 817-381-1157 • mercurychophouse.com Piccolo Mondo • 829 Lamar Blvd. E. • 817-265-9174 • piccolomondo.com restaurant506 at The Sanford House • 506 N. Center St. • 817-801-5541 • restaurant506.com
AMERICAN
Candlelite Inn • 1202 E. Division St. • 817-275-9613 • candleliteinnarlington.com Dino’s Subs • 2221 S. Collins St. • 817-274-1140
Candlelite Inn
frieddaze • 5005 S. Cooper St., Suite 159 • 817-472-6666 • frieddaze.com The Grease Monkey • 200 N. Mesquite St. • 817-665-5454 • greasemonkeyburgers.com J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill • 400 E. Abram St. • 817-274-8561 • jgilligans.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 Fuzzy’s Taco Shop • 510 E. Abram St. • 817-265-8226 • 4201 W. Green Oaks Blvd. • 817-516-8226 1601 E. Debbie Lane, Mansfield • 817-453-1682 • fuzzystacoshop.com
La Isla Restaurant
La Isla Restaurant • 2201 E. Pioneer Pkwy. • 817-459-1498 • laislarestauranttx.com
ITALIAN / PIZZA
Café Sicilia • 7221 Matlock Road • 817-419-2800 • cafesicilia.com Gino’s East • 1350 E. Copeland Road • 817-200-6834 • ginoseast.com/arlington
BARBECUE
David’s Barbecue • 2224 W. Park Row Drive, Suite H • 817- 261-9998
INTERNATIONAL
Prince Lebanese Grill • 502 W. Randol Mill • 817-469-1811• princelebanesegrill.com 60
ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
Prince Lebanese Grill
Festival of Trees
Festival of Trees runs from December 4-23! Tour the trees for free Mon-Fri 9 am-3 pm and 6-8 pm, Sat 10 am - 6 pm, and Sun 12-6 pm at the JLA Center for Community Service, 4002 W. Pioneer Pkwy. Visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite trees, and the most popular trees will have grants awarded to sponsors' favorite non-profits!
For more information, email jla@jlarlington.org
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SPEAKING OF SPORTS
A holiday treat: Getting to recall Ranger history
The infamous 10-cent beer night in Cleveland on June 4, 1974 didn’t quite turn out like the promoters had hoped it would.
S
Photo: crabdiving.com
his jersey after taking a Bo Jackson “comebacker” off the lip. There o, great news. We made it! 2020 is almost behind us. The year is a shot of Rougned Odor reminding Jose Bautista that there is we never expected to see and thought would never end, is an unwritten rule about bat flips. Of course, you remember when almost over. Here in Arlington we have the opportunity to Robin Ventura charged the mound to be greeted by Nolan’s right finish it with a flourish. One of the best Christmas displays you fist to the head. Rich Hand saw that picture and said, “Ventura will ever see is just a few miles away at Globe Life Field. had seven hits that day. A single and six upper cuts from Nolan.” It’s called Luminova Holidays, and it features everything you There were also a couple of pictures from June 4, 1974. That could ever want in a holiday display. There is an outdoor skating was 10-cent beer night in Cleveland. The Indians drew more rink and an indoor light display featuring 2.7 million lights. It than 25,000 fans to the game for the promotion, which allowed is staged at the new ballpark, so if you have not been there yet, fans to buy 12 ounce beers for a dime. You could only buy six at consider this your chance to see the new park while getting in the a time, but there was no limit on how many you could purchase Christmas Spirit. throughout the course of the night. By the ninth inning almost I will leave it to someone much more fashion-conscious than everyone in the stands was drunk. One inebriated fan ran on I to critique the light display, but the first time I saw it was with the field and grabbed Jeff Burroughs hat. Startled Jeff fell to the a bunch of Rangers Alumni. Each year the club has a Christmas ground, and, led by manager Billy Martin, the Rangers charged party for the former players, but, what with COVID and all, that out of the dugout. did not happen this year. Instead, the Once on the field they were team invited small groups of alums outnumbered 8-1 by the drunk fans, so to come to Globe Life Field and take a the Indians players came to the Rangers tour. I accompanied Kenny Suarez, Rich aid and began fighting their own fans. Hand, Claude Osteen and Hall of Famer John Rhadigan As Ozzie breathlessly described the Fergie Jenkins. brawl and the picture where Mike Our tour was led by Ozzie Garza, a Hargrove had his fist drawn back and wonderful guide who knows baseball THERE IS NOTHING like was ready to blast an Indians fan, Fergie and has given over one hundred tours of the new stadium. Still, there is nothing touring a baseball stadium politely raised his hand and said, “if I may…” like touring with former players. On with and hearing stories As it turns out Fergie was the starting the lower concourse there is a full-wall from former players. pitcher that game and reminded us that picture of Arlington Stadium. The photo a woman who had too much to drink is taken from high on the first base side ran on the field earlier in the game and flashed the world from the of the field. You see the bleachers full of fans, you see the left side on deck circle. There was a male streaker later in the game, and of the infield (Buddy Bell and Bucky Dent) and you see Charlie just before the riot ensued a father/son combo ran on the field and Hough winding up for his first pitch in a Rangers uniform. As mooned the dugout and the crowd. Ozzie explained what we were seeing on the wall Ken Suarez Touring the festive park with former players was like walking raised his hand. He said, “You can’t see the catcher in this photo in a winter wonderland and walking down memory lane at the but that was me!” Someone asked, “Wow how do you catch a same time. It was a really fun night full of baseball, Christmas Charlie Hough knuckleball?” and memories. Without missing a beat Kenny said, “I would just wait until it I doubt that Fergie or Rich or Claude or Kenny will be there stopped rolling and pick it up.” when you go to Luminova. But if they are, ask them to tell you a Elsewhere on the tour is the “Don’t Mess with Texas Wall.” On story. it you see some iconic photos like Nolan Ryan bleeding all over Sports columnist John Rhadigan is an anchor for the Fox Sports Southwest television network.
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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
Teacher of the Year 2020-2021 Nominations Open Visit https://bit.ly/AWAREteacher to nominate a special Arlington ISD teacher! Arlington Will Award and Recognize Excellence For more info or to donate visit awarefoundation.com
presents
Micah Green
E x t r av a n g z a Bash C e l e b r at i o n Ja m b o r e e Ho o te n a n ny
Musical Revue Directed by Steven D. Morris Lori Woods
December 4-12, 2020 Ready for some Christmas cheer?
Leslie Hopton-Jones
Come to Theatre Arlington’s Holiday Party and spend some time with Micah, Leslie and Lori as they sing the night away. They’ll share laughs, stories, songs and give the audience a chance to join in the fun. The perfect party and Christmas celebration for 2020 AND a fun time to share with the whole family! Fridays & Saturdays 8pm • Sundays 2pm • Doors open 30 minutes prior to curtain
TICKETS: https://theatrearlington.org/production/theatre-arlingtons-holiday-party/ • 817-261-9628 • 305 W Main St, Arlington, TX 76010 SEASON SPONSORS
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arlingtontoday.com • December 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY
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EVENTS, ETC.
Itinerary Dallas Cowboys Football
THE RIVER LEGACY LIVING SCIENCE CENTER (703 N.W.
This month, your Dallas Cowboys will play host to a pair of longtime rivals: the San Francisco 49ers (at 7:20 p.m. on Dec. 20) and the Philadelphia Eagles (at 3:25 p.m. on Dec. 27). dallascowboys.com Photo: insidethestar.com
Green Oaks Blvd.) will present “The Art and Science of Arachnids” this month through Feb. 27. This interactive exhibit features 100 live arachnids, including spiders and scorpions, and examines their place in human culture. Visitors will explore humanarachnid cultural connections through activities like building robots, conducting science experiments, creating your own arachnid art, and more. Arachnids featured in modern-day medicine, film and music, and in stories and folklore are also highlighted. For more: riverlegacy.org
THE ARLINGTON MUSEUM OF ART (201 W. Main St.) will present “Vivian
Wrangler National Final Rodeo ®
The Wrangler® National Final Rodeo 2020 will be held Dec. 3-12 at Globe Life Field. Seats will be sold in groups of four with separation between groups, in line with CDC COVID-19 measures. nfrexperience.com/nfr2020 Photo: Rod Connor
Miaer: The Color Work” through Feb. 24. This will be the AMA’s second exhibition featuring Maier’s famed photography. The AMA will also feature an exhibition of works from the Texas Photographic Society in its Rooftop Gallery. Vivian Maier (1926- 2009) is an artist veiled by mystery. She spent 40 years working as a nanny in Chicago, all the while she shot over 100,000 captivating images. Her works were not discovered by the public until after her death when historian John Maloof purchased two abandoned storage lockers at a warehouse auction and found himself in possession of thousands of negatives, slides and prints. Maier’s work has since been exhibited in galleries and museums and featured in magazines and newspapers all over the world. For more: arlingtonmuseum.org
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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
Family Pickleball Night Family Pickleball Night will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the Mansfield Activities Center (106 S. Wisteria St.). The event is open to players 8 and older. shorturl.at/hryNX Photo: City of Mansfield
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2020 ARLINGTON WALK TO END ALZHEIMER'S SPONSORS
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Join us in sharing the experience of our annual holiday event with the men, women and children staying at the shelter Thursday, December 17 | 6-8:30pm | Facebook Live Event 7:30pm Dinner, Music & Festivities for Shelter Residents Plus... Online Auction & Raffle for Supporters Presenting Star Sponsors
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Event Contact: Liz Hammond 817.548.9885 ext 3306 or lhammond@arlingtonlifeshelter.org or visit ArlingtonLifeShelter.org
arlingtontoday.com • December 2020 • ARLINGTON TODAY
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THE FINISH LINE
Christmas season is an excellent time to rediscover Downtown
The Tipsy Oak is one of 45 restaurants and pubs in Downtown Arlington that you can check out during the holidays.
F
you prefer dining al fresco, there’s plenty of dog-friendly patios or anyone who hasn’t yet discovered Downtown around every corner.” Arlington, December is a great time to get acquainted with For those who prefer, many of the eateries have fully all that awaits during the Christmas Season. And – be mastered the practice of curb-side service and pickup of prepared – a great deal awaits. phoned-in orders, and all of them are practicing distancing and Let’s begin with something that everyone loves during this spacing inside their establishments and policies of masking up time of the year: music! until your order arrives. The Arlington Music Hall on Center Street is featuring, on Click the Visit tab on the downtownarlington.org website, various dates and times, Molly Hatchet O/A Flatline Road, scroll down to Downtown Delivers and find everything you Blue Christmas starring Al Joslin, Ricky and the Redstreaks, need to see who’s currently offering to-go ordering, curbside Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas, and An pick-up, delivery and quickly access their information, Evening with Larry, Steve and Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers. Go to direction, and social media platforms. the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation’s website, All of the above can be reached from a walk along the branddowntownarlington.org, and check the Events tab for specific new Abram Street in the center of the city. It’s only a mile between dates and times. Cooper and Collins and specifically Then, over at Theatre Arlington at designed as pedestrian friendly with the corner of West and Main Streets, abundant streetscaping, lighting, you will find the theatre’s Musical benches, banners and more, creating an Revue Holiday Party. At this writing inviting atmosphere for everyone. the schedule was planned for Dec. Richard Greene Along the way you will also 4 -12 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 encounter an abundance of public art p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Check on display, including some 20 murals theatrearlington.org for updates. PLAN A VISIT and realize painted by local artisans, sculptures Of course, there’s eating and (including the big DREAM monument) drinking opportunities at 45 locations that you should make your in the Downtown district. Ranging way to the center of the city and the ever-popular Your Way mirror labyrinth made of highly polished from locally-brewed coffees and craft multiple times this month. stainless steel and aluminum by beers to start-up cafes to long-time Danish artist Jeppe Hein located in the favorites, the culinary scene is widely Downtown Library Courtyard. acclaimed and growing. Downtown Arlington President/CEO Maggie Campbell That website to which I keep referring describes the food and shared one of her own experiences: “I’m accustomed to seeing drink destinations like this: families with dogs, kids and babies in strollers, even twins. “Driven by home-grown talent with a passion for innovation, But, you can sometimes see something unexpected. One couple our chefs and mixologists are keeping even the most devout had not just one or two babies in a stroller, but four of them!” foodies on their toes. Looking for international flavors? We There’s lots more and now discoverable amid all the have choices that come straight from old family recipes, as well trimmings of Christmas. So, for one last time, head over to as classically-trained chefs. the downtownarlington.org website, plan your visit and “Prefer local flavors? Our barbeque will bring your dad to realize that you should make your way to the center of the city tears, and our Tex-Mex is always served with a twist. If you multiple times during the season. prefer lighter fare, you won’t have to compromise on taste. If Richard Greene served as 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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ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2020 • arlingtontoday.com
The Wade Family would like to wish a very Merry Christmas to the Greater Arlington area and appreciation for all the families that have put their trust in our family for the past 17 years.
4140 W. PIONEER PARKWAY • ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76013 • 817-274-9233
www.wadefamilyfuneralhome.com
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