Newsworthy

DR. VICTORIA FARRAR-MYERS IS NAMED THE WINNER OF THE 2020 LEADERSHIP ARLINGTON SALLY KALLAM AWARD

Leadership 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 eforts 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,

Dr. Victoria Farrar-Myers

she has spearheaded Arlington’s eforts 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 frst presented to and named after Sally Kallam, the organization’s frst 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. MICHAEL GLASPIE FIELD ATHLETIC COMPLEX WILL GIVE AISD THREE HIGH SCHOOL STADIUMS

The 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 feld at Martin High School and convert it into the Arlington ISD’s third competition feld.

The new athletic feld at Martin was included in the 2019 Bond because the district needs three competition felds 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 feld. However, Arlington ISD no longer has access to UTA Maverick Stadium and needs a replacement competition venue. The new feld at Martin will provide that third varsity competition feld 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, trafc fow – cars, school buses and pedestrians – and parking in their design. They have included a landscape bufer between the stadium and neighboring homes and will utilize modern LED lighting. The LED lighting is signifcantly better than traditional lighting in that it can be directed into the stadium and onto the playing surface more efciently, has considerably less spillage from the venue and can be turned on and of 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.”

ARLINGTON Todayyour community • your magazine EDITORS’ CHOICE 2020

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 / Mansfeld / Grand Prairie area. Here, we spotlight fve of the winners who team to make our great region even greater.

TEX MEX La Isla Restaurant

In 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 fourishing; 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 satisfed patrons. For more: laislarestauranttx.com

PET CULINARY CARE Three Dog Bakery

GOLF COURSE Tierra Verde

In 1989, three dogs, two guys, and one $0.59 biscuit cutter created the world’s frst 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 satisfed. 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

It’s hard to fnd a more beautiful course than the award-winning Tierra Verde Golf Club. In fact, it is the frst golf course in Texas and the frst municipal course in the world to be certifed 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 fve 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

BURGER Al’s Hamburgers

There 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. Defnitely burgers. You really need to check out the burgers.

For more: facebook.com/alshamburgerstx

DATE NIGHT restaurant506 at The Sanford House

This 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.

HOME SWEET! HOME

Christmas isn’t just a day for Clay and Brandee Kelley; it’s a tradition like no other

Christmas with Clay and Brandee Kelley is all about Clay and Brandee traditionally attend the Christmas Eve traditions, and their home, shown here, is where many candlelight service at their church, after which they take in a of their customs began and culminated – especially feast of Mexican food with family. Before opening presents on during the holidays. Christmas morning, their children read the Christmas Story

Speaking of holidays, there’s one that serves as the genesis from Luke, Chapter 2, in the Bible. Following the presentfor Christmas at “Kelley Manor.” “On Labor Day,” Brandee opening ritual they eat “Clay’s wonderful tenderloin” for lunch says, “we begin shopping for Christmas presents with the and, when weather permits, take an afternoon stroll to counter goal of having presents wrapped, cards prepared and the 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 fesh, 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 house decorated by December frst so that we can enjoy all have ever done. There is a poem about stockings being hung the Christmas celebrations, from Bikes For Mission Arlington with care; these were also created with care.” (Dec. 12 this year) and the annual Michael W. Smith Christmas This year, Clay and Brandee traded in their traditional red concert to gatherings with friends and family.” and green for a soft, calming blue theme in parts of the house.

On the weekend before Christmas, the Kelleys celebrate with Teamed with the outdoor vistas available from virtually every longtime friends. These unions have changed over the years room, the new hues bring an easy peace to the Kelley home. – the now-grown children are no longer in tow – but Brandee This year, that serenity will be yet another Christmas says it is always a great way to begin the week of 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

Holiday hghlighsHoliday hghlighs

ACVB to host ‘12 Days of Christmas’

The 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

City’s Holiday Lights Parade is set for Dec. 12

The 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 offcial tree-

lighting ceremony traditionally takes place.

holidaylightsparade.com

There’s music in the air ...

Symphony 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

Here’s your invitation to a Holiday Party

Are 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

Please note: While at press time, the events listed here are Please note: While at press time, the events listed here are scheduled, many are subject to change due to the pandemic. scheduled, many are subject to change due to the pandemic. Check the websites this month for updated information. Check the websites this month for updated information.

Mansfeld’s gearing up for Hometown Holidays

Mansfeld’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 Mansfeld.

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 offcial City of Mansfeld 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.

mansfeldtexas.gov/789/Hometown-Holidays

Are you ready for Holiday in the Park?

Seeking 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.

sixfags.com/overtexas

Festival of Trees to make its debut this month

The 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-proft

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-proft

(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

Enjoy Interlochen from the safety of your car

The 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

traffc 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 traffc 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

Offcials 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 fve 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 drive-

through concession option; and one of the most famous light installations — the animated grand-fnale 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

Mission Arlington Christmas Store

Observing Chanukah

Congregation 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

The 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 fnd 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