January 2019

GOIN’ DOWNTOWN /// REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS /// THE LOCAL FILM SCENE January 2019

your community • your magazine

Today

Art of the Deal Coy Garrett Style Serving Arlington, Mansfield, Kennedale and SW Grand Prairie

THE VIRIDIAN LIFE

is e life y dream.

Start y r new year wi a new life.

It’s your dream life. The memories you’ll make with family and friends, the adventures you’ll have, and the life you’ll live. It’s the Viridian Life. Learn more about the most unique master-planned community in the metroplex.

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VIRIDIAN IS #2 IN DFW AND #26 NATIONWIDE ON RCLCO’S TOP SELLING MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITIES LIST

HOMES FROM THE HIGH $200s | CASTLEROCK | CB JENI | DAVID WEEKLEY | DREES | GLENDARROCH | GRENADIER | HIGHLAND | NORMANDY | PLANTATION | STRUHS | WINDMILLER

Local Teens Find Their Space Within UTA’s Art Community

T

his fall, 85 students from five regional high schools tapped their creative talents

during an interactive creative workshop at The University of Texas at Arlington.

The fifth annual Find Your Space event—hosted by the Art and Art History Department—engaged students’ imaginations and encouraged them to “find their space” within the University’s art community.

Students participated in hands-on activities in contemporary art-making during workshops led by UTA art faculty members.

The groups used art studios, maker spaces, and computer labs in UTA’s Fine Arts Building and Studio Art Center.

More traditional art areas of printmaking, typography, and lettering were balanced with digital painting, printing, and comic book art. A mixed-media project combined drawing and painting, while photography

Area teens tap their creative talents during a hands-on creative workshop.

fans focused on product photos and cyanotype selfportraits. One group even learned to program a plotter to make vinyl stickers.

Interactive sound and video experimentation workshops included The Loop and Saw Choir and the K-pop green screen music video. And the hottest workshops of the day were faculty demonstrations of UTA’s world-renowned glassblowing and experimental metal foundry work.

“Find Your Space is an excellent opportunity to introduce high school students to the wide array of possibilities open to them in the UTA Department of Art and Art History,” says Robert Hower, the department’s chair. “We hope the students were inspired by our faculty and resources and will consider joining us here when they begin their college careers.”

Faculty workshop leaders showcase their glassblowing skills for attendees.

INTERESTED IN ART AT UTA? See the programs offered and current exhibitions at uta.edu/art.

UTA.EDU

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At Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital, we never settle. And you are the reason why. It’s about getting you the care you need when you need it. That’s what drives us to bring you better healthcare every day.

BaylorArlington.com 855.41.ORTHO Appointments 707 Highlander Blvd. | Arlington, TX 76015

Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2018 Baylor Scott & White Health.

FINANCIAL INTEREST DISCLOSURE Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital is a hospital in which physicians have an ownership or an investment interest. The list of physician owners or investors is available upon request. We are fully licensed by the state of Texas and Medicare certified. Our facility is also accredited by The Joint Commission. We are an affiliate of United Surgical Partners International, and partnered with local physicians. Physicians are members of the medical staff and are neither employees nor agents of Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital, United Surgical Partners International, Baylor Scott & White Health, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates. Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

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IN JANUARY

THERE’S A Y IN EVERY FAMILY

When you join the Y, you’re commiting to more than simply becoming healthier, you are supporting the values and programs that strengthen your community. At the Y, children learn that they can achieve, familes spend quality time together, and we all build relationships that deepen our sense of belonging. > Nationwide access to over 2,600 Y’s > Member priority registration > Youth Wellness classes > Healthy Weight & Your Child Program > Discounts on swim lessons > Weekly group exercises classes > Youth & adult enrichment program > Weekly Parent’s Night Out > Child-watch while you workout > Discounts on youth sports > Senior programs > Discounts on summer day camps > Discounts on before and after-school care and so much more!

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CENTRAL: 817.274.9622 | COOPER: 817.419.9629 MANSFIELD: 817.612.3200 | NORTH: 817.548.9622

Come Join the Fun! Jan. 12 Downtown Arlington 2-6pm Foodies Farmer's Market @ Legal Draft, 500 E. Division Exhibit open “Hiroshige: Along the Eastern Road: Hiroshige’s until Feb. 24 Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido” @ Arlington Museum of Art, 201 W. Main Jan. 18-Feb. 3 “Dead Man's Cellphone” @ Theatre Arlington, 305 W. Main Jan. 28, 2019 American Jazz Composers Orchestra 7:30pm-10pm @ Grease Monkey, 200 N. Mesquite

MUSIC • CULTURE • FOOD • SHOPPING

Visit downtownarlington.org for a full range of events.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Dr. Sheri Puffer

Dr. Joy Carter

Dr. Joan Bergstrom

Dr. Jessica Brown

Dr. Kiran Nangrani

Dr. Dawnette Peppler

Women’s Health Services now provides patient care in two locations in Arlington. We also provide state-of-the-art maternity care in the newly renovated labor and delivery suites at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital (THAM). THAM is ranked among the best hospitals in Dallas-Fort Worth, and was awarded American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet status, an award that recognizes hospitals that provide nursing excellence.

Women’s Health Services has been providing quality health care for women of all ages for the past 32 years. Our OB/GYN group been recognized in the community for its reputable and thoughtful care. In 2017, Women’s Health Services won Suburban Parent Magazines’ award for Best of Family Healthcare in Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as DFW Child Magazine’s Mom-Approved Doctors award for OB/GYN. Women’s Health Services’ doctors provide full OB/GYN services and are skilled in managing all aspects of women’s health care, such as normal and high-risk pregnancy care, gynecologic surgery, incontinence treatment, annual exams, and contraceptive and hormone therapy needs. Visit our new website and make your appointments online at www.womenshealthservices.com. We look forward to seeing you soon!

North Office:

South Office:

1001 N. Waldrop, Suite 505 Arlington, TX 76012

5005 S. Cooper St, Suite 275 Arlington, TX 76017

Phone 817-277-9415 • Fax 817-277-0360 Email info@womenshealthservices.com

Contents

January 2019 • Volume 6 • Issue 1

Highlights 24 Hometown hero

We learn how Coy Garrett has used his keen real estate savvy to turn Arlington into a better community.

24

34 Home SWEET! Home

Our featured dwelling in the Deerwood Park addition is a sight to behold – as well as a site you can hold as your own.

Photo: Richard Greene

On the cover

Coy Garrett was instrumental in helping the city land the General Motors Arlington Automotive Logistics Center, thus opening the way to hundreds of local jobs. Read all about him in our cover story on page 24.

Departments Starting Line ... 10 • This ‘n Data ... 12 Scene ... 20, 50, 58 • Around Town ... 22 Style ... 52 • The Tee Box ... 70 Health/Fitness ... 72 • Keen Cuisine ... 74 Sights/Sounds ... 76 • Speaking of Sports ... 78 Itinerary ... 80 • Finish Line ... 82

40 New year, new you!

This month, we offer 11 ways you can make 2019 your best year ever – or, at least, until this time next year.

34

44 A classic car that honors grandmother

David Oberle’s ‘New Nana’ is a special automobile with a special history. Our Richard Greene tells you all about it.

48 Oh, the stories they tell

Longtime friends Adam Dietrich and Elliott Gilbert II create movies that impact people’s lives.

40

54 Goin’ downtown!

Editor Yale Youngblood and his wife Susan spent a weekend last month painting the town Arlington Today red. Here’s his report.

42

60 Lunar landing

Cary Moon and Arlington Music Hall are making some sweet music together. Here’s the tale of how he came to purchase the venerable venue.

44

62 Education notebook

Here are some highlights at the midway point of the 2018-2019 academic year for some stellar local students, schools and districts.

Special focus:Real Estate

Here are some professionals who can meet your real estate needs, whether you’re talking residential or commercial. See page 26.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

66 Flying into the future

Mansfield ISD’s Ben Barber Innovation Academy offers an Edudrone class to give teens a head start on their careers.

48

MAVERICKS

Lead B E A M AV E R I C K .

UTA’s Hispanic Media Initiative and Telemundo University offer training that will launch the next generation of multicultural broadcasters.

Graduates of HMI are widely successful; this year, six HMI alumni won 11 Lone Star Emmys.

uta.edu/discover

Arlington Today Ad 8x4.8125 January 2019.indd 1

JULIAN RODRIGUEZ, Lecturer Hispanic Media Initiative Faculty Adviser

12/6/18 2:31 PM

arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

9

Starting Line

EXECUTIVE BOARD Executive Publisher Judy M. Rupay

The home affront

CEO Richard Greene

H

Recalling the one time I made good on a Jan. 1 vow

istory was made last month. For the first time in 38-plus years of generally blissful marriage, the wife and I were teammates in a home-improvement project, during which I didn’t complain once. The historic achievement: I actually kept one of last year’s resolutions.

At roughly this time in 2018, I vowed not to be me, for 365 days, whenever Susan’s eyes light up as we stroll down an aisle at Home Depot and she proclaims, “I want to do that at our house.” It doesn’t matter what “that” is. The very word “that” triggers an impulse in my brain that sets off a domino effect of grim notions, all focused on how “that” inevitably will leave me sore or bleeding or beaten – or the proverbial (D) all of the above.

Full disclosure: I went to college to avoid doing manual labor. I’m not good at it. I hate it. I honestly would rather watch an opera than fix something that’s broken.

Yale Youngblood Editor No. Make that an operatic double feature.

Yet, I am a homeowner, and things break, and, for reasons beyond my understanding, Susan always and still insists on me being her partner in corrective endeavors, despite substantive, conclusive evidence that suggests I have neither an aptitude for nor a desire to do that stuff. (“Stuff” is a euphemism, by the by.)

Anyway, last month, we built a raised garden bed … out of very heavy wood … placed over very tough terrain … much of which apparently considered it a personal affront that a tiller was invoked in the process. All the while, my wife remained intent on answering her calling to craft me into Tim Taylor (you know, the guy in the television show, “Home Improvement”).

I’ve told her over and over that I’m more of a Ray Barone (you know, the guy in the television show, “Everybody Loves Raymond”). She just doesn’t listen.

Except …

When I complain about a home improvement project, and then she declares that if I really loved her I would willingly and gladly do projects without griping – even when I pound hammers on my fingers and cut my arms on rose bushes and step in stuff. (See previous note about “stuff”.)

Last month, sure enough, I pounded, cut and stepped in. But I didn’t complain.

Why? Because on the first day of 2018, I resolved to address something I finally also “realized.”

And that was this: Susan is what she is. I am what I am. She isn’t going to change what she is.

So for 365 days, I historically chose to be the one who changed.

I’m not “stuffing” you. I really did choose that.

For the record, however: This year, I’m going to resolve to do something else.

yale@arlingtontoday.com

Visit arlingtontoday.com, like us on Facebook

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EDITORIAL Editor Yale Youngblood Contributing Editor Marla Thomas Sports Columnist John Rhadigan Style Editor Tricia Schwartz Website & Social Media Manager Sam Thomas Contributing Graphic Artists Susan Darovich, Susan Youngblood Contributing Writers Karen Gavis, Kenneth Perkins, Toni Randle-Cook, Amanda Rogers Contributing Photographers Hasson Diggs, Karen Gavis, Dwayne Lee, Heather Lee, Bruce Maxwell Toni Randle-Cook, Amanda Rogers SALES / CIRCULATION Business Manager Bridget Dean Sales Managers Laura DiStefano, Amy Lively, Andrea Proctor, Debbie Roach, Tricia Schwartz Distribution Manager Logan Taylor PRODUCTION Production Manager Susan Darovich ARLINGTON TODAY is published monthly.

Copyright 2019 Arlington Today, Inc., 1000 Ballpark Way, Suite 308, Arlington, TX 76011. 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 (price includes tax and shipping). To subscribe, e-mail subscriptions@arlingtontoday.com

• Phone number: (817) 303-3304

When it comes to your family and your finances,

EXPERIENCE MATTERS. Donna J. Smiedt has been named as a Top Attorney in Fort Worth and has been selected as a Texas Superlawyer as well.

Donna J. Smiedt has been named for over a decade as "Arlington's Family Law Attorney of the Year!"

Donna J. Smiedt has been honored as "10 Best of 2016 in Client Satisfaction" by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys.

Both Donna J. Smiedt and Desaray R. Muma are collaboratively trained to provide clients with a private form of dispute resolution to avoid litigation.

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your community • your magazine

817-572-9900 • arlingtondivorces.com This is Arlington's full service family law firm.

DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE

by Sarah Ruhle

Jan. 18-Feb. 3, 2019

Directed by Sharon Kaye Miller Thursday 7:30pm | Friday & Saturday 8pm Sunday 2pm Appropriate for audiences ages 16 and up.

Mild adult themes. Strong Adult Language

Presented through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., New York, NY

Save Date!

the

MARCH 1, 2019

A Star-Studded Celebration Info Coming Soon!

SEASON SPONSORS

305 W. Main Street Arlington, Tx 76010 TheatreArlington.org Box Office: 817-275-7661

ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

11

This ‘n Data

Photo: Bruce Maxwell

Isaac and Erin Grant celebrate her induction into the Texas Tech Athletic Hall of Fame.

Park here

Photo: City of Arlington

Rangers’ old home becomes new dwelling for XFL franchise SOMETHING OLD(ER) AND SOMETHING NEW(ISH) will make for an interesting marriage in Arlington in 2020. The reincarnated XFL is headed to The American Dream City, and the local team will play at Globe Life Park.

Arlington is one of eight cities that will host an XFL team when the league launches Feb. 8-9, 2020. Home games will be played at the longtime home of the Rangers, who will be moving to the still-to-be-completed Globe Life Field next year. That news came during a press conference last month conducted by League Commissioner/CEO Oliver Luck and XFL Founder and Chairman Vince McMahon.

“The XFL announcement is one of many ways the City plans to deliver on its promise to reinvent Globe Life Park,” Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams says. “The XFL will be the first of many announcements about the repurposing of our iconic venue that will have a new, long life in Arlington after Globe Life Field opens in 2020.”

Per Luck and McMahon, the new XFL will deliver authentic, high-energy football for the whole family at an affordable price and will offer fast-paced games with fewer play stoppages and simpler rules. The league will launch with eight teams, 45-man active rosters, and a 10-week regular season schedule, with a postseason consisting of two semifinal playoff games and a championship game. The XFL will also establish a safety program that meets the needs of today’s athletes. For more: xfl.com.

RAISE YOUR HAND if you experienced the Skull Island slide during the early years of Six Flags Over Texas. In fact, Skull Island and this iconic slide were among the original attractions at Six Flags Over Texas on opening day in 1961.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Erin Grant inducted into the Texas Tech Athletic Hall of Fame FORMER MANSFIELD High School and Texas Tech standout point guard Erin Grant was recently inducted into the 2018 Class of the Texas Tech Athletic Hall of Fame.

Grant was a four-year standout point guard at Texas Tech. She played for legendary coach Marsha Sharp, helping the Red Raiders compile a mark of 9336 in her four seasons.

She was a three-time All-Big 12 Conference honoree, including first team accolades in 2005 and 2006.

Grant was also a three-time Big-12 All-Academic First Team pick and was the Big 12 Co-Freshman of the Year in 2003 when her 228 assists led the league and set the freshman singleseason assists record.

As a senior in 2006, Grant was a Kodak/WBCA All-American and an AP All-America Honorable Mention selection.

Grant recently returned to Tech as the recruiting coordinator for the women’s basketball team.

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Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools® and Balanced Learning® are registered trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2018 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for ‘fact’ source and curriculum detail.

He fought for our country. Let him fight for you!

• Personal Injury • Family Law • Criminal Defense

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• Wills & Probate • Business Litigation • Phones Answered 24/7

2221 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 800 • Arlington, Texas 76006 • 817-275-4100 • Fax 817-275-4106 • JimRossLaw.com arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

13

This ‘n Data

#atpetofthemonth

A good deed for a friend in need

Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant last month presented a donation check at its Arlington location to local veteran SSGT Omar Milan, who survived an IED blast while serving in Afghanistan on his third tour in 2012. On Veteran’s day, Abuelo’s hosted a Queso for Heroes fundraiser across all of its locations – for every Chile con Queso appetizer sold from 11/8 through 11/12, the restaurant donated $1 to nonprofit Homes for Our Troops.

What say ye, Mr. Mayor?

THE COMBINED LECTURE and happy hour series Arlington on Tap rolls into the 2019 season on Jan. 21 featuring Mayor Jeff Williams.

The place: Legal Draft, 500 E. Front St. The time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

“I’m told that Williams has been polishing up his annual State of the City remarks, as well as tuning in his future prognostication skills for the talk, which will also include his vision for Arlington in the 2020s,” says O.K. Carter, Tap coordinator.

Carter noted that though few cities in the U.S. could come anywhere close to matching Arlington’s economic development achievements in 2018 – or the city low-low unemployment rate at about 3 percent – not everything has gone the two-term mayor’s way.

“In particular a term limits election establishing one of the most 14

ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Meet Kane, who is eight months old and Remy, who is three months old. Kane and Remy are American Bulldogs who are a brother and sister duo that are one of a kind. They love long – and I mean long – walks and playtime. And – did I mention?

– Kane loves Remy.

– Taryn Lewis

onerous set of limitations in the country is an issue that no doubt Williams will have some things to say about, not likely in a favorable way,” Carter says. “That said, the litany of remarkable things taking place in Arlington in 2018 was astonishing – the opening of Texas Live!, a boom of economic development along the I-20 corridor including the soon-toopen UPS center and its more than 4,000 jobs, record sales of SUVs made at the GM plant, the world’s largest eSports arena, a new headquarters building for D.R. Horton, a revamped Bell Textron flight test center and the opening of the Automotive Logistics Center – itself eventually providing another 1,000 jobs.

Photo: star-telegram.com “Consider all that, along with continued growth at UTA and the evolution of the city into a national pioneer of alternative mass transit systems.”

In short, it might be tough for Arlington to top 2018, though no doubt the innovative Williams has some ambitious ideas about the future.

Arlington on Tap is sponsored by Downtown Arlington Management Corp, the Arlington Historical Society and Arlington Proud, with media sponsorship of Arlington Today Magazine.

Make note: Jan. 21 is a Monday instead of the usual Tuesday AOT.

4720 S. cooper Street arLinGton, texaS 817.468.5263 GracieLanecoLLection.com

New Year New You! 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 law divorce.

Although attorney Stephanie Foster Gilbert is prepared to be the warrior in your courtroom battle as she has been in thousands of Tarrant County divorce cases over the past 26 years, her preference is to be the peacemaker in your interest-based negotiations through the dignified, private, child-protecting process known as collaborative law divorce which involves no court.

Stephanie Foster Gilbert is confident that the collaborative law 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 Foster Gilbert will help you navigate through your divorce options and zealously represent you through the process of your choice.

Contact attorney Stephanie Foster Gilbert today to discuss your options.

One option is traditional courtroom litigation.

Another option is collaborative law divorce.

Law Offices of Stephanie A. Foster, P.C. 4214 Little Road, Arlington, TX 76016 817-277-2805 • StephanieFosterLawyer.com

Litigator; Collaborator; Mediator

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arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

15

This ‘n Data

3

Look Here!

THE 2019 TEXAS RANGERS FAN FEST will be held from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Jan. 26 at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Attendees can enjoy autograph sessions from top players, exclusive photo opportunities and Q&A sessions with coaches and players.

The First Base Box Office will open at 7 a.m. to sell admission tickets, and the Southwest Airlines First Base Gate and Toyota Home Plate Gate will open at 9 a.m. for fans to enter Fan Fest.

Fans also have an opportunity to skip to the front of the line for every autograph opportunity with an All-Autograph Pass for $500. All-Autograph Passes will be available as an add-on to a prepurchased 2019 Fan Fest ticket. Advanced purchase is recommended; however, if additional spots remain there will be opportunities to purchase on the day of the event.

For more: mlb.com/rangers/fans/fanfest.

Scoops 1. The 2019 Animal Essay Contest is open to all students residing in Arlington city limits in third, fourth, fifth and sixth grades who attend either public, private, or home school. Original essays about animals that are submitted should be 500 words or less and must be typed or handwritten. The deadline for entry is 5 p.m. on Jan. 11.

For more : https://bit.ly/2EillRT

Need a ride?

THE CITY OF ARLINGTON’S convenient, on-demand Via Rideshare transportation program, which has already provided more than 85,000 rides since rolling out just more than a year ago, will continue for a second year.

The Arlington City Council approved on Dec. 4 a one-year contract renewal with Via Transportation, Inc., which will allow the public transportation pilot program to continue serving residents, students and visitors six days a week. Via’s fleet of sixpassenger Mercedes Metris vans will increase from 13 to 15.

For more: arlington-tx.gov/residents/via/.

A shared ride in Arlington is an app click away.

2. A new passport office has opened at the Tarrant County subcourthouse in Arlington, Tarrant County Clerk Mary Louise Garcia said in a news release. The new office at 700 E. Abram Street, Suite 204, opened last month and is the third passport office opened in Tarrant County since 2016.

The others are at Southlake Town Hall and the Southwest Subcourthouse in Fort Worth.

Photo: City of Arlington

3. While construction crews and towering cranes are busy building the Texas Rangers’ new retractable-roof ballpark, die-hard fans can already check

A celebration at PlainsCapital Bank PLAINSCAPITAL BANK WILL HOST A GRAND OPENING CEREMONY from 5 - 7 p.m. on Jan 17 for its new 9,200-square-foot Arlington location at 804 N. Collins Street.

The facility features a 3,200-square-foot lobby, 6,000 square feet of commercial lending space and state-of-the-art technology services, including an interactive console located in one of the two drive-thru terminals that will allow customers to video conference with a remote PlainsCapital teller.

For more: 817-698-4750.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

out model suites, choose their seats and explore other stadium features at the newly opened Globe Life Field Sales Center, which is in what was formerly the Hall of Fame space on Randol Mill Road.

In it is a 3D model with a functioning retractable roof to help fans better visualize the seating bowl.

Quality Patient Care and Trusted Experience Questcare Medical Clinic offers a wide range of family medical services including: • Chronic and Acute Illness Management • Preventative and Wellness Care • BIOTE Hormone Optimization and so much more!

NOW OPEN Questcare Medical Clinic at Arlington • 3051 South Center Street • Arlington, Texas 76014 Phone: 817-468-1818 • Fax: 817-468-4775 • Clinic Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm • www.questcaremedicalclinic.com

At last. Fine dining in Arlington.

CHOPHOUSE 2221 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 910 • Arlington, Tx 76006

World-class food, impeccable service, and live music blended with a breathtaking, panoramic view of Arlington’s Entertainment District.

Call 817-381-1157 for reservations.

Winner, “2018 All Star Steak Restaurant” - by Arlington Today readers arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

17

Happenings in the Arlington Independent School District • aisd.net

Arlington ISD, City of Arlington Dive Into New Swim Center Agreement Board approves partnership agreement for use of natatorium The Arlington ISD Board of Trustees approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Arlington for use of the district’s new natatorium, a state-of-the-art aquatics facility, which will open in fall 2020 as part of AISD’s Fine Arts and Athletics Complex.

As the first-ever natatorium for the AISD and the first in the city of Arlington, it will include a 50-meter pool with moveable bulkheads, a diving area, warm-up pool and seating for 1,000 spectators. It alleviates the need for district swimmers to utilize the pools at the University of Texas at Arlington and Tarrant County College Southeast.

The City of Arlington has agreed to contribute $1 million to help fund the cost of features that are necessary to host large, high-level swim competitions such as intercollegiate and national club meets since the city will benefit economically through sales and hotel taxes generated by such events.

Additionally, the city will pay a total of $500,000 for scheduled use of the warm-up pool during periods in which the pool is not needed for AISD student programs. The city will hold open swim lessons and other water activities during their use of the pool.

“We are thrilled to be opening this state-of-the-art natatorium as part of our new athletics complex,” Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos said. “I’m excited about the opportunities available to our students and to the greater Arlington community through this agreement.”

The Fine Arts and Athletics Complex is made possible through the generosity of Arlington voters who approved the new construction in the 2014 bond election.

Did you know applications are open until January 31 for special high school programs?

Find out more and apply now at www.aisd.net/specialprograms.

Career and Technical Education Programs - High school students can apply to participate in programs such as the AISD Fire and Police Academies, cosmetology, health care rotations, sports and entertainment marketing, technical dual credit, culinary arts, HVAC, accounting, and many more.

Arlington College & Career High School - This new early college high school allows students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree in applied sciences simultaneously. In addition, students at this campus will have an opportunity to earn workforce certificates aligning with a career pathway. Applications are open to current eighth-grade students.

Arlington Collegiate High School at TCC-SE - This innovative high school allows students who likely would not otherwise consider attending college the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree simultaneously. Applications are open to current eighth-grade students.

STEM Academy at Martin High School - Students in this academy will have the opportunity to earn high school and college credits along four pathways - engineering, biology/biomedical science, computer science and math/science. Applications are open to current eighth-grade students.

Picture-perfect moments

For more great Scene shots, visit arlingtontoday.com

Scene Snapshots from the celebration of Arlington securing an XFL team when the league returns in 2020 and from the annual State of the City luncheon held at Esports Stadium Arlington

Photos courtesy of Arlington CVB

Trey Yelverton, Sean Decker, Neil Leibman, Mayor Jeff Williams and Ron Price at the XFL announcement

Mayor Jeff Williams addresses the crowd at the State of the City luncheon.

Photos: Southern Flair Photography

Chamber President & CEO Michael Jacobson

Tom Cravens and Tillie Burgin

Luke Chacko sings the National Anthem.

Dr. Aaron Reich and Tim Beary

Mary Jean Hazlett and Karen Williams

Henry Lewczyk and Pantego Mayor Doug Davis

Councilmember Sheri Capehart and Bill Lynch

VanDella Menifee, Dr. Jacquelyn Minor and Washima Huq

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Linda Magazzine and Raul Gonzales

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Around Town

Thinking (way) outside the box

When it comes to bike building, daytime plumber Bryan Stalcup is the real deal • By Kenneth Perkins

Y

ou might say it all started over a beer, or perhaps beers, though I suspect Bryan Stalcup’s rising star as an ingenious bike builder has far more to do with hard headedness than anything else. The hardhead part comes directly from him, by the way. He mentions it less as a vice than a glorious gift that has propelled him to do the seemingly impossible with machinery.

When the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History encased one of his intricately designed creations in a large glass container, it was referred to as “an engineering feat.”

Silly us. We thought it was just a motorcycle.

Stalcup’s day job is with Ernie’s Plumbing, and for anyone lucky enough to snag him to handle water pump quandaries or one of those more complicated slab leaks, count yourself favored: he’s like a ferocious hound dog when it comes to problem solving or, better yet, a pursuer so relentless it’s as though the man has no off switch.

“There’s something about the challenge,” Stalcup says of running into difficult-to-solve problems. “In plumbing, even if I’m losing money, I keep going to find the solution to something I’m stuck on. I learn from each mistake. I don’t give up.”

Perhaps that’s where the hardheadedness comes in: When Stalcup’s brother practically Photo: Kenneth Perkins challenged him to build a bike (“You can’t even weld,” Stalcup was reminded), it was a little like a, well, dare.

Yeah, Stalcup didn’t know much about welding, but then hardheaded folks aren’t like you and me. For the next several months Stalcup learned everything he could about building bikes, and even documented his progress on YouTube, mistakes and all.

That was a few years back. Now Stalcup is one of the country’s most respected bike builders because his bikes are fabricated completely from scratch using scrap yard finds, or anything within reaching distance inside his home garage.

Stalcup’s designs have been dutifully recognized and praised.

For instance, he’s won the Garage Shop Fabricator Contest for that museum entry – called Big Hubless, which had a hollow rear wheel

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

without a hub or axle. It placed 16th in the Freestyle Class category of the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building in Sturgis, S.D. In fact, Stalcup has been an annual fixture at the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally; he’s already been featured on television shows like Travel Channel’s “Biker Madness” and on Discovery Channel’s “The Daily Planet,” where he talked about his well-received Transformer bike, whose hydraulic-driven back wheel extends almost a foot at the push of a button. While moving.

Who is this guy?

Stalcup grew up in Oklahoma but ended up in Arlington by a winding road that had him nearly homeless in Denver and as a stunt actor in Dallas. Plumbing has been a godsend to him; it allowed his mind to delve into designing and building of bikes.

He works out of his garage but is piecing together a deal with an underwriter to help open a shop of his own.

Saying he thinks out of the box is an understatement. His mind is a cavalcade of open-sky possibilities.

“I just like doing things no one has done before,” Stalcup says. “That’s the challenge. I can’t go to someone to ask Bryan Stalcup built how to do this or that because usually this motorcycle from scratch. what I’m trying to do hasn’t been done before. But, for me, that’s the whole challenge. That’s the hardhead in me.”

Stalcup would love to turn his assortment of YouTube videos into a television program he can host. He firmly believes “You can do anything you want if you put your mind to it.”

That’s sound advice, no matter what you want to do. Still, it can be a bit daunting coming from a man whose mind sometimes seems to be operating along a different wavelength than most of us.

Columnist 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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23

Real Estate: Cover Story

Hometown hero

A

How Coy Garrett has used his keen real estate savvy to turn Arlington into a better community s plans for this month’s cover shoot were being formulated, the subject of this story, Coy Garrett, suggested doing a shoot of his sign. If you look directly below, you’ll see his wish was granted.

But, as you’ve also already observed, another sign – another definition of the word, actually – provided a literal and figurative setting for this month’s cover portrait. The building behind Garrett is the $250 million General Motors Arlington Automotive Logistics Center by NorthPoint Development. It is located on the land that used to feature many of the properties that comprised the Six Flags Mall area. The reason one – the shopping center – became the other

Photo: Richard Greene

Coy Garrett, owner of Coy E. Garrett and Associates, has been at the heart of some of the more significant commercial real estate projects in Arlington. Most notably, he did the “heavy lifting” that helped the city land the General Motors Arlington Automotive Logistics Center.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

– the most extensive redevelopment of industrial and commercial property in the city’s history – is largely Coy Garrett’s doing.

As a result of that accomplishment– and others that will be noted shortly – the usually publicity-shy Coy Garrett is a fitting subject for this month’s cover, even if the proposed setting took an allegorical detour.

You could argue that the evolution of the logistics center is, in fact, several signs: of what can happen to and for a city when like-minded folks determine to make it happen ... of what a blend of business acumen and a pair of rolled-up sleeves can render ... of how a highly educated man who loves his work and his hometown can deftly use one passion to enhance the other.

But those are just morals of the story. Here, in a nutshell, is what Garrett did to see the project to completion: For four years, as a commercial and investment property broker, he used his knowledge and experience to assemble the various parcels of land that would be necessary to complete the development. He worked tirelessly with city leaders and corporate executives of the large companies, including Dillard’s, the former Sears, Firestone, Salon J and other important out-parcels, to weave disparate properties into into a single commercial tapestry.

“In order for any of this to happen the land had to be acquired at a price that made economic sense for the Developer and its partners,” he says.

“Most of the negotiations took months to bring to fruition.”

Ultimately, to get the one big deal, he had to make 15 smaller ones, all marked by unique demands that had to be met, such as highway access, railway access, airport proximity and industrial zoning. “And everyone needed it NOW!” he says. “There are no easy deals any more in a fully developed city.”

There was, however, the big deal that the center represented, and that drove Garrett to pursue the project with fervor. “I feel that it is a very important ingredient for the city to revitalize, sometimes changing the use, and expand a portion of our manufacturing capacity,” he says. “The relocation of new manufacturing to support existing manufacturing jobs within the city is very important. It secures well-paying jobs, and revitalization to a higher and better use will be beneficial to all the city. That is very satisfying to me.”

Last June that satisfaction manifested in an announcement by the Arlington City Council that it had approved economic incentives to facilitate the redevelopment project, which will produce hundreds of jobs and $151 million in taxable sales and purchases in the city during the next decade.

As a result, Garrett, who pulled off the deal despite competition from 11 other North Texas entities hoping to provide a home for the center, became the first commercial real estate broker from Arlington to receive the prestigious William C. Jennings Award by the Texas Association of Realtors in the 68-year history of the organization.

Garrett, per his low-key manner, deflects the almost unanimous assessment that without him, the center would not have come to fruition. “I don’t see it as a victory for myself,” he says. “It is what I enjoy doing – complete the deal and be a part of making it happen.”

That philosophy, along with more than ample preparation (see his educational resume in the box to the right), have keyed Garrett’s success throughout his career. In addition to the GM center, his local feats of note over a 46-year career in real estate have included the Hypermart commercial project and additional residential areas on South Cooper Street – and the WalMart project at Little Road, Highway 287 and I-20 – ”because it traversed two city limits and required complex interlocal agreements between the Cities.”

He also helped conceive and was involved in the initial processes of the Baird Farm property in North Arlington that spurred the expansion of the northeast portion of the city from Collins Street to Highway 360. And he developed the land located at Sublett Road and Matlock Road for commercial and residential use.

Indeed, Garrett has quite an impressive commercial real estate resume, especially considering that buying and selling property wasn’t the Grand Plan when he graduated from college. “My first career started in 1964 as an aeronautical engineer for LTV, and it was very interesting,” he says. “I was involved in the design of the A-7 fighter jet, the F111 prototype fighter jet, Boeing’s 747 airplane and, finally, the early Airtrans system at DFW Airport.”

The job taught him to be disciplined and exacting, “since there is no room for error in airplane design.” But by 1972, the West Texas native who always enjoyed the outdoors began thinking that a “strictly office” job wasn’t for him. He gave part-time real estate a try in 1972 and ultimately entered full time soon thereafter. In 1983, he created a commercial real estate brokerage and development company that would eventually become Coy E. Garrett and Associates. This company now gave him the opportunity to create commercial and residential areas that

About Coy Garrett EDUCATION: Applied Arts Degree in Math and Engineering – San Angelo College; BS in Mechanical Engineering – Arlington State College; MS in Engineering Mechanics/Civil Engineering – UTA; numerous courses in all phases of real estate. “All of this formal education enabled me to analyze and use critical thinking skills to meet a client’s goals.”

INSPIRATIONS: His mother – “I remember my mother emphasizing that I should obtain an education because that is something that no one can ever take from you.” His wife Tanis – “I have my wife as a mentor. She keeps me centered and tries to moderate my comments.” Business mentor and best friend Dan Fernandez – “He deserves credit for a lot of my successes. He has always been there 24/7 with the correct answers.”

PHILOSOPHY: “Do the very best that you can the first time you have the opportunity to represent your chosen profession. I try to practice that principle daily, whether representing a seller, purchaser or as an intermediary. It is important that all parties be satisfied. Follow up on your calls ASAP. Go beyond what is required and expected of you.”

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: Outstanding Engineering Student Award from Arlington State; UTA Maverick Athletic Scholarship; Registered Professional Engineer in the state of Texas; University of Texas Chancellor’s Council; Arlington Planning and Zoning Commission; Life Member of Arlington Chamber of Commerce; Realtor Emeritus for 46 years of service on the Arlington Board of Realtors; Texas Lyceum Alumni; former president of YMA; member of the Arlington Rotary Club; William Jennings Award from the Texas Association of Realtors in 2016; National Association of Commercial Realtors Award for the state of Texas in 2016; Mayors award in 2017 for negotiating the largest and most expensive re-development of industrial and commercial property in the history of the City of Arlington HOBBIES/PASSIONS: Travel, ballooning, Indian artifact collecting, fishing and working.

would enable Arlington to grow. He saw it as “a great chance to get back to the wide open spaces with opportunities to develop something out of nothing.”

Obviously, Garrett has developed something. But, again, he gives the lion’s share of the credit to others, most notably his wife (“and adviser”) Tanis, whom he considers one of several mentors who have positively influenced his life. Coy and Tanis have a daughter, Dr. Shana Lynn Garrett Wheeler, who lives in Pittsburgh, Pa., with her husband, Robert Wheeler.

When the senior Garretts aren’t visiting there, they love to travel to Europe, where Tanis puts her UTA Art History degree to good use in the various art havens. “It’s great to have my own family tour guide who can describe every building and statue, by whom it was created, the time frame and reason, etc.,” Garrett says.

“Being an engineer and developer, I just want to have a better view of the granite quarry where the materials originated, the logistics of moving the granite and, ultimately, the very beautiful statues, buildings and art.”

Most people in Arlington would conclude that Garrett’s career has, likewise, been a work of art. Just don’t expect him to say that. arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

25

Real Estate: The Experts

Viridian

V

iridian is a picturesque master-planned community that features a vast array of amenities for its residents. Here are some of the highlights of the ever-growing North Arlington development.

ABOUT VIRIDIAN: Teeming with wildlife, Viridian boasts a 2,000-acre master plan that includes five major lakes, 500 acres of open space and an additional 500 acres of lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands.

Viridian homes are just steps away from a thriving town square with retail, business and medical offices, as well as endless amenities for active lifestyles. As part of the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, Viridian Elementary School is part of a school district recognized for its superior curriculum, low teacher-student ratios, and a singular focus on instructional spending. With miles of nature trails connecting to the River Legacy Park and the Living Science Center, Viridian is unlike anywhere else in the Metroplex.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY: Brimming with engaging amenities, Viridian is an open door to fun and relaxation for the entire family. From sunny days at Viridian Lake Club’s five pools to letting your little ones dig for dinosaur “bones” at Fossil Park, there is always something to do for the entire family and even more is on the way with several planned amenities. With 850 acres of open space and lakes and a 150-acre

wooded conservation area to explore, interacting with neighbors and nature is simple. Catch-and-release fishing, bird watching, meeting neighbors for bridge or poker, canoeing on Lake Viridian, letting Rover romp at Arrowhead Park, enjoying a night out at the Wine Down, or jogging or cycling along miles of pathways that connect with existing River Legacy trails — having fun is easy in Viridian.

THE “NATURE” ELEMENT: Nature is the heartbeat of Viridian, and sustainability is a way of living. The community’s nature- and familyfriendly amenities package (No. 1 in the Metroplex for versatility and uniqueness) complements the array of townhomes and single-family homes available and priced from the $230,000s to more than $2 million. Viridian partners with prominent new home builders in DFW who share a passion for diligent, green-building practices that result in a sustainable home built for the generations.

WORTH NOTING: “It’s the first Audobon International Gold Signature Standard community in Texas,” says Robert Kembel, general manager at Viridian, a project of the Johnson Development Group.

OTHER AMENITIES: Viridian features a sailing center complete with an array of docks that accommodates a sailing club. Additionally, there’s an events center that can accommodate large-group gatherings.

Viridian • 3104 N. Collins, Unit 7 • 817-200-6543 • viridiandfw.com 26

ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

The Peyco Southwest Realty Team

P

Peyco Southwest Realty, Inc.

eyco Southwest Realty has been committed to helping our clients since 1976. The company was started with the intent to become one of the best – and only locally owned – full-service commercial real estate companies in the Dallas Fort Worth Market Area. From brokerage to property tax consulting we want to help our clients understand and navigate the commercial real estate world.

HOW WE SERVE CLIENTS: We measure our success from that of our clients, with an approach built on four key principles: market knowledge, broad expertise, deep experience, and personal service. No matter how we’re serving our clients, our first priority is to cultivate strong relationships built to withstand whatever the market brings.

SERVICES: We offer five areas of service; Brokerage; Leasing and Sales, Property Tax Consulting, Property Management, Zoning and Development and Commercial Appraisals.

STAFF SIZE: 10 people and growing.

OUR TAKE ON THE REAL ESTATE MARKET: While we see signs that the D/FW market is beginning to slightly cool from its rapid pace the last several years, we still feel the D/FW market is poised for more growth

due to the influx of new businesses and people from around the country. With this continued growth we see property tax values for Tarrant County and the surrounding North Texas counties increasing in 2019. While there has been a lot of talk the past several years from many different Texas State Legislators, we are not optimistic that property owners will experience any real property tax relief from any new legislation that may be passed. In our opinion, the best way to keep your property taxes down is to protest the property tax value of your property every year. Having an experienced and diverse company such as Peyco Southwest Realty Inc. protest on your behalf gives you the best chance to keep your property tax values low.

WHAT CLIENTS CAN EXPECT: Our local knowledge and experience in Commercial; Brokerage, Appraisal, Property Management, and Development gives our clients a unique advantage over other property tax firms focused solely in the property tax aspect of real estate. Our diversity gives us added credibility when negotiating lower property tax values for our clients. Above all our first priority is to cultivate strong relationships with our clients built to withstand whatever the market brings.

Peyco Southwest Realty, Inc. • 1703 Peyco Drive N. • 817-467-6803 • peycosouthwest.com arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

27

Real Estate: The Experts

Magazzine Cunningham Group ABOUT THE MC GROUP: Leaders of a team known as The MC Group, Linda Magazzine and Michael Cunningham are both longtime, award-winning real estate professionals who put their clients’ needs at the forefront of every professional relationship. ABOUT LINDA MAGAZZINE: Linda has been a real estate professional for four decades, the past 18 of which have been associated with Ebby Halliday REALTORS®. She has been Ebby Halliday’s Top Individual or Group Producer for the Arlington office since 2002. She also ranked in the top five nationwide from 1989 to 2003.

“My professional philosophy is this: To give real service, you must add something which cannot be The Magazzine bought or measured Cunningham Group with money, and that is sincerity and integrity,” she says. ABOUT MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM: Michael has more than 20 years experience with Ebby Halliday, using a two-pronged approach to success: know the customer and know the market. “As a top producer with Ebby Halliday REALTORS®, I have consistently delivered results and achieved client goals while successfully creating, coordinating and implementing strategic marketing and sales programs,” Cunningham says. “My first priority is to ensure the success of your investment.” SERVICES: The Magazzine Cunningham Group is a full-service operation, offering their clients premier service in either buying, selling or renting.

The group includes Susan Daniels, Linda Broadus and Kathy Rogers, who team with the principals to embrace a professional philosophy founded on providing superior customer service.

CONSISTENT SUCCESS: For each of the past four years, Magazzine and Cunningham have been voted Arlington Area All Stars in the Real Estate Professional category by the readers of Arlington Today magazine.

Magazzine Cunningham Group Linda Magazzine: 817-654-8589 • lindamagazzine@ebby.com Michael Cunningham: 817-654-8445 • michaelcunningham@ebby.com 28

ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Chris Hightower Team RE/MAX Pinnacle Group SERVING OUR HOMETOWN: As Arlington residents for a combined 90 years ourselves, we are dedicated to making Arlington the best community in which to own a home. We understand the importance of civic engagement and how it improves property values; therefore, our team actively volunteers and supports Arlington-based organizations including Junior League, PTA, the Arlington Museum of Art, Theatre Arlington, Downtown Arlington Management Corp., Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and the Arlington ISD. EXPERIENCE: Chris Hightower began his career in real estate as a high school student working as an assistant to high-powered real estate agents. He built his own company in 2009, and now, the Chris Hightower Team has been an award-winning team for sales volume every year. Our success is based on our commitment to providing the highest-quality service to our clients and their generosity in referring their family and friends. STAFF: Four professional agents: Chris Hightower, owner, luxury properties, short sales and foreclosures; Vanja Gaither, buying and listing agent, investment properties; Rush Kittle, buying and listing agent, flipping and income-producing properties; Jennifer Lancaster, buying and listing agent for Arlington, Fort Worth and Mansfield.

SERVICES: We are a full-service real estate team with expertise ranging from luxury properties to investment property acquisition.

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a nomad roaming from home to home, we pride ourselves in providing personalized service for each individual client. Through RE/MAX, we can help you with property anywhere on the globe. PHILOSOPHY: Work hard, minimize drama, and put the client first.

Chris Hightower Team - RE/MAX Pinnacle Group 1241 W. Green Oaks Blvd. • 817-946-1402 chrishightower.com

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

The Austin Group Ebby Halliday REALTORS ®

HISTORY: The Austin Group with Ebby Halliday Realtors was founded in 1999 by Nicky Austin, and it became a family affair nine years later when Mike Austin came onboard. SERVICES: The company offers real estate services/ consultation, selling residential real estate primarily in Tarrant County. APPROACH: Nicky says both she and Mike have a passion for building relationships with their clients, a trait that has made The Austin Group one of North Texas’ premier real estate companies.

“It is not just bricks and mortar. It is about helping to guide clients through the biggest financial decision that most will ever make,” she says. “We believe that it is essential to tell clients what they need to hear rather than always what they want to hear. Our goal is to navigate the process to the point where the client can only focus on the excitement of the sale.”

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Land distribution in Arlington Land Use Category

Area (Acres)

Amusement, Fixed .......................................................................6.4 Business/Commercial ..................................................................0.4 Commercial/Retail ................................................................3,243.6 Entertainment/Recreational ..................................................1.429.7 Institutional ...........................................................................4,160.2 Manufacturing/Warehouse/Industrial ....................................2,767.1 Mixed-Use ...................................................................................3.2 Multi-Family ..........................................................................2,278.8 Office ....................................................................................1,045.3 Park/Open ............................................................................3,921.3 Single Family ......................................................................22,048.4 Transportation/Utility/Communications ................................2,496.7 Vacant Developable ..............................................................5,946.3 Vacant Undevelopable ..........................................................1,340.1 Source: Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce

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©2014 SWBC. All rights reserved. Loans are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and conditions may apply. Programs and guidelines are subject to change without notice.

Rates are subject to change daily. SWBC Mortgage Corporation NMLS #9741 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org), Corporate Office located at 9311 San Pedro Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78216.

You Get More With a Master Widely admired for their professionalism and exceptional customer service, the seven members of the Masters of Real Estate network have built their reputations by exceeding client expectations.

Among our area’s foremost sales and marketing experts, the Masters offer countless connections and a shared commitment to each client’s success.

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arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

31

Real Estate: Development

Building the Dream Downtown

S

City’s Master Plan will render a revolutionary new look • By the City of Arlington Office of Communication idewalk cafes, a dog park, public art and landscaping, and more housing, retail and entertainment options are part of the City’s vision for a vibrant Downtown Arlington.

Over the past 10 months, the City and the Downtown Master Plan Advisory Committee gathered extensive public input to establish a strategic framework and specific action items designed to guide the next generation of development in the heart of Arlington. The new Downtown Master Plan, “Building the Dream Downtown,” features more than 100 implementation items that aim to establish Downtown Arlington as a distinct destination, support a robust economy and foster a diversity of housing types, retail activity, open spaces and cultural attractions. The City Council unanimously approved the plan, which is an update of the City’s 2004 Downtown Master Plan and introduced the renderings pictured here.

“This plan is strategic and actionoriented, with a strong vision – and a healthy dose of aspiration, too – and it sets the stage for a Downtown where our citizens and business community can start, build and cultivate their individual American Dreams,” says Strategic Planning Manager Lyndsay Mitchell.

The Downtown Master Plan outlines these key goals: • Attract more people Downtown to live, work, socialize and recreate.

• Establish the city center as a local and regional destination with a distinct identity.

• Ensure a robust, resilient economy in Downtown and its surrounding districts.

• Foster a diversity of housing types at a range of price points.

• Develop a critical mass of activity to support existing businesses and residents and attract new entrepreneurs and residents.

• Activate streets, open spaces and parks to ensure a safe, vibrant and livable environment.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

• Strengthen the area as an entertainment destination and encourage and promote Downtown’s arts, culture and music scene.

• Support civic and community-oriented uses and programs, including a distinct public arts program.

• Create a diverse community that welcomes all residents, employees, students, and visitors.

The City prepared the 2018 Downtown Master Plan with a broad base of stakeholder input. An Advisory Committee, formed of key Downtown business owners, organization representatives and stakeholders, met four times during the 10-month planning process. Three public meetings, individual stakeholder interviews and an online survey completed by more than 1,000 participants were used to solicit feedback. Information about the Plan and process was also posted on the City website at arlingtontx.gov/downtown.

Through these outreach efforts, the City received requests for a wide range of new public amenities, including increased culinary and retail options, more office and housing choices, green spaces and cultural events. Top survey responses from participants requested: • Outdoor destinations, such as a public plaza, playground, dog park, sidewalk cafes • Public amenities, including landscaping, public art, misters to spray water on hot days, public restrooms • More restaurants and shopping options, especially independent, locally owned businesses and a grocery store • Larger buildings with housing and offices • More festivals and events • Celebration of Arlington’s history and culture Turning the Downtown Master Plan vision into reality will require collaboration, creativity and the strategic use of resources. The City’s Office of Strategic Initiatives will spearhead many of the initiatives, working with partners such as the University of Texas at Arlington, the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation, Downtown stakeholders and other City departments.

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Local Dwellings

Here are three images that capture the beauty and elegance of this home.

Home SWEET! Home This house in the Deerwood Park addition is a sight to behold – as well as a site you can hold as your own

T

he executive masterpiece you see here is located in the soughtafter Deerwood Park addition and can be yours – assuming that you savor a great location, appreciate a durably constructed dwelling and are in the market for an upscale, new home that features an array of space, comfortable settings and practical amenities.

The house, listed by Linda Magazzine of the Magazzine Cunningham Group at Ebby Halliday REALTORS ®, boasts a well designed open concept adorned with custom finishes throughout. There’s an impressive kitchen with an island, a walk-in pantry, granite counters and a large breakfast bar that lends itself to the family room, which is ideal for entertaining or large family gatherings.

The first-floor master suite – yes, there are two stories – has a large sitting area, a fireplace and a spa-like bath with separate vanities and 34

ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Photos courtesy of Linda Magazzine

This home is a prize on so many levels. From the location to the quality of craftsmanship, from the combination of practicality and comfort to the lovely vistas, this house is defined by upscale sophistication. arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Every inch of this masterpiece is elegant and sturdy. And there’s plenty of space for people to enjoy “me time.”

a walk-in shower. For convenience, the master suite is adjacent to an oversized, handsome study.

As for the pertinent numbers, this home, built in 1991, anchors a .3-acre lot and has five bedrooms and 4.2 baths (and 13 rooms in all). The dwelling spans 5,276 square feet and sports a peaceful backyard with landscaped grounds and a sparkling pool with attached spa.

Here are some of the other highlights: • The utility room features built-in cabinets, a drip/dry area, a dryer hookup (electric), a full-size washer/dryer area, and a separate utility room has a washer hookup.

• The master bedroom features a cedar closet and a custom closet system. The master bath has dual sinks, a jetted tub, a linen closet, a separate shower and separate vanities. The shower offers body sprays.

• The home has two dining areas, including a formal dining room with multiple views to the outdoors.

• The home features three brick fireplaces that operate on gas logs. Flooring is 36

ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

This home spans 5,276 square feet and features five bedrooms and 4.2 baths. Oh, and there’s a grand view from all the rooms.

Experience the difference the right agent can make.™

4605 Kelly Elliott Road Arlington | $960,000 | 5/4/8 | Pool The Austin Group | 817-229-7408

4101 Vistaview Court Arlington | $950,000 | 5/4.2/ 2 Magazzine-Cunningham Group | 817-929-0082

2707 Shadow Wood Court Arlington | $440,000 | 4/5/3 | Pool The Austin Group | 817-229-7408

7400 Quail Ridge Drive Arlington | $309,900 | 4/2.1/2 Magazzine-Cunningham Group | 214-300-8600

517 Chateau Trail Arlington | $249,000 | 2/2/2 Kelsey Hicks | 817-266-1253

3406 Halifax Drive Arlington | $197,500 | 3/2/2 Jane Haynes | 817-312-1366

1401 Carla Avenue Arlington | $180,000 |4/2/2 Liz Hawkins | 817-654-8422

5315 San Mateo Court Arlington | $167,000 | 3/3/2 Kathy Lakatta | 817-905-3229

2214 Busch Drive Arlington | $134,900 | 3/1/1 Jan Pestinger | 817-680-0720

For more information, contact — ARLINGTON OFFICE 1201 West Green Oaks Blvd.

817-654-3737

MANSFIELD OFFICE 1600 Highway 287 N., Suite 100 682-422-0333

Facebook.com/EbbyHalliday

©2017. Equal Housing Opportunity.

composed of a mixture of carpet, ceramic tile and wood.

• The dwelling has central air conditioning (electric) and central heating (gas).

• Exterior features include gutters, a lighting system, a patio that opens to the swimming pool and spa, a sprinkler system, a shake metal roof and a wood fence that surrounds the backyard.

• In addition to the aforementioned spa, the heated, in-ground gunite pool has a cleaning system to help keep it ready for use year-round.

The location in the Deerwood Park addition gives dwellers with school-age children easy access to Wood Elementary, Boles Junior High School and Martin High School. The entire neighborhood features a vast assembly of mature trees that provide beauty and shade.

For more about this house, call Linda Magazzine at 817-980-8733, email her at lindamagazzine@ebby.com or visit magazzinecunninghamgroup.ebby.com.

The backyard features a sparkling pool with spa, as well as a comfortable patio that provides a gorgeous view.

If fun and/or relaxation is a priority, this home has just what you need, whether you’re an adult or a youngster.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

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Rachel L. Wright Attorney At Law arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

39

Resolutions, etc.

, r a e Y ! u w o e N wY e N Healthy living expo THE SIXTH ANNUAL Healthy Living Expo will be held Jan. 11-12 at Eunice Activity Center (1000 Eunice St.) The event runs from 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on both days.

The expo offers an assortment of healthy living experiences, from healthy cooking, speakers, mini workshops, quick workouts and more. There will be more than 35 exhibitors, as well as music, dance performances, food demonstrations, shopping and networking. Other features include vendor giveaways and samples, all for a good cause, as a portion of the proceeds will go toward a scholarship to a single mother in the community.

For more: tinyurl.com/ybm3s9rn.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

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Here are ways you can make 2019 your best year ever – or, at least, until this time next year

Approved activities for moms to be

THE PHYSICIANS AT Women’s Health Services are dedicated to helping their pregnant patients make the most of this special time. To that end, they offer the following approved activities: • Daily exercise of 30 minutes a day is recommended for all pregnant patients. Do not start new exercise routines. Use caution with weight lifting/aerobics.

• Walking/treadmill/elliptical/bike/swimming are always great options. Yoga/Pilates specifically for pregnancy is great for stretching. Remember to stay hydrated!

• Highlights/hair dye • Warm tub baths (no recreational hot tubs or water greater than 100 degrees) • Flu shots-are highly recommended during pregnancy.

• Travel up to 36 weeks • Dental visits • Intercourse • Household chores with adequate ventilation and gloves • Painting with adequate ventilation

Take a stroll (and (more) at the park

RIVER LEGACY, the crown jewel of Arlington’s park system and located along the banks of the Trinity River in the northwestern section of the city, features 1,031 acres of forest floodplain grandeur.

The natural, urban, hardwood forest includes 400 species of wildlife, 193 species of birds and 28 species of trees. River Legacy’s four-phase master plan, completed

by Sasaki and Associates in 1986, calls for much of the park to be preserved for passive activities fostering an appreciation of the area’s plant and animal life. Presently, educational, leisure and recreational activities include nature study, bird watching, bicycling, jogging, picnicking and relaxing in a natural environment.

If you are planning to visit River Legacy, you’d better pack a lunch. With the expanse of hardwood forest to explore – complete with the flora and fauna – discovery is the name of the game. A true marriage of ecology and activity, the park was planned as an urban oasis where animals could live with minimal disruption from the hundreds of human visitors that pursue recreational activities every day. If you’re a mountain bike enthusiast, there are more than 10 miles of cross country trails that are among the best around. For more: riverlegacy.org.

Boost your creativity Stretch your limits

THE PILATES EFFECT is a fully equipped Pilates Studio dedicated to the overall well being of its clients.

Owner Cami Green and her team have as their goal to increase their clients’ quality of life and to develop all muscles, transforming their bodies to the fullest, achieving personal fitness goals and improving their everyday physical lifestyle. Pilates can help create stronger, leaner muscles, improving posture, increasing core strength, mobility and stability, thus creating benefits you will see in your everyday life.

For more: thepilateseffect.com.

IF YOU OFTEN FEEL LIKE you can’t focus on one thing at a time or you get stuck in a rut at work, the cure could be right outside your door. According to a study by plos.org, data supports the notion that spending time outdoors actually stimulates creativity and replenishes attention.

The study immersed participants in nature for four days and prohibited them from using any type of technology. During the duration of the backpacking trip, participants had to take several creativity tests, and researchers found test scores increased by a whopping 50 percent after four days in nature.

For more: plos.org.

arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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A fresh start for your face

WANT TO FRESHEN the face as you start the new year? Dr. Mark Bishara and his team at The Paragon Plastic Surgery and Med Spa offer several options.

Reconditioning and Firming - This option is Ideal for dehydrated, aging and environmentally damaged skin. This treatment includes customized products and a vitamin C masque that will leave your skin with a healthier, firmer, glowing appearance.

Set sail at Viridian

YES, THAT’S A PICTURESQUE VIEW from right here in Arlington – in fact, from Viridian, the 2,000-acre master plan community that features its own Sailing Center.

The center offers aquatic adventure for all experience levels. Both residents and non-residents may purchase an Annual Pass, giving them access to the Sailing Center and its state-of-the-art sailboats and paddleboards. Annual Pass holders also have the opportunity to take sailing courses and camps designed to increase skill and sailing confidence.

The Sailing Center has a packed social calendar with numerous activities including holiday parties, happy hours, brunches, regattas and other fun events.

For more: viridiandfw.com/sailing-center.

Deep Pore Cleansing - This treatment is for anyone experiencing clogged, congested pores. The treatment utilizes oil-minimizing products and includes extractions.

Calming Treatment - This popular treatment is designed to calm and soothe compromised skin. The Paragon specialists use vitamin C to aid in reducing irritation and inflammation associated with sensitive or problematic skin.

For more: markbisharamd.com.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Savor some shopping

IF YOU ENJOY shopping – or, even, browsing – you owe it to yourself to put “Take a trip to Gracie Lane and Anything Goes” on your New Year’s itinerary. Gracie Lane is like a collection of your favorite things — and those you haven’t yet found — all in one pretty package.

Anything Goes’ name implies what the store is all about. Both places are good for the shopper’s soul.

For more: gracielanecollection.com and anythinggoesgiftshop.com.

Spruce up the house BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW that the family owned Hiltons Flooring has been providing quality products for local homeowners for nearly 30 years.

And you probably aren’t aware that the company can meet home-renovation needs in the way of carpet, hardwood, exotic woods, tile, stone, ceramic, porcelain, granite, slate, laminate, vinyl, cabinets and countertops.

If you are tired of the way your home’s floors and hardware look, look into visiting the Hiltons Flooring showroom. And prepare to stay a while.

For more: arlington.abbeycarpet.com.

Rock ‘n Enroll

ARE YOU A FEW HOURS from having finished college, but because “life” got in the way, you had to put that dream on the back burner to do something else?

Or, are you a graduate with a job, but you think there might be something else you’d prefer to call a career?

Either way, a practical and satisfying way to become a college graduate – as well as a catalyst to a new start – is available via an online education at the University of Texas at Arlington. UTA offers online programs in education, nursing, public health and public administration, as well as opportunity for an MBA. And they’re just, appropriately, a click away.

For more: uta.edu.

Find a fine place to dine

WE GET IT – you’re more concerned at the first of the year about losing weight than about ordering the most delicious item on the menu.

But, c’mon. Who are you kidding?

By this time next month, you’ll be making a mental note to be better in 2020, even as you steer the Youmobile toward Calorie City.

So ...

If you’re inclined to violate the Resolution Codebook

by February anyway, why not get a head start and book a reservation this month at an upscale restaurant like Mercury Chophouse?

Here’s what’s in store for you, once you exit the elevator – yes, it takes an elevator to get to this great eatery: You will be greeted by a friendly staff member, maybe even by one of the owners.

You will glance around and suddenly realize that this might be the best view of Arlington in all of Arlington.

You will be served appetizers, a main dish and a dessert that are collectively delicious, and you will wash the meal down with some of the finest beverages offered anywhere.

Then you’ll decide to come back, because that’s a resolution worth keeping.

For more: mercurychophouse.com.

arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Cool Cars

David Oberle stands with the favorite among many cars in his collection, “New Nana,” which was made the same year his grandmother was born: 1937.

A classic car that honors grandmother

D

David Oberle’s ‘New Nana’ is a special automobile • By Richard Greene

When he turns the key and rolls down the window, David Oberle enters a special world that can only be appreciated by classic car owners.

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avid Oberle has a passion for great American classic automobiles, and his collection boasts of having one from every decade from 1900 to the year 2000.

But this 1937 Packard has a special place among his other remarkable cars in that it was built in the same year his grandmother was born. So, in her honor, he calls it his “New Nana” and says it’s his favorite.

David found this exceptional model last year in Nebraska, and confirms that he especially enjoys driving the smooth-running One-Twenty model motorized by its big straight-eight, 288-cubic-inch engine producing 120 horsepower. As a highway engineer, he does this on some of the roadways he helped design.

In recent months, he has taken it to events sponsored by the respected Classic Car Club of America, where he is a member. Most recently, he had the opportunity to show it off in fellow collector Mike Ames’ annual gathering among other invited guests with their limited edition cars at Ames’ Arlington estate.

The Packard Motor Car Company produced these mid-priced, eight-cylinder cars from 1935 to 1937 in a marketing strategy to compete with the General Motors’s LaSalle, the Chrysler Airstream

ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

With plenty of chrome ornamentation and a straight-eight, 288-cubic-inch engine, Oberle’s 1937 Packard not only is a joy to look at, but it provides an ample number of joyful views from behind the wheel. arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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From the cutting-edge “air conditioner” (right) to the unrestored 1937 license plate David Oberle obtained after buying the car, this vehicle is an authentic classic all the way.

and the Lincoln Zephyr. It kept the company going during the final years of the Great Depression and provided buyers the cachet of owning what was then considered one of America’s most prestigious cars.

Prices for the up-market Touring Sedan models like this one were just under $2,000 resulting in the company’s immediate success with consumers, as more than 50,000 of them rolled off Packard’s massive assembly line in Detroit.

While the car’s design presented many interior art deco features, its “Safe-T-Flex” independent front suspension was considered a breakthrough in engineering, carrying the load in style and comfort – a result that its current owner finds to be as nice today as it was some 80 years ago.

What about that odd canister style cylinder attached to the front passenger side window? While home air conditioning wouldn’t become widely used until the 1950s post-World War II economic boom, you could ride in cool comfort in your automobile with one of these things in the 1930s.

Called a “car cooler,” it worked via the evaporation of water inside the cooler and in the process, transferring heat from the surrounding air into cool moisture-laden air inside. It worked when the car was in forward motion, or a fan-powered version would do the job when the car was standing still or moving at low speeds.

With the introduction of the 1940 models, Packard became the first car company to offer factory-installed air conditioning. Thirty years later, more than half of all new cars sold were equipped with what was fast becoming standard equipment.

David enjoys demonstrating the original technology by removing if from the car’s trunk, attaching it to the window, and showing how the air would blow through a vent at a right angle to dispel the summer heat.

He’s also pleased that he was able to find an original, unrestored 1937 Texas license plate to add to the authenticity of his proud example of one of Packard’s flagship automobiles that provided the company with its esteemed reputation that today is carried on by collectors everywhere.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

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Local Film Scene

Adam Dietrich and Elliott Gilbert II have been friends since junior high.

The local filmmakers have teamed to create an array of impactful films that tell important stories.

Oh, the stories

they tell Adam Dietrich and Elliott Gilbert II create movies that impact people’s lives • By Karen Gavis

L

ike many Texas kids, Adam Dietrich and Elliott Gilbert II both played football, but it was their love for the arts, their community and for telling a good story that led them to form Adam and Elliott Moving Pictures.

Sitting inside Urban Alchemy Coffee + Wine Bar about to embark on a creative work session at the Downtown Arlington Public Library, the artists share how their decades-long friendship has taken them from spotlighting the plight of the homeless to that of modern day soldiers and their families.

“We’ve been acting since we were kids, Dietrich says. “We’ve been making art for that long. We’ve been friends for that long.

And it’s a peculiar, wonderful thing.”

According to Dietrich, while Gilbert was pretty good at football, he wasn’t. The two became friends when he made a joke in class one day that Gilbert thought was funny. After 27 years, he doesn’t recall the joke, but he says he’s glad that laughter brought them together.

“We met in junior high in seventh grade computer lit,” Gilbert says. “At that time, no one liked computers that much.”

While growing up, Gilbert’s father had a TV in every room, he recalls. However, he never thought of television as something he

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

could do, career-wise, until later. A family friend had also taken Gilbert to museums, which he enjoyed. But it wasn’t until after attending a Creative Arts Theatre and School [CATS] party with Dietrich, and interacting with the arts community, that Gilbert began to think about television, theater and film more seriously.

“I thought, man, this is not how we are in sports,” he says while sporting a grey, tweed director’s cap. “I’m like, hey, let’s continue making art.”

Dietrich had attended CATS since grade school, which along with a 10-year apprenticeship at Hip Pocket Theatre and his University of Texas at Arlington connections, helped him form lifelong friendships and mentorships with people he describes as open- minded, liberal, artsy-types.

“Being interested in the arts was as foreign to people as Quantum Physics in the ‘80s,” he says. “And there was a certain derogatory element to it as well. [But] we’ve always wanted to create original work from day one.”

At Martin High School, their class was encouraged to write an original play, so they helped create “Bluestreets,” which raised several thousand dollars for a woman known as “the Chicken

Lady,” who was known for spending her own money feeding the homeless.

“From that moment, I think we were, like, we have to do this,” Dietrich says. “We’ve got to make interesting work that helps people see people that maybe they don’t see and see things in a way that maybe they don’t see it.”

“And we chose to stay in DFW when we were, you know, 19, 20 years old and build careers here,” he continues, explaining how the local industry and environment has changed over the years.

Dietrich says that a decade ago, Arlington films seemed to focus more on Christian families or horror and stories that would bring a more-likely guaranteed return on investment. He notes that there has been a shift from specific genres. A revolution in the industry has also given indie films a bigger place in the market.

“Art communities have grown leaps and bounds with equalities and inclusion,” he says. “But in the ‘80s, you know, we had a very conservative and very specific leadership. And it made it very hard for people that were different than that or on the fringe of that.

As the community has grown and we’ve invited more and more diversity in our communities, and our businesses, and our beliefs, that’s fed into our art.”

“If it’s humane, you go out there and you do what you can within Gilbert and Dietrich the industry because the industry started a local film studio, Adam is going to be as much part of your and Elliott Moving art as your art itself,” he says. “It is Pictures, in 2016. one large family, I think, theater and film, and so you’ve got to contribute to the family.”

Dietrich, who has worked in the arts his entire career, likens Arlington’s revitalized Downtown to Fort Worth’s Fairmount District and Dallas’ Oak Cliff, which “have similar opportunities for young, energetic, entrepreneurial efforts that everybody loves.”

Dietrich and Gilbert have partnered in several ventures Photos: Karen Gavis themselves, including a non-profit theater, Butterfly Connection, Connectivity Media and Seraphilms.

They launched Adam and Elliott Moving Pictures in 2016 to help people tell stories the way they would tell stories.

“After so long, we know what our skill set and our vision is,” Dietrich says. “And we started doing that on the daily. It was kind of a stake in the ground, in a way.”

Dietrich says their work raises the big questions that people ask at night when they’re all alone.

“We like to tell stories about human beings,” he says. “We like to tell stories that are exposed and truthful. Maybe we put light into dark areas. Not every movie we make is controversial, by any means, but every movie we make, we want human beings to understand other human beings.”

“Knowing,” a short film about a janitor who witnesses a sex crime, premiered recently at Fort Worth’s Lone Star Film Festival and simultaneously in New York and Georgia.

“It’s not an easy movie to watch,” Dietrich says. “But, hopefully, something that inspires conversation about a very tough topic.”

Their work can also be seen in Andrew Patterson’s “The Vast of Night,” which world premieres this month at Slamdance.

“A Soldier’s Way,” which follows two soldiers and their spouses as they struggle with the impacts of war, will also screen in 2019.

Dietrich says that, in an effort to stay true to soldiers and their spouses and their experiences, they consulted with the PTSD [posttraumatic stress disorder] Foundation for the movie. They had wanted to film in Afghanistan, but their budget kept them in Texas.

They shot the film in Terlingua.

“For anyone that hasn’t been there, it’s this big desert landscape,” Dietrich says. “It’s prehistoric. The places that people live are not typical American spaces, so everybody’s got a very individualized living experience in Terlingua. It’s completely kind of off-the-grid living.”

Dietrich talks about a soldier who had videotaped himself over and over again during war and uploaded his videos to YouTube. ”There’s a battle going on, and he’s selfie-ing himself, and his guys, and talking about it,” he says. “And then he’d upload it. And then he’d get back to fighting. We’re, like, that’s amazing and frightening and an incredible statement of the power of technology.”

Their team camped during filming in what Dietrich describes as a modern teepee with concrete floors and electrical outlets but “where you still wake up with a spider in your mouth.”

“Everything ended up being magical,” he says.

Dietrich says at the end of their journey, while eating at a Mexican Restaurant, a Vietnam Veteran, whom the film crew had befriended, expressed how important it was that they came.

“God created the desert to test the faith of men,” the man told them. “And I think you passed.”

Then they all left and drove home.

“It was so perfect,” Gilbert says. “[What he said is] going to be on our poster. It defines the movie.”

Gilbert and his wife, Juri, live in Arlington and have two children. Dietrich and his wife, Andee, live in Fort Worth and are expecting their second son this month.

arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

49

Picture-perfect moments

Scene Snapshots from the Home for the Holidays Gala benefitting Arlington Life Shelter, from the Mayor’s Holiday Pajama Storytime and from a surprise visit by noted designer Mark Roberts to C&W Antiques

Jim Reeder, Lois Bacon and Don Bacon at Home for the Holidays

Gregg Wilkinson, Nancy Wilkinson, Karen Powell and Chris Powell

As part of the fundraising effort, a silent auction was held.

A look at the stellar turnout at Home for the Holidays

O.K. Carter and Donna Darovich

Joe Owens and Beth Owens

Dr. Gary Dye and Anne Dye

Photo courtesy of Patrick Walsh

Photo: City of Arlington

Dr. Aaron Reich and Reba Blevins

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Mayor Jeff Williams entertains children at the George W. Hawkes Library during the Holiday Pajama Storytime.

Mark Roberts and his lead designer made a surprise visit recently at the C&W Antiques Open House. He signed numerous Fairys, limited edition Santas, a race car (pictured above) and shared personal stories of how the Santas were developed from conceptual drawings to production. The Mark Roberts brand is all about elegance. At Christmas he is known for decorative pieces, nativities, stocking holders and nutcrackers, to name a few. C&W Antiques carries a wide range of his products that delight their guests during the holidays and throughout the year.

For more great Scene shots, visit arlingtontoday.com

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The Perfect ‘Staycation’

Goin’ Downtown!

Last month, my wife and I took in the city. Here are the highlights • By Yale Youngblood

A FEW WEEKS BACK, MY WONDERFUL BOSS JUDY RUPAY gave me an equally wonderful assignment for a story in this issue: Go spend a weekend downtown with my wife – on Judy’s dime. “Do as much as you can, eat and drink as much as you want, and just have fun,” she said. After pondering this request for ... oh, about ... a second, I set out plotting a stretch in early December, during which Susan and I could do as Judy asked. And, as one who follows instructions to the letter (insert winks here), I made sure we did, ate, drank and reveled – to a degree that will fit in nicely with that resolution story you read earlier. Of course, there was a catch to this calling: I had to write about it. Here goes ...

FEW EATERIES IN ARLINGTON are as iconic as J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill, so Susan and I decided that we’d make lunch there our first priority.

She ordered Tyler’s Taco Nachos, while I opted for the restaurant’s slant on the BLT. Both choices were excellent, but what was most excellent about our dining experience was the visit we had with owner Randy Ford (pictured).

He shared a little about the history of the restaurant and told us some fascinating tales about the security at AT&T Stadium he discovered while making deliveries there. Suffice it to say, Jerry takes good care of his “World.”

BEING A FORMER SPORTSWRITER, I made a priority to include a University of Texas at Arlington basketball game on the itinerary. Being the father-in-law of the Associate Vice President for Development and University Initiatives at UTA, I got to see it in grand fashion. I met coach Chris Ogden before the game and sat at courtside with Lisa Karbhari, wife of University President, Vistasp. Neither of us received a technical foul.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

IN VARIOUS PREVIOUS jobs, I did a lot of traveling, which means I had to stay in a lot of hotels – some genuinely nice. I’ve never had a better hotel experience than take place later that afternoon. I was amazed at

that at The Sanford House. Judy

how organized the team was. But what left the more

arranged for us to be quartered in the Monaco Villa, which was a few yards from the main building and which opened to the beautiful

telling impression was the exchange I had with a young man rolling a cart of flowers toward the main staging area.

Secret Garden, which, I suppose isn’t a secret any more, now that

“How are you today?” I asked. “Living the dream, sir,” he said with a

I’m writing about it.

radiant smile, which suggested he was doing just that.

The garden is part of the big-event courtyard for which The

By that time, so was I, and I was only halfway through the

Sanford House has become best known, particularly for weddings.

weekend getaway ... or, technically stayathome.

Sure enough, when I went for a stroll Saturday morning to walk off

As I completed my last lap of the morning, I headed back to the

Friday’s dinner, a host of hotel personnel was scurrying to adorn

Villa and thought, “yeah, that has a nice ring to it, ‘heading back to

and arrange the courtyard for an exchanging of vows that would

the Villa.’”

SATURDAY MORNING, we decided to take a walking tour of the downtown area, which gave us our first opportunity to visit the new George W. Hawkes Downtown Library. Mark my words: It won’t be our last. Remember when the library was the place where you found books? Well, you can do that, for sure, but our downtown library is a veritable shrine to technology, art and ... dare I say, it? ... fun. And I won’t even whisper when I say that.

PAMPERING IS NOT MY THING. Luckily, Susan has no qualms about getting a new “do” or some “fru-fruing” of the feet. During our weekend staycation, she got both, first via a hair refreshment at Maren Karsen AVIDA Salon that was followed by – and I quote – “the best pedicure I have ever had” at The Sanford Spa. Her specialist asked me if I wanted to join Susan in the fun. I said, “uh, no.”

arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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I NOTED PREVIOUSLY about how much we enjoyed staying at The Sanford House. One of many reasons for that was the cuisine at restaurant506, the hotel’s quaint dining room, which is known for providing “inspired American” dishes, and which is renowned for its weekend brunches. If a picture is worth a thousand words, consider yourself edified both thoroughly and eloquently by the image to the right. We were told that restaurant506 features dishes made with only the freshest ingredients, hand-prepared by the culinary team. I responded after the meal that if I wore a hat, I would tip it them. Then I made a mental note to see if Judy would let me buy a hat.

THOUGH I SELDOM YEARN for a cup o’ Joe, Susan could drink coffee before, during and after every meal. It’s a good thing, then, that the great Tony and Nicole Rutigliano chose their hometown as the site of Urban Alchemy Coffee + Wine Bar, if just to quench Susie’s yearning as we prepared for Saturday’s adventures.

It’s an even better thing that the Rutiglianos chose to hire Nick Osborne (pictured) as the coffee and food manager at the new “in place” in Arlington. Learning that my wife likes a touch of vanilla in her brew, Nick enhanced one of Urban Alchemy’s signature roast blends with a vanilla paste he had created and presented it with a smile. One sip later, two people were smiling.

AS PART OF OUR downtown tour, we made a point to walk by two of the city’s landmarks, Arlington Museum of Art and Theatre Arlington.

Though it was too early for a show – even too early for anyone who was part of a show to begin pre-production preparation – it was a good time to peek in the windows and realize that the museum and the theater have spawned many a dream over the past four decades. Outside the theater I decided to regale my bride with a refrain from “Oklahoma.” She was so moved that she said, “It’s a good thing you became a writer.”

FOR FRIDAY’S DINNER, we welcomed our daughter Hannah to the Villa and, after explaining to her why she couldn’t live there forever, we headed to another new establishment that is drawing raves, The Tipsy Oak. Hannah had the Chicken Ciabatta, and Susan and I ordered Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese. And soon we all understood why this new establishment is drawing raves.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

AS A CHARTER MEMBER of the Texas Live! fan club (translation: I was one of the 16 gazillion people there for the grand opening), I was eagerly anticipating a return visit. That was before I realized that said reappearance would take place on the weekend Texas and OU were playing for the Big 12 championship at AT&T Stadium. Because of our busy schedule, the Texas Live! stop would have to take place following the game, which meant several things: The eateries and lounges would be filled with (1) a lot of happy Sooners; (2) a lot of sad Longhorns. Also, (3) The lot of happy and unhappy folks would amount to 16 gazillion and one. We had fun touring the place anyway.

EARLIER, I NOTED THAT my daughter-in-law, Rose, helped us score primo seats for the basketball game (AND the chance to meet some cool UTA folks). She and my son, Aaron, joined us for that leg of the journey, as well as for our observance of the Texas Live! experiment to determine how many football fans can be squished into an entertainment center before the fire chief is summoned.

But it was our next stop that wound up as one of the day’s highlights: Legal Draft Beer Co. While there were ample burnt orange and crimson hues to be found, there was also a chance to actually hear the words people were speaking. So we enjoyed a few cold ones, a nice post-game concert and a relaxing game of Yahtzee.

Apparently there was a deal in place to let the old man win.

FOR SATURDAY’S DINNER, we decided to go Old School again and luckily found a table at The Grease Monkey Burger Shop & Social Club. You probably didn’t know it was a social club, but I’m betting you’re very familiar with the burgers, which are cooked to perfection – and then constructed in any manner you see fit, thanks to the condiment bar that sits in the back of the restaurant. I love the condiment bar!

FULL DISCLOSURE: My favorite singer is Burton Cummings of The Guess Who. Fuller disclosure: Burton wasn’t part of The Guess Who that played at the Arlington Music Hall concert Susan and I attended. I was a little bummed to discover that. Fullest disclosure yet: I was blown away by the current ensemble’s uncanny musicianship. They ROCKED! In fact, the whole weekend did.

arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Picture-perfect moments

Scene Snapshots from the State of the City breakfast hosted by the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau and from a special act of kindness by The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce and the Arlington Fire Fighters Association

Photos courtesy of Arlington CVB

Mayor Jeff Williams addresses the crowd at the annual State of the City event.

Ron Price

Michael Glaspie delivers the invocation.

Jim Ross at the meet-and-greet before the meeting

Bill Lynch at the meet-and-greet

Gerald Alley

Keynote speaker Richard Florida

The Greater Arlington Chamber supported the Arlington Fire Fighters Association’s Toy Drive for Safe Haven and Mission Arlington.

As a result, the charities were able to provide Christmas presents to tens of thousands of children in need during the recent holidays.

For more great Scene shots, visit arlingtontoday.com

Kelly Bumgarner visits with a friend prior to the breakfast.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Kevin Hadawi at the meet-and-greet

Arlington’s Newest District Takes Shape. See What’s Happening at Urban Union!

WHAT IS URBAN UNION? In the center of Downtown Arlington and located along East Front Street, Urban Union is home to some of the city’s most innovative and inspiring local business concepts. The urban gathering place currently encompasses eight acres of reimagined industrial buildings and is being transformed into a walkable entertainment complex by local commercial real estate development company Dodson Companies. Once complete, Urban Union will feature four, full downtown city blocks of retail shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and offices.

Current businesses include: ● Legal Draft Beer Co. ● Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery ● 4 Kahunas Tiki Lounge ● The Tipsy Oak Ice House ● Inspirations Catering ● Board & Brush Studio ● The Cartel Taco Bar ● Texas Axe Throwing Co. ● Union Worx Coworking ● CearnalCo Realtors ● Downtown Arlington Management ● Dodson Companies WHAT SEPARATES URBAN UNION FROM OTHER RETAIL CENTERS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICTS? By locals, for locals! Urban Union prides itself in being the district where

natives and visitors alike can enjoy the authenticity of Arlington’s entrepreneurs and their exciting businesses. Come to Urban Union and experience the eclectic and unique mix of community partners for yourself!

WHAT NEXT? This year will be an exciting one for Urban Union! Celebrating Downtown Arlington’s recent announcement of the Master Plan, our development has big plans for 2019’s expansion including a major dining announcement, more than 20 retail storefronts, and several residential apartments. Stay tuned and follow @UrbanUnionArlington on social media for regular updates.

WHAT IS THE TIMING? Arlington visitors won’t have to wait long! The district is fast growing

with plans to complete the four, full downtown city blocks of Urban Union by the end of 2020.

Visitors and residents will be able to see and experience the project come to life through exciting milestones along the way including Phase II – our next big expansion along East Front Street that will open in winter 2019.

WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT AVAILABILITY FOR SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING OF OPENING A BUSINESS OR MOVING TO URBAN UNION? Urban Union currently has a variety of spaces

available for retail, restaurant, and office concepts, ranging from 1,800 SF to 5,200 SF as part of our Phase I plan. Throughout 2019, we will be announcing Phase II developments including the availability of multiple retail-driven storefronts, restaurant spaces, and residential units perfect for Arlington’s growing urban community.

For those who want to be in the center of Urban Union and Downtown Arlington’s bustle and growth – we are aiming to provide residential complexes in early 2020!

WHO SHOULD PROSPECTIVE USERS CONTACT ABOUT URBAN UNION? If you are looking to join the Urban Union district and growing development, we want to hear about your project!

Dodson Companies works directly with brokers and business owners to help bring your concepts to life in Arlington’s fastest growing Downtown area. Contact Ryan Dodson, Owner of Dodson Companies, by calling 817-469-4868 to set up a tour today!

Urban Union

500 E. Front Street • 817-469-4868 facebook.com/urbanunionarlington @UrbanUnionArlington

Downtown / Entertainment

A big part of the answer is the same as his careful reply to the question of why he became involved in Fort Worth politics: He finds it interesting and relishes the community service aspect. It also helps that his pockets are deep enough to do both.

There’s also this: He didn’t originally intend to buy Arlington Music Hall or the adjoining building that houses Babe’s Chicken. What he meant to do was purchase the smallish adjoining lot at the corner of Center and Division streets for another of his investment group’s taverns. That was three years ago.

“It seemed to me that downtown Arlington was about to boom, and that it was a good neighborhood for that kind of tavern investment,” Moon recollects.

Owner Burk Collins most certainly wanted to sell What started as a deal to buy an adjacent lot wound up with Cary the lot, but as the conversation evolved, Collins also Moon owning Arlington Music Hall. suggested to Moon that maybe, just maybe, he should Photo: O.K. Carter think about buying all of it.

Moon still hasn’t built the tavern (it’s scheduled to open next year), but one thing led to another, his interest steadily growing, and next thing he knew he owned a 1949-built former movie theater, turned church, turned county music center, and he was seriously in the music business.

Cary Moon and Arlington Music Hall are making Not that music was a foreign concept. His engineer father was some sweet music together • By O.K. Carter also a serious gospel singer and frequently took his young son to assorted concerts starting at an early age. rlington Music Hall owner Cary Moon thinks of himself “I really like live music,” Moon says simply. To that he should as a pragmatic, stay-in-the-black, crunch-those numbers, add that he likes big name musicians. let-the-market-rule kind of guy.

On average the revamped theater hosts two to three shows a And why not? That systemized, highly attentive style week. Acts like Pure Prairie League and Fleetwood Mac. Bobby worked for the 48-year-old entrepreneurial Texas Aggie alumnus Bare and Willie Nelson. Add to those a steady diet of national when he was starting out in residential real estate, continued touring tribute acts saluting the likes of Ricky Nelson, Pink Floyd paying dividends when he ventured into commercial and franchise and Elvis. The theater also headquarters the Arlington Symphony properties and still sends regular checks to the bank for the and hosts an occasional Fort Worth Opera performance. It’s an betterment of his investment group, which these days mostly intimate, close-up venue, the capacity just over 700 via wide, focuses on enterprises like taverns – his investment group owns comfortable and new seating. Moon books the acts himself, several – or restaurants, of which there are also a couple. enticing big name performers by collaborating with other Texas All of which begs inquiry: Why-oh-why did Moon – who is also theaters for multiple bookings.

Fort Worth City Councilman Moon – decide to venture into the It has not come easy, Moon calling the live concert business “The volatile, fickle and hard-to-figure music business? hardest thing I’ve ever tried to do.”

Moon, at the Center Street theater recently in the aftermath of a Clearly, he’s doing it well. Upcoming acts include B.J. Thomas, stopover and campaign pep talk by Senator Ted Cruz (the theater Spyro Gyra, Larry Gatlin, POCO, Tanya Tucker and others. It’s hosts more than musical performances), shrugs his shoulders at the big time entertainment, and Moon is enjoying a most excellent question as if he only knows part of the answer and is figuring the adventure in the process. rest out as he goes.

Lunar landing

A

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

this woman turns a tidy profit now – pun intended FOUR YEARS AGO, Tarvia Bills was waiting tables at an Arlington restaurant. Today, she heads a successful residential, commercial and construction cleaning company that continues to expand after landing a contract on the Globe Life Field project.

Last year, Tarvia Bills The Cleaning Lady, LLC., received the contract to clean Manhattan Construction Company’s office and construction trailers at the Globe Life Field site. Now she employs 22 full-time and part-time employees to tackle the growing number of ballpark subcontractors who have requested her cleaning services after learning of her work with Manhattan Construction. For more: tarviabillsthecleaninglady.com.

No. 1, already Website honors Esports Stadium Arlington, calling it the outstanding venue of its kind in America

F

or leading the design of live esports arenas in the United States by being the biggest, newest, and perhaps the venue with the grandest plans, Esports Stadium Arlington has been selected by SportTechie as its Outstanding Venue for 2018.

The website profiled the City’s new 100,000-square-foot Esports Stadium Arlington, which opened in November as the largest dedicated facility in North America.

Events at Esports Stadium Arlington are managed by NGAGE esports, an event management company that’s part of Infinite Esports & Entertainment. The opening event was an eight-team Counter-Strike tournament that offered a $750,000 prize pool.

Esports Stadium Arlington has plans to host tournaments for popular gaming titles such as League of Legends, Rocket League, and Madden NFL.

Esports Stadium Arlington has established the bar for one of the faster-growing pasttimes in America, but it soon could have competition. With the esports industry expected to reach $1.5 billion in global revenue by 2020, more American cities will likely soon follow Arlington in building venues dedicated to esports, the SportTechie article said. But the arena in Arlington might serve as a model prototype for the future esports stadiums of America.

Back home: Theatre Arlington names Morris executive producer A Steven Morris

fter serving six months in an interim role, Steven D. Morris has been named permanent executive producer of Theatre Arlington.

Morris served 27 years at Arlington’s Lamar High School before retiring from education. The school named its auditorium after him. He is no stranger to the local

theater scene, having been associated with Theatre Arlington in one way or another since 1977, first as an usher and then as an actor, writer and director. One of his early creations, “The Magical City of Oz,” was recently re-produced this season on the Main Street stage, entertaining a new generation of theater-goers. arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Education Notebook

2018:

A stellar season for the colts and vikings

Here are some highlights at the midway point of the 2018-2019 academic year

Finding its niche: Arlington Classics Academy programs Given high marks by website ARLINGTON CLASSICS ACADEMY earned excellent grades from niche.com recently for its elementary and middle school programs.

The school’s K-2 program is rated the No. 1 DFW charter school in that category. Its grades 3-5 are rated No. 6 in the Metroplex, and its grades 6-9 are listed as the No. 4 charter middle school in the DallasFort Worth area.

Arlington Classics Academy has 1,442 students in grades K-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1. According to state test scores, 85% of students are at least proficient in math and 90% in reading.

For more: acaedu.net.

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All locations accepting new patients and all Medicaid and CHIPS Programs.

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2018 WAS A YEAR TO REMEMBER for the Arlington High School and Lamar High School football teams, which combined for 22 wins and had extended runs in the playoffs.

The Colts, who went a perfect 10-0 in the regular season, weren’t upended until falling in the second round of the playoffs to Amarillo Tascosa, 35-24. They finished the season with an 11-1 record.

Lamar also started the season with an unbeaten string before falling to AHS, 42-31 in the final regular season game.

The Vikings rebounded by blitzing San Angelo Central and Odessa Permian in the first two rounds of the playoffs, before finally being eliminated by eventual state finalist Duncanville, 45-6.

The Vikings finished 11-2.

ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Arlington Arlington Classics Classics Academy Academy

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OPEN ENROLLMENT FEB.•1-28, 2019 OPEN ENROLLMENT FEBRUARY OPEN ENROLLMENT • FEBRUARY 1-28, 2018 1-2 Primary Campus (K-2) 2800 W. Arkansas Lane • 817-274-2008 Intermediate Campus (3-5) 2800-B W. Arkansas Lane • 817-303-1553 Middle School (6-9) 5200 S. Bowen Road • 817-987-1909

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is the Best Kept Secret in DFW! SCHOOLS OF CHOICE

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prepare students for a global economy: Spanish Immersion Core Knowledge Pre-K Cyber Academies

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for 12 years in a row as selected by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation

RANKS IN THE TOP 3% OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN AMERICA in 2018 as rated by www.Niche.com

Explore all we have to offer at www.hebisd.edu

arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Check out what’s happening at Nolan Catholic High School NOLAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL’S graduation rate and college readiness rate were both 100 percent last school year, a feat that underscored the school’s success in recent times. Here are some of the achievements of note at the school: Awards/honors • The drum line won the 2018 state championship.

• The marching band has a 14-year state championship record.

• The German Club competes annually at the State and National Level.

• Theatre competes and holds titles at the State and National level - One Act Play State Champions 2018.

• Model United Nations (Model UN) competes at the state level annually.

• The Aerovikes Program (aeronautic engineering) actively participates with partnering engineering companies in the Metroplex.

• The swim team competes at the state level and has produced an Olympian.

• The competitive sailing team places at regional Regalia and competitions.

• Photography students place in the top three annually at state level competitions.

• Choir competes and holds individual, district, and state titles annually.

• The orchestra, choir, jazz band, symphonic band, marching band all compete and hold titles annually at the TPSMEA and TMEA competitions.

• The Robovikes Robotics Team has participated in the World Championship and annually holds titles at regional and state competitions.

• The Royelles competitive dance team places and holds regional and national competition titles annually.

• Nolan varsity cheer competes at the state level annually.

• The Competitive Math and Science clubs also host diocesan-wide annual science and history fairs, along with a regional Lego League Robotics competition on campus.

Distinguishable rankings/other achievements • Average scores on AP exams are at a 94% eligibility for college credit.

• The average SAT score is 1189.

• The average ACT Score is 25.

• The school has more than 50 Advanced Class offerings, including Honors, AP and Dual Credit classes.

• More than $9.4 million in total scholarships were awarded to 2018 graduates.

• The school annually produces National Hispanic Scholars and National Merit participants.

• Nolan offers study abroad ecology programs in Costa Rica, Big Bend and Port Aransas.

• Nolan has study abroad trips to Germany, Paris, England, Costa Rica and Spain through its world languages department. For more: nolancatholic.org.

Spitzer named dean at early learners academy COURTNEY SPITZER HAS BEEN NAMED dean of instruction for the Dr. Sarah Jandrucko Academy for Early Learners. The campus, with a mission of improving school readiness using hands-on interactive experiences, is scheduled to open this month at 7811 S. Collins.

Spitzer is an Arlington native who has been in education for nine years. She says she is honored to be able to work within Mansfield ISD and be part of a campus that will help shape early childhood literacy. For more: mansfieldisd.org.

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The Oakridge SchooL: four decades strong THIS YEAR, The Oakridge School is turning 40, and to honor the event, the Arlington City Council recently presented a proclamation to Head of School Jon Kellam recognizing The Oakridge School’s upcoming anniversary and significant impact in the community.

In accepting the honor, Kellam thanked Mayor Jeff Williams and council members for the wonderful partnership that exists between Oakridge and city leaders. “We are just humbled to be here and so proud to be a member of this community, and helping to do our part to make Arlington the American Dream City,” Kellam said.

Oakridge will officially mark its 40th anniversary in March.

For more: theoakridgeschool.org.

Saint Maria goretti school robotics team advances THE SAINT MARIA GORETTI SCHOOL Robotics team, the Robotastik 4, earned the second-highest score and advanced to the North Texas Regional secondround qualifier during last month’s qualifying competition held at Nolan Catholic High School.

For more: smgschool.org.

New picture to replace the other “Food Practical research Drive” picture because one of the students has her eyes closed in that picture.

Please change Pre K-8 to PK-8 Please spell out the word “Sunday” and remove “from” before the time After the word “Registration” add the word “Begins” Take out “Mon.” and spell out the word January Under Spaghetti Dinner, take out “Sun.” and spell out January Under Dinner Dance, take out “Sat.” and spell St. Joseph Catholic School enrichment groups recently explored out February If you are able to make some uses of the catapult, a simple machine, through 1) research 2) collaboration andchanges, 3) hands-on building. latersend me a new these couldThey you tested their inventions in a Smartie launch competition. proof?

Academic Excellence • Spiritual Formation Compassionate Service PK-8 GRADE OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, January 27, 2019 10am-2pm • 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR REGISTRATION BEGINS: January 28, 2019

Photo: St. Joseph Catholic School

~ SAVE THE DATE! ~

Spaghetti Dinner January 27, 2019

The Hurst-Euless-Beford ISD is distinguished by design THE HURST-EULESS-BEDFORD Independent School District is consistently one of the highest performing districts for academic performance and financial efficiency. Whether it’s through innovative approaches to learning or award-winning athletic programs, students at HEB ISD are empowered to achieve their goals.

Through its Schools of Choice initiative, HEB ISD offers programs setting students on the path to success. At the elementary level, students can explore programs such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math), Suzuki Strings, Spanish Immersion, and World Languages.

The elementary Schools of Choice programs are aligned to the secondary level where students have the option to continue sharpening their skills in Orchestra, Advanced Spanish, and Arabic, Hindi, and Mandarin Chinese through the International Business Initiatives program.

At the secondary level, students have the choice to pursue the World Languages listed above, along with Advanced Orchestra, STEM, Cyber Academy, Theatre, and the IB (International Baccalaureate) program, a rigorous pre-university course. HEB ISD students consistently achieve at or above the global average for earning the coveted IB diploma.

As HEB ISD continues to grow, it recognizes students today face a uniquely challenging future. Through long-term strategic planning and a Continuous Improvement approach, HEB ISD and its board members are prepared to meet and exceed these challenges in order to continue to empower students today to excel tomorrow. For more: hebisd.edu.

Catholic Schools Week Jan. 27-Feb. 2, 2019

Dinner Dance February 2, 2019

St. Maria Goretti Catholic School 1200 South Davis Drive • Arlington, TX 76013 817-275-5081 • smgschool.org

Have you ever considered a Catholic Education for your child?

St. Joseph Catholic School will be hosting an OPEN HOUSE Sunday, Jan. 27th, 2018 from 10AM-2PM. Come see how we are living our motto of Teaching the Mind and Nourishing the Soul through a Catholic education filled with community spirit and academic excellence.

Please call 817-419-6800 for more information.

2015 SW Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington, TX 76017 www.stjosephtx.org

arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Mainly Mansfield

Isabella Estes and Beverly VerSteeg are a student and teacher in the pioneer Edudrone Educrone class at Ben Barber Innovation Academy in Mansfield.

Flying into the future Mansfield ISD offers an Edudrone class to give teens a head start on their careers • By Amanda Rogers

I

t’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s the newest class at Ben Barber Innovation Academy in Mansfield.

Starting this month, drivers passing the parking lot in front of the Mansfield ISD Center for Performing Arts can see the Edudrone class, drones buzzing overhead and teams of teens below flying them.

“I think the job of a facility like this is to give students skills in a job they’re passionate about,” says Catherine Hudgins, the school’s principal. “The drone industry is booming. The more tools in their toolboxes we can give them, the better.”

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Superintendent Jim Vaszauskas came up with the idea for a drone class at the career academy after seeing one at another school, says engineering teacher Beverly VerSteeg.

“My daughter and I have a little cheap one,” VerSteeg says. “They came to me at the end of the last school year and said ‘We need you to get licensed and go through TSA screening.’”

VerSteeg is licensed and ready to teach two classes of Edudrone this semester. Since she recently got her own certification, she knows exactly what she needs to teach.

“At the end of the class, they should be able to fly effectively and have their drone certification,” she said. “That’s our goal. I want them to understand this is not just a toy, it’s a tool and you have to be safe. There’s a lot of rules and regulations. The maximum height we can go is 500 feet. We have to have air traffic control permission to go higher.”

VerSteeg also plans to teach the students how to maintain the $1,700 Phantom DJI4Pro drones, which are a lot more advanced than those most of the students have flown.

“This one will give you great aerial shots,” she says. “It has a camera and you can program it to fly on its own.”

To participate in the class, students have to be at least 16 and have their driver’s license, VerSteeg notes.

“Once they get in class, I’m going to get them registered with the FAA, so at the end of class they can go take their test (to get certified),” she says.

Photos: Amanda Rogers

Isabella Estes says she hopes the drones class will give her a leg up on the competition whenever she is ready to enter the work force.

The educators point out that the certification will let the students work in an ever-widening variety of jobs.

“The field is vast,” VerSteeg says. “My fatherin-law uses drones to survey his land and crops.

My husband uses them for the fire department. The military has been using them for 10 years. The last couple of years, industry has been using them and that’s going to continue to grow. Even the police department, instead of chasing cars, they can use drones.”

Realtors use them to take photos of property and homes, as do insurance agents, she says.

“A lot of students can go out and start their own business,” VerSteeg says. “When they are 21 or older, they can go to work for the police or fire department. A lot of my kids are going to the military, and this is what they want to do.”

Isabella Estes, a junior at Legacy High School, plans to take the class next year.

“Stuff like the drone classes, they’re giving you exposure to the future and what you can innovate with,” Estes says. “It’s a transition from school to a career.”

Matt Schnuck, also a Legacy junior, sees it as a fun way to learn.

“It could open more opportunities for jobs in the future,” he says. “I just hope I don’t break one.”

Hudgins also sees the class as an amazing opportunity for the teens.

“Even if you don’t want to do this as a profession, what a great job to have in college or as a hobby,” she says. “Kids are out-of-the-box thinkers. They are going to have ideas that we wouldn’t have. The fact that they get a certification, it just doesn’t get any better.”

Ben Barber Innovation Academy is at 1120 W. Debbie Lane in Mansfield. For more, call 682-314-1600. arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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UTA Today

N

ative American Heritage Month was coming to a close as tribal elders and smiling youth gathered formally at the University of Texas at Arlington a little over a month ago to drum, sing and dance with friends.

Photo: UTA Native American Students Association While the ceremony was an official event to cap an entire month devoted to honoring heritage, Kasey To conclude Native American Reynolds, president of UTA’s Native American Student Heritage Month, the Native American Students Association Association [NASA], says promoting cultural awareness at the University of Texas at is something the group does continually.

Arlington held a gathering that featured and honored traditions “[Native Americans] strive every day and every year to that are near and dear to the hearts of the group’s members. become a remembered and known part of today’s society,” Reynolds says. “Many people think Native Americans are extinct today, and that just simply is not the case.”

The celebration was the third event NASA has held this year, says UTA Professor Kenneth Roemer.

Photos: Karen Gavis The events help secure scholarship funding for Native Throughout the evening, Native culture was also shared in a American students as well as those who show a concern for the Native positive light with seating arranged in a large circle and samples of American community, Reynolds says, adding that along with efforts by fry bread available nearby. local groups, the activities help the community thrive.

Dennis Begay, who asked that the words of his sacred songs not Reynolds, a Cherokee, is generally eager to share a brief be recorded, led the opening prayer and also danced an Old-Style chronological history of what happened after Christopher Columbus Fancy War Dance. During the festivities, there were discussions “got found by Natives” in 1492 and as America developed. The about Native American veterans, the importance of educating and traditional idea of Pilgrims and Natives bonding during empowering Native women and Indian-made arts and crafts.

Thanksgiving is faulty, he notes, and the real history reads more like “When you’re buying Native art, you’re buying their heart,” says a Grimm fairy tale instead, with Indians who rejected a peace treaty Dallas-born indigenous artist Damon Neal. “There’s a lot of power. being decapitated and their heads used like soccer balls. In addition, There’s a lot of great medicine behind it.”

Pointing out a booth filled with his mother’s hand-crocheted items, Neal shares how Native American heritage is expressed through colors and symbols.

Reynolds also notes how American Indians have answered the call to fight for freedom even in the midst of adversity. “We protect what is ours, and we stand for what is right,” he says. And “we have worked with our youth to make sure they learn our ways.”

Jaden Landeros, an Ojibwe seventh grader from Richardson West Junior High who was drumming with the Soar Beyond Youth Mentor organization, expressed thankfulness to UTA for being able to learn UTA’s Native American Students Association about his culture. celebrates a rich, storied past • By Karen Gavis “Being Native American and having our ways isn’t a one-monthout-of-the year occasion,” he says before referencing the words of Black Elk and asking the audience to cease from distractions.

“We are about to take our thoughts to the Creator,” he continues.

Reynolds says Columbus’ deeds were so disturbing that a number “We honor our ancestors and relatives that have gone on before us.” of soldiers converted to priests while seeking atonement for sins Colorful, energetic and graceful dances including Southern Cloth, committed against the Native population.

Northern Traditional, inter-tribal and an audience participation With members of the Comanche, Choctaw, Chickasaw and other Round Dance followed. nations in attendance at the recent celebration, Reynolds wanted to NASA’s 24th annual Powwow, which is free and open to the public, pay homage to the Wichita people specifically. “The land we stand on will be held Saturday, March 2, in UTA’s Bluebonnet Ballroom. today was Wichita,” he says.

Honoring the

ANCESTORS

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

The University of Texas at Arlington added some 5,400 new graduates to its ranks last month.

Photo: UT Arlington

Photo: UT Arlington

Anand Puppala’s students inspect cracks in soil.

UTA soil researcher earns grant to improve highway embankments A UTA CIVIL ENGINEERING soil researcher is using multiple-year, $600,000 grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation regional center and the Texas Department of Transportation that will employ geopolymers for soil modification and sustainable cement materials to strengthen highway embankments in the Paris, Texas, district.

Anand Puppala, civil engineering professor and the associate dean for research in University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Engineering, is the lead investigator on the project. Funding is from the Louisiana State University-led Transportation Consortium of SouthCentral States, a University Transportation Center that was created in late 2016 through $300 million in U.S. Department of Transportation funding.

“Geopolymers and the cementitious material leave a low carbon footprint, making it attractive environmentally,” Puppala says. “We use waste and convert that into cementitious material. It cuts down on the amount of lime and cement normally used. It replaces those materials with the geopolymers, which are like an ash material.”

5,000-plus join the ranks of UT Arlington graduates A

pproximately 5,400 students participated in commencement ceremonies last month at College Park Center on the University of Texas at Arlington campus.

The newest graduates will join the ranks of more than 230,000 UTA alumni around the globe.

The commencement candidates in the College of Business realized nearly a 20 percent increase when compared to graduates in the Fall 2017 semester. The College of Nursing and Heath Innovation gained about 10 percent in the number of graduates when comparing Fall 2018 to Fall 2017.

The Colleges of Science and Liberal Arts realized about a 9 percent increase in graduates when comparing this semester to Fall 2017 numbers.

“The University of Texas at Arlington commencement ceremonies mark an important transition in the lives of students, with many joining the full-time Texas workforce for the very first time,” says state Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills. Hancock is the chair of the Senate Business & Commerce Committee.

“Companies across North Texas have the opportunity to capitalize on this newly available talent, grow and improve their businesses and keep our economy humming.

Providing a steady stream of innovators and dedicated members of the workforce is why UTA is so important to our region, state and nation.”

Grant will benefit UTA students, BGC kids

T

he UTeach Arlington secondary math and science teacher preparation program at The University of Texas at Arlington has been selected for a grant by the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation to benefit UTeach students and youth served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County.

Maverick STEMbrace Success at Boys & Girls Club of Greater Tarrant County, provides $120,624 grant to benefit both entities. The grant will help support UTA science, mathematics and computer science majors pursuing secondary teacher certification while they serve Boys & Girls Club youth in an after-school STEM program. arlingtontoday.com • January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

69

The Tee Box

Here are FAQs about our local golf courses

A

re Tierra Verde, Lake Arlington, Meadowbrook Park and Texas Rangers Golf Club open to the public?

Yes. All four facilities are public golf courses. Off the course, the city also offers a wide variety of event rental and catering opportunities.

What are the hours of operaton at Arlington courses?

Play begins 30 minutes after daylight and ends 30 minutes before dark every day except Christmas Day. Do the courses offer tee times?

Tee times are always encouraged to ensure course availability. Weekday, weekend and holiday tee times are accepted seven days in advance online, by phone or in-person for the general public. Frequent Player Program members can book eight days in advance.

For tournament and advanced group bookings, call 817-548-5042.

Are gift cards available at local courses?

Arlington Golf gift cards are the perfect gift for the golfer. Gift cards can be redeemed for golf shop merchandise, rounds of golf, instruction, camps and clinics, and food and beverage at all four golf courses. For more: arlingtongolf.com.

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Many Thanks to our sponsors, guests and volunteers for making the 2018 Home for the Holidays the best one yet! www.ArlingtonLifeShelter.org

Health & Fitness

No pain, your gain

Resolve this year to start to feel better. Here’s how • By Baylor Orthopedic and Spine Hospital at Arlington

L

ike any elegantly designed system, your body is meant to function smoothly. Feeling strong and pain free gives you the ability to move freely in all types of daily activities ranging from playing strenuous sports to simply getting out of bed each morning. When pain interrupts your day, it’s almost impossible to be your best.

In many cases, pain is caused by an injury or medical disorder affecting the musculoskeletal system – bones, joints muscles, ligaments and other connective tissues that form the essential framework for the body. No one is better equipped to treat these types of conditions than the experienced team of orthopedic and spine specialists at Baylor Orthopedic and Spine Hospital at Arlington.

Because our physicians have the advantage of specialized knowledge and a unique treatment facility, they can do much more to help than simply asking, “Where does it hurt?”

Finding the Cause Baylor Arlington’s orthopedic specialists offer caring diagnostic services using advanced technology such as computer tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, arthrograms and myelograms. Dedicated to treating orthopedic and spine conditions, your physicians have a comprehensive understanding of ligaments, bones, joints and the entire musculoskeletal system.

Before suggesting any treatment, their goal is to trace the true cause and not merely the physical location of your pain.

Knee pain may be traced to foot and ankle disorders, or back pain may be traced to the strained neck muscles rather than something more complex requiring spine surgery. No matter where your pain originates, Baylor Arlington physicians have the expertise needed to provide relief and recovery.

Treating Orthopedic and Spine Conditions Whether you have a traumatic sports injury such as torn rotator cuff, a slowly degenerating condition due to osteoarthritis or repetitive 72

ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

motion injury, Baylor Arlington provides convenient local access to the most qualified team of physicians.

The hospital’s physicians and surgeons are qualified to treat conditions affecting the neck, back and spine, shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist, hip, knee, and foot and ankle.

Once your pain and its root cause is fully diagnosed, your orthopedic doctor or spine specialist will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.

Orthopedic care may include these services, and more: orthopedic surgery, spine care, physical therapy, steroid injections, pain management, medication, spine surgery, joint replacement surgery and sports medicine.

Physicians at Baylor Orthopedic and Spine Hospital at Arlington perform a wide range of surgical treatments that may be either on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Many treatment options are done with advanced technology using the latest minimally invasive surgery techniques.

Baylor Arlington offers patients access to a 24-hour emergency department, orthopedic surgeons, general orthopedics, foot and ankle specialists, sports medicine doctors, hand surgeons, spine surgeons, hip and knee replacement surgeons, physical therapists and more. To ensure the best patient care and confidence, our physicians are fully licensed by the state, Medicare certified and accredited in their specialty.

Most importantly, the entire staff at Baylor Arlington shares a common vision to treat every patient as family. We ask “where does it hurt?” and then work tirelessly to find the best solution that gets you back to living life. You can schedule an appointment by calling (855) 41-ORTHO and take the first step toward being pain free.

Dining Guide

Keen cuisine Local restaurants you definitely need to check out The Keg Steakhouse & Bar

UPSCALE

Chamas do Brazil chamasdobrazil2.tru-m.com 4606 S. Cooper St. • 817-618-2986 The Keg Steakhouse & Bar kegsteakhouse.com 4001 Arlington Highlands Blvd. • 817-465-3700 Mercury Chophouse mercurychophouse.com 2221 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 910 • 817-381-1157 Piccolo Mondo piccolomondo.com 829 Lamar Blvd. E. • 817-265-9174 restaurant506 at The Sanford House restaurant506.com 506 N. Center St. • 817-801-5541

AMERICAN

Candlelite Inn candleliteinnarlington.com 1202 E. Division St. • 817-275-9613 Dino’s Subs 2221 S. Collins St. • 817-274-1140 frieddaze frieddaze.com 5005 S. Cooper St., Suite 159 • 817-472-6666 The Grease Monkey greasemonkeyburgers.com 200 N. Mesquite St. • 817-665-5454

MEXICAN/TEX-MEX

El Arroyo elarroyoarlington.com 5024 S. Cooper St. • 817-468-2557 El Primo’s Mexican Grill & Cantina elprimos.net 2300 Matlock Road, #21, Mansfield • 817-225-4140

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop fuzzystacoshop.com 510 E. Abram St. • 817-265-8226 4201 W. Green Oaks Blvd. • 817-516-8226 1601 E. Debbie Lane, Mansfield • 817-453-1682

restaurant506

Rio Mambo riomambo.com 2150 E. Lamar Blvd. • 817-795-4555 6407 S. Cooper St. • 817-465-3122

ITALIAN/PIZZA

Café Sicilia cafesicilia.com 7221 Matlock Road • 817-419-2800 Gino’s East ginoseast.com 1350 E. Copeland Road • 817-200-6834

frieddaze

SEAFOOD

Pantego Bay Gulf Coast Café 2233 West Park Row • 817-303-4853

BARBECUE

J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill jgilligans.com 400 E. Abram St. • 817-274-8561

David’s Barbecue

Mac’s Bar & Grill macsteak.com 6077 West-I20 • 817-572-0541

Prince Lebanese Grill princelebanesegrill.com 502 W. Randol Mill • 817-469-1811

2224 W. Park Row Drive, Suite H • 817- 261-9998

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Nightlife & More

Sights/Sounds Your resource for entertainment options in and around Arlington TRIVIA Trivia Tuesdays

When: Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Where: Mellow Mushroom (200 N. Center St.) Time: 7 p.m.

Notes: Eat pizza and play some live trivia. Prizes include a $30 gift card for first place, a $15 gift card for second place and a $10 gift card for third place.

For more: 817-274-7173

Notes: Scheduled performers include: Josh Ingram (Jan. 4), Hannah Owens (Jan. 11), Aliza Ford (Jan. 18), Tyller Gummersall (Jan. 25).

For more: fatdaddyslive.com/mansfield/ live-events/

THEATER: Dead Man’s Cell Phone

When: Jan. 3-6 Where: Improv Comedy Theater & Restaurant (309 Curtis Mathes Way, #147) Show times: Check website for show times Notes: Billy Sorrells’ popular series of Youtube parodies have amassed 15-million total views.

For more: improvarlington.com

When: Jan. 18 - Feb. 3 Where: Theatre Arlington (305 W. Main St.) Show times: 7:30 p.m. on Thursday; 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. on Sunday Notes: An incessantly ringing cell phone in a quiet café. A stranger at the next table who has had enough. And a dead man – with a lot of loose ends. So begins Dead Man’s Cell Phone, a wildly imaginative new comedy by MacArthur “Genius” Grant recipient and Pulitzer Prize finalist Sarah Ruhl.

For more: theatrearlington.org

MUSIC: Concerts at Arlington Music Hall

MUSIC: American Jazz Composers Orchestra

COMEDY: Billy Sorrells

When: Jan. 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 18, 25, 26, 31 Where: Arlington Music Hall (224 N. Center St.) Show times: Check website for times Notes: Scheduled performers/performances include: ZZ Top vs. Lynyrd Skynyrd featuring Trio Grande and Lone Star Skynyrd (Jan. 4), Collin Raye (Jan. 5), Steve Tyrell (Jan. 10), Neal McCoy (Jan. 11), Bricks in the Wall Pink Floyd Tribute (Jan. 12), Pure Prairie League (Jan. 18), Firefall (Jan. 25), Arturo Sandoval (Jan. 26) and Restless Heart (Jan. 31).

For more: arlingtonmusichall.net

MUSIC: Happy Hour Friday Concerts

When: Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25 Where: Fat Daddy’s (781 W. Debbie Lane, Mansfield) Show time: 5 p.m.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

When: Jan. 28 Where: The Grease Monkey Burger Shop & Social Club (200 N. Mesquite St.) Show times: 7:30 p.m.

Notes: Come see, hear and experience big band jazz at its finest every fourth Monday of the month at The Grease Monkey.

For more: greasemonkeyburgers.com

MUSIC: DCapella

When: Jan. 30 Where: The Theatre at Grand Prairie (1001 Performance Place) Show times: 8 p.m.

Notes: DCappella, Disney Music Group’s new a cappella group, will embark on its first North American tour this month.

For more: verizontheatre.com

Photo: Dennis Hevia Photography

TIMELESS CONCERTS: ‘VIOLINS WITH LOVE’

T

imeless Concerts will present a free concert, “Violins with Love,” from 2 - 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 20 at the Arlington Museum of Art. The performance will celebrate some of the beautiful things in life: puppies, kittens and beautiful music. Though there is no required admission price, patrons can donate what they want via cash, check or online giving. There will also be a silent auction.

Violinists LeeAnne Chenoweth and Hanyaun Wang will play duets at the casual-attire event, during which organization members will discuss ways to raise funds for Timeless Concerts and Operation Kindness, both 501c3 nonprofit organizations.

For more: timelessconcerts.com.

SAM RIGGS AT TEXAS LIVE!

R

ising star Sam Riggs, a country music singer/songwriter, will perform at Live! Arena in Texas Live! at 8 p.m. on Jan. 25.

Riggs, who learned his finger-picking guitar stylings from country legend Ray Wylie Hubbard, has released two albums.

His second record, “Breathless,” rose to No. 12 on the country charts and included the hit single, “Second Hand Smoke.”

For more: texas-live.com.

The Event You Don’t Want to Miss!

Join Us for the 5th Annual

May 22nd, 2019 • 12pm On the Field of AT&T Stadium We are certain to excite and delight with another captivating Keynote Speaker, while you enjoy lunch immersed in the breathtaking view that is only available from the field of AT&T Stadium.

These previous speakers have inspired us all to action and helped our community realize a brighter future:

Jerry Jones 2015

Emmitt Smith 2017

Roger Staubach 2016

Darren Woodson 2018

Reserve Your Table for this Special Event Today!

Luncheon Chairman CLAIRE WHEELER • MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM Luncheon Vice-Chair

SPONSORSHIPS, TABLES & TICKETS AVAILABLE

For information contact Linda Magazzine • lindamagazzine@ebby.com • (817) 980-8733, Robyn Barrere • rbarrere@oldrepublictitle.com • (817) 751-4187 or Bridget Lenhardt • bridget.lenhardt@uss.salvationarmy.org • (817) 860-1836

Tickets available at inspiringhopeluncheon.eventbrite.com

All proceeds go to support the North Texas Youth Education Town The Salvation Army Family Life Center and Youth Education Town 712 W Abram • Arlington, TX 76013 • (817) 860-1836 • www.sayet.org

Speaking of Sports

Resolutionary ideas

The Cowboys have built – and the Rangers are building – their futures the right way • By John Rhadigan

I

f you are one of the many that do New Year’s Resolutions, Good Luck! And, I’m sorry! Sorry that, as you read this, you feel bad because we are not far into the year, and your resolve is already waning. I get it! It’s one of the reasons I stopped doing resolutions years ago.

Back in 2003 when Bill Parcells took over as coach of the Cowboys, he famously uttered the words, “You are what you are.” He was referring to the back-to-back-to-back Cowboys teams that had endured 5-11 seasons.

That day, the light bulb went on for me. I realized that I was never going to be a scratch golfer, or run a marathon in 3:00 hours or make it to the big leagues. (Kind of sad that I was in my early 40s and still dreaming of playing major league baseball, isn’t it?) But I realized, that like the Cowboys of 2003, I wasn’t built for it.

Parcells concluded that the Cowboys Chris Woodard is the new were built to be no better than 5-11 and then manager of the Texas Rangers. spent three years changing the way the team was built. A seed was planted as Parcells preached the Gospel of football: you build great teams from the inside-out. And sometimes, that means making drastic changes.

It took a while for Jerry Jones to fully buy into this mantra, but – low and behold – this year we see the fruits of a team that was built exactly that way. Anchored by Tyron Smith, Zack Martin and Travis Frederick, when healthy, this line opens the holes for Ezekiel Elliott. This line has helped the Cowboys become the best running team in football.

On the other side of the ball you will find a front seven that is, arguably, the best in football. It includes DeMarcus Lawrence, Tyrone Crawford and Randy Gregory on the line. A linebacker corps that is as good as the Cowboys have ever had: Sean Lee, Jaylon Smith and rookie of the year candidate, Leighton Vander Esch, has helped make life good for the secondary. Byron Jones, Chido Awuzie, Xavier Woods and Jeff Heath are so much better because the front seven put so much pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

The lesson is that the Cowboys have achieved this level of success because they made a drastic change. No longer are they only drafting offensive players. No longer are they only drafting skill position players. They are building from the inside out, and there is no better example of the success of that plan than the 2014 draft.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

Jerry Jones wanted to make a splash with a skill position player and a Heisman Trophy winner from Texas. His son, Stephen, wisely talked Jerry out of Johnny Manziel and into an interior offensive lineman named Zack. Four years later, Zack Martin is a perennial All Pro, and Johnny is out of the league.

If you want to achieve your goals, if you want to keep your resolution, you must change from the inside out – and sometimes that means doing something drastic. The Rangers are going through a process like that right now. To his great credit, Jon Daniels has concluded that much of the front office operation should be overhauled. So some of the biggest changes to your favorite baseball team will be among management ... for now.

The new manager, Chris Woodard, is from the LA Dodgers organization, a team that has been to a World Series in back-to-back years and is considered a leader in the new age of baseball. In addition, they hired Shiraz Rehman to be the an assistant to JD in the front office. Rehman spent seven years with Photo: dallasnews.com the Cubs in a similar capacity, and it was during that time that the Northsiders went from being “lovable losers” to World Series champs.

JD’s drastic changes are underway. He has previously promoted from within, and that is a noble approach. But he realized that by doing so he was promoting people who had the same philosophy and approach that he did. So, JD made a drastic change in the way he hired. He has new blood, new ideas and a new approach as he attempts to rebuild the Rangers. Will it work? Time will tell. But history shows that drastic changes yield drastic results.

As for me, I will not become a scratch golfer unless I start playing every day and working hard at improving my game. I will never run a three hour marathon unless I train like a crazy person. Frankly, I don’t have time to play golf everyday or train like a crazy person.

I spend too much time and have too much fun covering these Arlington teams. It’s a new year ... Go Cowboys! Go Rangers!

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

City, AISD dive into swim center agreement

T

he Arlington ISD Board of Trustees approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Arlington for use of the district’s new natatorium, a state-of-the-art aquatics facility that will open in fall 2020 as part of AISD’s Fine Arts and Athletics Complex.

As the first-ever Here’s what the new natatorium will look like. natatorium for the AISD and the first in the city of Arlington, it will include a 50-meter pool with movable bulkheads, a diving area, warm-up pool and seating for 1,000 spectators. It alleviates the need for district swimmers to utilize the pools at the University of Texas at Arlington and Tarrant County College Southeast.

The City of Arlington has agreed to contribute $1 million to help fund the cost of features that are necessary to host large, high-level swim competitions such as intercollegiate and national club meets

since the city will benefit economically through sales and hotel taxes generated by such events.

Additionally, the city will pay a total of $500,000 for scheduled use of the warm-up pool during periods in which the pool is not needed for AISD student programs. The city will hold open swim lessons and other water activities during their use of the pool.

“We are thrilled to be opening this state-of-the-art natatorium as part of our new athletics complex,” Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos says. “I’m excited about the opportunities available to our students and to the greater Arlington community through this Photo: City of Arlington agreement.”

The Fine Arts and Athletics Complex is made possible through the generosity of Arlington voters who approved the new construction in the 2014 bond election.

Come kick up your heels to some awesome country music as we raise money for some amazing children!

“Every Child Deserves a Chance to Play Baseball”

Step Up to the Plate - Boots for Baseball 8th Annual Gala Benefitting the Miracle League DFW Cholula Porch | Globe Life Park in Arlington

7th Annual Gala Benefiting the Miracle League DFW

February 23, 2019

Dinner • Live Auction • Silent Auction • Entertainment

March 3rd, 2018

All proceeds benefitting Miracle League DFW

“Every Child Deserves a Chance to Play Baseball ” For information on sponsorships, tables, or tickets contact: grace@miracleleaguedfw.org Silent Auction • Live Auction • Entertainment

ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

Dinner • 7th Annual Gala Benefiting the Miracle League DFW Jim Munroe, Magician, Founder of the MAZE www.whatisthemaze.com

March 3rd, 2018

Dinner Live Auction • Entertainment Proceeds from the• Silent GalaAuction will •help provide uniforms and Jim Munroe, Magician, Founder of the MAZE equipment, at no cost,www.whatisthemaze.com to our players and theirarlingtontoday.com families.

• January 2019 • ARLINGTON TODAY

79

Events, etc.

Itinerary Your official Arlington-area guide to fun (and the like) Art Exhibition: Hiroshige

When: Jan. 1 - Feb. 24 Where: Arlington Museum of Art Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Tuesday-Saturday; 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday In a nutshell: This outstanding exhibition features 55 revolutionary wood-block prints

by Utagawa Hiroshige (Japanese, 1797-1858), recording the scenic views along the famous “Eastern Road” that linked Edo (now Tokyo) with Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital of Japan. This popular series, known as the Fifty Three Stations of the Tokaido Road, was published in 1834 and established Hiroshige’s reputation as the foremost artist of the topographical landscape.

For more: arlingtonmusem.org

Planetarium shows

When: Jan. 1 - 31 Where: The Planetarium at UT Arlington (700 Planetarium Place) Time: Check website for show times In a nutshell: With a 60-foot-diameter dome and its state-of-the art Digistar 5 DLP Projection system, The Planetarium at UT Arlington is one of the largest and most sophisticated in the state of Texas. The Digistar 5 system can project stars, planets, galaxies and virtually anything else onto the dome.

For more: uta.edu/planetarium

UTA Basketball

When: Jan. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 Where: College Park Center (600 S. Center St.) Time: Times listed below In a nutshell: The UTA men’s team will host the following schools this month: Georgia State on Jan. 3 at 7 p.m.; Georgia Southern on Jan. 5 at 2 p.m.; Arkansas State on Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. and Little Rock on Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. The UTA women’s team will host the following schools 80

ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

this month: Appalachian State on Jan. 10 at 7 p.m.; Coastal Carolina on Jan. 12 at 2 p.m.; Georgia Southern on Jan. 24 at 11:30 a.m. and Georgia State on Jan. 26 at 2 p.m.

For more: utamavs.com

Monday Night Painting – All Media

When: Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28 Where: Sparks Studio of Creative Arts (509 W. Main St.) Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

In a nutshell: Instructor Barbara McFarland teaches watercolor, oils, acrylics, pastels and mixed media in this weekly workshop for aspiring artists. McFarland’s work has received numerous awards in local, regional and national shows. She has spent two summers painting on location at the La Romita School of Art in Italy.

For more: sparksstudioart.com

CenterSpace Happy Hour

When: Jan. 24 Where: CenterSpace Coworking (609 E. Main St.) Time: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

In a nutshell: CenterSpace Coworking hosts this monthly happy hour, which features beer, wine and light refreshments. Feel free to BYOB. This event is open to CenterSpace members, friends and family of members, and those interested in learning more about CenterSpace Coworking.

For more: centerspace.com

Downtown Arlington Open Coffee Club

When: Jan. 31 Where: Urban Alchemy Coffee + Wine Bar Time: 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.

In a nutshell: Talk tech, startups and the digital lifestyle over coffee and pastries with an added special guest speaker. This is a meet-up unlike all of the others in the area – it’s moderator led.

For more: urbanalchemy.bar

ON YOUR MARKS: TWO BIG RUNS THIS MONTH

B

undle up and start your year off on the right foot with the 2019 Snowman Run 5k on at 9 a.m. on Jan. 12 at Mansfield’s Katherine Rose Memorial Park (303 N. Walnut Creek Drive).

This all-age event includes a timed race, s’mores and hot cocoa at the finish line and is a great winter activity to keep the whole family active. Registration is $15 and available online (visit the website listed below), or visit the Mansfield Activities Center to sign up in person and get a gift certificate.

The Snowman Run is sponsored by Mansfield Methodist Medical Center.

For more: raceroster.com/events/2019/ 20215/2019-snowman-run.

Then, on Jan. 26, the Women’s 5K Walk/Run Supporting SafeHaven (formerly known as the Jiggle Butt Run) will start at 9 a.m. at the University of Texas at Arlington’s University Center (300 W. First St.). Proceeds from this event go to help women find freedom from domestic violence.

Here’s the raceday schedule: • 7 a.m. - University Center doors open for a Pre-Event Expo.

• 8:30 a.m. - Warm-ups begin inside University Center.

• 9 a.m. - The race begins. Awards and refreshments will be dispersed immediately after the race during a PostEvent Expo inside the University Center.

Participants may register as individuals, teams, VIP or virtual runner (new this year). There will be a pre-event party at 7 p.m. on Jan. 24 at The Runner.

For more: jigglebuttrun.com.

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81

Finish Line

The majesty of 300 million year old mountains • By Richard Greene

I

n a hit song made famous by Ronnie Milsap, the story unfolds of a guy who realizes that the bright lights of Los Angeles ain’t where he belongs. He tries to call his lost love to tell her he’s had a change of dreams and he’s coming home to find her somewhere in the Smoky Mountain Rain.

A trip to the country’s most visited national park will confirm the dramatic differences between urban megalopolises and the serenity of mountains formed 300 million years ago stretching Northeast from Alabama all the way to New York.

My family took advantage of that awesome experience as we traversed a 2,600mile round trip to our destination in a beautiful, tucked-away mountain home near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the year-end holidays.

It wasn’t our first time to do that. In fact, with my wife’s parents and grandparents having made their homes and livelihoods on humble family farms in the Carolinas, we’ve made that trip lots of times.

But, we never fail to uncover new adventures along with familiar ones we like to share with those discovering it all for the first time, as we did this year with a friend visiting from Great Britain.

Over the years, our children and grandchildren have been introduced to the majesty of those mountains and all the wonders they hold. There are streams and rivers, awesome waterfalls, vast woodlands that explode into magnificent colors in the fall, countless miles of hiking trails, camping and abundant wildlife thriving there, with the large population of black bears as the main attraction.

We are far from alone in our love for that part of the country.

The park welcomes up to 12 million visitors every year. That’s 82

ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2019 • arlingtontoday.com

almost twice the number that travel to see the Grand Canyon, the second most popular of all the national parks.

The name “Smoky” comes from the natural fog hanging over the ridge lines and presents as large smoke plumes from a distance that usually appear as a blue hue. Thus, the expanse inside and beyond the park boundaries is known as the Blue Ridge Mountain Range.

When you make the trip there you can spend some time on portions of the 470-mile-long Blue Ridge Parkway and witness breathtaking panoramas that never cease to stir the senses with amazing displays of God’s creative hand.

There is always a vista of the largest stand of old growth forest east of the Mississippi River that dominate the slopes all the way to the mountain tops.

The few photos here can’t capture the majesty, but it’s at least a Photos: Richard Greene glimpse of it.

Side trips along the way include an outing in the Disneyesque Rock City, where, on a clear day, you can see seven states, and next is an unforgettable tour of America’s largest home – the magnificent Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. And then there’s shopping the mountain villages throughout the area with Gatlinburg, Tenn., the most popular, and the Cherokee Indian Nation centered around the town that carries their name on the North Carolina side of the park.

I’ll end my short travelogue with assurance that this short description is only the beginning of the experiences that await in one of the world’s most treasured destinations.

Richard Greene served as Arlington’s mayor from 1987-1997 and currently teaches in the University of Texas at Arlington’s graduate program in the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs.

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