A stylish Cadillac companion

Story and photos by Richard Greene A STYLISH

CADILLAC COMPANION

Icaught up with Brady and Vickie Richard and their stunning 1931 LaSalle 345A at the recent gathering of a few members of the Classic Car Club of America hosted by Mike and Joy Ames on their expansive lawn in South Arlington.

For those not familiar with the CCCA, the organization consists of members who own a “Full Classic” – defined as a distinctive automobile built only between 1915 and 1948.

So, the Ames’ annual gathering of about 20 of these unique vehicles offers an opportunity to see some truly amazing and rare domestic and foreign-made automobiles. Every year four or five members in attendance with recently acquired Classics arrive ahead of the audience to “debut” their cars. They are lined up, fully covered, in front of where everyone will be assembled so they can be rather dramatically revealed along with their stories that are always special. These “debutantes” are the center pieces of the occasion, surrounded by the other cars brought by the other guests - some that have occupied center stage in previous years. Brady explains his recent acquisition while remotely attending an auction when the LaSalle arrived on the platform: “It just looked too good, and I had to have it.” It was a short and simple declaration, Brady and Vickie Richard are quite proud of their but it captured the essence of a pre-war recently acquired 1931 LaSalle 345A and debuted the automobile at the Classic Car Club of America event in General Motors vehicle without a familiar South Arlington not long ago. GM name. Founded 94 years ago by GM’s thenchairman Alfred Sloan to fill a gap between the company’s Buicks and Cadillacs, LaSalles were produced until 1940. Named after French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, it was considered the second-most prestigious marque in the company’s portfolio.

Today, however, its standing in the world of collectors has brought an enhanced pedigree because of its rarity. There were only about 10,000 of the 1931 version like the Richards’ produced that year while GM was delivering some 620,000 Chevrolets and 139,000 Buicks occupying first and third place among all domestic cars built that year.

When the LaSalle was first introduced in 1927 it came with an evolutionary design

The 1931 LaSalle was not only strikingly attractive and stocked with a number of unique features when it debuted; it also was a rare classic from the very beginning. Only about 10,000 were produced that year while General Motors was delivering some 620,000 Chevrolets and 139,000 Buicks to the automobile market.

created by GM’s 30-year veteran Harley Earl, who would eventually control all design and styling for the big company.

It’s interesting to realize this innovation in style was taking place while Henry Ford’s Model T had only slightly evolved since its introduction in 1910. GM’s approach was to make annual appearance and model name changes across all its brands.

With the introduction of the 1931 Series 345-A, the LaSalle’s V8 engine was upgraded and additional optional equipment was added. That included the Goddess hood ornament that you could get for an additional $20 to further compliment the trademark “LaS” badge cast into the horizontal tie bar between the front lights.

Conceptcarz.com summarizes the ’31 model with these details: “The 1931 LaSalle was offered as a single model - the 345-A Eight and was similar to the previous year’s 340 except they had a new oval instrument panel and a single bar bumper replaced the prior year’s double-bar setup. The 353 CID engine delivered approximately 95 horsepower at 3,000 RPM and was backed by a three-speed selective, synchromesh transmission with a twin-disc clutch and shaft drive.”

Wikipedia offers a view of a poster hanging in dealer showrooms promoting the LaSalle as a European theme with images that it was a worldly vehicle fashionable in all settings and places.

It also gained notoriety in the 1970s television series “All In The Family,” when Archie and Edith Bunker sing, “Gee, our old LaSalle ran great” in the opening theme song, “Those Were the Days.” And it is the car the character Marcus Brody drives when he visits Indiana Jones in the film “Raiders of the Lost Ark” in 1981.

With such a history, it’s easy to see why Brady Richard said he “had to have it” and now shares it with fellow CCCA members and the rest of us.

Scene Snapshots of note from places and events in the Arlington/Mansfield/ Grand Prairie area

Ringing bells to raise money Ringing bells to raise money for The Salvation Army for The Salvation Army

Arlington Independent School District counselors Lynn Sammons Darst, Susan Hunt, Susan Miller, Beth Hancock, Amber Muller and Susie Hargrove were bell ringers this year.

A special tribute A special tribute to a special friend to a special friend

Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce President Michael Jacobson paid tribute to Michael Jarrett, president of Worthington National Bank, who died last month: Today we were scheduled to play golf with Michael Jarrett. Jim Maibach, Clay Kelley, Robert Sheppard, Dan Taeffe, and Tim Smith played without our friend. Tony Pompa and Ralph Shelton joined us after the round. After the round we toasted Mike and poured him a glass of red wine. We are all still in shock, but used our time on the golf course and in the 19th hole to share stories and remember all the fun times. We miss you my friend.

Tracy Winkles, Kelly Diane Mcandrew and Lydia Erwin rang the bell at the Kroger store on Fielder Road.

Photos courtesy of Jerry McCullough

Even the Grinch, aka Shelby Mayo, chipped in to ring the bell at the Kroger store on Bowen Road to help raise money for The Salvation Army.

Christmas shopping with the Christmas shopping with the Arlington Police Department Arlington Police Department

Photo: Arlington PD

Grand Prairie’s December Grand Prairie’s December taping of the ‘Mayor’s Message’ taping of the ‘Mayor’s Message’

Photo: City of Grand Prairie

Bulletin Board Bulletin Board

Lake House event center at Richard Simpson Park named in honor of Kathryn Wilemon

The City’s scenic Lake House event center at Richard Simpson Park was dedicated last month in honor of long-time resident, volunteer and former City Councilwoman Kathryn Wilemon.

Wilemon served as the representative for District 4, which includes Lake Arlington where the City’s Lake House event center is located, from 2003 to 2019. She is the third of 11 trailblazers, civic leaders and faith leaders tapped by the City’s Honorary Naming Recognition Task Force to be

Past and present recognized for their

City leaders recently honored service or their

Kathryn Wilemon as the Lake House contributions to the event center at city.

Richard Simpson Park was named in Past and present her honor. City Council Photo: City of Arlington representatives, City leadership and community members were among the many who attended the dedication ceremony to celebrate Wilemon’s lasting legacy. The voter-approved event center, which opened in February 2019, is located at 6300 W. Arkansas Lane on the shores of the City’s Lake Arlington.

The Lake House was one of the many public improvements Wilemon championed during her tenure, which included serving as Mayor Pro Tem from 2011 to 2015.

Wilemon said she was honored by the City’s decision to dedicate the Lake House event center in her name.

“I’m so happy and so proud to think of the families that are going to come, the memories that are going to be made here. Now we have this wonderful place. This is one of the best things that has happened in west Arlington when I was there [on Council],” Wilemon said.

In addition to her time on City Council, Wilemon served on a number of boards and organizations, often in leadership roles.

– Susan Schrock

Texas Trust Credit Union comes to the aid of children

The recent fourth annual Texas Trust Credit Union Extra Life game-athon raised more than $4,000 to benefit Cook Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Miracle Network.

Employees and their families played a variety of nostalgic board games, as well as online games, in the comfort of their homes over a 24hour period. Money was raised based on pledges that the employees generated from others.

“Extra Lifers are passionate about games. This event allows us to help sick children while doing something we love to do – play games!” says Cameron Newfarmer, Project Manager at Texas Trust Credit Union. “The drive to give back is in the very DNA of our credit union. This event helps us make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in our communities.”

Photo: Medical City Arlington

Proud parents Uyen Lam and Duc Nguyen with baby Paris Nguyen.

Smallest baby ever at Medical City Arlington was able to go home for the holidays

After four months in the hospital, the smallest baby ever at Medical City Arlington made it home for the holidays last month.

Born at 23 weeks and only 450 grams – less than a pound and tinier than a hand – Paris Nguyen was the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit’s (NICU) smallest patient to date. After 116 days of critical care at Medical City Arlington, her proud parents carried their daughter outside the hospital for the first time. Their caregivers escorted the happy family, with cheers and hugs.

“Paris was an extremely premature baby with very low odds of survival,” says Raghu Turebylu, MD, Medical City Arlington neonatology physician. “Seeing her come through is such a joyful thing.”

Medical City Arlington has a Level III NICU with a specialized team of physicians, nurses and other clinicians to provide advanced care to infants born prematurely or critically ill. Parents Duc Nguyen and Uyen Lam are thrilled to have their daughter home for the holidays and credit the compassionate care team for giving their daughter a fighting chance.

“They say she’s a miracle, but without them, the miracle wouldn’t happen,” says father Duc Nguyen. “Thank you would not be enough. It’s never enough for what they have done.”

10 AISD schools awarded grants created to promote kindness in and around the classroom

Ten Arlington ISD schools were awarded the “Everybody Belongs” grant to encourage kindness in schools. The Choose Kindness Foundation, based in Eugene, Ore., selected the district schools to share the $75,000 grant over the course of two years. Sam Houston and Seguin are the high school recipients, Carter and Workman are the junior high recipients, and Bebensee, McNutt, Moore, South Davis, Swift and West are the elementary recipients. Each participating campus will receive $3,750 each year to develop and implement kindness programs and activities designed to increase positive behavior and kindness in schools.

“Kindness doesn’t just happen,” says foundation president Doug Carnine. “It requires intentional teaching, and when those objectives are implemented, kids become more kind in and outside of school.”

The grant was originally $5,000, but when 16 Arlington ISD schools showed more interest in the grant than any other district in the country, the foundation decided to offer the grant opportunity as a pilot project and funded a greater amount.

“We certainly appreciate the generous gift from the Choose Kindness Foundation,” says Arlington ISD Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos. “Thank you for your commitment to kindness because it is definitely something we can use a lot more of in our community and our nation.

“Every role in the district supports the success of our students, and opportunities like this show us that it’s crucial to work together and treat each other well in order to empower our students every day.”

‘My only regret is that I could not have done more’

First Lt. Samuel Woodfill

More than 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients have served our nation above and beyond the call of duty. Of these, one of the more awe-inspiring stories is that of U.S. Army First Lieutenant Samuel Woodfill. He was considered the foremost soldier of World War I by no less an authority than General of the Armies John J. Pershing.

Born in Jefferson County, Indiana, on Jan. 6, 1883, Woodfill grew up an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and skilled marksman. In 1901 he enlisted for what would become a career in the U.S. Army. He served in the Philippines during an insurrection against the American occupation, and then was assigned to outpost duty in Alaska. Undaunted by the cold northern winters, Woodfill saw this posting as a dream come true because it allowed him to explore the wilderness and hunt big game.

Afterwards, Woodfill fought along the Mexican border, working with Pershing to track down Pancho Villa. By the time he was called to serve in France during World War I, Woodfill had attained the rank of lieutenant and was a seasoned soldier. Shortly before leaving for deployment overseas, he married Loreena Blossom, a woman who stood by him through thick and thin for decades to come.

In October 1918, the American Expeditionary Forces under Pershing were engaged in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which remains to this day the largest and bloodiest battle in American military history. Woodfill’s unit, the 5th “Red Diamond” Division, was engaged in fighting for control of the central German defensive strongpoint in this sector along the Heights of Cunel and Romagne. Combat was brutal and often hand to hand. Watch out if you walk these battlefields today – the ground is still strewn with equipment and ordnance left over from the fighting over a century ago, including unexploded grenades and artillery shells!

On the morning of Oct. 12, Woodfill led his men through heavy fog toward the enemy positions, but a heavy German artillery and machine gun barrage pinned down everyone except him and two other soldiers. Continuing the advance, he encountered a series of well-entrenched German machine gun nests. Instead of pulling back and calling for infantry and artillery support, Woodfill ordered the two other soldiers to stay put, and moved ahead to assault the German positions alone.

In an incredible display of valor, he used his skills as an outdoorsman to use the terrain in order to move undetected close to the enemy positions. His great skills as a marksman then came in handy as he killed several Germans with his rifle and pistol at close range as he destroyed one machinegun nest after another. Assaulting one emplacement, Woodfill defeated an enemy officer in hand-to-hand combat. Finally, he jumped into a rifle pit and engaged in a melee with enemy soldiers that ended with Woodfill dispatching two of them with a military pick that he found lying at the bottom of a trench. Singlehandedly, the lieutenant played a major role in destroying a vital German strongpoint, allowing his comrades to advance and saving dozens of American lives. Suffering from a shrapnel wound in the thigh, as well as the effects of exhaustion and poison gas inhalation, Woodfill

Edward G. Lengel was evacuated from the front. Pershing personally awarded him the Medal of Honor in 1919. He received further awards from other nations, including France’s Croix de Guerre, and so became among the more decorated American soldiers of World War I. In November 1921 Woodfill was selected as the leading pallbearer at the internment of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Afterwards, Woodfill returned to the life of a humble farmer in northern Kentucky, but he returned to service as a major in World War II to encourage young Americans to enlist in defense of their country. He died in 1951 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Asked about his Medal of Honor action, Woodfill said, “My only regret is that I could not have done more.”

Keen Cuisine Keen Cuisine

UPSCALE

Chamas do Brazil • 4606 S. Cooper St. • 817-618-2986 • chamasdobrazil2.tru-m.com Cut & Bourbon • 1600 E. Randol Mill • 682-277-4950 • loewshotels.com/live-by-loews-arlington-texas Mercury Chophouse • 2221 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 910 • 817-381-1157 • mercurychophouse.com Piccolo Mondo • 829 Lamar Blvd. E. • 817-265-9174 • piccolomondo.com Restaurant506 at The Sanford House • 506 N. Center St. • 817-801-5541 • restaurant506.com

AMERICAN

Candlelite Inn • 1202 E. Division St. • 817-275-9613 • candleliteinnarlington.com Dino’s Subs • 2221 S. Collins St. • 817-274-1140 frieddaze • 5005 S. Cooper St., Suite 159 • 817-472-6666 • frieddaze.com No Frills Grill • 4914 Little Road • 817-478-1766 • 1500 Eastchase Pkwy., Suite 1200 • 817-274-5433 2851 Matlock Road, Suite 422, Mansfield • 817-473-6699 • nofrillsgrill.com The Grease Monkey • 200 N. Mesquite St. • 817-665-5454 • greasemonkeyburgers.com J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill • 400 E. Abram St. • 817-274-8561 • jgilligans.com

MEXICAN/TEX-MEX

Cartel Taco Bar • 506 E. Division St., Suite 150 • 817-200-6364 • carteltacobar.com El Arroyo • 5024 S. Cooper St. • 817-468-2557 • elarroyoarlington.com El Gabacho Tex-Mex Grill • 2408 W. Abram St. • 817-276-8160 • facebook.com/elgabachotexmex Fuzzy’s Taco Shop • 510 E. Abram St. • 817-265-8226 • 4201 W. Green Oaks Blvd. • 817-516-8226 1601 E. Debbie Lane, Mansfield • 817-453-1682 • fuzzystacoshop.com La Isla Restaurant • 2201 E. Pioneer Pkwy. • 817-459-1498 • laislarestauranttx.com

ITALIAN/PIZZA

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

BARBECUE

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

INTERNATIONAL

Prince Lebanese Grill • 502 W. Randol Mill • 817-469-1811 • princelebanesegrill.com R'haan Thai Cuisine • 2500 N.E. Green Oaks Blvd. • 817-795-9188 • facebook.com/rhaanthaicuisine

Candlelite Inn Candlelite Inn

The Grease Monkey The Grease Monkey

La Isla Restaurant La Isla Restaurant

Twenty six New Years have passed Twenty six New Years have passed since the Cowboys hoisted the since the Cowboys hoisted the Lombardi trophy. Will the streak Lombardi trophy. Will the streak end this year? end this year?

Harbingers of hope for the New Year

Photo: newcountry991.com

January can be a tough month as we settle back into normal life after the hustle and bustle, the highs and the lows of the holiday season. Psychologists say that Post-Holiday Depression and Blues is a real thing. Adrenaline is the culprit, and, according to experts, the abrupt withdrawal of stress hormones after an important deadline can have a profound impact on our psychological health.

The best relief from the malaise is looking forward to other upcoming events. (Fear not, we are about to get to sports, I am not deep enough to write more than a paragraph or two about another topic.) So, what could we possibly have to look forward to in our sports world?

If you are 30 years old or younger you probably don’t remember how great January can be. It can absolutely be the best month of the year. Even if it is cold and cloudy every day of the month, North Texans will have a sunny disposition if the Cowboys make a playoff run.

Having moved here in 1990 from the barren landscape that was January in Michigan, I couldn’t believe my eyes when those ‘90s Cowboys playoff runs started happening. That three-letter word “run” is important to the concept. It is one thing to be one and done in the NFL playoffs, but making a run is a completely different deal.

This Cowboys team is built to make a run. From the beginning of the season veterans of those ‘90s teams were weighing in on the subject. The likes of Michael Irvin and Nate Newton were on social media and on their various network shows touting this team as reminiscent of those great teams from bygone days.

The difference this year is the defense. The organization did just the right thing last spring when they put the D in the draft. They were focused on improving on that side of the ball after setting records for futility, allowing a franchise-record 473 points and 6,183 yards last season.

As they were putting that D front and center they did experience one L. Not as in Loss, as in Luck. The Cowboys really wanted to take one of the two best cornerbacks available with their first pick. When Patrick Surtain and Jaycee Horn were gone, they traded down. With the 12th overall pick they had to settle for a linebacker who hadn’t played in over a year after opting out of the 2020 season because of COVID.

Hello, Micah Parsons, hello defensive difference maker, hello NFL Defensive Player of the Year? He is definitely a candidate but would no doubt trade that award for a Super Bowl Ring. There, I said it, the Cowboys have enough talent on both sides of the ball now to be in the hunt for the ultimate prize. The Champs won’t be crowned this year until Feb. 13th.

Which is just about the time pitchers and catchers report ... normally. If this column were delivered electronically this is the spot where I may include a sad face emoji or the one with the teeth clenched together expressing great concern.

The ninth work stoppage in MLB history has all baseball fans concerned, but especially Rangers fans. The franchise’s best and most expensive off-season coincides with the 50th anniversary of the team moving here John Rhadigan from Washington, D.C. The excitement that fans felt 50 years ago about the arrival of the franchise is similar to how Rangers fans are feeling today. Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Kole Calhoun ... ... And Rangers officials spent some money to get some pitching in here, too, in the form of Jonathon Gray. Jon Daniels and Chris Young insist they are not done yet.

Once the two sides agree – and they will come to an agreement, don’t be surprised if the Rangers go after more pitching, maybe even local hero Clayton Kershaw.

So, if your brain even suggests the possibility of postholidays blues, you can trump it with some blues of your own, like a Cowboys road jersey (what great shade of blue that is) topped off with a Rangers blue cap, maybe even the baby blue variety. There is a lot to look forward to for sports fans around here!

Itinerary Itinerary

The Arlington Museum of Art is hosting the exhibit, “QUAINTRELLE: EUGENIA PARDUE,” through Feb. 27. This is the museum’s first collaboration with the Portland-based artist. The Arlington Museum of Art strives to feature a diverse group Photo: Jeffrey Thomas Fine Art of artists with perspectives highlighting different elements of life. This exhibit features the delicate and natural, yet bold, maximalist style of Eugenia. Pardue’s works and artistic mission is supported by the The Ford Family Foundation Award and the Oregon Commission on the Arts. The museum is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesday-Saturday and from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.

arlingtonmuseum.org

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAMS have a full slate of games at College Park Center this month.The men will play Troy at 2 p.m. on Jan. 1, Louisiana at 7 p.m. on Jan. 13, the University of Louisiana at Monroe at 2 p.m. on Jan. 15, and Texas State at 7 p.m. on Jan. 27. The women will play South Alabama at 7 p.m. on Jan. 6, Troy at 2 p.m. on Jan. 8, and Texas State at 7 p.m. on Jan. 20. Single-game tickets for the men’s team range in price from $5 to $20 (military members get in free). Single-game tickets for the women’s team range in price from $4 to $10 (military members get in free).

Dallas Cowboys football Dallas Cowboys football

There could be a lot on the line – notably NFC playoff seeding – when the Cowboys play their last regular season home game of the season against the Arizona Cardinals at noon on Jan. 2 at AT&T Stadium.

dallascowboys.com

Photo: bloggingtheboys.com

D.L. Hughley in concert D.L. Hughley in concert

D.L. Hughley, noted stand-up comedian and television and radio star, will perform Jan. 28-30 at the Arlington Improv. Shows will begin at 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. on Friday, at 7 and 9:30 p.m. on Saturday and at 7 p.m. on Sunday.

improvtx.com/arlington

Photo: improvtx.com/arlington

Randall King at Texas Live! Randall King at Texas Live!

Randall King, part of country’s new crop of modern traditionalists, will perform at 6 p.m. on Jan. 28 at Live! Arena at Texas Live!. The longtime Texan blends the traditional sound of the C&W greats with the electrifying energy of modern stars.

texas-live.com

New Years gone by and another one ahead

Photo: texashistory.unt.edu

Every January comes with the promise of something special that lies ahead for the new year. This one is no different for Arlington because we already know we are in for momentous events just ahead.

Before we get to a couple of those, looking back at some milestone years that have unfolded in the modern history of our city provides some perspective of what today explains the source of civic pride among so many of our fellow citizens. And gives rise to expectations that every New Year will bring something special.

Let’s begin with 1951 as Arlington emerged from a water-stop between two larger cities into its own as the announcement of a new General Motors Assembly Plant that would economically transform the city in ways that continue today.

The next milestone would come in 1954 when voters went to the polls and authorized the development of Lake Arlington – a decision that ensured the dynamic growth of the city that would unfold in decades ahead.

The transformative opening of the DFW Turnpike in 1957 would set into motion what has become the urbanization of everything between Dallas and Fort Worth, with Arlington strategically centered right in the very middle of it all.

To close out the 1950s, the Texas Legislature in its 1959 session, finally approved the emergence of Arlington State College into a four-year, degree-granting university that would set the course for today’s UTA – one of the largest major colleges in the country.

Six Flags Over Texas became the next “big thing” when the park opened in 1961 and made Arlington an entertainment destination. Turnpike Stadium was authorized by voters in 1964 and became the next element of the city’s burgeoning visitor and tourism economy.

The city greeted the 1970s with the announcement that Arlington would become a Major League City when the Washington Senators arrived at Arlington Stadium as the Texas Rangers on Opening Day in 1972.

Voters returned to the polls in 1985 to approve the construction of the Arlington Convention Center and partnership with a new Sheraton Hotel and significantly expanded tourism.

With the coming of the 1990 decade, the city faced one of its biggest challenges when it appeared the Texas Rangers would be moving away to find a city that would partner with them to build a new ballpark. Instead, Arlington voters turned out in record numbers in 1991 to overwhelmingly approve the construction of The Ballpark in Arlington – a decision that set into motion all that has followed in the city’s largest economy. 1996 saw the opening of the River Legacy Living Science Center – the centerpiece of the city’s largest park located along the Trinity River.

The owner of the Dallas Cowboys took notice of Arlington’s success with the Rangers, and voters authorized a partnership with him that led to the opening of AT&T stadium in 2009. The NFL Super Bowl, staged there in 2011, would attract national and international attention to Arlington.

The following year of 2010 would see the first ever Major League Baseball World Series staged in Arlington. It happened again the following year and placed the Texas Rangers among the elite teams in all of baseball. In 2016 (the same year when Money Magazine named Arlington the Best Big City in the South) voters would return to the polls and approve the development of another baseball mecca: Globe Life Field. That decision spurred longsought development around the sports facilities that now includes Texas Live!, the Live by Lowes four-star hotel and its far larger companion hotel now under construction across the street.

Okay, that brief review of just a few of the city’s historic highlights, brings us to 2022 where we will begin the new year with the ground-breaking for the National Medal of Honor Museum and celebrate Opening Day on the 50th anniversary of the Texas Rangers at home in Arlington.

We could go on and on with evidence of why every New Year brings fresh possibilities for the American Dream City and our ever-promising future. Happy New Year, indeed, to us all!

Richard Greene