July 2021

July 2021

your community • your magazine

OUR NEW MAYOR! NEWLY ELECTED JIM ROSS LOOKS TO KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING IN THE AMERICAN DREAM CITY

Michaela L. In 2019 while I was pregnant with my son Remington, postpartum depression hit me hard while also trying to come to terms that I was going to be a single mom. After having my son, my PPD was just getting worse while he was in the NICU, that I found myself eating so many things that just wasn’t healthy. Trying to juggle a newborn while also taking care of myself was impossible, that I developed the worst eating habits.

I was beyond over trying to hide the 30 pounds I gained while pregnant. Feeling beyond miserable trying to love my “new body”. I tried so many diet plans, but nothing ever seemed to work, that I found myself getting frustrated. I didn’t want to hate the way I looked anymore, or judge or even point out everything I disliked about my body. Finding Diet Solutions Center in 2021 was the best thing! Their affordable plans, how encouraging their staff is! They helped me shed off the 30 pounds in just a few months! It’s an amazing feeling going from who i was 2 year ago to loving who I am now!

I can’t thank Diet Solution Centers enough for helping me love who I am again!

.

L a l e a h c i M lost 25.6 pounds in 10 weeks

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Contents

ON THE COVER

July 2021 • Volume 8 • Issue 7

HIGHLIGHTS 36

Arlington’s newly elected Mayor Jim Ross looks forward to building on the momentum that marked the tenure of his predecessor, Jeff Williams.

See page 24

38

DEPARTMENTS

28

46

26 In memoriam

We pay tribute to two late local legends, Francis “Prince” Kobty and Persis Forster

Starting Line 10 • This ‘n Data 12 Around Town 20 • Scene 22, 52 Style 44 • Business Beat 56 Bulletin Board 58• Keen Cuisine 60 Speaking of Sports 62 • Itinerary 64 Finish Line 66

28 Home SWEET! Home

This fine abode anchors a 22-acre-plus lot that represents luxury living at its finest

36 12 Mighty Orphans

IN THIS ISSUE

There’s a fascinating ‘story behind the story’ regarding this fine film

38 Built for only 5 customers

Check out the extremely rare four-door Corvette housed in Arlington

46 A sound decision

UTA Radio’s studio gets a state-of-the-art, complete renovation

48 In the event of an emergency!

The City shows you how to create a disaster supply kit (just in case)

50 Q&A

David L. Cook talks about his new role as a first-year State Representative

52 Teamwork pays off in a special honor

Mansfield earns the Governor’s Community Achievement Award

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ARLINGTON TODAY • July 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

Check out various local entities that are devoted to ensuring that area residents and visitors attain and maintain good health.

See page 30

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

•

STARTING LINE your community • your magazine

Today

EXECUTIVE BOARD Executive Publisher Judy M. Rupay CEO Richard Greene

Old is as old does

S

ometime during the middle of this month, I will enter a room either at Youngblood Manor or at some equally exotic locale and be feted with balloons. Alas, they are likely to be black.

That’s how family members and so-called friends help you “celebrate” turning the big 6-5. They also make a point to talk to you loudly and slowly, as if qualifying for Medicare is something that suddenly renders you deaf and less-than-quick on the ... on the ... on the ... oh, yeah, on the uptake.

Then, everyone will chuckle, mainly because they’re not the ones turning half a 130, and someone will ask just what it’s like to officially become old.

Well ... here’s what it’s like: As of the month preceding said birthday party, I still realized that Yale I split an infinitive two paragraphs Youngblood prior. Longtime grammarian that Editor I am, I cringe to think that I wrote “to officially become,” knowing full well that the last two words should be inverted, even if nobody bothers to worry about that any more.

I also realized that people do worry about a lot of silly things, such as whether Aggies are better than Longhorns, or whether my abs are flatter than your abs, or whether there’s even a remote chance that what I say on social media about politics will actually convert the heathens on the other side of the aisle.

Here’s my take on that latter point: Because I’m about to be 65, I’ve been party to 13 presidents, and my life has not appreciatively or depreciatively changed under any of them – at least to a degree that has inspired me to yearn for a move to Japan.

What has changed my life, for the better, are the relationships I’ve attained and grown over time. My parents set in motion the “me” that I am now. My wife made “me” even better. My four children took a small part of “me” and enhanced it and then made “me” as happy as I’ve ever been when they placed grandchildren in my arms a few moments following their births. My friends are pretty special, too.

Because of my chosen profession, I’ve been blessed to visit with the likes of Bob Hope, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Landry and Van Cliburn. Actually, I have visited with Bob Hope, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Landry and Van Cliburn.

I’ve read a lot of great books and even written an acceptable one. I’ve watched movies that made me laugh and cry. I’ve sung along to songs by Jiles Perry “The Big Bopper” Richardson, Paul McCartney, Leonard Cohen and Stuart Townend.

I’ve seen a Broadway show, and I’ve “starred” in the ninth grade production of “Wildcat Willie McGillicutty.” I have to admit: The latter was a lot of fun.

So will be, I suspect, whatever transpires during the middle of this month. In fact, I plan to ... to ... to ... oh, yeah, to cherish every moment of it.

yale@arlingtontoday.com Visit arlingtontoday.com, like us on Facebook 10

ARLINGTON TODAY • July 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

and follow us on Twitter

and Instagram

EDITORIAL Editor Yale Youngblood Sports Columnist John Rhadigan Special Columnist Major General Patrick Brady Website & Social Media Manager Bailey Woodard Graphic Artist Francisco Cuevas Contributing Writer Kenneth Perkins Contributing Photographers Dwayne Lee, Heather Lee, Bruce Maxwell SALES / CIRCULATION Business Manager Bridget Dean Sales Managers Laura DiStefano, Andrea Proctor, Debbie Roach, Tricia Schwartz Distribution Manager Hanna Areksoussi PRODUCTION Production Manager Francisco Cuevas ARLINGTON TODAY is published monthly.

Copyright 2021 Arlington Today, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means without permission of the publisher. The inclusion of advertising is considered a service to readers and is not an endorsement of products. Basic subscriptions are $33.95 for 12 issues.

To subscribe, e-mail subscriptions@arlingtontoday.com.

ARLINGTON TODAY GIVES BACK Arlington Today magazine proudly sponsors Arlington Urban Ministries, CASA, Junior League of Arlington, Levitt Pavilion Arlington, Open Arms Clinic and Theatre Arlington.

Phone number: (817) 303-3304

• THIS ‘N DATA

BELOVED SINGER B.J. THOMAS DIES AT THE AGE OF 78

A

rlington resident B.J. Thomas, a Grammy, CMA and Dove award-winning pop, country, and gospel singer, died at his home on May 29, some two months after revealing he had been diagnosed with Stage Four lung cancer.

Thomas was a five-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee. He sold over Photo: bjthomas.com 70 million albums worldwide with a total of eight No. 1 hits and 26 Top 10 singles throughout his 50 years in the music industry.

As one of Billboard’s Top 50 Most Played Artists Over The Past 50 Years, Thomas had a hit list that included “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” (from the Academy Award-winning movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”), “Hooked On A Feeling,” “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” “Don’t Worry Baby,” “Whatever Happened To Old Fashioned Love” and “New Looks From An Old Lover.”

ARLINGTON IS FIRST CITY IN TEXAS TO BECOME SIFI NETWORKS’ FIBERCITY®

F

aster Internet speeds are ahead for Arlington, which is the first city in Texas and the largest in the nation where SiFi Networks will deploy its open-access fiber network in every neighborhood.

The Arlington City Council unanimously approved an agreement that will allow SiFi Networks access to public right-of-way to build its fiber optic network across the 99-square-mile community. Within the next two years, SiFi Networks is set to begin installing more than 10 million linear feet of fiber through every street. The FiberCity® network, expected to be built out over a five-year period, would then be able to provide a high-speed fiber Internet connectivity point to approximately 156,000 residential properties and 16,000 businesses in Arlington.

SiFi Networks, which would own, operate and maintain the fiber network, would contract with Internet Service Providers to provide choice and competitively priced services to residential and business subscribers seeking gigabyte Internet speeds.

“SiFi Networks is very excited to bring this next-generation network to the City of Arlington,” says Shawn Parker, SiFi Networks vice president for Business Development & Government Affairs. “FiberCity®Arlington will be a game changer for the entire community, laying the foundation for everyone to have the ability to connect to the fastest, most reliable network in the great State of Texas.”

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ARLINGTON TODAY • July 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

RAISE YOUR HAND if you recall walking on (and taking in the wondrous smell of) the wooden floors at the J.C. Penney Co. building in downtown Arlington back in the day. (Kudos to Lila Waldrop for helping us with this recollection – and for noting “Lots of good times in downtown Arlington.”)

MANSFIELD CARES TO HOST “VIVA LAS MANSFIELD” EVENT

M

ansfield Cares will host Viva Las Mansfield, a Night at the Casinos, from 6-11 p.m. on July 24 at El Primo’s Mexican Grill & Cantina (2300 Matlock Road).

The goal of the event is to raise critically needed funds in support of organizations such as Feed the Kids, Mansfield Cares’ local food pantries, and the Back to School Bash, providing sneakers to kids.

Your donation (your entry ticket) will provide for a buffet dinner with a drink ticket, playing chips to start off your evening of fun at the casino tables, and access all-night to numerous casino games such as Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and 3 Card Poker.

For more: mansfieldcares.org

• THIS ‘N DATA

3 SCOOPS 1. A $15 million relocation and expansion project is under way for P&H Casters Company, Inc., an Arlington-based caster and wheel manufacturer that has operated in The American Dream City for more than 25 years. The new 173,000-foot facility, set to open early next year at 807 W. Harris Road in south Arlington, will house the company’s manufacturing plant, office and warehouse operations under one roof.

Photo: City of Arlington

2. The The City of Arlington was recently recognized for its efforts

CITY’S VIA RIDESHARE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICE EARNS A 2021 SMART 50 AWARD

to raise public awareness in development excellence. The City’s handbook on practical creek care received one of nine North Central Texas Council of Governments’ Celebrating Leadership In Development Excellence Awards.

3. The City of Mansfield has opened a clinic at 1110 W. Debbie Lane where residents and non-residents may receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. Those interested in receiving the vaccine must register for an appointment at mansfieldtexas.gov/covidclinic.

T

he City of Arlington’s innovative, on-demand Via Rideshare public transportation service, which now has autonomous vehicle integration, has been recognized as a 2021 Smart 50 Awards recipient.

This annual award, given in partnership with Smart Cities Connect, Smart Cities Connect Foundation and US Ignite, recognizes smart cities projects from around the world with current or future municipal-scale impact and application.

Prior to the launch of Via Rideshare, the city had no public transportation system. In December 2017, Arlington made history as one of the first cities in the nation to develop a public transportation system built solely upon a rideshare service.

Through a public-private partnership with Via Transportation, Inc., the City launched a unique on-demand rideshare service to meet the community’s public transit needs. Via provided continued high-quality service through several incremental service area expansions, demonstrating growing community support and increasing ridership.

Via ridership has steadily grown since the service began, and community feedback continues to support the on-demand system’s ability to offer an efficient and affordable form of public transit.

To-date, nearly 600,000 trips have been taken on the Via system and more than 63,800 Via accounts have been created. Customer satisfaction ratings have remained around 95-97% throughout the life of the service.

Arlington will receive the award at the Smart Cities Connect Fall Conference and Expo in October.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • July 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

YMCA PODCAST TO PROMOTE RACIAL EQUITY

T

he Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Fund to Advance Racial Equity at North Texas Community to produce the Advancing Racial Equity Podcast. The weekly podcast will focus on Equity, Anti-racism, Unity and Community Engagement in the DFW community.

Led by Vice President of Community Engagement, Heidi Hardy, and CEO, Eric Tucker, the podcast will be a platform for open and healthy conversations to create unity and understanding within the community.

For more: Email Heidi Hardy at heidih@amaymca.org

T EXA S O N CO LO G Y.CO M

EXPERT CANCER CARE RIGHT WHERE YOU LIVE. When facing a cancer diagnosis, your mother deserves comprehensive treatment — including her own team of specialists, advanced treatment options, and clinical trials. She also deserves to sleep in her own bed. With multiple locations in the Arlington and Mansfield communities, Texas Oncology provides expert cancer care and keeps her close to family and friends. Because sometimes the best choice is both.

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8 1 7.6 6 4 . 9 6 0 8

• THIS ‘N DATA

R

RON PRICE LEAVES THE ARLINGTON CVB TO TAKE A SIMILAR POST IN PHOENIX

on Price, who has served as the President & CEO of the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau for the past eight years, recently announced that he would leave to take the President & CEO position with Visit Phoenix.

“I have spent the last eight years with the greatest team who has worked to build and grow Arlington into a sought-after tourism and meetings destination,” Price says. “We have achieved so many goals and created relationships that I will always carry with me fondly.”

Price says much of the credit for Arlington’s evolution into one of the better destination cities in the nation should be given to the colleagues with whom he worked in Arlington.

“This CVB team has regularly exceeded all goals we set before us, even in the most unimaginable circumstances of a worldwide pandemic,” he says.

“We became only the second city in Texas to establish and implement a tourism public improvement district. We learned how to push the envelope.

Through fearless and can-do attitudes, our CVB brought in and hosted world-renowned events, earned numerous marketing awards, and created a Legacy Foundation. The future of this team and the success they are capable of knows no bounds. It is the heart and soul of every CVB staff member that continues to make it possible to accomplish things beyond our imagination.

As I step down, I know that this team will not miss a beat.”

Price says he is leaving confident that Arlington, propelled by stellar leadership, will continue to burgeon as a “must visit” community.

“With the determination and grit of our city and its can-do attitude, we created the very first Tourism Master Plan with a wide array of input from our community stakeholders. As I see that plan being put into action across the Entertainment District, it reminds me that anything can be accomplished when you have great city leaders who believe in the tourism industry and a spirit of collaboration.”

Arlington By the numbers 16

4,651

505 feet

GRAND PRAIRIE LIBRARIES OFFERING AN ARRAY OF SUMMER PROGRAMS

G

rand Prairie Libraries offer a great slate of free programs this summer for all ages. While most of the programs will still be virtual (via Facebook Live or Zoom), there also will be some outdoor events.

PROGRAMS FOR KIDS include an outdoor science camp, Bubble Bus Bash, fossil hunters and more.

PROGRAMS FOR TEENS include the K-Pop/K-Drama Club, arts and crafts programs and more.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS include yoga, zumba, Audubon animal presentations and more.

For more: https://gp.ent.sirsi.net/ client/en_US/library/

#atpetofthemonth Sixteen-year old SADIE keeps busy running our home. She takes charge of the three rescue kitties, making sure that they mind their manners. Sadie greets guests at the door when the doorbell rings and sits in a chair to join the group. Don’t forget to say, “hello” to her. She will tap you with her paw until she is greeted. Our home is blessed to have Sadie!

– LaRue Thomas

17

The number of acres comprising land dedicated to parks and recreation in Arlington

The distance of a home run hit by Nomar Mazara on June 21, 2019 at Globe Life Park

The number of fire stations serving the residents of Arlington on any given day

Source: arlington.org

Source: mlb.com

Source: arlingtontx.gov

ARLINGTON TODAY • July 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

Arlington Today Ad 8x4.8125 July 2021.pdf

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APPLY TODAY arlingtontoday.com • July 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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• AROUND TOWN Arlington Force head coach Jordan McCowen has big dreams for the players on his AAU basketball team – and only a few of them involve how to play the game.

Arlington Force is about life – oh, and basketball

J

Photo: Kenneth Perkins

It’s not just about basketball. ordan McCowen was a high school basketball star at “If I had to break it down,” McCowen tells me, “It’s 30 percent Kingwood High in Houston and a collegiate star at Dallas about basketball and 70 percent everything else.”

Baptist University. He would have been a hotshot professional What else is there? Education. Morals. Ethics. Vision. player, too, if his knees hadn’t made other plans.

He talks rebounding and blocking out but also gives McCowen quit basketball but not life, earning an MBA and assignments, like pick five colleges and find a degree plan you starting a career in finance. He found a lovely wife, had a kid, and might like. now has another on the way.

If you think the whole SAT story is a stretch, consider that when With a resume like that, it seemed mighty unlikely that much the team played a tournament in Duncanville, a 20-minute drive would startle him when it comes to the sport of basketball – or life. for most, McCowan says, “you’d have thought we’d just rolled up in Yet there he was earlier this year, standing in the Sam Houston Houston or something.”

High School gym, his jaw sweeping up dust from the floor.

Forget about leaving Arlington. These kids haven’t stepped McCowen, the new head coach of the new Arlington Force outside their own neighborhoods. McCowen has seen their basketball team, was addressing about 20 wide-eyed hoopsters, curiosity and motivation rise. This basketball experience is some sitting, some standing, all sweaty and fatigued but pumped triggering a process of accelerated personal development, which he that this Arlington-based Amateur Athletic Union team might very knows will manifest later. well be their first step into college ball and pro ball and fat NBA McCowen’s high school coach taught contracts. him how to play the right way, live the Then McCowen managed to suck the air right way. Big dreams, small steps. out the room by asking a simple question.

No one knows that better than Theron Has anyone taken the SAT? Bowman, the former Arlington Police He asked because the question before Kenneth Perkins Chief and Deputy City Manager, who that was how many want to play college helped launch this Force. basketball.

“With my background in law Hands shot up like fireworks.

ARLINGTON FORCE, the new enforcement and seeing so much of what These were juniors and seniors. Yet none AAU team, is a different kind is happening in our community, I really had taken the SAT or ACT. Hadn’t planned of sports species. It’s not just fear for these kids who think they are on it, either. going in one direction and are going to “We have to take that to get into about basketball. hit a roadblock with no preparation to college?” a player wanted to know. The go forward,” Bowman says. “Arguably you don’t know what they young man figured all he needed was a hoop scholarship and keys will be in a year or two without proper guidance and direction. We to his dorm room. don’t want them just hanging out.”

Since that tryout in February, McCowen has assembled a pair of That’s the beauty of the Arlington Force. They’re hanging out 17-and-under teams and a 16-and-under boys squad, more than 30 with the right people doing the right thing in the right places. eager young men in all, mostly from Arlington schools.

“My ultimate goal is to get them in college,” McCowen says.

“We’re still getting some in, as the word gets out,” says Repeatedly.

McCowen, who is also looking for volunteer coaches and support He’s candid about their chances of doing it as a player. No staff. “We’re just seeing where this takes us.” guarantees.

And takes them. The addition of yet another basketball team What’s certain: They are now fully aware of the SAT. is hardly news, but Arlington Force is a different kind of sports Big dreams. Small steps. species.

Kenneth Perkins has been a contributing writer for Arlington Today since it debuted. He is a freelance writer, editor and photographer.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • July 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

The Law Offices of Stephanie A. Foster, P.C. Deciding to divorce is one of the most important decisions a person can face so it makes sense to know your options. One option is traditional courtroom litigation. Another option is collaborative divorce.

Although attorney Stephanie A. Foster is prepared to be the warrior in your courtroom battle as she has been in thousands of Tarrant County divorce cases over the past 28 years, her preference is to be the peacemaker in your interest-based negotiations through the dignified, private, child-protecting process known as collaborative divorce which involves no court.

Stephanie A. Foster is confident that the collaborative process is a powerful way to generate creative solutions in family law disputes while minimizing financial and emotional damage to the couple and their children all the while promoting post-divorce psychological and financial health of the restructured family.

As a family law mediator and one of the first Tarrant County attorneys trained in collaborative law, attorney Stephanie A. Foster will help you navigate through your divorce options and zealously represent you through the process of your choice.

Contact attorney Stephanie A. Foster today to discuss your options.

One option is traditional courtroom litigation.

Another option is collaborative divorce.

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arlingtontoday.com • July 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

21

• PICTURE-PERFECT MOMENTS

Scene

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

Free meals for kids

Photo: City of Arlington

For the sixth straight year, Arlington Public Library is serving free meals to children, thanks to a partnership with City Square.

Arlington’s Juneteenth Jubilee

Photos: Photos:City CityofofArlington Arlington

During last month’s Juneteenth Jubilee in Downtown Arlington, attendees were treated to live music, artwork opportunities, culinary treats from local food trucks and free admission to Arlington Museum of Art’s exhibit, 30 Americans, which showcases works by 30 emerging and established African American artists of the past three decades.

UTA’s freshman orientation

Photos: UTA

Just weeks after paying tribute to the Class of 2021, the University of Texas at Arlington began welcoming a new conglomerate of students to campus during a freshman orientation session.

The ‘V Team’

Photo courtesy of Daryle Perez

Mansfield Fire Department members recently gave out COVID vaccinations at MISD Center for the Performing Arts.

See you later, alligator Now, THAT’s a vacation!

Photo courtesy of Tom Ware

Arlington residents Suzy and Tom Ware recently enjoyed some R&R at Smoky Mountains National Park.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • July 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

Traveling minstrels?

Photo courtesy of O.K. Carter

Donna Darovich and O.K. Carter did some (ukelele) pickin’ and grinnin’ at the city’s welcoming sign on I-30.

Photo courtesy of Chelsea Spiva

While Lake Arlington is known throughout the region as a great place for boating, fishing and many other waterPhoto: City of Arlington related endeavors, it’s also a wildlife haven. This gator was photographed by local kayaker Tanner Majors – who got considerably closer than we would have.

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23

• COVER STORY

The passing

JEFF WILLIAMS WROTE QUITE A SUCCESS STORY

O

ver the past six years, at virtually every event you attended during which Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams spoke, you were assured that it was a great day in Arlington. Here are some of the highlights of “The Jeff Williams Era” that show just how accurate he was in that assessment: • Acting on promises that were at the heart of his first mayoral campaign, he helped Arlington put in initiatives that created 6,000 new jobs in the initial year, cut the property tax rate and repaired 45,000 potholes in a single year. He also led the movement to create the city’s first economic development corporation to facilitate enhancements at existing local companies and to attract new business.

• With the introduction of the Kindness initiative, he made “being nice to one another” not just an aspiration but a way of life in Arlington.

• During his two terms in office, the city’s police and fire services were ranked among the best in Texas by several measuring agencies.

• As Mayor, Williams forged partnerships and initiatives with the Arlington Independent School District, private schools, colleges, and universities to provide students with the real-world job skills they will need to succeed as adults.

• Already the “Entertainment Capital of Texas,” Arlington enhanced that status with the additions of Texas Live!, Live! By Loews Arlington Hotel and eSports Stadium Arlington. Future development in the entertainment district, which has become “The District” under Williams, will soon render the National Medal of Honor Museum, another luxury hotel and convention center, as well as residential, retail, culinary and commercial enterprise to the neighborhood anchored by Six Flags Over Texas, Hurricane Harbor and “the stadiums.”

• Speaking of that latter reference point, one of Williams’ greater accomplishments was convincing voters to add one more stadium, Globe Life Field, which ensured the Texas Rangers would stay in Arlington – in yet another state-of-the-art, multi-use venue that will attract events and millions of visitors to Arlington.

Globe Life Park was re-purposed to host other sports and eventually residential and commercial tenants. Meanwhile, Arlington became home to yet another professional franchise, the WNBA’s Dallas Wings.

• Even as “The District” was growing, downtown was evolving, via one of the more ambitious revitalization processes in city history. The Levitt Pavilion was enhanced, The George W. Hawkes Downtown Library and a new City Hall became realities, and the Abram Street project opened up unprecedented residential, retail, culinary and general commercial opportunities in the area.

• To ensure residents could get to and from all the new “heres” and “theres,” Arlington’s long-lamented public transportation system became an international model of efficiency with the addition of the VIA rideshare program.

• Under Williams’ leadership, Arlington, already the eighth-most diverse city in the country, now has a Unity Council to bring forth better practices for social justice and equity.

To see more of what Jeff Williams meant to the city, please check out The Finish Line on page 66

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ARLINGTON TODAY • July 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

of the torch

JIM ROSS LOOKS TO MAINTAIN MOMENTUM

L

ast month, attorney/entrepreneur Jim Ross defeated former City Council member Michael Glaspie to earn the right to succeed popular Jeff Williams as Arlington’s newest Mayor. Ross, a former Arlington Police Officer and current owner of the “go to” Arlington eatery, Mercury Chophouse, says his admiration for what Williams accomplished helped inspire him to make a run for the city’s highest office.

“I was very concerned, given our term limits, about the direction Arlington would go without Mayor Williams at the helm,” he says, adding that now that the competitive election is over, he is “honored, excited and eager” to take on the new challenge.

Ross says he already has gained perspective about the position, just from running for it. “The campaign trail was crazy,” he say. “I learned so much about our community and met many interesting people.”

With virtually each one he met, he shared a constant refrain: “If you like the path that Arlington has been on and appreciate good, old-fashioned hard work, then, I’m your guy.”

Ross says one of his greatest resources during the campaign was the man he will succeed. He also recognizes the challenge ahead of him.

“Mayor Williams is leaving some very big shoes to fill,” Ross says. “Luckily, this city is blessed with a man who continues to give of his time and advice. He is always available for guidance and help in any issues. His best advice: ‘Stay focused on the issues and trust Arlington; our community is strong as can be.’”

When his term begins, Ross says, he already has a few goals to help build on the momentum that marked the Williams’ Era. “One of my first priorities is to help restore the relationships between the city and our first responders,” he says. “Our city is stronger when we all are working together. As far as longterm goals: jobs, jobs, jobs! Our city has to become more attractive to businesses wanting to do business with Arlington.”

To both of those ends, he notes that his experience working for the city previously and working with many city principals at his “day job” as a lawyer will help smooth the learning curve that faces many new elected officials.

“Unlike a lot of mayors, I have actually worked for this city as a police officer.

I worked the streets of Arlington as a member of Arlington’s first full-time Tactical Unit and spent nearly seven years as an undercover narcotics officer,” he says. “I’m also an attorney who has owned a number of businesses and knows what it’s like to build successful companies and have to make payroll.

Conversely, I’ve never run or consequently held or been elected, and this is all going to be new for me.”

One thing he believes Arlington citizens can count on during his tenure is his demeanor regarding the position, and he promises: “I’ll be a hard-working, transparent mayor who genuinely cares for every citizen, visitor and business of our great Dream City.” arlingtontoday.com • July 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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• IN MEMORIAM

GOOD NIGHT, SWEET PRINCE A tribute to restaurant icon Francis Kobty

F

rancis Aziz “Prince” Kobty, founder of Arlington’s vastly popular Prince Lebanese Grill, died peacefully in his sleep on May 25. He was 63.

A native of Nazareth, Kobty came to the United States in 1979. After settling in Arlington with his wife Amira and children Hani, Aziz, Vivian and Elizabeth, Kobty established a restaurant that drew not only vast local acclaim, but that was so popular it was featured twice on “The Food Network.”

To call him a local legend is an understatement. Here are just a few of the tributes to the man everyone knew as “Prince”: Francis was my dad, best friend, mentor and hero. He was the most generous, fun-loving, hard-working, caring, genuine and the friendliest guy you’ve ever met. Dad was the anchor in our family – loving, honest, loyal, forgiving, tough when he needed to be, but always smiling. He protected us and worked tirelessly to provide a better life for us.

– Aziz Kobty Prince can RIP knowing he will be remembered forever in his children, family and community as a great leader of all.

– John Stefanos Sleep well, our Prince. You have touched so many lives, created a beautiful family, and you are loved by so many people. It was my honor to know you. You are such an amazing man.

– Tony Leland “Prince” was a wonderful man who lit up the room when he walked in. He always had a smile on his face and always could carry a good conversation. He sure was one of a kind.

– Haytham Abu-anbar He was like family to me, a home boy from Nazareth. I loved his laughter, his spirit, his love of people, his humor, his kindness and generosity, his love of family and friends, his involvement in the community, his influence and the legacy he left behind. Francis’ memory will never be forgotten. May God rests his soul.

– Mel Bishara Everyone that knows me knows how much I adore and love the Kobty family and this man. I met Francis many, many years ago while I was in banking. He quickly became one of my favorite people, and we looked forward to his weekly visits in the bank – pure entertainment! Later, when he opened up Prince Lebanese Grill, bank

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Francis “Prince” Kobty was the beloved founder of Prince Lebanese Grill.

Photo courtesy of Aziz Kobty

visits grew into lunch and dinner visits, and my relationship grew with all of them. I was always so proud to take my friends to eat there for their first time and to introduce them to Francis, THE Prince.

I’ve watched him and Amira raise four great kids that turned into amazing adults. He was always beaming with pride for them, even while giving them his “loving hard time,” which always made me laugh. Francis was one of the kindest, most generous people on this planet, but he would also set you straight if you needed it and I loved his no BS way. He was honest to the core!

– Robyn Coffey “Prince” was the kind of man that the phrase “larger than life” really was written for. He made everyone around him feel special.

And if he liked you, he made you feel like family.

– Steven Glasker We lost a great friend. Francis “Prince” Kobty was not only a beloved brother to one of my best friends, Fadia Hanson, but father to four beautiful adults: Hani, Aziz, Vivian and Elizabeth; husband to the beautiful Amira; and friend to so many. His laughter still rings in my memories, his joyous smile will never be forgotten. His love for his restaurant, Prince Lebanese Grill (which folks from around the world came to, including Food Network’s DDD Guy Fieri), showed in the quality of the food and his personal greeting of his guests.

– Kimberly Glasker One can only hope to touch and inspire half as many people as Francis did in his lifetime. You did good, big guy. I think I can speak for most of his current and former employees when I say that Prince Lebanese Grill served as an informal academy; my work ethic is so much stronger because of my time there. I can still hear Francis’ voice yelling “what the hell is this?,” and I still wince a little from PTSD, and, honestly, I hope that never goes away. It builds character.

– Mireya Martinez

SHE TAUGHT US TO DANCE

Remembering the legendary Persis Forster

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ersis Forster, who was known to literally thousands of aspiring and veteran local dancers simply as “Miss Persis,” died on June 8. She was 91.

Forster established Miss Persis Studio of Dance in 1954, culminating a career in dance and theatre that included performing, directing, choreography and teaching. During the first year of publication, Arlington Today shared her remarkable story, the highlights of which are chronicled below.

IN 1954 THERE WERE three things happening that would forever transform life in the small town of Arlington, already on track to becoming a major urban center.

The first new cars rolled off the General Motors assembly line out on the city’s eastern prairie, forward-thinking voters authorized the development of a lake to provide an essential resource for the city’s future, and 24-year-old Persis Forster began shaping the lives of children at her downtown studio.

Her students through the years readily acknowledge her loving-but-firm, encouraging-yet-challenging methodology coupled with her insistence on proper decorum that gave them lifelong skills at a formative age.

However, all of what she means to the community might not have been. Following two years at North Texas Agricultural College (now UT Arlington), she continued her studies in the performing arts and earned her degree from the University of Texas in Austin.

Persis then headed to New York City and the possibilities of Broadway.

Testimony from many over the years affirm the certainty that she could have made it there, but funds ran low after a few months and even though she was getting callbacks following auditions, Persis came home.

Broadway’s loss was Arlington’s gain. Three generations of the city’s families will forever mark time from the day that Persis returned and set up her first classes as a tenant in a space that she rented for $325 with money she got from a loan using her refrigerator as collateral.

Though the location of her studio changed over the years, Persis’ impact on her community remained a constant, as she delighted audiences across the region, performing, directing, and choreographing some of the more popular musicals ever staged.

In Fort Worth, you could often find her on the stage in leading roles and/ or behind the scenes at Casa Manana. While working as adjunct professor at UT Arlington – something she did for more than 18 years – and serving on the Chamber of Commerce’s Cultural Arts Task Force, Persis collaborated with others to develop Gown Town Theater. In the large Potluck Room of

Persis Forster (center) poses with former studentsturned teachers Mycah Butler and Chloe Cannella at the Miss Persis Studio of Dance Elf Show in 2019.

Photo courtesy of Heidi Cannella

Miss Persis Dance Studio at Town North in 1973, a new theater group, first named The Potluck Players, was formed and produced “I Do, I Do,” helping to launch what is today Theatre Arlington.

Community service was a Miss Persis hallmark, and one of the powerful lessons her students learn about community service comes along every Christmas season via the greatly anticipated arrival of “The Elf Shows.”

Persis’ dancers across the spectrum of her classes, ranging from 3-year-olds to high school seniors, annually face the daunting assignment to show up somewhere in the community 25 to 30 times between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve to perform the show that runs for a full hour.

In the mid-1980s Persis launched a non-profit, community-service initiative that she named Dance Theatre of Arlington (DTA). Its purpose is to provide dance education for citizens and performance opportunities for aspiring dancers as well as talented students destined for other careers.

Persis told us that discipline and professionalism acquired through participation in a working dance company transfers to any career venue.

DTA has developed several avenues for its students to pursue. Teen Talent Follies was begun by the Sundown Kiwanis in 1966 and adopted with their encouragement by DTA in 1994. Today the follies provide scholarships to winners of the annual show in which eligible 7th graders through high school students may enter. For those who get started early and win every year, there’s a nice payoff for them when they enroll in college.

One would expect that you could learn to dance at Miss Persis Studio.

However, Persis’ Cotillion curriculum hones all forms of social skills, from instruction on introductions, communication, and proper etiquette to fine dining practices. Sixth graders and older students learn slow dance, waltz, swing, salsa and rock.

In a city of some 400,000 persons today, it’s unlikely that any are more than two or three degrees of separation from the incredibly positive influence of Persis Forster in their lives. arlingtontoday.com • July 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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• LOCAL DWELLINGS

HOME SWEET! HOME This magnificent abode in the heart of Arlington anchors a 22-acre-plus lot that represents luxury living at its finest

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f a picture is, indeed, worth a thousand words, we hereby present an 11,000-word testament to the splendor of this month’s featured dwelling. For good measure, here is some more verbiage that might help you better appreciate this magnificent home listed by The Brandee Kelley Group.

First, it probably should be noted that the aerial shot at the top of this page depicts the property proper – not the neighborhood.

Located on 22 acres-plus in Arlington, the site represents one of the region’s more picturesque settings, a veritable rural oasis in the midst of the Metroplex.

Surrounded by beautiful shade trees and positioned just a stone’s throw from a creek, this property features the main home, a 4,846-square-foot guest home with eight bedrooms and bathrooms, equestrian amenities including a 14-stall barn, lighted arena, and more.

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Built in 2012, the main home features 8,593 square feet of living space, five bedrooms, five bathrooms, two half baths and four garages. Other highlights include a pantry, a utility room, a fireplace, a study, a games room, a deck/patio with an incredible view both near and far, and a swimming pool.

About that latter amenity: As you can see from the picture on the ensuing page, it’s an indoor pool, complete with waterfalls, making it a 24/7/365 retreat and/or an ideal entertainment hub for gatherings of practically any size.

Elsewhere around the property, this collection of photos tells its compelling story perfectly. Bottom line: This is a home to behold.

To find out more about the property, Brandee Kelley (homes@brandeekelley.com) or Georgann Puddy (georgann@brandeekelley.com).

Photos courtesy of Brandee Kelley

arlingtontoday.com • July 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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• TO BETTER HEALTH!

We’ll take care of you!

Compassionate home health care

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& T Moore Health Care is a privately owned and operated home care agency located in Arlington. The agency is committed to providing personal care to help the elderly, disabled, homebound and the younger post-operative patient maintain the highest level of independence.

Audra Moore, RN, BSN, founded the company in 1998 with her husband Tommy, after she could not find a qualified, compassionate service to care for her grandmother. Services offered include: • Personal Care – Personal care refers to bathing, showers, and bed baths. Caregivers can also assist with dressing, foot care/inspection, hair care/shampoo, nail care, oral hygiene, shaving assistance and skin care/lotion assistance.

• Meal Preparation – This can include assistance with feeding, encouraging liquids, grocery shopping, and menu planning.

It also may include cleaning up after mealtimes, routine feeding tube care (under RN delegation), and the use of thickening agents to assist those with swallowing issues.

• Mobility Assistance – We can help with many mobility issues including ambulation (walking), assistance with a cane, walker, wheelchair or other adaptive device. Mobility assistance also refers to transferring with a mechanical lift, slide board or with the gait belt. A & T Moore Health Care staff are trained to work along side therapy in some cases.

Caregivers can also assist with range of motion exercises.

• Elimination Assistance – This includes assistance with taking or using the commode and may include reminders for our clients who may have some cognitive impairment. Elimination Assistance may come in the form of: getting up and down from the toilet or bedside commode, routine catheter care (emptying the bag), replacement of a condom catheter or Liberty catheter system, routine colostomy care, and assistance with incontinence products.

For more: atmoorehealthcare.com

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A holistic approach to better health

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re you suffering from pain? Is a chronic disease or illness taking a toll on your life? Arlington Chiropractor Dr. Kenyon Godwin and his team have one ultimate goal: to make sure you get results.

At Active Family Wellness Center, we often see people with headaches, neck pain, herniated discs, sciatica or prenatal and pediatric concerns. We treat folks of all ages: infants with colic just starting out in the world, adults who wish to experience everyday wellness, and seniors who wish to feel active and mobile throughout their golden years.

We help the whole family.

Our patients love the experience they have with us at every visit. Our number one core value is five-star service. We strive to exceed your expectations from the moment you call us. When you arrive, we’ll give you an office tour and offer you a beverage. People love that they can sit down oneon-one with Dr. Godwin and know he will listen carefully to their concerns. In our upbeat and positive environment, you’ll feel hopeful, perhaps for the first time in years. We love getting to know you and take all the time necessary to give you the attention you deserve.

Dr. Godwin graduated from Parker University in August 2010. Just two months later, he opened Active Family Wellness Center. With his faith to guide him, he created a center for wellness. As time went by and his practice grew, he opened a second location.

There is an Active Family Wellness Center in both North and South Arlington to better serve you. In addition to chiropractic, the full suite of services available includes massage therapy, spinal decompression, weight loss programs, functional medicine, functional fitness and rehabilitation. Our purpose is specific and simple, yet profound. We believe that you deserve to have freedom to pursue your God-given purpose without limitations.

For more: txwellnessdoc.com

We’ll take care of you!

A hospital with a rich local heritage

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exas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital has a storied history in North Texas. As a Level IV Trauma Center, Cycle III Chest Pain Center and Primary Stroke Center, we offer the communities of Arlington, Kennedale, Pantego, Mansfield and Grand Prairie advanced life-saving care close to home. The hospital is also certified by the Texas Department of State Health Services as a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, providing specialized care to our tiniest patients.

Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital is a 369-bed, acutecare hospital that is ranked among the best hospitals in DallasFort Worth by U.S. News & World Report.

With a mission of improving the health of the people in the community, the hospital and physicians on its medical staff are committed to every patient’s wellbeing.

Texas Health Arlington Memorial offers the gamut of health care services, including behavioral health; cancer care; cardiac rehabilitation; Diabetes care; digestive health; emergency department; ear, nose and throat care; fitness center; heart and vascular; hospice care; imaging; neurosciences; nutrition; orthopedics; rehabilitation; respiratory therapy; sports therapy; women and infants care and wound care.

In addition to the aforementioned services, Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital fortifies its bond with the community by offering regular classes focusing on childbirth education, including instruction on prepared childbirth and breast feeding, as well as offering car seat safety appointments.

The hospital has received acclaim on many fronts. Notably, Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital received the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Fragility Fracture Certification, the first health care facility in the country to receive such distinction.

For more: texashealth.org/locations/texas-health-arlington-memorial#

Comprehensive hearing health care

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or more than 35 years, the Doctors of Audiology at Kos/ Danchak Audiology & Hearing Aids have continued to strive to improve the quality of life for those in need of hearing health care. We provide comprehensive and individual hearing health care, while building long-term relationships with our patients and their families based upon honesty, integrity, and respect.

Dr. Melissa Danchak is the owner of the practice. She began working at Kos/Danchak Audiology in 1997 and has owned the practice since 2002. Dr. Danchak earned her Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.) through the University of Florida, her Masters in Audiology at The University of Texas at Dallas, and her Bachelors in Communication Disorders at Abilene Christian University.

With more than 21 years of experience in helping those with hearing challenges in the Arlington and surrounding communities, Dr. Danchak is passionate about providing unparalleled care and service for her patients.

She is joined at the practice by Dr. Desiree Wood and Dr. Emily Bodish, who help establish Kos/ Danchak as one of the region’s foremost resources for solutions pertaining to hearing health care.

Kos/Danchak provides the following audiology and hearing aid dispensing services: • Complete hearing tests • Earwax removal • Hearing aid evaluations, selection and fittings, rehabilitation and counseling • A full line of hearing instruments • Repair and service for all brands and models of hearing aids • Hearing protection, musicians’ monitors and swim molds • Assistive listening devices We also provide a Complete Hearing Health Care Package at no additional cost with the purchase of a hearing aid. This is the most comprehensive service package in the area.

For more: northtxhearing.com

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We’ll take care of you!

Ever evolving to serve its patients

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ethodist Mansfield Medical Center, a 262-bed acute care hospital, has been proud to serve the community nearly a decade and a half while it continues to expand to meet patients’ needs. Here are just a few of the hospital’s more recent enhancements.

The Breast Center at Methodist Mansfield last year was relocated to the Professional Office Building on the hospital’s 23acre campus. In this beautiful tranquil facility, a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers offer breast imaging services, women’s health services, bone density scans, and pelvic health therapy — all under one roof.

To enhance care for our smallest patients, an $8.7 million Neonatal Intensive Care Unit expansion opened a year ago, providing a neonatal procedure room, lactation center, and newborn clinic. The advanced facility also boasts robotic telemedicine services, the AngelEye camera system for enhanced security, a respiratory therapy work area, and rooms for parents with an adjacent laundry unit and family lounge.

The recently completed 82,000-square-foot, four-story Professional Office Building II on the south campus is home to family medicine physician practices and Texas Oncology – Methodist Cancer Center. Also, an ambulatory surgical center is a new addition to the MMMC mix.

In addition to the latest medical advancements, Methodist Mansfield has achieved exceptional patient safety scores.

Methodist Mansfield has received the highest rating possible by The Leapfrog Group®.

Methodist Mansfield is part of Dallas-based Methodist Health System, which became the first Texas member of the Mayo Care Clinic Network. This network gives physicians at Methodist Mansfield the opportunity to consult with Mayo Clinic physicians on behalf of their patients.

For more: methodisthealthsystem.org/methodist-mansfield-medical-center

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A great way to go from THIS to THIS

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iet Solution Centers began in Mansfield in 2011 with a mission to help the community get healthy and lose excess weight. In just a decade DSC has expanded to Burleson, Pantego, and Waxahachie.

It’s not difficult to figure out why.

DSC is a medically monitored weight loss program that specializes in you.

Led by founder Dr. Richard Knight, the team at Diet Solution Centers has a ZERO POLICY: ZERO gimmicks and ZERO prepackaged meals. We are here to keep you accountable and cheer you on throughout your weight-loss journey.

Utilizing what he has learned in a multifaceted career in medicine, Dr. Knight has a desire to practice and promote health and wellness in his patients. He was the initial physician with Diet Solution Centers and returned in November 2016 to assist clients with their wellness goals. To that end, he says he and the DSC team are guided by a pair of common values: We Value Integrity: We will never lie to you to get your business or get you to buy a product you don’t need. You can rely on us to be there for you, even after hours.

We Want You to Succeed: We want you to be the best version of yourself. We are here to help you. We will always answer every question you have. We have consultants available constantly. We encourage phone calls while you are out grocery shopping. After hours, consultants can be reached through Facebook and Instagram.

Clients can expect compassionate help at DSC. They get weekly energy and vitamin injections, individualized counseling and FDA approved medications.

“There are no prepackaged foods to worry about and we even encourage you to eat out,” Dr. Knight says For more: dietsolutioncenters.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Three Ways to Hit Reset on Your Health This Summer Summer is officially here, bringing warmer weather and longer days for Texans to enjoy. As you take advantage of these long-awaited summer days, it’s important to focus on staying healthy. Here are three ways to hit reset on your health.

Get moving. Whether you prefer biking, gardening, walking, or yoga, it’s important to get active. Incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine can reduce your risk for several major cancers, as well as improve quality of life for those already fighting cancer.

Make time to get moving every day.

Overhaul your diet. Stock your pantry with healthy staples, make it a point to plan meals in advance, and bulk up your soups and salads with hearty vegetables. Your body and your mind will thank you.

Stay in touch. Approximately 81% of people with cancer have limited their contact with others to reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncologists. Stay in touch with family and friends, and find ways to safely provide support to one another.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean changing everything overnight. By starting with small, intentional changes in your daily routine, you can create lasting healthy habits. Start small, see what works for you, and commit to taking an active role in your health this summer.

For more information, visit TexasOncology.com.

arlingtontoday.com • July 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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We’ll take care of you!

Learn the art (and science) of Pilates

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he Pilates Effect is a fully equipped Pilates Studio dedicated to the overall well being of its clients. It is located in the heart of Arlington, minutes from downtown at the Shoppes at Brownstone Village (2410 W. Abram, Suite 112).

The goal at The Pilates Effect is to increase clients’ quality of life and to develop all muscles, transforming their body to the fullest, achieving personal fitness goals and improving your everyday physical lifestyle. By only focusing on the superficial larger muscle groups, there are so many deep muscular stabilizers beneath not being developed or utilized.

By concentrating on these muscles using the Pilates principles, over time you will create stronger, leaner muscles, improving posture, increasing core strength, mobility and stability creating benefits you will see in your everyday life.

The Pilates Effect was founded

by Cami Green. Always highly active, she turned to Pilates in 2008 and practiced up to four days a week as a student at a small studio. Her passion for Pilates grew and led her to a STOTT PILATES® certification, after which she decided to share her zeal for this unique fitness program with others.

Green and her team of instructors offer a range of classes at their studio, featuring exercises using special apparatuses, designed to improve strength, flexibility, posture and mental awareness.

Reformer Group Classes are offered to people of all fitness levels and provide impact-free spring retention strengthening exercises. The Pilates Effect team uses STOTT PILATES® top-ofthe line Reformers with Towers and the Stability Chair. These all add more challenging and varied types of exercises to expand your repertoire of balancing, strengthening and toning exercises. The Pilates Effect also offers private, one-on-one sessions tailored to the individual client’s needs and goals.

For more: thepilateseffect.com

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Helping you get around with ease

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hen getting around is getting difficult, expert help is right around the corner. Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital – Arlington specializes in providing comprehensive outpatient and inpatient treatment of orthopedic and spine disorders.

For everything from simple back or neck strains to the most complex spine and back surgeries, Baylor Scott & White Arlington combines exceptional care with personal attention and compassion. At the only orthopedic surgery and specialty hospital of its kind in Dallas/Fort Worth, we bring experts close to home.

Baylor Scott & White - Arlington’s 24-hour emergency department is always ready to handle sudden pain or injuries, while our technologically advanced operating rooms help our physicians deliver the highest level of surgical care. Extensive diagnostic imaging includes CT, MRI, X-ray, arthrograms and myelograms.

We offer minimally-invasive treatments for hips, knees, shoulders and spine, or, if indicated by the diagnosis, full joint replacements and complex spinal surgery.

We are committed to providing the utmost in care and comfort for all of our patients. Our focus is on delivering quality, specialized treatment that is compassionate and specifically appropriate for each individual under our care.

From our attentive and caring staff to our specialty trained doctors, you’ll be under the best care available and back to doing what you love in no time.

The hospital is devoted to providing guests with the latest in advanced technology including the new ROSA® Knee robotic technology. With a state-of-the-art multi-stage air filtration system that kills viruses in the air, the hospital provides an optimal environment for all patients.

For more: bswarlington.com

Your Personal Wellness Specialist

MADE IN ARLINGTON, TX 817-633-1080

WWW.LURACOCHAIR.COM INFO@LURACO.COM

The ONLY Massage Chairs That Are Made In The USA! arlingtontoday.com • July 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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• MOVIE REVIEW (AND MORE)

Photo: Sony Pictures Classics

12 MIGHTY ORPHANS

There’s a fascinating ‘story behind the story’ regarding this fine film • By Corey Callaway

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he new movie “12 Mighty Orphans” tells the story of The Masonic Home and School and the formation of a high school football team. The story is an important piece of Fort Worth and Texas history. It is a great movie, and I strongly recommend you watch it when you get a chance. Most of the movie was filmed in Fort Worth and Weatherford.

The team became known as the Mighty Mites. The boys were small in stature but tough as nails. They proved this on the football field.

I was able to attend a premier of the movie held at the Masonic Temple and had the opportunity to meet two Masons who grew up at the school. They are brothers and both played on the Mighty Mites team.

Paul and David are two of 13 siblings. Their father, a Mason, died when Paul was three years of age. Their mother struggled working three jobs to support and feed them. She would work one job and come home to feed them and go to the next job and so on through the day.

They lived in Hillsboro, and the local Masons approached her multiple times requesting they take the youngest of the brood to the Masonic Home and School. She refused but

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conceded on the third request. Paul told me at that time they were starting to get into trouble, and it was the best thing that happened to them.

The youngest were taken by the sponsoring Masons and dropped off at a playground at the school. The men were not allowed to say goodbye to them. This was the protocol.

Paul said he cried for two months. They were separated by ages and were not allowed to be with each other. He might see his brothers once a week or so. All he could do was wave. They were taken good care of but were strangers and alone.

Once a year they were able to go home and stay with their mother for a week to 10 days. Paul did not want to go back to the home the first trip back. His mother told him to try one more year and if he did not want to stay, she would take him back. By the second year, he never wanted to go back to his mother. Though he loved her he found a home. He told me that the Home saved his life.

At the home, the children became each other’s peers.

This created a world of good for their self-esteem and indoctrinated them to strive to make good grades and to get the best education they could achieve. Both Paul and David

(Left:) David, Jerry, and Paul Underwood are photographed together in 1955 in Hillsboro. It was David’s day to wear the shoes. Paul told me this jokingly, but also said it was kind of true. (Right:) Meet Paul and Rebecca Underwood, and Anna and David Underwood.

Photos courtesy of Corey Callaway

earned degrees in accounting and became CPAs. David was Paul’s inspiration.

In the movie the boys were shown practicing and playing football barefooted and in jeans. This was how it really happened. They were driven to Sycamore Park to practice in a flatbed pickup, just like in the movie.

The opposing players were respectful for the most part.

Occasionally, one player would call them little orphan boys.

That would embolden the Mighty Mites to kick their (well, you know) on the field.

Football was what the boys and girls lived for. Many times, when the prayer was said over their meal the student would include “thank you for the home and thank you for football.” Football was worked into many of their prayers.

They did not have anyone to sit on their side of the field when they played teams out of town. Yet Masons of the town in which they played would sit on their side of the field in support. This caused much consternation with the rest of the town. Also, the Moslah Shrine Drum and Bugle Corp would play at their home games.

Paul made straight A’s and was allowed to play on the football team. He started at age 10 playing Pee Wee football,

and as a senior in high school he was the team captain. For Paul football was the coolest thing, and it was a way of life at the home. David was also team captain his senior year.

They were proud of the legacy of the original 12 Mighty Mites. They would and still do have family reunions every year at the campus. All the graduates would return if they were able. The original Mighty Mites and Coach Rusty Russell would return for the reunions, too.

Part of the fraternal obligation of a Mason is to take care of their brothers widows and orphans. They did so in many ways. Doug Lord of the Hella Shrine and many Dallas Masons would pick them up and take them to the State Fair at their expense. The Oak Cliff Masonic Lodge would make sure each child had a Christmas present. The stage in the auditorium would be covered in presents. As a tradition, the Seniors of the school would hand out the presents.

Paul became Comptroller under Bob Bullock and worked with him for 31 years. Paul and Rebecca have three children and nine grandchildren. Paul recently stepped down form his position as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas.

It’s an honor he looks upon as giving back, not as a boastful achievement. arlingtontoday.com • July 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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• BEHIND THE WHEELS

Story and pictures

by Richard Greene

This rare Corvette is one of just six four-door models created in 1979 – and the only one in existence today. It is tucked in an Arlington garage under the care of Dan Fernandez, seen here in the driver’s seat of the classic automobile.

BUILT FOR ONLY 5 CUSTOMERS

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f you did a double take when you looked at this Corvette, you would have that gesture in common with just about everyone else when they first see this car.

Chevrolet produced the very first version of the iconic American Sports Car in 1953, and since then there have been 1,741,410 of them that have rolled off the assembly line. All of them had only two doors and two seats ...

Except for the one time in 1979 when the company toyed with the idea of adding a couple of back seats so Corvette owners could take more friends and family members for a ride and enjoy all the attention they would get from those surprised by seeing such a thing.

After teaming up with California Custom Coach in Pasadena to test the market, they produced a prototype and five customer cars. Each of them was custom-built by cutting two cars in half and extending the wheelbase by 30 inches when joined together.

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But, with a projected sales price of $35,000 when the price tag for a Corvette at the time started at $13,000, the original plan of building 40 of them wasn’t feasible, and the project was scrapped.

This only remaining vehicle from the six that were made is tucked away in an Arlington garage under the care of Dan Fernandez, along with some other rare, oneof-a-kind vehicles that we will visit in issues to come.

A little history in Corvette production at the time when the 4-door version was imagined, provides some prospective of what was taking place when Corvette production moved to its new factory in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Wikipedia sums it up like this: “The 1978 25th Anniversary model introduced the fastback glass rear window and featured a new interior and dashboard; also, the headlights were changed from round to square units. Corvette’s 25th anniversary was

Aside from the unusual seating arrangement, this Corvette had all the other stylish and state-of-theindustry features that helped make the automobile a coveted vehicle – and, often, a collector’s item.

arlingtontoday.com • July 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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celebrated with the Indy 500 Pace Car limited edition and a Silver Anniversary model featuring silver over gray lower body paint. All 1979 models featured the previous year’s pace car seats and offered the front and rear spoilers as optional equipment. 53,807 were produced for the model year, making 1979 the peak production year for all versions of the Corvette.”

Then, sales trended downward. In 1980, the Corvette received an integrated aerodynamic redesign that resulted in a significant reduction in drag. After several years of weight increases, 1980 Corvettes were lighter as engineers trimmed both body and chassis weight.

It seemed like a good time to deliver on the idea that had arisen among Chevrolet engineers and designers for a 4-door model that would, they imagined, increase the market for a sports car that would accommodate two more passengers.

While that didn’t work out, there have been rumors for a great number of years that Chevrolet was planning for another major revision to the kind of sports car the company had been building for more than six decades.

Expectations had risen that the Corvette motor would be relocated from the front of the car to its center – the new 40

ARLINGTON TODAY • July 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

generation would be a high-performing Mid-Engine Vette, weighing 200 pounds heavier than the previous model, hitting 60 mph in less than three seconds up to top speeds of 200 mph.

That long-awaited transition was introduced with the 2020 model that enthusiasts would declare to be the world’s finest with a starting price of just under $60,000.

It would also mean that any notion of ever revisiting some kind of four-door Corvette was put to rest once and for all time.

Cutting two of them in half and reassembling into one with a back seat could never be done with the engine now in the middle of car.

That reality means the one remaining from the 1979 experiment featured here with just over 21,000 actual miles on it would be, for all time, a singular sensation celebrating the one time when the famous sports car was available in a configuration that was never to be.

Dan says there are plans to show it off at some local car shows in the near future. So, if you would like to see it in person, such an opportunity may be coming around as we all return to public gatherings with the COVID pandemic virtually in our rear-view mirror.

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A SOUND DECISION UTA Radio’s studio gets a state-of-the-art, designed for has a strong complete renovation go through • By Devynn Caseit

U

TA Radio received a face lift this spring by remodeling, refurbishing and redoing its studio. With funding provided by UT Arlington’s Facilities Management and the College of Liberal Arts and assistance from University administration, the student-run, online radio station received much-needed upgrades.

The entire on-air studio was dismantled and then renovated with new acoustic treatments, furniture, flooring, lighting, a DJ station and computers.

“We’ve always had the tools, software and equipment to provide students with the latest in streaming and broadcast training,” says Lance Liguez, faculty advisor for UTA Radio. “This renovation addresses the feel and look of UTA Radio with an updated, professional appearance.”

Jeff Johnson, director of maintenance operations and special projects at UT Arlington, described the remodel as a passion project.

“The renovation looks super,” Johnson says. “It’s a class lab, a student hangout area, a study, a lounge – really, everything is

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ARLINGTON TODAY • July 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

The UTA Radio on-air studio was renovated with new acoustic treatments, furniture, flooring, lighting, a DJ station and computers. Also (shown below), there is a new focal wall in the space displaying years’ worth of radio show flyers.

multiple uses. The College of Liberal Arts radio program, and phenomenal students every year.”

Dana Gibbs Villalobos, a broadcasting and digital media graduate who served as the station manager in the spring, says UTA Radio is a great place to get real-world experience. She hosts a weekly show, “A Date With Dana,” featuring hiphop and R&B music.

“My favorite aspect about being a part of UTA Radio is you really get the hands-on experience for what it’s like to work in a radio station,” Villalobos said.

A new focal wall in the space displays years’ worth of radio show flyers, including hers.

“It’s exciting to know that future UTA students will see that and maybe it will inspire them,” says Villalobos.

Zachary Smith, UTA junior broadcasting major and sports director for UTA Radio, says there is one thing he will miss now that the remodel is complete: the radio desk that remained from the original studio.

“One look at that old radio desk and you knew that it had seen some things,” Smith said.

“It had marks, stains, bruises and chips, but that’s only because Photos: UTA it was there for every midnight radio show, every great UT Arlington sports moment and every group picture of UTA Radio from each semester.”

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47

• READINESS

IN THE EVENT OF AN

EMERGENCY!

Create a disaster supply kit (just in case)

A

rlington residents can take steps to be better prepared in the event of an emergency by assembling a disaster supply kit containing basic items that their household may need. This includes having enough water, food, cash and other supplies for each person in the household that would last for at least three days.

“Everyone needs a kit. During a widespread emergency, help may take several days to arrive. Families should be prepared to survive for up to three days before help arrives,” says Shawna Lemley, Emergency Management Planner for the City of Arlington’s Office of Emergency Management. “[You should] plan now, because you never know when a disaster will happen.”

When assembling your kit, it is important to discuss emergencies, your family’s plan, and the kits with every member of the family so that everyone understands where the kits are and what they are for, Lemley says.

Residents can make sure their emergency kit is stocked appropriately with the items on the checklist below. In addition to the basic supplies, residents should consider what unique needs their family might have, such as supplies for pets, infants or seniors.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items: • Water – at least one gallon per person, per day • Non-perishable food (dried fruit, peanut butter or energy bars) • Extra cell phone battery or charger • Battery-powered radio that can receive NOAA Weather Radio alerts • Flashlight and extra batteries • First aid kit • Dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties • Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap • Non-sparking wrench or pliers to turn off utilities • Manual can opener (if kit contains canned food)

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ARLINGTON TODAY • July 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

• Prescription medications and glasses • Whistle to signal for help • Local maps This list of emergency supply kit items is only a starting point. It is important that individuals review this list and consider the unique needs of their family, including pets, for items to include. Individuals should also consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time.

Additional items to consider adding to an emergency supply kit: • Prescription medications and glasses • Non-prescription medications you take routinely • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream • Pet food, water and supplies for your pet • Important family documents in a portable waterproof container • Cash or traveler’s checks • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.

• Complete change of clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes • Fire Extinguisher • Matches in a waterproof container • Feminine supplies, personal hygiene items and hand sanitizer • Mess kits, paper cups, plates and disposable utensils, paper towels • Paper and pencil • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children Maintaining Your Kit After assembling your kit remember to: • Keep canned food in a cool, dry place • Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers • Replace expired items as needed • Reassess your kit during daylight savings twice per year and update your kit as your family’s needs change Kit Storage Locations Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars.

Home: Have the kit ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.

Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.

Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car. Update your car kit between each season based on seasonal hazards.

For more: arlingtontx.gov/preparedness

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49

• CONVERSATION

Q&A

Former Mansfield Mayor David L. Cook talks about his new role as a State Representative

T

his month, we visit with first-year State Representative (and former Mansfield Mayor) David L. Cook, who shares his thoughts about serving a broader constituency from a new home-away-from-home in Austin.

ARLINGTON TODAY: Now that you’ve had time to settle in as a state representative, what have been the highlights so far for you in your new elected position?

DAVID COOK: The highlights for me this session involve passing legislation that reflects the views of my constituents. In a session that could have been bulldozed by the COVID-19 pandemic and Winter storm Uri, we strengthened human trafficking laws, improved mental health services, improved the electric grid in Texas, and advocated for rights of the unborn child and of individuals to worship, especially when health and safety is threatened by a declared disaster … BUT there is still much work left to be done.

AT: What is an average day like for you now, especially compared to your mayoral duties?

DC: My duties as State Representative vary from day to day and were vastly different when comparing a day in January to a hair-on-fire day in late May. During the 140 days in Austin, daily life is constantly fluctuating. On any given day, I could be on the House floor voting on large, omnibus pieces of legislation, listening to and interacting with individuals during a committee hearing, and/or talking to constituents and lobbyists who visit my office. As Mayor, I was involved in setting the agenda and running the council meeting; whereas in the State House the procedure is dictated by the House Rules and is comprised of the 150 House members as opposed to seven council members. That being said, my years of experience serving as the Mayor of Mansfield prepared me well for my role as State Representative, and I am thankful for all of my constituents for allowing me to serve since 2008.

AT: What legislative measures do you anticipate addressing during the rest of the year, and how do you, personally, engage with your constituents to ensure that you represent them in the best way possible?

DC: When the legislature reconvenes for Special Session most likely in the Fall, I believe we will focus on election integrity,

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Criminal Justice Reforms, and redistricting. Election integrity is vital to make sure we have secure elections in order to ensure that every voter’s ballot is properly counted. We will also consider Bail reform, another emergency item declared by the Governor and an issue of which I have long been a supporter.

Beyond the issues to be covered in Special Session, I have been placed on the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee and the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. I intend to continue using my years of expertise as a Family Law attorney to help chairs [Victoria] Neave and [Nicole] Collier on matters assigned to us by Speaker [Dade] Phelan for Interim Study.

Communication with my constituents will always be a top priority. I spend time listening to my constituents and conversing over the phone, sending and receiving letters, and reading emails of opinions. I am also able to update thousands of my constituents at once thanks to modern technology and social media apps like Facebook and Twitter. Though I was in Austin and miles away from home, I was grounded in knowing that my new position as a State Representative has given me the opportunity to amplify the voices of my constituents.

AT: What’s the best advice a veteran representative or veteran representatives has shared with you since you took office?

DC: Best advice – To remain in close contact with my constituents and to always remember that a member’s integrity, or lack thereof, is vitally important to one’s success in the Legislature.

AT: Given the tense political climate in the nation in general, what message would you share with Texans that might help them feel confident that we’ll be able to weather political storms and come out a better state?

DC: I believe that in Texas we are different than the Washington, D.C. style of politics. During the 87th Legislative Session, we showed that Legislators can reach across the aisle to pass bipartisan bills that benefit all Texans. As a member of the House, I have enjoyed getting to know colleagues on both sides of the political spectrum. We work together to help all citizens of Texas, and the time constraint we are under drives action. Though there are disagreements at times, we argue, listen, and compromise where needed to pass meaningful, commonsense legislation.

Additionally, I think it’s important to recognize that politics starts at the local, community level. While there may be a “tense political climate in the nation in general,” I have seen how neighbors come together to discuss community issues at town halls. My time as a Mayor taught me that listening to one another, caring in times of natural disaster and need, and working through problems together is the best way to address issues. Caring about people as individuals first, rather than identifying them by their political ideologies is how I view my constituents.

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51

• PICTURE-PERFECT MOMENTS

Scene

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

City of Mansfield’s Juneteenth celebration

CILR honored at a recent City Council meeting

Photo courtesy of Chaplain Rich Stoglin

Arlington Deputy Police Chief Dr. Tarrick McGuire, Mayor Jeff Williams, Chaplain Rich Stoglin, Alicia Butler, Eric Phillips, Sharon Croxton and Mayor ProTem Dr. Victoria Farrah-Myers pose for a picture as a proclamation is presented to the Community Influence Leaders Roundtable.

City of Mansfield Photo:Photos: Levitt Pavilion Arlington

Scores of Mansfield residents gathered at the Mansfield Independent School District’s Center for the Performing Arts to mark the city’s Juneteenth celebration last month. The event came on the heels of a law that made June 19 a national holiday to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.

Open Arms Health Clinic’s Dine Outside the Box virtual gala Kay Jackson and emcee Trey Chapman greeted the virtual participants of the event.

Chef Mike Newton and Melanie Newton showed attendees sharing the Zoom call how to make a great meal.

Grand Prairie’s Friendship Friednship Day

Attendees at Fran Martin’s table join in a Zoom call with other’s participating in the virtual event.

Photos: City of Grand Prairie

Volunteers in Grand Prairie joined forces during the city’s recent Friendship Day to create raised vegetable gardens at Seguin Elementary School.

Photos courtesy of Fran Martin

Cindy Bradley, gala committee chair, joined husband Jason to create a meal following the instructions of Chef Mike Newton during the Open Arms’ virtual gala.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • July 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

UTA is No. 1 for veterans and their families Photos: Prince Lebanese Grill Photos: AWARE Foundation

Photo: CityPhotos: of Arlington UTA

For the second year in a row, the University of Texas at Arlington is the nation’s top four-year institution for veterans and their families, according to Military Times magazine.

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53

• MAINLY MANSFIELD

TEAMWORK PAYS OFF IN SPECIAL HONOR

Keep Texas Beautiful presents Mansfield with the Governor’s Community Achievement Award

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K

eep Texas Beautiful has recognized the City of Mansfield as one of 10 winners of the 2021 Governor’s Community Achievement Awards for outstanding community improvement, an award given annually by KTB and its partner, the Texas Department of Transportation.

Mansfield will join the other communities in sharing $2 million in landscape funding from TxDOT. The City’s $270,000 share will be used for a yet-to-be determined landscaping project.

The award is one of the more coveted annual environmental and community improvement honors in Texas. A community’s environmental program is judged by a group of diverse, multisector judges on achievements in seven environmental and community improvement areas: public awareness and outreach, environmental education, beautification and community improvement, litter prevention and cleanup, solid waste management, litter law and illegal dumping enforcement.

In 2021, the Mansfield community embraced the challenges resulting from the pandemic and participated in activities such as: • Monthly Household Hazardous Waste collection events, and annual Chunk Your Junk and Shred Days through the City’s Environmental Collection Center while following safety protocols • Virtual educational outreach opportunities were provided for residents and students about beautification, recycling, litter prevention and water conservation. Compared to classes and events that were held in-person pre-COVID, participation for virtual education increased 284 percent • Through the Mansfield Volunteer Program 770 volunteers worked 63 cleanup projects that removed 88.44 tons of trash while maintaining safety protocols • The Mansfield Garden Club volunteered to maintain the City demonstration and butterfly gardens via staggered work schedules and limited group sizes • The Keep Mansfield Beautiful Commission maintained the Adopt-a-Street program and promoted cleanups “Mansfield is proud to receive this award from an organization that signifies our desire in Texas to keep our state and communities beautiful,” says Mayor Michael Evans. “Our residents have shown us time and again that we are environmentally aware; that they will work hard and conscientiously to ensure our parks, greenspaces and waterways are clean and free of litter. We are grateful that the state has recognized us for these efforts.”

“What sets Mansfield apart is its community spirit,” says City Manager Joe Smolinski. “This spirit is exemplified best through the collaborative efforts of the City, its volunteer program, school district, faith-based organizations and groups who work together to help Keep Mansfield Beautiful, all while experiencing a global pandemic. Even though we were faced with going virtual, our community proved that COVID-19 would not prevent all the beautification efforts that go on throughout the city each year.”

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55

• BUSINESS BEAT

PNC OPENS NEW CENTER IN SOUTH ARLINGTON

P

NC recently opened a South Arlington location in the Arlington Highlands shopping center (4001 Matlock Road).

This is PNC’s ninth Solution Center (retail banking location) in the DFW area. PNC has designed this Solution Center model – even down to the furniture – to provide the best possible customer experience.

This new location opened weeks after PNC introduced a new digital offering, Low Cash Mode, which addresses the $17 billion that some studies estimate that U.S. consumers pay each year in overdraft fees. Through Low Cash Mode, PNC’s goal is to help customers avoid overdraft fees through unprecedented account transparency and control to manage through low-cash moments or mis-timed payments. Low Cash Mode is currently available to customers in North Texas through Virtual Wallet® Checking Pro, a best-in-class bank account and money management solution that easily enables consumers to manage their finances.

CINNAHOLIC HAS A NEW GOURMET BAKERY ON SOUTH COOPER STREET

C

innaholic, the gourmet cinnamon roll bakery acclaimed for serving innovative cinnamon roll creations, recently opened its sixth metro Dallas-Fort Worth location at 5001 S. Cooper St. The Arlington location joins existing locations in California, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Idaho, Arizona, Nevada, Maryland, Washington, Florida and Canada. Cinnaholic gained national attention after the company was featured on ABC’s hit show “Shark Tank.” The fast-growing brand was also recently featured on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500® list.

Cinnaholic began franchising in 2014 and has 20 locations under construction and nine others anticipated to start buildouts this year. Cinnaholic is on track to reach 75 locations by the end of 2021.

One person, in particular, is thrilled about the new store.

“There is a tremendous amount of excitement to serve our award-winning cinnamon rolls to people throughout metropolitan Dallas,” says Elvi Mariana Feijoo Couselo, owner of the new Cinnaholic location in Arlington. “We are so happy to be serving desserts that will fulfill a need for a new kind of sweet treat that local customers have been asking for. The concept is so unique and will serve a growing demographic in the region!”

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EMPLOYEES AT TEXAS TRUST CREDIT UNION DONATE $1,250 TO SAFEHAVEN

T

o help support women and children living in protective shelters due to family violence, Texas Trust Credit Union employees came together to raise $1,250 and donate needed personal goods to Fort Worth’s SafeHaven of Tarrant County.

Last year, 17 people died in Tarrant County as a result of domestic violence, a 112 percent increase from 2019. SafeHaven offers a safe place for women and children to escape domestic violence by providing them with shelter, food, counseling, legal aid, and prevention services.

The shelter is currently housing 146 individuals, more than half of them children.

“This contribution allows SafeHaven to provide much needed necessities to the women and children in its care,” says Ginia Chapline, Chief Operating Officer for Texas Trust Credit Union.

“When women and children have to leave their homes because of domestic violence, they usually have to leave all of their personal belongings behind.”

Texas Trust’s Community Unity team organized the drive to collect monetary donations as well as shampoo, toiletries, bed sheets, and baby care items, filling 10 banker’s boxes of personal hygiene goods for the shelter.

CAMP BOW WOW OPENS A NEW CENTER NEAR ARLINGTON

C

amp Bow Wow®, a state-of-the-industry doggy day care and boarding franchise, recently opened a Fort Worth East location at 1751 Eastchase Parkway.

The new location is owned and operated by husband and wife, Joe and Stephanie Willis, and offers all-inclusive care for local pups by providing an exciting and safe environment for all-day play, socialization and overnight stays. The 11,760 square-foot facility is equipped with the latest technology in air filtration, ultraviolet lighting, providing hospital-grade air purification.

For more: campbowwow.com

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENT SET FOR JULY 13

L

ooking for a great way to network in North Texas? The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce will host Business Over Breakfast from 8-9 a.m. on July 13 at 1010 Collins Event Center (1010 N. Collins St.).

Attendees can join fellow Chamber members at this fastpaced, networking event. Everyone who attends will have a chance to present their business-related message. It’s an excellent opportunity to build relationships and present information on your business or service with prospective clients and customers.

For more: arlingtontx.com/event/business-over-breakfast-22

TEXAS TRUST’S BERRY WINS GRAND PRIZE FOR SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE

X

ondra Berry, Member Solutions Advocate, received $5,000 for being named the inaugural Texas Trust Credit Union People Stories grand prize winner. Berry was selected as the winner from among 340 employee nominations related to how employees lived out the credit union’s values while serving members.

In the internal People Stories initiative, employees submit accounts monthly about how they or their peers cared for a member. The executive team reviews the stories and awards cash prizes to several monthly winners. One overall winner is chosen from among those top stories, receiving $5,000 in cash.

Berry was nominated three times based on several instances where she went above and beyond in assisting members. She was recognized for helping members in situations involving fraud, emergency loans and her diligence working with a national bank customer and converting him to a credit union member.

Jim Minge, CEO of Texas Trust, notes that “Xondra’s humble attitude helps her connect with members and build a bond with them. She treats everyone respectfully, listens intently, and truly cares for people.”

“I am honored to have been selected out of all the hundreds of great nominations. Texas Trust has helped me in a way they will never understand,” says Berry. “The money they so generously awarded me has helped my entire family.”

GREATER ARLINGTON CHAMBER YPs LAUNCH MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

T

he Greater Arlington Chamber Young Professionals has launched the IMPACT Mentorship program for its pilot year.

IMPACT stands for Intellectual Momentum & Professional Advice to Champion Tomorrow.

Through this mentorship program, young professionals in greater Arlington will build relationships with established Greater Arlington Chamber members through a year-long mentorship program. The pilot program began in June and will run to December.

Pilot Year, 2021: Along with a packet of best practices and guiding conversation topics, the mentor and mentee will visit once over the summer and once in early fall. The IMPACT Mentorship Program will then wrap up with a Mentor-Mentee Mix & Mingle in November.

Program Eligibility: The only requirement to participate as a mentor or mentee is your business/organization must be a member of the Chamber in good standing. Young professionals, according to the Chamber’s YP group, are under the age of 40.

For more: arlingtontx.com

Photo: Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce

THE RETREAT SETS A NEW STANDARD FOR SENIOR LIVING

T

he Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed the team at a new member, The Retreat, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the senior living resort.

The Retreat is an ideal place for individuals 62 and older who are looking for a world of convenience, comfort and luxury. With three floors, a massage room, hair salon, indoor pool, movie room, chapel, fitness center, game room, library and private dining area, residents will feel like they are living permanently at a resort.

For more: theretreatgp.com arlingtontoday.com • July 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

57

• NEWS & NOTES

Bulletin Board Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation introduces first Charley Pride Fellows

T

he Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation recently announced the inaugural class for the Charley Pride Fellowship Program, offering rising college students a 10-week internship opportunity with the team’s front office. Among the five Fellows chosen is University of Texas at Arlington student Neemekh Mudvari from Puebla, Mexico.

The new Fellowship Program honors the late Country Music legend, who had a strong connection to the Texas Rangers organization for more than 50 years. The details of the program were in the process of being finalized when Mr. Pride passed away on Dec. 12, 2020 at the age of 86. The creation of the program was announced on March 18, 2021 on what would have been Pride’s 87th birthday.

The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation and the Parrish Charitable Foundation of prominent Dallas businessman Roland Parrish are partnering on the Charley Pride Fellowship Program. The initiative was also created with input from Mr. Pride’s family, including his wife Rozene Pride.

The Charley Pride Fellowship Program was established to help create a launching pad for students from diverse backgrounds looking to gain baseball front office experience.

The program is designed for the students to gain valuable cross-disciplinary skills that will benefit them should they choose to pursue a career in professional baseball or any other industry.

The 2021 Charley Pride Fellows were selected after an extensive application and interview process by the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation. They began their Fellowships last month, and the program will continue through the first week in August.

The Foundation will train and support the five Fellows as they transition through a 10week rotation within different Texas Rangers Baseball Club departments. Each Fellow will do a three-department rotation based on their interests while working approximately 20 hours per week.

Those departments available for these fellows to work include, IT Operations & Applications, Sports & Entertainment, Baseball Operations, Partnerships & Client Services, Communications, Marketing, Ballpark Entertainment, Promotions & Production, Ticket Sales & Service, and Business Analytics & Ticket Strategy.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • July 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

Mansfield Rocks will be a 3-day celebration

I

ndependence Day is back in Mansfield with a fresh and re-imagined July 4th celebration. Mansfield Rocks promises to reclaim all the excitement and energy of past Rockin’ 4th events, while expanding its reach to the entire city.

Mansfield Rocks will take place from July 2-4.

It will feature a Home Run Derby at Big League Dreams (500 Heritage Pkwy. S.) and Dog Days of Summer Fest at The LOT Downtown (110 S. Main St.) on July 2; The Big Event from 6-9 p.m. at Big League Dreams and a Fireworks Spectacular over the parking lots of Vernon Newsom Stadium (3700 E. Broad St.) on July 3; and a Farmers Market at The LOT Downtown on July 4.

For more information: mansfieldrockin.com/ july-4/

Independence Day Parade takes new (and old) route

After taking a year’s hiatus due to the pandemic, Arlington’s Independence Day Parade returns on July 5 (yes, July 5!). The route for this year’s event will include a return to Abram Street, now that the construction on that thoroughfare is complete. Here’s what the parade route will look like this year.

UTA faculty to present online talks this month

So, you found a kitten and don’t know what to do next? Try this ...

E

ven with the city’s best efforts to implement its Trap-Neuter-Return program it seems to be a bumper season for kittens this year. Animal Services staff and foster volunteers offer some timely advice for those who might have found a young cat recently.

Do you know what to do if you find a kitten? Many people would instantly want to pick it up and cuddle it and then wonder what to do next.

Most times if you find a young or unweaned kitten the momma cat is close by. Alley Cat Allies experts say the best thing you can do is leave them be. Nothing truly replaces the care a kitten’s mom can provide.

Animal Services just published a web page (tinyurl.com/jyd9dwnv) on kitten education with information and links to a variety of resources on what to do if you think a kitten truly is abandoned. If orphaned, a young kitten’s life is dependent on receiving good care quickly.

Typically, it takes about eight weeks for a kitten to be fully weaned. Visit alleycat.org/resources/kitten-progression/ to determine the age of a kitten.

During the first few weeks of a kitten’s life, they must be fed every two to three hours. Best Friends Animal Society has a link, tinyurl.com/trsah6k9, that offers specific feeding protocols for kittens.

To be successful caring for newborn kittens, humans must learn the mother cat’s processes with her young. The Maddie’s Fund link, maddiesfund.org/orphaned-kitten-care-how-to.htm, provides several informative how-to videos to help.

Caring for kittens is a commitment and Animal Services needs foster pet program participants in its Bottle Babies program. If you have a soft spot for kittens, time to help, and patience, we encourage you to be involved in this rewarding program. You could save the life or lives of kittens in need.

Unable to participate, but want to contribute to this program? Visit arlingtonwebstore.com/FosterPetProgramDonations.aspx to submit an online donation. Supplies including formula, baby bottles and much more are always needed.

U

niversity of Texas at Arlington faculty will present online talks for all community members this summer.

From 4-5 p.m. on July 14, the topic will be Creative Escapes: Music, Trauma, and Quality of Life. From 4-5 p.m. on July 28 the topic will be Creative Escapes: The Uniqueness of our Brain.

To RSVP go to utaedu.questionpro.com/ t/AQoqaZmt3J

Downtown library restores hours/services

T

he George W. Hawkes Downtown Library restored hours and services last month. This library location is now open during the following days and hours: Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

For more: arlingtonlibrary.org/about/Downtown-Library

arlingtontoday.com • July 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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• DINING GUIDE

Keen Cuisine UPSCALE

Piccolo Mondo

Chamas do Brazil • 4606 S. Cooper St. • 817-618-2986 • chamasdobrazil2.tru-m.com Cut & Bourbon • 1600 E. Randol Mill • 682-277-4950 • loewshotels.com/live-by-loews-arlington-texas The Keg • 4001 Arlington Highlands Blvd. • 817-465-3700 • kegsteakhouse.com Mercury Chophouse • 2221 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 910 • 817-381-1157 • mercurychophouse.com Piccolo Mondo • 829 Lamar Blvd. E. • 817-265-9174 • piccolomondo.com restaurant506 at The Sanford House • 506 N. Center St. • 817-801-5541 • restaurant506.com

AMERICAN

Candlelite Inn • 1202 E. Division St. • 817-275-9613 • candleliteinnarlington.com Dino’s Subs • 2221 S. Collins St. • 817-274-1140

The Grease Monkey

frieddaze • 5005 S. Cooper St., Suite 159 • 817-472-6666 • frieddaze.com The Grease Monkey • 200 N. Mesquite St. • 817-665-5454 • greasemonkeyburgers.com J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill • 400 E. Abram St. • 817-274-8561 • jgilligans.com

MEXICAN / TEX-MEX

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

La Isla Restaurant

La Isla Restaurant • 2201 E. Pioneer Pkwy. • 817-459-1498 • laislarestauranttx.com

ITALIAN / PIZZA

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

BARBECUE

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

INTERNATIONAL

Prince Lebanese Grill • 502 W. Randol Mill • 817-469-1811• princelebanesegrill.com 60

ARLINGTON TODAY • July 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

Gino’s East

• SPEAKING OF SPORTS From Day One fans have been taking in the greatness that is the Rangers’ new home: Globe Life Field.

Globe Life Field is home, sweet home!

I

Photo: mlb.com/rangers

In October, Major League Baseball threw us all a bone and n September of 1984, I was four months into my first job in assigned the National League playoffs and World Series to sportscasting. I was a sports reporter at WJRT-TV in Flint Globe Life Field. This is when I got the first indication that you Michigan. And on a balmy September night the team of my would like it as much as me. There were plenty of you who childhood clinched the division title. couldn’t have cared less about the Padres or the Rays or even After starting that season 35-5, the Detroit Tigers were the Dodgers. But you got tickets, and you came out to the new paying it off – they were headed to the playoffs and ultimately ballpark. The sample size among Rangers fans was small but the the World Series. I did my first live shot that night from a reviews were great. Like me, you loved this place. champagne-wet, beer-soaked clubhouse in old Tiger Stadium.

So here we are halfway through the first season, when fans I will never forget the look on Lance Parish’s face when he are allowed at the new park and the reviews remain great. popped a cork and it hit me right in the cheek.

It might look like a hanger from the outside, but how He looked like he thought I was going to sue him. I actually much time do you spend outside? Once inside, you see it: wanted to ask him to sign the cork. But I didn’t – it was my first the character, the comfort. There are subtle reminders of the year on the job and all. So while I have loved every minute of beloved Globe Life Park, like when you are sitting in the outfield this career, baseball was my first love. and look back towards home plate. The Fast forward to July 4, 2020. The press box and broadcast booths look strangest Independence Day of my life. very similar to the one we loved across I did not spend it at a parade or a picnic the street. or watching fireworks. I spent it covering Here’s how I know you are enjoying the Rangers second spring training. Just John Rhadigan it: The Rangers lead all of MLB in sitting in the press box at Globe Life Field attendance. You are showing up in wearing a mask with a bird’s eye view of droves. And, believe me, the team has guys practicing baseball. I am not sure I HERE’S HOW I know you are noticed. Last month they came home have ever felt a greater sense of freedom enjoying Globe Life Field: The after a record-setting losing streak than I did that day. I was so glad that Rangers lead all of MLB in on the road. In the first game at home baseball was back! they beat the team that had the best Every day for the next three months attendance this year. record in the American League, the I had a reason to go to the ballpark. The Tampa Bay Rays, who had represented the AL in past year’s second training camp of 2020 took us to the end of July, then World Series. there was the 60-game schedule which got us to the end of As he walked off the field that night, former Tampa Bay farm September. Every night I was there at the brand new Globe Life hand Nick Solak praised the fans, “They make so much noise.

Field, as happy as I have ever been to broadcast baseball.

It’s really fun to win in front of them,” he told my colleague at But something was missing: You! Bally Sports, Emily Jones.

All of you were missing the opportunity to experience Rangers manager Chris Woodward noticed, too. “With the this place. This beautiful new cathedral. Most of you saw me fans, it just gave us a lot of momentum,” he said. “You’d have broadcasting from there each night, you saw me exploring every never known we’d lost nine in a row.” nook and cranny of the place and trying to share just how great During last month’s sweep of the Astros the crowd was it was. Still when you saw me you would ask, “how is it?” whipped into a frenzy and it gave a glimpse of the future. This I was effusive, every time extolling the virtues of the new team will get better and better. And while I don’t know if they palace and the character and the sight lines and the A/C. Still I will ever start a season 35-5, I can’t imagine how loud Globe Life was a little nervous for all of you to see for yourselves.

Field will be if they do.

I hoped you would like it as much as I did.

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

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arlingtontoday.com • July 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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• EVENTS, ETC.

Itinerary

Dallas Wings basketball This month, the Dallas Wings will play host to a pair of WNBA foes.

They will take on the Chicago Sky at 7 p.m. on July 2, then they will play the Las Vegas Aces at noon on July 11. Games will be played at UTA’s College Park Center wings.wnba.com Photo: wings.wnba.com

THERE IS A full slate of activities this month at The LOT Downtown (110 S. Main St., Mansfield).

From an event that features your pets to concerts that will get your feet tapping, The LOT Downtown will be your source for entertaiment.

Scheduled events include: the Dog Days of Summer Festival (5 p.m. on July 2); Mansfield’s Great American Picnic (noon on July 3); Nite Flix Movie Nite featuring Jumanji: The Next Level (5 p.m. on July 9); Meat, Mugs & Music (10 a.m. on July 10); Nite Flix Movie Nite featuring Raya (5 p.m. on July 16); Christmas in July 5K (7 a.m. on July 17); Nite Flix Movie Nite featuring Wonder Woman 1984 (5 p.m. on July 23); Women Rock The LOT (5 p.m. on July 24 - 10 p.m. on July 25); the Royal Tea Party (3 p.m. on July 30) and Texas Fusion Fest (6 p.m. on July 31-10 p.m. on Aug. 1) thelotdowntown.com/upcoming-events

TIMELESS CONCERTS will present “From London to Dublin” at 8 p.m. on July 17 at the Lake House at Lake Arlington (6021 W. Arkansas Lane).

The performance will include beautiful compositions from great English composers, as well as the jigs and reels of Ireland. Featured composers include Sir Edward Elgar, Vaughn-Williams and Andrew Lloyd Weber, plus a few new discoveries. Performers: violinist LeeAnne Chenoweth, violinist/violist Tim Angel, pianist Erik Barnes, tenor Don O’Neal LeBlanc, and cellist Jim Higgins. The event will have table seating, complimentary wine and soft drinks and dessert plates. Tickets are $35 general, $30 senior, $20 college student. timelessconcerts.com 64

ARLINGTON TODAY • July 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

Texas Rangers baseball This month, your Texas Rangers will play home series against the Detroit Tigers (July 5-7), the Oakland A’s (July 9-11), the Arizona Diamondbacks (July 27-28) and the Seattle Mariners (July 30-Aug. 1). mlb.com/rangers Photo: mlb.com/rangers

Art Camp Catalyst Creative Arts (400 E. Division St.) will host children Art Camp from July 12-16. Art Camp 3 (for children 7 and up), will be from 9 a.m. - noon. Art Camp 4 (for children 12 and up) will be from 2 - 5 p.m. catalystcreativearts.com/summer-camp.html Photo: catalystcreativearts.com

• FINISH LINE

My friend, Jeff Williams

I

n this month’s issue of this magazine, you will find a summary of the growth our city has realized under the leadership of Mayor Jeff Williams whose term in office has concluded with the passing of the gavel to our new mayor Jim Ross.

To help put all that in perspective, let’s look at a little history of the setting where those successes have unfolded.

It has been a privilege to work with Jeff for more than 30 years in his capacity as a professional civil engineer working on some of the city’s major developments, ranging from the River Legacy Living Science Center to the Ballpark in Arlington and then AT&T Stadium.

Along the way to those high-profile projects, he helped with the city’s comprehensive planning efforts and advanced the work of public education through his chairmanship of citizen commissions on behalf of the Arlington Independent School District.

In his leadership role with the First Baptist Church, he helped form the three-way partnership with the church, the city, and the University of Texas at Arlington to develop the expansive College Park Center Arena and surrounding amenities.

There was never a time when he Jeff Williams is concluding his turned down any request to participate very successful stint as the Mayor of Arlington. and coordinate the work of non-profit and community service organizations.

He was, indeed, the quintessential go-to guy when any endeavor needed a strong leader to achieve desired outcomes for the benefit of his fellow citizens.

All those results occurred before Jeff became Arlington’s mayor.

I anticipated the time would come when he would emerge into an elective office and share his leadership talents to raise Arlington’s accomplishments to an even higher level.

During his campaign, I shared the fact that no previous candidate for mayor had been more qualified to take on the challenges that office always places on its principal elected official.

With his wife Karen always by his side, he won that race in a landslide as the mantle of public trust was placed on his shoulders.

It fit him perfectly.

• By Richard Greene

Six years ago, our city stood at one of those turning points that would shape its future. Arlington’s prominence as a major league city was in doubt, the long hoped-for development in the entertainment district, the city’s largest economy, had not materialized and there was talk of our reputation as the can-do city having had run its course.

In his campaign, Jeff explained how a vibrant visitor and tourism business would make it possible to strengthen Arlington’s neighborhoods and for all its citizens to achieve a higher quality of life in all the ways local government works to support them day in and day out.

A year later, for the fourth time in our history, voters overwhelmingly approved the construction of a professional sporting edifice that set into motion all that has followed, including expansive development in the entertainment district that will include the National Medal of Honor Museum.

I’ve often reflected on something Tom Vandergriff said when he stepped down 44 years ago after more than two decades in the office he made famous. In his humble persona that characterized his gift of public service, he concluded with the refrain, “Perhaps we have just set the table.”

There’s a message in that statement that goes beyond those words that provided a challenge for mayors in years to come. He was saying there are more mountains to climb for a city, at the time, of less than 150,000 people, and future leaders should chart the course for ever more achievements.

That table has been enlarged time and again – the latest extension so ably constructed through Jeff’s leadership and now big enough to seat 400,000 residents of widely diverse backgrounds.

While Jeff no longer occupies the mayor’s office at city hall, we can be assured that his and Karen’s love for our city will always result in a continued role of helping to assure that our city’s best days are the ones that lie ahead.

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

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