June 2021

June 2021

your community • your magazine

Today

EDUCATION 2.0 HOW THIS NEW ACADEMY WILL REDEFINE LEARNING IN THE GREATER ARLINGTON AREA

Nancee L. I never really liked diets because they were more like fads that come and go. As I grew older, the weight packed on and I was not able to lose it and keep it off.

Diet Solutions helped me to focus on the foods that were good for me f and how to stay away from those that set me back. Weekly tracking and reporting kept me going, especially the personalized support.

This commitment has helped me realize better health and maintain an exercise program that makes me feel great.

.

L e e c n a N

n o s e l r u B from has lost 36.7 lbs.

99 Regency Pkwy Ste 107 Mansfield, Tx 76063

After

Before

Contents

ON THE COVER

June 2021 • Volume 8 • Issue 6

HIGHLIGHTS 42

Great Hearts Arlington will open in August for students in kindergarten through seventh grade. Find out how this unique academy will change the scene.

See page 24

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DEPARTMENTS

44

52

42 Green is gold

UTA is ranked tops in the state for its efforts toward sustainability

Starting Line 10 • This ‘n Data 12 Around Town 20 • Scene 22, 60 Style 48 • Bulletin Board 64 NMOHM 66 • Keen Cuisine 68 Speaking of Sports 70 • Itinerary 72 Finish Line 74

44 Extraordinary then and now

Mike Ames’ 1934 Cadillac is a collector’s dream automobile

50 Remembering heroes

IN THIS ISSUE

The Arlington World War II Memorial helps the city pay homage to our local warriors

52 Home SWEET! Home

This secluded oasis is spacious, comfortable and, well, just homey!

54 A father’s memory

Mayors can be dads, too, and our mayor shares a special Father’s Day recollection

56 See how our lights shine

Illuminated sculptures are the newest feature welcoming visitors to Downtown

58 The circus is coming!

The LOT Downtown in Mansfield promises to have something for everyone

62 Business Beat

Derrick Kinney has a new gig, and a special hotel is on its way to Arlington

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ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

The 2020-2021 academic year was like no other. In this issue we look at some of the outstanding achievements made this year.

See page 26

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STARTING LINE your community • your magazine

Today

EXECUTIVE BOARD Executive Publisher Judy M. Rupay CEO Richard Greene

Walk this way

I

n early May of 1979, Bill Youngblood suffered a type of heart attack commonly referred to as the “widow maker.” It wasn’t that – thank God – and to ensure that it wouldn’t become that, on July 20 of that same year, he tied on some walking shoes and headed out the door.

He didn’t return until he had covered two arduous miles.

The next day, he tied/headed out again.

By Day Seven, this had become a ritual that continued over the next four decades-plus, save for the “arduous” part. Each walk became a little easier. Each outing’s gait became steadily faster over the hills and dales that marked his suburban path.

He didn’t walk every day, but he was religious in seeing that Yale he got in steps during at least six Youngblood days of every week. If he couldn’t Editor walk outside because of the weather, he would drive to the mall and walk there.

By its very nature walking can be boring. By his very nature, Bill can be resourceful. So he decided to make his quest for better health a chart-able journey. He logged every mile, marking compilations every so often on a globe he and his wife D.Anne keep in the living room of their home in North Richland Hills, Texas.

His original goal was to “walk” to Japan, where he had been stationed as a sailor during the Korean War. Getting back there literally wasn’t likely, given a lot of circumstances, so he took the next best course – two miles at a time. Or, to be more accurate, two miles at a time by way of San Diego to Australia to Hong Kong to Japan.

He reached Tokyo in the summer of 1996, and, like Forrest Gump, he just kept going. After making it around the world once he began working on a second “lap” – in the other direction. A few years back, I remember him telling me he was “exploring” Greenland.

Due to some recent health issues, he finally had to end the journey just prior to the pandemic. But the record still speaks for itself. The earth has a circumference of nearly 25,000 miles (give or take a hill or dale in North Richland Hills). I’m guessing there aren’t many 89 year olds who can claim to have walked that far, much less to have set about walking it twice.

Bill Youngblood can make that claim.

He can make one other (though he won’t) this month: He is also the greatest father a son could ever have. I’m talking the talk, here, but he – in every way imaginable – has walked the walk.

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

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EDITORIAL Editor Yale Youngblood Sports Columnist John Rhadigan Special Columnist Major General Patrick Brady Website & Social Media Manager Bailey Woodard 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 the AISD Education Foundation, Arlington Charities, Arlington Urban Ministries, Levitt Pavilion Arlington, St. Joseph Catholic School and Theatre Arlington.

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THIS ‘N DATA

KUDOS (AGAIN):

Dr. Victoria Farrar-Myers honored for housing initiatives

D

r. Victoria Farrar-Myers, Arlington City Council District 7 at-large representative, has again been recognized for her continued work to make homeownership affordable in our community.

Rising LoneStars, a website that recognizes exceptional acts of leadership and provides information about local and state public officials, says Dr. Farrar-Myers’ dedication to affordable housing and combating homelessness earned her a spot on its December 2020 Top Ten List of public officials.

Dr. Farrar-Myers has served as chair of Tarrant & Parker County Continuum of Care Board of Directors the past two years, helping lead the way towards greater regional collaboration to address homelessness. In December, the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition awarded her the Community Champion Award for her leadership, personal engagement and data-driven approach to affordable housing and homelessness.

Dr. Farrar-Myers has served on the City of Arlington’s Community and Neighborhood Development Committee. There, she led the effort to obtain federal funding for a Navigator position to serve Arlington, allowing service and housing providers greater efficiency in connecting with our community’s unsheltered homeless. She has also served on the Arlington Housing Finance Corporation board of directors.

RAISE YOUR HAND if you ate a meal at Red Oven on Bowen Road back in the day. Keep that hand up if you finished off the meal by indulging in the Red Velvet Cake to Die for. (OK, those last three words were our addition, not the official name of the dessert. But if you ate the Red Velvet Cake at Red Oven, you will surely agree.)

Mayor honors CEO Jim Minge for a decade of stellar service at Texas Trust Credit Union

D

uring a surprise ceremony at Texas Trust Credit Union’s Arlington headquarters last month, Mayor Jeff Williams declared May 3, 2021 as Jim Minge Recognition Day to honor the financial institution’s CEO for 10 years of outstanding service to the community.

Since joining Texas Trust Credit Union in 2011, Minge has demonstrated servant leadership as he created a compassionate and caring financial institution dedicated to building brighter financial futures and being a positive community steward.

At the ceremony, Mayor Williams issued a proclamation to celebrate and recognize Minge’s contributions, as Minge’s wife, Pat, and the executive team and board of directors were there to witness the memorable occasion.

Some of the accomplishments cited in the Mayor’s decree include Texas Trust’s growth from $680,000 in assets to more than $1.6 billion and the doubling of membership to 124,000, making the credit union the fifth largest in Dallas-Fort Worth.

The proclamation highlighted the credit union’s partnership with the Arlington Independent School District. Texas Trust’s investment in Arlington schools helped fund an outdoor performing arts center and launch the Arlington Collegiate High School at TCC Southeast Campus. In addition, the credit union has invested more than $100,000 in scholarships to benefit Arlington ISD graduates. The Mayor also highlighted the credit union’s multi-year, multi-million-dollar agreement with UT Arlington that supports the university’s intercollegiate athletics department.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

LINDA NIX CLINIC IS PRESENTED COMMUNITY HERO AWARD

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ethodist Mansfield Medical Center last month presented the Community Hero Award to the Linda Nix Clinic, part of Mansfield Mission Center, for providing free health care services to the uninsured in the Mansfield community.

The clinic located at 901 W. Broad St., promotes physical, financial, and relational wellbeing to Mansfield residents through a volunteer staff lead by medical director Darin Charles, MD. This year, the clinic has helped more than 350 uninsured adults meet their health care needs.

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THIS ‘N DATA

CIRCLE THE DATES

3 SCOOPS

Here are the Dallas Cowboys 2021 home games: Monday, Sept 27: Eagles; Sunday, Oct. 3: Panthers; Sunday, Oct. 10: Giants; Sunday, Nov. 7: Broncos; Sunday, Nov. 14: Falcons; Thursday, Nov. 25: Raiders; Sunday, Dec. 26: Washington Sunday, Jan. 2: Cardinals

1. The North Texas Area Community Health Centers has hired Dr. Dinesh Gowda, M.D., FAAP, an award-winning pediatric physician, to join its Arlington location. With more than 15 years of experience in pediatrics and newborn care, Dr. Gowda is a board certified pediatrician who graduated from J.J.M. Medical College in India.

2. The live-entertainment Grand Prairie Theatre has a new name, thanks to a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Texas Trust Credit Union. Effective immediately, the theatre is now the Texas Trust Credit Union Theatre at Grand Prairie.

3. Methodist Mansfield Medical Center was awarded an ‘A’ for the 15th time for achieving the highest national standards in patient safety from The Leapfrog Group an independent national watchdog organization committed to health care quality and safety. Grades are updated every six months and are based on a hospital’s performance in preventing medical errors, injuries, accidents, infections and other harms to patients in its care.

Photo: City of Arlington

STUDENTS HELP BREAK GROUND ON NEW WEBB ELEMENTARY FACILITY

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rlington ISD recently kicked off a major project to rebuild four aging schools and provide generations of students with the opportunities they need to succeed in the 21st century.

Up first is Webb Elementary, which hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in April. The fun groundbreaking ceremony included Webb’s boisterous wallaby mascot and students in hard hats turning dirt with shovels a bit too big for them. And of course, it also included district leaders celebrating the exciting future for Webb.

“The 2019 Bond is allowing us to transform our district with rebuilding four of our schools that need it most,” says Arlington ISD Board of Trustees President Kecia Mays. “The new school at Webb, followed by three more, is designed to provide our students with the best possible educational experience. They’re going to be places that our students want to be and feel inspired to learn in.”

The new school building at Webb will replace the current building, opened in 1960 as a junior high. Webb’s current site is large enough that the new building will be built on the property while the current building remains open. Once the new facility is finished in the fall of 2022, the Webb students and teachers will just move in from next door.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

IT’S BAA-AACK! AFTER A DECADE of lying hidden in the cavernous tunnels inside Six Flags Over Texas, Casa Magnetica has returned this year. And, once again, visitors can learn the story of reclusive architect Don Juan, who built his house on a 34-degree pitch – and then they can wonder aloud, “OK, how did they do that?!”

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ver Texa

x Flags O

Photo: Si

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THIS ‘N DATA

#atpetofthemonth

THE SCHOENINGS’ HEART FOR SERVICE MAKES LIFE BETTER FOR MANY PATIENTS W

hen Dental Health Arlington officials moved into a new location in 2017 and the time came to name the clinic portion of the facility, the obvious choices for the honor were standing right beside them, literally.

For more than a decade, Dr. Amy Schoening and her husband Andrew had devoted a great deal of time and money to ensure free dental care would be provided to area residents via DHA. Dr. Schoening had even served as President of the non-profit organization’s board of directors.

So, when DHA was relocated to the United Way Service Center in Central Arlington (501 W. Sanford St., Suite 11), its executive director Nancy Blinn says, the benefactors were obvious choices to become beneficiaries and rewarded them with a clinic in their name.

“After the opening of the new facility,” Blinn says, “the decision was made to name the clinic portion of the business after the Schoenings in appreciation for all they have meant to DHA over the years.”

Dr. Schoening has been practicing dentistry in the area – and serving as a volunteer provider at DHA – since her graduation from LSU School of Dentistry in 1994. She currently is the principle provider at Schoening DDS, located at 1757 Broad Park Cir. N., Suite 101 in Mansfield. There she leads a team that shares a passion for the folks they serve.

“Every patient is different and every person’s individual needs are unique,” Dr. Schoening says. “That’s why we strive to get to know each patient and work with them one-on-one to develop a treatment plan that fits their specific needs. Every treatment plan is uniquely designed, but the goal is always the same: a healthy mouth, strong and functional teeth free of pain, and a beautiful smile that builds confidence. At Schoening DDS patients can expect the highest quality of customized care, because to us it’s not just about teeth, it’s about people and their quality of life.”

Amy Schoening, DDS

Arlington By the numbers 16

$61,688

1

Copper joined the Cosby family in January 2020, so he became our COVID puppy. He has kept us moving during the pandemic with walks around our neighborhood and in the parks. He loves walking, hiking, and playing with toys. His favorite sport is soccer.

He would make a pretty good goalie, except he is too short.

– Michelle Cosby

Photo: City of Arlington

Webb Elementary School teacher Candice Keller (center) earned high marks from North Texas Honda.

NORTH TEXAS HONDA LAUDS WORK OF WEBB ELEMENTARY TEACHER

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ebb Elementary specialeducation teacher Candice Keller last month was named one of North Texas Honda’s Teacher Appreciation honorees.

For her efforts, Keller received $5,000 worth of supplies for her classroom, much of it on display in the school’s library.

“It makes me feel like I’m supposed to be here,” says Keller, who is in her third year of teaching after making a career change out of the restaurant industry. “It makes me feel like all the arrows are pointing in the right direction and what I’m doing is right and someone is watching out for me from above.”

$1.9 million

The average salary for teachers employed by the Arlington Independent School District.

The number of ice skating rinks in the city (Ice in the Parks is located at The Parks Mall at Arlington).

The cost to build Turnpike Stadium in 1965. It had a capacity of 10,000 when it opened.

Source: aisd.net

Source: iceattheparks.net

Source: ballparks.com

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

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AROUND TOWN

We never know the legacy we will leave

Photo: Kenneth Perkins

Throughout a career that spanned more than 25 years, Ricky Albus was consistently able to hit the bull’s eye.

S

Albus says. “There’s really nothing out there that talks about o Ricky Albus is leaving. Packing up. Moving on. When teaching it to 80 kids at a time” ... as a former football coach.

Martin High School bid adieu to the school year last month, “When I coached football, I always approached it from what I so did Albus, walking out with no intentions of returning. called a whole part methodology,” he says. “It’s where I teach the He did it like anyone else would after 25-plus years toiling away full concept once so they get a general idea. Then I break it into its in the same vocation – with some trepidation, some heartache, an pieces until you get to your final product.” assortment of fond memories, eagerness, and a rather weird sense In football, you prepare each week for a new offense and different of freedom, humility and gratification. defense. In archery, it’s the same target at the same distances.

“Yes, sir,” he said the other day, looking unperturbed, untroubled “Golf and pitching in baseball are the only two sports I can and undisturbed in a long-sleeved shirt, shorts, and wide smile. come up with that are even remotely close to the mental challenge “It’s time to go.” involved with archery,” Albus says. “It’s tremendously cerebral and Outside his own inner circle, few might know who Albus is or psychological. It’s a target-related issue where they are so caught up what he has achieved, this inquisitive, wide-eyed boy from Johnson into the end result of trying to hit a bull’s eye that the brain can sort County who just wanted to leave whatever he touched a little better of short circuit and forget the steps in order to go from the shooting than how he found it. line to the bull’s eye.”

Thing is, we never know the kind of legacy we are going to leave In time, Albus adapted, and the Martin club thrived, winning a because we have our versions, and life has its own version. state championship.

When Albus arrived in Arlington in 1994 Five times. he was a football guy, taking over Martin Better yet, Albus convinced Arlington as head coach. He did that successfully for ISD to open archery to all six high years until Seguin opened and he signed schools; practices are in their own on as the school’s head football coach and Kenneth Perkins building, off Little Road. At the end athletic director. of this final Albus season, close to 400 “The first time I pulled up to Seguin kids are involved in AISD Archery, when it was still being built,” Albus said, RICKY ALBUS led the Martin “I just sat there and said to myself, ‘Are you archery team to five titles (once with each school having its own squad – with Albus as coach. Martin, with its kidding me?’ I’m the head coach of this he learned that coaching it isn’t head start and proximity to home base, place? Like, seriously? They are about to has had the most team success, but pay me to teach these kids football? Crazy.” quite like coaching football). individuals from the other schools have Once Albus’ own kids enrolled at Martin reached all-state status and even competed nationally. he returned as an assistant football coach. That changed, too, “It makes me feel better knowing that whoever sits in this seat over time, and soon Albus was no longer the football guy but the next year will have some pretty good kids coming back,” he says.

Outdoor Adventures instructor, looking for his next thing.

Not that he’s completely done with archery. In retirement, he It came when one of his students asked him about starting an wants to lobby the University Interscholastic League about making archery club, and another nudged him about it and then another. archery a certified sport. He also plans to write a book on how to Archery is part of the Outdoor Adventures curriculum, a kind of teach archery to the masses. elective physical education course. As an avid hunter of white tail So the legacy, the one he never really envisioned, goes on. deer since his mid-20s, Albus knew his way around a bow, and he “It’s all been amazing,” Albus says. “Just an amazing career for thought an archery club would be beneficial. a dumb ole’ Johnson County kid” who simply wanted to leave Yet, “the hardest thing about archery is that most of the whatever he touched better than how he found it. information has been primarily one-on-one as private instruction,” 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 • June 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

arlingtontoday.com • June 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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PICTURE-PERFECT MOMENTS

Scene

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

Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame

Photo: Bruce Maxwell

Two local basketball legends, coach Samantha Morrow and player Erin Grant, were recently inducted into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame.

CILR CILF honors Mayor Jeff Williams

Photos courtesy of Chaplain Rich Stoglin

Dignitaries, including Chaplain Rich Stoglin, Bob Ray Sanders and Michael Jacobson, paid tribute to Mayor Jeff Williams to thank him for his service to the community and to his efforts to promote diversity during last month’s Community Influence Leaders Roundtable meeting at the MMA Architecture Firm.

Timeless Concerts’ Evening in Italy Sonia Jager, Pricilla Phillips and Gloria Lindell

Peter Scott, Lynn Scott, LeeAnne Chenoweth, Val Gibson and Linda Gibson

Nigel Crouch, Theresa Crouch, Alice Sobel and Ralph Sobel

Jennifer Smith and Johnny Ferraro. The next Timeless Concert event will be July 17 at Arlington Lakehouse.

Tony McCoy, Dana McCoy, Brandy Hix and Joel Hix

Photos courtesy of Timeless Concerts

The “volunteers’ volunteer” AWARE Foundation awards Ana Pinson and Nicole Jerkins earned runners-up awards at the AWARE Foundation awards event.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

Photos: Prince Lebanese Grill Photos: AWARE Foundation

The list of 2021 AWARE Foundation winners included Roxanna Sutherland, Kelly DeLay and Kristina Casterlin.

Photo courtesy of VanDella L. Menifee

VanDella L. Menifee, who spends countless hours volunteering to help make the greater Arlington area a better Photo: City of Arlington place in which to live and work, recently was honored for those efforts when Mayor Jeff Williams presented her with a proclamation.

Panelists

Jerry Shirer Rita’s Italian Ice

Carolyn Mentesana Arlington Tomorrow Foundation

“Dream Big Downtown” Downtown Arlington’s 2021 Annual Meeting

Georgie Zang Zang-Adams Real Estate

Presented by Texas Trust Credit Union Sanford House Courtyard (506 N. Center St) Thursday, July 1 8:00-10:00 AM

Michael Jacobson Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Kimberly Mayer Center for Entrepreneurship & Economic Innovation at UT Arlington

Please join us at an outdoor breakfast hosted by the Sanford House & Restaurant506 for our yearly celebration, a panel discussion, and Annual Awards presentation.

Tickets priced $45 per individual. To purchase, visit downtownarlington.org/AM

Special thanks to our Sponsors

All Tex Insurance City of Arlington Coble Cravens Investments & Insurance Dodson Development Episcopal Church Building Fund

Franklin Imagine Group Legal Draft Beer Co. Peyco Southwest Realty Sutton Frost Cary LLP Zang-Adams Real Estate

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COVER STORY

A NEW ERA IN LOCAL EDUCATION IS DAWNING Great Hearts Arlington will open its doors in August, introducing a revolutionary educational opportunity Great Hearts Arlington officials Katie Jarvis, Charlotte Garthune, Rosa Tovar-Curiel, Celisa Ibarra and Andrew Duininck await the August 2021 opening of their new school.

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reat Hearts Arlington, the newest addition to a revolutionary network of tuition-free, in person and online public schools dedicated to improving education nationwide, will open in August 2021 to grades Kindergarten-7th – and add a grade each year until it is a full K-12 campus.

Located at 6701 S. Cooper St., Great Hearts Arlington provides an honors level liberal arts curriculum in the tradition of the finest independent private schools. As such, we offer an outstanding opportunity for families who want the very best in a college preparatory institution.

A Great Hearts education prepares students to be more than just proficient test takers, but, rather, to become great-hearted leaders capable of success throughout their higher education and professional careers. We emphasize that in order for students to become greathearted leaders they must share in a knowledge that is rooted in the 24

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

Photo: Bruce Maxwell

classical liberal arts tradition. The life of a Great Hearts Arlington scholar is one that is rich and varied and gives them the opportunity to build relationships with their peers outside of the classroom, contribute to their school community, and develop healthy habits and virtues like friendship, citizenship, and humility.

At Great Hearts, our primary tool of cultivating knowledge and virtue in our students is the Socratic Method. In this timeless teaching technique, the teacher uses questions and conversation to guide students from what they already know to what they do not yet know in all subjects. The development of the academic habit of logical inquiry feeds students’ sense of wonder and creates life-long learners.

In the end, our communal pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty inspires and shapes students into the best versions of themselves, setting in motion growth that will continue the rest of their lives.

Here are some testimonials from current Great Hearts parents ...

THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ASPECT of the Great Hearts education is the pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness. I see this in my children every day.

It is actualized in their friendships, in their personal choices, and in their outward actions. The study of virtue – through literature, across history, and in classroom discussions – has shaped my children. Their ability to think critically about important things is directly attributable to the depth of instruction and models of virtue they receive every day. That is the key difference to a Great Hearts education, and the gift that it has been to our family.

The Nicholls Family, Great Hearts Irving GREAT HEARTS HAS been an extraordinary experience for my daughter.

The teachers and administration have been extremely supportive in her education and special needs for dyslexia. The classical curriculum is providing her an understanding across all subjects that she is able to use each day. This knowledge is a gift that she will hold onto for the rest of her life. We definitely made the right decision by enrolling her in this amazing school.

The Martin Family, Great Hearts Online I AM A PARENT of a third grader at Great Hearts who began attending as a kindergartener. I have come to love the school more and more with each passing year. If you walk down one of our hallways, you will find students who are attentive to the words of their teachers and actively participating in discussions. It is an accelerated curriculum, but one that engages the whole person. Besides the core academics, poetry recitations (which you might be lucky enough to hear while driving in the car with them!), songs and music theory, virtue teachings, art and physical education abound.

Because of Great Hearts, I have a child who loves to learn and attend school and looks forward to the beginning of each new week. Great Hearts is truly a great-hearted school and is exactly where we want to be!

The Rogers Family, Great Hearts Irving

is intentional with everything they do as they strive to pursue truth, goodness and beauty throughout the school.

The Kalloway Family, Great Hearts Lakeside OUR FAMILY WAS WATCHING Great Hearts from afar and hoping they would come to North Texas. My husband and I had always desired a classical education for our children, and we certainly desired a different kind of culture for them to be a part of with their schooling. We have pinched ourselves over these last six years in amazement at the richness this opportunity has provided our children. The teachers carefully select all materials with the intention of knowing that each story, each day with our students, is an opportunity to win their hearts for virtue. They are challenged and formed well in every way. Being a part of the Great Hearts Community has been one of the great blessings in our life.

The Pantin Family, Great Hearts Irving THE REASON MY FAMILY chooses Great Hearts is the superior quality of education. Seven years ago, when we were looking for a school for our son, we looked at multiple public charter schools and Great Hearts stood above the rest. When my son entered kindergarten, we found that truth, beauty and goodness were more than words-they were embedded in all aspects of the curriculum. From learning phonograms, writing cursive, studying classical literature, engaging in seminars (group discussions), memorizing poetry, identifying and demonstrating virtues, to studying composers and great works of art, our family was in awe. The teachers are so committed to providing students with a high-quality education, that my children developed a strong love for learning. Because of Great Hearts, my children are confident scholars who can clearly express their thoughts and ideas with others, while always asking questions, learning and growing in truth, beauty and goodness.

The Nitschke Family, Great Hearts Western HIlls

Great Hearts Arlington

WE LOVE HOW Great Hearts WE WERE LOOKING for a school in celebrates learning, and we appreciate which the minds and hearts of our how it fosters well-rounded young info@greatheartsarlington.org • 817-260-0890 children were cultivated in virtue, men and women through the study reinforcing what we teach at home. of art, music, Latin, sports and club Our goal to provide our children offerings… all with loving discipline with the finest education and a that emphasizes reconciliation and moral formation seemed difficult to smart behavioral choices without achieve, unless we enrolled them in a shame. When we chose Great Hearts, private school. However, we learned we were already interested in a about Great Hearts and its liberal classical model of education for our arts curriculum, which includes cognitive, emotional, and moral education. three boys. The curriculum and emphasis on cultivating virtue sounded Ever since our children started their education at Great Hearts, we have too good to be true--especially as a tuition-free option! Our choice to send known that they are not only being well equipped with strong academic him could not have been more clear, and we have appreciated the rigor, skills, but also, that they are becoming virtuous persons who will stand for accountability, and traditions established at our Great Hearts academy. truth, beauty, and goodness.

The emphasis on virtues and on seeking “goodness, beauty and truth” is The Moreno Family, Great Hearts Irving compatible with our family’s faith and all that we are teaching at home.

We are grateful for a trusted educational partner as we parent our sons.

JUST SOME OF THE ASPECTS we love about Great Hearts are that The Smith Family, Great Hearts Northern Oaks they encourage movement and outdoor activities with two recesses a day for younger grades, while other elective classes often meet outside.

GREAT HEARTS IS A SPECIAL PLACE … a school like no other. Our My extremely active son’s favorite special is P.E.! We were drawn to the children have thrived academically since transferring to a Great Hearts curriculum at Great Hearts; our kindergartener understands the complex academy. They speak to each other in Latin when they don’t want their Spalding phonics method and it is incredible! Controversial topics are parents to understand them. When we travel, our children are able to not taught by teachers, but instead encouraged to be taught at home match what they see to what they have learned in class and tell what they by parents. We love that the scholars learn classical poems every week. know. People are continually impressed with our children’s knowledge My son likes to recite them with his 91-year-old great grandmother! about the world around them. Our family values are aligned with Great Many Great Hearts parents had told me that they felt like their child Hearts’ emphasis on love and wonder in seeking goodness, beauty, and was receiving a private school education without having to pay a high truth in what surrounds us … and that is why we choose Great Hearts. price. I wholeheartedly agree and have seen firsthand how Great Hearts The Nguyen Family, Great Hearts Irving

Now Enrolling Grades K-7 Apply Today! www.GreatHeartsArlington.org.

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2020-2021 HIGHLIGHTS

A school year to remember

Meet the members of the 2021 graduating class of the Texas Rangers Richard Greene Scholars

Louis Alexander from Arlington High School is going to Texas Wesleyan to study law, real estate and finance.

Kennedi Arceneaux from Bowie High School is going to the University of Houston with plans for a masters degree in sports medicine.

Siam Tungnung from Lamar High School will enroll at UT Arlington with plans to pursue a masters degree and become a physician’s assistant.

Christin Williams from Martin High School is going to Florida A&M University seeking a degree in architecture and will pursue a career as a licensed architect.

Servando Olvera from Sam Houston High School will enroll at UT Arlington seeking a degree in computer engineering with plans for a career with a tech corporation.

Ethan Syed from Seguin High School is enrolling at UT Austin and seeking a degree in computer engineering and planning a career as a machine learning engineer.

To accomplish designation as Texas Rangers Richard Greene scholars, the six students successfully completed the program’s internships serving in community, government, business, and non-profit organizations throughout their senior year.

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2020-2021 HIGHLIGHTS

A school year to remember Martin Robotics Team takes state title; seniors win six UIL trophies

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he Arlington Martin High School Robotics Team won the 2020 UIL 5A/6A Group 2 State Robotics Championship. The team won first place in Robot Performance, Virtual Exhibit, and Most Elegant Design. In addition, Martin won second place for Creative Design.

The team’s senior members qualified for every State Robotics Championship, the

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only team in Texas to accomplish this feat.

Along the way the seniors won six UIL trophies, including Top Robot twice and the state title this year.

Here is where the seniors will be going to college in the future: Isaac K - Texas A&M; Blake C - UT Arlington; Caleb C - UT Arlington; Leighton G - Xavier; Logan S Rice; Khoi N - Rice; Nicholas K - Carnegie

Photo courtesy of Lon Harper

Mellon; Benjamin K - UT Arlington; Selah J - Georgia State; and Stephen M (not pictured) - UT Arlington.

Nicholas and Logan also formed the Martin Science Team and won the school and district’s first UIL State Science Championship. They had the first and third best individual scores in the state. They are also National Merit Finalists.

2020-2021 HIGHLIGHTS

A school year to remember Mansfield Early College High School produces its first 55 graduates

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mong this year’s Mansfield ISD graduates were 55 students enrolled in the Mansfield Early College High School. In addition to engaging in college preparatory curriculum, each of the students provided 50 to 100 hours of community service (sometimes more) and, in turn, were rewarded with two years of college credit at a state school.

In 2016, eighth grade students living in the Mansfield ISD were invited to consider applying for this program,

primarily created as an option for achieving students who, facing a variety of obstacles, might not otherwise continue to college. There was a deadline for applying, administrators examined transcripts/standardized testing results, and their teachers were asked to Mansfield Early College High School provide recommendations students provided more than 50 hours of community service each.

– all the things that they would do if they were applying to regular college. The prospective 13-year-old students then each had to sit for an interview.

The 55 who finished the program received their Associates degree on May 15, and will receive their high school degree on June 1. During their time at the school they created the school’s logo, created and staffed every student council and extracurricular group, and still found a way to enjoy typical high school experiences.

Among the many success stories in the innovative program was Leah Bradley, who was elected senior class president, as well as head of the prom committee (during a pandemic, no less). Bradley has received a scholarship from and plans to attend the University of Texas.

Congratulations Raiford Proctor

and the Class of 2021 Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School.

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2020-2021 HIGHLIGHTS

A school year to remember ACA Souper Food Drive nets more than 5,000 cans to benefit Mission Arlington

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rlington Classic Academy’s Intermediate and Middle School Student Councils gathered 5,901 cans of food to help local families during the school’s annual canned food drive to benefit Mission Arlington.

The Souper Canned Food Drive provides an opportunity for ACA students to give back to their community and see the powerful impact of working together. Primary students collected 2,010 cans, intermediate students collected 3,017, and middle school students collected 874.

Justin Smith

Joshua Morton

Emily Meadows

Three Oakridge students earn special distinction

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hree members of The Oakridge School’s Class of 2021 earned special distinction from the College Board National Recognition Programs. Justin Smith is a 2020-2021 National African American Scholar, Joshua Morton is a 2020-2021 National Hispanic Scholar, and Emily Meadows is a 2020-2021 National Indigenous Scholar.

The program honors academically outstanding students from underrepresented communities each year who achieve a qualifying score on the PSAT/NMSQT for their region and maintain a cumulative junior year grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

Smith will continue his academic career at Claflin University in South Carolina, where he received the Presidential Scholars Scholarship. Meadows will head to Baylor University on a President’s Scholarship, and Morton plans to attend University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

Megan E. Bonner Class of 2021 Mansfield High School

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2020-2021 HIGHLIGHTS

A school year to remember 40 Futures Initiative helps AISD students prepare for exciting careers

S

tudents participating in the inaugural 40 Futures Initiative were honored at an awards program last month at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center, capping the first year of an innovative program for Arlington ISD students interested in pursuing hospitality services and culinary arts careers.

The initiative was conceived by the Travel & Sports Legacy Foundation and administered in a partnership with Rotary Club and Arlington ISD. It teamed students with

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coaches Nate and Callie Hearne, who are nationally known for their programs that teach at-risk youths how to strengthen character and build leadership skills.

“Any business can teach technical skills,” says TSLF President Peter Scott. “But in this program the students are able to learn soft skills they will need to get a job, or, even more ideally, launch a career.”

Scott says TSLF Executive Director Mary Travel & Sports Legacy Foundation principals, students involved German was in the inaugural 40 Futures Initiative and their coaches instrumental in getting the 40 Futures Initiative off the ground. From there, it went into the classroom at Dan Dipert CTC, where the students met with the Hearnes regularly.

“In the early going, a lot of the students were really shy,” Scott says. “In just a few months, they were bubbly and well spoken. They went from zero to 60 in one semester.”

German and Scott now plan to take the 40 Futures Initiative to a national level. Scott says a number of Texas educators have inquired about how to start similar programs.

#teamRJ Congratulations to this Special Class of 2021 Seniors

arlingtontoday.com • June 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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2020-2021 HIGHLIGHTS

A school year to remember

The 2021 Senior Class at St. Paul’s Preparatory Academy received more than $2.8 million dollars in scholarships.

At the close of the school year, students at St. Joseph Catholic School sent thank you notes to their outgoing pastor, Father Daniel Kelley, who served the parish faithfully for a dozen years. He is transferring to St. Jude Catholic Parish in Mansfield.

Bailey Woodard who graduated Magna Cum Laude from Fordham University at Rose Hill this past month with a degree in

Film and Television!

We can’t wait to what’s next for her career. see what 36

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

Myles Akwar

Ashton Wood

Sheldon Anisabel Dominick Madison Christopher Hannah Gonzales Chaparro Dunn Cannon Wallace Erdman St. Paul’s Class of 2021 graduates were accepted by 67 colleges and universities for a combined total of $2.9 million in scholarships.

St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Est. 1954

PreK-8 Grade

Awarded the 2020 People's Choice Award

Congratulations!

8th Grade Graduating Class of 2021 Our Newest SMGCS Alumni

St. Maria Goretti Catholic school is a living testament to our Lord’s work in His youngest disciples, exemplified by academic excellence, spiritual formation, and compassionate service to others.

Total Enrollment: 212 Students Student/Faculty Ratio: 14:1 Accreditation and Affiliations:

Accredited through the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Education Department (TCCBED); Member of Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE); Member of the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA).

Academic Achievements:

Graduates go on to achieve great success at Nolan Catholic High School and at other area preparatory and public high schools. Graduates are awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in college scholarships each year.

1200 South Davis Drive Arlington, TX 76013 817-275-5081 * smgschool.org

Now Enrolling for Fall 2021-2022 School Year arlingtontoday.com • June 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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2020-2021 HIGHLIGHTS

A school year to remember

The St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Trojan Trot Fun Run certainly lived up to its name. What’s more, the event raised funds for tuition assistance, allowing the school to continue to make possible a Catholic education for all who desire one for their children.

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Nolan’s IDEA building earns education architecture award

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olan Catholic High School’s IDEA (Integrated Design, Engineering, and Arts) building recently received Learning

By Design’s Education Architecture Award.

The facility provides collaborative intersections for robotics, art, digital media, and broadcast production programs, and community hub.

Offering incredible views of the campus, the wood roof deck provides a deep overhang for a large facade of expansive glazing, bringing natural light deep into the instructional spaces.

The roof terrace and patios also open up to Friday night football spectators while fans below can view innovation on display in the maker spaces and studios. The robotics arena includes tiered seating and multi-media infrastructure that allows for use as a dance and theatre venue and facilitates visiting lecturers and community meetings.

For more: bit.ly/3fX3d29

Congratulations to our wonderful teachers for their stellar work during a most-interesting school year!

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•

UTA TODAY

GREEN IS GOLD

Photo: UTA

goals of gender equality, industry, innovation, infrastructure and reduced inequalities influenced this year’s ranking. She cited the University’s opportunities for women, enrollment of first-generation students, research income and thriving cross-sector partnerships with corporations and nonprofits, saying they demonstrate UTA is ranked tops in the state and UTA’s capacity to foster a among the nation’s best for its efforts sustainable environment. toward sustainability • Linsey Retcofsky Tare credits the work of UTA’s regional center he University of Texas at Arlington ranked first in Texas of expertise, RCE of North Texas, as a major contributor to the and among the top American colleges and universities in University’s success. two international measures for sustainability, according to “Through RCE of North Texas, we partner with the public and the 2021 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. private sectors to address how North Texas will confront the The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings assess a environmental, social and economic challenges of the region in university’s progress toward the United Nations’ Sustainable terms of growth and the increasing population,” Tare says.

Development Goals, 17 global initiatives that encompass RCE of North Texas is part of a global network of organizations education, human rights, public health, community development that aim to empower and motivate their communities to increase and economic growth. sustainable development. Through the center, UTA collaborates UTA ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide in two of with businesses, community associations, and regional, state and those areas: federal agencies to deliver innovative and engaging education • Sustainable Cities and Communities, which highlights efforts to initiatives to 16 counties in the state. “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and “Sustainability begins with quality education,” Tare says. sustainable.”

“UTA and its partners are transforming North Texas through • Partnerships for the Goals, which encompasses efforts to improved access to teaching and learning resources that will “strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the inspire individuals to engage complex systems and solve global global partnership for sustainable development.” challenges.”

Meghna Tare, chief sustainability officer for UTA’s Institute for This is the third year the Times Higher Education Impact Sustainability and Global Impact, says the ranking recognizes Rankings have been calculated. They are the only global the strength of UTA’s diverse sustainability initiatives and performance tables that assess universities against the United partnerships in North Texas.

Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The ranking system “We work with more than 70 organizations in the state provides comprehensive and balanced comparisons across three to address how our population uses, conserves and renews broad areas: research, outreach and stewardship. UTA’s ranking resources,” Tare says. “Our leadership in the region is clear. I is based on scores for the categories of good health and wellam thrilled for UTA to be ranked among the nation’s pioneers of being, quality education, gender equality, industry, innovation sustainable development.” and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and Tare says she believes the University’s contributions to the communities, and partnership for the goals.

T

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BEHIND THE WHEELS

EXTRAORDINARY THEN AND NOW • By Richard Greene

Bob Sherwood’s ‘55 Chevy Bel Air convertible was, is, and always will be a classic Photos: Richard Greene

Mike Ames stands with his 1934 Cadillac, which is the mostcelebrated vehicle among a collection of classic cars that features models from every decade of the past century.

Photos: Richard Greene

C

adillac Motor Division produced, mostly by hand, only six of these in 1934, and this is the only known survivor of the massive two-passenger coupe that looked the Great Depression in the eye and didn’t blink.

This is Mike Ames’ first acquisition that stands today among his collection of remarkable classic cars from every decade of the last century. It remains his most celebrated, having won the 2002 Best in Class Trophy at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – the flagship event considered the world’s premier celebration of the automobile.

Mike explains, as he gently draws his hand along the expanse of its stainless trim, the one-of-a-kind pedigree, “Powered by a 353-cubic-inch, V-8 engine delivering 120

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horsepower, car industry styling and engineering took a giant leap toward streamlining shifting from the upright, carriagebased platform to smooth deco design, providing better aerodynamics, space utilization and mechanics without being jarring or strange.”

I’m always interested in how owners of the cars featured on these pages every month obtained their vehicles. While some of them are true “barn finds,” Mike discovered his in 2000 on the fifth floor of a downtown San Francisco parking garage, where it had been stored for several years.

“The only way down was a freight elevator that measured 20 feet deep,” Mike recalls. “The big coupe fit with only a couple of inches to spare, and the lowering mechanism

This classic is powered by a 353-cubic-inch engine and features state-of-the-industry craftsmanship both outside and throughout its interior. What makes it a collector’s dream, however, is the fact that it is one of only six such vehicles produced by Cadillac in 1934.

arlingtontoday.com • June 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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creaked and groaned until safely landing at street level. “An outdoor inspection revealed an incredible find: old and dirty with serious age on the paint and chrome, but a perfectly straight example with everything intact – a survivor that had journeyed only 20,528 miles over its lifetime.”

Mike went to work in his garage to restore the masterpiece, a process that included repainting and a mechanical rebuild where required. All the interior fabrics, carpet, dash, and fitments are original. In addition to being recognized for its pristine originality by the Pebble Beach judges, the Classic Car Club of America made Mike’s Cadillac its National First Place winner by giving it a score of 99.75 points out of 100.

The overall length of the car is remarkable even by today’s standards. It’s nearly 19 feet, 6 inches long – some 15 inches longer than Mike’s modern Suburban used to tow it.

Another interesting feature is the set of front and rear streamlined “biplane” bumpers.

While stylish, they lacked strength, and Cadillac didn’t use them again – something else that adds to the uniqueness of this model.

To emphasize Cadillac’s risk of producing this degree of luxury in those depression years, this car was sold new in Peoria, Il for almost $4,600 in 1934 – the equivalent of seven Chevrolet Master Coupes of the day.

Never shying away from the challenge in a struggling economy, Cadillac’s sales message as reported by oldcarsweekly.com, went like this: “Cadillac’s leadership through its affiliations with General Motors has been pioneering developments that have contributed most to the real progress of the automobile industry.

“In all Cadillac’s history, value has never been so evident and pronounced as in these new 1934 cars. At their new prices Cadillac offers the finest and most luxurious and modernized transportation. These new prices will open up broader markets for Cadillac.”

Mike’s expression today takes the description ever higher: “Owning this historic car makes me fortunate, indeed. To many observers this is an old car. It is more than that. It is a reflection of the times.

“It is a product of men with a passion for art and engineering. And it was created at a point in history before regulations and computers. It must have been a great personal reward for the designers to see the result of their work on the road.

“Big, bold, beautiful and brimming with the technology of the day, this car is a product of a marque with guts and standards. In fact, the standard of the world.”

Indeed. Like the headline says, soon to mark its 90th anniversary, this classic is as extraordinary now as it was then.

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It is little wonder why Mike Ames’ treasured automobile won the 2002 Best in Class Trophy at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

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HISTORY

REMEMBERING HEROES

The new Arlington World War II Memorial helps the city pay homage to our local warriors

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ommunity members gathered Downtown last month for the dedication of the Arlington World War II Memorial.

The bronze and granite memorial, dedicated by the City of Arlington and the Arlington Historical Society, is located in the City Center Plaza between City Hall and the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library.

One monument lists the names of 50 Arlington men who lost their lives on battlefields across Europe, North Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands between 1941 and 1945. Another monument outlines the contributions of more than 5,000 students, alumni and faculty members of North Texas Agricultural College, now the University of Texas at Arlington, who answered the nation’s call to arms during the war.

“We can never repay what these 50 young men did for their country – for us,” said Arlington resident Clete McAlister, who served as emcee in Saturday’s dedication. “As Ronald Reagan said, ‘all we can do is remember.’ The important role of NTAC (UTA) during the war also must be remembered.”

Arlington Historical Society member Wanda Marshall and former resident Richard Aghamalian, along with other community members, have been working steadfastly since at least 2005 to make the public memorial a reality. The two new monuments, created by Worthington Monuments, surround artist Paul Tadlock’s statue of Col. Neel Kearby, the only World War II Medal of Honor recipient from Arlington.

“It is my hope that monuments such as these be a constant reminder of the toll a war inflicts on humanity,” said Geraldine Mills, Arlington Historical Society executive director.

The memorial was paid in part by a $16,500 grant from the City’s Historic Preservation Fund. Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams issued a proclamation at the event, saying the monuments “represent a long overdue and heartfelt tribute to our World War II generation and their priceless gift of freedom.”

Arlington city limits in the 1940s did not extend much beyond the intersection of Main and Center streets, which was the center of public life and the place of important public gatherings, McAlister said.

That, he added, makes City Center Plaza a fitting choice for the public memorial. The plaza is in sight of the City’s former train station depot, the place where most of Arlington’s men left for war and the place where either they – or their bodies – returned home.

“For more than 60 years, no one other than the families and

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This monument, which is part of the new Arlington World War II Memorial, pays tribute to Col. Neel Kearby, the only WW II Medal of Honor recipient from Arlington.

Photo: Southern Flair Photography

friends of these young men knew of their enormous sacrifice for our country – for us,” McAlister said. “These physical objects remind us that their lives, although shortened, were important and should be remembered.”

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LOCAL DWELLINGS

I HOME SWEET! HOME This secluded oasis is spacious, comfortable and, well, just homey!

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ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

f you head west almost precisely to the point where Arlington bumps into Fort Worth you’ll find this glorious oasis located on a quiet street – and discover that it has been designed for both gracious entertaining and comfortable living. Listed by Carolyn Casselberry and Mary Ann Heugatter of The Casselberry-Heugatter Group of Ebby Halliday, Realtors, this 4,225-square foot dwelling features spacious rooms, abundant storage and built-in cabinetry throughout.

The two-level, four-bedroom, four-bathroom home features a chef’s kitchen with all the trappings, including granite, a large pantry, a subzero fridge, an island, a desk (yes, a desk!) and a breakfast bar. The impressive main living area offers tranquil views, and the second living area is the epitome of comfort with a wet bar, built-ins, a full bath and access to the backyard patio and pool.

The private Master suite boasts a fireplace, a sitting area, an adjacent study, and a balcony overlooking lush grounds that include a large covered patio and pool.

For more information about the home, contact Carolyn Casselberry (817-235-1511) or Mary Ann Heugatter (817-929-3317).

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•

DIA DEL DAD

A FATHER’S

MEMORY Mayors can be dads, too, and our Mayor has a special recollection of an important Father’s Day in his life

B

eing a Father is very rewarding, but it is not without stress. Our family was attending a large high school graduation party A proud dad and his family, circa 2014 for several seniors, including one of my daughters.

Many Arlington families were attending. We had several activities going on, including a volleyball game, ping pong, and cornhole. The junior high boys were playing in the swimming pool, including my son, Ryan. While playing in the pool, Ryan hit his head on the bottom of the pool, was rushed to the hospital, and had to have 100 stitches. The doctor told us that Ryan would not be able to play sports for one year, which included his favorite sport of baseball. Ryan was very disappointed. He had been playing select baseball year-round, with the goal of playing baseball at Martin High School. With being out of baseball for a year, it would be almost impossible to make the high school team. Our entire family and I were very sad for Ryan. The next month was very hard, and we all shed a few tears. We spent a lot of time praying for healing and overcoming this adversity.

Then on Fathers Day weekend, our prayers were answered!

Ryan came to me and asked if he could play golf. We checked with the doctor and he said yes! I was so excited for Ryan and very proud of him for finding a new path for success. He worked hard the next couple of years and made the Martin High School Golf team and later became Captain of the team. He met some fine young people on the Martin men and women’s golf teams that became valuable and lifelong friends. He also had some great coaches that taught him about life, not just golf. One of those coaches was Coach Max Spencer, who encouraged Ryan and continues to do so.

It was a dream come true for me as his Father. Ryan overcame adversity and found a sport that he loved. In addition, we got to spend a lot of Father/Son time. Ryan and I both enjoyed golf – playing together and spending many nights hitting balls at the driving range at Tierra Verde. Golf continues to provide great Father/son time for us and we now have a great foursome with the addition of my two sons-in-law. As a father, there is no greater feeling, than to see your kids succeed and especially when they overcome adversity.

And, yes, I am proud of my son Ryan!

– Jeff Williams

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It's back!

After a year off due to the pandemic, Arlington's oldest, longest-running event – The Independence Day Parade – returns to the downtown streets at 9 a.m. on July 5th (yes, July 5th). www.arlington4th.org

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GOIN’ DOWNTOWN

SEE HOW OUR LIGHTS SHINE Illuminated sculptures are the newest feature welcoming visitors to Downtown Arlington

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t four stories tall and equipped to create a spectacular light show at night, Downtown Arlington’s latest public art addition, Flamme d’ Illuminacion, is hard to miss.

The City selected artist Michelle O’Michael of Houston to create the iconic sculptures as part of the transformative Abram Street Rebuild through Downtown. The four towering woven steel sculptures stand between City Hall and Levitt Pavilion Arlington and welcome people as they arrive Downtown. At night, the silver towers are illuminated by programmable LED lights that can remain static, color sweep or flicker like flames and Michelle O’Michael created Flamme d’ Illumiacion in whose colors can be changed a rented industrial fabrication space because they for holidays or special events. were too big to craft in her Houston studio.

O’Michael says she created the sculptures to add to the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere in the newly renovated public plaza near Founders Plaza, which hosts concerts, festivals, and other community gatherings.

“What I was working toward with the towers was for them to be cohesive with what was there and to stand out at the same time,” she says. “If you sit there and look at them in the daytime, from different viewpoints, all the crossing points line up to form X’s, at some points, you can see swirls, and from other vantages they look like infinity signs. They have a presence and there is an element of intrigue.”

O’Michael affectionately refers to the four towers of Flamme d’ Illuminacion as the daughters to a smaller, 12-foot lighted sculpture she created years ago that is known as Flame d’ Espoire. The scale of the four towers presented some new challenges for the Texas artist, who had to rent an industrial fabrication space instead of using her Houston studio. The project took just over a year to complete, due to delays related to the coronavirus pandemic, she said.

At 40 feet and three and a half tons each, Arlington’s lighted towers may be the largest woven steel sculptures, she says. The programmable LED lights mean that each tower can feature its own color patterns that flicker, sweep, rotate, blend and twirl.

“I think that they are really going to be a huge draw. You can bring your picnic and sit in the park at night and be with the lights. It’s peaceful and meditative,” O’Michael says. “I want people to have some beauty and place of comfort and a pleasant thing to look at.”

The public art, the open lawn area and the new pedestrian amenities all contribute to an inviting community space that will draw people Downtown year-round.

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Photos: City of Arlington

At 40 feet and three and a half tons each, Arlington’s lighted towers may be the largest woven steel sculptures. The programmable LED lights mean that each tower can feature its own color patterns that flicker, sweep, rotate, blend and twirl.

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MAINLY MANSFIELD

THE CIRCUS IS COMING!

The LOT Downtown in Mansfield promises to have something for everyone this month

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fter roughly a year-long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mansfield’s The LOT Downtown will kick off its 2021 season this month “under the big top” when it presents acts from the Lone Star Circus.

The show begins at 7 p.m. on June 5 at the popular outdoor venue, located at 110 S. Main St. As soon as attendees arrive, they will be able to smell the popcorn, feel the applause and experience all manner of “oohs” and “ahhs” as they witness a show that only Lone Star Circus can provide.

The performance will feature twist contortionists, electrifying juggling, graceful aerobatics and more. This event is a special kickoff FUNdraising event for The LOT Downtown’s 2021 season, so while tickets are free, attendees are encouraged to donate at the venue to help fund future entertainment for the residents of Mansfield and the North Texas area.

The Lone Star Circus performance is one of three entertaining activities on tap this month at The LOT Downtown. At 5 p.m. on June 11, there will be 2021’s first “Nite Flix Movie Night, featuring a presentation of the movie “Sing,” an animated film voiced by Reese Witherspoon, Seth McFarlane and Scarlett Johansson (among others).

Visitors are encouraged to bring your blankets and The LOT Downtown in Mansfield will present acts from the Lone chairs – and, even, to make a Star Circus on June 5 to kick off its 2021 spring/summer/fall night of it by visiting nearby season.

Downtown Mansfield’s restaurants prior to the show.

Finally, on June 12-13, The LOT Downtown will present the Downtown Jazz & Blues Festival, featuring the smooth sounds of Michael Lee, Retrophonics and Kirk Thurmond under the big sky. The festival will begin at 6:30 p.m. on June 12 and conclude at 10:30 p.m. on June 13.

For more: thelotdowntown.com

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Photo: The LOT Downtown

arlingtontoday.com • June 2021 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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PICTURE-PERFECT MOMENTS

Scene

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

Grand Prairie’s “The Big Event”

Photo: City of Grand Prairie

Big Event chairwoman Jorja Clemson, Mayor Ron Jensen and Deputy City Manager Cheryl DeLeon wish volunteers a great day at their Big Event jobs in Grand Prairie.

Opening night at The Levitt

Photo courtesy of John Hibbs

Photo: Levitt Pavilion Arlington

This was the scene during last month’s opening night at Levitt Pavilion Arlington that featured a concert by Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights. After a piecemeal virtual/live schedule last year due to the pandemic, the Levitt is presenting a regular summer/fall schedule again.

City Council members are sworn in

Photos: City of Arlington

Surrounded by family and friends, District 4 City Council Representative Andrew Piel, District 8 Representative Dr. Barbara Odom-Wesley and newly elected District 5 Representative Rebecca Boxall were sworn in during the May 18, 2021, evening council meeting.

UTA opens a vaccination site

Photos: UTA

University of Texas at Arlington students Vincent Dallaire and Catherine Soto were among the first to receive their shots when the university opened a COVID vaccination site in UTA’s Physical Education Building at 801 W. Greek Row Drive last month.

Chanell Taylor honored by ACVB

Photo: visitarlington.com

Chanell Taylor, sales and catering manager for the Hilton Garden Inn Arlington, was presented the 2021 WOW Award by the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Photos: Prince Lebanese Grill Photos: AWARE Photo: City of Arlington Foundation

Councilman Raul Gonzalez and Mayor Jeff Williams present a Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month proclamation to Joel Beal.

Happy birthday, Arlington Steak House

Photo: City of Arlington

Last month, Jambo’s BBQ hosted a birthday party for the 90-year-old Arlington Steak House.

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BUSINESS BEAT

DERRICK KINNEY TAKES A NEW CAREER PATH

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errick Kinney is changing the conversation about money. In 2020, after 25 years of leadership within his successful private wealth firm, Derrick sold his business to go all in on his new mission: money is not bad — and good people should have more of it. Good money in the hands of good people gets good work done.

Most people say they’ll start doing good with their money once they retire.

But Kinney asks, “What if there was a way you could make more money and impact the world right now?” That’s why Derrick created the simple, yet powerful 7 step Good Money Framework so people could put meaning behind their money so they can make an impact on the world.

“Making money is nice, but it doesn’t satisfy,” said Kinney. “It’s when you both make more money AND support the causes you believe in or help right the wrongs you see around you – that leads to lasting fulfillment.”

Derrick Kinney Several years ago, a client came into Derrick’s office. Derrick could immediately tell something was wrong. The client explained that he wasn’t giving his all to the business. He felt like he was just drifting along. Then Derrick asked him a question that took him by surprise: “Are there any causes that you care deeply about?” The client paused, then said, “On our last family vacation, the country we went to needed a school built to provide education for the kids, and my wife and I thought it would be cool to meet that need.”

Derrick offered a simple proposal. He suggested the client set a goal to increase business, then take half the gains and donate it to the school. “So it’s purposeful,” Kinney said. “You make more money so you can give more money to the school.” Six months later, the client came back feeling rejuvenated. “Derrick, my business is great. We’re up 20%, and we’ve funded half the school.” Kinney and the client shared an emotional moment. “It’s magical when profit and purpose intersect,” said Kinney.

“Don’t die before you’re dead,” Kinney says. “This framework can help you be the hero that makes a lasting impact on your family and the world around you.

The world’s top business professionals and leaders agree — including Matthew McConaughey and Daymond John, whom Derrick has interviewed on his popular Good Money podcast, which has landed on the Apple Top Podcasts List.

Helping make complex financial topics easy to understand, Derrick is a regular on local and national media, where he has been featured on FOX News, CNN, PBS, and CNBC. “You deserve to have the tools to earn more, save more, and give more money,” states Kinney. “It’s a great feeling to know you are making Arlington and the world a better place.”

Join the Good Money Community at GoodMoneyFramework.com and connect with Derrick on Instagram @DerrickTKinney.

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Image courtesy of The Rio Agency

HOTEL WILL BE THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN ARLINGTON

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ype Six Design & Development has received approval from the City of Arlington to create a new, four-story, 87-room nature-inspired, “urban resort” along the banks of the Trinity River in north Arlington. Considered the first boutique hotel of its kind with a golf driving range, the 29-acre RiverPark Arlington brings nature and active living together as a unique upscale hospitality and entertainment experience – available to both guests and the community.

The hotel project is owned and operated by Galante Hospitality Group, led by Mauricio Galante.

“The Riverpark Arlington is an opportunity for Type Six to create a truly, much needed experience for both residents and visitors to Arlington,” says James Lusty, Type Six Design and Development Co-Founder. “The goal was to create a ‘quick retreat’ – an active, sports-driven oasis in the middle of the city that serves as a respite in the middle of DFW. We’re proud of what our team has accomplished and we’re even more excited to see this one-of-a-kind resort come to fruition in DFW.” Designed as a destination for those seeking active outdoor living experiences like golf and tennis, the RiverPark Arlington concept developed by Type Six Design and Development offers many more elements than a traditional hotel.

The design includes a state-of-the-art golf driving range powered with TopTracer

by TopGolf technology with climate controlled bays and private suites, miniature golf course, and the first Tennis Center in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex outfitted with Playsight ™ Smart Courts.

The outdoor sporting features are in addition to the 3,000-square-foot gastropub with indoor/outdoor seating leading to the outdoor infinity-edge resort pool, sports recovery spa, 5,000 square feet of meeting space overlooking the driving range that comprises the nature and sports-inspired hotel complex.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with the team at Type Six to bring the RiverPark Arlington from an idea, to paper and now a reality,” said Mauricio Galante, RiverPark Arlington CEO. “Our close proximity to the Entertainment District and the DFW Airport gives the city’s guests and its residents an unrivaled experience that is perfectly suited for the Arlington experience.”

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NEWS & NOTES

Bulletin Board Arlington Economic Development Corp. launches a search for initial director

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he Arlington Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) is conducting a national search for its first executive director, who will be tasked with developing and executing a plan to attract new investment and higher-paying jobs to the City of Arlington while supporting existing local businesses within the growing and diverse community.

Arlington’s new Economic Development Corporation, funded by a quarter-cent sales tax approved by voters last November, is the highest funded economic development corporation in the state of Texas.

The mission of this nonprofit organization is to help the City of Arlington, centrally located in one of the fastest growing regions in the country, become even more competitive in the world of business recruitment.

The newly formed AEDC board, appointed by the Arlington City Council last December, is working to staff the organization this year. The board has partnered with The PACE Group, a leading economic development executive search firm, to conduct a national search for the AEDC’s first executive director.

“The need for a well-funded and expertly staffed economic development corporation has been discussed in our community for years,” AEDC Board President Michael Jacobson says. “We are committed to finding and selecting the best fit to lead this organization and believe that a national search is the best way to go about filling the role. The selection committee is excited to review and interview candidates over the next several months and we have a high confidence in this process.”

In addition to recruiting new employers and industry to the city, the new executive director will also play a major role in the community, working with business leaders, elected officials and other organizations to increase economic opportunities for local businesses and residents. The AEDC will also provide confidential site selection assistance to businesses considering Arlington — the 46th largest city in the country and a hotbed for innovation—for expansion and new investment.

“Arlington is a community with excellent assets, from our great neighborhoods, awardwinning park system and desirable schools to our proximity to a network of interstate highways and a major airport. It is a tremendous place to locate business,” City Manager Trey Yelverton says. “I look forward to working with AEDC’s new executive director to amplify our message about the many strengths of this city to businesses both nationally and internationally.”

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KINDNESS Caring neighbors pick the ideal time to help others

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ind gestures are never ill-timed, but what Jennifer (Jiffy) Miller and her grandsons Luke and Grey did – organizing and implementing a food drive just before this winter’s freeze – was particularly significant.

On Feb. 13, they completed a food drive in Wimbledon and adjoining neighborhoods. Miller, a long time resident of Wimbledon, put out 700 flyers a week ahead, notifying that the pickup would be scheduled for that following Saturday.

Luckily, it was just before the big freeze.

Jennifer, Luke, Grey and several neighbors spread the word, and with the generous donations of several neighborhoods, more than 2,500 meals for people in need were received, assisting some 500 families.

The head of the food pantry at Rush Creek Church on Green Oaks said that they had received donations in the past but noted that this offering was one of the largest they had ever received – and it came at a perfect time.

Affiliated Bank, N.A., changes its name to Susser Bank

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Boyd

UTA basketball teams add/promote coaches for next season

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oth University of Texas at Arlington basketball teams enhanced their coaching staffs last month. Arlington native Dwight Thorne II was named the new men’s basketball assistant coach, and KaeLynn Boyd, who spent last season as a graduate assistant for the women’s basketball program, was promoted to Director of Basketball Operations for the upcoming 2021-22 season.

A standout at Arlington Martin High School from 2002-06, Thorne has spent the past five years as a member of the Denver men’s basketball staff, including the last two as an assistant coach. Prior to his time with the Summit League member, Thorne II served as a graduate assistant with Georgia Tech for the 2015-16 season.

Boyd replaces Dee Davis, who was recently named the girls basketball head coach at her alma mater Princeton High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. Before coming to UTA, Boyd served as an Assistant Coach at Jacksonville Junior College (2019-20) in Jacksonville, Texas and ArkansasFort Smith (2018-19). She also led the St. Helena High School program from 2016-18, where she led the team to its first playoff season in decades.

exas-based Affiliated Bank, N.A., which has a full-service branch in Arlington at 2326 W. Pleasant Ridge Road and a loan production location at 3030 Matlock Road, has changed its name to Susser Bank to better reflect its ambitious growth strategy.

Since 2018, the Bank has operated under the ownership and direction of Susser Banc Holdings Corporation, led by fifth-generation Texas entrepreneur Sam L. Susser. Susser Bank will cater to business leaders who seek timely, personalized support from a responsive banking team.

“Texans deserve a long-term, collaborative partner that has their best interests at heart,” says Chairman Sam L. Susser. “Our personalized, transparent approach is dedicated to serving entrepreneurs, professionals, and privately-held companies. Our single-minded purpose is to create outstanding financial solutions that benefit our clients, team members and the communities where we operate.”

A diversified bank with robust capital, liquidity and leading-edge technology, Susser Bank creates positive experiences for customers and team members while offering a full suite of personal and commercial banking solutions.

While the name change legally went into effect Dec. 31, 2020, Susser Bank recently introduced a new logo, website, social media updates and core marketing materials. For more: susserbank.com

Library’s Summer Reading Challenge to begin this month and run through July 31

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he Arlington Public Library Summer Reading Challenge will take place from June 1-July 31 at all library locations. Each week will feature manageable but fun goals, designed by librarians specifically for each age group. Participants can read a book, try a literacy activity, make a craft, interact with family and friends, and more.

Children can complete any four boxes in a row on the Kids Challenge card. When they get four in a row, they can visit the nearest library location to get a book prize. Teens can complete any four boxes in a row on the Teen Challenge card. When they get four in a row, they can drop the card off and be entered for the weekly prize drawing. Adults, too, can participate. Every time you read one book or attend one program (virtually or in-person), submit an entry form online to be entered into a weekly drawing for a gift pack.

For more: arlingtonlibrary.org/src

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NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR MUSEUM

Texas already has some MOH treasures

Fort Chadbourne near Bronte, Texas, is home to thousands of artifacts that highlight stories of National Medal of Honor recipients.

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etc. Boehm observed Natalie Beaumont, the daughter of Eugene cross America there are many regional Medal of Honor (a MOH recipient) and Margaret Beaumont, at play near the (MOH) exhibits, memorials and museums. Many of them parade field at the fort, which was also a grazing ground for have remarkable artifacts associated with the MOH. buffalo. Suddenly the buffalo stampeded toward the 4-yearOne of the strengths of the National Medal of Honor Museum old Natalie. As her horrified mother looked on, Peter Boehm in Arlington is the magnetic effect it will have on the regional immediately sped to the rescue of the girl, grabbing her and exhibits. It will expand tremendously the visibility of their climbing a tree as the buffalo raced by. Here we have a MOH treasures, as well as sharing the knowledge of curators and recipient rescuing the daughter of another MOH recipient. other experts of the various missions of the museums.

Later a nearby mountain would be named after Margaret, the One of the more remarkable and colorful of these regional wife of a MOH recipient. museums is at Fort Chadbourne near Bronte, Texas. This The museum is brimming with artifacts from the more museum and its curator, Ann Pate, will be a great resource for than 500,000 recovered on site. It is home to the only restored the National museum in Arlington as it is for the state of Texas.

Butterfield Stage Stop in Texas. Many great Texans served at the It is also a treasure chest of MOH memorabilia. fort, including Captain Thomas Frost of Frost Banks. The fort’s Fort Chadbourne was founded in 1852 as one of a series beautiful Gold Star Monument was of military safe havens to protect the dedicated by Woody Williams, a MOH westward immigration of America’s survivor of Iwo Jima. settlers. Soldiers from the Fort served General Visitors are enthralled with tales of on both sides of the Civil War and were Patrick Brady the wild west, including the amazing involved in every aspect of the wild Pvt. Matlock, who staggered into the west from Indian fights to gun fights. dispensary looking like a human The fort closed in 1867 and fell into ONE OF THE strengths of porcupine. He had been impaled by ruin until it fell into the loving arms of the NMOH Museum is the 13 arrows. And he survived! The fact eight generations of the Odom/Richards that the Native Americans caught him family, which began its restoration in magnetic effect it will have on “in his cups” may have contributed to 2001. The tale of its restoration is one of the regional exhibits. his survival. There is the tale of a horse engineering and architectural genius race between the cowboys and Native Americans where both and determination that defines the heroic. sides thought they had a ringer. Guess who won? And a group Visitors today will see an extraordinary gun collection of Native Americans who amazingly rode into the fort wearing featuring weapons used by five Medal of Honor recipients, items taken from two privates they had murdered and mutilated. including double-recipient Frank Baldwin, surely one of our The murdered and their murderers are buried together at the fort. nation’s greatest soldiers. It has a rifle belonging to Chief Gall, And on and on, one exciting adventure after another. adopted son of Sitting Bull, used in the massacre of Custer and The historic site of Fort Chadbourne encompasses all that his men at the Little Big Horn.

Texas history has to offer: military, ranching, Texas trails, Texas There is an impressive sword once owned by Peter Boehm, Rangers, Native Americans and so much more. It is a great one of six Medal of Honor recipients who served at the Fort. testament to the incomparable state of Texas, a remarkable Boehm may have been involved in one of the more interesting Texas family and sheer Texas determination. I look forward to tidbits concerning recipients. We have recipients who rescued the day when the treasures of this museum will be available in each other, recipients who killed each other, a recipient killed Arlington.

by Wild Bill Hickok, father son recipients, brother recipients, General Patrick Brady earned the Medal of Honor for actions in Vietnam, where he flew over 2,500 combat missions and rescued more than 5,000 wounded men, women, children, enemy as well as friendly. His column about The National Medal of Honor Museum, which is being constructed in Arlington, runs quarterly.

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Arlington Urban Ministries invites you to join us for a big screen debut! It will be an unforgettable evening filled with gourmet food, entertainment and sociallydistanced in-your-car fun!

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ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

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DINING GUIDE

Keen Cuisine UPSCALE

Chamas do Brazil

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

Cut & Bourbon

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

Candlelite Inn

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 68

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SPEAKING OF SPORTS Adolis Garcia has the makings of a superstar.

Your Texas Rangers might have something special here

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Photo: theathletic.com

something.” Still, at the end of spring training he got bad news. He he letters D-F-A can mean very different things in different was not DFA’d, but he was to start his season at the alternate sight industries. It could be a lovely group of hard working people and then in the minor leagues. who provide a staple of life, The Dairy Farmers of America.

When Ronald Guzman got hurt the door opened for Garcia. He Those letters could make your head spin if they refer to the abstract did not just walk through the door, he busted the door off its hinges. mathematical concept called Deterministic Finite Automaton.

Perhaps he was just following in the footsteps of one of his best Apparently it is often implemented in hardware and software. friends. You see, his roommate in the Cardinals organization was Or, if you are a baseball player, those letters when strung together fellow Cuban Randy Arozarena. After Arozarena was traded from will make you sad. They stand for designated for assignment. the Cardinals to the Rays, all he did was set the MLB record for home Basically you have been cut and just hope another team is interested runs in a single postseason with 10. “I was surprised when he was in you. If not, then you are often sent back to the minor leagues. traded away,” Garcia told MLB Network. “But I was motivated to Such was the case with Adolis Garcia. He was DFA’d twice! have the same kind of success that he had.”

Surprising for a guy who was a rising star on the Cuban National Garcia’s first couple of weeks were downright mythological. I Team. He defected in 2016 and landed in St. Louis. In 21 games for cannot swear that he didn’t grab a piece of wood from that broken the Cards he hit just .118. So on Dec. 18, 2019 he was designated for door frame, fashion a bat out of it and use assignment. said bat to assault major league pitching.

Just three days later he was traded During his first two weeks in the big to your Texas Rangers for cash leagues Garcia hit three go-ahead home considerations. The Cardinals got runs, he robbed Shohei Ohtani of a home something in exchange for him, and the John Rhadigan run and used his cannon of a right arm Rangers got a player they hoped would live to gun down a would-be go-ahead run at up to the potential he had shown on the the plate.

Cuban National Team.

AS WITH some of the great He has done it all with a confidence and A month later he was at a mini-camp with hitters, the ball sounds different a swagger that has captured the attention the Rangers, and he was hitting lasers all coming off the bat of the of Major League Baseball. He flips his bat, over the yard. Manager Chris Woodward he celebrates while he rounds the bases was impressed with what he saw and heard.

Rangers’ talented rookie. and he shares all of that emotion with his As with some of the great hitters, the ball teammates. This may break some of the unwritten rules of baseball, sounded different coming off his bat. “I haven’t seen him play a lot, but Garcia is not concerned. but I have been impressed with what I have seen here.” Woody said “I am Cuban,” Adolis told my colleague Emily Jones. “Most after the mini camp.

Cubans are very emotional. I know I have a swagger. I just love the Then the 2020 season happened. Perhaps he got lost in the shuffle game of baseball, and the game brings that out of me.” of the pandemic and a shortened season and an alternate training Even his “old school” manager agrees. “It’s a different style of site, but Garcia got only seven big league plate appearances last year. game,” Woody said. “In different cultures that is celebrated. He’s not And in January of this year he was DFA’d by the Rangers. They could trying to show anybody up. He’s not trying to disrespect anybody. not work out a trade, so he accepted a minor league assignment and He is excited to hit a home run in the Major Leagues and give his just kept working toward his dream. team a chance to win. I’m all about that, man.”

“He never sulked, never pouted,” marveled Woody.

Garcia will have ups and downs throughout the season. But by the Then he came to spring training and turned heads. Woody end of the year there may be a three-letter acronym associated with remembers telling bench coach Don Wakamatsu, “He looks like a his name again. superstar. He is built like a superstar. He’s playing like a superstar.

Not DFA, rather, ROY. That is, Rookie of the Year.

Maybe it’s just an opportunity this kid needs. We might be onto Sports columnist John Rhadigan is an anchor for the Bally Sports Southwest television network.

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EVENTS, ETC.

Itinerary

River Legacy Summer Classes Summer Classes at the River Legacy Living Science Center, which are offered beginning this month, provide students with an exciting hands-on, minds-on opportunity to explore our natural world. riverlegacy.org/summer-classes Photo: riverlegacy.org

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: After taking a year off due to the pandemic, the Arlington Independence Day Parade will be held at 9:03 a.m. on July 5. That’s right: This year’s celebration, one of the state’s premier summer events, will take place the day after July 4th, because Independence Day 2021 falls on a Sunday.

The theme for this year’s parade, which is the oldest and longest running event in Arlington and which traditionally draws tens of thousands of people to the downtown streets, is “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

That pursuit will be well served by bringing a lawn chair, some snacks and beverages and planting yourself along the parade route, which begins on the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington and winds through Downtown. arlington4th.org

GENERATE NATION SUMMER JAM will be held at 6:30 p.m. on June 4 at Arlington Backyard at Texas Live!.

The event will be hosted by Jonathan Evans and will feature Grammy Award winner Lecrae, 1K Phew, Niya Cotton and Shy Speaks. Table packages are sold as one ticket. You will receive one ticket as part of your confirmation. Table guests will check in upon arrival under the purchaser’s name at entrance. This event will take place, rain or shine. Generate Nation Summer Jam will have limited capacity. (Photo: lecrae.com) texas-live.com/events/20210605_gnsummerjam

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Texas Rangers baseball This month, your Texas Rangers will play home series against the Tampa Bay Rays (June 4-6), the San Francisco Giants (June 8-9), the Minnesota Twins (June 18-20), the Oakland A’s (June 21-24) and the Kansas City Royals (June 2-27). mlb.com/rangers Photo: mlb.com/rangers

Youth Soccer leagues Mansfield Soccer Association is holding registration through July 31 for boys and girls U5 (born in 2017) - U19 (born in 2003) leagues. The season will begin in late August and run through early November.

Email sarah.harris@mansfieldsoccer.org Photo: soccertoday.com

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FINISH LINE

A beautiful and sacred time

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rlington Today Magazine’s publisher Judy Rupay lost her brother to cancer last month. Richard S. Czerwinski was father, brother, uncle and friend to countless others in his life’s journey that ended sooner than any would have wanted.

While his passing occasioned a period of grieving for all his family, he left behind a remarkable end-of-life message well worth sharing even with those who never knew of him.

In the months following his terminal diagnosis, with characteristic qualities that defined him, he faced it all serving, as he always did, as a mentor to others.

That particular aspect of his life in his very successful business career has resulted in an outpouring of gratitude throughout his last months from those he led to their own achievements – both in business and in their life’s experiences.

But he didn’t stop being an example to others just because he knew he was dying. A remarkable discussion he Richard “Rick” Czerwinski had with the CEO of the T. Boone Pickens Center of Faith Presbyterian Hospice that he entered in January, reveals a man unafraid to share his experiences as he prepared for the inevitable result of the disease that was taking his life.

You will discover on their website (provided at the end of this column) that Rick encouraged others to openly discuss the end-of-life process. He begins by saying he decided to figure out how to “go through the dying process.”

Deciding to bring some creativity to the time he had remaining and realizing that “nobody tells you how to die,” he wanted his experience to have meaning, purpose, and legacy.

“It’s a neglected part of life, the dying chapter, and people

• By Richard Greene

don’t want to talk about it, but there is a way to die well.

“It’s a beautiful and sacred time, and it should be treated that way. It should be embraced, and by doing so, it makes it easier on everyone. I understand that it’s a transfer from life to death.

It’s not this hard end and this frightful thing. It’s a continuum.

My legacy, my purpose in life, will live on in my kids and my friends as long as they’re there. So, I will be there with them, living on.”

Through his journey, Rick became an advocate for the Center and set a goal of raising a $250,000 endowment that will be matched by an anonymous donor. His generosity, another evidence of his character, has resulted in the Center having named a section of its beautiful grounds as the Richard S. Czerwinski Amphitheater.

If we could sum up Rick’s optimistic and vital insight from a life well lived, it could be found in a message to his daughter he presented to her engraved on a wooden plaque: Remember that true happiness comes from inside you, not external factors, or events. And “face, solve, and adjust” is a key strategy in life to effectively deal with life’s ups and downs and unexpected twists and turns.

To say that he will be missed and that he leaves a giant space in other lives seems inadequate. Instead, his loved ones are doing what they have done so often under his guidance and leadership, and they not only cherish his memory but keep it alive as the legacy he so well deserves.

You can discover his 13-minute interview and get an up close and personal connection with Rick, with his insights significantly expanded, by going to: faithpreshospice.org and entering “Czerwinski” in the search box at the top of the page.

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

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ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2021 • arlingtontoday.com

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.